Face creams - do I need to change?

[Catatemysandwich]

I have recently invested in some better quality haircare products after a fantastic new hairdresser pointed me in the right direction (my hair was quite heat damaged). I can't believe the difference it has made!

This has got me thinking about my facial routine. I am 48 and am using the Q10 day and night creams from Aldi (so cheap!) plus Simple cleanser. My skin is quite dry so I don't tend to use a face wash. Should I be looking to upgrade - will it make any difference to appearance and ageing? Are there any additional stages/products worth adding in? I don't want to spend a fortune but I also don't want to miss a trick!

Thanks in advance for any advice...

I'd just add a face scrub and an occasional face mask to that routine and maybe a bit of massage.

Just a suggestion but how about trying Boots skin services. If you're not sure what products to try, then try a skin analysis session to get to know the types of products that would suit your skin.

The larger Boots stores do a free skin scan which provides advice on skin type and they will offer advice on which No7 products would suit you as a result.

There are often 3 for 2 or vouchers with money off available so don't be too put off by the price of No7 products compared to Aldi. I don't think there is any obligation to buy all their suggestions at all: lhttps://www.no7beauty.co.uk/pro-derm-scan.list

If the skin analysis isn't available at a store near you then the counter staff or store staff should still be able to offer suggestions, they are very knowledgeably about the products in the store (well the ones in my local are excellent anyway, so I assume the training is the same throughout all stores)

The moisturisers are fine, but I would definitely drop the simple cleanser. Simple skincare is anything but, and one of the few things my skin reacts to. If your skin is dry I would add a hyaluronic acid (always use with a moisture spray or on damp skin) and an oil based cleanser. I wouldn’t use a face scrub. They can strip natural oils from your skin. If you want to add an exfoliating step, use an acid based exfoliater.

If you do introduce new products, do it one at a time and give it a few weeks to see if it makes a positive difference or if your skin has a negative reaction. My routine is

AM
Cerave Hydrating Cleanser
Curel Deep Moisture Spray
Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Lotion
Curel Deep Moisture Spray again!
Geek & Gorgeous Vitamin C
Byoma Gel Moisturiser

PM I use either Inkey List Oat Balm cleanser (more so in the winter) or The Ordinary Squalane cleanser, followed by The Ordinary NMF.

I’m 45 and my skin has never looked better. All the products I use are fairly cheap and available on the high street.

The most important thing for you introduce is sunscreen everyday, after that if you wanted to slowly introduce some 'actives' like a retinol and vitamin c serum they can help improve skin tone and texture. But protect your skin first.

Also, you say you don't use a face wash - what do you use to remove cream/make up/ dirt from your face? You can get gentle face washes that are not harsh or irritating to the skin (I use the neutrogena hydro boost one which is cheap and doesn't dry out my skin).

There are cheaper brands like the Ordinary or Geek and Gorgeous that has reasonably priced products - you don't need a million things, a simple routine will work well if you stick to it.

If dryness is your main issue you definitely want to integrate hyaluronic acid. Hada Labo is a great shout there. Or the serum from The Ordinary. Hada Labo costs more but it's better value overall.

If you're thinking anti-ageing, retinol is what you want. Over the counter stuff is good but you can get weapons grade retinol (tretinoin) on prescription from an online dermatologist. Dermatica costs £24.99 per month and they'll gradually build your strength until you're on the good stuff. Depending on your specific skin, they'll include other ingredients like niacinamide or azelaic acid depending on what your goals are. You can buy tretionion from a pharmacy abroad for cheaper but they can be quite thick and heavy whereas Dermatica have really nice, light formulations. Also, you can usually get away with stretching it over 2 months to save money.

Vitamin C's been mentioned too which is great for the daytime. The stronger the better but be careful because it doesn't behave well with other ingredients and can go off really quick. Anything over 20% is ideal. Garden of Wisdom do a really affordable one for £12. I keep it in the fridge and it lasts for a good 3 months unless I use it all before then. That strength will tingle a bit first but your akin will adjust.

Also, one other thing is exfoliation. Paula's choice BHA exfoliator is dynamite. I use the gel one. It dies cost over £30 but I use mine every other day and its lasted over 7 months.

Good cleanser I'd also a must. I'd second the idea to move to a CeraVe one.

Anything else is up to you depending on what your goals are. The Ordinary used to have a really great table that listed skin issues alongside the active ingredients you want to be using.

Just remember whatever serums you use, always seal in with moisturiser. Your serums with active I gradients do the hard work so your moisturiser doesn't have to be fancy. I use the big CeraVe pump bottles.

No advice but please share the hair care products!

Thanks so much for the tips. I will definitely look at getting a different cleanser (gave cerave) and then adding a couple of other things in - I'll check out the recommended products. Thank you.

Hair-wise they are Revlon products - UniqOne spray is really good and also a Revlon Revive shampoo!