Recommended Skincare Formulations

1. Brightening & Firming Serum

This serum focuses on improving skin radiance, elasticity, and tone, incorporating ingredients you are interested in, like Pitera.

• Key Ingredients:

  • Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (Pitera): Known for revitalizing the skin, improving texture, and enhancing hydration and smoothness. Products like Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (aka Pitera) or Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (Glycol Free, Glycerin Free, Preservative Free) can be used.
  • Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): A versatile ingredient that helps brighten skin, reduce the appearance of dark spots and pores, improve skin elasticity, strengthen the skin barrier, and regulate oil production, which is beneficial for your T-zone. Safe-B3™ (Vitamin B3, Niacinamide) is a high-purity option.
  • Vitamin C Derivative (e.g., Ascorbyl Glucoside): Provides antioxidant benefits, helps brighten skin tone, and supports collagen production for firmer skin. Ascorbyl Glucoside 20% Gel (MaxActivate™) is a stable, easy-to-use form.
  • Hyaluronic Acid: Provides multi-level hydration, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines. Using a combination of molecular weights, such as Hyaluronic Acid (Standard Molecule) and Hyaluronic Acid (Nano Molecule, 2000daltons) or Hyaluronic Acid (Super Low Molecule, 7000daltons), can offer hydration to different layers of the skin.
  • Panthenol (Vitamin B5) or PreB5™: Soothes irritation, reduces redness, and supports the skin barrier healing process. PreB5™ (Pantolactone, Pantoyl Lactone) is a precursor that helps strengthen skin moisture.

• Benefits: Aims to brighten dull skin, improve firmness, reduce the appearance of pores, fade dark spots, and provide essential hydration.

2. Supporting Cream for Acne Marks, Melasma & Barrier Repair

This cream is formulated to soothe, strengthen the skin barrier, and provide additional support for fading dark spots and melasma, working alongside your Skinoren treatment.

• Key Ingredients:

  • Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Continues to address dark spots, barrier health, and oil control. Safe-B3™ (Vitamin B3, Niacinamide) or Extreme-B3™ (Vitamin B3, Niacinamide, Highest Purity) are suitable options.
  • Ceramides: Essential for repairing and strengthening the skin's natural barrier, which is crucial when using potentially irritating acne treatments. Ceracare™ Liposome-3 (Liposome Ceramide Complex, 3 Types) or Cera-Flux VX (Water Dispersible Ceramide Complex, 5 Types) can help restore barrier function and reduce sensitivity.
  • Allantoin: A gentle ingredient known for its soothing and skin-healing properties, helping to calm irritated skin.
  • Hyaluronic Acid: Provides hydration to keep the skin moisturized and supple.
  • Panthenol (Vitamin B5) or PreB5™: Offers further soothing and supports barrier repair.
  • Optional Brightening Agents (Use with Caution): For additional support with dark spots and melasma, ingredients like Alpha Arbutin (Switzerland) or Tranexamic Acid (Trans-White™) can be considered. However, introduce these one at a time and observe your skin closely for any signs of increased irritation, especially given your current use of Skinoren and sun exposure. Sun protection is critical when using these ingredients.

• Benefits: Soothes skin, reduces redness and irritation, strengthens the skin barrier, improves hydration, and helps fade acne marks and melasma over time when combined with strict sun protection.

Suggested Routine

To maximize the benefits and minimize potential irritation, consider the following routine:

• Morning:
  1. Cleanse gently (continue using Acne-Aid).
  2. Apply the Brightening & Firming Serum.
  3. Apply the Supporting Cream.
  4. Apply a high SPF/PA broad-spectrum sunscreen. Reapply as needed, especially if you have any sun exposure. Minimizing sun exposure is vital for melasma treatment.
• Evening:
  1. Remove makeup (if any) (continue using Nivea Cleansing Water).
  2. Cleanse (continue using Acne-Aid).
  3. Apply Skinoren Cream as directed (you can apply it before or after the Supporting Cream, or mix a small amount with the cream if needed to reduce irritation, as advised by a professional).
  4. Apply the Supporting Cream.
  5. Apply the Brightening & Firming Serum (optional in the evening, depending on skin tolerance).

Important Reminders:

• Sun Protection: This cannot be stressed enough. Melasma is highly sensitive to sun exposure. Consistent and thorough sun protection is the most important step in managing it.
• Patch Testing: Always patch test new formulations or ingredients on a small area of skin before applying them to your entire face, especially given your history of sensitivity.
• Gradual Introduction: Introduce new products one at a time to see how your skin reacts.
• Listen to Your Skin: If you experience increased redness, irritation, or discomfort, reduce the frequency of use or temporarily stop using the product.
• Professional Consultation: Given your history and ongoing issues, consulting with a dermatologist is highly recommended to get personalized advice and treatment, especially regarding the use of Skinoren and other active ingredients.

Remember that results take time and consistency. Be patient with your skin as it heals and strengthens.