AHA/BHA & Retinol Serum Suggestions

[Gxlynne]

Hello, I'm currently in the process of building a complete skincare routine for Spring going into Summer. I've been doing my research all day every day for quite time and I'd really appreciate if I got some suggestions...? 🙂 

My skin type is a combination; Generally normal/dry on the outer parts of my face and oily on my t-zone areas (forehead, nose, chin). I normally only break out if my face isn't properly cleansed and during that time of the month and just a little sensitivity.
My main concerns are clogged pores, blackheads/whiteheads, dullness/uneven skin texture, and uneven skin tone followed by dark circles/sunken eyes, dark spots, slight rosacea on cheeks. 
I'm stuck with finding AHA/BHA serums, retinol serum, exfoliators, treatments, masks/peels, etc. 
I'd preferably like to stay in a $-$$ type of price range, but I wouldn't mind spending an extra few bucks on products that are considered to be ones' "holy grail" in addressing concerns as mentioned above. 
So far I've decided with these products for my routine

Cleanse-CeraVe Hydrating Face Wash/La Roche Posay Medicated Gel Cleanser
Tone-Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner

Moisturizer-CeraVe Moisturing Cream
Eye Cream- Olehenrikson Banana Bright Eye Creme

Serums- The Ordinary Niacinimide 10% + Zinc 1% and Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Can anyone suggest other necessary products to add to my routine that will help with my concerns? I'm fully aware that certain products can only address certain concerns, I'm just struggling to find those that will provide a good balance all while addressing all of my concerns. 

Pleeeeeeease and THANK YOU in advance !!! 🙂 

[Brutalitops]

@Gxlynne  my favorite AHA product is FARMACY - HONEYMOON GLOW AHA Resurfacing Night Serum with Hydrating Honey + Gentle Flower Acids but if you already have a glycolic acid toner a lactic acid may be a better option as it would be gentler. Personally I would say hold off getting a higher powered serum until you're out of the toner (and then replace the toner with something soothing and/or hydrating) because then you won't be overtaxing your skin and the toner use will have your skin prepped for the stronger serum so it's an easier transition. Anyway, I like the farmacy because the price is way better than the other top options- like the sunday riley good genes or the DE Framboos and it's a blend of acids including BHAs which can help address oil buildup deep in the skin.

For a retinol I would start easy with The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane, Signs of Aging Serum 1 oz/ 30 mL or The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane, Signs of Aging Serum 1 oz/ 30 mL . The INKEY List Retinol Fine Lines and Wrinkles Serum 1 oz/ 30 mL is also a nice option that's fairly gentle. I have found Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum 1 oz/ 30 mL to be fantastic on the higher end but SHANI DARDEN SKIN CARE - Retinol Reform® Mini is supposed to be on the gentler side and great too (it's pretty new so I haven't tried it) and the trial size makes the price a little easier if you want to shoot for a higher end product

[lexyd73]

I’m 47 and am fought clogged pores until my dermatologist put me on spironolactone 100mg once daily. It sounds like you’re going in the right direction! You may just need to tweak it with a visit to your dermatologist! My skin care consists of: DAYTIME Cetaphil cleanser THE ORDINARY hylauronic acid in damp skin followed immediately by THE ORDINARY natural moisturizing factors +HA SUPERGOOP unseen sunscreen BEDTIME Retin-A .1% (prescription needed) Hydroquinone 4% for dark spots (prescription needed) A simple cleanser like cetaphil or Ceravé THE ORDINARY hylauronic acid on damp skin immediately followed by THE ORDINARY natural moisturizing factors + HA Spironolactone 100mg (oral tablet) Occasionally I do a light exfoliating treatment like Dr Brant micro dermabrasion scrub in the AM after cleansing. Hope that helps! If you can’t manage to see a dermatologist, there is a retinol product that recently became over the counter that use to be by prescription only. It’s called DIFFERIN and you can find it at most pharmacies. Good luck!

[lovelykatya]

DRUNK ELEPHANT - T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Resurfacing + Exfoliating Peeling Solution 1 oz/ 30 mL

Those products are amazing

[faeriegirl]

@Gxlynne  I really like DRUNK ELEPHANT - T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum and Herbivore Bakuchiol serum.

[lmaster]

@Gxlynne I use  The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Blemish + Blackhead Serum 1 oz/ 30 mL DRUNK ELEPHANT - T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Resurfacing + Exfoliating Peeling Solution 1 oz/ 30 mL Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform® Treatment Serum 1 oz / 30 mL

[Katherine1110]

I highly recommend The Ordinary AHA/BHA Peeling Solution. It is a treatment that really makes a huge difference.