Dry Skin

Miroslav

I've always had problems with my skin, although people say my skin is good (!)

I get lots of little spots after shaving and under my eyes are red. My forehead and chin flake.

I've been using L'oreal for men and the moisturiser is as good as i've tried.

I'm looking for a good cleanser, toner and exfoliator. I've tried many but i'm not sure they are all that as they don't get rid of the redness or little spots after shaving and it's annoying me especially now I have a newish partner in my life who has perfect skin and in reality is out of my league.

Any tips or links to bargains on products that may help me would be appreciated as are others experiences with products on dry sensitive skin.

Thanks

jenniewb

Can you get to a dermalogica counter or skincare professional? It sounds like you may have a condition called millia which causes little white spots (not like actual pick-me spots but tiny little skin bumps) they are filled with hardened sebum (skin cells) which can be there for many reasons. Sometimes not exfoliating with products that work well, or products which are blocking your pores or your skin may have just decided tp produce excess sebum for whatever reason be it hormonal, product related or even the weather can affect things. Either way your best bet is dealing with the cause of the issue and not just throwing more cash at the symptoms.

With the red and flaky skin, it could be the products your using are not right for your skin, too harsh or just a reaction to something within the products either way its a good idea to take a step back and look at what your using which it appears your starting to do in your opening post.

I used to get very flakey skin and just assumed "I need to exfoliate more" and did. My skin reacted by becoming more flakey...it took a while for me to twig but the fact I was exfoliating so often was drying out my skin, my skin was not able to keep up with all the products I was using which were too drying and so produced more dry skin....you can only do so much with exfoliation, its not as good as sandpaper at getting rid of all the stuff you don't want! Its not designed to smooth out the surface of your skin, its designed to get debris from pores and whisk it away from your skin in a deeper way that daily cleansers cannot do- that is something it took a while of bashing my head against the same wall to realise!

I'd also suggest a very mild moisturiser- its so easy to think "well if I need more moisture, I'll just get a majorly dense facial cream and apply it in droves every day/night/etc". Infact your skin can only take in so much. It is not (no matter how it feels!) a bottomless pit. It will simply become clogged and then the pores start to become irritated as the natural oils within the skin and any bacteria cannot escape, then you can get spots or if not you'll end up with dull skin. Dense creams normally are something to work your way up to: you'll need them when your 40 but before then the milder versions are probably easier for your skin to tollerate (obviously everyone has their own experiences on this but this has been mine). Your skin gets used to these creams (or oils depending on what you use) and gradually seems to require more as you age.

I'd recommend a few but I'd think my skin care needs may be different to yours, I have skin with a mind of its own and most things cause it to throw a tantrum and develop horrible deeply inbedded painful spots! (the type too deep to pick even if I wanted to- and believe me at that point I want to!).

If I get reactions to things like the Kiehls Canduella (sp?) cream which is very mild, aloe is another well liked gel but may be not moisturising enough so maybe look for natural based products which may use more aloe then others or even try mixing up your own (mixing some natural aloe with a normal mild moisturiser).

So! In all, I'd suggest a mild cleaner, a basic (and mild) exfoliator (if you can get your hands on it, dermalogica do a daily one which you could try using once a week, its bulk is made from ground rice so if you do have the wits to you could try making your own) then a non alcohol based toner or facial wipe to make very sure that all the cleanser, all the exfoliator and all the lime from the water your using has been removed from your skin (limescale is also drying and is in most water systems) and then apply a mild cleanser. Do this for 2 weeks and if you haven't seen your skin improve then get to a doctor as you could have a medical skin condition and require specially prescribed creams for it.

Miroslav

I can try to get to a dermalogica counter or skincare professional. I know of a couple of avenues to try and as you say, it's about time I stopped buying all these products. I have just bought some more, so will try them as I have bought them already so the money is wasted if I don't try.

I've noticed the flakiness is dying down. I'm not sure if it's any of the products helping. The redness is mainly below my eyes at the top of my cheekbone. I have a round face so wonder if my skin is stretching too much?

I think I possibly worry too much and thus try too hard to get my skin the way I want it. I've learnt to Cleanse - Exfoliate - Tone - Moisturise (with SPF but if not use sunscreen afterwards). I do this every day - am I doing too much exfoliating? I also use a clay mask twice a week. I am male so i'm not sure a mask is designed for men? I'm sure skin is the same though male or female as long as it's the same type of skin.

I had been using a cheap fragrance free cleanser but changed to L'oreal for men cleansing gel http://www.amazon.co.uk/Expert-LOreal-Paris-Energetic-Cleansing/dp/B0017PFL7E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1313750907&sr=8-1 I feel more cleansed but it's yet to help remove the spots although it has only been a few days. I see this http://www.superdrug.com/moisturiser/superdrug-vitamin-e-hot-cloth-cleanser-200ml/invt/239161/ has been suggested on here so may invest and try this one.

With moisturiser I use L'oreal for men sensitive at night http://www.amazon.co.uk/Expert-LOreal-Paris-Sensitive-Moisturiser/dp/B003MPIL3S/ref=sr_1_10?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1313750984&sr=1-10 and in the day I use http://www.boots.com/en/Neutrogena-Multi-Defence-Daily-Moisturiser-for-Dry-Sensitive-Skin_1143606/ Combined these seem to be helping the dryness and flakiness.

