What should I be using on my skin?

[SausageSmuggler]

I've wasted so much money on stuff that doesn't work and my skin really gets me down some days I think I need some non biased recommendations.

I'm 25, my skin is very oily and spot prone but I do get the occasional dry, flaky patch especially in Winter - annoyingly the dry patches often appear in the oily areas. It can also look dull and uneven at times just to add to the fun.

I saw a no 7 range for 25-35 that was anti ageing but do I really need that yet? I thought one benefit of having oily skin was that you don't get as many wrinkles when you get older. Also are ranges like clarins and clinique really worth the money? I don't mind spending more (within limits) if a product works but i'm getting frustrated with the stuff that doesn't.

Can anyone suggest anything?

Liz earle is very good at getting skin back on track

Liz Earle, especially superskn concentrate....

Eve lom cleanser will sort this out. You may get a little break out first but will then balance. Do you smoke? That will prematurely age & mske your skin dull. Caudalie vinopure moisturiser if you are very shiny.

Nope never smoked and rarely drink though I could do with eating better. I Wish I could just put it down to preggy hormones but my skin has always been like this.

Drink lots of water,plenty of fresh produce etc. Regular care will keep it in check,just don't do too many different skincare items at once,then you will know what's working.

i've been trying the eve lom cleanser for a few weeks, and have to say i do not see any appreciable difference in my skin. if anything, it feels drier as you are not supposed to put moisturiser on at night. am holding out for another week or two since it was so expensive, but will be giving up on it if i don't start to see a difference soon.

You certainly can use a moisturiser unless your skin is very oily,just moisturise where your skin needs it. You are only using the original one at night?

i've been using the original cleanser at night and moisturiser during the day. will start using moisturiser again at night and see if that helps.......

weleda almond range.
I have weird skin, can have spots on thechin and eczema around the eyes at the same time...

I found eve lom gave me spots. My sister swears by it but for me it was a real waste of money.

I did a glycolic peel recently and then used their Bionic Face cream with ( I think ) kind of amazing results. My skin is very sensitive & dry but they do claim to get results on oily/spot prone skin if you google a bit
I'm normally much more of a Weleda/ Trilogy person but decided to go for all out chemical onslaught for once..

Dr Hauschka oliy skin kit, especially the cleansing cream and face oil. Yes, oil - it will actually make your skin think it's oily enough and it stops producing so much. Keeps my skin shine-free, but moisturized the whole day.

i do oil cleansing with olive oil from the kitchen. skin never looked better.

Thanks ladies, would anyone recommend clarins etc? I like the look of the Dr Hauschka ones. I think the problem I have is the stuff I use either strips the skin of everything good and bad or it clogs it back up. Vicious cycle really.

I find the clinique toner very good and the facial soap

I used to use Clarins but I prefer Dr Hauschka.

Or Organic Pharmacy is also luuurvely

I have tried many, many expensive brands. Simple is pretty much just as effective imo...

I do use dermologica eye cream though.

I started the regime on www.acne.org it's amazing and really works. I only use tesco cleanser and moisturiser. Clinique works well too though.

You can buy the benzoyl peroxide on amazon it's called panoxyl 2.5%.

I started the regime on www.acne.org it's amazing and really works. I only use tesco cleanser and moisturiser. Clinique works well too though.

You can buy the benzoyl peroxide on amazon it's called panoxyl 2.5%.

don't laught me out of here, but I got this supplement called "works with water clear skin" and it works.
It's much cheaper on their website. but it's still not cheap.
Frankly, I was desperate and then I read an online review, got a starter box in Boots and didn't really want/expect it to work, but it did.
What I use from Clarins is their Sensitive skin serum, which is brilliant for sensitive skin.

Oh I think i've heard of that, is it in an orange box? I don't know if i'd be able to use that being pregnant at the moment.

Sausage, who are you asking?
If it's me then supplement is in white/purple box, serum is in white/orange.

I bang on about this in rl all the time, so will practically be outing myself ... I promise, if you have a regular cleanse, tone and moisturise routine for your skin, you will see improvements.

Toning is absolutely key. IMO too many people skip toning, "too much effort"/"pointless" etc etc but it's key. Your skin needs to be calm (for want of a better word) to remain healthy.

So, a good combination skin cleanser to start - be cautious of anything so hardcore you feel like you've had Botox after. I personally prefer a cream or wipe off but use a wash if you must. Keep it soap free.

Then tone with an alcohol free toner.

Then moisturise for combination skin.

Do this every night and morning. You can wake up, shower (no face wash, just water) then tone and moisturise if you prefer.

I have been doing this for 17 years and I am regularly told how good my skin is. Consistency, and toning, are key.

Oh, and I love my clarins personally but don't think it's necessarily key.