'Entry level' anti-ageing skincare for the uninitiated

[RogerLimasOldestDreadlock]

I'm rubbish at this and I need help!

I'm the wrong side of 35, the closest I come to 'skincare' is a face wipe and some aveeno. In the last few days I've decided the time for the 'anti-ageing' big guns is now, before it's too late.

So I've gone and bought some of that No7 serum.

I've got hyperpigmentation in patches which I think appeared since DC2 was born last year (only noticed it recently, but I'm not one for paying much attention), and knackered eyes.

Should I have got the eye cream as well/instead? Have I bought the wrong thing?

Can anyone give me a crash course in the various ingredients and whether they actually do what they say they will? And then what's the bare minimum I can do that will be effective?

Tia!

Bump?
I'm not going to have to read a Women's magazine am I?

Vitamin C and retinoids are good for pigmentation. But they're not entry level (especially vitamin c) and will require some research on your part.

Or you can just order from The Ordinary. You don't risk much money with them and they have a clear website and the entire line is based on transparency regarding ingredients, which are made simple.

Also following this - I need to venture into anti wrinkle territory now too!

Spf 50. Everyday. Even indoors. (UVA rays are constant all year round and get through glass. These are the ones that cause wrinkles)

Decent cleanser.

Decent moisturiser or serum with ceramides.

And a retinoid.

These are good basics imo.

Oh and niacinamide for hyperpigmentation and vit c.

If your basic regime is a wipe and a dod of cream then going full on into a 'proper' regime will take some time to plan otherwise you risk buying something new because "Oh that'll be The Holy Grail" and you'll end up with a post on the Beauty Stash (using up all your products) thread.

I don't know if its a clever marketing ploy that manufacturers use to suggest their products work better if you use all their brand.
I did read (an article from a Dermatologist) that the biggest mistake people make with their skin is overloading.

If you like the No7 , they always seem to have special offers.
Hot cloth cleanser (takes off everything and exfoliates in one go)
Moisturiser
Serum
Eyecream

I use a foaming face wash in the shower and light moisturiser
I rarely wear make-up
Cleanse at night (usually Micellar water) and the M&S Sleep Cream.
I'm 51 but always told I look younger.

Water- drink plenty. Best thing to hydrate .

Hi OP. I am 40 . My skin loves the No7 serum. I use the intense advanced serum and eye cream, and have done for a few years. I get complimented on my skin a lot.

For moisturiser, I make my own. (As a hobby.) Avocado oil is fab for my skin, and great for hair too.

I want to start formulating with C and B vitamins and hyaluronic acid, but feel like I need to read up on some basic chemistry first (ph etc.).

I was exactly the same, slap on some Aveeno after the shower and that was it.

Hyaluronic Acid is a good start. It's not really an Acid like others are, it simply helps to hydrate your skin. The Ordinary does one or Hadalabo JAPAN Skin Institute Gokujun premium hyaluronic Solution (on Amazon) is always recommended. It's amazing the difference it makes. You could add a gentle Vit C on top of that, moisturiser and sunscreen (AM).

If you're interested in the Ordinary product, this is <a class="break-all" href="//awww.victoriahealth.com/editorial/the-ordinary-the-definitive-review-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">good guide

I used to be similar to you, never bothered with a proper skincare routine until a year or 2 ago. Then in my 30s I couldn't get away with not bothering anymore, my skin started to look dull and dry and suddenly aged.
I started following this routine:
www.carolinehirons.com/2013/06/routines-cheat-sheet.html

I use Superdrug Naturally Radiant Hot cloth cleanser. Cheap and very good. I got given the Liz Earle hot cloth cleanser as a gift once, the superdrug one is very similar and I actually prefer it.

For acid toning as recommended by Caroline H, try First Aid Beauty pads - can sometimes be got cheaply on Amazon. Superdrug Naturally Radiant range also has some, but they're not quite as good. Ok if you're on a tight budget though.

The best anti-aging product I have tried is NIOD copper amino acid isolate (by the same company who make The Ordinary products). It's very expensive but if you sign up to their mailing list they sometimes do special offers of 20% off. Or look out for QVC offers.

Also look out for Pixi or REN skincare products at M&S when they do Black Friday Deals, or sales after xmas. Occasions like Mother's Day is another time when some companies have good offers on higher end skincare products.

However I think sticking to a good routine - and always cleansing your face thoroughly! is the most important thing. Slapping on a pricey anti-aging product isn't going to do much good if your skin isn't properly looked after with a good cleansing routine :)

(My own skin is much, much better now I've started looking after it properly.)

I've only started a proper skincare routine in the last year and my skin has gone from dull and blotchy to fresh and bright. It looks amazing. Before it was a simple cleansing wipe and that's it. I still class myself as beginner as I've no clue about ingredients and what not but my routine is:

Morning - Liz Earle hot cloth cleanser
Followed by no7 serum

Evening- Liz Earle hot cloth cleanser, nip fab cleansing pad (dragons blood or the strong acid one) followed by no7 serum. I also use a face mask (either a cream one or a sheet mask) 2-3 times a week

Thanks all, the Caroline Hirons cheat sheet was very enlightening! Currently working my way through the review of The Ordinary stuff.

I think I'm going to need to gradually build up to that level!

Any other recommendations very welcome. 

Let me know how you get on, @smu06set