@Bracey
As mentioned before I suspect you’re dehydrated combo rather than dry. Please read upthread about the difference.
Ahem, On Physical Exfoliants aka Why I (and other skincare nerds) Believe They’re Shit :
-They cause micro tears on the skin (granted not all of them, but most especially the natural derived ones like apricot kernel, etc.) and you’re not consciously aware of this accumulating damage.
-The appropriate amount of use for a physical exfoliant is once every two weeks.
-While it feels smooth after it is very temporary as it works very superficially sloughing of the dead skin that was already somewhat loosening. A chemical exfoliant will actively dissolve the bonds holding that outer layer that you want removed in a far gentler way and more effectively. The result is actual smoother skin for longer that is brighter too (and you can do it far more often than once a fortnight.
-In skincare everything is technically ‘chemical’, a chemical exfoliant is derived from ‘natural’ ingredients like milk, willow bark, sugar cane, fruit enzymes, etc. whilst it's far more likely that a physical scrub contains plastic microbeads. Don’t be fooled by the semantics, chemical exfoliants are not as scary as they sound.
-User error with physical exfoliants is high, as mentioned above on the appropriate time between use which people will most likely not be adhering to as it would never suffice to constantly deliver that ‘smooth’ and clean feeling on a bi-weekly basis. People overdo it, needlessly damaging skin and sensitising it only to invite in further skin related issues. The less it's working the more people start to use it, thus starting an endless cycle of terrible choices. Whilst there is equally the opportunity to overexfoliate with chemical exfoliation the telling signs are far easier to detect and therefore easier to correct.
So Routine:
The basics: Keep your face away from the shower water, it's too hot. All skincare happens at the sink, including cleansing. Tepid water, clean flannel every day. Wash hands before starting routine. Acids need to be introduced slowly, some purging may occur but should not continue, nor should continued irritation with any product. Generally (hard in your case I'm aware) introduce products slowly (cleansers are exempt from this), 2 weeks apart.
Relegate the scrub to the body. Get rid of the Simple toner, not doing a thing.
AM:
LRP Toleriane Dermo Cleanser (wash off or use HCC method)
A hydrating serum, Superdrug Simply Pure Hydrating Serum, TO Buffet, Hylamide SubQ anti-age, or Niod Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex
Use whatever moisturiser you have now provided you like it.
SPF Yes, you need a standalone one, the stuff in moisturisers and makeup are rarely broad spectrum, nor do they really give the advertised protection. If you only do one thing for anti-ageing then do this.
PM
Current cleanser provided it works well for you and takes off makeup well, possibly switch to The Body Shop Chamomile Cleansing Butter
LRP Toleriane Dermo Cleanser
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid - get the travel size first or sample sachet. Build up gradually from 2-3x a week up to every (other) day. Use only in oily prone areas where blackheads and sebaceous filaments reside.
Serum of choice - see below
Moisturiser
Long term: consider incorporating Vitamin C, Niacinamide and a Retinoid (all available from The Ordinary at affordable prices) for anti-ageing and spot management but get the basics sorted first. See how you get on with BHA and the blackheads and recalibrate as you go along where skin type is concerned as BHA can have an effect on this.