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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  • Monica

    Thank you for your help Shabir, all the best .

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

    You are welcome Monica.

  • Manisha

    Hello Shabir. It has been about a month since I have started using the products recommended by you (except Anti-aging multi peptide serum, which I have been using for just over 2 weeks). I can’t rave enough about the effectiveness. My skin is so much smoother and clearer. I don’t think I am going to use any other brand for my skin from now on. Thank you so much for this wonderful concoctions!
    I want to add Vit C (L-ascorbic acid) to this regimen. Which product do you recommend and how should I incorporate it in my current routine?
    I am also looking for something for my husband’s skin. He has pale, sensitive skin with freckles. The main concern that he faces is the perpetual redness around his cheek area. Will Thyme Out help? Is there anything else I should order too for him?

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

    Hi Manisha, thank you so much for your feedback – it really matters and I am so glad that you love using the products and are experiencing the benefits. With reference to Vitamin C + Ferulic Acid by Garden of Wisdom, please use this as the first product in the PM regimen after cleansing skin because this serum works best at low pH.
    For your husband, Thyme Out is a great possibility as is Niacinamide Serum by Garden of Wisdom because niacinamide displays powerful anti-inflammatory properties which help to calm inflamed sensitive skin. It also is a great serum for sensitive skin because regular use helps strengthen the skin barrier.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

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

    Hi Fiona, I am so glad that you are enjoying the GoW serums – the feedback is truly outstanding from most of our customers. Vitamin C should not be used in the same regimen as niacinamide and hence i would recommend using niacinamide in the AM regimen and using the vitamin C in the PM regimen straight after cleansing. Its protective actions have been shown to work even the following day.
    You can most definitely use an SPF topical after the use of Squalane if required.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

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

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

  • Cathy

    Hi There, Thank you for the routine I will try this out and see how it works for me. Also, what face moisturizer would you recommend?

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

    Hi Cathy, I would recommend that you use Squalane which is a superb surface emollient that also helps prevent dehydration.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Laura Bartram

    Hello Shabir

    I’ve been using the hyaluronic acid followed by the alpha arbutin + kojic acid in the morning for the past 2 weeks and the vitamin C at night since it arrived about a week ago. I know it’s a long process to fade hyper-pigmentation so am not expecting to see results this soon (though I think the hyperpigmentation is starting to fade in places), but I just had a few follow-up questions, please:

    – How soon (roughly) would you expect to see results?
    – Is the tingling after I apply the vitamin C normal?
    – Any idea why my pillow case is getting yellow/orange marks at night from using the vitamin C serum – could I be using too much? Does this happen with certain skin types?!
    – When the hyperpigmentation has faded, which of these serums (apart from continuing to use sunblock daily) should I continue to use?

    Thank you so much for all your advice.

    All the best
    Laura

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

    Hi Laura, below are my responses.
    Most users, like you, experience some benefits almost within a week or two however hyperpigmentation, depending upon the severity, can take several months to achieve an even tone but it all depends upon the extent of uneven skin tone.
    The Vitamin C serum is at an amazing strength which is why it tingles because it is pure L-ascorbic acid and not derivatives of vitamin C which are less potent.
    It is possibly a combination of sclerotic gum and ferulic and I would recommend using less of the serum for it to sink in quickly.
    Once your skin has an even tone, please discontinue the alpha arbutin serum and continue with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C serums evaluating if the skin tone changes again.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

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

    Hi Amber, I have set out a simple regimen for your consideration below.
    AM: Hyaluronic acid serum; Eye Contour Serum; your own moisturiser/oil
    PM: Hyaluronic acid serum; Eye Contour Serum; Argan oil

    Hyaluronic acid helps hydrates skin and is one of the most recommended anti-ageing serums which plumps up skin. Dehydration may lead to the start of wrinkle formation.
    Eye Contour Serum contains numerous technologies that work to prevent and soften fine lines and tackle under-eye dark circles.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Jeana Svendsen

    Hi Shabir,
    I got all the products you suggested and they came yesterday. I am beyond excited. I wanted to double check with you before I started using them… Am I to use them in the order you stated in the comment about which products to get for the AM and PM routine?
    TIA
    ?Jeana

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

    Hi Jeana, you will love them I am sure. Please use in the order listed.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Jeana Svendsen

    Thank you! Ok last question, I think????… Don’t need to shake the products before each use?

