Skincare routine - so embarassed and ashamed :(

[SuperPixie247]

As the title says, I am ashamed to say I have no skincare routine at all. I went through a period of never washing my face at all (due to depression) and now my skin is awful. Most days I slap a load of makeup on top of yesterdays

My DM has offered to buy me some nice skincare for Xmas but I have no idea where to start. I watched some videos recommended on here but was so confused. If anyone can help me, I would be incredibly grateful.

I wear full coverage makeup. My skin is dry and uneven in some areas but greasy (?) in others. I'm 27 so fine lines and wrinkles not at the forefront of my mind as such, I just want some decent skin on my face.

I would be so so grateful for help here. I can kind of see an end in sight to my bad habits but not sure how to get there exactly!

No routine here.
The only washing my face gets is a brief smush in the bath and I have really nice skin!
I have tried moisturisers before, especially as I’m now starting to notice some wrinkles but it always without fail breaks me out in spots!

@nancybotwinbloom

Has anyone used retinol? Does that make a difference?

Yes of course , I use Tretinoin which is prescription ( you can get it from Dermatica or skin and me - they do online consults!) . It’s the only topical proven to have significant benefits for skin aging Beyond sunscreen ;)

Retinol and other derivatives are a “weaker” version to put it into layman terms - you should see good results still of skin smoothing .

Budget friendly = the ordinary

Mid price - La roche posay

Blow it - Medik8 Crystal retinaldehyde

BUT you MUST MUST MUST use daily sunscreen ( you should anyway ) and build up slowly !

To help with your oily skin you want to use matte make up and a primer. It's also best to use a non greasy moisturiser. Before this apply a face scrub. I think most do the same job in all honesty and I wouldn't splash out loads incase you don't like them. The best is to start low and work your way up when you feel confident that you're seeing results.

This won’t be a popular response on here but I love Tropic. My skin is honestly the best it’s been in years. No, I don’t sell it before anyone makes that accusation.

MorrisZapp bit awkward for you, since the product you've picked up on is really gentle on skin.

Hope you had a good laugh, but I'd hate someone to read that and think effective equals harsh. Simply not the case, and since someone is looking for advice then let people give it.

@QueenPaws

Liz Earle cleanse and polish is the only thing I've ever reacted to, and I can use strong acids without blinking Clinique take the day off balm is bland and unlikely to irritate

I only use cruelty-free products and Clinique is Not cruelty-free. I will not buy from companies that torture animals.

A nice basic routine:

Morning
Cream cleanser of some kind (liz earle, or body bodyshop camomile one, or una brennan rose one). Smooth on, wipe off with a soft cloth and warm water.
Moisturiser
SPF

Night
Make up remover (if had it on, I use Micellar water or oil if tough eye makeup)
Creme cleanser and cloth again
Night moisturiser

As others have said - skincare includes your neck too. Also it can take a while to settle so dont chop and change routine too much

As far as I am aware the only evidence base is for retinols/retinoids and sunblock for anti aging (both over the LONG term). Also should avoid using retinoids/retinol when pregnant.

I also do a friday night mask but that's just cause I like it, dont really think it does much haha

@TheDaydreamBelievers

As far as I am aware the only evidence base is for retinols/retinoids and sunblock for anti aging (both over the LONG term). Also should avoid using retinoids/retinol when pregnant.

I also do a friday night mask but that's just cause I like it, dont really think it does much haha

Yes, tretinoin (a type of retinoid/Vit A) is the only thing that is proven to actually reverse wrinkles in any way, and that is because it is actually a prescription drug that causes any kind of significant change to the structure of the skin.

However, ensuring that your skin is hydrated and moisturised will go a fair way to reducing the appearance of fine lines as it will be plumped up. Apart from that though, most other 'active ingredients' in stuff you can buy off the shelf don't really do anything!

You don't need time consuming routines or expensive products. Focus on keeping your skin clean - take off make-up easily with something like Micellar water, get a basic moisturiser and use sun protection in the warmer months.
Think about what you put inside you - plenty of fresh fruit and veg, lots of protein, not too much sugar or E numbers, don't overdo it on the fags and alcohol, and try to get fresh air and 8 hours sleep.
There's absolutely no need to feel ashamed or embarrassed about not having a skincare routine, lots of people don't. Advertisers would like you think that it's essential, but a healthy lifestyle is more important.

I really don't understand why you'd be embarrassed or ashamed. You are really young so your skin is probably fine. Don't be intimidated or forced into spending tons of money on completely unnecessary products that won't do anything. You need to clean your face and protect it from UV. That's it