Beautician or dermatologist?

[TheBightyMoosh]

Are there such a things as independent beauticians who could tell me what products to use on my skin without them trying to sell me products?

I've so fed up with my crap skin and can't believe at the age of 42 I'm still suffering with spots, massive pores and oil slicks - with the addition of a few wrinkles, the general drab-ness of my advancing years!! I've spent loads on products over the years but would really love some impartial advice about what I could be doing to improve my skincare routine, and hopefully improve the way I look!

Does that make any sense?? Thanks

Shameless bump as I'm sat here with a mahoosive oily t-zone and a spot the size of mars on my chin

Tried almost everything on the market and still look shocking!

If it's adult acne- spots that leave red marks, scars or holes, then you need a dermo- it may well be hormonal and you may need various treatments to clear it.

If it's spots and acne then dermatologist. They can sort it out from inside. Then maybe dietician. Then beautician!!

Definitely a dermatologist. I wouldn't waste any more money on beauticians, given what sounds like your ongoing acne. You need a derm opinion. I was like you, my derm has transformed my skin. Relief! I now spend far less on cosmetic stuff than ever, and my skin looks better than ever.

If you are SE then I can recommend someone really good in N London-ish.

It's not acne - more breakouts really. But I'm more troubled by (ie on a day to day basis) my open pores and oily skin.

What kind of things would a dermatologist prescribe? Eg medication or skin care products or a combination?

ameliagrey as it happens, I am in n London, so would be grateful for your recommendation

It depends. Both on your skin and how 'aggressive' your dermatologist is, IYSWIM. Possibly a combination of meds and skincare. If you are having regular breakouts at the age of 42, I think it's unacceptable, esp if the breakouts take time to settle and leave marks. For general skin condition, they may or may not do a whole lot. If you get a good dermatologist with a cosmetic interest (ameliagrey hopefully can help with this one) they do have a few options available, it all depends on the severity of the problem. It's all a bit woolly until they have a look at your skin. But what have you got to lose? Nothing at worst, except a few quid.

acne.org has some good advice on adult acne in the meantime, but I'd go with the derm. Quinoderm facewash is very good and doesn't dry out skin - you can buy it on Amazon or over the counter in the UK:)

I'm still struggling with my skin at age 45! I have just ordered Quinoderm face wash so fingers crossed!

Why not try the GP first. Mine was very sympathetic. She said first line is prescription cream like oxy, then antibiotic creams. I have tried both and explained that both fix the immediate but dont solve the underlying problem.

I wanted to try retinoids ( the 3rd route she said). She prescribed me tretinoin retin -a 0.01%. She only did this as i have good contraception and finished my family. Been using 3 weeks and though skin has been dry and flaky I has seen a big difference in pore size and underlying skin condition. It will.take months though to know if im going to get a marked improvement.

So my advice is dont discount your GP.

Oral antibiotics, anti biotic creams, Dianette (OCP) and Roaccutane are treatments a dermo might try- in that order.

Don't waste money on cosmetic type creams etc- they don't work.

In France, dermatologists will recommend (prescribe) over the counter creams for skin care as well as prescribing medicines - it just depends on your need.

For those of you with bad skin, I highly recommend this cleanser which is incredibly efficient at removing all dirt/oil/make-up but isn't drying or irritating. It is very popular in France.

Mighty have sent you a PM with dermo's details. You might need a referral letter or she might see you anyway without- just phone the private hospital and ask for details.