Can anybody recommend a basic skin care regime

[FlamboyenceofFlamingos]

I was a big fan of Liz Earle but recently my skin is very problematic (mid 30s, on the mini pill if that is relevant), nothing seems to be helping and I am a bit overwhelmed.

I seem to have developed constant blemishes on my cheeks and around my chin which don't go away. They aren't spots as such, just blemishes which don't fade. My pores are big and the skin is dry. I also get a lot of whiteheads on my chin.

Please help!

I could have written this post! I'm having the exact same issues so I hope you don't mind but I'm following to see what advice/suggestions you get x

@firsttimemummy11 please do follow, I know I need all the help I can get!

Drs, whiteheads are acne. If they aren’t fading it’s because your scarring.

Depends a bit on your budget, and how hardcore you want to go?

I’ve become convinced that almost anything from the high street is a waste of money, unless you rate the perfume or ‘self care’ benefits of slathering yourself in potions and lotions. Even then, I’m put off by the long lists of chemicals that don’t do anything active for skin (and might harm it).

If you have actual skin concerns, dive into the YouTube experts for some research- the dermatologists (Dr David Lim) or the enthusiastic reviews (Trinny Woodall, Nadine Baggot, Caroline Hirons, etc). It’s a bit overwhelming at first, but I persevered and found my right products through them. I learned it’s as much about the techniques (when to apply what, and in which order) as the products. The strengths of active ingredients is key too. Don’t get suckered into high end names and prices in this world, though, the brand The Ordinary is just as good.

Cleanse in the morning with a gentle non foaming cleanser - LRP dermo cleanser or Weleda almond or Kate Somerville goat milk are good examples.
Then use niacinamide serum - the ordinary and paulas choice have good ones
Then use a moisturiser - cerave are excellent and have a few different weights depending on how dry you are.
Then use an oil if you're dry, rosehip or squalane, again The Ordinary is great for these
Then get a decent SPF 30 or higher and wear every day

In the evening double cleanse. So use a balm or oil cleanser like the body shop camomile balm, or Inkey list oat balm or simple hydrating oil cleanser. Put on dry skin and massage in. Wet your hands and massage into your face to form a milk, remove with a face cloth.
Then cleanse again with your morning cleanser.
You can use a retinol here, Paulas choice and the ordinary have good ones.
Moisturise and oil

Careful with Caroline Hirons, she's a brand name snob mostly and gets paid to promote a lot of things. I wonder about her impartiality

Lush are fantastic though prices vary. Their store assistants can advise products based on what your skin is like and its all natural products. Their products changed my skin and my cleanser, toner, moisturiser and face mask are all from them

Products by the ordinary are great too. I use them for hydration and my red nose.
I have quite the face routine 🤣

I had bad ache in my 30s and I took a low level dose of anti biotics for many weeks. Nothing else had cured it. Contact your GP

Superdrug own brand skincare gets a lot of love and is not at all spendy.

@beguilingeyes

Superdrug own brand skincare gets a lot of love and is not at all spendy.

3 for 2 or similar offer at the moment too! And the simple range is half price in Superdrug too

These are all great suggestions, thank you! I'll read through them in more detail and do some research

Dermatica Subscription all day long

@SomeoneInTheLaaaaaounge

Dermatica Subscription all day long

Yes! Seconded

Cetaphil cleanser and le Roche posay effaclar

La Roche Posay effaclar cleanser followed by the effaclar duo moisturiser has worked wonders for my late 30's skin that was giving me lots of blemishes, big spots etc. I like that it's simple too, cleanse and moisturise. If I'm feeling a bit tight I'll add an oil at night, Rose hip or Clarins.

@goldpendant I like the look of the La Roche Posay products you recommended. I have normal skin and only have the occasional spot, although my skin looking very drab/dull at moment. Do you think these anti blemish products would be too harsh for me, or are there others in the range that would be better?

Hi @Frankiemintz - hard to say! My only slight criticism of the la Roche is that it can be a little drying, hence adding an oil or serum at night. Otherwise my skin has never looked better.

For drab/dull my go to product is the Dermalogica micro exfoliator- the powder one. It's pricey but lasts aaaages and leaves you smooth and glowing!

Some good routines above. Cleanse, acid toner, serum and moisturiser/facial oil are you basic steps. I really rate Sali Hughes' book Pretty Honest if you want to read up on skincare. I thought Caroline Hirons' book was not as good.

My only product recommendation would be a salicylic acid toner to address the blemishes. Garnier Organic do a good one (thyme scented). It's not very expensive. Has worked a treat for my spotty forehead.

@goldpendant thank you I’ll take a look at it. I have always used Estée Lauder products but am nearing 50 now and feel that my skin needs something more suitable for my skin.

OP here is what worked for me when I had similar symptoms.

Wash your face with Dove soap or any other gentle soap, like Sanex.

Go to your GP for the following:
Differin
Azelaic Acid
Treclin

Interchange the above at night. Azelaic and Differin can also be used during the day.

Get yourself an SPF 50. La roche posay and Vichy do good ones.

With the above you should see results within a week.