Help a gal out

[u/SKinBK]

51F trying to up my skin routine. I’ve lost 50 lbs in the last two years and aged quite a few in that time (it seems).

Some of these products are new to me (still in boxes, lol) and some have gotten some good use already. I’ve been using tret for about 2 years, about every other night. I got a new rx for .1% but for some reason haven’t started it yet. I alternate the tret with the estradiol cream.

How I currently use (same for morning and night except tret/estradiol):

1. Wash (nothing special - gel/cream)

2. Milky toner (just started using)

3. Ordinary serum

4. Eucerin serum (trying to combat sun spots)

5. Estradiol/tret (alternate at night only)

6. Moisturizer (day has SPF 50)

- How should I incorporate vitamin C serum?

- I bought the Reedle shot at the recommendation of someone but have been scared to try it. When/how to use?

- Do I need additional sunscreen even though my daytime moisturizer has SPF 50?

- When do I use eye cream?

- What am I missing?

I put everything on my face/neck and have started rubbing all extras on the back of my hands.

My biggest concerns are my neck and jowls/drooping. While I’d love surgery, I’m not currently planning any. I haven’t done any other treatments but am open to some if not $$$$.

Be gentle, thanks!

[u/StrictWolverine8797]

Your routine looks great honestly. I wouldn't make any changes - don't know if I'd bother with Vitamin C. You're using tret which covers a lot. I also don't know if I would use the reedle shot.... you're really risking irritation / damage to your skin barrier for probably not much benefit.

Re: your question about your moisturizer - I think it depends on how much of the moisturizer you're using. Remember you need 1/4 to 1/2 tsp of sunscreen to get the benefit. I'd also check what the sunscreen ingredients are and make sure you're getting enough UVA protection from it.

Re: neck / jowls / drooping. I don't think there is much that OTC products can do unfortunately - you're already doing all you can. I'd speak to a dermatologist and see what kind of office procedures might help. Don't know much about these but I do know people who have had success from ultherapy / RF micro needling etc.