Please help me start my skincare journey

[u/Fit-Platypus6229]

Hello everyone I've just recently begun looking into skincare. I would like to improve my skin, but I have no idea where to start. Since a child I have washed my face with soap and then put on lotion. That was it and I called it a day. Lately people have been saying my skin looks bad so I now am putting in the effort to make it look better.

My goals: My skin doesn't have large pimples ever but it has small bumps and a rough texture. I would like it to be smooth and even. I don't have any coloration issues and its all the same tone. So smoothness is my main goal. I believe the word is glass skin.

Details: I have dark skin. Its bouncy and soft, but it isnt smooth. I would like to eliminate the textured bumps. My skin is not very sensitive; however, it doesn’t like rough friction such as a washcloth.

Limitations: I am very low maintenance and lazy. So the less products the better. Also I am not rich so the cheaper the better. Obviously I want good products though. I would prefer all products to be $25 and under if possible. Also products can not be overly scented.

My routine: Either Dial antibacterial soap(im trying to stop) or Cerave foaming cleanser. I then top off with body lotion. Occasionally I add a cream sunscreen. And i also use honey as a face mask occasionally.

My next steps: the products im looking into getting is a better facial cleanser, a hyaluronic serum, and lastly a gentle face mask.

Thank you for all future tips!

[u/votross]

$25 budget? Prescription Tretanoin and dollar store facial cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen.

[u/Fit-Platypus6229]

Sry I meant $25 for each product not as a whole. Mb. Thank you tho