What serum do you guys recommend?

[Whocansay]

I need a new serum. Preferably one that will give me the skin of a 22 year old. After using No7 P&P for several years, I have just had the Estee Lauder one which was pretty good and was a marked improvement, but wondered if there was something even better? Any recommendations?

[Nabootique]

Is it just anti-ageing you're after? Any other concerns? What is your current routine and skin type?

[Buddhabuddha]

Hi, I've been using this Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid serum, some incredible reviews, so far so good, skin definitely looking fresher in this grim weather!

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00P9MZITW?refRID=_%3Dpd_bia_nav_t_1&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

[Nabootique]

It's worth reading this www.newbeauty.com/blog/dailybeauty/6453-is-mixing-skin-care-products-dangerous/ before using serums with strong active ingredients like vitamin c. It's not saying don't mix things up, but just be careful with strengths and combining products, particularly if you are sensitive or use the other things mentioned elsewhere in your routine, which is why I ask about routine/skin type.

[largered]

OP, I switch between the two you've mentioned, but probably prefer the ANR. When I first started using the p&p, I noticed quite a big difference and people commented. Also had to produce my ID quite a lot too! But like most beauty products it would seem, as your skin gets used to it, it stops making a noticeable difference. I prefer to use ANR during the day, but I don't always use it.

I've heard about the vit c serums, which I get, because I think it's vit c that helps produce collagen?...don't quote me! But I'm dubious to buy any incase the same happens again and it stops working.

Bud, what have you found it's helped with? Am tempted.

Sorry OP. I've not exactly been helpful

[Nabootique]

This is a good article largered www.paulaschoice.com/expert-advice/anti-aging/_/how-does-vitamin-c-help-skin Yes, it does help collagen production.

[largered]

God I'm such a sucker! Just bought some

[Tactfulcactus]

I used No 7 P&P for years - then my friend recommended Aldi's (!!) Lacura intensive beautifying serum. Took me a while to get used to the consistency as its more of an oil. However, my skin looks amazing - even my mum commented! And it's a fraction of the price of the P&P!!

[Whocansay]

Thanks guys. Yes, anti ageing mostly is the concern. I am unimpressed that time appears to be marching across my face! Although I have started to notice dark circles too. Joy.

My routine is generally wash face (evil soap I'm afraid) add serum, eye cream (No7) and day cream (No7). In the evening I tend to do the same again with a different serum and night cream. Make up in the day varies, but it almost always involves tinted moisturiser and a powder base.

My skin is pretty hardy. Not sensitive or dry.

Am liking the look of the Vitamin C serum. And it's so cheap!

[Tactfulcactus]

This is the one - can't find it on the Aldi website umeandthekids.com/the-aldi-must-have-multi-intensive-serum-is-back/

[Whocansay]

Nabootique I'm curious, what do you use? You seem to know lots about this stuff. I'm just a sucker for good packaging! Should I be looking for vitamin C, or retinol? The Aldi one is algae. It seems I should get a degree in chemistry before buying!

[largered]

Am slightly concerned that 20% vit c is going to be too much for my skin now, after reading that article. I have decent skin, it's more about prevention for me. Having said that, I do notice my pores more now and definitely have some fine lines.

Should I stop using my Olay elixir night serum? Would that be hyaluronic acid overkill?

Sorry to hijack OP.

[WhoKn0wsWhereTheMistletoes]

I've got a degree in chemistry and I still find it all a bit baffling if I'm honest. I read somewhere (Sali Hughes?) that you should be looking for hyaluronic acid to be in the first 7 ingredients on the list. So I've just bought Vichy Aqualia on that basis, I like that it sinks in really quickly -and the bottle is pretty but a bit early to say hoe good it is.

[Nabootique]

I have quite an embarrasing amount collection of everything skin care, and I have a Caroline Hirons approach of mixing it around depending on skin, weather, time of the month, etc.

At the moment for example, I have had a breakout due to hormones and some redness due to the cold/central heating, so I've been using a salicylic acid toner, then a serum for problem skin in the morning, and one that I find helps with the redness in the evening. It's sorted it out. I know these aren't the same things you need, just an example of my approach, I guess?

For anti-ageing both vitamin C and retinol are okay as long as not too strong, you're not sensitive, maybe don't use both every day. The only retinol product (or a relative to retinol) is Sunday Riley Luna, which I find is also good for brightness, glow and helping clear away old acne scares. It is really expensive though. If I use a vitamin C serum I'll use it in the morning as they tend to be a bit lighter IME and more of an immediate brightening affect, which is obviously a nice thing to have when you're being seen, rather than at night. Typically, I'd use both a couple of times a week (Luna at night).

I can't seem to find an ingredients list for the Aldi one, but algae tends to be hydrating, which will help plump out fine lines, rather than get rid of them. Really only retinol/vitamin a can do that, but vitamin c/glycolic acid will improve dark spots and skin texture, and other things that can look ageing.

Sorry to waffle. I hope I don't come across like a know-it-all-smart-arse. I just really love skin care. I know very little about anything else

[Nabootique]

No harm in lots of hyaluronic acid largered, don't worry. Just start off with the vitamin c a couple of times a week, and you can use your Olay on the other days.

Some brands do seem to just put a teeny amount of hyaluronic acid in right at the end of the ingredients list, almost just so they can say it's in there. Or that's how it seems to me. I have the Vichy serum. I quite like it. I think Caroline Hirons said something like "when you look at the ingredients it shouldn't really work but does", because it's basically water and silicone.

[largered]

Just read quite an alarming review about one of the ingredients in the vit c serum. Apparently the glycol?? (sorry, I've read a lot of reviews and can't be sure that's name) Apparently it's the same ingredient they put in anti freeze and over time it creates a sort of barrier over your skin, making it dry and so ageing, because the layer underneath can't absorb moisture properly, so your moisturiser is essentially not going to work Really?? I

[Whocansay]

Anyone used the Dr Oz serum? Seems to have a lot of good reviews online, but I'm always a bit suspicious!

[Nabootique]

There's research for and against loads of skincare ingredients, glycols, parabens, fragrance, just make up your own mind after reading. I've never had a problem with any of the above personally

[largered]

I guess so. It just didn't sound goof.

[largered]

*good

[mrsvilliers]

I'm a big Elemental Herbology fan and use their cell food serum www.elementalherbology.com/estore/cell-food and cell rejuvenating moisturiser. It made a massive difference to my skin, went from dull and congested to clear and bright. It's all natural too. It's pricey but lasts me around five months. They have a trial pack for around £20 so you can give it a go for a week and see how it suits your skin before buying full size.

[Nabootique]

Also love Elemental Herbology. I have that serum too, and the cell plumping day moisturiser. Look Fantastic seems to discount them quite regularly.

[hollieberrie]

Seconding Paula's Choice. I get on well with all her products that ive tried. I use this serum for combo / oily skins, which has retinol in it too:

www.paulaschoice.co.uk/skin-balancing-super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum.html

[polyhymnia]

I recommend the Sarah Chapman one.

[WhoKn0wsWhereTheMistletoes]

Largered - propylene glycol (I assume that's what you are talking about) is very widely used in cosmetics because it has very low toxicity. In fact it is used in food too. It is also used in anti-freeze (the more eco friendly types) because it lowers the freezing point of water. Ethylene glycol (traditional anti-freeze)is much more toxic and not used in cosmetics. Propylene glycol attracts water and is actually used to make cosmetics more moisturising and help the other ingredients pass into the skin more easily. Have you got a link to that review?

[mrsvilliers]

Ooooh really Nabootique! Off to look now!