Skin texture - why is it like this?

[PeonyPatch]

How do I improve it? What skin treatments would you recommend?

I already use Medik8 Retinol, Moisturiser, liquid peptides and spf

salicylic toner would help, I only use this, nothing else apart from water

Do you sun bathe? You look a little freckly.

maybe stop with all the products, I do not even moisturise, my skin does not need it

Yeah.. I am freckly. I have been on some summer hols this year. I use spf. What treatments do I need that will help this?

Wow!

The reason I asked about sun exposure is because when I was younger my skin was much smoother and the texture was closer, iykwim.
Now it is kind of coarser in places, the bridge of my nose and some on forehead and cheeks, and when I asked the dermatologist who checked my moles this year she said it was down to sun exposure ☹️
I'm 60 now, and can't do much about it. But I don't think people realise the different ways the sun can affect the look of your skin.

Yes, I understand skin damage… however what I’d like to know is how to improve or remedy this now. There are quite a few treatments that you can have that improve pigmentation now.

You could have a retexturising laser treatment and/or
Chemical peel - you could get a heavy duty salon one but this would come with downtime or you could use acid pads at home a couple of times a week. Lots of products for this - nip and fab or medicube are good.
I’ve had good results from Numbuzin no 3 serum - it has softened decades of acne scarring and orange peel texture - seems to somehow make my skin look more smooth. I notice if I stop using it (and I also use tretinoin/peptides/exosomes/spf etc)
A good silicone based primer would help to improve the look also albeit temporarily during the day. W7 do a great one which is a dupe for Smashbox but in my opinion is better than Smashvox and it’s £4.

Your skin looks dehydrated, with open pores to me and the products you're using are probably too strong.
To reset, get a hydrating facial then daily, use a retinol toner, serum, a light moisturer and spf 50+ sunscreen (I recommend Centella as it's non greasy), even in winter.
If you can afford it and want quick results, have a laser facial.

niacinamide! will reduce pores and improve skin barrier

https://theordinary.com/en-gb/niacinamide-10-zinc-1-serum-100436.html

Useful. 🙄

The skin is a self maintaining organ, it does not need all these products which clog it up. I bet if OP just went to using water it would improve no end

Open pores. Mine is like this. I had very oily skin when I was young. Once you have skin like this not a lot you can do to change it.

There is! It’s called niacinamide! And there’s lots of products that will fill in the pores before applying make up to give a smoother finish

It depends entirely on your skin type. I have oily skin and if I left it, it would be clogged up with all the excess sebum.

Oh thank you so much, that’s good advice!

Can you recommend a good niacinamide?

Me too!!!

The Ordinary.

Would that get rid of them? I use clarins mosituriser which creates a nice base for foundation.

My skin is very similar. Naturally oily with large pores. What has really helped is the Nivea derma toner which luckily is extremely cheap. It contains salicylic acid and niacinamide. I use it every other night after cleansing and before my serum and night cream.

https://amzn.eu/d/93K7zJQ

What do you use as a cleanser? I’m currently using salicylic one by neutrogena but maybe I need a gentler one.

Differin cream is really good for pores, a strong cream, which will unclog and reduce their size. It contains synthetic retinoids and helps cell turnover and reduces inflammation. It’s also much cheaper than over the counter retinoid cream.

Good to know, thanks!!☺️

@PeonyPatch I'm not very loyal to cleansers.... I tend to swap around a lot but currently am using the Rituals gentle foaming cleanser....their velvety smooth one is good too.