Help please - bit lost with skincare

[Mrsboathook]

Hi all- I've been reading about skincare in 30s and have got myself into a right twist. Am 36 and till about 6 months ago didn't do much more
than wash face and slap on any moisturiser. I have 2 under 5 and noticed I was looking a tad haggard so started using nip + fab after seeing recommendations here. Have combination skin- dry (and sun damaged) cheeks and forehead, large pore nose, congested chin with a tendency to spots round both. Been using glycolic fix wash in am with daily glycolic pads, bee sting eye creme and post glycolic fix spf 30 moisturiser am, deep cleanse with muslin cloth, night strength glycolic pads and bee sting moisturiser at night, with the glycolic spot fix nose and chin. My skin looks better but still not great, red cheeks (better than before) and generally not "glowing ". Nose and chin still large pores, occasionally spots nose but better. Do I need to add a serum?? Retinol???? If so which, when and how???? Have looked on lots of blogs and now very conflustered. Thanks all in advance! (Ps looked at Caroline Hirons and no more enlightened. Quite like nip +fab, but not sure if should try the ordinary....)

I agrwe, it’s a minefield. I get pretty confused with it all too. I’m 35 and here’s my routine:

Am:
Cleanse face with flannel
Pixi acid toner
Eye cream
Serum (Clarins, really good)
Moisturizer
Spf 50 (absolute must when using acids)

Pm:
Double cleanse (when I can be bothered)
Tone; mix between two, alpha h and a kheils one
Eye cream
Serum
Night cream

Found investing in good serums as opposed to day / night creams is worth it. As is using good acid toners. The acids have made my skin brighter and less spotty.

Still have red patches but cover them up with Bobbi Brown stick foundation. I don’t like wearing face make up and this really works and it’s light and you don’t have to put it on all over.