Gentle facial skincare suggestions for an absolute novice (with rubbish skin and no money!)

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I feel as though bad skin has crept up on me. I never used to understand the need for foundation – then developed cystic acne in my late twenties and started covering up. I-also-pick-my-spots-when-I’m-stressed-without-realising-I'm-doing-it. I’m late thirties now, and I get fewer (and less angry) spots, but still always have a few small ones. I have spot scars on my cheeks, big dark pores on and next to my nose, an oily T-zone and dry patches elsewhere. I now cover with a mineral-based foundation (because of the spots/scarring), but it just makes me feel clogged (and is probably aggravating my spots). DS has seen old photos of me, and says he doesn’t remember me without spots (and looking back, my skin was really quite nice pre-late-twenties).

I tried the oil cleansing method briefly, but got spottier. So generally I wash my face at night with a gentle scrub or a flannel and face wash, and moisturise with a light Nivea moisturiser; water and the same moisturiser in the morning. But my skin looks tired (I am tired – I have a wakeful baby!), scarred, oily and dry. And a bit spotty and wrinkly too. Lovely!

I’m clueless when it comes to beauty products and lotions and potions – I don’t know where to start, and I’m not convinced they’re all necessary. If any of you in-the-know could kindly suggest a gentle face care plan that might suit my combination skin and leave it feeling peachier and clearer (and even actively reduce scarring), that would be amazing. I’d love to not feel the need for foundation anymore. Added challenge: I’m on maternity leave, so it really does need to be quick, simple and cheap!

Thanks so much.

My skin sounds really similar to yours! Oil cleansing was a nightmare for me too-it was like being a teen again.

I use Estée Lauder multi action face wash which is expensive but lasts for absolutely ages.

Have you tried la Roche posey effaclar duo? You can often get it on offer in boots so while it isn't super cheap it is definitely in the reasonable price bracket.

I've just switched my normal toner to an acid one (ren clarimatte) which is brilliant and has made a huge difference to my breakouts. It is non stingy and my skin really does feel good. I don't use moisturiser every day-I haven't noticed any negative difference at all.

The effaclar duo is on offer in Boots at the moment. I had the most dreadful breakout of horrible, big, painful spots that went on weeks. I used the effaclar duo and within days the spots had all gone m.boots.com/h5/cat_hub?path=%2Fen%2FLa-Roche-Posay-Effaclar-Duo-40ml_1440758%2F&unCountry=uk.

I use Cetaphil cleanser which very mild and gentle. I take it off with a warm flannel or muslin cloth. I'm using up some Liz Earle skin tonic right now. A couple of times a week I use Nip + Fab glycolic fix facial pads.

Less scrubbing will reduce oil production
Do not chop and change skincare too much... find a brand, give it a go for a month (I used to work for a beauty manufacturer )

'Gentle scrubs' are usually not gentle enough. The gentlest exfoliants are chemical exfoliants - they sound scary but are not, they just mean you don't need physical scrubby scrubs so they are much gentler. Superdrug's Clearly Youthful range is great and has an AHA/BHA cream (wipe-off with cotton wool) cleanser, which will tackle both dull skin and pores/spottiness. You could try the night serum too.

Be aware that AHA and BHA makes skin more sensitive to the sun so always use sunscreen.

Superdrug Vitamin E or Simply Pure ranges for gentle day and night cream, and Garnier eye makeup remover (purple liquid) for removing heavier makeup. Effaclar Duo is great according to my friend who had very severe teen/20s acne.

Also Korean skincare - depending on brand/item - isn't hugely expensive, often has free shipping and you can always get samples. Snail gel is AMAZING for acne scarring. Ask away in the Korean skincare thread!

Try Nib and fab deep cleansing fix a go. I can get it in Sainsburys and Superdrug. If I feel a deep cystic spot coming, I put put a layer on overnight, and it makes it disappear in a couple of days. Try a hydrating serum, it won't make your oily bits oiler, but will target dry, dehydrated skin. What ever you change, introduce one item at a time, in case your skin totally freaks out.