Another plea for help with enlarged pores, redness and rough oily skin texture.

[pearlkent]

My post-menopausal skin is horrible and it's really getting me down. I've started on The Ordinary retinoid 2% (I'm a couple of weeks in) but so far things don't look any better.
I'm about to start oil-cleansing with olive and castor oil so I'm hoping this might help.
Is it worth seeing a private dermatologist or investing in professional heavy-duty facials/peels (and if so, what type)?
Does anyone have any other suggestions or success stories with turning their skin around. or is it all down to genetics?
I've always kept out of the sun, used SPFs and never smoked - I feel that I don't deserve such crappy skin!

Have you tried Paula's choice skin perfecting BHA I have problematic skin but this is the only product I've found which does what it claims

Same here, Paula's choice 2% BHA. It takes about 4 weeks to get a result but it's good stuff.

I'd forgotten about that - I did use up a trial size of one of the Paula's Choice BHAs (not sure if it was the Skin Perfecting one), and I think it was starting to have an effect. I'll purchase a full size one and stick with it. Thank you.

Glycolic acid from the Ordinary. They have regimes listed on their website. Retonoid is just for aging.

@pearlkent there's currently a mumsnet promo for 18% off any Paula's choice product. The thread is at the top of the style and beauty section

Another vote for Paula's Choice.

Thanks Porkless - will place an order now. And thanks to the others for their votes of confidence in PC too.
Drink - is glycolic acid for open pores/rough texture?

Yes, it gently exfoliates and as they say reveals a smoother skin texture. Certainly worked for me. I do use Paula’s Choice BHA (salicylic acid) too but that’s more for breakouts.

Paula's Choice, but get the AHA too. www.paulaschoice.co.uk/skin-perfecting-aha-gel-exfoliant-m1900.html?dwvar_m1900_size=fullsize&cgid=exfoliants-products#start=0&top=2163

I was reading this with interest but can't see the link to Paula's Choice with a MN discount. Am I being silly or is it over now?

Pearl you should spend some time on Caroline Hirons' website and check out the acne cheat sheets. She is so knowledge about all things skin. I spent a few hours a while ago on her website and educated myself on skincare and after some trial and error my skin is the best it has ever been. The biggest changes for me were double cleansing each night using a face cloth and using an acid (salicylic acid) toner. Good luck.