I am 33, and it was just this morning I realised that I have oily skin, so, what I am supposed to use?

[whoingodsnameami]

I have tried millions of moisturisers, toners etc in the past, all bring me out in (more) spots, I have permanant blackheads, even facial washes designed for spots give me more spots, the only thing I can use on my face is dove soap. I am always trying new things,but always go for things designed for normal skin, until my realization this morning. So, what products do you ladies reccommend (sp? can never spell that word) I use?

bumpety bump

have you tried the oil cleansing method

Loads of threads here about how fab it is and how it cleared up their oily skin problems - do a MN search

Yes I did try it briefly, but the fact that some claim they get a hairy face as a side affect put me off.

I've got oily skin too, and the most important thing is exfoliation. I use (at the moment) Elemis skin buff 3 x a week, and use a deep pore cleansing mask 1-2 times a week (Skin Ceuticals - extremely expensive and you can probably find cheaper alternatives). I find Clean & Clear cleansing lotion (blue) for sensitive skin great. It's about £4 from Boots. I've also been having microdermabrasion and AHA peel instead of facials. Only use moisturiser if you feel you need it.

It's a PITA having oily/congestion prone skin but on the plus side I'm nearly 10 years older than you and have no wrinkles/stretchmarks and you'll probably have really nice hair too

I'm a couple of years older than you but have same problem.

I've discovered the only thing that really works for me is Neutrogena Visibly Clear products. I use the Oil Free Make Up Remover, Triple Action Cleansing Lotion then Oil Free Moisturiser, (Plus whatever random eye cream I fancy!). Have used the Wash & Mask and Exfoliating Wash before but not recently. Usually get them from Sainsbury's or Boots. It can be a bit hit and miss who stocks what so I tend to stock up when I find the right bits.

I've tried switching to other products like Clean and Clear or Nivea Oil Free moisturiser or even expensive stuff like Clinique / Clarins etc but it's all a waste of money.

Good Luck finding something that works for you.

Thanks castle, I do exfoliate but have never found one that does'nt give me more spots,except the loreal microbermabrasion when I can afford it, so I just use my dove soap and sxfoliating gloves though I only gently rub as they are probably a bit harsh. Years ago I used a facial exfoliating sponge, it was pear shaped and I think it was called a buff puff sponge, it was great but they discontinued it, grrrr. I will give your suggestions a try.

Thanks swissmiss, will give those a try too.

Neals Yard, palmerosa range. All natural and sorted my very oily spot prone skin out.

I'm the same age as you.

I use Liz Earle products.
I found that the 'oily skin' ranges, strip my skin of oil making my skin produce more oil.
She does a light moisturiser for very oily skin, but I can get away with the combination skin one.
I use Boots no 7 Microdermabrasion once or twice a week too .