Many people come to look to revamp their current routines or create a new routine. While not all of the products mentioned here will work for 100% of people, this is a good place to start regardless of skin type/concern.
The products mentioned are those commonly recommended on the internet and by no means is it comprehensive. In addition, the products mentioned here tend to be affordable/widely available/effective for most people.
But PLEASE keep in mind that skincare is not an exact science and no one can guarantee success for an individual. Recommendations on here have been the most well tolerated that we've encountered and users report a high degree of success with them. However, sensitivities are possible with any product and no product can guarantee 100% efficacy and tolerance in an entire population.
First, stop using St. Ives Apricot Scrub!!! The particles are large, non-uniform, sharp, and too abrasive to be suitable for facial use. Also, ditch any citrus fruits on the face and baking soda scrubs. More info here and here.
Next, don't buy everything at once: include only 1 new product at a time. Don't buy a new full blown routine if you don't need it! Be patient, take your time, and **Test patch.** .
If you can't seem to find a particular product in your country, a few online stores/companies can be helpful and ship internationally. These include sasa, Paula's Choice, iherb, and mmmule.
Now, onto recommendations!!
Cleanser
We frequently tell folks it's not necessary to cleanse 2x a day, particularly for those suffering with oily/dehydrated/dry skin types. Exceptions include things like post-workouts or if you've been sweating through the night.
If your skin is feeling tight/dry/squeaky after cleansing, you should look for a new cleanser.
Cleanser Recs
~ Cerave Foaming (US/Canada): Suitable for acne prone
~ Cerave Hydrating (US/Canada): Better for non-acne prone/dry
~ Spectro Jel (Canada): Suitable for acne-prones
~ Boots Sensitive Foaming Wash (UK/US/Canada/other?): Potentially suitable for all skin types
~ Eucerin DermatoClean, "gentle" (Worldwide): Suitable for sensitive/acne prone
~ Oil Cleansing: Suitable for almost all skin types, but the oil/oils you use depends on your skin type. Those with SD should tread lightly with this method, as some oils can exacerbate the issue.
Exfoliation
Chemical exfoliation is the preferred method, it tends to be more gentle than physical exfoliation and you can do it daily. You can learn more about the different types of chemical exfoliators in this sidebar post.
Lactic acid is the most gentle, so if you suffer with eczema/rosacea prone sensitive skin, start with lactic. If you're acne prone/have lots of clogs and/or oily, start with a BHA (salicylic acid). If you are combo, and want the humectant benefits of an AHA, try Mandelic---partly oil soluble AHA.
Physical exfoliation (yes this includes a washcloth and the Clarisonic!) should not be used more than 1-2x a week, and not if you have active acne, sensitive, flaking, or irritated skin.
Exfoliation will be beneficial if you have any of the following concerns (not comprehensive): zits, uneven texture, congestion, blackheads, whiteheads, dull skin, dry skin, sebaceous filaments (SFs), etc.
Since AHAs/BHAs work at a lower pH to exfoliate, it's helpful to wait a few minutes before applying your next product (ie-moisturizer). If you don't have time to wait that length of time, at least wait until the AHA/BHA is dry.
Aim to use the AHAs in the PM--these cause photosensitivity. BHAs are more flexible, but when you can, do your exfoliation in the PM.
BHA exfoliator recs (alcohol free)
~ Stridex Maximum Strength Pads aka Stridex in the red box (US/available on iherb or Vitacost): 2% salicylic. If known serious sensitivity to light fragrance/menthol proceed with caution. These tend to work fine for the majority of people
~ Paula's Choice BHAs (Worldwide): Fragrance-free options, but pricier than stridex
~ BravuraLondon (UK): Various BHA products
~ Neutrogena 3 in 1 Oil Free Acne Stress Control Hydrating Acne Treatment (Various locations): 2% SA, light fragrance, contains 'cones.
AHA exfoliator recs
~ St Ives Scrub Free Exfoliating Pads (US): 4-5% lactic acid. If very sensitive to fragrance or known fruit allergies, proceed with caution.
