My Current Skincare Routine

 

All the products I currently use

Hey guys!!! :)

So as promised here is my current skincare routine post damaged skin barrier. Over the last month I've been reintroducing my actives one at a time. Just incase you haven't read my previous posts here's a quick summary: I damaged my skin barrier at the start of  December so I cut out all actives. I then focused on hydration and moisture to repair my barrier and added a few new products to help with this. After 4 weeks my skin felt less irritated and inflamed so I decided to add my actives back into my routine. Fast forward to now and I feel like my skin is finally back on track! I've successfully managed to reintroduce niacinamide, vitamin C and lactic acid. It took a lot of patience and time but I'm really happy with how far my skin has come. I'm not completely satisfied with the products as there's new things I want to try, but I feel like I've got an effective routine that works... for now! ;)

AM Routine:

• Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser- This is a really gentle cleanser that's non stripping and removes the dirt and oil residue from the skin. However I don't feel like it cleans deep enough in my pores to give me that "clean feeling". It does leave my skin super soft though and is a great basic cleanser for removing dirt from the surface of the skin. 7/10
• Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Toner- This toner has a lovely viscous texture that feels like a serum. I apply this to damp skin and it spreads so nicely over the skin. It has 3 types of hyaluronic acid, meaning that it can penetrate the different layers of the skin due to its different molecular sizes. It absorbs really quickly into the skin, leaving it silky smooth. 9/10
• The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%- This is a gentle derivative of vitamin C that's meant to help with hyperpigmentation and boosting collagen production. It also brightens and is an antioxidant that fights free radicals. So far I haven't noticed any brightening effects but I do think it's helping fade my acne scars. It leaves a very sticky feeling when patting it into the skin but absorbs after a couple of minutes. I'm curious to try a higher percentage to see if I notice better results over time. 6/10
• Cerave Moisturising Lotion- I apply this onto wet skin as I've heard that it helps the hyaluronic acid to lock in more hydration. This is a lightweight moisturiser with 3 ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier. It spreads well over the skin and leaves it feeling plump and moisturised. However, I personally find it abit too basic and prefer the Neutrogena Hydro Boost moisturisers that I used to use. 7/10
• Avene Cleanance Mattifying Sunscreen SPF 50- I got this to replace the Purito Centella Unscented Sun. I don't particularly like the consistency of this but it absorbs well and doesn't leave my skin looking or feeling greasy. It's a mineral sunscreen however I've bought a chemical one to try after I finish this one. 5/10

PM Routine:

• Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
• Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Toner
• The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%- This has a thick syrup-like consistency which spreads well and absorbs quickly into the skin. I've really missed using this serum as it did such a good job at controlling sebum production and clearing acne. This product has made the most noticeable improvement to the condition of my skin. However, after I've finished this serum, I'm going to be swapping to the Purito Centella Unscented Serum which only has 3% niacinamide in it. 10/10
• The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA (2x/week)- Twice a week I'll swap niacinamide for lactic acid to gently exfoliate my skin. I've noticed that it helps to keep my skin clearer for longer. It also helps my products to absorb better in general, as they have a nice smooth surface to penetrate. 8/10
• Cerave Moisturising Lotion
• Eucerin Intensive Acute Lip Balm- This is a nice moisturising lip product that isn't at all sticky and absorbs well. I love how my lips are instantly softer and smoother when I apply this. Hands down the best overnight lip treatment I've ever used! 9/10

Overall this is a pretty effective routine but there are definitely products I want to switch up and change around. For example I'm getting rather bored of my cleanser. It works fine as a basic cleanser but I don't feel like it's cleaning as deep into my pores as I would like. I'm still researching other cleansers but am considering either the Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser or the La Roche Posay Purifying Foaming Cleanser. I considered a Korean cleanser but would rather find a Western brand that I can easily access at the drugstore. I also want to switch from TO Niacinamide to the Purito Centella Unscented Serum, as it has soothing properties and will play better with my chemical exfoliant as it has a lower percentage of niacinimide. However I'm not sure if 3% will be effective for regulating sebum. I've bought 2 bottles so I hope it works well for my skin! I've got my eye on the Inkey List 15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum as I want to try a higher percentage of ascorbyl glucoside. I'm also hoping it has a nicer formula than The Ordinary one.

Regarding toner I'm considering switching back to the Benton Deep Green Tea Toner as it worked well at controlling my oil levels and soothing my skin. However, I didn't initially find it hydrating enough and would need to apply several layers of it. I was thinking of combining it with the Scinic First Treatment Essence once I start the Purito serum as it's very hydrating and contains niacinamide which should also help with my oil levels. Finally, I would like to go back to my Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel and Sleeping Cream as I really enjoyed the texture and experience of applying them. I currently find the Cerave way too basic and would like a moisturiser that I enjoy using. I also have the Elf Superhydrate Moisturiser which I'll probably use once I've finished the Hydro Boost Water Gel. Although both Hydro Boost moisturisers are fragranced I'm going to see how my skin reacts to them first. If it doesn't like the fragrance then I'll probably purchase the Gel Cream (for extra dry skin) as it's fragrance free. I'm hoping to establish a more consistent routine by July, where I'll decide on the products that work best for my skin and I'll keep repurchasing. That's the plan anyways! 

Who Cares, We Care, Skincare :)