Moisturiser etc for ageing skin. Liz Earle?

[ICouldBeSomebodyYouKnow]

I'm a long-time MNer, but I'm not a regular on the S&B Board, so be gentle!

My skin is ok, but recently has been breaking out a bit. I'm a low-maintenance, no-fuss kind of person, so I'm looking for as few products as possible. i'm prepared to spend more than I have in the past. Someone recommended Liz Earle, so I'm looking for experience of that range, although I am very open to other suggestions.

For years and years I've been using Lush Imperialis (moisturiser) and Lush Ultrabland (cleanser). On holiday I use wipes: Simple don't agree with me. Garnier and Nivea do.

From time to time I use a Lush facemask (BB Seaweed usually).

I used to use a Max Factor tinted moisturiser, but either they stopped doing it, or I just stopped using it. For day time I've recently tried Rimmel Insta Flawless (now off the market). It's OK for a few hours but if I wear it all day I break out. I tried Olay 7-in1 BB cream, but I'm still breaking out after all-day wear.

I think I have to face facts: at 60, my skin is not what it was, and it probably needs some TLC.

Do you use serums?
I'm 53 and have used serums since forever.
You could probably use a vit C for brightening and a hyaluronic for plumping.
Moisturisers aren't worth splashing the cash on, just get one suitable for your skin type. Cleansing properly, an acid toner and a couple of serums will make the difference.
I like Liz Earle cleanser, and the Superskin Concentrate oil-serum.
Simple stuff is anything but and really nasty and harsh. Wouldn't touch it.

Take a look at Angela Langford. www.angelalangford.com. I'm a new convert, I'm 50 and my skin has never looked and felt better. I sent for the free samples and then bought 2 of them. The cleanser is amazing and I also have a face oil, they have that spa feel at a really competitive price. I have always been rubbish at maintain a skin care regime, but just love using these products.

No, I don't use serums. Any recommendations? Is the Boots one as good as the hype?

Blue Nivea, honestly.

The Boots ones are good, but I find them a bit full of silicone which means that while you get an instant smoothing effect, it makes your makeup or moisturiser "pill".

I am loving Vit C by Vichy (ridiculous real name is sth about boost vitamin sth or other) and Vichy 89 hyaluronic.

Nip & Fab Dragon's Blood also v good.

For about £3, the Superdrug pure is v nice.

And I totally agree about Nivea blue pot to moisturise!

Have a look at Lixir Skin OP. It really makes it clear that you need a gentle cleanser (maybe double cleanse if you wear make up) and something to hydrate and moisturise. Any moisturiser will do, as long as it agrees with your skin i.e. no break outs or irritation. Follow with a seperate SPF of at least 30.

The things to spend money on are serums and SPF. I wouldn't bother with Liz Earle unless you really like the smells. That being said, the cleanse and polish cleared up my skin until it started drying it out.

Serums should tackle specific concerns. If you're dehydrated get a hydrating one, like the Vichy Mineral 89 mentioned above. Retinol, Vitamin C and acids tackle signs of aging. Peptides are also thought to be anti aging and there is a possibility that niacinamide is too. Retinols and acids can dry your skin though and can irritate it.

I'd concentrate on getting the breakouts sorted first. I think there's a tinted SPF called Australian Gold or something that I've heard people on about. I've used La Roche Posay SPF 50 tinted for sensitive eyes but it can be patchy and streaky so I prefer the non tinted version.

It all seems so complicated!! Plus brands I've never heard of. I just want a couple of products, but there are so many to choose from, and everybody's skin is different.

I don't really like the feel of the blue Nivea. May try the Superdrug Pure though - if it doesn't help, I haven't wasted much money.

Since the Boots serums affect make-up, I will avoid that - thanks for the tip!

I have a day off tomorrow so I can mooch round a big Boots and see what they recommend, having seen my skin in the flesh. Thanks all.

What about Nivea soft if you don't like the blue one? Or there's a moisture boost one for sensitive skin which is lovely.

try the m&S ultimate sleep cream. Its about £20 a pot and the best moisturiser ive ever tried. Really rich but sinks straight in

It sounds very complicated in the beginning and we do tend to have a notion that all we need is 'a really good cream'. But that's not really accurate! You need to cleanse, moisturise and use SPF. Anything you want to tackle after that should be tackled with a specific product for that particular thing. One cream will not do it all and most of them are just overpriced moisturisers designed to part you from your money!

i use elemis marine cream at night and liz earle skin repair during the day buy it all from QVC as it's cheaper (and you can pay with some products monthly) and if you don't like it you can send it back! Liz earle also do the superskin which may be worth looking at. I am nearly 50

I really do see results esp with the marine cream.

Have started using the ordinary retinol drops at night but too soon to see a difference yet. The ordinary range is worth look at as cheaper than higher end products.

Op don't rush into using a lot of new products at once. I made that mistake when I was a couple of years younger than you and I had the most almighty skin flare up and have had sensitivities ever since. I had never had any noticeable trouble before then.

I can't really advise on individual products as I think everyone's skin is different plus I now use as few as possible (see above). But I strongly recommend only trying one new thing at a time and then waiting at least a month before you introduce anything else.

Thanks all, I've taken note of everything, and will go on a scouting mission tomorrow.

frankly I've signed up for Angela's freebies, thanks.

I'm late 30s and have used Decléor since you early 20s. I've had periods of not being able to afford it and my skin reacted instantly.

My skin is clear and I have very little aging despite being fair.

My view is that everyone has to learn to know what works for them. My skin can't cope with chemicals. Simple is absolutely awful for me!

Liz Earle didn't do much for me personally.
I've heard good things about Elemis though

Can you recommend an acid toner, @TheCanterburyWhales ?

Flo , thanks for sharing your advice! I hope you've found the right products for your skin now.

Sounds like trying new skin products could be my new hobby

Superdrug is worth a look. I have recently bought a few products such as cleanser and skin peel. The Ordinary have lovely serums too.

Astral.

Just that. Costs about 2p for 500ml.

Loads of comparisons have been made with expensive moisturisers and Astral always wins.

Jemima - is that the one Joanne Lumley swears by?

Yes, Joanna Lumley uses Astral.
I have also used it since I was a little girl. It's got a better texture than Blue Nivea in that it sinks in better, but I do think Nivea has a slight edge on it.

The M&S sleep cream is very scented, and whilst I'm not particularly sensitive, I imagine it could irritate some. I only had a sample of it, so not really enough to comment, but the scent put me off.

Likewise Marine Cream did nothing for me, despite being a sheep and rebuying it. I think it just depends on your own skin, it was too funny and lotiony for me, and I never felt moisturised enough. Smells divine though!

I like Nip & Fab glycolic pads best. I'm finishing off a bottle of the much lauded (hyped?) Pixi glow, but won't repurchase.

the ordinarey do a good glycolic lotion, its good price to around £6 0r £7, for a large bottle.

Nivea Q10 is the only thing that doesn't make me break out. It's not at all like blue Nivea - doesn't drag and isn't greasy. It's really elastic and quickly absorbed, with great sun protection too. Foundation covers easily on top of it (Bobbi Brown tinted moisturiser is good - expensive but Nivea Q10 is cheap so overall, not a bit combination.)