I need help desperately! I’m 4 months out from my wedding day and scrambling to try to address some skin issues.
I’m 31 years old, experiencing some signs of aging (crows feet, dynamic lines), melasma/pigmentation around my eye and across my cheekbones, hormonal acne on cheeks and chin, and skin texture. I am also keen to somehow hydrate my skin well before the wedding.
I see a functional GP who is helping regulate my hormones with diet and supplements, so I’m looking at more now what I’m putting on my skin.
I currently use The Ordinary products for retinol (1% in squalene), vitamin c (30% suspension), and HA serum. I’m looking to swap out to cosmeceutical products/stronger products just for the wedding lead up (then back to budget) so am happy to somewhat splurge.
I’m looking for an AM and PM routine that will address my above concerns and use all the good ingredients to do so.
I’ve already incorporated Aspect Phytostat moisturiser and Alpha H Liquid Gold into my routine, and I already use La Roche Posay 50+ religiously. I’m in Australia so need to be available here and if I can get it from Adore Beauty or Mecca preferably.
If anyone has recommendations for facial treatments such as skin needling, peels, facials etc I am happy to hear those too!
I’m tired of spending hours googling and searching Reddit for reviews so any help is so appreciated!
Hey @Lenny! First of all, congratulations on the upcoming wedding!
Re the skincare: please-please be careful with introducing a lot of new skincare products before the big day: the last thing you want is upsetting your skin barrier with too much exfoliation and very strong actives - that can backfire big time in terms of the skin appearance. So please be careful not to overdo it with Alpha H Liquid Gold (it's a strong exfoliator, for most people ones a week application is plenty - and that's if their skin barrier is feeling great - e.g. no retinoid tolerance issues, dryness dehydration).
On topical skincare side of things:
I'd look into slightly upgrading your retinoid: for example, going for HPR or retinal instead of retinol - for example: https://whatsinmyjar.com/product/psa-midnight-courage-rosehip-bakuchiol-retinoid-night-oil
Consider adding a product with Thiamidol for helping fade the pigmentation. Read more about it here: https://whatsinmyjar.com/skin-guide/thiamidol/ A product example: https://whatsinmyjar.com/product/eucerin-anti-pigment-dual-face-serum-for-dark-spots
I'd keep the rest of the routine as gentle as possible: simple creamy or milky fragrance-free cleanser once per day (at night), moisturizer as needed (twice per day or more). take it easy on exfoliation
Re procedures: this might be your best bet for high results in short period of time. Laser treatment can help remove pigmentation - if you go there, please make sure to find a good doctor who will make sure to take all the precautions and advice you well. A good doctor could also help you decide if a chemical peel or laser treatment is a better option for you. Low-dose botox injection can definitely help with the crows feet, forehead dynamic lines. Here again go for a good specialist, ideally a dermatologist.
I wouldn't recommend splurging on facials and fancy treatments beyond those two (laser/clinical peel and botox). I'd really avoid beauty salons: if you are up for a "radical procedure", go for a clinic and a doctor with qualifications.