Locked in my new AM + PM skincare routine ✨

Hey skincare fam! I'm so excited to dive deeper into my current AM and PM skincare routine. Integrating actives like azelaic acid and tretinoin can feel a bit daunting at first, but with a clear plan, it's totally achievable. I've found a rhythm that works for my skin, focusing on balancing treatment with essential hydration and protection. Let me walk you through the specifics! My morning routine is all about preparing my skin for the day ahead, ensuring it's hydrated, treated, and most importantly, protected. I kick things off with a refreshing cleanse using my Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel – it's gentle but effective. After a light pat dry, I apply The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid to a slightly damp face. This step is crucial for drawing moisture into the skin and plumping it up, creating a great base for what's next. My star player for the morning is the Encube Azelaic Acid Gel 15%. I apply a thin, even layer across my face. I've personally found azelaic acid to be fantastic for reducing redness and improving overall skin tone, and it's generally well-tolerated in the morning since it's not known to cause sun sensitivity like some other actives. This helps address concerns like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation while I go about my day. The absolute non-negotiable step, especially when using any active, is sunscreen. I faithfully apply Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 50. Applying sunscreen after azelaic acid ensures all my hard work with the actives isn't undone by UV damage. It's the ultimate protective shield! This routine order ensures optimal absorption and protection. Evenings are dedicated to intense repair and renewal, particularly on my 'tret nights.' I always begin with a thorough double cleanse to remove every trace of makeup, sunscreen, and daily grime. My go-to combo is the Dermalogica Precleanse followed by their Special Cleansing Gel – a perfect duo. On nights when my skin is ready for Retin-A Cream 0.025%, I make sure my face is completely dry before application. This minimizes irritation and helps the tretinoin work effectively. After letting the tretinoin absorb for a few minutes, I layer on a deeply nourishing moisturizer. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream is a dream for locking in moisture and comforting my skin. This step is so important for supporting my skin barrier! For an extra boost of barrier repair, especially if my skin feels a bit compromised or sensitive (which can happen with tretinoin), I reach for La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5. It's incredibly soothing and helps to heal and protect. This strategic layering ensures my skin barrier remains strong and resilient. Consistency truly is key to seeing lasting results. I started introducing these powerful ingredients gradually, giving my skin time to adjust, and always listened to what it needed. Some nights I might skip tretinoin if my skin feels too sensitive, and that's okay! It's all about finding your skin's sweet spot. I hope sharing my detailed AM/PM azelaic acid and tretinoin routine, complete with product order and tips, helps you on your own journey to healthier, happier skin!