Terrible skin! Skincare and foundation advice needed.

[Felix90]

Just looking for some advice as I really need a good skincare routine and need recommendations for a new foundation! Sorry this may be a bit long.

I have suffered from acne for 10 years since I was around 13. Weirdly my spots improved slightly when I was pregnant, but now my DD is 5 weeks old and they are back to how they used to be. My chin is the worst affected area, and around my nose. I have sensitive skin and I'm allergic to something which is common in a lot of skincare and makeup but I have no idea what ingredient it is! My skin can get quite oily on my nose but then also very dry and flaky too. At the moment I've got massive sore spots on my chin, and my forehead and around my nose is really dry and flaky and it looks awful!

My skincare routine is currently rubbish and I know I need to make more of an effort. I've not been wearing makeup much as I've been in the house with DD most of the time, but when I do go out I cannot go without makeup. I use makeup wipes, Lush 'angels on bare skin' and then oil free Boots sensitive moisturiser afterwards. Can anyone help me with some decent products to buy which will be gentle on my skin but hopefully help me make my face look half decent without makeup? I've used Clinique's anti-blemish cleanser/toner/oil free moisturiser before but it wasn't anything spectacular.

Also I currently use Vichy Dermablend foundation in the lightest shade. I love it so much and the coverage is brilliant! When I first started using it, the lightest shade was too light for me, but now I'm guessing my skin has changed and it's too dark and makes me look a bit weird and orangey. I'm gutted as it's the perfect foundation that I spent years (and a hell of a lot of wasted money) looking for. I have Bareminerals products which are good when I'm having a 'good skin day,' but the coverage of the concealer isn't great and I have to use a lot for it to cover my spots which is costly. Also when my skin is dry, the products look awful and do not work for me. I loved Estée Lauder Double Wear when I tried it a few years ago, but unfortunately I'm mega allergic to it. I also used Clinique's anti-blemish foundation for a while but the coverage isn't very good. Can anyone recommend a solution for me? I wish I could carry on using the Dermablend but their colour selection isn't great and they don't do a lighter shade than the one I'm using

Sorry I've rambled a bit! Hopefully someone can help!

There is an article on bad skin in ed magazine (the one with Sophie Dahl on the cover). Basically it boils down to being gentle on your skin, no harsh ingredients.

My DD20 has had an outbreak of acne over past 6 months, she has been using organic coconut oil only for cleansing and moisturising for past 4 weeks and this has settled her skin down. Could be something to try?

If you're not breastfeeding definitely give salycic acid a try. Lots of products rated for break outs contain it including proactive, Neutrogena clear pore wash, Demalogica's acne range and others.

Salycic acid is a BHA as is lactic acid. Glycolic acid is also good but is an AHA and is often in exfoliating toners. You must be careful to use sun screen/cover up because it will make your skin more sensitive.

I really like Bioderma and Avene for stressed out skin. My face is pretty good but my back/chest has hormonal breakouts that are worse in pregnancy and flared up after birth and when I had a Mirena fitted.

I have found a derma flannel and Bravura'a 15% glycolic acid treatment gel is good, with a zinc cream on angry spots (I like Biorderma or Avene but a zinc nappy rash cream would probably be exactly the same!) and La Roche Posay cicaplast on any drying out/peeling/healing bits.

I have also tried a clarisonic but I find if I don't use it daily it can cause break outs.

Hyaluronic acid is a great moisturiser ingredient and doesn't clog pores or cause spots.

I've ordered some LRP stuff, eucerin 5% moisturiser and the neutrogena face wash. Going to wait for my skin to feel a bit less sore then start with the face wash and gradually introduce the rest. Couldn't wait to order as I have the money now and I'll end up spending it on something pointless if not! If I get on well with the face stuff I think I may try the LRP foundation or treat myself to some of the Lily Lolo mineral makeup.

Is it weird that I'm excited about it all?

I also have problems with peri-oral dermatitis and usually resort to an autumn visit to a dermatologist for prescription antibiotics - a combination of oral and topical. I bought a Clarisonic Mia before Christmas and I have found it has worked wonders - initially I used it with topical prescription medication (Rozex) but now I just cleanse with Bioderma Crealine, use the Clarisonic with its Refreshing Gel Cleanser (paying extra attention to the peri-oral area) and use whatever anti-wrinkle and moisturising creams are flavour of the month - I always use French pharmacy brands as my DP brings me loads of freebies home from work.

Go to the doctor. I use Duac (prescription) and it's cleared my skin right up. I also use Differin for comedones. You'll end up spending a fortune on products that just don't work. In the many years I've been dealing with acne that is the lesson I've learnt...

I do quite like Dermalogica daily microfoliant though. Very expensive but it lasts for absolutely ages.

I use an amazing amazing foundation. Veil cover cream. It's available on prescription and I have it to hide my roseacea.

I had it on my wedding day and my skin look flawless even in the zoomed in photos from the photographer.

I also use a powder to set it. I can swim with it on, go in the rain, be photographed without hiding at the back of the group.

Forgot to say... I have multiple allergies and excema.

I have similar skin and use Bio-oil straight on my face. It's meant to be not acnegenic so it shouldn't cause spots, but if you have allergies/eczema it's probably not recommended.

I can say though that giving up my usual moisturisers yet keeping my skin hydrated means my skin is better than it has been in years! And I swear even my pores are getting smaller, and my face is 'plumper'.