Skincare Formulations for Hormonal Acne and Epiduo Use

It sounds like you've been through a lot with your skin, but it's great that you found a treatment with Epiduo that is working for you! Using potent treatments like Epiduo (Adapalene + Benzoyl Peroxide) can sometimes cause dryness and irritation, so supporting your skin barrier with a good moisturizer is key. You also asked for a BHA gel formulation to complement your routine.

Here are two suggested formulations tailored for combination skin dealing with acne and using strong treatments:

1. Skin Barrier Strengthening & Nourishing Cream (for Combination Skin)

This cream is designed to hydrate, strengthen the skin barrier, and provide additional acne-fighting benefits without feeling too heavy on the T-zone.

• Light Cream Base: Adjust to 100% with other ingredients.
• Skin-Barrier™ (Skin Barrier Restoration, Skin Mimic Ceramides Liposome): 5% - Helps repair and strengthen the skin barrier with ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids in a highly absorbable liposome form.
• Advanced Moisture Complex: 5% - Provides intense, long-lasting hydration to combat dryness.
• TransMoist™ (PPG-24-Glycereth-24): 2% - Enhances skin moisture and helps other ingredients absorb better.
• Licorice Extract (Licochalcone A 1%, Water-Soluble): 1% - Reduces inflammation, redness, and irritation often associated with acne and strong treatments.
• Zinc PCA: 0.5% - Helps control excess oil, reduces inflammation, and supports skin healing.
• Pep®-Acne (Oligopeptide-10 Anti-microbial Peptide): 3% - Provides antibacterial action specifically targeting acne-causing bacteria.

Mixing Method: Incorporate water-soluble ingredients into the water phase and oil-soluble ingredients into the oil phase of your chosen light cream base. Add heat-sensitive ingredients like Pep®-Acne and Skin-Barrier™ during the cool-down phase (below 40°C).

2. BHA Gel (Alternative to Benzac, Complement to Differin)

This gel formulation uses a timed-release BHA and combines it with other active ingredients to help unclog pores, reduce bacteria, and soothe the skin. Its gel texture is light and suitable for oily or combination skin.

• Hyaluronic Acid Gel Base: 85% - Provides a light, hydrating gel texture.
• ActiveRelease™ Salicylic Acid (Powder, Water-Soluble): 5% (delivers 2% Salicylic Acid) - A water-soluble, timed-release BHA that exfoliates inside pores, helping to clear blackheads and whiteheads with less irritation.
• Pep®-Acne (Oligopeptide-10 Anti-microbial Peptide): 5% - Works synergistically with Salicylic Acid to reduce acne-causing bacteria.
• Licorice Extract (Licochalcone A 1%, Water-Soluble): 1% - Calms inflammation and reduces redness.
• Zinc PCA: 0.5% - Helps manage oiliness and reduce acne breakouts.

Mixing Method: Add the ActiveRelease™ Salicylic Acid, Pep®-Acne, Licorice Extract, and Zinc PCA directly into the Hyaluronic Acid Gel Base and mix until fully dispersed and dissolved. Avoid excessive heat.

These formulations can help support your skin while using Epiduo, addressing both the need for barrier support and targeted acne treatment.