Can you help me create a skincare routine?

[sangria]

I need help! 

I'm going to list what I use in the AM/PM and then you fine people can put them in the order that would work best.

I seriously have no idea if I using this stuff properly! I really like what I am using right now and I'm on a spending freeze so I just need to maximize the benefit of what I already have. 

Here goes: 


AM: 
CeraAve foaming wash
Biologique Recherche P50
Ordinary Alpha Arbutin
Ordinary Vit C serum
Ordinary Niacinimide
CerAve AM lotion

PM:
Boscia Cleansing Oil
CerAve foaming
Thayer's Witch Hazel
Ordinary Buffet
Retin A 
Ordinary Rose Hip Oil 

That's it. Tell me what to do! 

[ElizabethBennet]

How long have you been using this stuff?

I would switch the P50 to nighttime and alternate it with the Retin A. I also prefer to put my acids on right after cleansing so its directly on my skin and if I have time wait at least a few minutes before moving on with the rest of my routine.

[bowies]

AM: 
Rinse with water
Vitamin C
Buffet
Cerave AM lotion

PM:
Boscia Cleansing Oil
Cerave foaming
P50 lotion (alternate days with Retin A)
Buffet
Retin A (alternate days with P50)
Ordinary Rose Hip Oil 
Cerave lotion if needed


ETA: I am not a fan of witch hazel for myself but I would use it after Vitamin C in the morning. I’m not familiar enough with alpha arbutin to offer any advice.

[SallyJ]

Jan 24, 2018 11:59:16 GMT -5 sangria said:

AM: 
CeraAve foaming wash Rinse with lukewarm water
Biologique Recherche P50
Ordinary Vit C serum (Do this as step 3 so it's close to freshly balanced pH skin and moved away from Niacinimide)
Ordinary Alpha Arbutin
Ordinary Niacinimide
CerAve AM lotion
[Add sunscreen]

PM:
Boscia Cleansing Oil
CerAve foaming
Thayer's Witch Hazel
Retin A [use every other or every two nights, move to step 4 so it's close to freshly balanced pH skin]
Ordinary Buffet
Ordinary Rose Hip Oil

Move your actives to right after you cleanse and balance your skin. Be aware that VitC and Nianicimide can cause flushing if used close together. Add some sunscreen!

How long have you used all of these products? I've had issues with a few of them is why I ask.

ETA: I just looked up the P50 product.  I agree with PP, move that to evening and alternate with Retin A. Or do day 1: Retin A, day 2: no active, day 3: P50, day 4 rest.

[sangria]

Ok so this is helpful so far!

But-
what are actives?
what are acids?

[sangria]

And just curious - what is the reasoning behind switching the P50 to night and alternating with Retin A?

[ElizabethBennet]

Jan 24, 2018 18:28:05 GMT -5 sangria said:

And just curious - what is the reasoning behind switching the P50 to night and alternating with Retin A?

Actives and acids are basically chemical exfoliants. The P50, Retin A, and Vitamin C are all chemical exfoliants. They all serve a different purpose but If you’re not careful you run the risk of damaging your skin. Have you been using these products for long? This would be way too much to start out with IMO.

Use a sunscreen. Especially if you’re using acids. They thin the skin and make you more susceptible to sun damage. Using these products without a sunscreen will basically age your skin faster.

Also, with alternating the p50 at night with the Retin a you run less of a risk of over exfoliating your skin. These products are much too strong to be used on the same night.

[sangria]

Yes I’ve been using them for a while with no issue, I just want to
Make sure I’m using them at the right time to maximize their benefit

I always wear sunscreen. I live in Arizona lol

[ElizabethBennet]

Jan 24, 2018 18:58:17 GMT -5 sangria said:

Yes I’ve been using them for a while with no issue, I just want to
Make sure I’m using them at the right time to maximize their benefit

I always wear sunscreen. I live in Arizona lol

I thought the cerave am had spf but wasn't sure. I would try switching the actives to just after cleansing and alternate the p50 and retin a and see how you do. The reason I wouldn't use the p50 in the morning is because it makes your skin more sensitive and you may not be getting its full effect with the vitamin c right after. I think overall your routine looks pretty good, though. 

[mrsukyankee]

I would use an SPF 50 if you are going to be using all of that versus the spf 30. Your skin is going to need much more protection.