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; 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; 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; C-Deep Vitamin C Serum; followed by Daily Hydrator (optional)

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

For some, depending upon skin type, C-Deep may take longer to absorb in which case use after water-based serums such as peptides and Neurophroline.
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 or C-Deep Vitamin C Serum followed by 100% Pure Prickly Pear Seed Oil. You can use Azelaic Acid (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 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

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

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

    Hi Christina, please add the AA + Kojic Acid Serum after hyaluronic acid. Mandelic acid is mild enough to be used on a daily basis.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Christina

    Great thank you!
    Do I use the AA + Kojic Acid Serum AM and PM? so it would be:

    AM: Hyaluronic Acid Serum- AA + Kojic Acid Serum- Niacinamide Serum – Daily Hydrator

    PM: Mandelic Acid 10% Serum – Hyaluronic Acid Serum – AA + Kojic Acid Serum- Daily Hydrator

    Also do I need to leave time between the mandelic and the next serums in the pm? Thank you!

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

    Yes that’s perfect Christina. Ideally leave a minute or two when using Mandelic Acid before the application of other serums.
    Best wishes,
    shabir

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

    Hi Kaya, I would be inclined to start with the acne regimen for darken skin tones because the niacinamide serum will help with pigment distribution as well as helping to strengthen skin barrier function to prevent dehydration whilst the hyaluronic acid is helping to hydrate skin. Niacinamide also helps to regulate oil production and calms down redness. For improving scar appearance, please incorporate Granactive Retinoid into the PM regimen before the use of Daily Hydrator perhaps twice a week or alternatively you can use Super Bakuchiol on a daily basis as this does not cause any inflammation.
    Have you considered an internal cleansing supplement such as Clear Skin Complex?
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Kaya

    Hi Shabir, thank you for replying. In what order would you recommend using these, including SPF and a daily hydrator? Do i include mandelic acid too, i’m worried i will be using too many strong products on my skin?
    I’ve not looked at clear skin complex, would that be a substitute to using such vitamins?

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

    Hi Kaya, use the regimen in the order listed on our website. Use the retinoid just before the Daily Hydrator in the PM regimen twice a week as per my previous response. Mandelic acid is one of the gentlest acids due to its large molecular structure so it generally does not cause irritation.
    Clear Skin Complex is a combination of nutrients to cleanse and detoxify the liver of potential hormonal waste and toxins that inflame the skin.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Kaya

    Hi, thank you for the fast reply! i’ve ordered the products and am hoping they’ll work. Was just wondering if the mandelic acid and granactive retinoid can be used in one application together, or if they should be alternated on different nights?
    Thank you

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

    Hi Kaya, Mandelic acid is a gentle chemical exfoliant so I do not see a problem however you may wish to use this daily and as explained on the previous response, use Granactive Retinoid twice a week in the PM regimen and on those nights avoid using mandelic acid just to be prudent.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • http://www.helloannabel.com Annabel

    Hi!
    Would love some advice on what order to be using some products please! :) I have been using the azelaic, prickly pear and daily hydrator with great success and decided to purchase the salicylic and vitamin c serums recently to help fade new scars and hopefully banish congestion once and for all.
    However now I’m really unsure where to insert the two new serums and how often I should be including them. Can I use the vit c daily (PM) with azelaic? which first?
    Thanks for your help x

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

    Hi Annabel, I am happy to learn that the Garden of Wisdom serums have worked well. I have outlined a simple regimen which might be of value to be used in the order listed.
    AM: Azelaic acid serum; Daily Hydrator; Sunscreen
    PM: Vitamin C Serum; Salicylic Acid Serum (use this two or three times a week); Prickly Pear Oil.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

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

    Hi Nicola, I would like you to start with a simple regimen which I am sure will offer the benefits you are looking for as outlined below.
    AM: C-Deep Vitamin C Serum; Anti-aging MultiPeptide Serum; Neurophroline Serum; moisturiser or Squalene Oil
    PM: C-Deep Vitamin C Serum; Anti-aging MultiPeptide Serum; Neurophroline Serum; Super Bakuchiol Serum
    Twice a week, please use PHA Plus in the PM regimen to remove dead skin cells and to inhibit the enzyme that encourages sagging skin.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Nicola

    Hi shabir
    Thank you for coming back to me. I will give those products a try. Do I apply them in the order listed?
    Thanks

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

    Yes indeed Nicola.

  • Chawada

    Hi,

    I just have a few questions about the hyperpigmentation guide. I have tried the guide twice and each time the more I use vitamin C, the more breakouts I get. I know vitamin C helps with hyperpigmentation but then I would breakout which then causes more pigmentation. I just wanted to know if there is something else I can use instead of it. I have the following products from your line: Salicylic acid serum and the hyperpigmentation kit. I just wanted to know if there is an alternative that can be used instead of vitamin C.

    On a different note, I’m not sure if you know about the acne . org products and what they offer, I have some of there products as they haven’t finished and wanted to know if that can be used in instead. I have the Benzoyl Peroxide – 2.5% and the AHA+. This routine worked but once I was ‘clear’ it would come back and that’s why I am here and struggling (lol).

    If possible could a GOW type routine be created from this or some recommendations.

    Thank you in advance for the reply and the help.
    I’ve enjoyed learning about skin care through your products.

