Can anyone please help me with skincare?

[AloneInTheWatchtower]

My skin is really dry. As in, visibly dry and flaky. Especially on my forehead. I have open pores and on my cheeks I look like I have spots coming but I don’t actually get spots, they just seem to be under the skin.

I really need to improve how much skin looks. It looks rubbish under make up because you can see the dry skin. I use a no7 moisturiser but the dry skin is back by the end of the day. I drink a lot of water and have a healthy diet so I feel like I’m going everything like that.

I’m 32 and feel like I can see the wrinkles starting to form. I stay out the sun and don’t smoke. I really want a good skin care routine but I have no idea where to start. I did go to Clinique to ask advice but felt like they were just trying to sell me things which is totally fine, that’s literally their job but then I wasn’t sure if what they were offering was genuinely the best thing for me

Can anyone recommend any really good skin care products/ routines? It’s really getting me down

Thanks!

I'd recommend get the book Skincare by Caroline Hirons. Incredible book which addresses all sorts of skin types and how to treat them. It sounds like you need to layer products and add a hydrating serum.

I’m no expert but I think you should try some hydrating serums and oils. And a very gentle cleansing balm like the Body Shop camomile one which is lovely.

This might not be the kind of advice you are looking for...

Firstly, drink at least two litres of water each day (for the first few days you will be on the loo a lot then it settles down).

Secondly, eat a wide range of vegetables, make sure your digestion is regular and avoid sugar and dairy produce.

Then also make sure you get lots of sleep, relax and enjoy your life. Do something you love every day. That might include using love skincare products, might be other things. Enjoy.

What @FinallyHere said, but also have a look at The Ordinary . You can complete a questionnaire and it will tell you which products to use. Very very good value and a great start.

Sadly drinking water won't make your skin less dry though it will help with general health.

I would do a simple routine.

Oil cleanser
Cerave hydrating cleaner
Diprobase on the dry skin
Use a different lighter moisturiser for combination/oily skin on the area where you get spots.
Squalene oil over moisturiser at night.

You can use retinol on the area where you have spots but wouldn't use it on the dry areas until your skin is more settled.

I’d get a rich night time moisturiser and add a hyaluronic acid serum (day or night or both)

If you have large pores, it might be that your skin is not dry but dehydrated.
It can be oily but dehydrated and flaky.
Use AHA masks to remove the flakes and HA serum to keep your skin hydrated.

Good quality argan oil, organic pure rose water as toner, Mustela emollient balm (it’s a baby cream but very rich in oils and so soothing). I use these daily unless I’m wearing makeup, I’m which case I exfoliate my skin (Apri apricot stones one) followed by Nip and Fab glycolic pads, argan oil, then Sisley black rose oil cream (this cream is £££ but worth every penny). That is it as far as skin care is concerned.

I drink 2l of water a day, do daily exercise (hot yoga - without a doubt makes my skin glow), sleep well, I don’t drink alcohol or smoke and avoid sugar. I’m 44 and and get complimented on my skin. I don’t think you necessarily need a complicated skin regime but need to look at your lifestyle too.

@Girlintheframe

Sadly drinking water won't make your skin less dry though it will help with general health.

I would do a simple routine.

Oil cleanser
Cerave hydrating cleaner
Diprobase on the dry skin
Use a different lighter moisturiser for combination/oily skin on the area where you get spots.
Squalene oil over moisturiser at night.

You can use retinol on the area where you have spots but wouldn't use it on the dry areas until your skin is more settled.

I can’t definitely tell a difference in my skin quality on days I didn’t drink enough water…