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 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.

Shabir Daya | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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  • Ger

    Thanks Shabir, illI try out a few things at the weekend and see what happens.

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

    Hi Lynsey, non-inflammatory acne may be associated with dehydration of skin leading to the dysfunction of the sebum glands. I think that you should start with age prevention regimen that also incorporates a BHA acid to exfoliate the surface and deep clean pores as outlined below:
    AM: Daily Cleanser (or your own gentle cleanser); Anti-Aging MultiPeptide Serum; Niacinamide Serum; Daily Hydrator (or your own moisturiser)
    PM: Daily Cleanser; Salicylic Acid Serum; Anti-Aging MultiPeptide Serum; Argan Oil

    Daily Cleanser works to remove dirt and debris without stripping skin of its natural oils.
    Anti-aging Peptide Serum works to hydrate skin, protect against static and dynamic lines as well as enhance collagen production.
    Niacinamide Serum is the hercules of all serums working to regulate oil production, enhance collagen synthesis, improve pore appearance, tackle blemishes and strengthen skin barrier function to prevent dehydration. Use on face concentrating around the t-zone.
    Daily Hydrator is a very light emulsion to provide surface hydration without clogging pores
    Salicylic acid exfoliates and deep cleans pores – use two or three times a week concentrating on the t-zone.
    Argan Oil replenishes lost lipids in skin, restores skin elasticity and improves sebum texture preventing it from clogging pores.

    Best wishes,
    Shabir

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

    Hi Sabine, you can simply substitute instead of azelaic acid or better still use it after the azelaic acid for a more pronounced effect.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

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

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

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

    Hi Sandra, I don’t think that you need to incorporate three other types of acids into your regimen. Introduce the GoW Niacinamide Serum which is truly luxurious in texture and incorporate GoW PHA Plus into your daily AM and PM regimen after cleansing. The PHA’s exfoliate gently and will also help towards tackling any hyper pigmentation. Gauge the introduction after a month or two.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Sandra

    Hi Shabir,
    Thank you so much for your advice!

  • Sandra

    Hi Shabir,
    Thanks so much :)
    So you don’t think Azelaic acid would be of any benefit?
    Also which would you put on first, Niacinamide or PHA Plus?
    Thanks again.

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

    Hi Sandra, I think that you should try the PHA’s first because of their multi-faceted benefits and then gauge if they are sufficient. You don’t want to apply many serums in any one given regimen. PHA’s come first followed by Niacinamide.

    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Bridget Heathcote

    Hi Shabir,
    Regarding my anti ageing regime, I find that I am afraid to use the Retinol and other serums needing daytime application of sunscreen because even though I apply lots of sunscreen in the morning, I have read that you need to re apply in the afternoon which I don’t do and so am afraid that the sun will have a more damaging effect than the benefits of the serums. Is this true or is using sunscreen in the morning enough to last me all day (even if I go out in the sun in the afternoon).
    Thank you,
    Bridget

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

    Hi Bridget, Retinol is known to make your skin sensitive and so it is always best to use a sunscreen during the morning and preferably in the afternoon if you are exposing yourself to the sun. Some sunscreens do stay on the skin for long periods of time and may see you through the whole day but that also depends upon the level of exposure, intensity of exposure and other variables.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

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

    Hi Alice, you can most definitely use retinol in the PM regimen after using Vitamin C Serum. The two actually work very well together and your skin will reap the benefits. Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Alice Wright

    Fabulous, thank you!

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

    You are welcome Alice

  • Rachel

    Hi Shabir, I wonder if you could advise a regimen that combines products for both ageing and acne prone skin please? I’m 45 and seem to have had acne under control for the last 5 years, but recently (last four months) have seen a huge flare up (possible peri menopausal??). I currently use The Ordinary (AM Buffet & Hyaluronic, PM Buffet and Granactive Retinoid and occasional Rosehip Oil) but cannot seem to get my skin clear of acne and wanted to see if the GoW products could help. Many thanks in advance.

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

    Hi Rachel, I am going to recommend a simple regimen using GoW serums which I am sure will be of benefit in preventing acne breakouts and at the same time work to prevent and treat fines lines and wrinkles. I am sure that your skin will reap benefits from this regimen which may be associated with the hormonal insufficiency.

    AM: Anti-Aging MultiPeptide Serum; Niacinamide Serum; Eye Contour Serum; Daily Hydrator
    PM: Anti-aging MultiPeptide Serum; Azelaic acid serum; Rosehip seed oil

    Multipeptide serum contains numerous technologies to tackle multiple signs of ageing however it also helps hydrate dermal layer since dehydration causes inflammation which leads to excess oil production
    Niacinamide serum works to regulate oil production, improves pore appearance; prevents uneven pigment deposition, enhances collagen and elastin and much more
    Eye Contour Serum again like the multipeptide serum tackles fine lines, dark circles, eye puffiness all in one easy to use serum.
    Daily Hydrator provides surface hydration without clogging pores
    Azelaic acid works to gently resurface skin, brightens skin; has antibacterial properties helping to prevent acne causing bacteria from thriving on skin; calms inflamed skin etc
    Rosehip seed oil replenishes lost lipids in skin without clogging pores and encourages cell renewal. You may wish to consider using RetiStar Retinol instead which is also known to encourage cell renewal and to prevent acne breakouts.

