Howdy!

So you're on the right track for sure, but I will say this. If you are not actively using sunscreen yet/haven't found one that works really well for you (and by that I mean you apply enough of it each day, and re-apply as needed), then please do not start Retinol or other photosensitizing actives yet (Like chemical peels). It makes you more sensitive to the sun, and that can lead to further damage if you have not found a sunscreen that works for you. Especially because it sounds like you're active outside.

Toners are often just light, hydrating, watery "moisturizers". I call them hydrators because they're a lot lighter weight and don't sit on top of my skin like a heavier, cream-based moisturizer does. There are LOTS of options out there! Some as simple as a glycerin + water base, which will help keep your skin feeling less dry (and may even help with keeping it from feeling too oily!), all the way to toners with active ingredients like niacinamide, etc.

Eye creams are often kind of pricey, they're basically very heavy, occlusive moisturizers. Ehhh...I would say if your skin isn't super dry, don't bother with these right now. You can swap in a heavier moisturizer as needed, but make sure you layer it on top of your hydrating toner.

So a good routine might look like this:

AM
1) Cleanser (as needed. Not everyone has to cleanse in the morning)
2) Toner (Your hydrator. These will sink into the skin and feel lighter)
3) Sunscreen

PM
1) Cleanser (definitely needed at night)
2) Toner (helps replenish and hydrate the skin)
3) Actives (Like retinol. But like I said, get the sunscreen dialed in before you start actives)
4) Moisturizer (This is where a cream-based moisturizer goes. Think of it like "locking in" your hydration. Moisturizers can often double as an eye cream so that will save you some $$$!)

Eventually, you may add in things like Antioxidant serums, different kind of actives, etc., but I would say just follow the above, sans the Actives step until you have your basic routine down.

I would say if you're swimming outdoors in the mornings, definitely do the AM routine and get your sunscreen on. You will need to re-apply sunscreen after swimming and towel drying, and depending on where you're swimming, you may even want to splash some more toner (chlorine and/or salt water can be somewhat drying on skin). When you swim, make sure your sunscreen has dried down- usually about 15-20 minutes, so that way it can form its protective film

Lemme know if you have other questions! And if you're curious about specific recommendations, let me know where you are, your climate, and your budget and we can get something figured out!

 

Hey! You’ve got a good start for your routine — just a few tweaks can make it more effective, especially since you swim and have oily skin.

Before swimming:
Use a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer or a thin layer of sunscreen to create a barrier against saltwater and chlorine.

After swimming:
Gently cleanse (avoid harsh scrubs) and apply a hydrating toner or barrier-repair moisturizer to restore your skin’s natural oils.

At night:
Keep using retinol but start slow (2–3 times a week). Always follow it with moisturizer so your skin doesn’t get irritated.

Extra tip:
Since you exercise and sweat a lot, your skin barrier can easily weaken — which leads to more oil, dryness, or breakouts. You might find this guide helpful on how to repair and protect your skin barrier naturally at fortigenhealth dot com. It explains how to balance cleansing, hydration, and ingredients that strengthen your skin barrier over time. Hope this helps!