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

    Hi Jeana, Not a problem – just give it a gentle shake or roll and you are ready to apply though the serums generally suspend really well.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Jeana Svendsen

    Thank you so much! I will let you know what I think in a couple weeks. ????????

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

    You are welcome and look forward to your feedback.

  • Amber Becker

    Thank you!!

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

    You are welcome Amber.

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

    Hi Olive, niacinamide is in conflict with Vitamin C serums containing pure l-ascorbic acid so my recommendation would be to use the Garden of Wisdom’s Vitamin C serum in the AM and in the PM you use your tretinoin cream and wait an hour before applying the niacinamide serum. And don’t forget the SPF cream during the day!
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Olive

    Thanks so much! I wear sunscreen religiously every single day all year round :)

    One last question – can I use Alpha Arbutin 2% and Kojic Acid 1% Serum and Vit.C together? Isn’t it too much?

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

    Hi Olive, alpha arbutin serum already has a vitamin C derivative (not l-aascorbic acid) and though you could use this in your regimen, it simply may be too many serums.
    Best wishes,
    shabir

  • Olive

    Thank you Shabir! You’re awesome!

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

    Thank you for your kind words and keep us posted if you can.
    Shabir

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

    Hi Fiona, I have outlined a regimen which I am sure will be of benefit. Please use in the order listed.
    AM: Daily Cleanser; Anti-ageing MultiPeptide Serum; Eye Contour Serum; Daily Hydrator or your own moisturiser.
    PM: Daily Cleanser; Salicylic acid or Vitamin C Serum; Anti-ageing MultiPeptide Serum; Eye Contour Serum; Rosehip seed oil

    Use the salicylic acid three times a week to not only exfoliate skin’s surface but also to deep clean pores concentrating on the areas prone to non-inflammatory acne. On the days when you are not using salicylic acid, use Vitamin C 23% Serum for its anti-ageing and skin brightening properties which simply gives the complexion a fresher appearance.
    Rosehip seed oil contains provitamin A which helps to enhance cell renewal, improves sebum texture and helps restore skin elasticity without clogging pores.

    Best wishes,
    Shabir

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

    We do indeed ship to the USA.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

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

    Hi Christia, try this order as below.
    AM: Hyaluronic acid serum; Alpha arbutin serum; Niacinamide Serum, Eye Contour serum followed by SPF
    PM: Vitamin C Serum; Hyaluronic acid serum for extra hydration; Retinol and then as you normally do.

    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Christia0873

    Thank you very much for your advice.

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

    You are welcome.

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

    Hi Tanya, I am going to recommend a simple regimen which should be of benefit as outlined below – please use in the order listed.
    AM: Hyaluronic acid serum; Niacinamide Serum; Eye Contour Serum; Squalane
    PM: Hyaluronic acid serum; Alpha arbutin + Kojic acid serum; Azelaic acid; Eye Contour Serum; Squalane.

    Hyaluronic acid helps hydrate the dermal layer since dehydration is one of the causes of inflammation which can lead to surface dryness in patches and excess sebum usually in the t-zone.
    Niacinamide serum – this multi-tasking serum works to regulate oil production, improves pore appearance, helps to encourage even pigment distribution and more as per my editorial piece on this.
    Eye Contour Serum contains multiple compounds to tackle fine lines, prevent puffiness as well as dark under-eye circles.
    Squalane is a superb emollient to tackle surface dryness without clogging pores.
    Alpha arbutin prevents pigment deposition and kojic acid brightens skin.
    Azelaic acid unclogs pores, gently resurfaces skin, calms down inflamed skin and brightens dull looking skin.

    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Marina

    Dear Shabir.
    I have a question regarding Anti-ageing MultiPeptide Serum. As the serum
    contains Argireline, which as I know inhibits muscle movement. As stated in the description, Argireline is specifically useful for application to the forehead and around the eyes and the upper lip. But is it safe to apply it on the entire face? Argireline is listed as the second ingredient in the serum. Isn’t there a posibility of causing sagging, or at least lessening of firmness?
    I would appreciate your input on this. Thank you in advance.

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

    Hi Marina, there is some misinformation surrounding argireline – argireline prevents the SNARE effect which basically means that it prevents the constant movement of muscles and thus helps prevent dynamic lines. It does not cause relaxation of facial and eye muscles which could potentially lead to drooping.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

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

    Hi Alia, I have looked at your regimen and the products are being used in the correct order. I am not happy about the stinging sensation of mandolin acid and perhaps you ought to leave it out for a week introducing it again only if it is not causing any burning. You could potentially dilute it further with some rosehip seed oil.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Marina

    Thank you!

