I need a skin reset (or something)

[Myusernameismud]

The skin on my face is just awful. Horrible and flaky, almost a bit scaly looking sometimes and it's making me so miserable. I look 10 years older than I really am.
I have really sensitive skin and various allergies, so anything too perfumed is a no no, but I also have the issue of products with oil in give me spots. So trying to find a really hydrating, but gentle moisturiser without oil in is damn near impossible. I've got the clinique dramatically different jelly, which I thought would work but it only works for an hour or so and then I'm back to flakey jakey again.

I've thought about derma planing as a sort of skin reset, and then trying something completely different.

I do try to drink enough water, as I know that doesn't help dry skin but also the central heating/harsh cold combination has probably exacerbated things.

So I guess I'm asking for recommendations of a holy grail moisturiser, oil free but gentle and very hydrating. I've tried dermalogica calm water gel but the silicone gave me tiny little spots. I was a big fan of clinique original moisture surge, but they changed the formula a few times and now it contains a ton of squalane and silicone which again, makes me spotty.

Give me your wisdom, skincare lovers!

I know this is hideous, sorry, but this is my right cheek.

Hopeful post-school run bump!

Have you thought about trying a hylauronic acid product? It’s very hydrating for the skin.

I found that thinking more Asian/Korean in skincare has helped me a lot when my skin has been feeling dry. Less one moisturiser to fix it all, more many light layers of hydration.

After cleansing (what do you cleanse with?) a light hydrating toner, then a hydrating serum, then a hydrating cream, maybe a sheet mask at night - that sort of thing.

CeraVe range is amazing for dry skin. Simple but effective and doesn't irritate at all.

I have the same skin type as you, and although you probably couldn't think of anything worse, Bio Oil was a game changer. I use Superdrug vitamin e cleanser followed by the superdrug Calm Skin moisturiser and bio oil slathered on before bed. Wake up with amazingly clear skin. 2 weekly Neutragena 2 in 1 wash and mask as a mask as well. I had a dermabrasion and didn't help at all

As a person with dry and sensitive skin, this is what has worked for me and what I’ve found when looking into it:

Exfoliating is really important because if you don’t exfoliate properly then there will be a build up of dead skin which can prevent the rest of your skincare from actually getting to your skin, so you wouldn’t be getting the benefit. If you are sensitive I wouldn’t use a scrub, but a liquid exfoliater could really help you. I’m using the January Labs daily brightening tonic, which I’m loving, but something like Pixi glow tonic or one of the exfoliaters from the Paula’s Choice range would also be good.

Hyaluronic acid (like the dramatically different jelly, which I use in the summer as a moisturiser but in the winter as a serum) is best applied to a wet face. The hyaluronic acid attracts water and holds it on the surface of the skin, so if you apply it to dry skin then there’s a risk that they will pull water out of the skin. (At least that’s my understanding of the science!) Some people swear by a “hyaluronic acid sandwich”, which is spraying the face with a facial mist, applying the hyaluronic acid, and then misting again, and then putting moisturiser over the top.

In terms of moisturisers my favourites are the Clinique moisture surge intense moisturiser and Eucerin urea face cream. The Clinique has a lovely texture and I’ve sworn by it this winter, and the Eucerin is really great for flakiness.

Sorry for the essay but I hope that helps!

Also meant to say that if you’re very sensitive then ignore the instructions on the exfoliater bottles that say use every day, 2-3 times a week is plenty!

Another thing I would recommend the Pixi hydrating milky mist for top ups during the day. I keep a bottle in my bag and whip it out whenever my face starts feeling tight (I work in a hospital which basically sucks all the moisture out of my face!) The Pixi glow mist is also good, especially over make up, but it contains castor oil which might not be great for you.

Ok I’m really done now!

Watch some Sam bunting or dr Dray videos on you tube. Drastically changed my skin for the better and saved me a fortune.

Your skin doesn’t look that bad at all imo. But a good skincare routine and the right actives can make a difference to anyone.

My skin won't take oil or silicones either. This has been a miracle worker. Oil and silicone free.

You need something before the moisturiser! Clinique Moisture Surgery spray or the Superdrug B Refreshed(?) Essence. Also, try Evening Primrose Oil tablets. Eat water rich foods (fruit and veg) when you drink water.