>>18462403
serums and toners are optional. the basics are usually a sunscreen, retinoids, moisturizer and cleanser as you listed
vitamin c serums add some additional protection against sun as they are great antioxidants, but mainly i think they are used for hyperpigmentation? some forms of vitamin c was also proven to be stimulating collagen production. personally i used 3 bottles last year and they might have evened out my skin a little, but that also could be due to retinoids. guess i will never know
>so should i drop serums and just go with cleanser + moisturizer + sunscreen + tretinoin (in the night)?
if you are just starting skincare then go with these for now. give it 2-3 months, reassess your needs and go from there
>>18462483
i think some anons shat on elta md in previous threads due to price/quality
>>18462493
i was recommended this once from derm for my itchy undereye skin and it was okay, quite delicate, almost like micellar water but more thick