I can't seem to settle for a scrub. I'm thinking of getting one of these two http://www.superdrug.com/face-scrub/st-ives-elements-olive-scrub-150ml/invt/584029/&bklist= or http://www.superdrug.com/face-scrub/st-ives-apricot-gentle-scrub-150ml/invt/292311/&bklist= as my current ones seem to be a bit abrasive.

Is this the Dermalogica one? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dermalogica-Gentle-Cream-Exfoliant-75/dp/B005CRVWM6/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1313751727&sr=1-1 Ouch at the price!

For toner http://www.boots.com/en/Botanics-Organic-Rosewater-Toner-150ml_51238/ or http://www.boots.com/en/Boots-Vitamin-E-toner-150ml_955868/

Do you think any of that is too harsh and I do too much?

Thanks for taking the time to write out that detailed reply. Much appreciated.

jenniewb

Exfoliate every day? You can get products which are designed to be used daily (eg the dermalogica version I mentioned (this is it: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dermalogica-DERMALOGICA-DAILY-MICROFOLIANT-75GM/dp/B005CRVWS0/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1313757026&sr=1-1 ) the one you see I think is a great cleanser too though and designed to be used daily but if you are like I used to be and feel you want to exfoliate daily (I used to sweat a lot and had a massive issue with feeling unclean as a result, I also was a gym obsessive and sweated there...plus daily makeup and pollution...) I got on fine with the microfoliant. Now though I exfoliate once a week and it seems fine for me. Guess my skin changed when my body did (long story!)

The general rule of thumb though is to exfoliate once a week, cleanse twice daily. I am a bit lazy, I cleanse once properly at night (cleanser, toner, eye cream, moisturiser in that order). In the morning I just rinse with plain water, follow with a daily facial wipe and then apply SPF and eye cream. I do a masque when I remember, often only once a month and sometimes not even that. Love making my own masques from odd bits of food!: Oats, bananas, yogurt (skin seems to like lactic acid found in dairy even if my stomach doesn't!) that sort of thing. Aloe and cucumber are also ideas to think about. Lush have some really nice facial masques.

I'd say with facial masques it does depend on what types you use. Some are very drying: ones made with clay or mud tend to be drying and are designed for oily or congested skin but you can get versions which can be used daily or are designed for dry skin or made with things like oats or oils and may be OK to use every day, its not so easy to say without seeing but IMO I'd say masques are like a treatment for your skin and really every week to 10 days should be more then enough. Your skin is a very special organ, it can do alot more then you or I realise but takes its time to do so. Give it some time to react to what you apply to it, produce its own oils and restore itself.

In regards to products:

A facial scrub is just an exfoliant which I'm assuming is what your using to exfoliate? I'd just use one of these once a week if that: you also need to watch your technique. I know this myself as I am far from light handed and really plough stuff into my skin. It can easily do damage. Very gentle little circular movements and very very light. Baby soft touches, your not looking to sand down your skin remember, just to get the debris moving.

Cleansers I'd go super light. It varies from brand to brand. Ideall you'd only need a pea-sized drop and to mix with water (eg don't apply direct). Applying with a wet cloth/flannels is great and may even mean you don't need an exfoliant but again, little light circular movements, no scrubbing no rubbing.

Rinse with water. Toner wise, I'd say see how what you chose works. I'd keep an eye on whats inside the bottle. No alcohol is a great idea. Cucumber and aloe based toners are great ideas too.

Moisturisers, again, super mild and apply little, allow to soak in and then a little more if you need. Don't overdo it, your skin wont soak up more if you over apply it will simply get clogged. I'd suggest seeing someone for advice on what suits your skin as being that its on your skin for longest, its IMO what needs to be shelled out on (again, personal experience but my experience). I know there are many brands out there, visiting a cosmetics counter could be helpful as they may hand out samples: even if you can't afford what they suggest you may be able to see what could work for you and so what to aim for/look for in ingredience. Have to say though the odd one-two day long samples aren't as useful as a week/two weeks worth where you can really notice the difference.

Another idea would be to see if you can book a freebie facial with one of the counters (my favorites are Dermalogica, Kiehl's, Clarins) freebie facials are not easy to come by but often you can get the money spent redeemable off stuff bought on the day. Keep an eye out for magazines or new product launches where freebie facials can be offered. I have tried products from Origins, Clinique, Benefit and Lancome but found these can be either too harsh or too dense and so cause problems in themselves but again, my personal experience, others may have found otherwise. Origns and Clinque are good at doing freebie facials though.

I think before you do anything though, go see and speak to someone. Seeing your skin is a world away from *thinking* your skin via wording (and so imagination) online. Someone who knows their stuff should be able to help you far more efficiently

Miroslav

Thanks again for the reply.

I'm a gym obsessive myself and have been all my adult life, so maybe daily exfoliation is fine for my lifestyle?

See, different people say different things. It must be a personal thing as some people say cleanse once, some twice etc. I'd love to know how to make my own products. Any good tips or websites I should view?

