Fed up with my awful skin

[LoveBeingAMum555]

So, i eat a healthy diet, drink lots of water, follow a strict cleanse, tone and moisturise routine but my skin is awful. I am 46 with very sensitive skin that is red and blotchy most of the time. I also love to run and cycle which in winter really doesn't help and my skin gets very dry, but if I overdo the moisturiser I break out in spots.

I have wasted a small fortune on all sorts of creams, serums and the like. Currently have a full bottle of Pixi Tonic on my dresser which I should have realised would be too harsh.

What would you suggest? I know there probably is no miracle solution but as I get older it gets worse and I am very self conscious about it.

user
What do you mean?
The most damaging products are the so called ‘natural ones’
LRP products are pretty safe.

Where are you?
I know an amazing facalist near London. She would be able to sort you out.

What she has recommended for me, which sounds similar skin to yours-

Rice bran oil to cleanse. Do not use coconut oil.

Then a vitamin c serum.

Then a nourishing oil, almond etc.

Cabochard - please don’t believe what the big industrial producers of cosmetics would have you believe! Lots of natural products are extremely safe, lots of industrially produced ones are full of carcinogens and allergens. L’Oreal produces all sorts of really dangerous products that ought never to go near anyone’s skin.

See a dermatologist, I went to see one 18 months ago and it's changed my skin completely.

user
I’ve been down the route you are on - many years ago.
There are some irritants to be avoided / not because they will blow your head off, but because they might simply annoy some skin types.
Fragrance in skincare, even naturally derived is bad for skin.
The best regime is something science backed and unscented.
There isn’t anything to fear from mainstream products.
I say this as someone who was probably of the same opinion as you 10+ years ago.

For what’s its worth though, l would never use L’oreal. Highly scented,and full of ingredients that do bugger all. 😉

Cabochard - I speak as someone very close indeed to people who work in the cosmetics industry and who are perfectly aware that the products they sell are dangerous and they won’t use or recommend many (most) of them themselves. They are not safe.

And, Cabochard, LRP is l’Oreal.

L’Oreal owns it.
It hasn’t always and it didn’t change anything as far as l can tell.
LRP isn’t my favourite, but it isn’t damaging to sensitive skin - my main concern.

What products or companies would you suggest? 🙂

You need to get your skin completely healthy and healed! And that means avoiding the outdoors!

LOL

Cabochard - LRP has been a L’Oreal brand for a VERY long time and there is not a single LRP product that isn’t pure l’Oreal.

Bioderma is a much better brand than any of the l’Oreal or Pierre Fabre brands.

Maybe the products are all too much. Iv had rosacea and tried moogoo it's all natural and I love the moisturiser. Feels so soothing. moogooskincare.co.uk/

I thought rosacea too when I read your post.

I agree OP, do less, not more. My dehydrated skin goes red, scaly and itchy if I use anything that foams.

@holidaylady, which rice bran oil cleanser do you use?

Thanks all, some really helpful information and advice. I used to use Clinique Redness Solutions but switched to Body Shop Aloe Vera which did seem to be working well for a while but either because of the cold or for some other reason my skin is really bad at the moment.

I dont think its a diet issue, I eat a mostly low sugar vegetarian diet but its something to think about. I am going to research some of the advice given, thank you so much.

If nothing else I know that I am not on my own with this, it is really frustrating.

Wow don't use Clinique!

What face wash are you using?

Sympathies, OP, I find my skin is generally rubbish no matter what I use on it. My advice is to keep it simple and not use too many products. Also, see if you can try things before buying.....I used to like the Body Shop Aloe range but the Cleanser now makes my face sting, as does the REN evercalm one (although the evercalm moisturiser is fine). I think it's a case of trial and error with sensitive skin but I would recommend Avene Skin Recovery Cream which is meant to help repair the skins barrier but won't clog pores and cause breakouts.
I've just gone back to using Neals Yard rose balm to cleanse my skin, I was using it over the summer and my skin was lovely but it ran out and as the weather turned my skin went to crap. I'll use it to moisturise too and see if that helps. I can't imagine having 'easy' skin, but it must be lovely to have the kind of skin that doesn't reactive to so many things.

I'm the same (just a bit older!) and I've tried them all over the years. Having extremely sensitive skin (with occasional eczema) and rosacea has been such a pain. I've tried them all....... from Ponds cold cream to the very expensive hyper allergenic ranges. Superdrug Pure range worked for quite a while but I developed an allergy (again). I'm even allergic to Aveeno! I must have spent a fortune. Kalme worked for a while, Green People (sensitive starter pack at £18.50) bought me up in a blotchy rash. At the moment I'm using Burts Bees sensitive skincare which is lovely (for now). Good price and available at Amazon. The only other thing I can say is like pp's, keep it simple - no scrubs, no hot cloths, only micellar water for toner if you must. And a factor 50 hypo-allergenic sun screen for your face at the merest hint of sun!

My rosacea has been completely cured by using Solantra prescribed by the GP - a tube lasts ages. I use baby shampoo to wash my face and eyelashes (I also have blepharitis) then the cream. Nothing else.

Watching with interest....

Agree with others about seeing a good dermatologist. You could be recommended all manner of products or methods which have worked for others but everyone's skin is unique and you can waste so much money chasing that holy grail product

How long did Soolantre take to work for you Ghetto? I've been on it a month and still got some red patches and the odd bump, it is softer and more comfortable but only about 60% better rather than 100%.

Just out of interest - if you do have rosacea, does it clear up completely in the summer? My skin is so much worse when the weather is cold.

I am using Simple moisturising face wash, which I have used for a long time because it doesnt make my face feel tight and dry afterwards. This is about the only product that consistently feels right for my skin.

I will look into a dermatologist, cant see my GP prescribing anything at the moment because I dont think its that bad, but would love to get a professional opinion.