Effective cleanser and moisturiser

[WhatTimeIsItCuckoo]

My skin has always been on the dry side but, in the last year or so, it has become quite oily and always has a horrible shine to it. I'm looking for a simple but effective routine but also quick and easy (3 kids so can't be doing with anything faffy) as well as gentle as my skin has always been sensitive and still is. I'm coming up to 48 years old so can only put this sudden oiliness down to hormonal changes but as someone who has always had pretty good skin, it's really getting me down. I also have a few annoying little white spots on my forehead where the oiliness is particularly bad. Any advice/recommendations please? Thanks in advance .

[annielostit]

Simple wipes and clinique redness reducing cream in the morning. No soap based products for me, and a simple wipe at night. I'm 49.

[WhatTimeIsItCuckoo]

Which Simple wipes do you use annie? I used the regular ones for years and was using them when my skin suddenly turned oily so have been looking for another cleanser ever since, but I do love the simplicity of wipes/cleansers that remove everything at once.

[TimeToMuskUp]

I've used Liz Earle's cleanse and polish thing with the muslin cloths for a few years and my skin has never looked better. It's quick and easy, my skin feels super-clean immediately and it doesn't leave that tight feeling afterwards.

I'm a swine for not using a proper moisturiser during the day as I've never found a truly non-greasy one, but I use Nuxe's guile prodigieuse as a night-time moisturiser and my skin loves it. Sounds mad using an oil on greasy skin but it works on me.

[WhatTimeIsItCuckoo]

Thanks Time I also used the Liz Earle one for a while and my skin looked great too, but then it started breaking out for some reason so I gave up on it. Just can't find anything that suits long term at the minute . never heard of that moisturiser though, will take a look, thanks .

[CityDweller]

Boots Vit E moisturiser is nice and light. The one in the little tub.

Cleanser - I love the Ren clay one.

[MotherOfFlagons]

I went though several expensive cleansers and have finally found Simple to be the best for cleanse/tone. For moisturisers, I switch between Boots and Clarins. I have dry/combination skin. I tried Liz Earle but didn't really like it.

This is a bit of a luxury, but can you manage a facial every month or two? I've found it really helps my skin and a good beauty therapist will be able to advise you on skincare.

[WhatTimeIsItCuckoo]

Thanks everyone, will look into all of these!

[Hopefully]

Simple gives me horrific cystic acne within about three days of using it, and I've read online that others have found similar. I really like the Nip&Fab foaming cleanser, or even Dr Bronner soap if nothing else is available (need a good moisturiser afterwards, it's a bit harsh, but nothing like as harsh as 'real' soap). If I'm feeling flush I buy La Roche Posay foaming cleanser, but even though it lasts ages and works well I always baulk at paying loads for a cleanser that will get rinsed straight off.

[ThenLaterWhenItGotDark]

Cetaphil cleanser, or one of the La Roche Posay ones. I also like Body Shop Chamomile cleansing butter but that might not be the best thing for oily skin.

[bluebutterfly29]

I would strongly suggest avoiding face wipes, they do not properly clean your skin and could be contributing to your problems. If you want a simple way to remove your makeup, you could try Bioderma Sensibio H2O which will remove all makeup, and also Avene cleansing milk. I really do think the most important thing is to properly clean your face at night. My routine is to use Bioderma to get all the makeup off and then either to use Liz Earl (if I want to exfoliate) or A-derma soap free cleaners to cleans my face. Following that I either use a face oil (the Pure one from M&S is great) or Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré. And then follow that with a spritz of Avene facial water.

In the morning I just use the Avene cleanings milk and follow it with Avene suncream, and eye cream.

Twice a week I do a fascial massage with Liz Earl and in the winter when my skin is very dry I put on Avene moisture mask and sleep with it on.

I would high suggest going with Avene products, they are very well made and not too expensive. My skin has always been a combination of dry and oily in different places and I could never figure out what the best products were. I used a lot of simple products, and even tried very expensive face wash like Chanel. However, when I switched over to Avene, the problems I had with my face completely cleared up. I suggest that you check out these videos, Lisa Eldridge completely changed the way that I view skincare and my face is all the better for it!


www.lisaeldridge.com/video/1694/my-favourite-skincare-products-part-one/#.Vit64kuHTLE

www.lisaeldridge.com/video/1695/my-favourite-skincare-products-part-two/#.Vit69kuHTLE

www.lisaeldridge.com/video/26271/my-current-skincare-routine-updated/#.Vit7BEuHTLE

[Pancakeflipper]

I am loving Elemis Pro Radiance Cream cleanser at the moment. Also like the Liz Earle one.

I then use Body Shop Vit E serum.

Then a moisturiser, sometimes adding in 2 drops of oil.

A facial exfoliation once a week and a mask.

I have dry skin and noticed a huge improvement and my fine lines reduced (but getting crepy neck...)

I agree with the don't use wipes school of thought.

[MadGrumblyGnome]

Definitely don't just use wipes, especially if you've got sensitive skin. I'd avoid foaming cleansers too. It seems counterintuitive with oily skin but trying to dry it out doesn't help. Use a basic creamy gentle cleanser, warm water and make sure you get all make up off at night, if you wear it. I like a clean hot flannel to scrub it all off after massaging in the cleanser. And use a nice rich moisturiser at night, a lot of the 'for oily skin' ones can be horribly drying.

I have oily sensitive skin too and have found the La Roche Posay range is good, especially if Boots is running an offer on it as they aren't particularly cheap.

[ThenLaterWhenItGotDark]

I've also read (on threads on here I think) that the "Simple" range is about the biggest misnomer in the business, as their products are really very harsh, and anything but. (disclaimer: I've never used them, but have seen lots of poor reviews)

[WhatTimeIsItCuckoo]

Thanks again everyone, lots to look into here!