Quick, easy and cheap skincare routine please!

[NameName2023]

I’m 36 and have never really got into skincare. I read Caroline Hiron's book but still just came away confused.

I’m just not sure where to start. I have dry skin and some blackheads on my chin.

I have two DC and currently breastfeeding DC2, so need something quick and easy to follow. Also, being on maternity leave means I don’t have the spare cash to spend lots.

I’ve got a really good balm cleanser I use in the evenings and I use Aldi caviar day and night creams. I have a jade roller but don’t often remember to use it.

Ideally I’d like my skin to be smoother and a bit brighter.

Thanks in advance.

I went through a similar thing after DD2, realised that the lack of sleep was showing on my face and I wanted to look a bit more fresh and glowy, without spending a fortune or having a routine that's too complicated so I end up giving up on it. What I've settled on:

AM - wash with water or Cerave hydrating oil cleanser
Sali Hughes vitamin C serum
Day Cream
SPF

PM - Cerave cleanser
Then either Sali Hughes Placid Toner or Medik8 Retinol (alternate nights)
Night Cream

A vitamin C serum is great for brightness and skin texture, and AHA toner is good for blackheads and exfoliating. The Sali Hughes ones are good, as is the Superdrug Naturally Radiant one. I really like balm cleansers for removing makeup, but on me they tend to lead to blackheads, so maybe try using a wash-off cleanser afterwards to get all the balm off?

If you like your current day/night creams, I'd just add a vitamin C in the morning and an AHA in the evening and see how you go with that.

@MotherWol thank you! That’s really helpful.

I'm not sure whether retinol should be used when breastfeeding - although there seems to be split opinions on this:

https://www.carolinehirons.com/2022/05/current-beauty-myths.html