Newbie Skincare Routine - Does this sound good?

[cbwebb09]

I have combo/leaning toward oily, acne prone skin - along with enlarged pores, redness, and acne scars. I’m hoping to achieve a more even complexion, reduce breakouts, and reduce fine lines. Right now my routine is this: Am: Cerave Face Wash Korean toner (I can’t read it 😂) no alcohol Equate moisturizer Squalane oil (The Ordinary) Vitamin C serum PM: Cerave Face Wash Stridex in the red box Same toner Differin Same moisturizers and serums 1-2x a week I use a 50% glycolic acid peel, but I’ve only used it once so far. I’ve used this routine since 12/26/18, and this is my face now. Can I still potentially be in a purge stage? Is there something I’m missing? Thanks!

[RGbrown]

@cbwebb09

Is that the order you're applying your products? If so, swap the toner and Stridex...otherwise your toner is just picking the salicylic acid right back up, which kinda defeats the purpose. SA is generally a leave-on product. 

Serums would come before your moisturizer/oil.

The general order should be

Cleanse

Tone

Treat (stridex, then any other serums/Differin from thinnest to thickest)

Moisturize/Oil

...and the peel in lieu of tone/treat and skip straight to moisturizer afterwards

(and gosh, I'll join the chorus of "50% is high" folks...be careful. I'd really rather see something in the 10-14% range 2-3 times a week over the 50%. Alpha makes a 14% Glycolic Serum that I love and works well, and it's only something like $15 or $18. You have a little more control over frequency and there's less risk of sudden or serious damage).

[quspork]

@RGbrown  @cbwebb09 mentioned that it's a Korean toner she's using, so most likely it's a hydrating one. In Korean skincare those toners go after any actives (like the Stridex). Of course, if it's one meant for pH balancing or some sort of exfoliating toner then it should come before. 

[RGbrown]

@quspork

Ah, I didn't even think about hydrating vs a different kind. And along that vein, method of application could play a role as well...if she's using it essence-style (patting it in) instead of using a cotton round (potentially swiping the Stridex back off), using it before or after wouldn't matter much either.

Who knew there could be so many details to play out? 😛 

[Titian06]

@cbwebb09 - Remember, too, that you've only been using this routine for a few weeks.   Has others have said, you may want to look into swapping out the glycolic acid with something milder.  Otherwise, give your routine a little more time.

[GG84]

@cbwebb09 I don't think your Glycolic is 50%, if it was you would need to neutralize and I didnt read anything about that in your routine. 

If you are happy with your routine then thats all that matters. We dont know what your skin looked like before - you are the best judge. It could be an incredible improvement or it could be minimal. 

I do think you are potentially using some products with irritating ingredients, however you chose them for a reason. 

[cbwebb09]

I do neutralize - I just use baking soda and water at home! Sorry forgot to include that.

[lipstick4soul]

Are you using the products in the order listed? Generally products go from lightest to heaviest, eg cleanser, acid, toner/essence, oil/squalene, moisturizer. Even though your skin is on the oily side, you might consider a more nourishing cleanser before the cerave. It also sounds like you are using a lots of stripping ingredients so might want to use more gentle acids. Are you sure your glycolic is 50%? I think that would have to be done in a doctors office. 30% in a home product is very high. If it really is 50%, I would stop using it. You might also consider lactic acid instead, glycolic can make breakouts worse in some people because it is quite harsh. 

Caroline Hirons is an excellent blogger for skincare, or take a look at facialist brands for advice. 

[Ijji]

Hi @cbwebb09,

I would suggest using a facial exfoliator, especially around the your problem areas, as those have really helped me. My two favorites are the MURAD - AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanseror the Bioderma Sébium Gel Gommant Exfoliator. These both have enough exfoliants that I feel like I'm getting rid of dead skin without it feeling like it's hurting. I'm pretty picky about the consistency of my exfoliators. Also, I assume you are doing this, but making sure to use a good cleanser has actually done wonders for me. The OLEHENRIKSEN Find Your Balance™ Oil Control Cleanser 5 oz/ 147 mLwas super helpful.

[lipstick4soul]

I personally would not add any more exfoliation to this routine. she is already doing a ton with all the acids and differin. Adding another acid product with manual exfoliation elements will be asking for trouble.