Garden Of Wisdom Skincare Regimens

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Garden of Wisdom

Garden of Wisdom, or GoW as it’s often referred to, has been making waves on Reddit and beauty blogs for several years due to its clean, straightforward and affordable serums. Based in Arizona, the products are formulated and manufactured by two incredible skincare experts, Markey and Jen. Impressively, every single formula is cruelty-free, suitable for vegans and free from alcohol, soya and silicones. The formulas available on VH have been created by Shabir exclusively for us, so they are different to the ones you’ll find on Garden of Wisdom. 

From skincare staples such as Hyaluronic Acid and Rosehip Oil to more niche ingredients, including Mandelic Acid and Squalane Oil, the range has a solution for every skin issue, regardless of your skin type and tone. Here are our suggested Garden of Wisdom skincare regimens depending on your skin concern…

For Acne-Prone Skin

It can be tempting to attack your skin with anti-bacterial ingredients and acids when it comes to acne, but these may dry it out. This often results in your sebaceous glands producing more oil to overcompensate, which leads to clogged pores and more breakouts. A better approach is to hydrate and strengthen your skin barrier in the morning, and use a gentle exfoliating acid, such as salicylic acid or azelaic overnight. Not only do both of these acids help to unblock pores, but they also help reduce the appearance of existing acne scars.

AM: Hyaluronic Acid Serum; Niacinamide Serum followed by Daily Hydrator 

PM: Salicylic Acid 2% Serum or Azelaic Acid 10% Serum; Hyaluronic Acid Serum followed by Daily Hydrator

For Acne-Prone Skin – Darker Skin Tones

Salicylic and azelaic acids can have a lightening effect on darker skin tones, so it is better to swap in mandelic acid instead. Mandelic acid is a gentler exfoliator, but will help unclog pores and remove any dead cells on the surface of skin.

AM: Hyaluronic Acid Serum; Niacinamide Serum followed by Daily Hydrator

PM: Mandelic Acid 10% Serum; Hyaluronic Acid Serum followed by Daily Hydrator

For Non-Inflammatory Acne

Clogged pores usually results in either whiteheads or blackheads. The latter tend of form in clusters, usually around your hairline, chin or T-zone, while whiteheads can pop up anywhere in a group or on their own. The best approach is to clear your pores with a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) such as salicylic acid, which unblocks pores, as well as gently exfoliates the surface layer of skin. It might be worth using the below on the problem areas rather than all over your face and neck first and foremost.

AM: Salicylic Acid 2% Serum; Niacinamide Serum followed by Daily Hydrator

PM: Azelaic Acid 10% Serum; Niacinamide Serum followed by Daily Hydrator

To Help Combat Ageing

As we age our body’s production of hyaluronic acid, collagen, elastin and ceramides slows down, which results in drier, slacker skin and the appearance the fine lines and wrinkles. GoW’s Anti-Aging MultiPeptide Serum contains an impressive amount of peptides, which help boost your skin’s natural production of collagen to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, as well as a number of antioxidants to help prevent environmental factors ageing your skin.

AM: Anti-Aging MultiPeptide Serum; Niacinamide Serum; Eye Contour Serum followed by Daily Hydrator

PM: Lactic Acid 5% Serum or Glycolic Acid Serum 5%; Anti-Aging MultiPeptide Serum; Granactive Retinoid 5% Serum; Eye Contour Serum followed by 100% Pure Prickly Pear Seed Oil or 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil

Lactic Acid 5% Serum is ideal for those with sensitive skin. Glycolic Acid Serum 5% is a smaller molecule and may cause irritation. Use either acid twice a week gradually increasing to daily PM usage if necessary and wear an SPF cream during the day.

For Dehydrated Skin

Dry, dehydrated skin can often look dull and lacklustre and feel tight, itchy and sensitive. Hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient to combat this as it has the ability to hold 1000 times its weight in water, which means it can help your skin stay hydrated for longer. Employing oils will also help to replenish and nourish your skin.

AM: Hyaluronic Acid Serum followed by 100% Pure Squalane Oil

PM: Lactic Acid 5% Serum or Glycolic Acid Serum 5%; Hyaluronic Acid Serum followed by 100% Pure Squalane Oil or 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Argan Oil or 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil

Lactic Acid 5% Serum is ideal for those with sensitive skin. Glycolic Acid Serum 5% is a smaller molecule and may cause irritation. Use either acid twice a week gradually increasing to daily PM usage and wear an SPF cream during the day.

