Sephora

asthra · ‎08-07-2024

SKIN TYPE: SENSITIVE DRY, and ACNE PRONE SKIN.

Today I just got a color match because it is my first time to buy a makeup for me and found at that my skin is super dry. I am wondering if am I doing the right skincare routine or nah. Suggest and correct my skincare routine!

Also, please recommend a good primer for my skin type.

Thanks!

WinglessOne · ‎08-08-2024

@asthra Which of those products do you use at night vs. morning? I mean, besides the sunscreen which is obviously an AM product and Differin (I assume you use that only at night). Do you use them all daily?

Without knowing that info, I’ll recommend a couple changes to your routine:

Choose either the COSRX AHA/BHA Toner or The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% Gentle Facial Exfoliating Serum for Uneven Texture 1 oz/ 30 mL. You don’t need both products unless you alternate days (use COSRX 1 day a week and The Ordinary 1 different day a week, for instance), because they both contain an AHA (COSRX contains glycolic acid).

The COSRX toner does contain a gentle form of salicylic acid (betaine salicylate), but without knowing the %, it’s hard to say how effective it is at pore-degunking. That toner also contains willow bark extract which doesn’t do the same thing salicylic acid or betaine salicylate do; willow bark’s an astringent, something your skin might not need or enjoy while you’re using adapalene (Differin).

Whether you choose to keep the COSRX toner or The Ordinary exfoliant, or keep both and alternate days, use them (solo or in alternated combination) no more than a total of 1-3 times a week, and never twice on the same day. You don’t want to risk over-exfoliating your skin, especially while you’re using a retinoid.
I looked up that Torriden moisturizer’s ingredients. If your skin feels moisturized with it, then keep using it. I know it wouldn’t work for my particular skin (mostly-dry combo and quite reactive/inflammation-prone) because it doesn’t seem to be occlusive (water loss preventing) enough for me: I don’t see ingredients like squalane, petrolatum, shea butter, dimethicone, etc. But again, your mileage may vary since we don’t all have the same skin behaviors and sensitivities. I mean, that cream also contains lavender extract which my facial skin’s very sensitive to, so I wouldn’t be able to use it at all. Eh, some folks’ skin has no problem with fragrance ingredients or essential oils.

To help your skin feel less dry, apply moisturizer while your skin’s damp. That’ll help the moisturizer seal in hydration instead of dryness. You can also try applying Differin over your moisturizer instead of underneath. (Yes, it’ll still work that way.) That way, you can moisturize damp skin to ensure your face is well hydrated, plus the moisturizer can buffer some of adapalene’s side effects.

Otherwise, assuming you use a non-drying cleanser that doesn’t leave your skin feeling tight or “squeaky clean,” your routine looks fine to me. Especially since you included sunscreen. 👍