So tired of a crappy complexion - please help!

[PussinJimmyChoos]

I moisturise daily, I wear a good foundation with SPF, I exfoliate with Benefit facial scrub a couple of times a week and yet I've still got open pores and those under the skin white head type things and its really getting me down...

Any ideas?

are you 39 like me, i put it down to that, the number 39.

I think its hormones, with me. I am not much help here am I

No, I'm 31. Had acne as a teenager so have always had problem skin and while the acne has gone, I'm still left with open pores etc. At my age, you would really think it would go away! Had glowing skin during pregnancy but that's no long term solution is it??!!

hmm, i had bad skin as teen. how old is your dc? My skin went really bad when i look back on it when dd was about 11/2,but picked up again. she is 6 now, and mine is just down to age, lack of sulight too i think.

I have a hormone issue and the only time I had good skin was 5 yrs when I went on a contraceptive pill specificaly for this. I was gettin married, so wanted to look good.

Had peachy skin as a teen/early 20. Developed a pituitory disorder in mid 20s.

He's two this month! Trying to find a Numberjacks cake for him.....going off topic a bit here but hey

Watching with interest, I have shockingly bad skin - basically horrendous teenage acne that barely went away and is now back with avengeance

just a thought, maybe you are over doing the skincare thing?

i find my skin does not like too much exfoliation. The best one i ever used, was one that was so mild, like a wash, by Clarins. I must try that again when i have the dosh.

I'm 32 and have had adult acne for the last couple of years. Tried loads of products/giving up dairy etc to no avail. Two things which do really help are taking a vitamin A supplement (not if pregnant/ttc) and not using moisturiser. Monthly facials have a great effect too, but it's finding the time..

this stuff
shop.sharmanspharmacy.com/clarins-one-step-exfoliating-cleanser-69-p.asp

Oooh no, I have to wake make up. Am so pale that I get mistaken for a corpse if I don't!!

I had brilliant success with the regime on the acne.org website and managed to clear up acne that has been with me since my teens! It basically consists of gently cleansing and then slathering 5% benzoyl peroxide on daily. Although a lot of acne products contain BP it's often in 20% concentrations and makes your skin feel red raw.

i dunno pussinchoos, i reckon some of us just have bigger pores than others...

on the plus side, my mum has big pores and she's about 70 million years old and looks fabulous and unwrinkly.

Regular facials? Microdermabrasion?

Have been plagued by spots since had Mirena coil in (coming out soon though!)but have found the Thermal face wash thing by Olay brilliant.It promises microdermabrasion results and in my case it has worked!

Eve Lom says only use moisturiser when your skin is very dry and put it only on dry bits. (I usually slap it everywhere, but things improve when I remember this)
Drink loads of water.
If you must wear make up, cleanse thoroughly. I notice that my skin is bad where I put blusher. But, no way can I live without it!

I did wonder whether moisturising made my skin worse but I was under the impression that even oily spot prone skin needs moisturising or it produces more oil......

I'm thinking of just getting a Boots No 7 facial wash and then taking my make up off with plain soap and water in the evening! The simplistic approach!

Try Ketsugo gel. It really is a miracle worker. I always had spotty skin, throughout my teens and into my late twenties and then I started usung this gel. Even now, when I can feel those dreaded bumps under the skin, I apply this stuff and it sorts it out.

It's meant to sort out your oil production.

And I have no vested interest in this product... honest

ooo, very interested in the idea that the coil makes skin worse.

I wasnt a spotty teen and only got the occasional break out when my period is due.

I now have the coil (which is so fab - no periods - yiphee!) but I now have spots on the back of my head near the hairline - gross I know!!!!

Have no idea how to treat it as its all tucked up in my hair....

Can you get Ketsugo gel in boots? I didn't use any moisturiser today and funnily enough, my pores look..well, tighter...iyswim? I thought moisturising was part of the Holy Grail of skin care!!!

I still have larger pores then average and red patches on my cheeks but since I stoppped drinking coffee (caffeine free or with caffeine)my skin is SO much better.

I know mine sounds a bit like an advert but honestly I have no connection with the product other than as a satisfied customer!

Yes the moisturiser avoidance is a good tip, I avoid my chin and sides of my nose which are spot prone as they are naturally oily anyway, voila, less spots.