For Hyperpigmented Skin

Hyperpigmentation is caused by melanin clumping together, resulting in sporadic darker patches of skin. It can be caused by hormone changes or sun damage, so we recommend that you opt for a good quality SPF every day. When it comes to fading these dark spots, Alpha arbutin inhibits pigment manufacture; kojic acid is a well known skin lightening agent and niacinamide, present within the formulation, works to prevent the uneven deposition of pigment onto skin.  

AM: Hyaluronic Acid Serum; Alpha Arbutin 2% and Kojic Acid 1% Serum followed by Daily Hydrator

PM: Vitamin C Serum 23% and Ferulic Acid followed by 100% Pure Prickly Pear Seed Oil. You can use Azelaic Acid 10% Serum (optional) in addition to Vitamin C serum.

Twice a week in the PM regimen, use Glycolic Acid Serum 5% alongside Vitamin C Serum to slough away hyperpigmented skin cells gradually. 

Rosacea-Prone Skin

Rosacea can be brought on by many factors, including lifestyle and genetics, and we recommend you take a two-pronged approach, as recommended in Rosacea Uncovered. Topically you can soothe rosacea-prone skin by keeping it hydrated and strengthening your skin barrier. While it might seem counter-productive to use an acid on inflamed skin, azelaic acid is known for its calming properties and can help reduce inflammation.

AM: Hyaluronic Acid Serum; Niacinamide Serum followed by Daily Hydrator

PM: Azelaic Acid 10% Serum followed by Niacinamide Serum

Explore the full Garden of Wisdom range here, and for any further help on which products to buy, please feel free to comment below.

 

This content is not intended to replace conventional medical treatment. Any suggestions made and all herbs listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, condition or symptom. Personal directions and use should be provided by a clinical herbalist or other qualified healthcare practitioner.

Hair Skin Nails, Shabir Daya | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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  • http://www.victoriahealth.com/ Victoria Health

    Hi Joan, below is a suggested order of usage for your current regimen of products.
    AM: Cleanse; PHA Plus; Buffet; Squalane or your own moisturiser
    PM: Cleanse; Vitamin C Serum; PHA Plus; Buffet; Prickly Pear Oil.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • http://www.victoriahealth.com/ Victoria Health

    Hi Claire, I have set out a simple regimen in the order of usage as below.
    AM: Your cleanser; Anti-aging MultiPeptide Serum; Niacinamide Serum; Eye Contour Serum; Squalane
    PM: Your cleanser; Salicylic acid serum; Vitamin C Serum; Anti-aging MultiPeptide Serum; Granactive Retinoid; Squalane
    The regimen will help to hydrate skin which is important because dehydration leads to inflammation which in turn can cause a combination of excess oil and dryness in patches. Niacinamide will control excess oil production and helps to regulate pigment deposition.
    Vitamin C Serum displays a multitude of benefits whilst brightening skin’s appearance.
    Granactive Retinoid enhances cell turnover to reveal softer, smoother skin and over a period of time helps diminish pore size. Please use twice a week to start with gradually increasing to daily PM usage.

    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • http://www.victoriahealth.com/ Victoria Health

    Hi Deborah, I am so happy to learn that the GoW serums have been of benefit. RetiStar Retinol is gentle but its always beneficial to start gently perhaps twice a week and then gradually increasing to daily usage. You might wish to consider Granactive Retinoid Serum which is equally gently but is thought to provide impressive results. Do remember the use of a sunscreen during the day when using retinol or retinoid products.
    Both Ionicell and Hyaluronic acid provide impressive results as far as skin is concerned however they also display numerous other benefits. My Essential 6 supplements are a guide to some of the most important supplements to consider but not necessarily set in stone.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • http://www.victoriahealth.com/ Victoria Health

    Hi, sleep deprivation certainly plays a toll on skin and I am going to suggest a simple regimen which hopefully counters the fatigued look and one that is perfectly safe even if you are breastfeeding.
    AM: Cleanse; Hyaluronic Acid Serum; Squalane
    PM: Cleanse; Vitamin C Serum + ferulic acid; Hyaluronic Acid Serum; Squalane