    Best wishes,

    Shabir

  • Abi

    Does it test on animals.

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

    Hi Abi, All Garden of Wisdom products are cruelty free, suitable for vegetarians and free from alcohol and silicones.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Emma hall

    Hi Shabir, I have hormonal acne on my chin and some slightly on my forehead, I have had a long course of chemical peels with no success, I’m just wondering what skin regime you would recommend, would buying the acids work if I didn’t have success with the peels?

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

    Hi Emma, chemical peels can clear up skin but in some instances the inflammation causes can result in more sebum secretion leading to acne and spots. So the best way ahead is to use a gentle chemical exfoliator as part of a regimen which I have outlined below.
    AM: Daily Cleanser (optional); Hyaluronic acid serum; Niacinamide Serum; Daily Hydrator (optional)
    PM: Daily Cleanser; Azelaic acid serum; Hyaluronic acid serum; Daily Hydrator or Argan oil

    Daily Cleanser respects skin pH and does not strip skin of its natural oils
    Hyaluronic acid serum works to hydrate the intermediate and dermal cell layers since dehydration can lead to inflammation resulting in excess sebum production.
    Niacinamide serum work to regulate oil production, improve pore appearance, improve appearance of post inflammatory hyperpigmented areas and strengthen skin barrier function which prevents dehydration.
    Azelaic acid is a skin friendly acid that works to unclog pores, gently resurfaces skin, brightens pigmented areas, enhances cell turnover and more to reveal softer, smoother skin.
    Argan Oil is known to improve sebum texture ensuring it is less likely to clog pores.

    Twice a week, substitute Azelaic acid serum with Salicylic acid serum to deep clean pores.

    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Emma hall

    Thankyou so much for your reply, I will give these ago

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

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

  • Emma hall

    Sorry do you follow straight away with the serum after the acid then moisturise as normal? Or do you leave any time between using each product?

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

    Hi Emma, allow roughly 30 seconds between serum application which should be sufficient.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Andrea

    Hi Shabir
    I really don’t know where to start! I’m 52, just menopausal, luckily don’t have many wrinkles at all but have had hormonal acne since teens. It had improved but I seem to be getting more daily yellow spots and white heads since menopause. And still the occasional painful spots that don’t come to a head.
    I’ve only ever use Paula’s Choice 2% salicylic acid lotion – worked well for a while but then seemed to lose efficacy. I occasionally use and like rose hip oil.
    I’d like to start an acid regime to reduce spots, brighten skin and hopefully minimise wrinkles. Where do I start, please?!

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

    Hi Andrea, hormonal imbalances may be responsible for causing underlying inflammation which often leads to whiteheads and yellow spots which are often associated with entrapped keratin. Dehydration may also be another causal factor for inflammation and I am suggesting a simple regimen which I am sure will be of benefit as outlined below. Please use in the order listed and wait for 30 seconds between serum applications.
    AM: Hyaluronic acid serum; Niacinamide serum; Daily Hydrator
    PM: Azelaic acid serum; Hyaluronic acid serum; Daily Hydrator /Rosehip seed oil (2-3 times a week)

    Hyaluronic acid helps the intermediate and dermal layers helping to prevent underlying inflammation which can lead to spots. Hyaluronic acid also plumps up skin to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
    Niacinamide serum works to calm inflammation, regulate oil production, improve pore appearance, strengthen skin barrier function and helps enhance collagen manufacture – a real hero of a serum.
    Daily Hydrator provides surface hydration without clogging pores.
    Azelaic acid is a skin friendly acid that works to exfoliate, unclog pores, brightens skin and displays antibacterial properties helping to prevent acne-causing bacteria from thriving on skin’s surface.

    Twice a week, please substitute azelaic acid with salicylic acid to deep clean pores.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Andrea

    Fantastic thank you so much!
    Another question – are any of these serums (Niacinamide/Azelaic?) safe to use on teenage skin? My 14 yr old daughter has mild to moderate facial acne and more inflammatory acne on her back. Thanks again

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

    Hi Andrea, both Niacinamide serum and Azelaic Acid Serum are considered safe for use and I would consider using Niacinamide serum once a day in the AM regimen and Azelaic Acid Serum in the PM regimen. You can add a pumpful of azelaic acid serum into a small amount of shower gel to inhibit the acne causing bacteria that reside on skin’s surface and this should prove to be effective for acne on the back.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

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