Serums?

[Bapple]

Inspired by recent skin care threads on here, I have decided to make an effort this month to improve my skin. At 43, I need to get it sorted and finally lay down some good habits.

Given that I usually lose interest after a few days, I am taking small steps - currently cleanse, tone, moisturise everymorning and night (which is a massive increase on two weeks ago), drinking lots of water and working on stress levels. Reading tips and blogs I think I need to incorporate a serum. Caroline Hirons definitely seems to agree.

But which one do I choose? Should I spend as much as I can? Do I really need to?

Skin is tired, spot prone (but not terribly), faint scars from old spots, uneven tone. I just want to look radiant and alive :) Currently using Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish, Toner and Moisturiser but will probably swap back to Clinique Moisture Surge when this runs out.

Any serum advice would be much appreciated. Thank you.

I don't think you need to spend a fortune. I'd recommend Bravura as they do some great serums for spot prone skin, with acids that will help with scarring. They're reasonably priced too. The clay cleanser is really nice too.

If you are tempted by Lancôme's Visionaire make sure you test it out first, I'm in agony today after using a sample last night... my nose, mouth and chin appear to have a chemical burn. I have moderately sensitive skin, but not particularly so. I look awful and its so sore :(

I've been pretty impressed with Clinique smart serum, despite the outrageous claims (e.g. the serum KNOWS which cells to repair and which to support etc etc).

It's quite expensive though. The Olay regenerist one is also good and much less spendy.

I was drawn towards the Clinique one but think I should start with something cheaper in case I don't keep it up ... but then if i don't see results i won't keep it up anyway ... decisions ...

Liking the sound of Bravura ...

I think if you sign up to the newsletter or an account you get 10% off as well or something.

I believe Aldi do one which contains hylauronic acid. Soap & Glory have a serum containing peptides which the more expensive serums contain. Or you could go for broke with Sunday Riley! I like reading about all the different serums but have yet to be impressed. Another one in a blue bottle by Vichy Aqua Thermal supposed to be good. Again I never noticed a difference. Sorry...
Guess you could ask for samples at the counters as they do like charging £££ for this product don't they?

Caroline Hirons says IIRC that the older you are, the more important the serum stage and the more £££ you should be prepared to spend on it. This surprised me, as I would always have thought moisturiser was more important, but apparently not.

I actually really rate the No 7 serums and they don't break the bank. I can honestly say when I don't use them, I notice a difference.

I've started using This

I'm 45 with large pores and generally tired looking skin and its really made a difference to my complexion, shrunk my pores and given me a more even tone

Another vote for no7 I use the eye and face serum.

Vichy Aqualia serum (in a blue glass bottle) has great ingredients, behaves like a much more expensive serum. I'm on my 3rd bottle.

Balance Me Serum is the best I've tried my skin loves it and it's 98% natural.

Expensive, but the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair has made a noticeable difference to my skin.

No7 Protect & Perfect.
Brilliant.

Loving all the advice/suggestions ... just making it harder to decide though ... Thank you.

Another fan of Estée Lauder night repair here. You often get decent sized samples free with other purchases so I haven't had to fork out yet!

Is your toner an acid toner or just an old school toner?

If no acid, then I'd change that ASAP before buying a toner, especially as you have spot prone skin and read Caroline Hirons

Acid prob the best thing you can do (assuming you already SPF in the day), serum is after that.

Menat 'before buying a serum'. Wish there was an edit function.

Thanks Kundry - not currently an acid toner. Any good recommendations (please)? This is all so confusing!!

If you get blackheads you want Salicylic Acid (BHA), no blackheads then glycolic or lactic (AHA).

I do get blackheads - my skin was absolutely transformed by Paula's Choice 2% BHA. Also like Effaclar Duo. About to start Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion but not tried it yet.

Toner without acid is a waste of time.

I do more of a Sam Bunting than a Hirons regime so it goes:

Cetaphil cleanser (no double cleanse as I don't wear makeup, Caroline would use a balm cleanser, they both hate foaming cleansers)
Acid toner
Just started using Hydraluron - love it
Not started a serum yet- thinking about it, will want Vit C and ideally peptides in it
Moisturiser - Cerave, masses of ceramides, lovely.

In the morning Moisturiser has SPF as I can't be bothered to use 2 products.

In the evening I skip the acid toner and use a retinol.

Check out their youtube vidoes together, they are really helpful esp the adult acne one.

Used the Estee Lauder and also the Temple Spa.

A friend bought me the Body Shop Drops of Youth and their Vitamin E Serums.

Using Drops of Youth at bedtime and Vitamin E in a morning. I was prepared for it to be crap (I have very dry sensitive skin) but so far I am impressed. My skin looks fresh and dewy. Even skin tone.. No dry patches. Though I moisturiser evening and morning.

Though the Drops of Youth is in the crappest dispenser ever. Stupid design.

I personally love the Lancome serums. Visionaire gives a glow to the skin and genifique is more for ageing. I tend to use Genifique and night and visionaire in the mornings.