Skincare routine SOS!

[whatsitcalledwhen]

I've finally got some new skincare products as Christmas gifts from various people as I said I'd love a new skincare routine.

But, I have no idea which order to use them in, how much time to leave between applying them (e.g. between serum and moisturiser) and how regularly to use each of them.

I had my lovely baby three months ago and she is an angel so I'm miraculously (so far) getting lots of sleep. Diet is good, I don't drink alcohol but I could drink more water so will make an effort to do that.

I don't tend to get spots / acne but my skin is dry and dull. My foundation used to go on really nicely when my skin was in better shape, but it now cakes even though I only use a little, as my skin is so dry.

If anyone can create a skincare routine from the following products for me I would be so, so grateful!

Neutrogena hydro boost cleanser

Nivea derma clean toner

Simple light moisturiser (day)

Revolution Skin 2% hyaluronic acid serum

The Ordinary niacinimide 10% + zinc 1%

Revolution Skin vitamin c eye cream

The Ordinary 100% organic cold pressed Moroccan argan oil

L’Oréal triple active moisturiser (night)

I would love fresh, bright, dewy skin that looks nice without make up (I'm very pale and really like that but obviously when it's also dry, it's easy to look unwell!) but is also a great base for make up on the days I do want to wear it.

I'm loving my new life as a mum so much but feel a bit overwhelmed and lost when it comes to my identity so it would really help to have skin I'm proud of again.

Right, slow down first of all!
Skin needs to be clean, protected from the sun, and hydrated. That's all.

So, a routine would be:

Morning:
Cleanse, moisturize, SPF.
Evening
Remove make up if wearing, cleanse, moisturize.

Looking at the products you've got, apart from the eye cream, none contain actives (exfoliating acids, vitamin C or A) so tbh, it doesn't matter how, or when you use them.

The one product I'd be wary of unless you have "problem" skin, is the niacinamide and zinc. That's for scars and marks left by breakouts and acne etc mainly. My daughter swears by it.

If your skin is particularly dry, then the oil would add extra moisture. Though argan is a bit stinky it's very good. Also good for hair, nails etc.

So, I'd go for:
Cleanser, hyaluronic (it's a humectant, so again, if your skin is dry) moisturizer. I'm not a fan of Simple (it's anything but) so I'd probably use the other one in the morning and the evening. But check the ingredients for that first. I'll have a look on the INCI decoder.

Ok, your L'Oreal night cream has got a tiny bit of retinyl palmitate in it- a vitamin A derivative. Not a strong one, and not one backed up by much science as far as vitamin A efficiency is concerned, but vitamin As in general aren't recommended if breastfeeding, if you are.

Thank you SO much for coming back to me, that's really helpful because (as you can tell) I'm a complete newbie to this!

So just to check I understand, you would suggest I give the following routine a go?

1. Cleanser
2. Hyaluronic acid serum
3. Moisturiser
4. Argan oil

And hold off on the toner and niacinimide?

Would you also hold off on using the eye cream or add that when I apply moisturiser?

Not breastfeeding so no clash there.

Appreciate you coming back to me so much!

I don't tend to get spots / acne but my skin is dry and dull. My foundation used to go on really nicely when my skin was in better shape, but it now cakes even though I only use a little, as my skin is so dry.

You could just need to exfoliate more, you could be putting the make up on top of lots of dead skin, also the skincare won't really sink in.

I love glycolic acid to get rid of the dead skin.
Alpha H liquid gold is my favourite.
It's a great skincare product because it's one you should notice a difference with after the first night.
You don't use it every night either so it lasts for ages.