To want skincare that works?

[citruslemon]

Am prone to spots but everything I ever buy dries my skin so badly. Have spent so much over the years on skin care products. For past year I've used nothing and my skin looks so dull and still get spot breakouts :/ Anyone else have this problem?

I'm sure you're bored of recommendations, but have you tried Liz Earle Hot Polish? My sister and I both use it, she has had problem skin for nearly fifteen years, and now it GLOWS. I love it too, but I've been relatively lucky with my skin.

Have you tried a good facial oil?

Decleor Neroli or Aromessence. Or Liz Earle super skin?

Yes. Exfoliation was my solution. My DS bought me Cliniques mild toner( the one you have to shake). Even when I'm on a budget I make sure I've enough to buy this. Try hot cloth cleansing as well. Super Drugs Vitamin E one is on my shelf at the moment and it doesn't make my eyes all sticky like the others.
Failing that get to Lush and tell them of your problems. They should give you samples to try that will be trailered to your skin.
The best advice I was given was spotty skin is sensitive skin and it should be treated accordingly.
You'll also need patience as there is no quick solution but if a product makes your skin hot,tight or sting stop using it.
If all else fails get to the GP. I was put on a really low dose of AB (50mg) which cleared up the underlying infection.
In this day and age no one should have to suffer low self esteem due to ones complexion and the moment you start to see the difference for yourself really will transform you.
Honestly.

I didn't get spots until I hit my 20's and for about 6 months had the most horrendous acne on my forehead. I tried expensive products, cheap cheap but nothing helped until I was prescribed Duac. The spots pretty much disappeared after about 4 weeks.

My skin is great now, but I only ever use cosmeceuticals like Skinceuticals in combination with Cetaphil products. I also make my own scrubs and masks. If I feel any outbreaks coming I use a homemade aspirin mask: mix uncoated aspirin tablet with water and manuka honey. Aspirin for the salicylic acid and the manuka honey for it's antibacterial properties.

Me me me!!!

Firstly remember that just because skin is spotty it can still be sensitive and end up dry and irritated when using products for oily skin. Next have a look at Caroline Hirons skincare routine, it's cleared my skin right up.

My current routine is a balm cleanser in the morning followed by Bravura Toner, rose water and moisturiser. In the evening I use a balm cleanser, then non-foaming face wash, Bravura toner and rose water and then lots of Argan oil instead of moisturiser. I don't use scrubby exfoliators or masks designed for spotty skin as they're too much.

Argan Oil has been the single best product for my skin, it helps clear up spots, balances oil and gets rid of dry patches. I use Simply Argan, a bottle lasts ages so it works out as really good value.

Ole Henriksen (that you can get on the John Lewis website) is fantastic stuff. Although it's pricey, there's a very good starter kit of 7 sample products for £29.50. Worth a try?

I honestly think most products are great for some people, and not for others.. My skin was dull and tired last year, so I invested in a clarisonic face brush. I use it daily, and it's transformed my skin. I then use bio oil as I get dry skin, and that's me. I've got cupboards full of products which dd is working her way through, but am delighted with my regime.

I've been waiting for a post like this!.

My skin is not very problematic at all so yes, I may be lucky but it is also not perfect in any way

I am 35 and in various stages of my life (and finances) I have used Liz Earle, L'Oréal, Elemis, No 7, Clarins, Lush (the £35 one!),Olay; Elemis. Soap and Glory, Clearasil, and more ....from the cheapest to the most expensive.

NONE of them have made any discernible difference to my skin. I'm often told I look like I'm in my 20's despite drinking and smoking etc. I know that won't last but would LOVE to find skincare that seems to make any kind of difference because otherwise, I've wasted A LOT of money for no reason.

Now, I exfoliate with poundshop scrubs and use poundshop moisturisers.

That may mean I'm lucky but I would love to be able to slap something (anything!) on while thinking it's worth the money and makes me look better!.

Oh yes, Shonajoy I forgot about the Clarisonic. I have one, it's amazing for. I use one of the brush heads for my bottom and it's now as smooth as a babys.

Thank you so much! The lush recommendation is great because I did try the seaweed face mask a while ago and it was fab, but the nearest lush shop is out of my way. Will look into all the others too.
My little girl is off school today with what the doctor thinks might be chickenpox. "Mummy am I not going school today because of my spots?" "Yes darling." "But mummy, you have spots all over your face." Didn't know whether to laugh or cry, hence this thread!

Never come across a face brush - will be researching that!

I've had spots since a teen and for the past month or two it's all changed. I've been using a cheap tea tree oil exfoliant in the shower from Home Bargains (it's in a green tube for about 99p I think), then I use Liz Earle Hot Polish then use a moisturiser from Aldi and then use the Body Shop Vitamin C skin reviver

Now I have no spots, my skin is so soft and smooth and it's glowing :)