    Hyaluronic acid helps hydrate skin since dehydration can lead to inflammation and dullness.
    Squalane is a super emollient working to moisturise skin’s surface and also helping to prevent dehydration.
    Vitamin C serum displays a multitiude of benefits including brightening and freshening a dull looking complexion.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Joan

    Thank you very much indeed for your reply, am going to purchase more products from
    GOW, what Vit A serum or cream would you recommend and maybe another serum eg Niacinamide ?? oops going to order the cleanser and Hydrator also : )

  • http://www.victoriahealth.com/ Victoria Health

    Hi Joan, try using the regimen I have recommended because I dont think its a good idea to use more than three serums in any given regimen. You can of course introduce Granactive Retinoid into the PM regimen and alternate this with the PHA Plus Serum but remember to use an SPF during the day.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • http://www.victoriahealth.com/ Victoria Health

    Hi Maddy, I have outlined a simple regimen which will be suitable for even the most sensitive skin. Please use in the order listed.
    AM: Daily Cleanser; Hyaluronic acid Serum; Niacinamide Serum; Daily Hydrator
    PM: Daily Cleanser; Azelaic acid Serum; Hyaluronic Acid Serum; Squalane
    Daily Cleanser rinses off dirt and grime without stripping skin of its natural oils which otherwise results in excess oil production.
    Hyaluronic acid helps hydrate the dermal layer since dehydration causes underlying inflammation, sensitivity and may lead to excess oil production around the t-zone.
    Niacinamide Serum helps regulate oil production, calms inflammation and redness whilst strengthening skin barrier function to prevent dehydration.
    Daily Hydrator provides surface hydration without clogging pores.
    Azelaic acid is a skin-friendly acid that gently exfoliates whilst also helping to unclog pores of debris. This also helps with gently enhancing cell turnover to reveal healthier, fresher skin cells.
    Squalane is a superb emollient which moisturises the surface to tackle all forms of dryness.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Maddy Hayes

    Fantastic! Thank you very much! How long should I leave in between cleansing, applying serum and hydrator etc?

    Many thanks

    Maddy

  • http://www.victoriahealth.com/ Victoria Health

    Hi Maddy, normally 30 seconds to one minute is sufficient between serum applications.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Maddy Hayes

    Many thanks for your quick reply! I will give this a go!

  • http://www.victoriahealth.com/ Victoria Health

    You are welcome Maddy and please keep us informed if you can.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Tracy Lewis

    I have just ordered the whole combat aging regimen, and just wondered at what point do I include a sunscreen, and can you recommend a sunscreen product that I can wear daily with makeup. Thank you.

  • http://www.victoriahealth.com/ Victoria Health

    Hi Tracy, I would recommend iS Clinical’s Extreme Protect SPF30 to be used at the end of the regimen.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • http://www.victoriahealth.com/ Victoria Health

    Hi Sara, Avocado BioFermentation is Avocado Fruit Extract that has been extracted via fermentation of lactobactillus, It makes the avocado more bio-available to the skin. It is nutrient, hydrating and skin softening and is not an oil at all. Likewise the jojoba protein is derived using protein digesting enzymes on jojoba seeds extracted with water which displays exceptional film forming properties and in non-comedogenic.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Romy

    Hi, I’m worried that my Vitamin C Serum 23% + Ferulic Acid May have spoiled because I accidentally left the cap off for 48 hrs! Will it still be as effective? Also can this Vitamin C serum be combined with the Alpha Arbutin + Kojic Acid serum in the evening? Thanks!

  • http://www.victoriahealth.com/ Victoria Health

    Hi Romy, please do not worry because the Vitamin C Serum is in an airless pump so completely stable and effective until the last drop! You can indeed combine Vitamin C Serum with Alpha Arbutin Serum using the Vitamin C Serum first.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Dilraj Grewal

    Hi Shabir, I’ve been using the outlined routine now for about 2 months and noticed that my skin has settled down a bit. I absoutley love the cleanser! The most gentle but effective cleanser i have eever used! Hoping that the longer I use the routine the results will improve. However quick questions, what can I use as a spot treatment for breakout that i do still have? In the past I used a dab of tea tree oil. Not sure if GoW has something for that usage. Also some days I think my skin could use for a little extra moisture, specially when I’m doing a face of makeup, do you recommend any of the facial oils for my skin and with the above routine. And is there any products that I can use in the same way as a mask or scrub when my skin is building up?

