I’ve been battling combination skin forever—oily T-zone, dry cheeks, and a knack for holding onto acne scars like they’re trophies. Add in occasional breakouts and a dull complexion, and I was desperate for a routine that could tackle it all without turning my face into a science experiment.
After years of trial and error, I’ve landed on a five-step routine that’s finally giving me the clear, glowy skin I’ve been chasing.
Spoiler: it’s all about balance, consistency, and some seriously smart products.
Here’s my daily routine, built around Sesderma’s Azelac RU Serum, Eucerin’s Dual Serum, Sesderma’s Azelac Lotion, La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios UVMune 400, and Sesderma’s C-VIT 5 Serum.
Whether you’re fighting acne, dark spots, or just want that lit-from-within vibe, this routine’s got you covered.
Table of Contents
Why This Routine Works
Combination skin is a puzzle—too much oil in some spots, not enough moisture in others, and a tendency to break out or hold onto dark spots. I needed products that could multitask: control acne, fade marks, brighten my complexion, and keep my skin hydrated without clogging pores.
After digging through reviews and testing products, I crafted this routine to hit all those goals. It’s simple (no 10-step nonsense), science-backed, and built on products that play nice together. Plus, it’s got dermatologist-favorite ingredients like azelaic acid, Thiamidol®, and Vitamin C to deliver results without irritation.
My Skin Story
I’m in my early 30s with medium-toned, combination skin—think oily forehead and chin, dry cheeks, and a scattering of post-acne marks from my teen years. I get hormonal breakouts on my jawline and bumpy ingrown hairs on my legs from shaving. My skin also looks dull in winter, like it forgot how to glow.
I’ve tried everything from drugstore cleansers to fancy serums, but most either dried me out or made me break out more. This routine, using five targeted products, has been a game-changer.
Here’s how I make it work, morning and night.
The 5-Step Routine
Step 1: Prep with a Body Acne Spray
Product: Sesderma Azelac Lotion ($30–$40, 3.4 fl. oz)
I start my routine by tackling body acne and ingrown hairs, especially on my back and legs. Sesderma’s Azelac Lotion is a spray-on lifesaver, packed with azelaic acid and salicylic acid to fight bacteria, unclog pores, and calm redness.
After showering with a gentle cleanser, I spritz it onto a cotton pad and wipe down my back and upper arms, or spray directly onto ingrown hairs on my legs. It dries in seconds, leaving no sticky residue.
In two weeks, my back breakouts were noticeably calmer, and those pesky leg bumps? Almost gone.
Pro tip: hold the bottle 2–3 inches from your skin to avoid the alcohol sting, and don’t spray near your eyes—it’s not fun.
Where to buy:
Step 2: Brighten with a Vitamin C Serum
Product: Sesderma C-VIT 5 Liposomal Serum ($50–$60, 1.0 fl. oz)
Next, I go for glow with Sesderma’s C-VIT 5 Serum, which has five forms of Vitamin C to brighten and even out my skin tone. I apply 4 drops after cleansing (morning and night), spreading it across my face, neck, and a bit on my chest.
The gel-like texture absorbs fast, leaving my skin soft and slightly taut, thanks to the tightening complex.
After a week, my complexion looked less dull, and by week four, my acne marks were fading—slowly but surely. The hyaluronic acid keeps my dry cheeks happy, and it layers well under makeup.
Just shake the bottle first to mix the formula, and avoid overdoing it to prevent tackiness.
Where to buy:
Step 3: Target Dark Spots with a Dual Serum
Product: Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Serum ($45–$55, 30ml)
For my stubborn post-acne marks and sunspots, I turn to Eucerin’s Dual Serum at night. The dual-chamber pump delivers Thiamidol® (a pigment-fighter) and hyaluronic acid for hydration.
I dot it on my cheeks and forehead, where dark spots love to linger, and massage it in after the C-VIT 5 Serum (I wait 5 minutes to let the Vitamin C settle). It’s lightweight and non-greasy, sinking in fast.
