Skincare for a 28 year old?

[ZsaZsa1]

I have pretty good skin generally (not dry, not greasy, rarely have spots) but am starting to see the first fine lines appear on my forehead.

It’s obviously inevitable and I’m not upset about it, but I’m thinking now’s the time to start taking more conscious care of my skin.

So what are the (inexpensive) things you do/products you use that you’d recommend for a total skincare novice?

Wear spf every day and double cleanse every night….wish I’d started spf earlier! Doesn’t need to be expensive just whatever spf works for you. If you like a certain cream/serum/gel try to find an spf that has similar consistency. I could carry on with 100 other things but honestly I think that’s the most important one.

Thanks! I tend to wear a light foundation which is SPF 20 — enough or not? I only use a pea sized amount each day so I’m guessing it’s probably not giving that much coverage.

You should really use a separate spf. I think it's approx 1/2 a teaspoon worth for your face.

I personally don’t think you will get enough coverage from foundation and what about areas of your face you might not use foundation on? Ears/eyes etc and what if you have a day off wearing foundation? I think it’s a really good starting point to find an spf you like enough to use as the last step in your skincare every day.

I will definitely look into it!

Biore Watery Essence is an SPF that doubles as a primer, or gives a nice subtle dewiness on its own. It is the only SPF that doesn't make my eyes stream.

I have that issue with normal sun cream too, so thanks for the tip!

I'd get started on the retinol actually. Wish I'd found it in my 20s. This is a good one to start with... (Google if you want to find out more about it, I'm crap at finer details!)

www.boots.com/the-inkey-list-retinol-serum-30ml-10271177

Oh and check our the skincare threads on here for tips. If you click on the links in the first post you'll get loads of helpful info...

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/style_and_beauty/4226644--Fantastic-Skincare-Bear-Shaped-Pseudo-Face-Vibrators-Dont-Ask-us-What-Theyre-For-eo

Thanks so much! So much info there. Sorry, I had no idea all that even existed

I fell down the mumsnet skincare rabbit hole a while ago and my bank account has taken quite the hit, let me tell you!

I'd look into Deciem The Ordinary
I say that as you mentioned price

And the holy grail of good skin
Sunblock and water .. gallons of the stuff ! 💐

Water
Spf 50 (stand alone not in foundation)
Medik8 Retinol - start with 1
Or Beauty Pie Retinol is lovely
Good cleansing routine
Plenty moisture in your skin
Fruit and vegetables

I'm 31 and I got really into skincare at 28. It's made such a difference. I don't need to wear foundation any more. It's an essential part of my self care.

Oh I also use my products down my neck and chest (well not a crazy expensive cream but mostly everything)

Yes @doadeer that's a really good point
I tend to use the expensive ones that I don't like on my face to use on my neck and décolletage
They don't feel wasted then while I buy more and more

Sunscreen every day! And do not rely on having SPF in your foundation. Unless you apply your makeup with a trowel, then it's nowhere near enough.

I used to use so many products now I use skin + me, Roche posay spf and moisturiser. It’s my magic combo I think everyone has to find theirs unfortunately!

Sign up to Dermatica and get on prescription retinoids , it's time

Sunscreen daily

Not much else matters

Start using retinoids religiously and DO NOT forget about your entire neck and decolletage. I've been using retinoids since I was 18 and it has really paid off.

Thanks everyone! Sounds like good SPF and retinoids are a common theme.

Eek – I'm around 20w pregnant and just googled retinoids in pregnancy and it's a major NO. I just wanted to come and say that here in case someone else stumbles across this thread in future. So glad I checked.

!!! Retinol is not safe during pregnancy !!!

But I will definitely bear it in mind for future and in the meantime, work on getting a solid cleansing + SPF + plenty of water, fruit and veg routine going. Thank you all!

Hi @ZsaZsa1 , I’d really recommend Heliocare SPF - non greasy, sits well under makeup and smells nice! While you’re pregnant it’s best to go for a mineral / physical sunscreen though - I think Heliocare have a mineral one as well but I’m using one from skinsceuticals atm - a bit pricey but love it. It’s tinted as well so I don’t use foundation when I wear it (which is now every day).

Would second using retinol once you’re no longer pregnant. I was using it (again Skinceuticals) until I started TTC and noticed my forehead wrinkles came back when I stopped! Only skincare product I’ve used that makes an actual difference in terms of anti-aging.

One other thing - use acids with caution. I got really into them a couple of years ago but think they just massively over-exfoliated my skin and caused breakouts over time. Also no salicylic acid when pregnant.

As for pregnancy safe skincare - I love Cerave! I use the cleanser, moisturiser (pm - without spf) and under eye cream. Cheap and it works. Skin never looked better (but think I have pregnancy to thank for that too - it’s sorted out my break outs..!!)

Have fun shopping and congrats on your pregnancy!

Oooh sorry didn't know you were pregnant. No to Retinol!

Sometimes skin can behave strangely in pregnancy and post birth. It was actually after the birth of my son I really started to love skincare. I liked to take 15 mins for myself each evening after a bath. I'm sure it helped me look less tired haha. I focused on lots of hydrating products and a caffeine eye cream might be helpful (inkey list do good affordable one)

Definitely SPF. La Roche Posay Anthelios is the best I have found.

And while you cannot use retinol, a gentle glycolic acid toner a few times a week will polish your skin a little bit. I also like hyaluronic acid on damp skin for hydration as well.

But the main thing at 28 is SPF every single day, even in winter!

Thank you! I should have mentioned my pregnancy before, sorry.

I've ordered some Garnier micellar water, CeraVe moisturiser, and La Roche Posay SPF to get me started

If you are going to use micellar water you should probably have a wash off cleanser too tbh. I like micellar water for make up removal but I think the theory is that it kinda stays on the skin. I recently got a cerave hydrating cleanser and can’t fault it