Geo, thanks for sharing! Glad it’s working so well for you.

Hi Nineu,

First of all, if you have acne, switch to salicylic acid. If you don’t get along with Paula’s Choice or The Ordinary, try The Inkey List or Cosrx BHA. Cosrx uses a derivative of salicylic acid so it may be better for you.

I think a moisturiser with hyaluronic acid is the best option for you. Your moisurizer may already have it. An oil-free mosturizer may be the best choice for you: https://www.beautifulwithbrains.com/oil-free-moisturizers/

I’ve written about how to remove sunscreen + cleanser recommendations here: https://www.beautifulwithbrains.com/should-i-remove-sunscreen-at-night/

You can use CAIS either in the morning or night after cleansing. Just wait 5 minutes before using anything else.

I was hoping you could help me as I get a bit lost in this skincare business! I’m in my early 30s and have sensitive and dehydrated skin, but oily too with some acne (specially on the chin when I get my period – no whiteheads thankfully!).

I use a gentle retinol about 3 nights a week, followed by a simple moisturiser. The other nights I use Pai’s copaiba and zinc serum followed by rosehip oil or moisturiser. Once a week I use The Inkey List’s lactic acid (not on the same night as retinol).

In the morning, I use Mad hippie’s vit c serum followed by Pai’s serum, moisturiser and EltaMD UV element sunscreen.

I have been using this moisturiser since my teenage years and it’s a basic Avene one for oily/sensitive skin. I don’t feel like it’s enough anymore. I was wondering whether I should get a hyaluronic acid serum and add it to my routine, but it feels like one extra step and I don’t even know in which order to use it! Maybe I should get a moisturiser with hyaluronic acid in it, which seems easier and said moisturiser might have some extra goodies too. Which of the two would you recommend and which specific product? Sadly my skin reacts badly to every Paula’s Choice and The Ordinary product I’ve tried.

Second question: as I now use physical sunscreen, I’ve been trying to find a cleanser that can get rid of that + my make up at nights. I’m interested in oil cleansers as they seem to be the most effective. Any recommendations please?

Third question: should I be using salicilic acid instead? I find it dries my skin quite a bit, but maybe that product wasn’t a match and there is another one waiting for me out there?

And last (sorry for the long post!): I’m thinking of adding NIOD’s copper amino isolate serum to my routine (as per your recent newsletter :). What would your thoughts be on that? And which step should it be in my routine?!

Many thanks!

Jo, yes, you can use them together. But I’d apply CeraVe lotion first and rosehip oil on top to seal everything.

Jan, your skincare routine is good. I like that you’re using the right actives to tackle your skin concerns. But yes, I’d add a hyaluronic acid serum to the mix. You can check out my faves here: https://www.beautifulwithbrains.com/best-hyaluronic-acid-serums/

I’d say Niod MMHC is the most hydrating of the lot but the others are pretty good too. You can use them before your ceramide serum or mix it with it. Hope this helps.