Please help my buy some skincare stuff.

[POPholditdown]

I’m in need of a relatively easy and effective skincare routine. I’ve tried various things in the past, recently I seem to be picking the wrong products. There is too much choice for me to make my mind up, so I’m leaving it up to Mumsnet I’ll list my main issues to help you decide though!

• Normal to dry skin, except for an oily patch on my forehead.

-I have A LOT blackheads on my nose and chin. I also have 3 or 4 permanent deep spots on my cheeks, that you can’t see but they seem to refil and surface every couple of months in the same place.

-Visible pores

-I don’t generally get breakouts, but have got some painful bumps at the minute which I think is due to some products I’ve been using (Superdrug own brand, so I’m avoiding them now). A quick fix for this would be helpful.

-Skin looks a bit dull overall and it just feels congested.

-Skin around my eyes is a bit textured. I have hooded eyes, the bit above the lids is more prominent so the texture stands out.

• I very rarely wear foundation these days so issues aren’t caused by makeup.

Even if you have a miracle product for just one of these I’d appreciate any input. Any product types welcome, whether it’s toner, moisturiser, masks. Any brand, except for Superdrug own Pricewise, I’m not too fussed though ideally I don’t want to shell out for La Mer if I can avoid it

I’m late 20s, but if there’s any products meant for different ages that are great I’ll take them too.

Many thanks in advance!

I'm much older so I don't have the same skin issues as you do anymore. I'm also assuming you are in the UK?

I wonder whether you need to visit a GP for some acne cream for those spots that seem to be permanent and recurring, I appreciate you don't have acne as such but if your skin is congested to the extent that you have permanent spots then a Dr needs to take a look at that.

If you can afford it I suggest you go for a good facial to sort out your blackheads. Ask lots of questions about your skin type and recommendations but I would advise against buying their products, even if you like the brands they stock you can almost always get them cheaper online.

You need a good cleanse/tone/moisturiser routine.
Dermalogica and Clinique ranges are good but I'd suggest you mix and match rather than buying all of your products from the same brand.

Cleansing products; you don't want anything too harsh. I like supermarket own brand cucumber cleansing wash. DD uses Cetaphil cleansing wash. I've used expensive brands in the past but for cleansers it doesn't seem that spending a lot of money on them makes much difference.

Toner; Pixi glow tonic is good, as are the Clinique 3 step toners, I like the REN toner, DD says this Dermalogica one is good too.

Moisturiser; a good bet is to go to the Clinique counter, explain your skin problems and ask for some samples. Or REN again is good.

Serum; take a look at The Ordinary, they're fairly cheap and have produced good results.

You can buy up to 5 samples a month from Feelunique Pick N Mix. In your case it's worth trying some products, particularly moisturisers before you commit to a full size of something expensive.

I hope I've helped! Apologies that this is long.
I'm on the ashamed of your beauty product haul thread, they give good advice.

Thank you. I never thought about going for a facial and asking for information that way.

The gp could be an option, but I’ve neglected my skin for a while (working nights and caring during the day leaves little time for much else!) so I’m hoping that the permanent spots might clear up after I invest some time in my skin again.

I think I’ve always gone wrong by buying full ranges rather than mix and matching and that’s why I feel so overwhelmed by the choice. I think I read good reviews about the Superdrug Glycolic peel on mumsnet thought I’d try it and came back with the entire shelf!

I used to get a beauty box every month, but I stopped as I don’t use the make up items so they just become clutter. I might see if there’s a skincare only one.

Hi - I have had similar skin issues. I use micellar water cleanser, a toner (currently using a Korean one from tk maxx), various products from the ordinary (retinol and hyaluronic acid are amazing for daily use), and body shop vitamin c glow lotion moisturiser in the morning. I used to use various expensive night moisturisers / serums but have abandoned all in favour of retinol ! I also use an exfoliated (elemis papaya one) about once a week and the ordinary vitamin c about once a week (instead of retinol, leave on overnight). Hope that helps ! Check out the ordinary (by deciem) - brilliant range !

Thank you! I looked at the Ordinary guide last night and it hurt my head a bit

I’ve seen loads about the retinol so think it’s a must!

My skin sounds very similar.
I went for a facial and bought their products. And it is a lot better! My nose will never change but the rest has improved.
Germain de capuchin. That's not quite right but close...
I use a facial wash and scrub in the shower.
Literally splash on toner
I use rose oil as I have Celtic skin???
Then a moisturiser

germaine-de-capuccini.co.uk

I've very similar skin to you OP, albeit I'm about 10 years older. I used to use Liz Earle cleanse and polish which was fab but I wanted something cheaper and saw a few folk recommend Dove beauty bar (the block of soap) and a plain old flannel and since changing to it in January I've actually noticed an improvement in my skin. A few people warned that it would dry my skin but I've not noticed any difference in that respect, just that my skin has more of a glow to it and I feel like I need to use less make up now.

The pink grapefruit neutrogena face wash and Vichy Norma fern lotion got rid of my blackheads.
Plus a clay mask.
Took about 3 days to work.
And now I use a mattifiying suncream to reduce shine and my skin looks great.

You definitely need acid for the blackheads: liquid gold, nip + fab glycolic acid pads, or pixi tonic, whatever you fancy...

Get a mild cleanser, Liz Earle is great, and a plain moisturiser (eg Avene hydrance). See how you get on for a week.

Then add an acid and a night cream (nivea blue tin, astral, weleda skin food if you are really dry) if everything is ok (ie no breakouts or irritation).

If you are dehydrated, consider adding Hada Labo moisturising lotion instead of serum (amazon), after another week.

If all is working fine and no breakouts or dryness from the acid, consider adding retinol.

Thanks all atleast I’ve got a god starting point with products now!

good starting point*!