Hi, Thanks for the product suggestions and suggesting I simplify my routine. I have been getting less breakouts lately; I have only been getting a few tiny pimples sometimes and no more cystic acne. I do notice that I do have some acne scars and black scars/dark spots left from my previous pimples.
Should I be using these products or should I avoid some of them? Or do you have any suggestions if I want to work on getting rid of my acne scars/black scars/spots and brightening.
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You’ve focused on hydration and barrier support, which is probably why the cystic acne has stopped. Now you can slowly add targeted treatments to address dark spots without overwhelming your skin.
What Works for PIH/Dark Spots:
- Vitamin C
- Gentle exfoliation
- Retinoids
But! Timing and frequency matter so you don’t trigger more breakouts.
🔹 Product Breakdown & Recommendations
| Product | How to Use / Tips |
|---|---|
| Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner | You’re already using ROUND LAB Birch Juice Toner. You don’t need both daily. Alternate them if you like. Use Heartleaf if feeling oily/inflamed. You can apply Heartleaf before Birch Juice or replace it. |
| Dr. G Exfoliating Peeling Gel | Gentle exfoliation 1x per week, and only when you’re not using retinol or niacinamide. Use after cleansing, before toner. |
| Anua Peach 70 Niacinamide Serum | Start 1-2x per week at night, then increase if your skin tolerates it. (Note: This serum focuses more on skin texture than dark spots, but it’s helpful overall.) |
| SOME BY MI Retinol | Yes! But introduce slowly, 1-2x per week at night. Never on the same night as exfoliation or other actives. Hydrate generously after retinol use. |
🔹 Morning Routine Tips
- You don’t need to use everything every day.
- Feel free to skip eye cream in the morning (save for nighttime).
- If your skin feels oily, you can also skip Snail Essence in the morning.
"Not everything is for every day!"
🗓️ Weekly Routine Schedule Example
| Day | Routine Focus | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Dr. G Exfoliating Peeling Gel | Gentle exfoliation. No retinol/niacinamide this night. |
| Tuesday | Rest + Hydration | No actives. Focus on moisture barrier recovery. |
| Wednesday | Anua Peach 70 Niacinamide | Brightening and texture improvement. |
| Thursday | Rest + Hydration | Moisture barrier focus. No actives. |
| Friday | Retinol (SOME BY MI) | Cell turnover boost. Hydrate well after! |
| Saturday | Rest + Hydration | Moisture barrier focus. No actives. |
| Sunday | Anua Peach 70 Niacinamide | Extra brightening and PIH support. |
🔸 Routine Spacing Guidelines
✅ Retinol Night
✅ Niacinamide Night
✅ Exfoliation Night
➡️ All on different nights!
❗ Avoid Retinol and Dr. G Peeling Gel back-to-back.
➡️ You can add more "Regular" Hydration Nights between active nights if your skin is sensitive.
🔸 Step-by-Step Routine for Each Night
✨ Niacinamide & Retinol Nights:
- Cleanser (ANUA Oil + Foam Cleanser)
- Toner (ROUND LAB Birch Juice Toner)
- ➡️ Niacinamide OR Retinol
- Snail 96 Essence
- Eye Cream (Optional: before or after moisturizer)
- Moisturizer (AESTURA Atobarrier)
✨ Exfoliation Night (e.g., Monday):
- Cleanser (ANUA Oil + Foam Cleanser)
- Dr. G Peeling Gel
- Toner
- Snail 96 Essence
- Eye Cream
- Moisturizer
✅ Pro Tips & Reminders:
- Start slow! Gradual introduction keeps skin happy.
- Hydrate well on retinol and exfoliation nights to prevent dryness or irritation.
- If your skin feels sensitive/tight, take a break from actives and stick to hydration.
- SPF is a must for fading scars/dark spots! You’re already using one, but reapplying mid-day (if you’re out a lot) is key.
🔸 After 4 Weeks...
If no irritation:
- You can try Niacinamide 2-3x/week
- You can try Retinol 2-3x/week