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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think elaborate skincare is unnecessary, or will my face fall off with this routine?

169 replies

GreatBigYou · 29/12/2023 21:20

All my friends of a similar age (40s) seem to use loads of different serums and potions, but I can never remember/be bothered too.

I just wash my face with a face wash (Superdrug one) and use moisturiser (currently Simple one) in the morning. I don't wear makeup usually so I don't do anything at night.

AIBU to think that everything else is a bit of a con that doesn't have any lasting impact? Or will I regret being laissez-faire when I'm in my 50s or 60s?

OP posts:
babyshroom · 29/12/2023 23:17

It's genetic.

I'm like the posters who don't take off makeup at night and use Lidl face wash in the shower and Lidl face cream after.

I drink like a fish and my diet is shit.

This is my skin at 50.

(I do take cod liver oil when I remember which helps).

phoenixrosehere · 29/12/2023 23:18

Only those two things would not be enough for me. I have dry skin and the UK climate dries it out further. My routine is about five minutes if that:

Cleanse with a moisturising micellar water

Spray skin with a moisturising toner

Smooth on Corsx Snail Mucin (Moisturising essence)

Spray toner

Smooth on Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream

Spray toner, let dry

La Roche Posey Antihelios SPF 50+

Romand Lipstain

Everything but my sunscreen is an Asian Skincare product but will be going back to an Asian skincare SPF 50+ sunscreen I used before but was harder to get years ago and seeing if it works as good or better than the La Roche Posay because I love that one but it is more expensive for the size and I can get two to three of the Asian one for the price of it.

Don’t need make-up, skin is blemish free except for the occasional chin break out and has a natural glow to it. My breakouts are usually stress-related or skin is lacking moisture for too long.

I don’t drink, smoke, take my vitamins, eat healthy most of the time and try not to stress.

Ndd135632 · 29/12/2023 23:18

Retinoids are brilliant at speeding up cell turnover - they are great exfoliators. And tretinoin (only available on prescription is 20 times more effective than over the counter retinol). The other great things are acids such as azelaic and ascorbic (vitamin c). Great for skin texture. But then there are lots of other things that are shown to help such as hyaluronic acid for hydration. Niacinamide for pore size and texture. Peptides and ceramides. I try a cocktail of those which are proven through scientific studies to work. Unfortunately a lot of these are only available on prescription or through the new online brands that offer this service with an online consultation.

AllllTheQuestions · 29/12/2023 23:19

I never used to bother but as I got in to my mid thirties I noticed by skin became really dry and even flaky!

My problem was that everything I did made my face so gross and greasy and then it was shiny and oily in the morning. I’ve found products that work for me now (I buy a set with everything I need in it that tells me what to do and just follow what it says!) and I do it 3/4 times a week even thought it says twice a day. Seems to have stopped the flaky skin and maybe even helped with my under eye bags a little- or maybe it’s cos I’m older and wiser and try to go to bed at a reasonable hour now I’m heading to fourty…

MsGoodenough · 29/12/2023 23:20

I splash my face with water morning and evening. Works for me! I'm mid 40s and my skin is no better or worse than when I spent money on skincare in my 20s.

Dearee · 29/12/2023 23:20

OP I agree - the skincare industry is a total con aimed at fleecing money out of women - and it's sadly getting a whole new generation hooked. My tween is also keen on expensive products - so are most of her friends. Really hoping it's just a phase!

Ndd135632 · 29/12/2023 23:21

Blinkityblonk · 29/12/2023 23:16

I'm wondering what to tell my late teens, they are fanatical about sunscreen (Korean skincare), good for their skin, but they are bad at taking supplements, even though I've bought them for them! They seem far more worried about ageing (when they are 19...) than the risks of Vit D deficiency, I'm just trying to work it all out I guess.

My kids are also not great at taking vitamin D - except during covid when the science was so strong about it protecting against respiratory diseases. Then they took it daily. So for now I am happy they are obsessed with protecting their skin against cancer and ageing with spf and when I get a chance I spray their tongue with a vit D supplement.

Blinkityblonk · 29/12/2023 23:22

@Ndd135632 I have also found chewy/gummy vitamins work even with older teens, I love the idea of spraying them as they pass...

MsGoodenough · 29/12/2023 23:22

Are men's faces falling off for lack of an expensive skincare routine? There's your answer OP.

HelenHerriott · 29/12/2023 23:22

I’ve used Astral cream as a moisturiser and a mild face wash since I was 16, my face hasn’t fallen off yet 😂

Ndd135632 · 29/12/2023 23:24

This reply has been hidden

This reply has been hidden until the MNHQ team can have a look at it.

Simonjt · 29/12/2023 23:24

MsGoodenough · 29/12/2023 23:22

Are men's faces falling off for lack of an expensive skincare routine? There's your answer OP.

My routine isn’t expensive (I’m too tight), but if I don’t do I end up with eczema flare up, acne, black heads and in the winter sore/cracked cheeks. So yes, it would in effect be falling off.

