Garden Of Wisdom Skincare Regimens

by
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

Use Pore Cleaning Powder two or three times a week to remove dirt, debris and improve pore appearance.

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

Use Pore Cleaning Powder two or three times a week to remove dirt, debris and improve pore appearance.

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

Use Pore Cleaning Powder two or three times a week to remove dirt, debris and improve pore appearance.

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.

Neurophroline Serum helps reduce cortisol in skin, an inflammatory hormone, responsible for the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. 

AM: Anti-Aging MultiPeptide Serum; Neurophroline 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 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
←  Older Comments
 →
  • Helene

    Hi Shabir.
    That was quick!
    I will do as you have advised.
    Thank you so much!
    Best wishes
    Helene

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

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

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

    Hi Joanne, the products you have purchased so far would be great to improve the appearance of pigmentation concerns as well as regulate the t-zone and of course the retinol and peptide serums are known for their improvements for ageing skin. Neurophroline is a must for all skin types working to reduce the major causal factor for ageing – cortisol in skin.
    I have set out a suggested regimen as below:
    AM: MultiPeptide Serum; Neurophroline Serum; Niacinamide Serum
    PM: Vitamin C Serum; Glycolic acid serum; Neurophroline Serum; Retinol.
    The glycolic may be used daily or perhaps alternate days.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Joanne Wright

    Hi Shabir , thanks for the reply . I will order some Neurophroline Serum to add to my regime .
    I was wondering if I should use the Granactive 5% Retinoid instead of the retinol 1% , which do you think would be best for me ?
    Also if I have a professional gycolic peel should I avoid using any GOW products for any days before & after the treatment ?

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

    Hi Joanne, Granactive Retinoid will produce similar results, perhaps quicker, than retinol but most definitely does not cause inflammation. Obviously no acids and retinol after the peel for a few days but the rest of the regimen should be fine. And obviously protect the skin with an SPF moisturiser.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Joanne Wright

    Hi Shabir,
    Thanks very much for your quick reply & thanks for all your help . I’ll definetly continue to use the GOW products , I think they’re fantastic for the price & im getting really good results .

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

    So glad you are experiencing the benefits of GoW serums – we also think they are fabulous and in my opinion are the best results driven skincare topicals on the market at exceptional prices.

  • Leanne Harris

    Hi, I have used some GoW products, but I’m unsure if I have the right ones etc.
    I am 46 years old with fine lines & wrinkles and loss of elasticity. When I started peri menopause I developed rosacea, just on my nose & chin, I don’t know what type as GP diagnosed it and had nothing more to say about it. I have a red nose & chin, sensitive when it reacts to products, heat, foods etc. Regular breakouts on nose & chin, I also have have a slightly oily nose with open pores on nose & chin. Dry/flaky skin on cheeks, chin, around eyes. I have tried Azelaic Acid three times and each time my nose gets very hot and stings.. I think I may be the only person that reacts this way to Azelaic Acid. I would also like to look at retinol as I haven’t used it before but know at my age I should be.
    What would you recommend? Thanks x

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

    Hi Leanne, I must say I have not come across sensitivity issues with azelaic acid before. I have set out a simple regimen which I am sure will be of great benefits in tackling fine lines and inflammation associated with rosacea whilst also working to hydrate skin. Dehydration is a causal factor in many skin concerns especially because this is known to cause inflammation that can result in combination skin (oily t-zone and dry cheeks etc).
    AM: Daily Cleanser; Anti-Aging MultiPeptide Serum; Neurophroline Serum; Daily Hydrator
    PM: Daily Cleanser; Neurophroline Serum; Granactive Retinoid 5% Serum; Niacinamide serum; Daily Hydrator
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Typical ??????~

    Is Eye Countour Serum tested ophthalmologicaly? Does it migrate to eyes?

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

    All ingredients in Eye Contour Serum have been tested for reactivity to skin. As always we recommend using any eye cream or serum with care to ensure that it does not get into the eyes.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

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

    Hi Kerry, stress causes the release of inflammatory cortisol by the skin cells which is clearly what is currently occurring. As such the only other topical worth considering in the use of Neurophroline Serum which has been shown to reduce cortisol levels within skin and to calm inflamed skin. It might be worth considering the use of B vitamins to help in the stress response within the body.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Sophie Green

    Hi Shabir,
    I hope you can help me with a skincare routine. I have some hyperpigmentation, am concerned re aging (I am 29) and have combo skin that sometimes breaks out. At the moment I am using a cleanser, vit c serum in the morning and then sunday riley luna in the eve. I would like to incorporate my current products until I use them up but would also like to add in the antiaging serum, azelaic acid for hyperpigmentation, niacinamide and possibly hyaluronic acid?

    I have tried to research but I worry about the order of use and if certain serums interact with each other. Id be really grateful for your help!

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

    Hi Sophie, I have set out a regimen incorporating the products you wish to use to counter the concerns as below.
    AM: Cleanse; Vitamin C Serum; Anti-ageing MultiPeptide Serum; SPF
    PM: Cleanse; Azelaic Acid Serum; Anti-ageing MultiPeptide Serum; Niacinamide Serum, Luna
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Sophie Green

    Thank you so much, will be ordering soon!

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

    Thank you, please keep us posted if you can.

  • disqus_5thZvMnyEQ

    Hallo, am 75 years of age, no real problems other than obvious ones of age. Currently use Abnormal Beauty company The Ordinary- Buffet and Hyaluronic Acid.
    Evening products are also The Ordinary and have used these products for about 5 years.
    C
    Should I be looking at something else.

