Starting Skin Care Help

[LittleTwiglet]

So I've never worn make up of any kind, I had terrible acne when I was younger, thankfully this disappeared with medication in my early twenties. However, now I am mid 30s I've noticed my skin is starting to age and dull. I'm a natural blonde with the average to fair skin tone. To be honest, I have no clue about my skin type, I suppose dry forehead but the rest seems normal, I only ever get the off spot on my nostrils (wtf). I know I need to now start looking after my skin, as life and children have had an impact.

Can someone please recommend where I should start? I've been looking at Inkey products, but I have no idea about cleansers, serums, toners, etc.

Look at Dermatica and Skin and Me for a bespoke prescription, they will probably give you something with retinol.

Buy Caroline Hirons skincare book/read her website/insta. She's not to everyone's taste but she knows her stuff and is a great resource for those starting out.

You should learn about actives (acids, vitamin C, retinol etc)

I started getting into skincare 2 years ago and my skin has never been better. For reference I use an oil cleanser and remove with hot flannel in the evening, double cleanse if wearing make up. Then high strength retinol from dermatica in the followed by whichever moisturiser I'm using at the time (usually Cerave)
In the morning I use a simple face wash cleanser in the shower (cerave again), use glycolic acid 3 times a week, followed by moisturiser and SPF.

It doesn't need to be expensive or complex and don't get sucked into spending £££ if you can't afford it. The key is good cleansing and then understanding how to use one or two actives to benefit your skin texture. Then simple moisturiser and always an spf during the day.

I was also mid 30s when I started and was looking tired and dull, and my skin literally now glows and make up is optional. Enjoy learning and finding out what works for you!

Watch some Nadine Baggott videos.
Skin only "needs" 5 things (there's a great specific video on this from her on her Instagram and YT)
Cleanser
Moisturizer
Vitamin C
SPF
Retinol

Arguably vit C and retinol could be removed also depending on your age and skin concerns.

Don't use wipes to remove makeup
If you use Micellar water it needs to be cleansed off afterwards as it leaves a film
Vit C is an anti-pollution and anti-oxident so best in the morning. Retinol at night.

If you want to add other active ingredients, your moisturizer should contain ceramides and/or peptides to be a good all rounder (Cerave, Olay, Garnier etc all contain these, you don't need to spend) If you have blemish prone skin you might benefit from a salicylic acid toner, if dry a glycolic.

But start with Nadine. She's the best.

I never realised just quite how in depth it all is. I was just hoping to pick up a few things, looks like I'll have to give it a lot more thought. Thank you both for those suggestions!