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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:
Kittybythelighthouse · 30/12/2023 00:31

The only things that really make a difference are vitamin c, sunscreen, and retinols. If you don’t want to add all of those at least add sunscreen. It does make a huge difference and as someone else has said, sun damage can’t be undone. I wear it every single day and have done for years. My very close-in-age sister has never used it except on holiday or hot summer days and there is a big difference in our skin condition.

Klcak · 30/12/2023 00:35

I’m mid 40s
baby soap to wash face in shower
nothing else at all
unless specific skin problems are being treated, I do think skin care is a con.
I have the droopy skin on the eyelids. It’s genetic and I can’t bring myself to give a crap.

letmeeatinpeace · 30/12/2023 00:44

The only thing that had a huge effect on my skin was when I gave up drinking for a couple of years - less red / irritated, more glowing. I noticed the effect v quickly. I drink now but in smaller amounts, so it’s a good balance! Exercise really helps too.

Oh and washing my face less - that really made a difference as my skin is v sensitive and I didn’t realise how much it was drying out, even when using creams after washing.

ALongHardWinter · 30/12/2023 02:05

I'm 60,and my skin is pretty good (on my face,my hands are another story!). I just wash my face in the shower with soap and water,and put Nivea (or similar) moisturiser on in the morning, before going out and before going to bed. I've never been a sun-worshipper,so maybe that's helped too. I never spend more than a few quid on a face cream,and don't bother with scrubs or special cleansers.

Disturbia81 · 30/12/2023 02:20

I just use wipes. I don't think skincare makes a difference really
I'm faring well because of not doing things that do make a genuine difference- smoking, drinking, sunbathing etc
I do think they can make skin feel nice though and some women enjoy the self care aspect.

ithinkthatmaybeimdreaming · 30/12/2023 02:56

I'm in my 60s and my skincare regime is the same as yours OP, and my face hasn't fallen off yet - and people always think I'm younger than I am. I do however use a moisturiser with sunscreen, but that's because I'm in NZ and am outside a lot.

aurynne · 30/12/2023 03:04

I wash my face with the same soap I use for the body or the hands. I wear no makeup and use no moisturiser. I have no "skin routine". The only thing that I put on my skin is sun protection.

My skin does not look any different to my friends' who use expensive serums and creams.

I think the "face skin routine" thing for women is a massive con that has been allowed to thrive because we women are so insecure about our looks and ageing. Yes, obviously whoever has a skin condition, man or womean, will surely benefit from treatment, same as with any other medical condition. But a normal face does not need anything on it to stay healthy.

Eat healthy, try to reduce stress, drink enough water and go out frequently to get fresh air. That is my recommendation for "skin routine" if you don't have any skin conditions.

Poppysmom22 · 30/12/2023 06:37

I would pop sun screen on for the day and wash off at night but other than that whatever works for you

TerfTalking · 30/12/2023 06:45

Mumof2NDers · 29/12/2023 21:26

Nah! You’ll be fine.
I’m 53, I’ve been going to bed in my make up for years( yeah I know, disgusting 😂)
I wash my face in the shower with soap and that’s it. No cleanser, toner or moisturiser. I get lots of compliments on my “lovely skin” and am often told I look younger than I am.
I think it’s genetic. DM is 74 and has lovely skin too.

Me too!

ive never had spots and my neck is far less crepey than many of my friends. I never ever sit in the sun though and use cheap Astral moisturiser before make up which I don’t wear much these days.

honestly nothing makes my face feel cleaner than a bit of Wrights Coal Tar soap!

Caroparo52 · 30/12/2023 06:56

I only wash my face with hot water and slap on Boots no7 moisture cream day and night. Plus factor 50 suncream daily. I am blessed with great skin so lucky me.. sorry not meaning to gloat but just to say that's all that's required.

WandaWonder · 30/12/2023 07:12

I figure I am my age no matter what I do so I keep clean and that is it

Pretending I am younger than I am won't actually change my age

Chowit · 30/12/2023 07:19

I just wash my face with dove soap and warm water, finishing off with a splash of cold water and a dab of whatever moisturiser is on offer when I need a new pot.
Once a week I use normal granulated white sugar, and use that as a face scrub.
So far, my face has remained attached to my head.
I also use normal granulated sugar as a body scrub. It leaves the skin feeling wonderfully soft and smooth.

whatchagonnado · 30/12/2023 07:26

Ndd135632 · 29/12/2023 22:41

I work in skincare with dermatologists. Certain ingredients can make an enormous difference. Here are the ones I know of:

  • tretinoin. The most effective retinoid and only available on prescription in the U.K. Is clinically proven over 40 years to work. Is expensive if you need to go and see a derm but is now available online via a consultation via brands such as Skin + Me and their new brand for midlife skin And Begin.
  • spf. A must for the daytime. Factor 50+
  • azalaic acid. The best acid I have used for skin texture. Available from the brands above.
  • peptides, ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Great over the counter ingredients.
  • other ingredients proven to repair DNA or enhance natural retinoic acid production such as Rejuve NAD or Novaretin

I mean each to their own and carry on using simple and soap and water but now I am hitting 50 I am making sure I keep up with the science. And it seems to be working.

Very helpful- thank you. I find it difficult to separate the marketing with the science on skincare products, so this is a great post for me on what actually works. I'm a natural sceptic and don't like paying huge sums for stuff not proven to work

NeedToChangeName · 30/12/2023 08:41

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.

@Thepeopleversuswork I agree with this

See also, diet industry. For most people, a common sense approach is all they need, and yet a whole industry has arisen

Mctm · 30/12/2023 08:54

This is such an interesting thread.