    Regards

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

    Hi Chawada, the Vitamin C Serum 23% contains the acidic form of vitamin C called L-ascorbic acid. Because it is a high strength serum, some people may experience slight tingling but rarely does this result in inflammation leading to acne. May I suggest that you use Salicylic Acid Serum two or three times a week in the PM regimen after cleansing. The problem with Benzoyl Peroxide can be that it can be very drying which then ultimately leads to other problems. You can use this as your last product in the evening regimen.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Chawada

    Hi Shabir,

    Thank you for the reply, it is greatly appreciated. Just a quick question for clarification, would I use the Salicylic Acid Serum with the vitamin C serum in the PM or just only Salicylic Serum along with Hyaluronic acid.

    Regards,
    Chawada

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

    Hi Chawada, there is no harm in using the two serums together unless you have sensitive or very reactive skin.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • ??

    Hi Shabir,

    First off thank you so much for your very informative posts, it’s always a pleasure to learn more about skin and products.

    I am 27 years old and have quite a bunch of concerns.. general redness (mostly on my cheeks and chin), inflammatory acne (including hormonal-related on my jaw, chin and neck), sebaceous filaments and broken capillaries on the sides of my nose, textured skin, uneven tone and enlarged pores.

    Having struggled with acne for many years, I became kind of paranoïd and am always afraid to try new products. I avoid alcohols, fragrances, oils and potential comedogenic ingredients (I use Skincarisma to check ingredient).

    My routine is very simple (cleanser – floral water – moisturizer – spot treatment) but the cleanser leaves a film on my skin which I feel like blocks my pores and my moisturizer isn’t hydrating enough.

    I saw that GOW had a cleanser but it contains shea butter which scares me. Would micellar water be a good replacement ? For my redness, textured/uneven skin tone and acne, I thought of the Azelaic Acid 10% and/or the PHA Plus Serum. Do you think it would be a good choice ?

    Thank you so much and best wishes,

    Cécile

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

    Hi Cecile, I am glad that you have found the editorials useful. Skincarisma products are certainly aiming at minimal ingredients like the GOW range however there is are major differences between the two brands with GOW using less harsh preservatives than most.
    The GOW Daily Cleanser contains east shea oil which contains high levels of oleic acid which provides surface moisture without clogging pores. What I think you are thinking of is shea butter which has a thick balm-like texture and may block pores.
    Certainly for the redness and the inflammatory acne, azelaic acid would be my preference because it calms down inflammation, unclogs pores and gently resurfaces skin.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • ??

    Hi Shabir,

    Thank you so much for your answer. I got confused between shea butter and east shea oil. I will give azelaic acid a try !

    Best wishes,
    Cécile

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

    You are welcome and I am sure that azelaic acid will be effective.

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

    Hi Helen, you can use Niacinamide Serum in the evening after cleansing and toning followed by a face oil or moisturiser. As far as eyes are concerned, I believe that Eye Contour Serum is one of the best there is and can be used AM and PM just around the eye area.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

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

    Hi Sky, a study carried out decades ago pointing to niacinamide and vitamin C being in conflict is considered flawed and therefore I believe that you can use the alpha arbutin alongside the vitamin C serum or alternatively you could use the alpha arbutin in the AM and vitamin C in the PM.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Ellie Musca

    Hello, I love my GOW products! I am 28 soon and have oily skin (improving though!) And unfortunately lots of blackheads and the occasional spots. I am currently cleansing, then using the triple toner, followed by 23% vitamin C, then hyalouronic acid. A few nights a week I use the retistar retinol too. I am very eager to buy and start using the niacinamide serum. Would you say I am doing things in the right order? Should I use the niacinamide before or after the vitamin c?
    Thanks so much!
    Ellie (perth, Australia)

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

    Hi Ellie, I am glad to hear that you are seeing the benefits of GoW serums. Vitamin C 23% Serum should always be after cleansing and using the Triple Toner. The niacinamide serum will help to regulate sebum but also strengthen the barrier which improves skin defence both from external and internal aggressions.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

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

    Hi Irene, your skin type is actually very common and please use the regimen below in the order listed.
    AM: Daily Cleanser; Triple Toning Treatment; Anti-aging MultiPeptide Serum; Eye Contour Serum(under eye area only); Niacinamide Serum, Daily Hydrator
    PM: Daily Cleanser; Triple Toning Treatment; Anti-aging MultiPeptide Serum; Eye Contour Serum(under eye area only); Daily Hydrator
    This simple regimen should be of great value.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

  • Romy

    Hi, I suffer from stubborn melasma and was just wondering whether to use the Azelaic Acid serum before or after the C-Deep Vitamin C Serum at night. Also can you recommend an SPF moisturiser for daytime? Thanks, Romy

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

    Hi Romy, azelaic acid serum is a water based serum and I would recommend that you use it before C-Deep. With reference to an SPF for day time, please check out the link below.
    https://www.victoriahealth.com/product/Scent-Free-Sun-Lotion-SPF-30/4068
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

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

    Hi Steph, I really think that you would benefit initially from the use of the regimen to combat ageing as listed in the text. The multipoeptide serum protects collagen, prevents static and dynamic lines and hydrates skin; niacin amide regulates oil secretions whilst strengthening the skin barrier to prevent dehydration. After a couple of months usage, we can evaluate if we need to change the regimen slightly depending upon how your skin is receptive to the serums.
    Best wishes,
    Shabir

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