Acne.org Products
I'm 17 and have had acne since I was 12. Mostly oily skin with whiteheads and small pus pimples. I'd call it moderate acne.
Here's the routine I'm about to start:
Salicylic + LHA 2% Cleanser
2% Salicylic Acid Serum
B12 + Repair Complex Moisturizer
Niacinamide 5% Serum (sample size)
Sunscreen (SPF 40 or 50, not sure which yet - I don't go out much but I sit near a window/door at my desk)
Plan:
AM: Cleanser Niacinamide Moisturizer Sunscreen
PM: Cleanser Salicylic serum (every other night to start) Moisturizer
Does this sound safe and effective for moderate acne? Any tips for beginners starting salicylic + niacinamide together? Also, would SPF 40 be enough if I don't go out much, or should I go with SPF 50 anyway?
You can probably expect some improvement (but probably not clearing) from that, especially after a couple of months. However, sunscreen is notorious for breaking people out. My suggestion would be to wear hats to protect from the sun until you know how well your acne treatment routing is working for you. Many people will break out from sunscreen.
Also, salicylic acid is pretty mild when it comes to helping with acne. It can reduce acne, but doesn't usually dramatically clear it up. I like the idea of 5% niacinamide. That should help over time, but again, probably won't clear things up super dramatically.
The Regimen is my best advice is you want completely clear skin, but I know some people would rather give salicylic acid or other combinations a try. Please let us know how things go regardless of what you try.