Apologies, I've just noticed that you do have retinol in your routine - it's in the StriVectin - Super-C Retinol Brighten and Correct Vitamin C Serum. I wouldn't recommend this product though because it contains risky irritants but not an effective concentration of vitamin C. I'd suggest going for a potent vitamin C serum in the AM and a separate retinoid serum in the PM.
For a vitamin C serum, take a look a these options:
- https://whatsinmyjar.com/product/timeless-skin-care-10-vitamin-c-e-ferulic-acid-serum (they also make a 20% version, but 10% is enough especially when combined with a retinoid in the PM)
- https://whatsinmyjar.com/product/skinceuticals-c-e-ferulic
- https://whatsinmyjar.com/product/goldfaden-md-brightening-elixir-protect-repair-brightening-serum
hello Harri! I've just taken a look at your routine.
I think you could skip the cleanser in the morning and just splash your face with water to refresh. This will help preserve the skin barrier and keep your skin more hydrated without adding any products.
I'd also swap your One Clinic MD ZO serum for a product with retinoid (I wouldn't recommend using both because it can lead to irritation - the One Clinic MD ZO serum contains a bunch of essential oils. They smell nice, but really don't do anything for the skin apart from introducing irritation risk).
For a retinoid product, you could try one of these options (they are at different price points):
- https://whatsinmyjar.com/product/verso-super-facial-serum (uses probably the most effective over-the-counter retinoid on the market)
- https://whatsinmyjar.com/product/indeed-labs-retinol-reface-retinol-skin-resurfacer - effective and affordable
- https://whatsinmyjar.com/product/super-retinol-high-dose-booster-treatment mid price range
Btw, great job on using a good daily sunscreen! That's the most important part of a good skincare regimen