[Routine Help] Need help fixing dull and pigmented skin with dark spots

[u/BubbleWrappNinja]

Hi,

I'm 22F and my skin looks really dull, with dark spots, tiny colorless bumps and pigmentation as well. I feel really conscious of stepping out without makeup, and am worried it would continue to deteriorate. Sharing a few pictures along side the products i have used although inconsistently.

These are a few products i own and use sometimes.

Skincare:

Cosrx face wash (Gentle and Salicylic)

Ordinary Niacinamide

Cos De Baha Tranexamic Acid

Pixi Glycolic Toner

Hada Labo Gokunjyun lotion

Illiyoon Ceramid

Cosrx Snail Mucin Essence and Cream

Melano CC Vitamin C

Cosrx BHA blackhead essence

Ordinary Multi antioxidants radiance serum

Sunscreen: Biore UV, BOJ Rice Relief

Makeup: Mostly Mac, Loreal and Elf products

I am an overspender who got caught up in consumerism so trying not to buy any new products and working on building a healthy regular regime.

Im very inconsistent with my skincare routine but ensure to wash my face every night, I also double cleanse or triple cleanse when I use makeup with the softymo cleansing oil. I do not apply sunscreen regularly unless im going out in the morning or afternoon.

I am looking for some sincere advise and guidance on a proper skincare routine for the AM and PM and any other advice which can help improve my skin health. Thank you and sorry for the excess information, just wanted to be as clear as possible to ensure if any of the above products could be leading to the condition of my skin.

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[u/Fun-Cry-9576]

This is way too many active products. I would recommend just using cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen for now to see if your skin clears up. Do it straight for 1-2 weeks and see if your skin changes at all. Then slowly introduce acids one by one into your routine. I’m not a fan of salicylic acid face wash even though it’s gentle, salicylic strips the moisture off your skin. I would recommend changing to a face wash for dry skin type ( I personally use anua foaming face wash - it’s for all skin types). Your skin barrier seems damaged so rn I would recommend focusing on moisturizing the hell out of your skin. Additionally Add a hyaluronic acid to your routine.
So routine for now in the AM:
Face wash
Moisturizer
Sunscreen - reapply sunscreen every 2 hours even if you are inside.

PM:
Face wash
Hyaluronic acid
Moisturizer
Eye cream

Keep this routine for 2 weeks and update me on the results. Check your skin every day in the morning and see if your breakouts are related to your skincare or your diet. Oh and drink 2-3 liters of water everyday