Is it worth having a good skincare routine?

[suebfg]

I used to spend a fair bit on good skincare products but since having children a few years ago, my priorities have changed and my skincare routine consists of either facial wash or wipes for cleansing, followed by a good dollop of Aldi moisturiser.

A friend recently told me that a good skincare routine is essential, especially as you get nearer to 40 (I'm nearly there), using eye creams etc.

Do you think this is true? I'm increasingly cynical about the claims of the beauty industry. I think my skin looks better if I have plenty of rest, don't drink alcohol and eat well/exercise. Anything I put on my skin tends to have a very temporary effect.

what does everyone else think??

I agree with you. Lots of hocus-pocus-smoke-and-mirrors in the beauty industry. More important than what you slap onto your skin is what you put in your body. Water, good fats in adequate quantity, and minimum processed foods along with exercise and adequate sleep will be more beneficial than anything you buy in a tube.

The one exception is sun cream.

People have always raved about my skin and the only thing I do is drink lots of water, exercise (well I did pre DCs), sun cream, and wash skin with gentle cleanser (from the chemist) 2 times a day. Nothing fancy.

I have 'good' skin apparently and have never had any routine worth speaking of. Actually I have quite sensitive skin so avoid putting any unnecessary products on my face, and have never bothered with makeup.

I do however drink lots of water, go to bed early and use sunscreen/sunglasses/hat religiously. I use an unscented, soap-free wash, every few days.

Honestly I wouldn't know what else to use or buy.

'beauty' creams don't have strong enough ingredients in them to have any real affect on the functioning of the skin. A good quality cream bought through a skin care clinic can have significant effect on the surface texture, pigmentation and turn over of the skin.
Heading to 40 you should be thinking of using some vitamin A (retinol) on your skin along with and exfoliant (maybe glycolic) and a good sunscreen at the very least.
Obagi/Neostrata/Environ/Medik8 are all good quality products.

Anyone's skin vastly improved (objectively, other than in their mind) after a good skin care regime?

I think using a moisturiser with an SPF is probably worth it.

What, I agree that a moisturiser is probably the only skincare item that makes any difference - I don't even think it needs to be a fancy brand.

The rest seem a bit emporer's new clothes. All hype and no discernible results. I probably get similar if not better outcome with moisturiser and basic foundation (with healthy lifestyle with water) than all the skincare regime in the world.

I would say cleansing and moisturising twice a day every day is essential. Also think wipes are not great - too much alcohol in them.

I use a serum at night too. But don't think the expensive products any better than cheaper (I'm a mid range fan - Liz Earle). Oh and exfoliating is good if you've slightly spot prone skin - gets rid of blackheads. But removing make up is essential IMHO.

Buy yy to eating well, drinking water, lots of sleep and avoiding the fags.

I have good skin but it needs lots of TLC - if it doesn't get it, it rapidly goes downhill.