That ONE product that is a must?

[Thismummyrunstheshow]

If money wasn't an object or the one product you could not be without what would it be?

I'm on the later side of my 30's and in recent years have become very aware of looking after my skin.

I don't particularly have an skin goals but feel as if I need to introduce a product in my evening routine such as an oil maybe? Something nourishing/ help to fight against fine lines before they become an issue.
My skin can be combination depending on my cycle, I get spots around my mouth which are always hormonal.

Would love to read your must-haves so I can treat myself for once!

Not a product but Botox.

If I have to play by the rules, the The Ordinary Niacinamide + Zinc. Amazing for my acne, when I'm using it regularly then I just don't get spots. Which is unheard of for me. I use it on my chest and arms too, as they also get spotty if left unchecked.

Botox and Emma Hardy Oil Cleanser (Moringa I think it's called) gets your face squeaky clean without it actually being squeaky but nice and moisturised and soft) EH primer with spf is pretty amazing too.

get yourself some retin-a to prevent fine lines and some squalane oil to hydrate. and don't forget the spf.

Tretinoin or botox or spf50

Retin A.

As stated above, you need a few key things, none of which should/need to be expensive.
SPF 50 every day - look to Korean brands
Retinol/tretinoin at night - a good starter is A313 ointment
A vitamin C in the morning The Ordinary Ascorbic acid powder is outstanding - mix it into your SPF. Really firms and plumps.

Don't waste money on a fancy cleanser - contact time with skin is so minimal, it really doesn't make a difference - Suoerdrug Vit E or Aldi Hot cloth cleanser both excellent for pennies.

If you do want to splurge, check out at home devices - e.g.Nu Face or Foreo Bear, an LED mask.

Ooh and for hormonal spots, check out DIM supplement - life changing for me.

Rosehip oil has been transformative for me!!! Just recently I have been washing my face first thing with African black soap (which I would also recommend, somehow squeaky clean and yet also moisturised and soft) and then 4/5 drops of rosehip oil on face and neck and I’m soooooo smooth and clear!

@JMAngel1

Ooh and for hormonal spots, check out DIM supplement - life changing for me.

Oooh, would you mind giving some more info on this? I've had a google but seems to be lots of options! I'm mid twenties and the hormonal spots are driving me mad so I would really love to hear your experience/brand you use

Thank you Farmer SPF 50, then Hada Labo hydrating gel are my non-negotiables.

Elizabeth Grant vitamin C superfruit, and rosehip oil. I also love pink clay or simple bentonite and apple cider vinegar face masks. Careful with squalene if you're prone to spots at all. Love African Black Soap for use all over, plus my exfoliating mitt from a spa in central Asia. Now that is addictive!!

Following, thanks OP!

@SuperJune
I use Smoky Mountain brand of DIM and buy it directly from their USA website. I wouldn’t be without it now.
It’s basically broccoli which sounds crazy but it really helps to rebalance oestrogen/progesterone ratios which have got out of whack through the increase in oestrogen that we intake via milk/plastics leaching etc. When you start it, you need to drink a good couple of litres of water a day for the first week or so as it. An cause headaches if you suffer from them if you’re dehydrated. I didn’t have any but I know some people do notice this.

Possibly cheating but my skin+me prescription which has improved my skin when nothing else ever works. I have a code for months 1 and free free (or similar) if anyone wants it but wont spam the thread with it, pr they can be found online I expect!

I was dubious but it's really improved things (hormonal spots, scarring from those spots, dullness and blackheads).

@JMAngel1 thank you so much! I had never heard of it before this thread. I will definitely look into the brand you mention

At the moment it's the Nuxe skin care range, particularly the reve de miel ultra comforting face balm. I'm dry and eczema prone and its been amazing for me.

See your dr for the spots, the cause doesn’t matter the treatments are the same.

All acne’s hormonal, kids don’t break out and they're proper little mucky pups.

I leave the science to the makers.. I swear by L'Oreal. I've worn it for years, but gone through the ages. which they adapt to. I now wear and love their Golden Age creams and my skin is wearing but not old. I am over 80 and truthfully new doctors etc nearly always check my date of birth.

Can I say a face lift. Not exactly a product but be top of my list if I had the money.

My skin+me as someone said above you can use my code to try a month for free, just pay postage

LAURENS5YP3

For me it's a splurge at £20 per month but I now only use that and SPF nothing else and my skin has never been better.

• The Ordinary Lactic acid 5%, 3 times a week.
• Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish
• Diptyque precious oils (body not face; love this on my baby bump.. skin like silk! Lovely in bath too)

Anyone recommend any good retin A product. Have used the ordinary and can’t say I’ve notice much difference.
Suffering from a really dry nose and chin & no amount of products have helped . Any winder products I could give a try ?

Sunscreen!

Estée Lauder Night Recovery Complex serum

I second Niacinamide + Zinc, Superdrug have a Me+ brand with this and it's been really good for my skin. Lockdown and having the heating on has had a toll on me but this helps to smooth out dry patches and also fades discolouration.

Weleda Skin Food moisturiser is a game changer for me.

I've always had horrid dry skin on my cheeks and forehead, but also red/bumpy/irritated skin on my forehead and little spots on my nose. I never expected such a thick sticky rich moisturiser to be the solution but it's completely balanced my skin out. I use a small amount before bed maybe 2-3 a week.

Also The Ordinary Primer for under foundation, I'm sure I picked this up from a Mumsnet recommendation actually.