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Help...cheaper face products!

I have very sensitive but almost combination skin. I get a dry forehead and down the sides of my nose, but spots around my chin and jaw line frequently. I am currently using dermalogica products because I have been having dermalogica facials, and they always make my skin so nice, I felt obliged to buy the products. However, it is costing me a FORTUNE! I need to use a cleanser, toner, moisturiser (SPF for day, not for night), exfoliate 2x weekly and regularly use a face mask. I also use eye cream.

What I would like to know is whether there are cheaper alternatives that would suit my sensitive and temperamental skin. My skin reacts very quickly to changes in products. I hear people mention Dr. Hauschka and Liz Earle, but I tried Dr. Hauschka a long time ago and it didn't help much. The products also only came in very small tubes which didn't seem value for money to me.

Has anyone found brands like "Simple" work for them? I need completely lanolin, perfume and additive free products. It appears that effective products cannot be bought from the high street.

I am only 28 but I feel I need to do the best for my skin to prevent ageing. But why is it so expensive?!!

Any help would be much appreciated...
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Comments

  • Pink.
    Pink. Posts: 17,638 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Hi Kitty,

    Not alternative products, but this thread might help you find dermalogica products more cheaply.

    Dermalogica??

    Pink
  • davsidipp
    davsidipp Posts: 11,514 Forumite
    hi im 42 and have used expensive creams when i was younger ie estee lauder and clinique but find that simple and boots time delay brill.the thing with expensive brands is the packaging is lovely and sometimes smells nicer but the price difference well i dont think there any better because you pay more.also youve either got good skin or you have not
    Before you point fingers,make sure your hands are clean !;)
  • elona
    elona Posts: 11,806 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    My daughter tried Simple and it made her break out in a rash.
    "This site is addictive!"
    Wooligan 2 squares for smoky - 3 squares for HTA
    Preemie hats - 2.
  • calleyw
    calleyw Posts: 9,896 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper I've been Money Tipped!
    Why not e-mail the companies tell them that you are having problems with your skin care routine. Ask them for samples so you can try them out.

    Boots are good on their own products as they offer a full refund if you are not happy with it.

    I use the time delay range and No7 range from Boots. I only buy with boots vouchers from Pisgback so hardy costs me anything.

    All the best.


    Yours


    Calley
    Hope for everything and expect nothing!!!

    Good enough is almost always good enough -Prof Barry Schwartz

    If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try -Seth Godin
  • suki1964
    suki1964 Posts: 14,313 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    I would say go for the Liz Earle for everyday skin care as it really is gentle but effective - no lanolin or additives and the only perfumes are from the ingredients which are natural.The cleanse and polish will clear off all grime and make up. The toner is alcohol free and just scrummy and she does a good range of moisturisers and a eye serum. The whole range is reasonably priced when compared to other high end products.

    For the deep cleansing of your t- zone then the Dr H clay mask is very good, once again very gentle. If you find it too drying then you can always add a blob of moisturiser when mixing it up.

    Yes Im a DR H and Liz Earle fan but thats because after years of trying everything else available in chemists and department stores I have found products that Im getting results from
  • Hi Kitty,

    You are right to look after your skin, even if you are only 28 now, you will be pleased you did in the future.

    I have very sensitive and sun damaged skin too (not from sunbathing, but from sensitivities to medication I take mixed with any kind of light). I have just switched from Bobbi Brown products to Neal's Yard products due to expense. I loved BB but just cannot justify the money. I use NY Chamomile Cleanser, Jasmine Moisturiser with a few drops of added Rosehip Seed Oil for the damage. I really like NY's products. They are very natural and a lot less than ``designer'' brands. Some of the staff who work there are qualified in herbalism, so I find I get good advice there without any pressure to buy.

    You could just go in and see what they say. They also have a huge file with all the details of what they sell, what it's best for and what's it's made of.

    Hope that helps.

    Precious.
    What's So Amazing About Really Deep Thoughts ...
  • CarolnMalky
    CarolnMalky Posts: 14,254 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Hello Kitty,
    I am a 28 year old too and had a brainstorm yesterday lol...I have been using liz Earle and Dr H for a good few years now and my skin does not seem to appreciate the amount of money being spent on it!
    I bought a bottle of E45 lotion, which you can use on face etc, and used it last night, was lovely, light yet moisturising. I was sick of having dry patches and oily patches so will try this n see how it goes!
    Good luck deciding on new products.
    C
    If you obey all the rules...you miss all the fun!! Katherine Hepburn
  • lisyloo
    lisyloo Posts: 30,094 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Have you tried ebay.
    I find it great for cosmetics and toiletries (and no I'm not selling anything :-)
  • melancholly
    melancholly Posts: 7,457 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    i've found the simple stuff great for cleansers, toners and exfoliators. boots also have a their own 'cucumber' range which appears to be a simple clone.

    during the day i wear olay complete care beauty fluid (about £3 i think, with SPF 15 - which is why i use it!). i also use savlon as a moisturiser sometimes.... helps with spots! there's also another moisturiser from the chemist that's water based and i can't remember the name.....

    the other thing that can help is almond oil (i don't know what lanolin is so i don't know whether it's an option:confused: sorry !) - if you massage it into your face and wipe away the excess it works wonders on really dry skin.
    :happyhear
  • consultant31
    consultant31 Posts: 4,814 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    kitty123 wrote:
    I have very sensitive but almost combination skin. I get a dry forehead and down the sides of my nose, but spots around my chin and jaw line frequently. I am currently using dermalogica products because I have been having dermalogica facials, and they always make my skin so nice, I felt obliged to buy the products. However, it is costing me a FORTUNE! I need to use a cleanser, toner, moisturiser (SPF for day, not for night), exfoliate 2x weekly and regularly use a face mask. I also use eye cream.

    What I would like to know is whether there are cheaper alternatives that would suit my sensitive and temperamental skin. My skin reacts very quickly to changes in products. I hear people mention Dr. Hauschka and Liz Earle, but I tried Dr. Hauschka a long time ago and it didn't help much. The products also only came in very small tubes which didn't seem value for money to me.

    Has anyone found brands like "Simple" work for them? I need completely lanolin, perfume and additive free products. It appears that effective products cannot be bought from the high street.

    I am only 28 but I feel I need to do the best for my skin to prevent ageing. But why is it so expensive?!!

    Any help would be much appreciated...

    One of my daughters has very sensitive skin and was give Diprobase by her hospital consultant. You can use it as a moisturiser or even use it to wash with, instead of soap. However, one of the very best and cheapest dermatological creams is good old E45 ( this is even used by some of the top medels, who can afford to use even the most expensive stuff).
    I let my mind wander and it never came back!
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