Do fancy expensive creams and potions work?

[SharingMichelle]

My face is getting old.

Is it worth me buying some sort of fancy unguent that will make me look 20 again? Or is it all a load of balls?

I've noticed the queen has beautiful skin and i bet she uses expensive creams.

Current regime is Olay factor 15 every day. No make up.

[JubyLoob]

Honestly? I think its bollocks.

[botemp]

Dependent on the % of effective actives but judging expensive creams and potions as a whole I'd say no better or worse than the cheaper stuff.

You really need to know what you're buying in terms of proven ingredients for your skin type and needs. The Ordinary by Deciem proves you can get highly effective skincare at bargain prices but you do need to be educated about skincare to get the best out of it for you.

[chanie44]

I don't think the Queens look is just due to lotions and potions. She probably takes care of herself very well through eating healthily, drinking lots of water, SPF, minimising stress etc.

[SharingMichelle]

I do drink lots of water, exercise, don't eat junk food etc.

I don't understand my skin though. Is there a job that's a cross between a beautician and a dermatologist who i could go and see? Or would they just try and sell me stuff?

[reallybadidea]

I bought some £1.99 Aldi Q10 cream a couple of months ago. I'd started to get some lines around my eyes and nose and after about a month I suddenly realised that they were significantly reduced, which I didn't expect at all. Worth a go for £1.99?!

[botemp]

Not really beyond a cosmetic dermatologist who specialise in peels, fillers, etc. What are your issues specifically?

[SharingMichelle]

Once i got talked into this London skin clinic and he did all sorts of clever stuff like make one of my hands look 10 years younger than the other. But the cream cost £200+ for the smallest pot so obviously i didnt buy anything!

[SharingMichelle]

Botemp - nothing dramatic, just fine lines, saggy neck, big dark freckles on the side of my face, open pores, black heads. I'm sure i notice it all more than anyone else would, but is like to feel better about my face.

[intheknickersoftime]

I have started using Lacura cuvee from Aldi. I could definitely notice a difference. It's not permanent but I liked the effect on my skin. It's £6.99 a bottle.

[botemp]

he did all sorts of clever stuff like make one of my hands look 10 years younger than the other -emphasis on look.

The cosmetics industry is full of instantaneous effects that long term do nothing, it's where the biggest fraud of it all happens. In essence there's only two effective anti-ageing products, SPF (a stand alone one min SPF30 year round) and prescription Retin A. There are plenty of other active ingredients that will do many things to support and enhance an effective targeted skincare routine but as mentioned above it is specific to need, skin types, age, etc. Everyone's skin is very different and needs a custom approach, what works for some does little for others, etc. etc.

[botemp]

What's your current routine, skin type, approximate age, known sensitivities?

Looking 20 (unless you actually are 20) will be a tough goal but getting the best skin you can with a targeted routine is something you can aim for and I'm happy to point you in the right direction though would encourage reading up on the ingredients too.

[MarvinKMooney]

Is the aldi cream still very perfumed? I remember buying it a few years ago and it has a really cloying, artificial smell. Couldn't get on with it because of that, but would have another go if it's changed!

[lazyb0nes]

Sali Hughes who writes in the guardian seems to know her stuff and her book Pretty Honest is good - the gist I got was that expensive doesn't automatically = most effective and it's down to choosing the right ingredients. I'd recommend her book/column as a source of info.

[SallyR0se]

You're on the right track with no make-up. I find it aging & my skin is fresher without. I don't buy anti-aging creams or anything from department stores. But I do like health store products with no parabens / other muck, natural oils. I never wear SPF, except in the sun. Although I've found a nice zinc one. I also like coconut oil & it smells great.

[woodhill]

I know what you mean, I'm the wrong side of 45 and noticing lines round my mouth more. I do take care of my skin and use Boots No7 creams.

It's s hard to know if it does make a difference. I'm fussy about sun protection and eye cream. I try to eat healthily.

[botemp]

Sali Hughes once recommended (on her blog, not column) a £200+ cream for those days on your period for a bit of comfort... I had a hard time taking her product recommendations serious after that. She is knowledgeable though, especially on dehydrated skin but feel the product recommendations are (like most people) more suited to those with her specific skin type, very dry and dehydrated.

[botemp]

*like with most people

[intheknickersoftime]

It has quite a nice fresh smell.

[Littlebeek]

Just wanted to pop on to give my opinion..
Im 40 years old and have signs of ageing. I've tried literally everything, spent thousands on expensive and dirt cheap creams, gels, lotions, masks, microdermabrasion etc etc. For me I've finally found something that works from Clinique but I tend to find that my skin gets used to treatments/creams so I have to switch quite often.

I'm afraid that I've mostly found good skin is in the genes or just the way you are. Unless you want surgery or Botox then creams don't work wonders :(

[reallybadidea]

The Aldi cream does smell quite strongly (night cream more than the day one) but I don't find it unpleasant. I have quite sensitive skin and I haven't reacted to it.

[SallyR0se]

Liz Earle has a new book out called Skin. I love her fresh faced look. It's a lot about what you eat (and taking ice cold morning bath etc...)

[PeppermintPatty10]

No, it is not worth it, OP. I met a cosmetic chemist once, who formulates creams for all the big names. She said unequivocally not to spend more than £12 on a moisturiser - they are limited in their efficacy.
Saved me £100s every month!

[hobbynob]

I've tried all sorts over the years and now use Nivea all the way - cheap as chips and as effective as anything else and better than most.

[EweAreHere]

Retin A does help. But you have to be careful in the sun if you use it, as in, not sun.

Use sun protection daily.

[WhooooAmI24601]

No. Drinking lots of water, eating a decent diet, using sunscreen, removing makeup every night, genetics, all can help. Creams, nope.

I'm 35 and have just recently started to notice smile lines at the corners of my eyes, very faint ones. Friends the same age as me are looking much, much older and beginning to go down the surgical route. I put it mostly down to the fact that I've always just done the basics and taken care of my skin without spending too much on fancy potions. You wouldn't build a house with crappy cardboard and slap expensive bricks on the facade. Your face needs to be cared for from the inside and the outside.