I have used The Ordinary AHA 30% 2B BHA 2% Peeling Solution 30 ml in the fall, but I have started to struggle more with acne, especially outside the T-zone. I am unsure if the breakouts are due to the formula being too strong for my skin, or if it has to do with the fact that I recently stopped taking the birth control pills I have been on for over five years. Either way, I want to adjust my routine to focus more on preventing breakouts. So I was wondering if this is as strong for the skin as the one from The Ordinary?
My skincare routine consists of The Ordinary once a week, and daily I use Camilla Pihl Cosmetics Mb Cleansing Gel and CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion (or Av ne Cicalfate 2B Repairing Proective Cream, I use them a bit interchangeably). Do you have suggestions on how I can improve my routine?
The user's roll: Skin therapist at Lyko. 2 daysThe comment was made 2 days
Hi, and thank you for sharing so thoroughly! It makes it much easier to give tailored advice 🌿
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is a very potent product, and for many, it can become too strong with regular use, especially if the skin is undergoing hormonal changes at the same time. It is therefore quite possible that the breakouts you are experiencing are due to a combination of stopping birth control pills and the skin getting more exfoliation than it can currently handle. Acne outside the T-zone is often seen in connection with hormonal changes.
The serum from LRP contains lower concentrations of active acids and is formulated for regular use without posing the same risk of irritation or over-exfoliation. For skin that is more reactive or imbalanced, this is usually a safer choice.
Looking at your routine otherwise, it is basically simple and nice, but I would suggest some adjustments to prevent breakouts while also strengthening the skin barrier:
Consider taking a break from The Ordinary peeling for 3–4 weeks, or further reduce usage.
You might switch to a milder exfoliation 1–2 times a week, preferably with salicylic acid in low concentration, which is more targeted towards acne.
Continue with a gentle cleanser morning and night, as you are doing now.
CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion is a good choice for daily use. Avène Cicalfate+ can be beneficial when needed, but may be a bit heavy for some with a tendency to clogging.
If you are not already using sun protection during the day, I would strongly recommend adding it, especially if you are using acids in your routine 🙌
Wishing you a nice day ahead 💓