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; RetiStar 1% Retinol 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 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: Niacinamide Serum followed by Azelaic Acid 10% 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.

Shabir Daya | , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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  • http://organisedpauper.wordpress.com/ OrganisedPauper

    Thank you, that’s great, much appreciated. The menopause certainly had a dramatically negative effect on me and my skin. I will get the multi peptide and eye contour serums.

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

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

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

    Hi Jennifer, you can use the retinol serum and perhaps you can alternate it with azelaic acid in the PM regimen but away from vitamin C serums because retinol work better at neutral pH whereas vitamin C products tend to have lower pH’s.

  • Gemma Winter

    hello I have oily skin, blackheads and large pores. I used The Ordinary salicylic acid, but had a bad reaction my skin was sore red and scaly. The skin around my eyes was sore as well (I did avoid my eye area).Can you give me any advise on how to remove blackheads and is the GOW salicylic acid safe to use.
    THANK YOU

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

    Hi Gemma, Salicylic acid works to deep clean pores and exfoliate the surface of skin. It does not control oil secretion and this is where you should be looking at first because excess sebum production leads obviously to oil production, larger pores which can then clogged up leading to blackheads. Garden of Wisdom’s Salicylic acid, though totally different in texture, may still cause sensitivities. I suggest that you use Niacinamide Serum by Garden of Wisdom and follow this in the evening with Azelaic Acid Serum. Azelaic acid works to unclog pores, gently resurfaces skin and is a skin friendly acid.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Jackie

    Hi Shabir have been using GOW serums about 6 weeks now you have recommended a good regime for me but I am finding my skin looks a little dull and dry I use Squalane oil morning and Rosehip oil at nght but skin still feels a little dri should I add the Daily Hydrator Thanks Shabir

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

    Hi Jackie, the dull, dry look may be associated with a lack of hydration and I would be inclined to add hyaluronic acid serum after the peptide and also to reduce usage of azelaic acid to two or three times a week.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • http://organisedpauper.wordpress.com/ OrganisedPauper

    Thank you. I definitely will,

  • Jackie

    Thank you Shabir big apologies you have recommended this and also to change from Azelaic Acid to Alpha Arbutin my mistake . However I feel the products are wonderful and hope you keep them forever and thank you for patience and understand what an abosulute star you are enjoy your weekend regards Jackie

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

    Hi Jackie, not a problem at all. Like you the feedback has been very good.
    Have a great weekend too.
    Shabir

  • Gemma Winter

    thank you

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

    You are welcome and please keep us posted.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • vivienne edgecumbe

    One more question, which would come first,Multipeptide serum or Retinol/Vitamin C,using in the evening? I am alternating as you suggested!

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

    Hi Vivienne, In the evening regimen, Vitamin C definitely comes first. With retinol, I tend to recommend this after the peptide only because I wish for the peptides to work as close to the dermal layer as possible without hindrance but theoretically you could use the retinol before.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • vivienne edgecumbe

    Thanks, that’s very clear.
    Best wishes
    Vivienne

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

    You are welcome Vivienne.

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

    Hi Claire, it may well be that the cleanser you are using may be stripping the skin of its natural oils which often results in skin producing more oils. The other possibility is dehydration since this leads to underlying inflammation and excess oil production. Below is a suggested regimen in order of use.
    AM: Daily Cleanser; Niacinamide Serum; Eye Contour Serum; Daily Hydrator
    PM: Daily Cleanser; Vitamin C & Ferulic acid Serum; Hyaluronic acid Serum; Eye Contour Serum; Daily Hydrator

    Daily Cleanser rinses off dirt and debris without stripping skin of its natural oils.
    Niacinamide Serum regulates oil production, improves pore appearance and strengthens skin barrier to prevent dehydration.
    Eye Contour Serum helps to prevent and treat fine lines and wrinkles
    Daily Hydrator provides surface hydration without clogging pores.
    Vitamin C & Ferulic acid Serum – please apply on face and on the eyelids. Vitamin C is known to enhance collagen and also to firm slackening skin.

    Best wishes,
    Shabir

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

    Hi Bernard, You can indeed use Azelaic acid followed by the MultiPeptide Serum although their pH values are close and this should not present a problem if you did use them the other way around. In the AM regimen please continue with the order used.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

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

    Hi Angie, I truly believe that the GoW regimen to help combat the signs of ageing is going to be of benefit. Please check this regimen out.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Angie Fox

    Hi Shabir, thank you for your reply. I will take a look at the recommended regimen.

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

    Thank you Angie and please keep us posted if you can.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Yvette

    Hi Shabir, I recently watched Wayne Goss’ and Nadine Baggot’s videos on Gow products and am looking forward to trying this new line. I have tried The Ordinary, but, it really didn’t do anything for my skin. In the past I have used Sothy’s and Cellex-C’s hyaluronic acid and vitamin C cream. I am 65 with normal skin however slightly oily skin in the nose area. I have fine lines with heavy lines above the upper lip. My lids are starting too droop as well as the neck area. Could you please offer suggestions on what products to try? I look forward to hearing your advice.

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

    Hi Yvette, I would recommend that you use the following regimen as outlined below:
    AM: Anti-Aging MultiPeptide Serum; Niacinamide Serum; Eye Contour Serum followed by Daily
    PM: Lactic Acid 5% Serum; Anti-Aging MultiPeptide Serum; RetiStar 1% Retinol Serum; Eye Contour Serum followed by 100% Pure Prickly Pear Seed Oil or 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil.
    Use the lactic acid serum two or three times a week to help exfoliation without inflammation and then switch over to the soon to be launched Glycolic acid serum. Regular use of alpha hydroxy acids such as lactic and glycolic will help enhance collagen production whilst aiding hydration. Please use retinol serum around the neck region too. The MultiPeptide serum should tackle the lip lines whilst niacinamide will also regulate oil production around the T-zone.

    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Yvette

    Thank you Shabir! I will be ordering my products today and will keep you posted. I do have one more questions: My hairline above my forehead and slightly extending into the temple and top of scalp is thinning…..hormones???Otherwise I have an abundance of hair. I have tried a a few different supplements but nothing has helped. Could you suggest a supplement or plan? Again, many thanks and Best Wishes!

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

    Hi Yvette, over 80% of hair loss is associated with an imbalance in hormone levels particularly deficiency in the female sex hormones leading to male hormone dominance. The first supplement consider is Superior Hair which prevents this male hormone dominance and at the same time contains zinc, biotin and various other nutrients to support the hair growth cycle.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

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