I agree with most that it is mainly down to genetics. I have pale skin that goes freckly in the sun and feel I’m more prone to ageing because of that. I also spent my early 20s being a sun worshipper and not applying spf.

To contradict myself I spend 100s possibly 1000s on skincare a year. Mainly to try and reverse the sun damage I did in my early 20s. I use La Mer moisturiser and £120 eye cream. I definitely feel it helps although for that much money I don’t know…

I think everyone should use SPF and a moisturiser personally but if what you’re doing is working for you then continue that way!

Mountainpika · 30/12/2023 09:02

Depends on the individual, I suppose. I've never used makeup, just a basic soap, and Nivea cream or lotion at night. Very few wrinkles. I'm nearly 77 but told I look 10 years younger. Not that it bothers me either way. I'm just me.

millymollymoomoo · 30/12/2023 09:10

You’d be better following ( all non performed )

cream cleanser
vit c serum moisturiser
uv
moisturiser

Evening
cleanser
vit a ( retinol - start off low %)
moisturiser

you will thank yourself in years to come

ManateeFair · 30/12/2023 09:13

An ‘elaborate’ skincare routine isn’t ‘necessary’, no.

However, neither is skincare in general ‘a con’. Lots of people do see big improvements in the appearance of their skin with the right products. They don’t necessarily have to be expensive.

If your skin feels comfortable and balanced and you’re happy with the way it looks, carry on doing what you’re doing.

I use a hot cloth cleanser, an exfoliating toner, a serum (Vit C in the morning and retinol at night) and either a moisturiser or a facial oil at night (SPF one in the day, non-SPF one at night). None of the products are high-end ones. My skin definitely does look better for it, but that’s just me. I have quite oily skin and I’m prone to pigmentation and those products make my skin clearer and brighter. If you don’t have issues you want to improve, no need to change.

Winnading · 30/12/2023 09:14

MrInbetween · 29/12/2023 22:55

All the skin care I was doing absolutely ruined my skin.

I now wash with a surfer soap in cold water and nothing else. My skin has honestly been in the best condition for years! Threw out a load of expensive skin care the other day.

Did you mean sulphur soap? Asking cos a Google brings that up, but no surfer soap.

squeekyturkey · 30/12/2023 09:20

I have a skincare routine, which I've had for the past few years and my skin is better now than it was 20 years ago. It sounds a lot but it's about 10 minutes out of my day.

I cleanse, use a serum, vit c oil and then moisturiser with spf each morning. I use a facial roller than I keep in fridge.

Night time, cleanse, serum, under eye cream and night moisturiser.

2x per week I use medik8 retinal. Once per week I use salicylic acid.

I sleep on a silk pillowcase (no face creases). I have a monthly facial treatment (I alternate) between hydra facial, chemical peel or micro needling.

I take a range of vitamins including biotin.

I think I have good skin, other people tell me I'm glowy so I'm happy with that.

FestiveGrinch · 30/12/2023 09:48

Never bothered until this year. Am now mid fifties and realised that years of sun damage and being outside a lot all year round had done me no favours. Lots of redness and hyperpigmentation, deep creases under my eyes and generally just looking older and weather worn. I signed up to Dermatica and have been using Tret/hydroquinone daily plus their moisturiser and squalene cleanser and SPF50. The difference after 3 months is actually huge. The redness has much reduced and my skin is generally smoother and brighter. It’s a very basic routine and none of it is in any way luxurious but it’s working for me so I intend to keep going. My treatment has just changed from hydroquinone to niacinimide and azealic acid and I’m hoping that has no downside.

zaazaazoo · 30/12/2023 10:00

Mumof2NDers · 29/12/2023 21:26

Nah! You’ll be fine.
I’m 53, I’ve been going to bed in my make up for years( yeah I know, disgusting 😂)
I wash my face in the shower with soap and that’s it. No cleanser, toner or moisturiser. I get lots of compliments on my “lovely skin” and am often told I look younger than I am.
I think it’s genetic. DM is 74 and has lovely skin too.

Photo please!

zaazaazoo · 30/12/2023 10:01

CharlotteRumpling · 29/12/2023 21:34

Tret does work. The only thing that is proven to. The rest is garbage.

Vitamin C is also proven to benefit as has SPF

istoodonlegoagain · 30/12/2023 10:09

Can anyone recommend a moisturizer with SPF50, preferably not high end please?

gannett · 30/12/2023 10:22

aurynne · 30/12/2023 03:04

I wash my face with the same soap I use for the body or the hands. I wear no makeup and use no moisturiser. I have no "skin routine". The only thing that I put on my skin is sun protection.

My skin does not look any different to my friends' who use expensive serums and creams.

I think the "face skin routine" thing for women is a massive con that has been allowed to thrive because we women are so insecure about our looks and ageing. Yes, obviously whoever has a skin condition, man or womean, will surely benefit from treatment, same as with any other medical condition. But a normal face does not need anything on it to stay healthy.

Eat healthy, try to reduce stress, drink enough water and go out frequently to get fresh air. That is my recommendation for "skin routine" if you don't have any skin conditions.

So glad someone finally pointed out that your skin condition is affected more by what you put into your body than directly on your face.

I don't have a skin routine, apart from moisturisers and suncream as and when they feel necessary. My skin is good for my age, which is all genetics (I am assuming that at some point I'll go straight from looking 30 to looking 70 given my ethnic mix). However whenever my skin feels greasier, breaks out in spots or generally seems a bit more haggard, it's always linked to eating less well, exercising less, being more stressed, drinking more, or not getting enough sleep. Fixing those things fixes my skin. Guaranteed.

I also look at plenty of men my age and older whose skin is perfectly fine despite never having had a routine to speak of. It'll be fine.