Skin care routine help needed please

[bookishbeauty]

I am switching to SN skin care from drugstore brands, and have already bought full sizes of Apricot Cleansing Oil and Pore Refining Toner. I've been using those for a couple of weeks now, with great results--I can't believe how much better my face was when I started using the cleansing oil! I ordered some serum and moisturizer samples last week and have been experimenting with them--now I have a couple of questions. I am 32, some freckles and sun damage, large pores on cheeks and nose area, dry/flaky skin sometimes, starting to get some slight wrinkling around eyes and on forehead, and prone to that ouchie acne on chin and jawline. When I list it all out like that it sounds like I am a mess, but overall I'd say my skin's pretty good from a couple of feet away.

I guess my goal with skin care at this point would be to try to reduce pore size if that's possible, keep the flakies at bay, prevent the acne, and do some preventing of more wrinkles (also if that's even possible!). Is it overkill at my age to use the Facelift Serum with the Firming Moisturizer at night? I probably will stick with an SPF drugstore moisturizer in the day time, so we're just talking night routine. Any thoughts?

(For reference I got samples of the Aloe & Green Tea Serum, the Facelift Serum, Firming Moisturizer, Hemp Moisturizer, Raspberry Moisturizer, and Argan Moisturizer. No adverse reactions to any of these.)

[JenW]

I don't think youa re too young to start with the items you mentioned. For pore size- be sure your skin is well hydrated and the pores are cleared out. AHA or BHA Toners help with clearing the pores, and the hydrating serums like Green Tea & Aloe or Oatmeal are great for this. The Firming Moisturizer and Facelift serum will address the fine lines.

At night, layer the serums and then moisturize with the Firming. In the day it is a great idea to stick with a moisturizer that is tested for SPF. You can layer serums under it, too. Sometimes, I even layer my SPF moisturizer over Firming or Intensive Moisturizer in the daytime.

[Autumn]

Just a couple of general suggestions here.

I would not try too many new things at once. I would try one new product at a time. When you have a lot of products in rotation it is sometimes tough to know what is working, and what is not. Also if you develop a reaction or develop new breakouts, it is easier to pinpoint the problem.

I agree with Jen on sunscreen everyday. I can tell who is a regular sun worshiper and who uses sunscreen on a regular basis. The person avoiding the sun will have more even toned skin. Sun damage (pigmentation) can show up on ladies in ther twenities who spent too much time in tanning beds or at the beach.

I have problem with clogged pores and I like to use BHA under my sunscreen during the day. BHA works well and exfoliates within the pore. BHA also helps to calm redness with me (and others mentioned this on a skin care forum.)

I also like AHA. Karen's toner is very mild for AHA; but effective. I will reorder again. (For the record, I have other more expensive AHA products in my bathroom.) AHA exfoliate on the top surface. I use both AHA and BHA in my routine. Skin that is exfoliated AND well hydrated will appear to be more even toned, fine lines not as noticeable and in time your pores will look smoother.

Skin type: almost 50; sensitive reactive fair skin and still breakout prone

[bookishbeauty]

Thank you both, very helpful. The BHA toner--is that one of the ones that increase photosensitivity or shouldn't be combined with other products?

[JenW]

Thank you both, very helpful. The BHA toner--is that one of the ones that increase photosensitivity or shouldn't be combined with other products?

It does increase photosensitivity, but you should be fine with your SPF moisturizer. Also, I would not layer it in the same application with Super Serum.....but you did not mention getting a sample of it.

[Colleen]

Something with vitamin c will help with the acne. I have found both the vitamin c peptide and the face lift serum work great for this. I can't use the super serum.

[bookishbeauty]

Thanks JenW...I didn't sample the Super Serum, so I should be good.

Thanks Colleen. I am trying the Facelift with vitamin C all week, I am hoping it will get rid of the chin breakout I have.

[Autumn]

I wanted to add that years ago I had acne scarring along the jawline. It takes a while to see results, but regular use of AHA does help fade marks. Also be sure to use sunscreen when using (chemical) exfoliates such as AHA, BHA, retinol, etc. The sun can unfortunately make some marks on the face appear darler so I know I sound like a broken record...don't forget sunscreen.