After three weeks, my newer spots were noticeably lighter, and my skin felt bouncy. Older marks need more time, but the progress is real.
Be consistent—this stuff needs daily use to keep spots from rebounding.
Where to buy:
Step 4: Treat Acne and Pigmentation
Product: Sesderma Azelac RU Liposomal Serum ($40–$50, 1.0 fl. oz)
To keep breakouts at bay and further fade pigmentation, I use Sesderma’s Azelac RU Serum every other night, alternating with the Eucerin serum to avoid irritation. With azelaic acid, retinol, and tranexamic acid, it’s a powerhouse for acne and dark spots.
I apply 3 drops after cleansing, focusing on my jawline and cheeks. It’s thin, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t clog my oily T-zone.
In a month, my hormonal zits were less frequent, and my acne scars were fading faster than with the Eucerin alone.
Start slow (every other night) and follow with a moisturizer to avoid dryness.
Where to buy:
Step 5: Protect with a Matte Sunscreen
Product: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 SPF 50+ Gel-Cream Oil Control ($25–$30, 50ml)
No routine’s complete without SPF, especially when using actives like retinol and Vitamin C. La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios UVMune 400 is my morning hero, with Mexoryl 400 for top-notch UVA/UVB protection and Airlicium for oil control.
I apply a pearl-sized amount after my C-VIT 5 Serum, patting it gently to avoid pilling. It dries matte, keeping my T-zone shine-free for hours, even in humid weather. No burns, no new dark spots, and no breakouts—it’s a win for my oily skin.
Reapplying over makeup is tricky, so I dab lightly with clean hands.
Where to buy:
Tips for Making It Work
- Start Slow with Actives: The Azelac RU and Eucerin serums are potent. Use them on alternate nights for the first two weeks to avoid irritation.
- Layer Smart: Apply products from thinnest to thickest (C-VIT 5, then Eucerin/Azelac RU, then moisturizer). Wait 5 minutes between serums to let them absorb.
- Patch-Test the Lotion: Sesderma’s Azelac Lotion has alcohol, so test it on a small area if your skin’s sensitive. Use a cotton pad for controlled application.
- Shake Before Use: Both Sesderma serums and the Anthelios sunscreen benefit from a quick shake to ensure even formula distribution.
- Moisturize Always: These products can dry you out, especially the Azelac duo. Pair with a non-comedogenic moisturizer (I love a lightweight gel-cream).
- Reapply SPF: For long days outdoors, reapply Anthelios every 2 hours. Pat gently over makeup to keep it smooth.
- Stay Consistent: Results take time—think 4–8 weeks for noticeable changes in acne and pigmentation. Don’t skip days!
Who’s This Routine For?
This routine is perfect if:
- You’ve got combination or oily skin with acne or post-acne marks.
- You’re dealing with body acne or ingrown hairs (thanks, Azelac Lotion).
- You want brighter, more even-toned skin without irritation.
- You’re okay spending $150–$200 upfront for quality products.
It might not be for you if:
- Your skin’s super sensitive or hates alcohol (watch out for the Azelac Lotion).
- You’re on a tight budget—these products aren’t cheap.
- You need instant results for deep pigmentation (patience is key).
Final Verdict
This five-step routine has been a game-changer for my combination skin. The Sesderma Azelac Lotion keeps my body acne and ingrown hairs in check, while the C-VIT 5 and Eucerin Dual Serums team up to brighten my complexion and fade dark spots. The Azelac RU Serum tackles my breakouts and pigmentation like a pro, and the La Roche-Posay Anthelios sunscreen locks it all in with shine-free protection.
It’s not perfect—the price stings, and results take time—but after a month, my skin’s clearer, glowier, and smoother than ever.
I’m sticking with it and already planning to repurchase.
Got questions or want to share your experience? Drop a comment below!