Here's mine - with comments about each:
Cleanse:
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser - this is MUCH better than the Cetaphil Cleanser I had been using for years. The Cetaphil was starting to dry my skin out, while the CeraVe doesn't. A real keeper.
Exfoliate:
Aquaglycolic Cleanser as a 10-minute mask every morning. This is HG for me - a way to get the benefits of AHAs without a lotion or cream that would otherwise irritate my skin.
Moisturize:
AM: Cetaphil Cream with CeraVe AM SPF 30 layered over it. There are tons of moisturizers out there, but Cetaphil Cream is just awesome on my face as a basic, product. So glad there's SOMETHING that doesn't have everything but the kitchen sink in it for so-called "anti-aging".
PM: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream (in in a dry climate, I'll layer the Cetaphil over that, otherwise not). I know this isn't Rx, but it is highly regarded as a basic OTC retinol for people who might not be able to tolerate a Rx retinoid, or for someone to introduce before moving on to something stronger.
For eyes: L'Oreal Revitalift Eye Cream - been using this for years - one of their better products as it's unscented and does the job. Not a miracle worker, but I notice the difference if I don't use it.
Protect:
The CeraVe AM takes care of that, although now some people over on MUA are saying that it has LOUSY protection. If that's the case, how come it gets great reviews and dermatologists are recommending this? It's been really a challenge for me to find something with a high SPF(for me that's 30, as anything more is likely to cause irritation)that doesn't burn my skin, make it pasty-white, or break me out(even though my skin is only normal-to-very-slightly-oily), or have some unpleasant texture that ruins any makeup.
Does this sound like a good routine? Even though I have somewhat reactive skin, I still think sometimes I'm missing out on something. Namely something to treat some sun spots. The stuff that really works is STRONG and aggressive(Rx hydroquinone and tretinoin - AKA Rx retinoid). At least my skin is pretty smooth, no clogged pores(the Aquaglycolic Cleanser makes a big difference for that along with the Neutrogena retinol)and moisturized. Oh, and I do use a nice toner, the pricey Cosmedix Benefit Balance(but at least a bottle of this lasts 6-7 months so that's not that bad pricewise per month). This made a difference too, as it's hydrating and refreshing at the same time. I pooh-poohed toners until I got onto this one, recommended by an esthetician here. I don't have a lot of wrinkles even at age 64, considering I had a good bit of earlier sun exposure.
