Skincare - how does it work?!

[Nosleeptoddler]

Forgive my stupidity...

I am 39. I am starting to look...old. I’ve never really had a skincare regime before (I know, I know), if I wash my face before bed that’s a bonus. The only thing I do religiously is wear spf 365 days a year. But I think it’s time to step it up a bit.

What on earth should I be doing? I’ve got (very) dry skin, fair complexion that tans easily/doesn’t burn, light freckles on my nose, a few faint horizontal forehead lines I’ve had since I was in my early 20s (no I don’t know why either) but otherwise in good condition. Rarely get blemishes or anything.

Products I have and like

• a cheap spf moisturiser with a light tint that I wear daily
• skinceuticals b5 hydrating serum that I use when my skin looks v dry - put it on in the morning
• jurlique cleanser, use it in the shower
• rosehip oil (plain), use at night if am dry

Erm that’s it. What should I be doing? Friends have recommended a vit c serum, how do you use that? Is it different/better to my b5 serum which I like?

Am completely overwhelmed and obv can’t go to a beauty counter right now...

TIA

Go and find Trinny (Woodall) on youtube or insta. She’s a bit hyper, but does outline some very useful skin routines as well as reviewing all the available products (cheap & pricey).

Her skin won’t be like yours, but she’s great at recommendations for different skin types and priorities.

Basically the routines the experts use seem to be:
Double cleanse (an oily balm, then a foamy or gel)
Face massage (gua sha, roller or with hands)
Retinol products (at night)
Vit C/B/Peptides in the morning
AHA/BHA products
Hyaluronic products (to lock in moisture)
Occasional masks (tailored to your priorities)

Not everything, necessarily (plus who has that kind of cash), but that seems to be the menu.

I was the same as you but the difference was I had uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation.

I have made sure I now cleanse every morning and evening.

I have started using Ordinary products and I use their regime for my skin problem, hyperpigmentation. Their website is good as it tells you which products are suited for you and the order in which to apply them.

I have bought SPF 55 suncream.

I use a separate Eucerin night cream.

I use a derma flannel and exfoliator and clay mask a couple of times a week.

I have seen a massive improvement in my skin. It just looks fresh and smooth. I can't recommend products but what's important is you do the research and once you find the products be consistent with using them. You won't find results otherwise.

Thank you! @eyesbiggerthanstomach that seems like an awful lot. Do people really apply 5+ products per day? I was thinking maybe 2 in the morning and 2 at night. Clearly I have a lot to learn!

I've upped my game recently but it was a very low bar to start with!!

I now wash my face most mornings and most evenings with soap if I haven't had a shower / bath.

In the shower / bath I use an exfoliater usually the St Ives apricot scrub.

I have the aldi acid toner on days I haven't exfoliated.

Then my 'wonder product' is the Ester Lauder night serum. I use it day and night after toner.

Then I have Elemis spf30 day cream and a thicker Neals Yard moisturiser at night.

Occasional face mask.

So in a nutshell:

Wash face soap / exfoliate
Tone with acid toner
Ester Lauder serum
Moisturiser