I’ve noticed that facial skin serums have become popular. I’ve started using serums such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and retinol. I also use moisturizers with SPF.
I am not sure what is the best and what order to use them on your face. I have, of course, researched it. But I would like to get your input. I have also started taking collagen in powder form.
What do you use and in what order. Do you think it makes any difference in your skin such as dryness or wrinkles?
I use a vitamin c serum in the morning followed by a moisturizer with sunscreen. At night I use a retinol serum 3-4 nights a week and always a thicker moisturizer.
I’m not sure any of this stuff works, lol. At 56, I have fine lines but otherwise my skin looks pretty good. For me, sunscreen, moisturizer and occasional exfoliation seems to at least keep my skin feeling good.
I’m also 56. I use Differin (adapalene gel) for acne (was using spirinolactone but had to go off it) and one very nice side effect is that it makes my skin look great. It’s an over-the-counter retinoid. Since menopause the acne has died down a lot but I’m still using Differin for the way it smooths my skin. I also use tinted high-spf moisturizer during the day.
I don’t have wrinkles per se and I’ve always been careful with sunscreen on my face. Sunscreen, moisturizer, and topical creams don’t help with expression lines like the “elevenses,” though, and I’d probably need botox and fillers to get rid of those.
Sorry meant to reply to thread and not leftrightleft specifically!
In the morning I wash, then vitamin c, then hyaluronic acid, then a sunscreen/moisturizer combo product. That was the order the derm told me. You have to moisturize after hyaluronic to lock it in.
At night I wash, Differin, hyaluronic acid, moisturizer, and then a face oil.
I’m almost 50 and don’t really have fine lines but my skin looked a bit dull with some spots. After consistent use I’m really seeing a wonderful difference. It’s brighter and more dewey looking, and definitely feels smoother and age spots are getting much lighter.
I use all of the above routines and products on my neck, chest and hands too.
Tretenoin (prescription) before bed. It’s a lot cheaper if using GoodRx, and lasts longer than suggested month. 15 SPF Sunscreen moisturizer in the morning. 50SPF whenever I go outside longer than about 20 min. Over 65. Minor wrinkles, but unfortunately lots of gravity damage 
I’m not sure whether to use vitamin C during the day or at night. When reading about it, I’ve read that day is better but have also read that night is better.
Also, does anyone take collagen orally?
I’ve consistently been told and read it’s better to use Vitamin C in the morning.
I’ve also heard the collagen powder doesn’t absorb properly and that hummus has the same benefits people are trying to achieve. I don’t know how to link the article.
My skin care routine is basic as basic can be. Wash my face daily. Use a moisturizer. Sunscreen for purposeful time outside. Wear very little make up.
But my soon to be 24 year old D has been very interested in a skin care regime. On a whim I bought her this face steamer last night for her bday. An Instagram person had a code and it was 50% off. I know they sell out all the time. Has anyone used something like this?
It’s only recommended to use it 1-2 times a week. Steam to open the pores and then apply skin care products.
I use vitamin c in the morning. I do not have an elaborate routine. I get everything from Kiehls
Age 59. Sometimes I wash my face in shower or sink. Recently I bought an apricot scrub but have not used it much. Open to suggestions, but mostly my “regimen” is to apply sunblock liberally before intense sun exposure.
Hi - I use Oil of Olay Microsculpting Serum (unscented). It’s the best I’ve found. Works amazingly and no irritation b/c unscented.
https://www.amazon.com/Collagen-Olay-Regenerist-Micro-Sculpting-Anti-Aging/dp/B0039NMCPG
It’s gotten amazing reviews on beautypedia https://www.beautypedia.com/ (scientific analyses of various products).
At night I use a tretonin (Rx from derm) - 2-3x a week.
In the am I pile on two types of sunscreen after the serum every single day, rain or shine LOL (physical zinc oxide block + decently expensive chemical screen (Anthelios) https://www.cvs.com/shop/la-roche-posay-anthelios-melt-in-milk-body-face-sunscreen-lotion-broad-spectrum-spf-100-1-oz-prodid-377826
Ha, and wear a hat whenever out. Yes, paranoid about sun damage LOL
@abasket - how did your daughter like the steamer??
I haven’t asked her lately but when she first got it she said it felt good during and her face felt good afterwards. Wonder if it will be nice in the winter when the air is more dry.
Do you combine serum with makeup base?
I stopped wearing makeup at all a few years back
I think a retinoid cream (prescription) is the best thing to use. Every other night works fine. I use Rodan + Fields for day,night and eye cream. I enjoy skin care and makeup. I like different shampoos, too. I guess I’m just a product junkie.
I have very sensitive skin and so in the beginning of using this Retinol, it caused me to break out, ugh. Because I have friends that have been using retinol for years, I knew this could be the case and also to give it 2 weeks before giving up.
If you find your face breaks out, give it time, give it the 2 weeks before you make a decision, and you, too, will be singing it’s praises.
I’ve never used a moisturizer that works this well this fast! My mom is in her 50’s and I’m in my 20’s and it works well for both of us!
I’m 52. I don’t think of myself as having sensitive skin but I cannot exfoliate or use retinol, it dries me right out and makes my wrinkles worse! So for me, it is a very gentle moisturizing serum am & pm, an spf moisturizer (Neutrogena) and then a heavier cream at night, right now using Murad with vitamin which is pricy but nice. I had a subscription to Cindy Crawfords Meaningful Beauty and I I really liked it. Her serum is very nice and gentle - it was all good stuff, but it’s autoship and I just could not get through it fast enough. You can change how often it ships but…it just got to be a pain so I canceled it. Her stuff really did turn my skin around when I was going through menopausal and I guess dealing with hormonal skin changes.