Adding to skincare routine

[jaward1273]

I recently purchased two items from Paula’s Choice, Barrier Repair moisturizer with retinol & 2% BHA liquid exfoliant. I’m confused as to what else I need. I use wipes to remove my makeup, but it sounds like I shouldn’t use them? I see that cleansing twice is recommended. I’m assuming I don’t need a separate retinol since it’s in my moisturizer. My primer has sunscreen in it. Is that enough? I feel like I need vitamin C in my regimen. And an eye cream. Anything else? I’m in my 40’s with normal to oily skin. Thank you! Hoping someone sees this tonight so I can place my order during the sale!

[greeneyedgirl107]

@jaward1273 Love that you are into Paula's Choice!  

I've read that makeup removing wipes aren't ideal, so you may wish to reconsider those.  A gentle liquid cleanser would be good.  I'm not familiar with PC's cleansers, but I like FIRST AID BEAUTY - Pure Skin Face Cleanser.  As for double cleansing, I think it's a little over-rated, but you could try it if you like - esp if your makeup is stubborn to remove.  The PC cleansing oil is the first product I didn't care for from the brand.  Otherwise, I've been quite happy.  I agree use the PC Gentle Touch Makeup Remover, and DHC Olive Concentrated Cleansing Oil  on my eye area to remove eye makeup.  

If the moisturizer has retinol in it, then I'm assuming it's a low concentration.  My personal advice would be to use a retinol with a higher concentration, like .25% (FIRST AID BEAUTY - FAB Skin Lab Retinol Serum 0.25% Pure Concentrate) or .5% (OBAGI CLINICAL - Retinol 0.5 Retexturizing Cream) depending on your skin's tolerance, and then a separate moisturizer without retinol.  I'm sure PC has good moisturizers, I just haven't tried any.  I use CeraVe PM in the warmer months, and Cetaphil Night Moisturizer in the colder months.

The BHA Exfoliant is good, and a cult favorite - and it will be helpful for oily skin.  I prefer AHA for anti-aging, though.  I used PC 8% AHA Gel for a while, before switching to Alpha Skin Care 10% AHA gel.  You could switch off on the BHA and AHA, or eventually layer them as your skin tolerates.

PC does high a Vitamin C product, but I don't recommend it b/c while I did get results, it isn't in an airtight package so the Vitamin C did oxidize.  I was JUST reading a review on Beautypedia of PC's RESIST Ultra-Light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum, and it piqued my interest.  It has Vitamin C in it, and is supposed to be good for oil-prone skin.  I think this might be a better bet than the Super version, as I read that one can be a little sticky.  Other Vitamin C products to look into would be DRUNK ELEPHANT - C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum or Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C™ Vitamin C Power Serum 1 oz/ 30 mL.

As for an eye cream, Paula Begoun would be the first to tell you that you don't need one - you can use what you're applying on the rest of your face around your eye area -- assuming it's chock full of skin goodies.  If you are looking for an eye cream, I rec checking beautypedia and finding one in your ideal budget (search under their "best of") products as eye creams are notoriously pricey (and small in amount).  I personally use Drunk Elephant Lala Retro™ Nourishing Whipped Refillable Moisturizer 1.69 oz/ 50 mL around my eyes.

Let us know how it goes!  Good luck!  🙂

[quspork]

@jaward1273 Definitely ditch the wipes and look into double cleansing. You start with either an oil cleanser or an oil balm cleanser to remove your makeup and follow it with a gentle cream cleanser to remove any leftover residue and really clean your skin. And I'd highly recommend getting a separate sunscreen to ensure that you're adequately protected from the sun. Acids (like the BHA) and retinols can increase your skin's sensitivity towards sun damage, so you want to stay protected. It sounds like you'd benefit from a vitamin c serum in the mornings. Those are great for helping with dull complexions!

[jaward1273]

Is there a vitamin c serum you recommend?

[sunkissedblush]

agree with @quspork !

@jaward1273  the problem with wipes is that they might not cleanse good enough and you might tug your skin a lot while doing it. 

Using oil-based cleansers is an easier way to break down makeup, sunscreens and they tend to clean better. I love FARMACY - Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm. If you feel it's too oily for you, you can follow with a foaming cleanser afterward to clean up the face completely.

Vitamin C is a good idea for skincare at any age and you should definitely try it. If your skin/lifestyle can tolerate acids, I'd recommend TATCHA - Violet-C Brightening Serum 20% Vitamin C + 10% AHA. Just make sure you don't use it at the same time with other acids to avoid sensitizing your skin. If you want Vitamin C serum without any other active ingredients, you might like FARMACY - Very Cherry Bright 15% Clean Vitamin C Serum with Acerola Cherry.

And make sure you have a separate sunscreen to protect your skin after using products with active ingredients, as some already mentioned. SPF should be 30+.

Additionally, you might want to think of Essences, and hydrating serums as well, if you want to complete your skincare routine. And something for the lips too!

[jaward1273]

Just saw your recommendations, thanks!

[WinglessOne]

@jaward1273  What else you need depends on your skincare goals and any issues you want to address. What’s your entire skincare routine? 

If makeup wipes are removing all your makeup (you can test that by using something like micellar water afterward to see if it picks up any makeup your wipes missed), then keep using them. Do you currently use a face cleanser after your wipes? 

Barrier Repair is a low strength retinol moisturizer. That might be all you need. Are you trying to address existing wrinkles or uneven skin tone? Those would be a couple reasons to consider using a stronger retinol serum. 

Vitamin C is a great antioxidant to include in your routine. If that ingredient’s not already in some of your other skincare products, and you want to address uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and/or dull complexion, it’s worth considering. Vitamin C not only helps protect your skin from pollution, it also helps sunscreen work better. 

Which primer do you use and what’s the SPF? Generally speaking, I wouldn’t rely on a primer to serve as sunscreen. I’d add a separate sunscreen with minimum SPF of 30. That’s because I wouldn’t apply the same amount of primer to my face as I would sunscreen. Are you using the Paula’s Choice primer that includes sunscreen, or a different primer? 

I’m also in my 40s but my skin type’s different from yours: I’m mostly-dry combo. I do use (and love) some Paula’s Choice products, but my routine’s a mix of products by various brands. 

[jaward1273]

Thx for your reply. I’ve become lazy. 😬 I’m not washing my face, just using the wipes. I wear a lot of makeup to cover a birthmark. I know I should be doing more. The Paula’s Choice products I mentioned are the only ones I’m using. I purchased a Laura Mercier primer with spf a few days ago from Sephora so haven’t received it yet. My skin seems dull. But wrinkles aren’t a huge problem yet. Some between my eyes & under. Thx!

[WinglessOne]

@jaward1273  Ah, if you’re only using wipes, then definitely follow up with a cleanser. I won’t tell you to stop using wipes altogether if they’re actually removing your makeup. But the only wipes I’ve used that can truly remove a full face of makeup happen to be quite pricey (the Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water wipes), so instead I rely on a liquid makeup remover and follow that with a cleanser. I use Paula’s Choice Gentle Touch Makeup Remover first, and then use Paula’s Choice Hydralight Cleanser. 

I used to use a cleansing oil and then follow with a cleanser, but nearly all cleansing oils I tried irritated the heck outta my eyes. (Some of them specifically instruct you not to use them around the eye area.) But you might find one you like. You could also try a cleansing balm. I personally hate using those on my face (eye irritation and/or blurring, plus they usually leave a film on my skin), but many other folks love them.