Thepeopleversuswork · 29/12/2023 23:24

I think generally speaking and unless you have specific conditions such as acne or rosacea, skincare products are a complete con. Nice to use because it smells nice and seems expensive but basically a £3 boots number will do more or less the same as a £75 Lancome.

Not that there's anything wrong with it: I've done it myself. But there's no real science behind it. It's a triumph of marketing over common sense.

Wash, tone and moisturise. Job done.

Happinessischeeseontoast · 29/12/2023 23:25

Dearee · 29/12/2023 23:20

OP I agree - the skincare industry is a total con aimed at fleecing money out of women - and it's sadly getting a whole new generation hooked. My tween is also keen on expensive products - so are most of her friends. Really hoping it's just a phase!

This

I probably sound ranty but I have had really likeable friends bombard me with Tropic shit which has apparently changed their life when to the layperson their skin looks exactly the same. Then the way it is taking off with kids that haven't even hit puberty yet I just feel wtf it's face wash and cream, calm down everybody.

MouseMinge · 29/12/2023 23:26

I'd add sunscreen like others have said, it's important. I'd also do the cleanse and moisturise at night because your skin does dry out then. Other than that if you're happy with what you're doing carry on. We all do what feels right for us.

mrlistersgelfbride · 29/12/2023 23:30

I like skincare but I certainly don't spend a lot. I can never believe people spend hundreds of pounds on creams and serums. No way.

I always take my make up off but sometimes forget to put on anything at night. I think a lot of good skin is genetic.

2 things I'd recommend that are cheap and give good results if you are interested (and they are quick and easy to use) :

-Superdrug naturally radiant eye cream

  • The Ordinary 0.5% retinol in squalane. If you put it on at night I swear wrinkles are hugely reduced by the morning!
christmaspawpaws · 29/12/2023 23:34

bryceQ · 29/12/2023 21:40

If you like doing skincare then a multi step routine is nice.

If you hate it then don't. Skin ideally should be clean, moisturised and protected from the sun. Everything else is an add on.

I really enjoy the ritual of skincare, but I'm like that with body stuff and baths too. It's pleasurable for me. I would be a good roman spend all day in bath houses.

That ^^
Everyone should wash their face and protect it from the sun just like you shower and clean your teeth

I love all the pampering stuff though and have problem skin, or did have until I started using tretinoin

FluffletheMeow · 29/12/2023 23:36

🙄

Honestly.

I agree OP.

I mean use creams and serums if they make you happy. It's nice that they do. But... necessary?

I wash my face in the in the shower. I take my make up off when I remember. I use sunscreen... if I think I might burn.

If my face falls off at 36 I'll let you know.

christmaspawpaws · 29/12/2023 23:39

MsGoodenough · 29/12/2023 23:22

Are men's faces falling off for lack of an expensive skincare routine? There's your answer OP.

I mean men have different skin, and different skin types just as women
But yeah I see men who would benefit from using moisturiser, and especially SPF when they have a shaved/bald head
SPF is meant to stay on so you should wash your face properly to take it off - a lot of people break out from it as it's not removed thoroughly and then stop using it because they think it makes them break out

BrightGreenMoonBuggy · 29/12/2023 23:43

You need SPF every morning and you really should be cleaning your face at night as you’d be surprised what grime shows on white cotton wool. Other than that, do whatever you can be bothered with!

namestevalian · 29/12/2023 23:43

I buy my tret over the counter in ; Greece / Portugal / Morocco / India / Turkey for around £5 for 6-12 months supply.

I've spent a lot on derms over the years and having good friends in the industry I'm happy to ride solo as I have advice on tap very luckily

I recommend beginners starting with Dermatica or skin and me - but do your own research .

Watch Hot and Flashy on YouTube too!

I buy Korean products from Tonic 15 and stylevana :

I like to get the sample size to try the sunscreens but I like purito / cosrx / nivea water gel /

Do note - I would NOT wear these lightweight sunscreens out on the water / beach - and prefer to use the LRP anthelios as it has a very high PPD rating ( better for protection against pigmentation!)

namestevalian · 29/12/2023 23:44

Make sure to check that the sunscreens have been independently lab tested for their spf value

www.drrachelho.com/blog/purito-controversy-asian-sunscreens/

namestevalian · 29/12/2023 23:48

Also Ultra Violette ( Australian brand) is fantastic for sunscreen - the yellow lid one and green lid were both great for me

Didn't like the purple lid mineral one .

Nat6999 · 30/12/2023 00:23

I use baby wipes & aqueous cream both as a cleanser & moisturiser.

Ohthatsfabulousdarling · 30/12/2023 00:27

I think a lot of it is down to genes.
If you do want to get into a skincare routine, I highly recommend the ordinary.
I use a squalene cleanser, and their hyaluronic acid, when I can be bothered I use their moisturising factors cream.

My skin is quite nice, people comment on it often, and it takes literally five minutes a day.

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