AM/PM skincare routine

[justinemari]

Hi there! I’ve recently decided to step up my skincare routine by adding in serums and other treatments. However. I have no idea what order they should go in/how to incorporate them into my current routine. I am currently cleansing, exfoliating, toning, and moisturizing/spf. I did a lot of googling to find the right order however some of them would contradict one another and I couldn’t decide which routines were right for me. I have milia-prone skin but I love to wear makeup. My skin is normal and gets slightly drier in the winter months. I’ve just recently gotten more serious about skincare because I had all my milia extracted and I would LOVE to keep my skin clear. The products I plan toincorporate are: Salicylic acid 2%, Hyaluronic acid 2% + B5, Granactive retinoid 2% emulsion, Vitamin C suspension 30%. All of these products are from the brand The Ordinary - they were recommended to me by others who are milia-prone. I have read that some of these products should not beused together so I’m wondering if I should be alternating them each day. Please feel free to educate me if you’d like, any help is greatly appreciated! 💛

[TrysBeautyItems]

@justinemari I'm using a prescription retinoid, my derm said not to use with salicylic acid. Use TO retinoid at night only and gradually increase usage.

Hyaluronic acid isn't acid, rather bindes moisture.

If you're already exfoliating daily, probably not needed.

Edit, the Mario Orange cream soap? It has orange in it, aka AHAs, another exfoliant.

[quspork]

What are you using to exfoliate in your current routine, @justinemari? Most of the Ordinary products you mentioned also fall under the actives/exfoliators category so I'd very careful about introduction so you don't end up with over-exfoliated skin.

[justinemari]

Hi! I don’t exfoliate every day, it’s more like 2-3x a week. I use this “Let the good times roll” from lush but it’s very gentle. I also have a Mia2 that I use with the most sensitive brush head, I go back and forth between using cetaphil and Mario badescu orange facial soap with it. On the days I don’t wear makeup I lightly exfoliate with either one. When I wear heavy makeup I use the brush and follow with very little of the exfoliant from lush. I

[tastelikewater]

The general rule is to go from thinnest-thickest. In the AM, this would look something like cleanser, toner, antioxidant serum, moisturizer, sunscreen. In the PM: cleanser, toner/essence, eye cream, treatment (serum, retinol cream, exfoliating pads), face oil, night cream. Some people apply their eye cream later in the process, but it helps provide a small barrier between your eyes and any treatment you apply that could irritate them. 

I can't speak to your products specifically, so hopefully someone who uses them can help you with that aspect. Hope this was helpful!

[justinemari]

Thank you!

[flamingolegs]

Wow--I would NOT use all of those products together!  Choose ONE and use it every 1-3 days gradually increasing.  I would also not apply any directly but mix them in with your moisturizer or serum.  Speaking of which, many serums and some moisturizers contain one of those items--you might want to look at what you are using before adding something new.  

PS--I've been told not to use Vitamin C and retinoids together.

[justinemari]

Yes, I was told the same about vitamin c and retinoids as well however they were both recommended for my milia lol when I found out they should be used separately I started trying to find routines to alternate them each day or whatever is recommended. And which should I mix with what? Thank you!!