Anyone know or use a really good exfoliator...

[Tinks15]

for acne prone skin, I particularly suffer with spots around my jaw line, they are more like cysts/under the skin type spots. So sick of them i'm trying to find something that will help. I don't currently exfoliate and am thinking maybe I should?! I am also struggling to find a nightime moisturiser that doesn't break me out. Help!

I love the Clinique exfoliating scrub.

It is strong. It very good.

It is strong but very good*

You might be better off using an acid exfoliator rather than an abrasive scrub. Somethic like the nip/fab glycolic pads might work for you.

I've been following Caroline Hirons blog and youtube channel as well as Stephanie Nicole. Both have good pointers about all types of skincare and how to address problems.

If you have active spots I wouldn't use a gritty 'old fashioned' physical scrub exfoliant, it's likely to be way too harsh on your skin. Instead i'd go for a chemical one (an acid) instead. AHA (like glycolic) resurfaces the top layers for nice smooth skin and can improve hyperpigmentation and scarring. BHA (like salicylic) is oil soluble so gets into your pores and breaks down all the bunged up debris, sebum, dead skin etc and helps to clear spots. The First Aid Beauty pads are good. If new to acids, use a couple of times a week at night and slowly build up if necessary (I use an acid every night).

If you are exfoliating, especially with acids, make sure you use a high SPF (min 30) as you will be more prone to sun damage (exposure of fresh new skin cells).

I was also going to suggest the nip and fab pads. I use them every night (started out every 2-3 days till my skin acclimatised). I get horrible cystic spots around my chin since my second baby was born and these definitely help them.

And they're always on offer somewhere eg £9.95 at the minute in Superdrug.

I've been using them for a few months and might move on to the stronger version soon if my skin is happy with it.

I find I get on better with lactic acid (I use the ordinary 10% one) than the others nowadays. I'm too sensitive for glycolic (red bumps) and salicylic dries me out.

Dermaloguca daily microfoliant. And Beauty Pie Fruitizyme Five minute facial

I've just started using the Nip & Fab exfoliator, first impressions are good so far, got it Boots, £6 for a small tube.

Thanks all, I don't want anything too pricey as I just can't afford it. The first aid pads seem to have good reviews. The nip & fab pads look popular though. I've noticed there are a few different ones when looking online. Which ones do you recommend I should try first?

Dermalogica is pricey but soft scrubs whilst doing an amazing job of absorbing grease so I don't need to powder every 5 mins. I'm also a big fan of boots no7 microdermabrasion scrub but I use it for dry flaky bits so might not be suitable. Not a fan of no7 normally but even DP used it.

Nip & Fab;

Dragon's blood are salicylic.

Glycolic / Glycolic Extreme are (obviously) glycolic based but do have small amounts of salicylic in.

I'd try the dragon's blood ones first if your concern is blocked pores.

Dermlogica micro stuff is almost £50 for the full size (the travel size is £13). You don't need much, it is a very fine rice powder that you activate to a paste with water. It releases salicylic acid. It can be quite strong though if you're new to acids and is far from a budget option, initial outlay wise.

Someone here recommended the pixi glow tonic, and I've just bought it. I've used it once (last night), and my skin felt so much nicer this morning.

Clean and clear daily exfoliation is the only thing that works for me

It's not the budget option at all but I have a Clarisonic cleansing brush and it turned my skin around. I've had it for 5 years though so it's been a good investment. It also means I don't need to use any other exfoliators. If I stop using it, my spots come back. Fab device.

I have very bad skin, I followed Caroline Hirons routine in hope, it made my skin worse.
I use this

www.boots.com/sanctuary-spa-radiance-exfoliator-10198223
It works wonders for my skin, I only use it once or twice a week.
Followed by this moisturiser:

www.boots.com/la-roche-posay-cicaplast-baume-b5-soothing-repairing-balm-40ml-10189518

And for a cleanser I use:

www.boots.com/la-roche-posay-toleriane-dermo-cleanser-200ml-10083653

Email The Ordinary customer care team and ask for advice on a regime. Saying that I do love MAC Volcanic Ash exfoliator

Like PPs have said an AHA cleanser rather than gritty would work better. I use the Priori Gentle one, but have heard great things about the La Roche Posay ones which aren't too pricey, about £10 pricemark.

I'm now also using Vichy Normaderm Anti Age Resurfacing as pregnancy (and being too lazy to actually deal with my skin during said pregnancy) has left my skin with lots of clogged pores and under skin bumps which sounds similar to what you're having at the moment.

I use Simple spf moisturiser in morning and cleanser.

This regime might also work for you too?

Morning-
AHA gentle cleanser (Priori, or cheaper option is La Roche Posay)
Simple Protecting Light Moisturiser

Night-
Simple Micellar Water (removes makeup and acts as first cleanse)
AHA gentle cleanser
Vichy Normaderm Anti Age Resurface

I've also heard great things about The Ordinary range (as stealingyourwifi suggests above) so they might be a good option for you too. My skin is sensitive and often reacts to products so I have to stick to products geared towards that unfortunately!

For oily, acne prone skin, I would recommend a salycylic acid toner. I've used Paula's Choice which I've found to be very good but only needed to use once a day as it's quite strong.

Best and I mean best exfoliator I've ever used is a popular Polish brand (not available in the U.K.) called Ziaja. They have this lovely Manuka and light clay based exfoliator which I bought on holiday and never looked back. It's effective, gentle and nourishing. I get it from eBay. There is no better. It's been a beauty product of the year several times in Poland apparently. It's also well priced.

m.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ziaja-Manuka-Leaves-Cleansing-Cream-Against-Blackheads-75ml-Pasta-Do-Twarzy-/282615785046?epid=1433983954&hash=item41cd36a656%3Ag%3Aw8cAAOSwoeRZluw%7E&_trkparms=pageci%253A7886dd57-8db9-11e7-987d-74dbd1803593%257Cparentrq%253A349e3bd715e0abc6637a3462ffff242a%257Ciid%253A1

Sorry all, quick question. Do I moisturise after using the nip & fab pads? If so what do you recommend that won't break me out?

You can moisturise afterwards (you don't have to), give it 5 mins or so for the acid to dry before you apply moisturiser. Use whatever you are used to and you know doesn't cause you issues. It's such a personal thing, one person's perfect thing will be too rich (or not rich enough!) for the next poster. Personally, I use rosehip oil after acids (actually, I use acid, niacinamide serum then oil).

Ingredients-wise, I'd recommend staying away from stuff with silicones (ingredients list ending 'cone', often long words with x's in them!), cocoa butter and/or Shea butter. They are all quite cloggy and can cause issues in cystic skin. Glycerin is a nice and cheap ingredient for moisture. Also, hyaluronic acid. Both are lighter and kinder to oiler skin types.

Thanks Nom appreciate your helpful advice there. The thing is I can't find a moisturiser that I'm happy with it's either too clogging, not rich enough etc. I seem to spend so much money trying all these different moisturisers & they are no good!

Tinks Try the moisturiser I posted a link to above, it's one of the only ones that doesn't cause me to break out and irritate my skin.