  • http://www.victoriahealth.com/ Victoria Health

    Hi Dilraj, I am so glad to lear that you love Garden of Wisdom’s Daily Cleanser and that the regimen provided has been of benefit. For spot treatment, some people do apply salicylic acid but you may need to purchase Benzoyl Peroxide or tea tree oil both of which are not in this range. If your skin needs a little moisture, please use Squalane Oil which is a superb emollient which is non-greasy, light and suitable for all skin types. Garden of Wisdom for VH do not make a physical exfoliant since these can cause redness, inflammation which can actually lead to more oil production.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Anne

    Dear Shabir,
    Thank you so much for your personal reply, it’s greatly appreciated! I use everything that you recommended and my skin looks so much better than it did before! Even my friends notice.
    The only thing is, the AM regimen (Daily Cleanser; Anti-aging MultiPeptide Serum; Niacinamide Serum; Daily Hydrator) seems to leave a layer, that comes off in little rolls when I touch my face (I know I should stop that ;)) and it appears shiny. I’d rather not use make-up all over my face to attack the shinyness. Anything you could recommend? Should I change the Daily Hydrator for something else?
    Many thanks,
    Kind regards,
    Anne

  • http://www.victoriahealth.com/ Victoria Health

    Hi Anne, I so glad to learn that GoW for VH serums have been effective. It could be a case of using too much serum or try using the niacin amide serum three times a week rather than daily. I don’t think its the Daily Hydrator which is very light.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Carol

    Hi there – I live in New Zealand (originally from the UK). The sun is harsh here and I wear a SPF all year round. I’m 52 and have relatively olive complexion (I catch the sun easily unfortunately). I’ve been reading about GoW and I’m really keen to try. Generally my skin is normal to dry and I’m beginning to see a few wrinkles (forehead and crowsfeet) appear. Could you recommend some products for me please. Kind Regards Carol

  • http://www.victoriahealth.com/ Victoria Health

    Hi Carol, I have set out a simple regimen below incorporating serums that will help to combat ageing whilst ensuring that skin is hydrated.
    AM: Anti-Aging MultiPeptide Serum; Niacinamide Serum; Eye Contour Serum; SPF Moisturiser
    PM: Vitamin C Serum 23% + Ferulic acid; Anti-Aging MultiPeptide Serum; Eye Contour Serum; Squalane
    The multipeptide serum contains technologies that work to enhance collagen production, prevent collagen degrdation, hydrate skin and provide antioxidant protection.
    Niacinamide Serum works to improve skin barrier function, ensure healthy ceramide production (small lipids which help elasticity) and may be invaluable to ensure healthy pigment distribution.
    Eye Contour Serum helps tackle fine lines and any under eye puffiness as well as dark circles. This is optional since you can use the peptide serum right under the eye region.
    Vitamin C serum helps collagen manufacture, enhances skin hydration and repair whilst offering antioxidant protection the following day.
    Squalane is a superb surface emollient working to restore skin elasticity.

    Best wishes,
    shabir

  • http://www.victoriahealth.com/ Victoria Health

    Hi Angie, I am so glad that you are enjoying using GoW products. It appears that the Daily Hydrator is simply not providing sufficient hydration and hence I would recommend introducing 100% Pure Squalane which is a superb light emollient oil that sinks into skin rapidly.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • http://www.victoriahealth.com/ Victoria Health

    Hi Alexandra, I don’t think that its the Niacinamide Serum because this normally displays anti-inflammatory benefits. It could be one of the other serums or an acid that you may be using? I definitely agree in not wasting money so can please let me know your routine so perhaps I can ascertain if it is something else that is causing this redness.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • http://www.victoriahealth.com/ Victoria Health

    Hi Trevanne, you might wish to consider the following regimen.
    AM: Cleanse; Hyaluronic acid serum; Daily Hydrator;
    PM: Cleanse; Azelaic acid serum; Hyaluronic acid serum; moisturiser assuming its non-comedogenic.
    Twice a week, you might consider introducing Salicylic acid serum instead of the azelaic serum to exfoliate and deep clean pores.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • trevanne

    thank you so much Shabir .. I was really confused ..i will try this routine and hopefully I will see good results best wishes trevanne

  • http://www.victoriahealth.com/ Victoria Health

    You are welcome Trevanne and please keep us posted if you can.

