What’s the Best Skincare Regimen for Sensitive and Acne Prone Skin?

There is no one skincare routine that works for everybody, and when you have sensitive skin, it can be hard to find the one that suits you.

It helps to know what causes your skin irritation when it happens, but you also need to understand which products will address specific issues you are facing. You also need to understand what application order is best.

How to Order Your Skincare Routine

Generally speaking, skin products should be applied from thinnest to thickest, going by consistency. This is because thicker products like moisturizing creams can block the skin from absorbing thinner products, like serums. Any serum you use, like vitamin C, should be in your first round of applications because they are water-based and incredibly thin.

From there, progress upward until you are applying your thickest layer of product. For many people that is sunscreen.

The only exception to this is oil-based products. There are a lot of opinions on when to apply oil-based skincare options alongside other products, and the controversy is not well-settled. Keep that in mind as you choose options to go with your skincare foundation.

Be Blemish Free with Azelaic Acid Cream

Azelaic acid has been used as an acne treatment for a long time. It acts quickly but does require regular use to help control pattern acne. You can find formulations in over-the-counter products, and for stubborn cases, your doctor can escalate to a stronger prescription cream. Most people do just fine with an OTC formulation, however.

Since Azelaic acid is an important treatment for a pre-existing skincare issue, it should go on before your moisturizer or your sunscreen. If you use water-based serums, start with those and then apply this treatment.

While it was originally developed as an acne treatment, you can also use azelaic acid for rosacea, because it helps even out the reddening and encourages a clear complexion. The key to success is regular use.

Azelaic acid cream works best when applied twice a day, at the same times every day. It’s especially helpful if you can space the applications exactly 12 hours apart, so you don’t have a long time during the day without treatment and then a shorter overnight period between applications.

Nourishing Skin with Niacinamide Cream

Niacinamide is useful for a variety of reasons and skin types. It helps even out oily skin, which is helpful for preventing acne from recurring, but that is hardly all.

Since Niacinamide is the physiologically active form of vitamin B3, it works with other vitamin-based formulas and natural skin revitalizers like hyaluronic acid creams as well. That makes it very useful for nourishing aging skin and keeping its elasticity and smoothness.

If you are treating acne, the issue is not niacinamide vs azelaic acid. Using both is usually a good idea because Niacinamide will help control your skin’s oil production while Azelaic acid helps clear up any existing breakouts.

If you are just addressing oily skin, however, the Niacinamide alone is a great solution.

Learn more about your options by checking out products with each of these ingredients today.