Skincare that's actually worth it

cats2012

Hi guys,

I've suffered over the years with not terrible but quite up and down skin, often getting spots even though I'm well into my 20s, large pores and also having very sensitive skin that can't make it's mind up whether it's oily, dry or somewhere in between.

With my wedding coming up, a bit nearer the time I want to feel like I'm at least trying the best products I can to give me as much confidence as possible on the day. So I want to know whether anyone can recommend any products that really work, particularly to stop spots/blemishes etc.

Not very MSE of me, but I will happily pay big (ish) prices, i.e. Clinique, even Dermalogica, if they actually work, but then equally I don't want to shell out only to find it's no different to a £10 or even £3 product.

Any advice/experiences appreciated

NickyBat

I'm a Liz Earle girl myself and love all her products.

sixtiesgal_2

NickyBat wrote: »

I'm a Liz Earle girl myself and love all her products.

I like Liz Earle moisturiser and I like the idea of the cleanser but just find the muslin cloths a faff to be honest.

I do like Clinique comforting cream cleanser but its £16, it does last for ages though so I may splurge again.

I think you need to buy what suits you, if its expensive it doesn't matter as much if it lasts a long time.

Fire_Fox

There is a strong link between sensitivity and acne because both can signify a damaged skin barrier and/ or underlying inflammation. I can highly recommend the KinNiaNag serum from this lady http://www.myfawnie.bigcartel.com/
The formula is evidence-based, every ingredient has a proven purpose and is there in the right percentages. I did my homework! Gentle enough for my eczematous skin and other customer's rosacea, texture is lovely and a bottle lasts me a couple of months. Rave reviews on forums like Skincaretalk of improvements in acne, blackheads and regulation of sebum production but I don't have those issues myself since changing my cleansing routine. Haven't seen anything commercial that is comparable, most contain nasties or cheap fillers.

Do also look at your cleansing and exfoliating methods - avoid sulphate surfactants, alkaline soaps, rough scrubs, drying acne fighting ingredients. These can cause invisible irritation that can mean your skin reacts to anything you apply thereafter. Lastly review your diet, that has a huge role to play in the amount and composition of your sebum, how fast and how well your skin cells exfoliates both of which contribute to clogging, as well as increasing the level of underlying inflammation.

Parisian

Liz Earle all the way....
If you like a thick cream consistency then other great alternatives are: Antipodes Grape Seed Butter Cleanser, Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Balm Cleanser, Clarins Deep Comfort Cleansing Balm, and Superdrug Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser (very cheap at £3.99 for two at the moment, I keep it on standby to use after swimming/the gym but it's not my favourite). Liz Earle is my absolute favourite though. I suffered from terrible skin too and always went for acne products, but then found these creamy balmy type cleansers paradoxically really calmed my skin down....

Miss_Havisham

With oily or problem skin it's tempting to go for very astringent or antiseptic type cleansers but this can have the opposite effect of creating more oils which block pores and create spots.

I'd go for gentle products and agree with Liz Earle which is a mid-priced range. You could start with just the cleanser and moisturiser (they do various, but the "light" version would be woth trying first). Or Boots No 7.

Personally I don't wear a night cream, I like to leave my skin naked (don't know if this is "scientific but my skin is good for my age).

Also do you smoke or sunbathe a lot ? Both can damage the skin especially long term. I suggest you start wearing a sun protection cream on your face, at least SPF30 from spring through to autumn and not spend hours grilling yourself !

Finally drink a lot of water to make sure your skin is well hydrated and to flush any toxins out. Exercise will get your circulation flowing which will aid de-congestion of spots, blocked pores etc.

mildred1978

Another vote for Liz Earle.

Gillyx

Avene.

Without a doubt. I was recommended this by my dermatologist. He didn't sell me it either btw, so I believe he was impartial x

adelight

Keep it simple, don't irritate your skin with aggressive products and loads of chemicals.
Natural cream/bar cleanser (Burts Bees, Avene, african black soap, Liz Earle if you're that way inclined but imo overrated) with a sponge or facial brush (or clarisonic if you can afford it- tk maxx have decent knock offs), tea tree and chamomile floral water for toning and refreshing, jojoba oil with rosehip and essential oils for your skin issues for moisturising. If you don't use too much then oils won't leave you looking slick, a spritz of floral water helps lessen the oily look.
Sample sun screens and spf products to find one that agrees with you. Missha signature real complete has spf25 and no mineral oil, parabens etc - all the things that sensitive skin hates.

If you're having an oily day use power/talc-free blotting sheets. Break out? Tea tree oil. Dry skin? Add a little more rosehip or argan oil to your jojoba. Spritz with floral water if your skin feels hot, icky or just generally tired. I got a free bottle of Caudalie beauty elixir and loved the way it refreshed my face and set make up but at £10/30ml it's extortionate and I can make 1L of my own blend for £10!

cats2012

wow some really good thoughts here thanks guys!

i don't sunbathe or smoke at all, mainly because I'm very pale so would burn in an instant.

I really want to try some of these though you have some great advice !!

Keeping_Motivated

How long away is your wedding?

Jason Vale does a free download of a Skin Clear Juice Detox if that's something you fancy doing alongside working on the outside.