What's the best thing you did for your skin?

[wintertime6]

I'm in my 40's and my skin is awful. Really red and blotchy and sensitive. It hasn't always been like that but I don't really remember when it got so bad.

Does anyone have any advice or recommendations of products that have worked for them. Not sure if I should be investing in a good SPF, oils, exfoliation, cleanser etc? I've been guilty of drinking a bit too much wine and not drinking enough water, and I'm trying to rectify that and hoping that will help too.

Don't want to spend lots of money but happy to invest in one or two products if they might make a difference.

Tretinoin, VitaminC and SPF

Oh and Botox

Giving up alcohol completely and using this once a week.

www.boots.com/the-ordinary-aha-30-bha-2-peeling-solution-10267772

Moves the same red, blotch and dry, starting to use products containing hydraulic acid, its ment to help with the dryness

I’ve started using facial oil. It’s not something I considered as my skin isn’t dry, but I was given one so used it, and now I’m converted !

The best thing?

A weekly Riverford veg box delivery.

Although it sometimes feels as if consuming so much greenery before it all goes off is a bit of a full time job - I've really noticed the improvement in my skin over the past year.

Reducing sugar massively (sorry)

Balm cleanser

Low strength retinol but I think this is a lot less important than the first two...

Tretinoin on prescription.

Dermalogica. Absolutely love it.

Cerave moisturiser is the best, plus switching away from hot cloths to double cleanse.

Using a serum to counteract the redness and sensitivity. My favourite is the Comfort Zone Sublime Skin Essence. It seems to re-set my skin back to calm and happy. I also really live Skinceuticals Phyto-Correct gel serum and the matching mask is brilliant too.

I ditched the chemicals where possible: Coconut oil as moisturiser, Babo botanical factor 40 sunscreen, tea tree oil (mixed with coconut oil) on any blemishes. A vitamin c spray has reduced the redness massively. I drink a lot of water and have a reasonably good diet (vegetarian, aim for 10 portions of fruit & veg a day, no alcohol, mindful of sugar intake). Retinol and sacylic acid did nothing for me, the real changes were ditching the chemical and a diet overhaul.

Personally I disagree with most of the above (except oil and veg box) and I suggest going easy and starting with a cream cleanser (NOT face wash) followed with a nice medium ruch/rich cream. Something soothing that doesn't promise the world. I'm very much a fan of Aveeno, Nivea soft/blue etc. You don't want to start with harsh chemicals. My routine is very simple and my skin thanks me for it. I only have issues when I introduce acids, retinol etc. I like a sheet mask too.

Oh hang on, I agree with most of the above I mean.

Cerave moisturising cream. I have the maaaaaasive tub.

Best moisturiser I've ever tried tbh.

I was coming on to say Cerave, but I see a few have already beaten me to it!

My favourite is the PM moisturising lotion, which I use morning and night. I also like the lotion, and the cream which is a great occlusive for overnight.

Red and sensitive sounds like you might have rosacea? Often with rosacea less is more when it comes to skincare. An unscented balm cleanser, some azelaic acid serum, an anti redness moisturiser. Bioderma do a nice one, and SPF every day.

Ole Henrickson skincare and one of those lumi spa things (a non branded one from eBay!)

I gave up gluten, used to have regular breakouts before that. Still have the odd spot if I have too much dairy.
More water than any other fluid also helped.

Giving up booze and cigarettes
Drinking plenty of water
Moisturising a lot, and a good hand cream
SPF

Lockdown. No makeup on for WFH. Plus La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo moisturiser.

Cleaning my face properly. Avène extremely gentle cleanser, used twice to make sure I've all my SPF off. On offer on look fantastic at the moment. I just rinse it off rather than wiping.

You really do need a good SPF. Mineral ones are better for sensitive skin, they sit on your face rather than being absorbed and reflect the light away from your face instead of absorbing it. Roughly that's how I understand it anyway.

CeraVe moisturisers are great for working and being good value.

I stopped using products with harsh chemicals in. Currently use Origins dr Weils which is £££ but my skin has settled right down

Massively reduced amount of booze I was drinking and completely giving up wine.

Stop messing with it.

I'm 50 and from terrible teenage skin all through my life, I've been prone to breakouts. One day, I was hit with the realisation that every time I resolve to "take proper care" of my skin and start using all the recommended products, it gets worse.

For the few years I have used aqueous cream and a warm flannel to wash it and moisturised with the basic Olay liquid in the mornings and E45 cream at night.

My skin is better than it's ever been.