skin miracle?

[deeplybaffled]

Would be grateful for any lurking skin goddesses who might be able to help.
Basically, I have contrary skin. If I don't moisturise, it goes very dry, and even peels on my forehead and chin. If I do - and I have tried various things including olay, night cream, baby lotion and posh products - I get spots.
Given that I am mid thirties now, I was rather hoping that my pimply years were behind me :(
Does anyone have any wunder- products or tips like drinking 12 gallons of water and 345 vitamin pills a day that might help???? I am starting to feel a little forlorn about this, so any advice gratefully received!

Do you get the dryness and spots on the same areas? I had a friend with combination skin who used products for oily skin on her t-zone and products for dry skin on the dry areas.

What cleanser are you using?

my skin's similar.I do an aspirin mask twice a week and then moisturise with anything that's oil free. Cheap and takes years off!

crush up 6 - 8 , mix with a little water, leave on for 5 mins. that really is it. Not the soluble type though

I'm using one by espa that was recommended, but wondering if it may be a little drying.

What would be a good oil free moisturizer to try?

Dermaflannel!

Sounds like my skin. You need noncomedogenic moisturizers. The best I've used are Eucerin 5% urea cream (superb for flaky skin) and Effaclar H.

The entire Effaclar line is great, almost miraculous, for adult/hormonal acne, my favorites are the foaming face wash, AI for breakouts and Effaclar K daily under makeup.

I have a lot of high end skincare products and most of them are a total waste of time - too rich and perfumed for my skin and milia and acne inducing.

Are you sure your skin is dry? It might not be - might be dehydrated . . . that can cause spots. I use the moisture surge stuff from clinique along with making sure I exfoliate. That does the trick, apart from the horror hormonal spots which nothing will deal with apart from concealer.
Look for unperfumed stuff - I think the french pharmacy brands are meant to be good if you dont fancy Clinique, things like Avene or La Roche Posay.

Great, thanks all.

The Body Shop Aloe range - the face wash is a bit drying but night and day ream and cleanser are all fantastic.

Ciciplast by La Roch Posay for the flaky bits as and when you need it.