Week 1 of Barrier Repair

I'm pretty new to skin care routines. I am 41, have normal to oily combo skin, some hyperpigmentation and no active acne. I got a gift card for Amazon and I want to use it on mymyself and get something for my skin. I have TO Niamicide being delivered today and after that I'm at a loss. HELP!

Hi y’all! I previously posted my skincare routine on here including skin updates, but have made some changes so I thought I would update it and split it into morning and night routines! I have combo (but more on the dry side) skin that is sensitive and acne prone. I am dealing with some new maskne outbreaks currently which has been demoralizing, but we’re working on it! Depending on how my skin feels when I wake up I will either water cleanse or use CeraVe - Hydrating Facial Cleanser So far I like this cleanser; it’s soothing to use and great for my dry skin. I haven’t seen much of a change in acne because of this product, but I didn’t really expect to either The Ordinary - Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Haven’t been consistent with this, but when I use it it seems to help the puffiness under my eyes. Trying to use it daily and hopefully see some results! Then I go in with The Ordinary - 100% Niacinamide Powder mixed with The Ordinary - Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 The Ordinary’s Niacinamide powder has gotten some negative feedback online, but I really love it since the zinc in the serum version irritated my skin. The main concerns are people using too high of a concentration, but I make sure to add way less than is even recommended. My skin purged at the beginning but I’ve noticed quite good results in a short time. Sometimes I will skip the niacinamide powder and just use hyalauronic acid, which is great in and of itself. Krave - Great Barrier Relief This is a new product in my routine. I use it when I know I’m going to wear a mask a lot throughout the day or when my skin feels sensitive; I also try to avoid using it after niacinamide since I don’t want to over do it with that. I might post an update on this specific product, but so far I like it and have high hopes! The Ordinary - Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA I used to think this wasn’t enough for my skin in the morning but recently reincorporated it into my routine when I realized that with the summer heat and my CeraVe moisturizing cream for dry skin was just making my skin greasy throughout the day. I also feel like it works better under my mask! Krave - The Beet Shield Another recent incorporation to my routine. Again might do an opinion update post but have high hopes for this too! I live in NYC so the fact that it fights against pollutants will hopefully benefit my skin, and also protect somewhat from maskne! Love this as an SPF though, and it absorbs right into the skin! Let me know if you have any suggestions or thoughts, or if anything in here works for you! Stay safe y’all! 🦋✨

I have been on the hunt to find the perfect skincare routine for my dry-sensitive rosacea prone skin. It’s taken me a while to get here, but currently this has been my routine for the last 6 months and my skin is the BEST it’s ever looked. Routine: CAUDALIE - Make-Up Removing Cleansing Oil I pretty much wear makeup daily, so I always do a double cleanse. This cleansing oil is gentle enough for my sensitive skin, but still breaks down makeup very effectively. It has grape seed oil which is a great anti-oxidant and almond oil which has been used to treat dry skin and improves complexion Neutrogena - Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover If I’m wearing waterproof mascara, I usually go in after the oil with this makeup remover. It’s the best one I’ve tried that breaks down my eye makeup so I’m not tugging at my skin. Just hold it to your eye for a few seconds. Neutrogena - Hydro Boost Water Gel Cleanser I ran out of my normal cleanser (FARMACY - Clean Bee Ultra Gentle Facial Cleanser ) so I decided to try this in the meantime. It has actually worked very well! It doesn’t strip my skin, I don’t feel any tightness and it does a great job of cleansing. I do feel like there is still moisture in my face after using it. It has glycerin and hyaluronic acid which are powerful humectants to draw moisture in. It does have frangrance which can be irritating, however it has not effected my sensitive skin. fresh - Rose Deep Hydration Toner Toner is one of those things that you really don’t NEED in skincare. It’s not going to make or break your routine, but because I’m dry, I use it to add more moisture into my skin. This toner has hyaluronic acid to again, draw moisture into the skin, as well as rose water which soothes sensitive skin. The Ordinary - Lactic Acid 10% + HA Lactic acid is one of the only AHAs I can use as I have sensitive skin. All other chemical exfoliants are too harsh for me and cause redness and breakouts. However this lactic acid is incredible. I use 5 drops2-3 times a week, and wake up with clear, bright skin. It is truly a game changer! And the price can not be beat. BIODERMA - Atoderm Intensive Baume This is the best moisturizer I have found (and I have tried a lot). It is so moisturizing and so soothing. I wake up with such moisturized and dewy skin. I’ve found my makeup applies better-even if I’m not applying this in the mornings. It’s a thick cream that can be applied to your face or body. However, it is lightweight and absorbs quickly. This can help with any eczema flair ups I can get under my eyes (haven’t had since using this!). It’s fragrance free, has glycerin, and zinc for redness.

