Will get to some of the recent inquiries above, but for now, my updated routine :-D
I've bolded the new additions, and also noted which ingredients in each are most effective/unique. Note that these are products I only use on the face.
Morning:
1) Cleanser: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser (a gentle, low pH cleanser that is free of any fragrance, dyes, physical exfoliants, or any irritants, and lathers without the use of sulfates but is still powerful enough to remove sunscreen/makeup without the need for multiple rounds of cleansing; the Niacimamide and Ceramides help soothe skin and keep the moisture barrier intact while still providing a thorough cleansing)
2) Toner: Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner (perfect for humid/hot weather compared to the more emollient Paula's Choice-style toners, and the low concentration of plant/fruit oils is worth the pleasing natural fragrance; the Licorice Root Extract is a super calming ingredient that makes this a great aftershave)
3) Serum: Asterwood Naturals Matrixyl 3000 + Argireline Peptide + Vitamin C (a super light yet hydrating fluid that is loaded with skin-repairing peptides, antioxidants, and humectants at therapeutically appropriate concentrations for an absolutely absurdly affordable price - easily my favorite skin care product in years; Matrixyl is a fairly common blend of peptides that help fight off the onset of wrinkles, but in combination with the mild muscle relaxant Argireline, Hyaluronic Acid, and 20% Vitamin C in its most stable form, it's an absolutely brilliant formulation)
4) Sunscreen/Moisturizer: Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex SPF 30 (as a darker-skinned individual, I've never been a massive fan of mineral sunscreens, but this light, non-greasy formulation trades the white cast for a subtle, brightening glow and while the Shine-Free claims are not altogether fulfilled, it won't exacerbate any existing oiliness like my old emollient Kiss My Face sunscreen could sometimes do; Green Tea Leaf Extract, Chamomile Flower Extract, and Algae Extract are great additions that make this a great calming moisturizer in addition to a fantastic sunscreen)
5) Setting Powder: Physicians Formula Super BB Insta Ready Filter Trio Powder SPF 30 (I don't wear makeup, but for added SPF protection. a subtle setting powder like this one or other ones in the Physicians Formula line can help enhance your sunscreen's potency, with the added side benefit of reducing the appearance of shine without adding the appearance of wearing makeup; Mushroom Extract has nice antioxidant properties and Hydrogenated Castor Oil is always a winner for added moisture retention)
Evening:
1) Cleanser: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
2) Toner: Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Calming Toner (a milk-textured fluid that is a bit heavy for your average toner, but is so packed with skin-identical and cell-communicating ingredients that it could practically serve as a moisturizer on its own; Vitamin C, E and B5, along with Niacinamide, not to mention all the soothing anti-irritants like Allantoin make this toner the ideal barrier replenishment for sensitive skin)
3) Exfoliant: Paula's Choice CLEAR Extra Strength Exfoliating Solution with 2% BHA (a typical exfoliant with an atypical delivery mechanism for deeper but still gentle penetration, and a product that should be a staple of everyone's nightly skincare routine; Salicylic Acid is the superstar ingredient here, and the answer to everything from blackheads to enlarged pores to redness)
4) Serum: Stratia Rewind (a fantastically spreadable, cosmetically appealing serum that is advertised as an essence for subsequent moisturizers but is itself a powerfully moisturizing and anti-aging solution; Niacinamide and DMAE are perfect for post-exfoliant pore love, and the Centella Asiatica Extract is great for improving the appearance of acne scarring)
4) Moisturizer: The Ordinary Buffet (a cutting-edge formulation that packs the same anti-aging ingredients in my morning serum bar Vitamin C, but in a richer but not uncomfortably thick texture that just quenches skin like no other moisturizer I've ever used)
NOTES OF DIFFERING CONSEQUENCE AND IDENTICAL STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS
1) A facial moisture mist like the NuSkin NaPCA Moisture Mist is, for skin care done quick and cheap, the undisputed champion of value and efficiency. Its combination of Niacimaide, Sodium PCA, Hyaluronic Acid, and Aloe Vera make it a potent moisturizer unto itself, and on lazy evenings, is just enough post-cleansing skin care to not feel guilty. But it's also great to set powder with, and restores a natural dewy look if you've happened to over-apply powder. Any flaking or dryness during the day if you're on Retin-A? Just a little spritz and gone. I use it on my entire body, keep an extra bottle in my car, and would basically bathe in the stuff if I could.
2) 2-3 times a week, I use Tretinoin 0.1% as an anti-aging booster. It's easy to get without a prescription from places like Indonesia where it can be purchased OTC, but any retinoid should not be taken lightly.
3) Once a week, I use AHA for added exfoliation. The Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant that I use has a lighter texture than the one I've typically recommended, and is great for high-humidity environments and times of the year, but the other one is still totally fine (that dollar per ounce!).
4) For a more legitimately shine-free experience, the Paula's Choice CLEAR Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30 is a fantastic chemical (non-physical/mineral) sunscreen, but make sure to apply it 15 minutes before sun exposure
5) If you wear water-resistant sunscreen actives or heavy makeup (particularly water-resistant products around the eye area), cleansing with a water-based gel cleanser like the CeraVe should come after an oil cleanse with a dedicated cleansing oil like the Kose Softymo Cleansing Oil or (my personal preference) a bottle of cold-pressed Rosehip Seed or Kukui Oil from your local drug store.
6) Few oral supplements will help your skin. I'm personally not a fan of supplements in general. But in my experience, a combination of 1000mg Vitamin C and 500mg Glutathione daily is an incredibly effective (and safe!) skin brightening solution. Been doing it for years.
Hope this helps someone!