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

    Hi, the choice of brand is a personal decision. We obviously rate the GoW products and serums.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

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

    Hi Heena, I am glad to learn that your skin has improved markedly using Garden of Wisdom skin serums. I would be inclined to carry on with your regimen and would introduce Azelaic acid serum from GoW on the days when you don’t use the Salicylic Acid Serum. Azelaic acid helps to brighten and improve PIH and its also helps cell renewal, albeit a lot gentler than retinol based serums. It also displays antibacterial properties making it useful for acne.
    For the sunken dark circles, perhaps you can substitute hyaluronic acid for Neurophroline Serum which contains hyaluronic acid but also contains an extract from Wild Indigo which has been clinically shown to improve the appearance of dark under eye circles.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Heena

    Hi Shabir,

    I have to admit I was a little intimidated by the thought of retinols so that all sounds great, I’ll definitely give it a go. Thank you for taking the time to reply!

    Best,

    Heena

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

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

  • Maggie Hyland

    Hi Shabir, I’ve been using this regimen for 3 months and love it. It’s surprisingly simple and it’s working – thank you! I now have two more questions – I am going on holidays week after next and while I use a good spf I want to be sure I’m not using products that leave my skin exposed. Should I stop using the Vit C serum and the retinoid serum? Also, my 17 year old son who has mild acne has started to use the Daily Cleanser and Daily Hydrator which I also use and he’s finding it good. Could you recommend a serum (just one as there’s no chance he’ll follow anything too complex!) that would be good for preventing breakouts.
    Many thanks for some really helpful advice!
    Best
    Maggie

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

    Hi Maggie, thank you so much for your feedback – it matters to us that the products work. Using Vitamin C in the evening is actually going to be important since its antioxidant protective properties have been found to be effective even after 12 hours. The retinoid- it would be best to leave it until you are back from your holiday.
    For your son, if there was only one serum then it would have to be Niacinamide Serum which works to calm down inflammation and to help regulate oil production.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

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

    Hi Dilraj, I am so happy with your feedback and glad that the products have made a huge difference to your skin. To help improve scarring, when you have finished the retinoid, please consider with azelaic acid serum or Sheald Recovery Balm.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • susan

    what would you recommend for me. i am 63 with good skin.

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

    Hi Susan, I would recommend a simple regimen as outlined below:
    AM: Antiageing MultiPeptide Serum; Neurophroline, your own moisturiser.
    PM: Antiageing MultiPeptide Serum; Neurophroline, your own moisturiser.
    Once or twice a week, please use a gentle acid exfoliant such as Lactic Acid or the skin friendly Azelaic Acid serum to slough away any dead cells which helps achieve a radiant look.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • susan

    thank you. should i use retinol as well

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

    Hi Susan, you can do since retinol does help to enhance cell turnover revealing softer, smoother skin.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • C28p

    Hiya! I have a cleanser, almond moisturiser and rosehip oil (don’t always use) already that I like from other brands (they’re just simple gentle ones). I wanted to try some GOW products for other steps in my routine.

    I’m 26, I have mixed african and asian complexion, I’ve been getting hormonal acne on my jaw/lower cheeks which leads to hyper-pigmentation. The spots are pretty small though not normal acne sized more like little pimples but still scaring, the rest of my skin is slightly uneven in tone also. I only get the little spots when i’m really stressed or on my period I wouldn’t say I have acne – just prone to hormonal acne. I’d like to address the uneven tone. I’ve noticed I have very tiny faint lines starting to appear on my forehead too although they’re not really noticeable unless you’re close and looking so not sure if I needed to do anything about those yet? Do you have any recommendations for a routine please? I wanted to try the Vitamin C but am confused!

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

    Hi, I would recommend that you introduce Mandelic Acid Serum by GOW as well as Niacinamide Serum. Use Mandelic Acid Serum in the PM after cleansing – this acid which is ideal for olive skin complexions works to deep cleanse pores and gently exfoliates surface of skin without causing a lightening effect common to some other acids. Niacinamide Serum will help to regulate oil production and helps to ensure even pigment distribution which helps tackle pigmentation problems.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • C28p

    Thank you so much! Do I use the Mandelic acid serum every evening? And with the Niacinamide do I use that AM and/or PM and again if you could let me know if that’s everyday too that would be really helpful!

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

    Hi, Use Mandelic Acid two or three times in the evening. Niacinamide Serum is perfectly fine for AM and PM usage on a daily basis.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • C28p

    Thank you so much for all of the help! – Just ordered both!

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

    You are welcome, please keep us informed if you can.

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

    Hi Zoe, Niacinamide displays a variety of role in skincare working to regulate oil production, helping to distribute pigment evenly in skin, strengthening skin barrier function, visibly improving pore appearance, enhance collagen production and calming inflamed skin. Niacinamide is often used for oily skin but frankly it is suitable for all skin types including dry since strengthening barrier function prevents dehydration. I have set out a simply regimen for you to follow in order listed:
    AM: Daily Cleanser; Hyaluronic Acid Serum; Niacinamide Serum; Squalene Oil
    PM: Daily Cleanser; Pore Cleaning Powder; Niacinamide Serum; Squalane Oil

    Skin requires both oil and water which is why I have used Hyaluronic acid and Squalane (does not clog pores). Use Pore Cleaning Powder every night the first week and then perhaps three or four times a week as needed.
    Best wishes,

    shabir

←  Older Comments
 →