Mid 30s skincare. Help!

[Custardcreammachine]

As the title suggests, I'm looking for some advice on skincare for mid 30s. Currently use no7 foaming facial wash then the cheap spf15 Nivea that I pick up at the supermarket. Skin is normal id say but looking a bit dull and without makeup a bit red and blotchy at times.

I don't want to spend a fortune but happy to splurge if anyone can recommend something amazing. I've been looking at Cerave AM and PM moisturisers and a no7 vitamin C toner. Is this along the lines of what I should be using? Also saw La Roche Posay in Boots but was baffled by all the choice. Anyone clued up on this that could help? Just feeling a bit frazzled after a rough few months with pregnancy losses/work/life with a toddler and in need of something to help my face look a bit better and hope it might perk me up in general too! Thanks in advance.

Hi,

Step 1 - Cleanse - I personally avoid anything foaming as I feel it dries skin out and you mention redness but if you are happy with cleanser then carry on. Just make sure you cleanse every morning and evening. You do not need to splash the cash on a cleanser as it’s not on your face long. I like the CeraVe hydrating cleanser.

Step 2 - exfoliate - you mention dull skin. I prefer an acid to physical exfoliation but each to their own. I like glycolic acid - lots of brands do this. The ordinary is a reasonable price point.

Step 3 - treat - serums. This is where you treat your concerns. Again dullness - vit c is good. I like Murad but it’s expensive so just look for a cheaper alternative. I also recommended retinol in the evening, again I like Murad but expensive. The ordinary do some retinol serums but do not use if you get pregnant! I would say this is where you should splurge though.

Step 4 - moisturise. Just use the same one am and pm. No need to have two different ones. I like the cereve moisturising cream. Again do not need to splurge on moisturiser unless you buy a night one that also ‘treats’ e.g. retinol in it.

Step 5 - SPF- I prefer a separate product (not as part of a moisturiser) and at least SPF 30. Glossier invisible sheild is good.

@Fleur240 thanks so much for this! That's all really helpful and exactly what I was looking for. Going to check out the cleanser and other products you've mentioned. If I don't go with retinol just now is there anything you can use in pregnancy that might do the same job? Getting ahead of myself here but don't want to shell out on products that (hopefully!) I won't get to use. Thanks again for taking the time to guide me!

Glad you have found it useful! There is something called bakuchiol which I have used and is safe in pregnancy. There is a brand called the inkey list that do it at a reasonable price.

Amazing will check that out too. Thanks so much, felt very overwhelmed with all the choice until you posted 😀

Skincare is a bit of a minefield as like you say there are so many products out there that promise miracles but you will find what works for you if you follow the basic steps. Caroline Hirons is the skincare queen if you need further guidance 🙂

Just so you're aware, CeraVe test on animals.

Firstly, there are very few products worth splurging on. High street skin care is amazing these days. If you really want to splash out, save it for active ingredients like Vitamin C or Retinol.

As per PP, I wouldn’t use a foaming cleanser unless you have oily skin. Dullness and fine lines are usually caused by dehydrated skin, so I would deal with this before starting on retinol. I am mid forties and have only just starting using a retinal so I wouldn’t too much about using it just yet.

My AM routine is
Cerave hydrating cleanser
Curel Deep moisture spray
Hada Labo Super Lotion (this is a hyaluronic acid - great for adding moisture, but must be used with a spray mist or can make your skin dry)
Another quick spritz of Curel Deep Moisture spray
Geek and Gorgeous C Glow
Byoma Moisturising gel (this has tri ceramides in it and is great for looking after your skin barrier)
La Roche Posay Anthellios SPF50

This sounds like a lot but it only takes about 2/3 minutes.

PM
The Ordinary Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
5 nights a week I use Medk8 Retinal
Once a week I use Medik8 Sleep Glycolic (glycolic is an acid exfoliater. Once a week is plenty enough to exfoliate your skin.)
Naturium Peptide Moisturiser (Peptides help with collagen and elastin in the skin)

I would only add one new product at a time to give you chance to see if if works for you, or if your skin reacts badly to a product. It might take several months to implement a new routine but it will be worth it in the long run.

Your skincare routine depends on what you want to achieve. I used retinol previously but not use skin+Me and get Tretinoin (much stronger retinol only available on prescription) I use that most nights. In the day I use either a vitamin c serum then spf 50 or I've got a vitamin c serum with in spf but that's only spf25 so use that on cloudier days when I won't be outside much. In the evening I cleanse with superdrug B. Cleansing balm and then use a gentle scrub as Tretinoin can sometimes make my skin flakey. I then use a moisturiser and wait at least 30 mins before using my Skin+Me tret. You can also get it from dematica or from abroad on amazon but be aware that it's very strong companies like skin+Me strat you off in a very low dose and gradually increase it.

Link below for link to try a month for free

www.skinandme.com/?promocode=LAURENS5YP3

(disclaimer I get £10 off if you use my link!)