Skincare for mild(ish) spots and aging

[Dontfencemein]

I'm 43 and have always had spots. Not full blown acne - I just always seem to have a few on the go, and at the moment my skin feels quite congested. Products aimed at oily or spot-prone skin just make my face feel tight and dull. Anything with salicylic acid in it brings me out in great welts. I need to start using anti aging products but hate anything too rich as it just makes the congestion worse. I can't seem to find any skincare to work for me. Has anyone else had this problem? Is there a regime or range that works (on a budget)?

Following with intrest.

I'm sorry but there just isn't a one size fits all to skin care. Sensitive, reactive, acne prone skin is one of the most difficult skin types to do anything with, products are usually aimed at either spots or sensitivity, so treating both is particularly hard.

I found that treating the sensitivity meant that I could use products I couldn't previously use to treat the congestion but it's a long road. The first stage for me was finding a cleanser that didn't leave my face tight, red and stinging. When I don't strip my skin it doesn't react by pumping out a load more oil to compensate. Cetaphil works for me, it's a bit boring and not very sexy but not having a red, stinging face after I've washed has been a revelation.

Neither aha nor bha work for me, both left me with open sores. However, my skin love urea. I've found this product perfect for me but, as you can see from the reviews, it doesn't work for everyone.

www.makeupalley.com/product/showreview.asp/ItemId=160005/Replenishing-Face-Creme-Day-with-5-percent-Urea/Eucerin/Moisturizers

These two products made my skin happy and hydrated, then I was able to move on to the more active stuff.

My skin is similar and this is what works for me....
Cleanse with Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser (followed with Liz Earle toner at night as I love the smell!)
Treat spot prone areas with La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo cream
Moisturise with Olay Total Effects fragrance free moisturiser. (Cheapest in Savers!)

I think much is trial and error, but I find my skin is best with few products, I still wear make up but just make sure it's taken off properly at night. The Effaclar duo is gentle but effective and won't dry your skin.

I hope you find something that works, it's a pain having spotty skin as a grown up! I definitely think that less is more when it comes to skincare, mine is very temperamental and really doesn't like acid toning, layers of products, serums etc. Good luck .

The LRP Effaclar Duo works for a lot of people but the 'duo' part of its name refers to the two kinds of salicylic acid it contains.