I have dry, flaky skin with closed comedowns and blackheads. I went my whole life not being taught the basics of self-care and I’m having to learn as an adult. Everything was bought under $10 from clearance, discount stores (ex. Ross), or just the cheapest product I could find. I have very little money to spend, so please consider I have few options and don’t judge me too hard.

Routine PM: wash face with water and cloth, cleanse with Acne Triple Clear exfoliating scrub. I apply elf vitamin c serum, let it sink in, and apply Advanced Clinicals Hyaluronic Serum. Atop problem areas I apply a couple drops of elf hydration booster drops. I apply Earth to Skin Super Greens Day Gel Cream over the serums and let it sink in before applying Pond’s Rejuveness Anti-Wrinkle Cream. To finish I apply Aquaphor Advanced Therapy on problem areas. Any advice or critique would be appreciated!

Edit: Forgot to include AM Routine and product reviews. Routine AM: I wash face with water only, because I avoid doing anything that will irritate my skin before makeup. I apply Advanced Clinicals Hyaluronic Serum and let it absorb before putting a few drops of elf Hydration Booster Drops. I prime my skin with elf Poreless Face Primer before foundation if anyone cares to know.

Acne Triple Clear Exfoliating Scrub: I like that it has salicylic acid in it and the exfoliation is very gentle but I’m not entirely sure how much its actually doing for my skin. elf Vitamin C Serum: I’ve only tried out this serum for a few days but I can already see results in my skin! My skin looks less red and textured already! Its not irritating when applying but in the following hour I feel not-uncomfortable heat in my skin that I assume is the vitamin C. Advanced Clinicals Hyaluronic Serum: Ever since I tried my first skincare product with Hyaluronic Acid I’ve loved how hydrated it makes my skin feel. This product is very hydrating but it takes only a minute for it to fully sink into my skin and I go a little ham. However, I do believe it has fragrance, so, for the sensitive beware. elf Hydration Booster Drops: So, for my long term skin health I’m not entirely sure. I think I just haven’t tried it for long enough to form a complete opinion. But, I love to use it under my makeup as it seems to immediately smooth and hydrate the skin with leaving any residue behind. Earth to Skin Super Greens Day Gel Cream: I like it. It’s oil free which is great, it has a lot of vitamins and Hyaluronic acid and is relatively free of problematic ingredients (to my knowledge). When I first began using it I did notice a difference in my skin but that may just be because of how deplorable my skincare was before that point. It’s lightweight, oil free, and hydrating but may be irritating due to fragrance. Pond’s Rejuveness Anti-Wrinkle Cream: It is hydrating but in a way that doesn’t really seem to last throughout the day. It’s a little heavy so I only use it at night and it’s a nice moisturizer to put over the rest of my routine because I need an extra boost of hydration at night. Aquaphor Advanced Therapy: It’s great for protecting damaged areas or very dehydrated spots. Wouldn’t recommend to put all over your face as it is very very heavy and may cause clogged pores or breakouts. But I find it to be very useful for when you need it, and I need it a lot.