Skin care regime for someone who doesn't like to get their face wet...

[Minkyscamp]

I've just (at the age of 37) started to try to get into a skincare routine. Fine lines and dull skin etc starting to bother me.

So far it looks like this: morning using micellar water, and an Olay moisturiser (7 effects) and evening using Nip Fab glycolic pads followed by Nip Fab retinol fix (but I'm only using this once a week at the moment, with a view to building up to 3x a week as per instructions). The other nights I use whatever moisturiser is to hand.

I've got two questions for anyone with knowledge to spare...

Firstly, I know I'm meant to use cleanser, but I hate splashing water on my face. This may be a stupid question, but is there a way to effectively cleanse your face using pads? I assume I need to do this before using the micellar water and moisturiser?

Secondly, can anyone recommend a good nighttime moisturiser for the days I'm not using the retinol one? I have normal skin I think.

Many thanks

My dm uses cream cleanser and removes with dry cotton pads then pads soaked in mineral water.

If your using retinol are you using sunblock?.

Instead of splashing, could you get a hot cloth cleanser, wiping the cleanser off with a damp muslin? No splashing involved.

Hot cloth cleanser for sure, there are lots of different brands out there now. I use face cloths from Ikea (10 pack from the kids' dept, an old Sali Hughes tip) as well as the muslins I've got with Liz Earle cleanser over the years. Chuck them in the hot wash when you've used them.

Thanks for the replies. Yes I am using spf - my day moisturiser is spf 15 which is assume is ok for this time of year?

Yes I could try a hot cloth cleanser. I did try the Liz Earle one before actually, but her face wash really irritated my skin. Any recommendations for a hot cloth cleanser?

Clinique clarifying lotion is very good, especially the sensitive one (it’s not a lotion, more of a cleanser/toner).

I use reusable bamboo pads instead of cotton wool pads, they give you an extra bit of exfoliation.

You need sunblock, spf 50 every single day. There’s not enough mg spf per sq cm in day creams to protect you from aging & sun damage from the retinol making your skin more sensitive.

@Fluffycloudland77 goodness I had no idea. Thanks for that, so you use a completely separate sunblock and then put face cream on top? In my mind, that would be greasy no? Apologies for total novice questions.

@JemimaTiggywinkle thank you - so no need for water at all with that? And would I still use the micellar water afterwards?

I use sunblock instead of moisturiser, I have normal/ oily skin.

Moisturiser first, I don’t use it because I find the sunblock moisturising enough, then wait 10 minutes before applying sunblock.

If it forms little balls when you apply it you need to give the cream longer to absorb before sunblock.

Sunblock takes 20 minutes to form an effective shield unless you use mineral which is pretty instant.

@Minkyscamp no need for water.
I would use instead of micellar water if it’s in the morning - I’ve only ever used micellar water as a make up remover.

Micellar water is better as a makeup remover - it needs washing off and can de drying left on skin
I use a cream, lotion or balm and just remove it with a warm flannel, no splashing needed!

You don't need to use moisturiser + sunblock. Either use the sunblock as moisturiser or, if that's not enough, do what I do and use a hyaluronic acid serum like the Vichy Aqualia one or similar and put sunblock on top. It's more moisturising without feeling claggy.

I absolutely love the Clinique Take the Day off balm. I usually wait for a 20% code on ASOS to get it. The pot is deceptive, it will last months.

Then I dampen a cloth - I use Primarks fleece makeup removing cloths because they're so soft and cheap - and wipe it all off. You have skin as clean as a babies.

I absolutely loathe splashing water that dribbles down your neck - ugh!

I've started using Tropic recently and their ABC range is excellent. I used Liz Earle previously but wasn't keen.

The cleanser goes on as a cream and is removed with a bamboo cloth (I use hot water and give a good squeeze). Toner is lovely - it dries in quite quickly then moisturiser is applied.

If buying the set you also get a lovely face mask which I use weekly.

I was sceptical as not keen on MLM companies but I bought direct from website (so no social media stuff) and I love the skin care products.

Thanks for all the replies and recommendations - will go and research all the products suggested (and buy some proper spf!)

I'm not always in the mood to wash my face in the evenings so I often use micellar water till the cotton pads are clear which is about 5-6 with full make up or 2 when make up free