I started a skin care routine about 2 months ago after not washing or caring for my face for over 2 years due to depression. I started with just cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen for a while and recently added azelaic acid. The next thing I am planning on adding is vitamin C but I will probably wait a couple months so I can see what results the azelaic acid has.

I thought my skin is combination with an oily t zone and dryer cheeks. But now I’m not sure what to call it because once I started the routine my t zone pretty quickly normalized. So one question I have is wether or not I should continue treating it as combination skin especially when I am looking at skin care products and makeup.

I’ve been reading more about upkeeping the moisture barrier and ph importance and I’m totally overwhelmed now. My moisture barrier is not damaged but I want to make sure I am doing the right things so new products I add don’t make it too dry. The article I read by skinandtonic made me have more questions than answers. And when I search this sub I find a lot of posts on repairing a damaged moisture barrier but not nurturing a healthy barrier. Id love to hear some general discussion on maintaining a moisture barrier and Some specific questions are:

What are thoughts on acid toners? How about acid toners vs hydrating toners?

Should I treat my skin as combination still or do more things for moisture? I wouldn’t say my skin is plump and glowing at all.

How important is product ph to you? How else do you maintain a healthy moisture barrier?

Skin type: combination I thought but maybe now it’s normal or dry?

Skin concerns: mild acne mainly hormonal but can’t be on bc or prescriptions

Goals: clear up acne, more even skin tone, reduce fine lines and prevent future wrinkles

Current routine:

Am-

Splash with water

Beauty without cruelty oil free moisturizer- I had this from before I started reading about skin care. The essential oils don’t seem to bother me. I just want to finish it up rather than waste a whole jar but I’ll probably use something better once it’s done

Purito Comfy Water sun screen - I know about the spf issue but I want to finish the bottle. I think it’s ok because I am so rarely out of the house these days. I am thinking about the Elta clear as my replacement

PM-

Garnier Gentle Sulfate Free Cleanser - also something I already bought before research. Garnier won’t give out info on the ph of this saying its proprietary info. I don’t know what cleanser I should switch to especially since at some point I want to double cleanse

Paula’s Choice Azelaic Acid Booster - started this 12 days ago very slowly. I am at every other day now

Cerave PM Lotion - found this recommendation here on this sub. I like it a lot but as I mentioned above I am confused about wether or not I should be doing more for moisture.

I should add that I think I am starting perimenopause and I imagine that is going to change my hormones and skin but I don’t see it yet.

Thank you so much!