skin help - I warn you it's long!

bratz81

Hi guys,

Getting to the end of my tether with the skin on my face and looking for some hlpe please

This may be quite long, sorry! I used to have lovely clear skin until...I would say 9 months ago maybe and now it's a mess and I'm not sure how to fix it

I have oily/shiny skin on my forehead and nose, whereas my cheeks are very dry and my chin seems normal. But, my forehead and nose also 'feel' dry and need moisturiser...if this makes sense?

My cheeks are also red...but not red like you're blushing, and not red like I'm covered in spots, more red almost like a rash if you get me? It's not a rash as I've been to the doctor, who says it's nothing to worry about, just the way my skin looks?! Having googled it, it looks like rosacea to me, but I have no idea what that is.

I used to use Liz earle cleanser, but I live in Northern Ireland and have to order it, and just found it too expensive really. I then read on here about the OCM, which I also tried, but couldn't seem to get the ratio right, and it left my skin feeling quite, congested I think is the word, and not right.

I then went to clinique, for a recommendation and got give the dramatically different moisturiser (the yellow one?), some acne foamy cleanser thing, and a clarifying lotion 2? Well, the cleanser is drying my skin out more, and the toner is making my cheeks redder, so I think that's out also.

Does anyone have any similar skin to mine, and can recommend any cleanser I can try? Something cheapish from Boots/Superdrug etc would be preferable, since if it doesn't work I won't feel too guilty at 'wasting' money.

Also, if someone wants this clinique cleanser PM me your address and I'll post it out, cos it's making me feel guilty looking at me everyday!

Thanks guys and sorry for the essay :rotfl:

janine22

Can't help I'm afraid, but I have exactly the same problem (with spots) at the moment. I'll be watching this with interest.

bratz81

Hi janine22,
hopefully someone will have some help for us!

lexilex

Hi,

Your skin sounds very similar to mine. I've also always had clear skin, up until around May 2009. I tried all the cheaper brands to try and sort it out, but the face washes just made my skin feel tight and dry.

I've been using Sanctuarys Hot Cloth Cleanser for over a year now, and I love it. My skin isn't completely clear all of the time, but it's a lot better. It's about a tenner but it's often on 3-for-2 and it does last ages.

I got a Garnier face wash sample a few weeks ago, and tried using that for a few days. My skin turned awful again. Been using the sanctuary stuff and now its back to been clear.

I definitely recommend!

bratz81

lexilex, thanks for wading through my giant post!
Sanctuary, is this the brand you can buy in Boots that do hand cream and body lotion etc, or am I on the wrong track?

lexilex

Yes that's right

http://www.boots.com/en/Sanctuary-Polishing-Hot-Cloth-Cleanser-125ml_1109879/

I swear by their stuff, the toner is fab, as are the exfoliators. It's on 3-for-2 at the minute too.

bratz81

lexilex, thanks for the link. I'm not paid til 25th, so can't afford it til then, but hopefully it will be on 3 for 2 til then
I've used the body stuff from Sanctuary, didn't realise they actually did facial stuff too! Though why that should be such a surprise I've no idea

Daisygirl

Part of your skin sounds very familiar to mine, in that I have an oily forehead, but my nose isn't very oily, but I have problems with a congested chin! I don't have spots anywhere (touches wood!), but my cheeks can feel very dry and they react easily to a lot of products, but that's the only area that does. I swear by an oil serum/night treatment. Whoa!!!! you might say as it's an oil, but honestly, all skin types can use it. You can get pure rosehip oil - A'kin do one, but I haven't tried it it is supposed to be excellent, or Handmade Naturals do some as well.

I use a Decleor one, which is the Neroli Aromessence oil one which you use either under a moisturiser or on its own. I also use their Night Balm (neroli) and the first time I used it I couldn't believe my skin the next morning. They do different ones for different skin types. I get mine through Cheap Smells as it's cheaper than QVC etc (though they do have great offers from time to time and there are some great try me kits as well!). They may seem pricey, but honestly, it lasts for MONTHS!!! :T

Forgot to say that QVC also have a 30 day mbg in case it's not for you.

Hope this helps x

Rikki

It could well be Rosacea but you will need your doctor to diagnose this. It has to be controlled by long term antibiotics, a good cleansing regime and skin sensitive make up.

We are not allowed to give out medical advice on this site.

You cannot control the redness but you can get rid of the spots, see your doctor.

Liz Earle is good for very dry skin and in natural in ingredients, I like Elemis too again expensive but it soothes dry and needy skin. Decleor is good and I have also used Boots No7.

bratz81

@Rikki, I've never heard of rosacea needing anti-biotics, and my mum has had it for years...is that true?
I wasn't asking for medical advice, just advice on cleansers.
My doctor hasn't diagnosed anything, nor does he seem interested. I just want a cleanser that won't dry out my cheeks any more, nor make my forehead/nose oilier

Fen1

1. Don't wash or moisturize your skin for at least a week. I know it sounds eugh, but as your skin is obviously stressed at the moment, leave it TOTALLY alone. Don't go swimming - the chlorine will irritate it. Be careful when washing your hair to make no suds fall on your face. Ditto hairspray. No make-up.
Give your skin a chance to heal.

2. Go through EVERYTHING in your diary for the last year ( including the month before the first flare-up ). Look for things that might have triggered the first flare-up, as well as things that might be continuing the problems.
Any changes in medication? Any new hair or skin products? Stressful times? Changes in your menstrual cycle? Tummy upsets ( the skin often reflects the health of the stomach and gut )? Any infections?

3. Insist on seeing a dermatologist. GP's are often pants at skin conditions (I know this from bitter experience). You might have to wait months for an appointment, but you might as well get yourself on the waiting list.

4. Cut out common trigger foods in your diet e.g. coffee, spicy foods, alchol.

5. Big big hugs.