After doing some more research I changed my routine to the following in Week 2: AM CLEANSE: washed face with water TREATMENT: The Ordinary - Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 MOISTURISER: DRUNK ELEPHANT - Lala Retro Whipped Cream EYE CREAM: CeraVe - Eye Repair Cream SUNSCREEN: PAULA'S CHOICE - Calm Mineral Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PM PRE-CLEANSE: GARNIER - Micellar Milk Cleansing Water for dry and sensitive skin, this has been amazing and so gentle on my skin CLEANSE: CeraVe - Hydrating Face Cleanser For Normal To Dry Skin this is a nice gentle cleanser, as of yet I am not sure of the long term benefits but it doesn’t leave my skin dry/tight after washing. Will continue to see how it goes. TREATMENT: The Ordinary - Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 this definitely leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated after use. But unsure if hydrating enough. EYE CREAM: CeraVe - Eye Repair Cream still haven’t seen any improvements with this. MOISTURISER: DRUNK ELEPHANT - Lala Retro Whipped Cream as soon as I started using this my skin improved dramatically over night, I no longer had red rashy-looking bumps on my upper cheek. Even my husband noticed and complimented how my skin looked in the morning after just one use !! So this is a winner. Although, I am thinking as I get closer to summer I will go back to The Ordinary - Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA as I tend to get oily in the tzone and it is lighter than the DE moisturiser. Please tell me what you think of my routine. I am also looking at adding a chemical exfoliator, as I have deep black heads and visible pores across my cheeks and nose. And I get hormonal acne along my jawline. Suggestions on where to take my routine next are welcome. We have come out of winter and going into spring. The sun is out but the air outside is still quite nippy so havent started getting oily just yet.

so i want to start out by sharing some information about my skin. i have quite sensitive skin that tends to be on the dry side. i feel bad saying this, but my skin is mostly clear thanks to genetics. but, that doesn’t mean i don’t put the work in to keep my skin clear!! i’ve tried out quite a few different products, but these are the ones that i find myself reaching for more often in the morning. cleanser in the morning, i like to use a gentle, hydrating cleanser. lately i’ve been using the Kiehl's - Ultra Facial Cleanser . it’s a nice cleanser, but i wouldn’t say it does much for my skin. more often than not though, i find myself coming back to the CeraVe - Hydrating Facial Cleanser , which is so gentle and especially good for my dryer days. it always leaves my skin feeling soft once i wash it off. toner for toner, i’ve really been loving the PAULA'S CHOICE - Enriched Calming Toner . it’s nothing special, just a milky toner that does a lovely job of adding extra hydration to my skin. i’ve been trying to cut down on my daily waste, so that means i’ve stopped purchasing cotton rounds. to apply, i just put a few drops into my palms and press it into my skin. serum my go-to has always been the The Ordinary - Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 . again, dry skin!! i just really love products that hydrate my skin. i just put a few drops on my fingers and gently pat it in. recently i’m trying out the NATURIUM - Vitamin C Complex Serum. i haven’t used it long enough to see an effect, but i’ll definitely post an update if i notice some results!! moisturizer it’s taken me wayyyy longer than necessary to find a moisturizer that doesn’t give me a reaction. i’ve tried quite a few that left my face bright red and burning, and i also have an issue with texture. i absolutely hate the way that creams feel on my skin. maybe i’m in the minority on this, but i am just not down with thick, rich, moisturizers. i really do prefer ones that are more of a watery gel-type. for the past six months, i’ve been using the CLINIQUE - Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly , and i really like it!! it’s fragrance-free, which is always a huge plus, and it does a good job of hydrating my skin. i usually apply one to two pumps on my face and neck. sunscreen ah yes, the most important part of the routine. i’m incredibly sensitive to the active ingredients in chemical sunscreens, so i have to make sure i’m using a mineral sunscreen. for the past year or so, i’ve been using the tarte - Guard 30 Vegan Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30 . it leaves a bit of a white cast if i don’t rub it in enough, but other than that, i like this!! it always adds a bit of glowiness to my skin, which i am always here for!! thank you so much for reading!! 💗