What shall I do about my skin then?

[FellatioNelson]

It's parched, a bit flaky and tired looking, and I'm getting irritated reddish patches from my nose to the corners of my mouth, and on my forehead. I'm starting to get very visible pores - especially on my chin.

I am also developing dark saggy eye-bags and very pronounced fine lines at the corners of my eyes. I look like I've been the victim of a furious cross-hatching attack.

I know I am very old. (nearly 45)
I know I drink too much alcohol
I know I don't drink any enough water
I know I'm a bit hit and miss with my night-time skincare regime.

I only wear foundation/full make up once or twice a week, and I've been using Bare Essensuals for about a year, which I love, but lately it seems a bit drying.

What are the things that really truly make a difference? If I stop being hit and miss with my night cream will it actually make any real difference, or not?

I have never tried Liz Earle but I always use Nutrimetics cleanser and moisturiser. The cleanser is called Skin Clean and the moisturiser is Nutri Moist. There's a toner as well but it makes my face itch, and lots of make up and other products but I don't bother with those.

You can't buy Nutrimetics in the shops though, it is sort of a posh Avon. If you ever get invited to a party I'd suggest you try some.

When I moved areas I was gutted that I couldn't find anyone who sold it and delighted when I finally did. Whenever I run out of the Nutrimoist I am always skint and think I will try and manage without it for a while and use something else, (it's about £23 a pot, which lasts quite a few months) but I can never last more than a week before getting some more.

I was on a thread raving about Liz Earle a few weeks ago - no longer. Ended up with SPOTS! I know I wanted to regain my youth but not with flaming acne thank you very much. Changed back to Dermalogica and all ok again now thankfully.

i have the Liz Earle cream for normal/combination skin. I still seem to odd spots especially on my neck just under my chin. probably where i touch my face if that makes sense. I am 43 with dry skin yet open pores etc

my only gripe is that LE do not have any spfs in the skin creams but it lasts for ages so is good value IMO

Anon - Liz Earle cleanser is good value IMO. A 200ml tube is £22 and lasts for 3/4 months.

All the moisturiser and other bits and bobs are more expensive and I probably wouldn't buy them because I'm quite happy with Boots P&P serum and creams which work out pretty cheaply if you buy on 3 for 2 and get points etc on it.

I use Ren and Dermalogica but Dermalogica are more 'reliable' in that they usually do the job, Ren requires you to really find the product that works for you. Plus the last 2 times they were meant to send me sampes they never did, and the products are too expensive to buy and try.

Find a dermalogica supplier and ask for samples - the sachets last a while and give you an idea of what the product will feel like. Then order online from places like Beautyflash If you order from a therapist they will refund your money if the products don't suit you though. So swings and roundabouts.

Also - agree about the water thing - I talk all day at work and rarely drink enough (you can't slurp whilst talking to patients!) so I now drink a pint of water when I get home. This really works.

thanks for the info update tigerseyemum.