Skin issues (with pics)

[lottieleo]

I'm late 20s always had average skin
I rarely get any yellow head /popable spots
But my skins constant congested
I exfoliate regularly and use products targeted for oily or combination skins but constantly have large pores and raised bumps

Any advice product recommendations
It's very bad atm

Have you tried using a chemical exfoliant, like lactic acid? Good genes by Sunday Riley is very good and I also like Pixi glow tonic (glycolic acid)

I found my skin cleared up after I stopped using exfoliator, cleanser and products for spot-prone skin (e.g. I was using products that have salicylic acid in them, which I then swapped for more "natural remedies" that had tea tree or witch hazel in them).

Now I just wash my face with plain water, use a bog standard moisturiser and avoid using foundation/BB creams/powder and have much better skin.

Now and again I fancy an exfoliation, but the spots always appear a few days afterwards when I do...not sure why.

I think probably my skin reacts badly when I strip it of its natural oils.

I have the ordinary lactic acid but not used it regularly enough to make a difference, il give it another go.
Pixi woo toner makes me break out awful.

Ye maybe the products are too harsh, it's just hard to find a decent moisturising product that won't clog me up even more.

you need to review your diet, cut out all diary for a month and see how your skin reacts ...

Are you double cleansing? My skin was very congested until I started this. Micellar cleanse first, then something like Superdrug Vitamin E hot cloth cleanser or Body Shop camomile balm cleanser. Tone after this with a gentle toner.

This cream range is very light and not clogging.

www.superdrug.com/Skin/Face-Skin-Care/Face-Cream/Superdrug-Naturally-Radiant-Cream-Normal-Combi-75ml/p/516253

the fact the spots are on your cheek mean its hormonal rather than to do with your skincare. I'd stop with the exfoliating and any acids and go much, much gentler. Read Caroline Hirons blog you'll be able to get more accurate tips there than on here I'm sure

I used Bravura’s glycolic and Salic acid on my husbands acne and it has really been clearing it up

How's your diet?

Placemarking because my skin is the exact same!

I get those hormonal ones too OP (I'm late 30s) generally end of monthly cycle. However, this month is much worse! Wonder if it's the lack of outdoors time? I will get in the garden more when there's a chance, see if it helps. My chin looks like it did when I was a teenager, it has been clear for years with just the occasional hormonal spot or two.

Everyone’s skin is different. It is largely hit and miss until you find what works and then as you age, your skin will change so you are back to hit and miss repeat.

Track when you break out, for many women it is hormonal based on their period cycle. If so, not much you can do about it. Some birth control pills can improve or worsen the hormonal break outs.

You may have both oily and sensitive skin. So I agree with the go more gentle approach....using a chemical/natural acid based exfoliator. Try a lighter oat based moisturiser because your moisturiser could be what is congesting your pores or even irritating it if you have sensitive skin.

I am watching this too

My skin is fucking awful atm. It's lots of small red spots on my cheeks and Chin, nothing that can pop

I've tried spot treatments, glycolic acid, double cleansinh. Nothing changes it. Watching this with interest

As soon as I went dairy free my skin transformed!
Cut out caffeine and cut down on sugar, Drink water and you will have glowing skin!

Mine too..I’m fucking 68 fgs

Ah my diets not the best I really do need to cut on sugar.
I just really crave it when stressed (university/toddler)
It's also funny dairy is mentioned as I normally have very little but have been eating a lot more cereal (with milk obv) maybe the reason for the current flare up.

Il check out some of the recommendation thanks guys

Have you considered using something like Differin? It regulates cell turn over which prevents your pores from getting clogged in the first place xx

Cut right back on products. Just wash with warm water (and either a flannel or a silicone face brush). Afterwards rub in some niacinamide with zinc.

Try that for a month and see where you are.