What's made the biggest difference to your skin?

[december2020]

My skin is struggling. It feels dry, flaky, blotchy and gross with a hint of oily.

I've got rosacea (seem to have developed it around my 20s) but I probably have bad skin habits too.

I do wash my face, use toner, face oil and a cream almost daily and always wash any make up off.

So inspire me, positively or negatively, what's made the biggest difference to your skin?

@Rosehugger

-Drinking lots of water -Eating a healthy balanced diet -Exercise -Good, but not ridiculously expensive moisturiser -Remembering to take my makeup off at night. -Having a good night's sleep -Not being a teenager

Yes to all that.

I've started running every day, eating well (lots of veg, no dairy or meat, a bit of fish) cut down booze and drink lots of water. It has made a big difference to my 53 year old face.
Also, full fat Nivea at night and astral in the day.

Tret ( or retinol ) from Dermatica has made the biggest difference to to me.

So I do get Botox and fillers but the actual texture and condition of my skin is so much better for using this.

I take it up under my eyes and on my eyelids up to the crease and all over my face and neck.

I've attached a pic where I'm wearing no makeup ( have a slight rash in my neck as I'm super allergy prone ) and you can see my skin texture.

I've never had skin this good and I don't use anything expensive at all. L'Oréal cleanser, Aldi toner and an Aldi moisturiser preceded with Dermatica serum with niacinamide and tret in.

Yes I do get some help via Botox and fillers but that will only help with the underlying structural issues not your actual skin texture. I'm 50 and my skin has literally never been so good.

I used to think skin care was a marketing gimmick and then I tried Environ. It has literally transformed my skin. Also, at the end of last year I had covid and the flu at the same time and I was floored afterwards. I went to see a naturopath and she made me ditch wheat and dairy for a few months and my skin was fantastic. It was flawless.

I also swear by Trilogy rose-hip oil. I use it as a serum. I get told that my complexion always looks really fresh.

Please make sure you are wearing enough SPF. There is no point spending money/ time on other things if you aren’t protected. In fact, with some things it will do you harm not to use it (retinoids, AHA).

Please make sure you are wearing enough SPF. There is no point spending money/ time on other things if you aren’t protected. In fact, with some things it will do you harm not to use it (retinoids, AHA).

Absolutely this - and proper SPF, not SPF in your moisturiser, which it is close to impossible to apply enough of to get the benefits. Apparently very few people apply enough sunscreen, it needs to be around 1/3 of a teaspoon (or more) for your face alone, the same again for your neck.

1/3 of a rounded, not level teaspoon to clarify.

Ha! I could definitely use with hiding the magnifier mirror! But being a glasses wearer and doing makeup without them on, it's a bit of a necessity to avoid looking like a clown.

I'm going to check out Dermatica as well and invest in a good sunscreen.

I've got a retinol from the Ordinary and seeing how that goes - currently feel like I'm reliving my teenage years with the little blemishes

Trying to be a bit healthier with my diet and pick up exercise again.

Also I have upped my water intake but adjusting to remind myself to drink more.

Thank you everyone!

Skinoren, on prescription, and a really simple and basic skincare routine.

I've been wanting to tryin Tretinoin for a while. I have been using Retinol from the Ordinary for a couple of years already. I stumbled across this tretinoinworld.com/products/tretinoin-cream-uk/. Any good? What strength should I go for?

I've been where you are and spent £££ trying out different skincare which never seemed to quite work. My advice would be to sort out the rosacea first. A hospital dermatologist prescribed Soolantra. Within weeks my skin was clear and the redness had disappeared. Now I just use Clinique face wash and their moisture surge, no need for anything else and 6 months later the rosacea hasn't returned

I use prescription retinol, and have inherited quite good skin that has aged well. But unfortunately, the step that makes the biggest difference for me is giving up alcohol.

Botox! I use,
AM: Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm and a SPF.
PM : Cleanse again, Oromovicza night cream with their charcoal mask a couple times a week. I dont drink alcohol, dont smoke and try to drink lots of water

@HowIsItMarchAlready

I think I wouldn't risk a service like this I would use Dermatica or Skin and Me.

I'm very happy with Dermatica - it's a great service and I love my formulation.

www.dermatica.co.uk/referrer/Y2K0NE

Thank you @elidelochanthefirst - what do you mean by ' I wouldn't risk a service like this'?

I can also vouch for Tretinoin - I get mine on prescription from
Dermatica and am really pleased with the product and their service (it's a subscription, £20 ish per delivery, I get mine once every six weeks). Started using it during the first lockdown and definitely fine lines are improved, plus larger sun damage marks and smaller blemishes. I've always had problems with my skin and this has made a noticeable difference.

I'm 49 and have recently given up dairy (for other reasons) and have noticed a HUGE difference in my skin from that, it just seems I have less blocked pores.

My final recommendation is for a moisturiser- Nuxe Comfort Balm. This wouldn't ever have been on my radar but a friend gave me some free samples and I was massively impressed so bought the full size and continue to be impressed! Skin looks really moisturised without greasiness.

Blimey I don't have time for all these routines. Double cleansing stopped me from getting spots. Then shiseido moisturiser. I don't cleanse in the morning just rinse in the shower then moisturise again. My skin is really clear. I have Botox about 3 times a year. I'm 47 and am reliably informed I look 10 years younger.

@HowIsItMarchAlready

Thank you *@elidelochanthefirst* - what do you mean by ' I wouldn't risk a service like this'?

Sorry didn't mean to sound scaremongering I just mean I had heard and seen reviews of Dermatica and skin and me before I went with Dermatica. Just check that it's a reputable company is all I mean, they probably are, I just haven't heard of the service from them

Ultrabland from Lush

@Silverclocks - I've also totally cut out dairy and my skin is less 'clogged', eyes less puffy, my whole digestive system is improved and general peri-menopausal aches and pains have improved. Wish I'd done it years ago to be honest!

Water
Intermittent fasting/ occasional water fast