Give me a skincare routine please!

[HexBramble]

I'm never sure when to use what, retinols, derma-whatsits, exfoliating-thingies!

So far I have discovered the LaRoche Possay gel cleanser works for my spot prone skin. Then I use whatever SPF moisturiser is on offer. That's it.

I am 43 and am getting wrinkly and showing some loss of firmness. I have enlarged pores in my t-zone. My skin is combination but it's positively slimed with grease for a couple of days a month. I'd like a skincare routine that, whilst I'm happy to spend some money on, won't bankrupt me.

Grateful for the expert advice as usual from my fellow MN'ers.

I have similar skin but am absolutely no expert at all!
Vichy normaderm acid toner for t zone 3 x per week- this really improved the appearance of my pores.
Double cleansing: first with an oil; then with bar soap on t zone.
Lrp Redermic r which has retinol 2-3 x per week.
Grapeeed oil at night to soften skin - not on t zone.
Olay with SPF and niaciamide in the morning with a small drop of oil if skin is dry.
My skin is great and I get comments which I never had before.
The routine is based on suggestions from the amazing faces quiche thread.
I wear little make up now as a result. Stopped timted moisturiser, just concealer and an illuminator and bronzer occasionally.

i buy the elemis and liz earle sets from QVC, that way you can try quite alot of product cheaper before you commit to one brand.

love the elemis products esp the marine cream

Thanks both.
southeast I tried LE years ago - loved the smell but it didn't suit me sadly.
Kennington Should I try that with y daily face wash? See, I really a, that clueless

I like Clinique. They do a three step starter kit of products for £20.

Assuming your budget is in the LRP zone and you like LRP/French pharmacy products

LRP Cleanser you usually use
Acid toner like LRP Effaclar Clarifying lotion - Effaclar Duo if you want something more like a cream
Hydrating serum eg Hylamide
Oil free SPF in the morning eg LRP Anthelios

In the evening LRP Redermic R for a retinol and another oil-free moisturiser. I like Cerave (not expensive but sadly only available on Amazon/Ebay in UK) as oil free, hyaluronic, niacinamide and ceramides in one product for much less than say Elizabeth Arden's ceramide products.

That way you would be getting SPF, retinol, niacinamide, ceramides, acid and hydration which is 99% of whats proven to work on anti-ageing.

Eek I don't know
Find kundry! She know about this stuff!

Wolpertinger that's excellent information. Thanks loads.
LRP seems to help my skin so I think I'll go for it.