  • Alia

    Thanks so much Shabir! Glad I’m using the correct items. Hopefully they’ll make a difference. Thanks again! Kind regards, Alia

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

    Hi Alia, I am sure you will reap the benefits of using Garden of Wisdom serums. Please keep us posted if you can.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

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

    Hi Marina, you are welcome and please keep us posted regarding the Garden of Wisdom products if you can.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Lorraine Davies

    Hi I have been using TO but would like to change to GOW products I am 62 and have the usual lines and wrinkles (forehead, eyes and mouth) This is my TO regime how can I introduce GOW products into my regie as I run out of TO products. I should add that I was looking at adding these products into my regime as I feel I need more help! TO Vit C with 23% + HA Speres. Also, AHA 30% + BHA peel a couple of ‘s a week and using TO Glycolic Acid 7% Toning in the PM.

    Thanks

    LJ

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

    Hi Lorraine, I am going to recommend a simple regimen using Garden of Wisdom topicals as outlined below:

    AM: Anti-aging MultiPeptide Serum; Niacinamide Serum; Squalane
    PM: Vitamin C Serum 23% + Ferulic acid; Anti-aging MultiPeptide Serum; Rosehip seed oil

    Anti-aging MultiPeptide Serum helps hydrate skin and contains technologies which prevent and treat fine lines and wrinkles; enhance collagen production and prevent collagen degradation.
    Niacinamide serum is a great multi-tasker helping to ensure even pigment distribution, strengthening skin barrier to prevent dehydration and enhances ceramide production. Ceramides are tiny lipid molecules within skin that help to restore skin elasticity.
    Squalane is a superb surface emollient that restores moisture without clogging pores.
    Vitamin C serum enhances collagen production, improves hydration and brightens dull looking skin to restore a radiant complexion.
    Rosehip seed oil helps replenish lipids in skin to restore skin elasticity.

    Please use Glycolic acid serum in the PM two or three times a week to effectively exfoliate skin. Glycolic acid displays numerous other benefits.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Lorraine Davies

    Hi Shabir

    Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to my questions.

    Regards

    Lorraine

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

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

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

    Hi Tonje, we have numerous customers who have ordered GoW products for their personal use to Norway and they have not reported any problems.

    I have a suggested a simple regimen with GoW serums below in order of usage:
    AM: Anti-aging MultiPeptide Serum; Niacinamide Serum; Eye Contour Serum; Daily Hydrator or your own moisturiser.
    PM: Vitamin C Serum + Ferulic acid; Anti-aging MultiPeptide Serum; Retistar Retinol Serum; Eye Contour Serum; Rosehip seed oil

    The Multipeptide serum works to enhance collagen, prevent collagen degradation, hydrates, helps to prevent and treat static and dynamic lines and provides numerous other benefits that are even hard to find in some high end serums.
    Niacinamide improves pore appearance, helps even distribution of pigment, strengthens skin barrier and more.
    Eye Contour Serum works to firm up skin tissue, removes darker pigments and depuffs the eye area.
    Vitamin C serum provides multiple anti-ageing benefits, visibly firms skin tissues and tackles an uneven skin tone.
    Retinol works to enhance cell turnover revealing softer, smoother skin.
    Rosehip seed oil replenishes lost lipids within skin due to cleansing and environmental aggressions – this helps restore skin elasticity.

    Best wishes,
    Shabir

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

    Hi Nick, this is a statement which I share with many other professional people. An example is Dr Allesio Fasano at the Massachusetts General Hospital – “There have been so many changes in the past 50 years … We don’t digest gluten completely, which is unlike any other protein. The immune system seems to see the gluten as a component of bacteria and deploys weapons to attack it, and creates some collateral damage we call inflammation.”

    Loren Cordain, a professor at Colorado State University states clearly that humans do not need grains and that grains are a poor source of nutrients in comparison to fruits, vegetables, meat and fish.

    Studies carried out on coeliacs (those sensitive or allergic to gluten) indicate that gluten causes inflammation of the skin and may be responsible for several skin concerns – it follows that acne arises out of inflammation so there is justification in linking the two! Please read the link below.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3369470/

    Sounds like you might be in the farming industry or belong to the wheat society!!!
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

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