Cleansing my skin, complete beginner. I use soap, I'm 46. What would you recommend?

[gerbo]

I'm 46 soon and perimenopausal. My skin is a dry.

I currently use soap in my morning shower. In the evening a foaming face wash, by Simple, that I've used since my 20s! Then moisturiser. I don't wear foundation, only under eye concealer, a little cream blusher and mascara, so no make up to remove really.

I'd like to try something more grown up. I like natural products (like Weleda), fuss free, and not 24 steps to do before bed, as I'm busy (teacher) and usually knackered at bedtime.

Is Liz Earle any good?

Any advice gratefully received. My budget is 'high street'! On Facebook I see ads for products like Wild Mint or Husk and Seed, very natural, and they look lovely.

Please help, genuinely no idea where to start or what to do with a 'cleanser'/buy. Thanks.

CeraVe hydrating wash

I've just bought Clinique's cleansing balm. You use just a tiny bit. Splash with warm water and rub all over. Then I remove with a warm face cloth - it takes Mascara off. It's nice and works. I use a bit of moisturiser night and day. No 7.

My DD has dry skin and gets on the CeraVe hydrating cleanser. I like the M&S cleansing balm but can’t find it on their website any more. The Superdrug Vitamin E hot cloth cleanser is also great.

I love Liz Earle and have been using it for over 20 years, but I no longer do the full routine. To start with, as youve got dry skin, I’d splash out on the Super Skin moisturiser. It’s not cheap but it’s lovely, and works.

soap is fine if you need to remove dirt/make up.

if you don't wear make up (or get very dirty) washing with warm water/flannel is usually enough.

Some sort of micellar water if you need to remove make up. Rinse with water. No makeup, just use water or a damp cloth for a bit of friction then a rinse.

I bought the Wild Mint on their starter offer a month ago and so far I’m impressed. I’m 48 and feeling my age! I’m also lazy so I tend to mix the oil, serum and moisturiser and do as one step. My skin is firmer and less puffy.

I'd just do what you do but use micellar water and cotton wool to make sure all makeup residue is removed after the shower and also before bed. Use a rich night cream at bedtime and a SPF moisturiser in the day time. I like Neal's Yard Vitamin E/avocado night cream and La Roche-Posay Hydraphase in the day time. It's doesn't have to be really expensive stuff. And drink plenty of water, eat lots of green veg.

If I haven't worn make up, I just use a cotton pad moistened with warm water and go over my face a few times. It gently cleans and exfoliates and leaves a lovely soft base for moisturiser. I'm 52 and have almost lines (apologies for bragging!).
If I need to properly cleanse, I find a simple balm like Clinique or one of the many high street alternatives are best.

Also oily fish, avocado, good fats, protein, not too many highly processed foods and take plenty of exercise. Products and makeup only do so much.

..Have look on the Green People site.

Another vote for CeraVe hydrating cleanser. Then I use Kiehls moisturiser. I also use some products from the ordinary.

This is excellent and lasts ages as you only need a small amount. www.boots.com/no7-cleansing-melting-gel-cleanser-150ml-10312282 I also swear by No7 moisturisers, all the day creams have spf.

CeraVe Hydrating Foam Oil cleanser (in the clear bottle) - it’s the only one I buy regularly and I’ve spent a small fortune on skin care in the past.

If you’re looking for a treat then I’d recommend the Dr Dennis Gross wipes. They are eye wateringly expensive but you can actually cut them in half (they are tiny but have a lot of product on!) so you’d potentially get twice as much from the box. They made such a difference to my skin!

Dr Dennis Gross

I have just started using aveeno nourishing oat cleanser, it's very gentle.
I tried micellar water, and my skin broke out in itchy spots, so avoid it if you have sensitive skin.

Came here to recommend this. It's great, not over-priced, easy to use, cleanses well without stripping the skin, lasts ages.

Goats milk soap and aquaphor moisturiser. Vaseline is great for under eyes and eyelids if they get dry (overnight). A simple routine is the best I think. X

I would use four products:

Face wash (in the morning)
SPF (in the morning)
Micellar water (before bed)
Rich moisturiser (before bed)

My choice would be the CeraVe moisturising cleanser, No.7 sunscreen, Bioderma micellar water and CeraVe moisturising cream or Nivea.

This will make sure your skin is gently cleansed twice a day, protected from the sun during the daytime and properly moisturised at night.

Yes to whoever said Dr Dennis Gross - all his products are amazing (but expensive).

My favourite cleanser is Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cleanser. £30 but if you have that to spend it is a brilliant product.

Best cleanser I've ever used by far is the body shop camomile cleansing butter. It is so lush makes your skin feel clean and hydrated and soft (I have dry skin too). I'm not normally kind of person to keep buying same product but I'm on my 4th tub of this. You rub it into dry skin and then wipe off with a hot cloth (I use a Muslin or a soft cloth)

Have a look at UpCircle, they do a lovely serum which is very rich, probably the only additional step you'd need to add in.

I use the Body Shop Chamomile Cleansing Balm to take my makeup off (like you, I don't wear foundation). I then use Simple micellar water with a (reusable) cotton pad. That's it - it works for me, none of this 27-step nonsense for me.

Soap is very drying OP. I use a cleansing oil or balm. The Body Shop chamomile one is good. There's also a good M&S Pure one. There are lots of nice ones tbh. Just massage it into your face and wash off with a warm flannel or a muslin cloth.

I too don't wear a lot of makeup and no time for a 10 step routine.
I use a cleanser for dry skin not bothered about the brand.
Then I wash off with a muslin cloth in hot water.
Rinse in cold then I moisturise with either a No 7 or clarins.
Depends on my finances when needed.
I'm 63 and have lovely skin.

I'm not aware of and don't even want to know what a ten step routine is.