Need to look after my skin more - help please

[Sparkleprincess123]

I have to admit I have not looked after my skin the best, it's very ad hoc to what I use and do.

I really want to start a new skincare regime, any advice on what you do and what you use please. I'm hoping to treat myself with my birthday money My skin is quite red and more on the sensitive side. Thanks in advance.

I’d recommend buying Caroline Hiron’s book. It’s a nice easy read about skin care.

I’m not an expert but there are a few rules I follow.

I double cleanse at night because it makes logical sense to me - first I cleanse to take my make up off, then I cleanse to clean my face. I use Clinique take the day off balm first, then Kate Somerville goat milk cleanser. Both are expensive but things I run out & buy as soon as I’m running low.

I’ve recently started buying face cream & serums from Sarah Chapman which I really like (too early to know how well they work but I enjoy using them)

I’ve started using face theory stuff since lockdown last March and I have to say, my skins the best it’s been. Always used liz Earle or Elemis but I’m converted

I’d just buy a basic factor 50 sunblock, the ordinary retinol & eat properly, take a multi vit with iron at night. That sort of thing.

Stand alone broad spectrum SPF of at least 30 everyday, summer and winter indoors and out, at least 2.5ml a day so a 50ml bottle lasts 20 days. Broad spectrum means it protects against UVA as well as UVB. UVA is the skin aging and cancer one, UVB is the burning one. If your skin tends towards redness and sensitivity a mineral screen might suit you better, but the best one is one you're happy to wear everyday. SPF in moisturiser and makeup is not enough and often there's no indication of UVA protection.

The gentlest cleansers you can find. Mostly avoid anything foaming. Double cleansing is good to remove sunscreen and makeup first and then cleanse your skin. I just use the same cleanser twice - Avène extremely gentle cleanser. Makeup and heavy sunscreen might need an oil or balm cleanser first. CeraVe, La Roche Posay and Eucerin do basic moisturisers. Don't bother spending money on an all singing all dancing moisturiser, just get one that moisturises properly.

If you start with that and your skin is happy you can add in serums in the morning or at night.

Watch Nadine Baggott videos. There's one on a really pared down but essential regime.
Basically
AM
Cleanse (anything suitable for your skin)
Vit C serum (if you want to start adding actives)
Moisturize (anything suitable)

PM
Remove makeup
Cleanse
Any serums you like the idea of/acids/retinol (start gradually with acids/retinol)
Moisturize

You don't need to spend on cleanser or moisturizer. Serums and treatments are where to spend if you want to.

SPF 50 every day. Separate from moisturizer

Thank you everyone I am so glad posted. Some really useful suggestions which I'm going to look into them all. I never even thought of wearing SPF all year through.

@NFLwidow I'm really liking the look of face theory products

I forgot to say that UVA light is not blocked by glass - UVB is - and it's just as strong in the winter. Hence indoors and winter sunscreen wearing. Remember UVA - Aging, UVB - Burning. If you look at the fantastic skincare threads on here the OP botemp has done brilliant fact sheets on different things with links in the OP.

@Apileofballyhoo oooo thank you really helpful!

"I forgot to say that UVA light is not blocked by glass - UVB is - and it's just as strong in the winter."

yes, but it depends whether you're sitting by the window doesn't it?

You can buy uv blocking window film online.