Yes, I exfoliate with the scrub. Maybe I do it too rough. I'll learn to be a little more gentle.

I've read that maybe using mineral water may be a better option than tap water? I live in a hard water area.

I'll stick with what I have toner wise and see how it works.

I think I over moisturise. I never realised you could over moisturise dry skin so I lump it on

My concern with samples would be the small sample not really telling me what it can do over a period of time.

I shall keep an eye out for freebie facials. I guess they can't discriminate against a man and say no?

I will see if I can find someone locally who may be able to help. I bought the cleanser from the superdrug thread for £2.99 which i'd like to try.

I was out today and it felt like my forehead was letting out (or in?) cold air whilst indoors. My skin felt like it was breathing. A good sign? What happens if my skin starts getting worse? How do I know which product it is, or is that a good thing? Get worse before it gets better.

Thanks for all your input.

Sensemaya

Jennie has given you some great advice.

I think you need to stick to a couple of products rather than trying loads.

Have a go at the Superdrug cleanser in the morning. Get the flannel really hot and just lay it over your face and wipe off gently.

This stuff is really good, cheap and I have been using it for years as a toner:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BN-ROSE-WATER-SEALED-NATURAL-SKIN-TONER-CLEANSER-600ml-/290599068849?pt=UK_Health_Beauty_Skincare_PP&hash=item43a90de4b1

Then use your moisturiser.

For the evening I would be inclined to use something oil based.

I have used Clarins in the past. It's pricey and you can probably pick it up cheaper elsewhere.

http://uk.clarins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/cosmetics-products_face_face-treatment-oils_-11_10201_11751__44028_30103

Or you could just stick with your moisturiser.

I think you are over doing the exfoliation. I never bother doing that and ,unfortunately, I'm in my late forties, but my skin is not bad at all if I say so myself. And I'm naughty...

londonsurrey

Flaky skin I know about. Very frustrating. Tried all kinds of products for years.
Then I got a pot of Greek yoghurt.
Apply a teaspoonful over the face. Leave on while brushing teeth. Rinse off. I use a flannel to get it all off.

Brilliant stuff! The lactic acid in the yoghurt helps loosen skin flakes that were thinking of falling off.
Seriously - give it a go. It's delicious and good for you, and costs a whole lot less than the chemical laden stuff they flog us for our skin.

gallery

For dry flaky skin, would suggest that you trying using emulsifying ointment as a soap substitute. It comes in a pot for the bargain price of around £2 from pharmacy, really useful for dry skin

Miroslav

Sensemaya wrote: »

Jennie has given you some great advice.

I think you need to stick to a couple of products rather than trying loads.

Have a go at the Superdrug cleanser in the morning. Get the flannel really hot and just lay it over your face and wipe off gently.

This stuff is really good, cheap and I have been using it for years as a toner:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BN-ROSE-WATER-SEALED-NATURAL-SKIN-TONER-CLEANSER-600ml-/290599068849?pt=UK_Health_Beauty_Skincare_PP&hash=item43a90de4b1

Then use your moisturiser.

For the evening I would be inclined to use something oil based.

I have used Clarins in the past. It's pricey and you can probably pick it up cheaper elsewhere.

http://uk.clarins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/cosmetics-products_face_face-treatment-oils_-11_10201_11751__44028_30103

Or you could just stick with your moisturiser.

I think you are over doing the exfoliation. I never bother doing that and ,unfortunately, I'm in my late forties, but my skin is not bad at all if I say so myself. And I'm naughty...

I will give the superdrug cleanser a go in the morning and use a flannel.

I'll make a note of that toner and moisturiser should the ones I now have not work. I'll then have a starting point as to what to try next.

I'm told my skin isn't too bad. I however see every blemish and if i'm not perfect, i'm unhappy. I'm not naughty - I eat well, drink lots of water, don't drink, smoke, eat bad foods or anything like that - I over look after myself

Thanks for the advice.

londonsurrey wrote: »

Flaky skin I know about. Very frustrating. Tried all kinds of products for years.
Then I got a pot of Greek yoghurt.
Apply a teaspoonful over the face. Leave on while brushing teeth. Rinse off. I use a flannel to get it all off.

Brilliant stuff! The lactic acid in the yoghurt helps loosen skin flakes that were thinking of falling off.
Seriously - give it a go. It's delicious and good for you, and costs a whole lot less than the chemical laden stuff they flog us for our skin.

I'll look into it. If it works the saved pennies would come in useful elsewhere. Never thought of putting yoghurt on my face

gallery wrote: »

For dry flaky skin, would suggest that you trying using emulsifying ointment as a soap substitute. It comes in a pot for the bargain price of around £2 from pharmacy, really useful for dry skin

I just looked through my cabinet and found some (Hydromol) but it has an expiry date of October 2010. I'm guessing I shouldn't use that now. I remember before it helped the dry skin but I was told not to use it on days when I went out in the sun.

NickyBat

Have a look at the Liz earle website, she has stuff for men .

Miroslav

I've heard Liz Earle is quite good on the female side of things with lots of good reviews and recommendations on this site alone, so it may be worth investigating more.