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

Paula's Choice BHA exfoliator made a noticeble difference overnight, and even cleared up a rash I had on my arm for ever. Can certainly recommend this.

Bagel, seeing as you have been so helpful would you like to recommend me a facial spf to buy? Something nice and light if possible - I went looking this weekend and the only things I could find were both very claggy and very smelly!

Here are the ones know seen most often recommended. In order of popularity as far as I can tell

• Biore Aqua watery Essence (does contain some alcohol, I think, so maybe not for drier skin).
• Nivea Water Gel spf 50 - huge bottle, good value. Gel- like so disappears into skin.
• La Roche Posay Anthelios facial mist or ultra fluid lotion
• Etude House Mild Airy Finish SunPrise spf 50

The Asian sunscreens (and that includes the Nivea in this case) are on eBay and Amazon. Couldn't put a pic of the Etude but it's in a light green tube. Easily found by googling

Warning: I got really into the ordinary and other deciem products last year. Decided to up my skincare from basics cleanse and spf moisturiser. I looked great for my age.
I got into the regime in a big way, anyway my skin suddenly took a turn for the worse, it aged dramatically overnight. My pores went massive, my forehead wrinkles deepened. I feel like I have aged 5 years overnight.
My skin before was a bit sensitive but otherwise in great condition.
I have had to do a completely hands off regime and my pores have recovered say 50% but the wrinkles in my forehead remain.
Totally gutted as always taken good ( but basic ) care of my skin.
All these harsh active ingredients can do harm.
I think it was the niod cais that Did it. As that was the newest addition to my regime. But I am staying away from it all now.

Putting in a word for Biore Watery Essence as spf. It's fab and cheap as chips.

I think the danger with the Ordinary is that it's pretty cheap and there's a temptation to chuck everything on your face - not saying this is why you had problems, Bodicea.

I'm particularly keen on warning ppl about overusing acids, especially after that damn tv programme which drove everyone to retinols!

I've had some success with the Ordinary, but have found that the really gentle Korean hydrating toners and moisturisers are working well, so I'm happy to stay with those now.

Everyone's skin is different and it always pays to be cautious, I think. The most important thing is to build up and nourish the skin barrier.

For SPF I always recommend La Roche Posay invisible facial spray.
www.boots.com/la-roche-posay-anthelios-sunscreen-face-mist-spf-50-75ml-10217616

Obviously some of their products are great.
I just think like you said you have to be careful and not throw on too many active products especially if you have sensitive skin.
I personally thought I was being careful. I was avoiding all their exfoliants over the summer as well as retinoids. That’s why I was using niod cais as I thought it was supposed to be gentle. But I did use twice a day - as per the instructions on the box.
When I messaged them about what had happened they said I shouldn’t use twice a day at first. Well perhaps they should give their customers a bit more guidance and not just leave them to work everything out themselves.
Anyway at the moment I am focusing on nourishing my skin barrier and hoping it will return to normal eventually but I am 6 months in now so it’s takjng a while.

Oh crickey - the last thing I want to do is end up looking worse than when I started! I bloomin went and ordered it all yesterday!

I ordered
Buffet
Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% - 30ml
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
100% Plant-Derived Squalane

The Axelaic acid was out of stock.

If I'm honest I have done none of my own research into any of this - don't really understand exactly what I have ordered and just gone on recommendations.

I'm a bit worried now about where to start with it all or just to give it a massive swerve.

My skincare regime up to this point has pretty much been zero effort / zero maintenance.

I think it's a huge problem that they don't give enough instructions, especially for the stronger stuff. I really hope it improves doe you, Bodicea.
*
Sweetheart*, just start slowly and see how you go. You could start with the HA on damp skin, followed by Buffet.

Now, some ppl don't get on with the castor oil in Buffet so you'll have to check reactions. You could do that for a week or two and then add in Niacinamide or the NMF, for example.

It's just a case of being able to identify the culprit if there is a problem.

I love the ordinary now, but I have to say I wasn't impressed at first, I didn't like the feel of it. I used it anyway as I'd bought it and I found after a week or so that it really made a difference to my skin tone and texture. I am absolutely repurchasing and I am a total skin care junky, probably won't bother with anything else now. Ok mybe my neals yard wild rose balm but nothing else !

OK so my Buffet arrived yesterday so I've used it twice. The rest of my order is coming today. How long should I try 1 product for before I can add a 2nd, 3rd, 4th.......?

Sweetheart, can I ask how you got on?