Order of applying products?

[tragerjs]

I'm a OSPW just starting out.  I have a question about the nighttime routine.  After cleansing, should I use the serum, then the retinol product, or the other way around? 

So should I use the Olay Rregenerating Serum and then the Topix Replenix Retinol 3x or the the other way around?

And should I chose to try a moisturizer (I am closer to dry in the winter), where does that fit in?

I am adding one product at a time and giving it 3 days/times before I try a new one (I gave 36 hrs for cleanser because 2x per day).  Does that sound about right?


Thanks!
Jen

[Josh]

Welcome to the forums Jen

I would apply the Topix Replenix Retinol, wait 30 minutes or so then the Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum. You want the active ingredient in the Topix product closest to the skin so it absorbs better. Moisturiser would then go after the serum.

You should really be leaving 2 weeks in between introducing new products. It can take that long for reactions/breakouts etc to start to show.

[MediterraneanMaven]

Welcome, Jen,

I agree with Josh that you start slowly and add products as you determine that you are not allergic to the one or ones that you are using.

If you find that the retinol is causing redness (and I don't know your scores as you have not posted them but you indicate that you scored in the sensitive range, so it's worth noting), you can apply a moisturizer first, wait a few minutes and then apply the retinol product.  This will help you tolerate it better.  I would also suggest that you start very slowly with retinol as overzealousness (and believe me, I know) can lead to redness and irritation, not the result that you want from this.

Good luck and keep us posted.

MM

[MediterraneanMaven]

One good moisturizer to apply underneath the retinol is Eucerin Redness Relief Soothing Night Creme or Eucerin Coq10 Creme.  Either of these will buffer your skin from direct contact with the retinol and help you tolerate it better.