My skin is terrible again, what can I try?

[MyGastIsFlabbered]

I'm 40 with combination/sensitive skin and the worst spots I've ever had. I've been using the Nivea sensitive range but feel it's time for a change. I tried the super drug vitamin e hot oil cloth cleanser but my skin reacted to it.

What else can I try that won't break the bank. I'm sick of being spotty.

[MadAngryGnome]

GP appointment? Might be able to get something topical on prescription that would be stronger than the usual face washes.

[TelephoneIgnoringMachine]

Have you ever tried oil cleansing, with plain oils, & using a microfibre cloth in warm (not hot) water to remove? I have oily/ sensitive skin, & recently discovered this, it's helping a lot. Pretty galling after 20 years of horrible skin, roaccutane, & so much money spent on various different face washes & treatments.

[Back2Two]

I haven't tried oil cleansing so I can't comment on that.
I've really improved my skin in the past couple of months after following the advice on the Skincare threads here on MN. They are not just for tacking spots but for improving the appearance of skin too.

They suggest a simple evening and morning routine which includes cleanser, acid exfoliator/toner and then moisturiser and serum etc if you want.

For combo skin I have used la Roche posay (LRP) products and my favourites so far are the very gentle, non foaming physiological cleanser and the Efflaclar duo after cream. Acid toners are great for getting rid of any dead skin and refining pores. There are loads....nip and fab do pads, Olay has a good cheap one, LRP will have one too and their Efflaclar duo cream has salicyclic acid in. There are some effective products that you can buy from Amazon or direct from skincare companies on line too rather than the BOOTS type of products.

Actually, it is quite a science once you get into it! A quick tip is to wait for 20minutes after cleansing before you acid tone. This is to do with the ph of the skin and the subsequent efficacy of the toner.

For spots apparently don't use a foaming cleanser (so I was suing Efflaclar foaming cleanser but I swapped to the physiological one)

If you wear make up or SPF you need to double cleanse in the evening....so you can use the same cleanser twice or choose a second one that suits your skin.

I get spots rarely now and if I do see/feel one coming I have been able to a manage them and they're practically gone in 24 hrs

[Back2Two]

here is a link to another good thread at the mo and on that thread you'll find info about the Amazing Faces threads on MN

HONESTLY....you can get rid of those spots and pretty quickly too!

[msrisotto]

I've never found topical treatments work for me, but then i've always had acne/spots so maybe mine is more hormonal than yours. Anyways, I found a significant improvement in my skin since I cut down eating sugar.

[msrisotto]

Painful though that may sound!

[Rivercam]

Consider your diet. Is something you are eating making them worse? When I did Dry January, my face looked a lot fresher, so cutting out alcohol worked for me.

[TelephoneIgnoringMachine]

If you do want to try oil cleansing, you need to look at what oils are most suitable for your skin type, and check their comedogenic ratings, ie how likely they are to block pores & cause spots.

[EssexMummy123]

I saw an improvement with the superdrug naturally radiant hot cloth cleanser and moisturisers along with an acid toner or the occasional wipe with a clearasil pad. Also cut back on sugar.