Gentle Curology Recipe

Cleanse

Wet face with lukewarm water. Dispense about 1 tablespoon of the gentle foaming cleanser into your hands, lather, and massage over face and neck for 30–60 seconds focusing on T-zone and areas prone to congestion. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat skin mostly dry with a clean towel, leaving it slightly damp.

Apply about 1 tablespoon of the alcohol-free hydrating toner to a cotton pad or your palms and gently press into the skin. Allow to absorb for 30–60 seconds. This helps restore pH and delivers calming actives (niacinamide/panthenol) to reduce redness.

Mixing the Custom Serum

On a clean ceramic or glass dish (or the palm of your hand), combine 1 tablespoon of the prescribed topical base (only use prescription retinoid if directed by your provider) with 1/2 teaspoon azelaic acid 10% and 1/2 teaspoon niacinamide 5% serum. If you are oily or need added mattifying effect, add 1/4 teaspoon zinc PCA or a pinch of zinc oxide. Blend thoroughly until uniform.

Patch Test

If you are using this combination for the first time, perform a patch test: apply a pea-sized amount to a small area on the inner forearm or behind the ear, wait 24–48 hours and check for irritation before applying to the face.

Application (PM — if using retinoid)

At night (or in the evening routine if using a retinoid), apply a pea-sized amount of the mixed custom serum to forehead, cheeks, chin and gently spread across the face avoiding eyelids and the immediate eye contour. If you experience dryness or irritation, reduce frequency to every other night or mix the serum into your moisturizer (see Moisturizer step).

Application (AM — non-retinoid option)

In the morning, if you are not using a retinoid/prescription ingredient, you may apply a thinner layer of the azelaic/niacinamide mixture (no retinoid) after toner to target redness and texture. Follow immediately with moisturizer and sunscreen.

After the serum has absorbed for 30–60 seconds, apply 1 teaspoon of the non-comedogenic moisturizer to the face and neck using gentle upward strokes. If skin is dry or the retinoid feels too drying, mix up to 1/2 teaspoon squalane or lightweight oil into the moisturizer for added barrier support. Allow to absorb before sunscreen (AM) or bed (PM).

In the morning, apply 1 teaspoon of broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30+ as the last step of your routine. Reapply every two hours if exposed to sunlight. Use physical (mineral) sunscreens if you have sensitive or reactive skin prone to stinging.