Overhauling my (non-existant) skincare regime, what do you think of my new things??

[1wokeuplikethis]

After being a micellar water wiper followed by whatevers’ cheapest moisturiser slapper-onner for the last several years I have decided to take my skincare in hand and have bought a lorry load of products. I’m very excited but could do with some guidance from people more experienced than me as I’ve bought my first acid amongst other things.

I’m 34, my skin is dry/fine lines/progressively wrinkly on my forehead, oily on my nose and dull/open pores on my cheeks.

I’ve bought the following:
Dermalogica precleanser
The ordinary glycolic acid 7% toning solution
CeraVe moisturising cream
The ordinary Hyaluronic acid 2% +B5 hydration support formula
CeraVe hydrating cleanser
Garner charcoal face wash.

I was thinking precleanse, cleanse, toner (one of the acids) moisturiser, is that right? Should I be using the acid ones every day or alternate days? And importantly, I like using isle of paradise tanning drops most nights but I’m worried they may react badly with the acids.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. My aim is to have more balanced and radiant skin!

[Girlintheframe]

Ooh What's a precleanser? I

I would use your glycolic every 2nd/3rd day until your sure your skin will tolerate it. The exception to this is HA. You use that everyday to attract and retain moisture in the skin. The HA you've bought, is that not a moisterizer rather than a serum? I think it's the daytime moisterizer I use but might be mixed up.

[KatzP]

Evening I’d start with the pre cleanse then one of the other cleansers. Acid toner - try couple of times a week and build up. Then the hyaluronic serum (I’m assuming it is - am not overly familiar with the ordinary products) and finally moisturiser.

Are the isle of paradise drops ones you add to moisturiser or straight onto skin? Maybe skip the nights you use an acid until your settled with the new routine.

I’d suggest going with on or two new things at a time in case you have a reaction.

[Alsohuman]

The Ordinary hyaluronic serum is the dogs’, that’s a very good buy.

[LaLaLanded]

So I’ve used two of these...

Dermalogica precleanser: just finishing off a big bottle of this. I like it - a really effective first step in a double-cleanse routine, does what it promises to do! Great buy. I will probably repurchase at some point but am experimenting with another brand (similar product) atm.

The ordinary glycolic: have used it, it’s OK. It’s a good intro to acids. If you like it, also take a look at formulations that mix AHAs (of which glycolic is one). Definitely alternate days at first - I’ve built up to daily. Also invest in a good SPF! Paula’s Choice factor 50 is light and works under make up very well.

Not sure which Garnier charcoal product you’re using exactly but I don’t 100% trust them - the whole charcoal thing is a bit of a scam for me and I find their products drying which you said is an issue for you. That said, it’s a cleanser - you’re washing it off so not a disaster!

If you’re dealing with fine lines can I also recommend The Inkey List’s Retinol eye cream. You can also use it on any fine lines around the mouth and on the forehead - it’s a good starter retinol imho. Also generally if you like The Ordinary, I used it and then moved on to The Inkey List which I just find a bit more usable - they create more multi-action products.

Looks good though! And the order is right. Have never used CeraVe but have heard broadly good things, would be interested in your experience using it.

[1wokeuplikethis]

Fantastic replies, making me feel very excited! However I’ve only just seen them now (post-putting everything on my face) I did the precleanse which is oil based, then the CeraVe cleanser which is meant to be used after an oil based cleanser, then the 7% toner, then the Hyaluronic acid, then the CeraVe moisturiser.

The big box of lovely things was waiting for me when I got home from work so I did a quick patch-test of the acids behind my ear as some reviews mentioned stinging but I had no problem.

Initial report from the above routine is I cannot believe how soft and smooth my skin is, which is possibly due to the exfoliant in the first acid. I look quite glowy which is grand. Skin immediately felt gorgeous straight after the Dermalogica so I’m pleased that the other products didn’t dim the wonderful ness. My mascara didn’t vanish from the cleansing so I still had t use some micellar water to get rid of it before the toner.

In the morning I plan to use the garnier, Hyaluronic and CeraVe moisturiser to see how my make up sits on top and whether it goes greasy.

I didn’t bother with the tanning drops tonight as there was enough to contend with.

Thanks for the advice about the hardcore cleanser, I might skip that tomorrow and use every second day and on the in between ones use the tanning drops.

I’m glad my blind choices seem to be approved by people who know their stuff way better than I do. Hoping to not wake up to a beetroot face 🤞🏻