New skin care routine needed

[Daxiecrazy]

Hi ladies,

I’m after a new skin care routine but I don’t know where to start! I’m mid thirties and starting to notice the fine lines creeping in. I would love to even out my skin texture and colour, and reduce pore size. I sometimes get the odd spot (stress and fatigue induced) and a bit of pigmentation on my forehead. I wear makeup daily if I’m in work but would love to get to the point I feel I don’t need a full face of makeup just for work!

what do you all recommend? All the different ingredients confuse the hell out of me.

thank you!

I’ve recently started a skin care regime (never had one my whole life!). I asked ChatGPT to design me one, stating the areas I struggle with (some redness and spots). I’ll give you the basic version (it also gave me options for other products to add in once I’d established the routine and my skin was tolerating everything)
Every morning - collagen cleanser, ph balancing toner then spf moisturiser
evenings - Monday-Wednesday, Friday and Saturday simple gel cleanser then moisturiser (I’ve recently added in niacinamide between the cleanser and moisturiser). Then Thursday and Sunday it’s simple gel cleanser, alpha h liquid gold, moisturiser

I really rate the guidance I got from ChatGPT so if you use it that might work well for you. It made me a pdf as well so I could see routine easily

Ah thank you for this! I will give chatGPT a try. Even down to the brands to try I struggle with, no idea what’s good or not!

i feel like I need a personal dermatologist to tell what I need and what to buy but without having to pay to see a dermatologist 😂

Here goes my routine if you would be interested:
Morning:
Using water to wash your face,
Sebamed clear face gel,
Garnier spf
Cicaplast
Evening:
LRP moisturizer,
Tretinoin (0.1) from skinorac
Sebamed clear facial gel

I would recommend building a routine with Caudalie, incorporating their Vinoperfect line.

Do you have any experience using that?

I did the same this year around the same age after having 2 children and seeing the effects! I do the following daily:

AM: vitamin C face wash cleanser, niacinamide toner, facial oil, vitamin C + SPF moisturiser

PM: vitamin C face wash cleanser, niacinamide toner, retinol serum, vitamin C moisturiser

Twice a week I use a microneedle roller in the evening and skip the toner and serum. Once a week I use a clay mask.

i have noticed a massive difference in my skin. I mostly use face theory products, although the packaging is not great I really like the products + they are UK made, sustainable, vegan. I use a body shop clay mask. The microneedle I bought fairly cheaply from Amazon.

@UmberMoose Yes.

Hi @SErunner whar facial oil do you use? Your regime sounds perfect

Chatty!

To make it easier look at Medik 8 products. They have regimes set out for you.

@Pinklillyits a Nuxe one, its really lovely. I was quite apprehensive as am prone to breakouts and oily skin, but my skin seems to love it

thanks

Just wanted to say you are not meant to combine retinol and vit c.. so in the evenings use a different face wash and swap the vit c for HA or a multipeptide serum instead

I agree its a problem if the vit c reacts with retinol or tret

@OneShyQuailthats good to know. It’s funny, I read loads before settling into a routine but didn’t read that! There is a typo in my text as the evening moisturiser isn’t vit C, so it’s just the face wash that is. I’m reluctant to change it as my skin seems fine with it, but will bear in mind.

I’ve used Clarins products for the best part of thirty years changing products slightly as needs have changed. I would definitely recommend a consultation at a Clarins salon rather than a counter.

I'm late 30s and have been using this routine for a couple of years - it's working really well for me! My skin is a bit sensitive, and I was previously prone to both dry and oily patches. This has really made a difference to the overall texture of my skin and visibility of fine lines. I am definitely not an expert though and everyone's skin is different. Most of the products I use are pretty gentle and neutral.

Morning:
Cleanse with cerave hydrating cleanser
The ordinary multi peptide + HA serum
Cerave SPF 50 moisturiser

Evening:
Cleanse with elemis pro collagen cleansing balm
Cleanse with cerave hydrating cleanser
Cerave moisturising lotion for dry to very dry skin

Once or twice a week I will also use the ordinary 0.2% retinol emulsion and/or rose hip oil

I do have some pore visibility so looking for recommendations around that...

PPs suggestion about asking chatgpt is a good one. Skin care is very confusing. I also find a lot of people are out there on the internet talking with a lot of confidence and expertise about skin care, even though they actually have very bad skin! I don't mean that in a shady way, but just to say do be careful where you get your advice from.

Thanks for sharing the detailed routine. Is the retinol from ordinary effective?

I think it's effective... previously I had quite visible laughter lines even when my face was relaxed, but now they are almost impossible to see unless you're looking for them. However, that could also be related to overall improvements in my skin hydration too. I also find if I don't use the serum for a few days they become more visible again.

I'm generally quite sensitive to retinol so can't use it much. I previously used a face theory one that was stronger and found it too harsh for my skin. The ordinary do make stronger ones too but from what I've read it's better to work up to them.

Mornings I just use Simple face wash or Una Brennan Vit C face oil wash then Boots Vitamin C and an SPF of 50.

Evenings if I’ve been wearing makeup it’s Sainsburys Bi phase eye makeup remover, Nivea 2 in 1 cleanser and toner and retinol with Sainsburys retinol night cream. Retinol is more when I remember it though.

You’re all so clued up on this!

morning - simple face wash, garnier Micellar water cleanser, simple toner, vit C serum, SPF 50

evening - simple face wash, garnier micellar water cleanser, simple toner, vit c serum, ALDI night cream.

Any feedback greatfully received please!

Did anyone try spf100? Is that too strong?