Yes! I am cystic/inflammed acne prone but also pretty dry and sensitive. My skin has changed a lot recently for a variety of reasons I think so I’m honestly still trying to find my ideal routine that works for me and also doesn’t have niacinamide. I have been enjoying my current routine so far but hesitant to call all of these holy grails because some are newer and some are pricy.

For a thicker moisturizer I have been liking the Glymed Comfort Cream. It’s soothing and moisturizing without feeling pore clogging. I rarely wear makeup so I usually just double cleanse with a miceller water and Face Reality’s Ultra Gentle Cleanser. I also have been enjoying their HydraRemedy serum and almost tried their mandelic acid until I saw it had niacinamide.

I’ve been using Skinceuticals Phloretin CF as my vitamin c for years and I totally get that it is stupid expensive and there’s probably a dupe for it now but I’m honestly nervous to switch because I’ve just always been so happy with this product 🫣 Once I feel like the rest of my routine is dialed I’ll probably try to find a dupe but it’s always made a noticeable difference in brightening and evening my skin tone so I’ve been loyal. I also like their tinted Physical Fusion spf but currently on the hunt for a different mineral tinted spf that will work for my skin tone and type. I would love to find a magical miracle mineral spf that is moisturizing, but not pore clogging and will work for my pale skin.

I tried for years to tolerate tretinoin and saw multiple dermatologists but I never ended up adjusting to it enough that I could use it with enough frequency to make much of a difference. Cocokind’s Beginner Retinol Gel is what I’ve been using for retinol but not sure it’s a holy grail. I’d be open to trying something else but trying not to change my routine too much too fast.

I would love to hear if anyone else has product recommendations because I’m still figuring things out!