Can anyone help me with my skincare routine? Loads of products but no idea

[Skincarehelp4]

I go through phases of deciding I need to start looking after my skin and buy products and then don’t use them.
i really need to start. I have the products below but really don’t know how to layer them. Also do I have to wait for one to dry before next one goes on or can I do it right away?
I do double cleanse so I feel I have that sorted. I’m not sure if I should be using these things daily or every morning or night or even just a few times a week. i know I have a lot but I haven’t been using them all dont worry. I think a few do the same sort of thing

Paula’s choice bha
The ordinary glycolic acid toning solution

poxi milky tonic
Hyaluronic acid

the ordinary 100% plant derived squalane
the ordinary retinol 1% in squalane
the inkey list retinol
clinique moisture surge

Cerave moisturising cream

if it helps my skin is very dry and dehydrated

thank you so much

Hi, I'll try and help if I can.

Paula’s choice bha
The ordinary glycolic acid toning solution

I wouldn't necessarily think you need BHA unless you have oily skin - the glycolic acid (AHA) is a bit gentler on the skin (especially if your skin tends to be quite dry).
Are you using them everyday?if so it may be whats drying out your skin.

Hydroxy acids are great for exfoliation, but you need to go gently. Perhaps try just using them once a week or something instead.

poxi milky tonic
Hyaluronic acid
the ordinary 100% plant derived squalane
clinique moisture surge
Cerave moisturising cream

All of these are either moisturisers or emollients, tend to be gentle on the skin and keep in moisture, but you don't really need them all. The tonic seems gentle enough, you could use that first and then apply a moisturiser over it.

the ordinary retinol 1% in squalane
the inkey list retinol

These are good starter retinols, but again you don't need them both - maybe just pick one to use or decide which one you like best. Retinol is best used at night, as it degraded by sunlight.

Which brings me to sunscreen - are you using any? I would recommend using it daily (SPF30 or higher), especially if you are using retinols or acid exfoliants as they both make the skin a bit more sensitive to sun damage.

Also (possibly controversial among beauty experts) but I don't double cleanse and my skin is fine - that may be another thing drying out your skin.

I would also say don't use an AHA or BHA on the same night as using a retinol product. So if you use your retinol 5 or 6 nights a week, on the night you don't use that then use the hydroxy acid instead.

Just to give you an example, my routine goes like this

Morning -
Cleanse
Vitamin C serum
Moisturiser
SPF

Evening -
Cleanse
Prescription strength retinol
Moisturiser

Sometimes I add in a serum before my evening moisturiser. Or on nights I don't use my retinol product, I will use a glycolic acid, but only once a week or so.

If your skin is dry and dehydrated try using a misting spray to create a moisture 'sandwich' in the mornings. Avene Thermal Spring Water Spray is ideal. So cleanse, tone, spritz with the spray, then HA or whichever serum you're using, then spritz again, then your Clinique or Cereve moisturiser and then SPF. Don't do it in the evenings as water and retinol is not a good combination.

@Farmageddon where do you get prescription strength Retinol from?

I order from Farmacia Andorra, they stock a Spanish brand of tretinoin called Retirides in three different strengths - 0.025%, 0.05% and 0.1%.

I don't live in the UK or I would probably just sign up to the subscription services (Dermatica or Skin and Me) as it's just less hassle they deliver to you automatically - plus they can add in other ingredients etc.

You could also get it from a dermatologist, but the consultation fees would be pricey. Or if you know someone living in Spain apparently you can get Retirides over the counter in pharmacies there.

When I order from Farmacia Andorra I usually get three or four tubes sent at the same time because the postage is about 20euros, and sometimes it takes a while to be delivered.

@Farmageddon which night cream do you use ?
im Currently using le mer during the day and not finding it heavy(I’ll in summer tho)

Sorry I just saw this now. I just use CeraVe moisturiser, sometimes at night I will also use a niacinamide or peptide serum aswell. I really don't spend that much on products.