I need help restarting a skincare regimen

[CharlotteSometimes1]

i used to have a complex skincare routine but have gradually reduced it so much that I just stopped bothering and now my skin looks dull and feels horribly dry. I need to restart, but this time I’d like to keep it simple I don’t have the same amount of time I used to as mornings are a bit rushed. I don’t have any specific issues but I am 52 so I do have some wrinkles including under my eyes. I’ve run out of almost everything, I still have some Tret although I haven’t used it for 3 months so will probably need to go slowly with it or maybe build up the hydration first? Where would you start with a simple routine, I don’t want to spend a fortune but am prepared to pay more for products that actually work.

To keep it simple I'd just stick to cleanse and moisturise and sunscreen in the morning. In the evening just swap out Tret for sunscreen and maybe add in a hydrating serum. Sunscreen is the only one where you might want to pay a bit extra for cosmetic elegance but everything else is easily sourced cheaply.

I recommend Avene products.
I'd start with cleanser (if you wear foundation or mascara you might need 2 types of cleansers usually one will be a balm or oil based to breakdown waterproof makeup)
Moisturiser without spf plus any properties or extra ingredients you'd like in it like anti aging stuff
Then good spf that wont leave a white cast and fragrance free for example

So you aren't moisturising or cleansing at all currently?

I would start with a basic evening routine of cleanse, hydrating serum, retinol, cleanser. I'd buy something OTC for the retinol in a mid level amd start with once or twice a week and build up to your tret. For cleanser I like a balm myself and there are good ones across the price range - the body shop, super drug or sali Hughes at the cheaper end or elemis, farmacy, clinique at the top end (and I think there's an m&s one people rave about somewhere in the middle).

For serum I always think a good multi purpose is yhe best way to start. Clarins double serum is my preference here.

Moisteriser - I would think whatever product you used to use? Look for something with peptides at your age. Neutrogena is nice and not too pricey. Clarins is always good. I recently tried some Laneige and liked it it a lot.

Morning no need to cleanse just rinse. Vitamin c serum. Moistriser and spf. Again, I'd use whatever moisteriser and spf you were using before although to keep it simple aim for moisteriser and spf in one.