  • http://www.victoriahealth.com/ Victoria Health

    Hi Syazahamnii, I have set out a simple regimen to tackle non-inflammatory acne which will ensure that your skin does not become too dry.
    AM: Daily Cleanser; Niacinamide Serum; Daily Hydrator
    PM: Daily Cleanser; Azelaic acid; Hyaluronic acid serum
    Daily Cleanser removes dirt and grime without stripping skin of its natural oils
    Niacinamide Serum works to calm down inflammation, regulates oil production, strengthens skin barrier function to prevent dehydration.
    Daily Hydrator is a very light emulsion which hydrates the surface layers without clogging pores.
    Azelaic acid serum works to gently exfoliate top layers of the skin to remove dead skin and clogged oils.
    Hyaluronic acid serum hydrates the lower epidermis since dehydration can lead to inflammation and irregular skin activity.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • http://www.victoriahealth.com/ Victoria Health

    Hi Francesca, I have set out a simple regimen for rosacea-prone skin with hyperpigmentation as outlined below.
    AM: Daily Cleanser; Hyaluronic Acid Serum; Niacinamide Serum; Daily Hydrator
    PM: Daily Cleanser; Vitamin C Serum; Azelaic acid serum; Daily Hydrator
    Daily Cleanser removes dirt and grime without stripping skin of its natural oils respecting skin’s pH.
    Hyaluronic acid serum hydrates the lower epidermis since dehydration can lead to underlying inflammation (without redness) which can cause pigmentation problems.
    Niacinamide serum helps regulate oil production, strengthens skin barrier function to prevent dehydration and also helps prevent uneven pigment deposition.
    Daily Hydrator is a very light emulsion which hydrates surface layers without clogging pores.
    Vitamin C Serum works to lighten pigmentation areas and provides a fresher, healthier look
    Azelaic acid is a skin-friendly acid which exfoliates, removes dirt and grime and gently resurfaces skin to reveal softer, smoother skin.

    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Francesca

    Dear Shabir – thank you so much for your kind help with such a fantastic detailed and informative reply. I really appreciate it and will get ordering! Best wishes Francesca

  • http://www.victoriahealth.com/ Victoria Health

    You are welcome Francesca and please keep us informed if you can.

  • Alexandra Hyde-Clarke

    Thank you for your reply. I am still using Buffet, a little amount to finish, and hyaluronic acid. I do have a retinol but don’t use it often and only at night. I bought a vitamin c product from Viola before you perfected yours, but it doesn’t feel harsh I do have sensitivity to many products. I am using Lixirskin universal emulsion which I love although with this frightful weather and central heating I probably need a little more nourishment.
    Best wishes
    Alexandra

  • http://www.victoriahealth.com/ Victoria Health

    Hi Alexandra, try to keep to three products in any one day or night regimen as using more than this can cause sensitivity and poor performance from topicals – and of course the order of usage.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Charlotte Jones

    Hello, I currently use GOW vitamin C 23% serum and ferulic Acid and Eye contour serum in my skin care routine I would like to use more GOW products. I hope you can help me choose. I am 61 years old with very dry skin, it can be sensitive and redden easily. I have a couple of brown spots on the side of my face. Thank you for your help in advance.

  • http://www.victoriahealth.com/ Victoria Health

    Hi Charlotte, thank you for this. We have just recently introduced the regimen kit of three products for this concern “For Hyperpigmentation” which outlines three serums including Vitamin C , which you already use, with a slight saving. You would use these in the order listed and simply dab the Eye Contour Serum to the eye region. You may also wish to finish up both in the AM and PM with the use of Squalene Oil which is a superb emollient for surface hydration that leaves skin silky soft.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • http://www.victoriahealth.com/ Victoria Health

    Hi Esther, I completely understand how difficult it is to choose from the array of serums but remember one thing – your skin evolves from day to day, week to week and so on so you can vary your regimen but here is a suggested regimen for your consideration:
    AM: Cleanse; PHA Plus; Anti-ageing MultiPeptide Serum; Alpha arbutin + Kojic acid (alternate Niacinamide Serum); Daily Hydrator
    PM: Cleanse; Vitamin C Serum; Azelaic acid serum; Granactive Retinoid.

    Best wishes,
    Shabir

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