Brighter skin!

[CottonLenses]

Im early 40's and currently on a weight loss mission and 1 stone down (1 to go) I'm feeling much better about myself. Until I see my reflection!

I've got a decent (mostly Elemis product) skincare routine and reasonably clear skin but it looks so dull.

I've tried a couple of Vit C based serums but not seen an impact.

What's your go to product here please?!

Cleanse with Sunday Riley blue moon or Votary oil

Follow with Skin & Me

Zo Intense eye cream

Zo serum or QMS night collagen serum

Queen Screen SPF in the mornings

Also use an Omnilux and a Sola Wand depending on how lazy I am.

Probably didn't answer your question! I don't like vitamin C on my skin so don't use it

Water! Drink at least 4 pints a day!

Alpha H Liquid Gold on a cleansing pad ( I use the washable cotton ones )

I;m a lazy blighter who doesn;t have much of a routine . I don;t wear make-up unless it;s a special occasion , but if I do then it;s a M&S balm or BodyShop Camomile Balm with a warm water muslin to remove (and it gently exfoliates )

Konjac sponge and Alpha H cleanser or on its own in the shower

Honestly, the best skincare products are the free ones - water and sleep.

Start by drinking 2L of water a day and you'll notice how clear your skin looks.

Thank you all. Some food for thought here.

Water .. I drink 2/3 litres a day and I'm often asked how I get my glow !
Also no alcohol

congratulations on the weight loss!
its a great feeling isn’t it? When you just take control and start to make progress.

of course, water.
I find exercise - sweating- gives me an otherwise unachievabke glow.
lots of ‘natural’ ways.

but I also rely on this product. I get it 2nd hand. But I’m sure there are also lots of illuminating products on the market. This one really does give a glow

A Vitamin C will brighten. A retinoid will help with anti-ageing. An acid toner (salicylic for oily, glycolic for dry, ageing)

These all have active ingredients that will make a difference.

Any brand will do, as long as the % of active is high enough.

Elemis is lovely, I buy the moisturizer and cleansing balm when it's on offer but there are no actives. It hydrated, it cleans. Nothing more nothing less. Same as other expensive brands. I love Lancome Hydra Zen, L'Occitane Divine, Neal's yard frankincense and Liz Earle Superskin. But I know that as cleansers and moisturizer they're no better than the trusty but less glamorous Nivea that costs a fiver!

Vitamin C needs to be around 12-15% and up to about 23% to be effective btw.

Paula’s choice C15 super booster and Dr Dennis Gross 15% Vit C + Lactic acid are my two favourite vit c serums.

My skin is definitely looking brighter and more radiant since incorporating vit c into my routine.

Retinol and niacinamide May also help with overall skin appearance. What actives are you currently using in your routine?

Alpha H liquid gold is amazing. You can buy it from M&S now too. I recommend Dermaplane once every 5 weeks too.

I agree with the water and sleep.
Keep hydrated, eat lots of fruit and veg, sleep well, exercise.

I think these things matter more than products.

Nuts!
No I’m not being rude. About five years ago I changed my diet and started eating a few unsalted nuts each day. A couple of months later I noticed that my skin looked clearer, brighter and softer which was fabulous as I’m now in my 60’s.
It may sound nuts but apparently they are very good for your skin, I think it’s the ‘good’ oils.

Medik8 CTera, Paula’s choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant, loads of water and maybe start on some retinol
Double Cleansing also helps me

You probably want some kind of active, either glycolic (agree Alpha H liquid gold is a good one) or retinol/tretinoin. Effectively exfoliating without anything with gritty bits. I used Elemis pro collagen marine cream in my thirties but it doesn’t cut it in my forties.

Thanks for all of the comments. I have a mini Alpha H from an M&S beauty advent calendar that I haven't tried yet so that's definitely a good start.

Interesting what you say about marine cream @TheOGCCL - that's what I've been using.

I love the Elemis resurfacing facial wash as that's cleared up most of my blemishes but I think I may be dehydrating my skin at the same time!

Will drink more water and accept I need to stay near a toilet

If your skin is blemish prone look at a salicylic product rather than a glycolic.
Paula's Choice BHA 2% is the gold standard but loads of brands do a cheaper one with the same ingredients.

If you already use Elemis have you tried the Dynamic Resurfacing range, Inc the Vit C serum? Very good. Lumene Vit C range also good for glowy complexion.

I have tried a number of vitamin C serums but not impressed at all. They all dry my skin up. However my skin rarely looks dull. I like the Erborian creams or Avon's tinted illuminating moisturiser to add more glow.