face cream/moisturiser help please

[dobedobedo]

Hi,

I'm 30 years old and I've never used a face cream or moisturiser. When I told my friend this, she was appalled and said in ten years I'd have crinkly paper looking skin if I didn't look after it. Is this true?

I wear makeup (no. 7) about 4 days out of seven and I clean my face on makeup and non makeup days with johnsons baby lotion. I don't use soap.

I've always been told I look young for my age, and I got asked for ID regularly until about two years ago. But when you do that thing in the mirror when you pull your skin back and let it go, I am looking older. I don't really have wrinkles, but you can see my smile lines around my mouth sometimes when I'm not smiling.

My skin is probably a bit t zone. Sometimes it gets a bit oily on my head and nose, but in winter it tends to be dry. It's not dry right now. It's probably classed "normal". I don't get spots really either.

Can anyone recommend me a good face cream or serum or something to help ward off baggy aging skin or wrinkles? I honestly have no clue where to start! What creams do you use? There's so many out there. I'll buy whatever you suggest today and report back! (I'll look 19 again in no time, yes? )

The only piece of my Mum's advice I heeded was to always wear moisturiser so I can echo your friend's gasp of horror on learning you don't use any.

I've never used expensive creams but look 10+ years younger (stealth boast). I currently use the No7 Protect and Perfect serum and Oil of Olay daily moisturizer.

I've also just started using the Liz Earle hot cloth cleanser which I really like.

I'm not sure it matters too much which brand you use, but just make sure it has a SPF. Will watch the thread with interest to see what the general consensus is with that.

The brand doesn't matter, even Aldi lacura is a brilliant range, just make sure you use a product with an spf. Spf30 is ideal.

I was amazed recently by Olay moisturizer + wake up wonder, it is really good, makes my skin so soft, not heavy and lasts all day.

I use Made From Earth Vitamin Enhanced Moisturizer instead of La Mer - and they are exactly the same. Made from Earth is more than 1/2 the price of La Mer. I think they have the same facility its made in.

Doctor told me to always use an SPF moisturizer too. Other than that if your skin isn't giving you problems maybe start with a low-cost brand and keep trying till you find one you like. I like Jason organic stuff, Avene, La Roche Posay and Weleda. Steer clear of Nivea (greasy) and Vitamin E (Body Shop). Clarins hydra quench is beautiful but the price tag ain't for the faint hearted...

Just remembered good old Aqueous cream. Supercheap from pharmacy. But no SPF.

Just remembered good old Aqueous cream. Supercheap from pharmacy. But no SPF.