I have found that my skin is just a tiny bit dry/dehyrated lately (almost 4 months of retin-a), and I prefer to layer stuff than use heavier creams, I feel like thicker cream just sits on my skin and feels uncomfortable.
I do like what I am already using (bar the face wash), but think I need to add in something, I feel like my skin could be a bit softer. I have always had really ridiculously oily skin before this so this is all new to me and I'm still testing things to find what works. I'm prone to congested skin and blackheads so have to be careful to use non-comedogenic products.
In the morning I wash my face > use an acid toner (REN ready steady glow and Paula's choice BHA) > vitamin c (Timeless) > spray thermal water > Hyaluronic serum (Hylamide or Hada Labo Premium) > another squirt of water > a few drops of squalane mixed with moisturiser (LRP either Effaclar H, or hydraphase Riche) and SPF (Body Shop Skin Defence SPF50 at the moment).
Night time wash with oil cleanser followed by face wash (Vichy, I need a nicer face wash) > wait 30 minutes > tretinoin 0.05% (just increased from 0.025%) > wait 30 minutes > Elizabeth Arden Ceramide capsule > moisturiser (either eucerin urea 5% stuff or Cerave). A couple of nights a week I will add in hyaluronic acid serum before the ceramide capsule, and layer Lancome Hydra Zen Jelly sleep mask or a very, very thin layer of aquaphor over the top. I also use Antipodes manuka honey mask, REN glycolactic AHA mask, a basic clay mask and the odd sheet mask here and there.
Apologies for the essay! I'm really after some suggestions for a hydrating toner or essence that I can add in to my routine, and a second cleanser, and thought it might help to see what I currently use.