Roast my skincare routine

In 2022 I finally started getting serious about taking care of my skin. I had always done occasional moisturizer and some physical exfoliation on problem spots (body, not face) but finally got around to nailing down an AM/PM routine as I entered my 40's, trying to make the best of what I've got left.

Now that I'm a couple of years in, I'm trying to figure out where I am in this whole thing and there is just an enormous amount of conflicting information in the skincare industry. By default, I tend to trust Korea to be at the forefront of most of the innovation and have the most knowledge here, historically. But I also try to make sure I'm watching actual MDs on YouTube and not just randoms.

If you're a skincare person, I'd love to hear your thoughts on my morning and night routines. My skin type is Normal, I am Italian so I do trend a tad oily in the T-zones - but the Irish balances it out. I don't have persistent acne, but my skin does lean towards sensitive. I'm also looking for something to use on a couple of dark spots (hereditary skin stuff) on my temples. Oh, also, what is Tretonoin and where does it fit into these routines? Does it replace something here or is it in addition?

Hit me here for direct feedback or on socials if that's where you read this/follow me. I'll drop the products I'm using below and some general 'why' thoughts as to why they are there.

Morning

Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser - I really like the scent and the fresh clean feeling. It never leaves me tight and dry afterwards either.

YTTP Vitamin C + Caffeine Serum - This also makes my skin feel a bit brighter and less puffy after sleep, I generally do this all over.

Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner - My pores trend to the larger side especially across my cheeks so I focus this there.

YTTP Firm Eye Cream - I have hooded eyelids, thanks dad, so I try to use this to prevent having to get a blephy for as long as possible.

YTTP Adaptogen Moisture Cream - Not too much science on this one I just like the lightness of it, doesn't feel heavy underneath SPF.

Sun Bum SPF 30 - Mineral sunscreen that is rated well, lightly tinted to help even out some of my dark spots or red spots. I got into the habit of using this when I was going on stage or on camera a lot.

Malin + Goetz Body Gel - Is this good? I dunno, I like the smell. I think I got this in a swag bag or a hotel.

Monoi Tiki Tahiti - This is a family thing that we all picked up back in the 90's when we visited Tahiti for the first time. It's a coconut oil scented with Tahitian Gardenia, pretty amazing as an overall body oil/lotion and not bad on hair either. The scent is really nice generally but for me it's also a deep family memory scent. Maururu Tahiti!

Vacation Super Spritzer - Probably dumb but I live in a really arid farming valley that is essentially well irrigated desert. It is never, ever humid and always hot and dry. So this is a nice refresher in the afternoon.

Evening

YTTP Superfood Cleanser - Same as above.

Versed Clarifying Serum - Willow bark and a little bit of hyaluronic acid and caffeine, nice blend. But now discontinued, dunno what a substitute would be here!

Geologie Eye Cream / Geologie Night Cream - When I started out I began with Geologie's little skin quiz thing on their site and ended up with their eye cream and night cream. I'm still using these but am phasing out the Night cream for the Paula's Choice - willing to hear alternatives though!

Paula's Choice Retinol + Peptides - Acclimated my face to this, got a bit of hot skin from it the first few times but it's fine now. I added this to my routine because everyone says you need Retinol somewhere in there.

Paula's Choice Exfoliate - I only use this about once a week just to try to keep my rough patches down.

Not pictured - KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub, Reuzel Beard Mousse - I use the bump eraser on some rough areas like elbows once or twice a week. The beard mousse helps with my 'beardruff'

Sorry for the untrimmed beard and in your face face but here's the current state of my skin.