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.

I'm in my early 50s and my skin has never been better IMHO. I just use Simple Micellar Cleanser and No7 Early Defence Glow Activating Serum.

The cleanser is the only one that doesn't irritate my eyes and it's so cheap and found in most supermarkets.

The serum is apparently the original Protect & Perfect serum rebranded. The current one is called Intense but doesn't have such effective ingredients.

www.superdrug.com/skin/face-skin-care/cleansers/micellar-water/simple-kind-to-skin-micellar-cleansing-water-400ml/p/709200

www.boots.com/no7-early-defence-serum-30ml-10239443

Hot cloth cleansing FTW. I don't think it matters that much which cleanser you use, I like a balm or a gel, but I always remove with a hot flannel. Gets rid of everything.
I like the Ren version of the Boots one mentioned above, or this, which is on special offer at the moment.

www.superdrug.com/skin/face-skin-care/cleansers/cleansing-lotion/revolution-x-sali-hughes-clean-sheet-morning-cleanser-100ml/p/817261?gclid=Cj0KCQiAxbefBhDfARIsAL4XLRr2Ljb9fPen-j2l8YtSVuGcu1zWwjK95stVPPRqq5qWBr_uRDvCjrkaAjbwEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

A cleansing oil might suit you. I've used them for years; great at removing any make up that is left at the end of the day, and for cleansing your skin generally. I warm the oil with my fingertips then massage it onto my face. Then add some water while massaging in so it turns milky, then rinse off.

I used Medik8 Lipid Balance Cleansing Oil. It's not a thick, gloopy product so massages in and rinses off easily. My skin doesn't feel dry or tight afterwards. It's about £30 a bottle but lasts for months. There are quite a few less costly options available, though. SuperFacialist, available in Sainsbury's, is pretty good. I think Simple does one, too.

Wow, lots to consider, thank you all.

If I were to go for, say, the Ceravae cleanser, am I right in thinking I take a blob on my fingers, massage it over my skin, then use a hot, wet flannel to wipe it off?

I think it depends on whether you enjoy doing skincare.

If you're not bothered then cerave or Inky List is a classic no nonsense Cleanser. Massage into skin then rinse with warm water.

Follow up with a Moistusier. I like La Roche Posay ones - they are excellent.

In the morning you might like to just wash with water then put your Spf on.

If you enjoy skincare then there's lovely steps you can add. A facial oil, vitamin c, hydrating serums etc. But these aren't "needed"

Luke warm water, hot water feels nice but its drying.

Also the oil infused garnier micellar water.i use cereve hydrating foam in the shower (or with a flannel) to remove my make up and then a little of the oil infused garnier micellar water to remove any remnants.

I have v sensitive skin too but wouldn't be without a Niacinamide serum for keeping it good condition. Rosehip oil is also brilliant for hydrating v sensitive and dry skin - apply at night.

Hyaluronic acid is feted all over but personally I've found the above combination the most effective- and I've spent a lot on skincare!

Can I ask how I'd use rosehip oil? I like the sound of a natural oil.

The Pai rose hip cleansing oil is lovely and the DHC deep cleansing oil is also very good and great at getting make up off. I also like the Inkey List oat cleansing balm.

For cream/gel cleansers, Kate Somerville goats milk and Korres Greek yoghurt are both lovely, but my favourite is the Aveeno calm and restore oat cleanser (far cheaper than the others too).

Id recommend either Sukin Signature Cream Cleanser or Sukin Super Green Cleansing Oil. Small amount on fingers, massage in & wipe of with a warm damp flannel.
I then use Neal Yard Restore & Soothe Serum; followed by Sukin Rosehip Oil, followed by Aldi Q10 Face Cream. For day.
For night, I skip the serum, use a homemade face oil & Aldi Q10 night cream.

After moisturising, massage a few drops in.

Toleriane (La Roche Posay) cleanser recommended by my dermatologist.
Use SPF every day. Plenty in the same LRP range and not expensive.

If your skin is dry, the thing that makes the most difference is to stop washing your face in the shower. For me that was a game changer. Cerave is cheap and gentle, swap that with your soap, flannel is really optional. You don't have to overspend on skincare, find something reasonable (cerave, Simple range is actually good) and make sure you use SPF every day. Sounds like your skin is quite good anyway so there's no need to over complicate things.

You've all been so helpful.
I'll stop washing with soap in my morning shower.
I'm going to head to Boots tomorrow and buy cleanser and muslins, and hopefully some rosehip oil.
I use a No7 moisturiser with SPF15 in the day and a Sukin extra rich one at night, so I'll carry on with those.
Also tempted by the Body Shop option....
Thanks all!

Crowes Cremine is good for. Make up removal, reasonable and soft on the skin .

I just use simple eye make up remover, micellar water as a cleanser then a dedicated facial soap. Followed by eye cream and face cream, and a tinted moisturiser.

Depends on budget

love Elemis cleansing balm, rose is my fav
love Elemis marine cleanser
love Aldi vit c hot cloth cleanser

If dry then don't use soap ever

Try a emollient e.g. hydromol, cetraben, 50/50. Use with water instead of soap and the apply after cleansing as moisturizer. Hands body to if needed

Maybe simple eye make up remover but even this can irritate skin

I prefer a flannel to a muslin. I buy packs of ten from IKEA, or Primark sell bundles dirt cheap and they last forever.

@gerbo I apply rosehip oil the same way i do serums which is to let a few drops fall onto my fingers or in my palm and then gently pat and massage them into my skin.

Obviously, clean hands first.

Whatever you use on your face, always wipe your hands clean afterwards by massaging remaining product into your hands :)

If your skin's moisture barrier is very damaged, it might take a little while to repair. It's best not to use all your new products at once, give your skin a chance to get used to each change.

Sometimes it only needs a day or two, other times it can take a few weeks. If any product stings, cease using it until your skin has healed. If it continues to sting, it might be the wrong product for you. If your skin is really fragile, you might just have to limit it to water for a bit. (Pat dry)

I'd suggest just using the cleansers and a gentle moisturiser before you start adding anything else.