Skincare - HELP Maybe Paulas Choice Vs The Ordinary - or something else......

[sweetheart]

I've been reading a few threads recently and think 2018 might be the year I try a new skincare regime.

Myskin I think is generally quite normal - it isn't very dry, I don't get that many spots (if I do they tend to be those ones that grow under the skin and you can't really pop them). I get a bit greasy on my forehead somethimes.

My regime currently consists of washing with the sanctuary hot cloth in the morning. I use a foundation that has spf and moisturiser.

Evening is a quick wipe with a makeup removal wipe and sometimes some serum.

I occasionally exfoliate with a St Ives scrub - I like it because it's quite gritty.

I'd like my skin tone to be moew even I think and my skin to just look more luminous.

I also have fine lines appearing around my eyes - my eyes have always been my worst bit I think - I think I have tear troughs.

I've seen lots of recommendations on here for The Ordinary and Paula's Choice but honestly after a visit to both websites I am 100% baffled where I would even start.

Any help please? I have found in the past that putting too much stuff on my face makes me break out - hence why I tend to stick to "less in more"

TIA

I have the Ordinary, the BHA exfoliating serum, and a moisturiser, but early days with using that so I'm not sure yet. I also have Paula's choice, which I use regularly, and think is brilliant, my skin looks great at the moment - even if I say so myself

Go to Victoria Health website and msg them with a description of your skin's needs. They will recommend a The Ordinary regime.
They did this for me two weeks ago, and EVERYONE has commented on my skin looking great. Like you i generally wanted more luminosity, no big problems.
I got 5 products and it cost under £30.
The Ordinary is extraordinary;

Thanks so far - I've emailed Victoria Health and DECIEM so hopefully they will come back with some great tips

I am 41 and although I turned my skincare around a number of years ago with double cleansing, I had never really got into a routine with serums and acids. About April last year, I started off with the advanced retinoid 2% and hyaluronic acid. Since then I have added in azelaic acid, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and alpha lipeoic acid. My skin has taken on a glow that I have never seen below. The ALA is the one product that makes an immediate difference overnight, however the retinoid and hyaluronic acid have helped to keep fine lines at bay. For reference, I am 41 with oily but dehydrated skin. I had large pores on my cheeks and nose, but these seem to have reduced. There is tons of information on the internet about regimens, but proceed with caution. I have done things slowly; the temptation is to chuck everything at your skin at once, but this can cause problems which take a while to resolve.

Before, not below.

Me again

I've had my recommendation back from The Ordinary - they have recommended an acid as part of the night time routine and have added a note to wear sun protection.

My question is - my daily foundation has spf 15 in it - is that good enough?

If not what spf do people use on their faces and at what point in the regime do you put it on your face? I find most suncreams very thick and gacky and I'm worried that putting them on my face daily will make me break out.

Personally I would pick Paula's Choice as I've used it, it's brilliant and she does all the work for you - you don't need all the extra products of The ordinary as she's put it together herself. The BHA product is amazing as is her retinol.

And no SPF15 is not good enough. Should be 25 at least, broad spectrum and put on last. Personal favourite is Heliocare, next best is Sunsense Daily Face.

Introduce any Ordinary products one by one, so you can check any reactions. Niacinamide is a Marmite product, in particular, can break some ppl out. Buffet contains castor oil in it so doesn't suit some ppl.

Retinoid - also slowly, once or twice a week to start with. Moisturise/oil after. Sunscreen ideally 50 but 30 will do as its winter. Look at Asian sunscreens (see pic. NIVEA but from Japan) light and Gel like so not like sunscreens we're used to. Ppl also say the Body Shop spf is good too and La Roche Posay Anthelios.

Look up Caroline Hirons routines. She will say no scrubs, no wipes and a separate spf. And double cleanse as PP said. Her advice really helped me.

Oh yes! Ditch the wipes and the St ives scrub. Wipes will not remove makeup and spf properly, the scrub damaged your skin.

Look for gentle, non foaming cream cleansers, like La Roche Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser or similar.

Thanks for the tip Bagel - I didn't really get any such clear advice from the compaines i contacted. Any particular order you would suggest starting with? And how long between starting each product? I've been recommended about 6 in total so I have no idea where to start!

What did they recommend?

One said

AM
The Ordinary “Buffet”
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
PM
The Ordinary “Buffet”
The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

The other said

AM: Buffet, Hyaluronic acid; Niacinamide, Natural Moisturising Factors.

PM: Buffet, Azelaic acid or Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion(alternate these), Rosehip Oil.

They are very similar but I'm not sure what the subtle differences mean?

Following this with interest... I'm the same age as you, definitely want more 'glow' (and to stop ageing in its tracks) but my goodness, the amount of products and what they do is do confusing! What order do you put them on in?

Both routines are good. The order they write down is the order you put them on.

Lots of ppl like HA on damp skin, Buffet, N+Z, NMF moisturiser.

N+Z is a Marmite product. Some love it, others say it breaks them out. You could start without it, get the routine settled and then add it in - then you'll know if any reactions happen.

The choice of Squalane/Rosehip is personal preference but they're both nice oils. Some ppl like to just mix a couple of drops in with their moisturiser, esp in the morning when applying makeup after.

Buffet does have castor oil in, which doesn't agree with everyone. I've used it without issues but it's something to be aware of.

Azelaic Acid is very popular for improving texture, against redness and helping to fade old acne scars etc. It can tingle/burn so some put it on after moisturiser so it's buffered, or just spot treat on affected areas.

The Retinoid is the "starter" Retinoid. Said to be most effective anti ageing method but all the other things will make a difference too. Again, something that you start off with a couple of evenings a week and build up. Just oil/moisturise after, no other actives. You MUST use daily sunscreen as it makes your skin more photo-sensitive. Then you need a good sunscreen and cleansing routine!

Sorry for long essay

What on earth was that at the bottom about a cleaning routine?!?!?! Do you mean I need ANOTHER routine as well as all this........faints!!!!!!

Thanks for all the other really useful info x

I started using The Ordinary after reading about it on here. I’ve still got quite blocked pores/blackheads on my nose which I had hoped would go (so I’ll need to email them again for advice) but my skin tone is great and I’ve stopped getting the odd pmt spots that I used to get in my chin. And it’s cheap as chips!

LOL Sweetheart you'll be the bathroom queen!

It's just that retinoids/acids = sunscreen = double cleansing to get off sunscreen successfully. At least, that's what ppl seem to do. Sunscreen/makeup is oil based so oil cleanser gets it off best. Usually only in the evening, no real need in the mornings (I don't think).

Ppl say that if you massage the oil/balm in for a least a minute, it helps to clean out the pores and is good, even if you have oily skin.

My husband will certainly start wondering what on earth I am doing for all that time in the bathroom!!!!!! At the moment it's a brush of the teeth and I sit in bed with a wet wipe cleaning my face

Definitely ditch the wet wipe! Do your hot cloth cleanse in the evening with cleansing balm/oil/lotion. You want to put your overnight products onto really clean (but not stripped) skin,