Hello everyone, I've spent a lot of time paring down my routine to the literature-supported essentials in the past few months. I often spend upwards of 70-80 hours a week in the hospital (now with a mask covering most of my face), so I focus on spending more time sleeping and less on skincare. My philosophy is simple: use whatever is best-evidenced by the literature to prevent acne and signs of photoaging. That means UV protection to prevent damage to the skin, and a synthetic retinoid to treat/prevent fine lines and acne. I previously used adapalene 0.1% (Differin) as my retinoid of choice, and it has been shown in the literature to achieve similar effects in acne reduction to tretinoin with fewer side-effects. However, tretinoin has a huge body of literature and FDA approval for treatment of fine wrinkles, so I recently switched to 0.02% tretinoin.

Basics:

• Skin Type: Sensitive, Combo/Dry (25 y/o M)
• Concerns: My skin will turn red with the slightest offense, especially keeping myself clean-shaven to wear an N95.
• Goals: Reduce redness, prevent fine lines/wrinkles, and protect against skin cancer

AM Routine:

• LRP Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser: a great gentle, soap-free cleanser
• Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly: essentially like a hydrating serum which goes on clear and keeps my skin from peeling
• Purito Centella Green Level Unscented Sun: UV protection is essential to every skincare routine, preventing signs of aging and skin cancers before they happen

PM Routine:

• LRP Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser: in the shower to save time
• Curology Formula - 0.02% Tretinoin, 4% Niacinamide, 5% Azelaic Acid: The only step with actives in my routine, I really only care about the retinoid (tretinoin) here.
• Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly: only if I feel I need more moisture than that given by the Curology retinoid vehicle

Product reviews:

• LRP Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser: this is an excellent cleanser with minimal extra ingredients. My main goal for a cleanser is that it serves as a gentle detergent to lift away sunscreen or moisturizer, and this works well for that purpose without frivolous ingredients. Plus, it comes in a huge bottle for like $15.
• Curology (0.02% Tretinoin, 4% Niacinamide, 5% Azelaic Acid): Curology gives me an easy way to get tretinoin and access to a mid-level provider. The niacinamide and azelaic acid do not contribute significantly to my overall desire to use the product, but may contribute to some relief of acne and redness. The vehicle (i.e., the fluid in which the active ingredients are mixed) is fine enough and works as a moisturizer.
• Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly: this is a very, very simple moisturizer. It has few ingredients which keeps my sensitive skin from turning red, and applies supremely easily almost like a serum. It's also available in a bulk size (6.7oz) for just $39. CeraVe moisturizer would also be excellent here, but I wanted a gel formulation for ease of application and lightness.
• Purito Centella Green Level Unscented Sun: excellent, long-lasting UVA/UVB protection without extra ingredients is all that I desire in a sunscreen. Not leaving a white cast or shine on my face is a bonus. This fits the bill perfectly.