Awful skin - what really works please?

[MichelleofzeResistance]

My hormones are in a complete age related mess, and my skin has gone over to the dark side. It's mostly as oily as it was in the worst bit of adolescence, and I can wash my face twice for 30 secs each time twice a day and still have blackheads everywhere.

I have looked at the Posay Effeclar range and would spend the money as its getting demoralising now, but would love any words of advice or experience on what is or is not worth it and what really works? Anyone got any suggestions please?

Paulas choice 2% BHA. It’s amazing!

Go to the doc and ask for a referral to a dermatologist. I have had terrible acne all along my jawline my whole life. I went in Oct at the grand old age of 42 and now have no spots at all- why on earth didn't I go 30 years ago!

I have epiduo- this takes three months to work but I have not had a spot now for over a month which is unheard of for me.

For blackheads you need a chemical exfoliant such as the one recommended above. Go to Paulas Choice and choose a BHA 2%- they have several formulas to choose from.

You're wonderful, thank you!

I agree with getting a referral. Obviously things work differently for different people, but my acne returned after 2 courses of Roaccutane. I went dairy free, drank spearmint tea and applied a skin clearing paste from Boots. My skin improved drastically. I’m not sure which thing that I did helped though. In order to get my skin looking even better, I started Skinandme, and I’ve been impressed. Good luck to you. I know how depressing bad skin can be.

Another vote to go to your GP.

I also hardly have any dairy and have reduced sugar in diet which has helped.
Am currently on topical treatment

Dermatica are an online dermatologist who prescribe prescription strength retinol with niacinamide and azelaic acid. Really really helps with both spots and aging

Dermatica

Agree with chemical exfoliation and I also use a magnitone xo when using cleansing balms

I have had awful skin for the last year since getting the Mirena coil (everything else about it is fab so sticking with it for now). Recently discovered Balance Me products-their exfoliant and congested skin serum have actually worked!

The OP doesn't say she has acne, just blackheads. It would be a bit overkill to see a GP for blackheads! There are lots of ways to treat them with skincare products.

Dermatica for me too. Saves all of the costly 'trial and error' purchases. Now use the prescribed cream, no 7 cleanser hot cloth cleanser and a moisturiser, along with a high SPF sun cream. My skin is so much clearer, all the open pores and blackheads on my nose have gone. Nine months in though.

I have a link for free access for the 1st month and 25% off for the second.

I think the link can be used repeatedly.

go.mumsnet.com/?xs=1&id=470X1554755&url=www.dermatica.co.uk/referrer/QQRPG

Sorry link here... www.dermatica.co.uk/referrer/QQRPG

Thank you so much - absolutely brilliant suggestions, I have a list and will start shopping! Thank you too so much for the Dermatica link.