Facial serum causing breakdown on neck?

[littleducks]

I'm not really good with skincare but had started a new habit this year as high heating at work and cold weather was drying my skin out. This seems to have helped my cheeks and bonus smoothed my forehead. I put serum the moisturiser on most days as I keep in car for when I'm stuck on deadlocked traffic.

But last couple weeks I'm getting large lumpy spots on my neck and jawline. These don't give to a head and are itchy painful and then scarring.

Should I push through? Change products? Or is it more likely to be hormonal/diet caused?

I put serum the moisturiser on most days

You put serum on before or after moisturiser? @littleducks

Serum then moisturiser as per packet. Serum on neck too, moisturiser not really on neck

It could be hormonal or caused by various things, including the serum and/or moisturiser. The easiest way to find out is to stop using them and see if it clears up. What products are you using? Do you have sensitive skin?

You put skincare on in the car where the steering wheel and other touch points are going to be covered in bacteria and not wiped daily like a bathroom and no handwashing facilities 🤢for your hands?

😂my car is clean with handgel and the routine starts with facial wipes

Probably shouldn't have asked on Mumsnet, previously put on moisturizer in my bedroom with no sink and no daily wipe down and whilst my bathroom is clean it also isn't wiped down daily.... Probably as I only spend ten minutes in it daily!

Haven't used any products for several days and latest spot is on back of neck where I don't put anything so I'm guessing that does rule it out as cause.

Facial wipes aren't good for your skin (especially not on a regular basis), neither is handgel. You may think it's funny but you're really not helping yourself here.

Facial wipes may be the cause! I can't use them as I'm allergic and give me contact dermatitis. It sounds similar to what you are experiencing.
Another theory could be the serum and moisturiser becoming unstable in the fluctuating temperatures of the car. You would be better off using it in your bathroom straight after you've cleaned your face.

Interesting about the wipes, these were a new addition too and I didn't think free time a week excessive so good to know. But again unlikely to be issue as weren't really using on neck especially at back.

This was supposed to be my act of self care and seemed to work as a little routine this new year. Maybe should I just go back to only watching my face in water in shower and not using any products!

I can't see the huge hygiene issue as I would touch my face in car anyway so wherever it not I do so with the cream on

Which serum is it?
And yes, it could be the wipes.

It really depends what is in the serum... What is it?

It's this serum nothing fancy, https://www.lidl.co.uk/p/cien-serum-q10/p138575

Think I will give everything a break and see if it calms down. I'm not convinced it's serum now as latest spot is right at nape of neck. They almost seem more like insect bites than spots but restricted to my neck (first was on jawline) next three on neck over period of days.

On the Inky list it has lots of various oils, perfume and a couple acids. Any of these could be reacting to your skin especially as you don't use a proper Cleanser you just use wipes.

I would stop for a while and see if that clears your skin.

Other than hydrating there isn't that much in the serum anyway. You could use a basic non fragranced moisturiser instead.

This is the ingredient list

incidecoder.com/products/cien-q10-intensive-serum

That's a really interesting website, never heard of it before.

INCI is great to work out also if an expensive product is worth it (and usually, they aren't!)

If you've some piriton take it. Stop using wipes etc, let your skin settle down again

Ha I meant to say inci but my phone autocorrects because I talk about Inky List brand

Will try the piriton isn't considered that as an option, thanks.

Yes, that can definitely happen. Facial serums are usually designed for the face, and the skin on your neck can sometimes be more sensitive. Ingredients like retinol, strong Vitamin C, or even essential oils may cause irritation, redness, or small breakouts if the area isn’t used to them.
A few tips:

• Always patch test on a small area first.
• Use serums sparingly on the neck, and avoid very strong actives.
• Follow up with a gentle moisturizer to protect the skin barrier.

If you’re not sure which serum is right for your skin, this breakdown might help: https://flawlessskinbeauty.us/serum-care-tips/