Best way to get clear/ smooth skin on face?

[LongDissidence]

Drink more water, is top of my to do list.

I have "clear" skin, in that it's not obviously spotty (occasional hormonal spot around period, but generally not bad). It's not scarred, and I don't have particularly visible pores.

BUT I have kind of very small bumps all over my face?! Mainly forehead and chin area, and they're not hugely visible, but in certain lights or some photos, I just look kind of...sandpaper-y?!

Currently I: wash with mild face wash 2x daily, and moisturise.

No make-up, but I use a face sun cream on brighter days.

So, how do I smooth my skin? I don't mind some normal texture, I'm not expecting airbrushed flawless, but just clearing these more obvious bumps would be nice.

Product recommendations appreciated :) do I need an exfoliating wash?

www.dermalogica.co.uk/collections/exfoliants

I find some sunscreens give my cheeks lots of tiny bumps. I can't say which chemical does it... but I've learned stick with the same brand which doesn't break me out for that reason.

I have the same problem and can't work out if it's irritation/rosacea or spots so flip between using mild products, which helps for a while and then it comes back, or spot products, which again help for a while and then it comes back. I think it could be fungal acne - have a Google. I've used ketoconazole with success in the past but again after a few months or so it comes back.

Not the best of reasons maybe but go vegan. I'm 49, been vegan for 3 years and I get daily compliments about my skin. It's definitely cutting out meat and dairy.

salicylic acid should help you out (or glycolic if your skin can take it). Both are chemical exfoliaters. Wipe over your face after cleansing and they start to work on all the dead skin cells and leave a brighter, smoother complexion.

Thank you so much for the advice and ideas of places to start :)

Wasn't considering going vegan, but we've recently started cutting down meat consumption a lot, so I might add dairy to that and see if it makes a difference.

Will experiment with other suggestions too - thank you!

Definitely not a peach face scrub type exfoliator. Check out Caroline Hirons. She’s a skincare queen!
Acid for exfoliation.
Decent moisturiser
Lots of water.

Tretinoin from a dermatologist. Only thing that worked for me.

Tretinoin and daily sunscreen with 50 spf.

Tretinoin and daily sunscreen with 50 spf.

I second this. Your skin will look amazing.

For me it was tretinoin, liquid gold and factor 50 every day, even when it's overcast.

@3peassuit

Tretinoin and daily sunscreen with 50 spf.

Which brand for Tretinoin would you recommend please? X

I think tretinoin is a generic ingredient so it shouldn't matter which brand you get prescribed? You can get it in a cream or gel form I believe but the cream is more common.

On the other hand perhaps you're talking about online derm companies like skin and me and dermatica who prescribe but it's their own product which usually has other stuff mixed in - I don't know about those.

If you don't have a look of spots adding in an exfoliating product like Paula's Choice BHA toner (salicylic acid) or Pixi Glow Tonic (glycolic acid) would be a good start. If you wear spf then double cleansing your skin at night will help remove everything. Using gentle cleansers rather than foaming is better. If your skin is very bad then you can get prescription things like Tretinoin or Adaptelene/Differin. Boots or Superdrug do online Acne Clinics and can five you prescription medicines after looking at your skin and there are other options like Skin+Me or Dermatica.

Also have a look at Caroline Hirons for setting up a good skincare routine.

*give you

I also get these and Paulas Choice BHA liquid (BHA = salicylic acid) really helps. As soon as I stop using it the tiny bumps return.

@TheScottishPlay

Not the best of reasons maybe but go vegan. I'm 49, been vegan for 3 years and I get daily compliments about my skin. It's definitely cutting out meat and dairy.

Can I ask how you compensate for the calcium content of dairy products please TheScottishPlay ? my dd is turning vegan and I'm a bit concerned about it....