~ Silk Naturals AHA Toner (US based but will ship to some international locations): 8% Lactic acid. Contains aloe. Fragrance-free.
~ Paula's Choice AHAs (Worldwide): Varying concentrations of glycolic acid, fragrance-free
~ Olay Regenerist Night Resurfacing Elixir (Worldwide): 8-10% glycolic acid, fragrance-free
~ BravuraLondon (UK): Varying Glycolic/lactic/ AHA+BHA combos
~ Alpha Hydrox Oil Free Gel (US/International through iHerb): 10% glycolic acid, fragrance free
~ Alpha Hydrox Swipes or Intensive Serum ( US/ Parent company may ship international to some locations): 14% glycolic acid, fragrance free
~ MUAC Mandelic Serum (US/ ships internationally): 10% mandelic acid, fragrance-free
~ Avene Cleanance K (US/Canada/Europe/Aussie/possibly other locations): AHA/BHA product. 2% Lactic, 6% Glycolic, and 1% Salicylic. Slightly more expensive than the other recommendations. Fragrance-free.
Moisturize
Everyone needs a moisturizer, even those with oily skin! A lot of the time at least part of the oil production is commonly due to dehydration (aka lack of moisture).
Moisturizer Recs
~ Cerave Cream aka Cerave in the tub (US/Canada): Suitable for any skin type. Also works for the body. Fast absorbing, lots of humectants/ceramides. This thread has info on getting a pump lid for the jar.
~ Oilatum Natural Repair (UK): Suitable for any skin type. Similar to Cerave in the tub, though a tad more greasy.
~ Cetaphil Lotion/Cream (Many locations worldwide): Suitable for any skin type. Slightly greasier formula to Cerave in the tub.
~ Vaseline (Worldwide): Suitable for any skin type. Good to add on top of moisturizer, or use alone to prevent water loss.
~ EltaMD Intense Moisturizer (US): Vaseline alternative, non-sticky/day friendly option.
Sunscreen
This is your choice, just be sure to wear it everyday and it's at least SPF30 with high UVA protection. It's even more crucial if you're using AHAs, retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or you're on particular oral medications.
Proper amount for application is 2mg/cm2. This is about 1/4 teaspoon (~1.2 mL) for the face alone. Reapplication should be every 1.5-2 hours (maybe even more depending on how nasty the UV index will be that day), and after every time you take a dunk in water.
Recommendations highly vary depending on location and type of finish you prefer. This sidebar link on sunscreens gives you all you need to know. Also, try a board search and look on the first few pages of the sub.
Generally, if you are very sensitive or acne prone, you'll want to look for an all physical sunscreen or at least a physical/chemical combo. All chemical sunscreens tend to cause stinging/breakouts/irritation for many people.
Spot Treatments/Masks
This will vary based on your skin type, personal preference as well. An effective spot treatment generally has antimicrobial/anti inflammatory properties.
Spot Treatments to Consider
~ Benzoyl Peroxide cream/wash: If in a wash, leave on skin for a few minutes before cleansing off to allow the BP to take effect. Side effects can be dryness/redness sensitivity. 2.5% is also A-OK to use, and can be just as effective as the higher concentrations with just less irritation.
~ Sulfur ointment/cream: Tends to be less irritating than BP
~ Tea Tree Oil: Should be diluted with a carrier oil to avoid a chemical burn. Avoid if prone to allergic contact dermatitis. Potent fragrance.
~ Neem Oil: Very potent fragrance
~ Clay masks: These will help clear pores and help bring some acne to a head. Bentonite is the strongest, not great for dry/very sensitive skin, and should be mixed with Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV). Kaolin/Rhassoul/French green are less drying and do not need to be mixed with ACV.
Order of Products
As far as the order of your new and snazzy routine goes, it really depends, which is partly why we didn't include anything specific on here.
There's also a lot of flexibility in how/when you can use things (more pertaining to hydroxy acids). Some people use multiple hydroxy acids (some in the form of a liquid) and/or have RX products that they need to use, so depending on the situation, the order and how often to apply things will differ.
An example routine with all of the things listed could go:
AM