How very unlike me, a thread in S+B! serums?

[Helenluvsrob]

Hi

I'm very un "S+B" really . However I do look after my skin a bit, which of the past few years has meant slapping on a but of boots P+P serum and moisturiser and topping with one of their very light foundations.

Recently had a trial of " bare minerals" as DD was having a go. Appalled by the crepiness around eyes and a bit around mouth.

Am nearly 50 so I guess wrinkles are inevitable ( and i shall not be wearing powder type make up however " hydrating" they say it is!) but should I be changing my serum etc?

Got a clarins sample (£69 , faints) but that was odd and frankly felt a bit dry after it settled in.

Recently had an olay combined serum and factor 20 day cream that was cheap and I liked - felt comfortable and non greasy but the brub in store suggested I should have a differnt one at my great age...

So serum changes - should I and if so what to?

[IWantToLiveInPawnee]

I absolutely loved the clarins one but I had to stop using it as it made my skin react.

I used the Dr Organics one (snail gel), I really like that and it's not too expensive. I'm going to try the Dr Haushka one. Apparently, you don't need to moisturise at night, just use serum, so I'm giving that a go.

[mintbiscuit]

I would opt for a hydrating serum with a good ingredient list. Superdrug perfectly simple hydrating serum is £2.69 (think it might even be on sale for half price at the mo). It is packed with ceramides which will strengthen your skin barrier plus hydrating ingredients.

I would then take the money you have saved on the serum to purchase a retinoid which will boost skin turnover; dimishing fine lines and preventing further ones. You will also need to wear high spf as can make you skin sensitive to uv rays (and spf is the best wrinkle prevention anyway!).

That's just what I would do though

[theclick]

A relatively. Cheap one is Vichy aqualia (blue bottle). Pretty decent.

[Helenluvsrob]

mintbiscuit, what retinoid cream?

[mintbiscuit]

Retin a and tretinoin are prescription only forms of retinoic acid. Often given for acne but also works for anti aging. Only a derm or gp can prescribe although a gp would not usually prescribe for anti aging. One can also obtain via the internet but one is not advocating that

Over the counter retinols contain compounds that are broken down into retinoic acid but after they are applied to the skin. They are weaker but can still work. It just takes a lot longer to see results. Also they can be gentler than px retinoids. But they can still cause irritation until your skin gets used to them so you need to take it slowly.

Recommendations for otc retinols: Skinceuticals 0.5% (they also do a 1.0% but you should always start at a lower does and work up) £££ but imo one of the best.
LRP redermic. Think this is 0.3%. ££ Good value for money and very gentle. I gave up on this one because I wanted quicker results.

If you are thinking of incorporating a retinoid into your routine you must invest in a decent sunscreen. I would also urge you to do a bit of research to understand the differences between retinol vs retin a /tretinoin, the various strengths you can get and initial side effects, so you are comfortable with what you are doing.

Hth.