How long to give skincare regime?

[Greyhound22]

I recently swapped my Elemis for what I thought was something milder.

I'm on lots of strong medication and suddenly the Elemis was just too much for my skin.

I had a dabble with Lush but was disappointed to see it had parabens in. So I'm now trying a micellar water followed by some acid from the Ordinary that's recommended for uneven skin/pores.

My skin is horrific. Greasy with great painful lumps that turn into spots. Smaller spots everywhere. Totally fed up. Anyway - I know sometimes when trying something new your skin can go mad and then settle down. How long would you give it before giving up and trying something else? I don't want to keep changing and obviously it's getting expensive.

It could also be the medication 🤷‍♀️

Any idea or advice?

Hi, I've just started using products from The Ordinary and I'm starting to see subtle differences 2 weeks later. I've heard it can take 6 weeks to see results. What products are you using from The Ordinary?

Is miscellar water the only cleanser you are using? It won't really clean your skin properly. You really need a double cleanse - a balm type first to remove makeup and then something more suited to your skin type to clean the skin properly. Then perhaps an acid toner rather than acids straight on to your skin?

Depending on the novellas water, it can often leave a film on your skin. I think it needs to be “toned” off.

It is the acidic toner I've been using. I usually use the Elemis cleansing balm but it's really stinging. Any ideas for something a bit gentler?

I have v sent I’ve skin and I alternate:

Bobbie Brown mild cleansing oil to take my makeup off and either Dr Keihls cleaning wash OR REN evercalm cleanser.

Keihls is a bit foamy and can be a bit drying but if you’ve had a long sweaty day / worn a full face all day it feels lovely

REN fab went feeling a bit sore and skin is a bit red/ unhappy

I haven’t tried a balm as such but then non mineral oil is an effective alternative.

Your bumps could be a result of the reaction to the acid toner. Maybe you need a gentler solution. I would try a gentle cleansing oil, then a glycolic cleanser (you get your acids, but they don't stay on your skin.). Next move would be a hydrating spray toner that includes hyaluronic acid. (Niacinamide too, if you can find one.). Then hyaluronic acid serum and moisturiser. Heal your skin from those reactions before you throw in any active ingredients like vitamin c, retinol or other acids that sit on your skin. Hyaluronic acid will hydrate but not encourage sebum production. If your skin calms down, your sebum may be less hyper-stimulated.

I think you ought to see a dermatologist.

Too many women shell out on creams etc and they do no good at all.

If you have bad spots and a bad skin, it may be acne and you need the correct treatment.

DD has used Roaccutane twice in her late teens and early 20s and the lovely dermo said that products have no effects at all.

You need to see your GP and get a referral, OR browse your local private hospitals and see if you can self-refer for an appt with a dermatologist, for advice.

Jingling I've only had the reaction since I've been on the medication. I'm not daft if I need to see someone I will but I'm currently under four different departments at the hospital and trying to work full time so sore skin isn't my health priority at the moment.

I'm 38 and this is the first time I've had anything this bad.

I would stop all actives and serums for the time being and only use a gentle cleanser. I use simple cleansing oil as it isn't drying. I don't use a moisturiser generally. I've seen others recommend cetaphil as it's ph balanced, you can get it in Boots. Use nothing else for at least 2 weeks and see if your skin settles down. I would guess your skin is reacting to the medication if that is the only thing that has changed in your routine.