Skincare Routine: Adapalene + Azelaic Acid

AM Routine

Step	Product	Instructions / timing
1. Cleanse	LRP Toleriane cleanser	Lukewarm water; cleanse gently for 20–30 seconds, then pat dry.
2. Shave	Shave after cleansing	If skin is nicked or irritated, skip azelaic acid that morning. Otherwise wait about 5–10 minutes if that reduces stinging.
3. Active	Azelaic acid 10%	On scheduled mornings: use a thin layer, about a pea-sized amount for the face. Avoid eyelids, lips, and fresh nicks.
4. Moisturize	CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion	On non-active mornings, use CeraVe or Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream.
5. Sunscreen	Derma B SPF 50 PA++++	Always last. Apply generously — roughly 2 finger lengths for face + neck.

PM Routine

Step	Product	Instructions / timing
1. Oil cleanse	Anua oil cleanser	Use on dry hands + dry face. Massage 30–60 seconds, add water to emulsify, then rinse.
2. Second cleanse	LRP Toleriane cleanser	Cleanse gently for 20–30 seconds, then pat dry.
3. Active	Adapalene 0.1%	On scheduled nights: one pea-sized amount for the whole face. Avoid eyelids, lips, mouth corners, and nose creases.
4. Moisturize	CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion	First few weeks: CeraVe → adapalene → CeraVe. On off nights, use CeraVe or Tatcha.

Notes:

Early on, wait about 10–20 minutes after cleansing to apply adapalene if this reduces irritation.

Ramp-Up Schedule

Period / Time	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
Week 1 AM	AZA	—	AZA	—	AZA	—	AZA
Week 1 PM	—	ADAP	—	—	—	ADAP	—
Week 2 AM	AZA	—	AZA	—	AZA	—	AZA
Week 2 PM	—	ADAP	—	—	ADAP	—	—
Weeks 3–4 AM	AZA	AZA	AZA	—	AZA	AZA	AZA
Weeks 3–4 PM	ADAP	—	—	ADAP	—	ADAP	—
Weeks 5–8 AM	AZA	AZA	AZA	AZA	AZA	AZA	AZA
Weeks 5–8 PM	ADAP	—	ADAP	—	ADAP	—	ADAP
Month 3+ AM	AZA	AZA	AZA	AZA	AZA	AZA	AZA
Month 3+ PM	ADAP	ADAP*	ADAP	ADAP*	ADAP	ADAP*	ADAP