Woefully neglected skin

[MyGhastIsFlabbered]

I've mistreated my face for years and would now like to start pampering myself.

I have middle aged skin, very few wrinkles so far, a bit on the sensitive side, prone to spots around my nose and chin but dry cheeks which often feel tight after a shower, very dark circles under my eyes.

Can anyone suggest a few items to get me started? Preferably not costing a fortune and vegan.

I would buy P50, its expensive but really it does so much in one bottle and will make a massive difference to your skin.
I look younger now than I did ten years ago using their products (I have a LOT of them) but P50 is their game changer product

You need to find a stand alone broad spectrum SPF of at least 30 but preferably 50, that you're happy to wear every day, summer and winter, indoors and out. At least 2.5ml a day not including reapplying if you're in the sun for more than 2 hours.

It's very boring but it's the most important thing to do. You should also get make sure your cleanser removes SPF and any makeup properly. Lots of people double cleanse to do this, first an oil or balm and then a cream or wash.

Retinoids, exfoliating acids and Vitamin C for anti-aging and spots. Only start one new thing at a time and give it a couple of months to see if it's doing anything positive or negative. Have a look at the fantastic skincare threads on here. The OP has done some really good fact sheets you can access on the first page.

I had a brief look at one of the Korean skincare threads but it scared me off!!

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/style_and_beauty/4018138--Fantastic-Skincare-Jump-through-flaming-hoops-repeat-Beauty-is-Pain-and-acces-to-this-thread-will-be-unlocked

Fact sheets on this are excellent.

You need to see a dr for the spots. It’s not normal to still break out in your 40’s.

@Fluffycloudland77

You need to see a dr for the spots. It’s not normal to still break out in your 40’s.

I don't think it is that unusual. I still had spots. They got a lot better after I started my anti-ageing regime though. Not sure what did the trick but probably the retinol. OP I use retinol, vit c, hyaluronic acid, and SPF 30 as a minimum. Also add in peptides and The Ordinary hydrating moisturiser. ALl from the ordinary as its cheaper than most other places.

I get one or two massive spots at the same point in my cycle each month and I'm 47. I'd have thought it was perfectly normal.
(Sorry to derail, OP!).

Yes I get occasional spots too (49, not yet menopausal, I get it around my periods)

It’s trial and error OP

I have found a very gentle regime, with products from REN, dr Haushka and La Roche Posay works for me. I have been using REN products for years, they are not magic but they seem to gently do their job

The main thing for me is to not clog up my pores, so always choose non-comedogenic products

The second thing is to exfoliate so, again, my pores don’t get clogged up (I like REN glycolactic face mask, you wash it off, it’s amazing or if I am lazy I use their acid toner (also good)

On very cold or dry days I use a hyaluronic acid based product underneath my moisturiser (in winter Dr Hauschka rose cream is nice and rich)

In spring/summer I use Roche Posay spf day cream to protect my skin

But it’s trial and error, you will have to see what works for you

When you say your face feels dry after being in the shower, what's going on there? Are you getting products like shampoo on your face, or washing it in the shower?

This may sound odd but I never get water on my face (with the exception of washing off face masks.) This is because there is very hard water where I am and it makes my face feel very dry.

I wash my hair with the shower hose over the bath.

I find a really simple regime works best for me. I had a phase in my life when I had very bad facial eczema.

Consequently, I used a high spf from my late 30s (recommended as part of treatment for my face) and that has really helped to prevent sun damage.

I use spf 30 or 50 every single day under make up.

Like REN make up remover, or Clinique Take the Day off.

I like Olay Regenerist as a cheaper option to Clinique.

Occasionally use a serum but not always.

I had treatment for adult acne, I never get a spot now despite having pcos quite badly.

Very simple, but works for me at 52:
AM: vitamin c serum, coconut oil, any day cream with SPF, usually Aldi for me, but it's not vegan.
PM: The ordinary retinol in squaline, coconut oil, any night cream
Massage each product well into the face.