Skin care - exfoliating

[GoneWithTheSunshine]

Hi everyone,

Since my last pregnancy (almost 3 years ago) I find I get more spots and unclear skin. It's not huge spots with heads, more small white heads and bumpy in some areas.

I went into boots and was told normal exfoliators are not the most recommended thing anymore (I'm obviously out of touch) and was recommended The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution.

It sounds great but I'm a bit worried it will make me more vulnerable for sun damage or other side effects? Besides being a bit spotty my skin is great and I just wash and lotion normally.

Has anyone got any experience or recommendations?

You will certainly need to wear sun cream if using any acids to exfoliate. But this is standard skincare advice these days. Sunscreen every day even when cloudy

Just use the acid at bedtime and then you’re ok.

Thank you both! I've never felt the need to use a daily sunscreen, but will get with the times @Maytorain

@Cheeesus yes I'd definitely use it in the evening, thank you

Everybody needs a daily SPF whether you're exfoliating with an acid toner or not.
Using any actives at any time if day makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. @Maytorain is spot on. @Cheeesus is very wrong.

Eeek I’d got that from

https://www.skincancer.org/blog/when-beauty-products-cause-sun-sensitivity/

and other sources. Surely makes sense to use products that make you sun sensitive at night? Or are you saying there’s some sort of delay in the sensitively? I’m confused. Do you have a reference saying not to use at night? Worried now!

@Cheeesus I didn't think you were advising against sun cream or anything by the way, I just thought it's better to use at night than in the morning as well.

Good, that was how I meant it 😁

I'd recommend seeing your GP about your skin, I have had similar to you, and they prescribed me Lymecycline, which sorted it out. The cause for me was hormonal and not topical, so perhaps rule that out before spending money on products which might not make a difference.