Totally confused about skincare

*SuzySue*

I've never had brilliant skin. I'm in my late 30s and have never really had a skincare routine. I've tried most skincare ranges, including high end Eve Lom etc. I seem to have unusual skin. During my 20s my skin reacted to pretty much any moisturiser etc. my skin seems to over-absorb stuff, if that makes sense to anyone. I cant use any sort of bitty face scrubs as the bits get stuck in my skin. Once into my 30s I needed to moisturise after washing my face, but moisturising more than once a day brought me out in huge spots. My face only really "glows" for a few days after a facial.

2 weeks ago I explained all of this to the consultant at the Philosophy counter. She showed me a face wash, a daily exfoliator (no bits), a weekly exfoliator and a moisturiser on my hand. I bought the products as they seemed to make my hand skin look better. I've been using them for 2 weeks and my skin is terrible. Big spots on my forehead, jaw, between my eyebrows, neck and throat. What am I doing wrong? Should I keep using it? Am I moisturising (once a day) too much or too little? Is it all the exfoliating? Should I try a different range? I look terrible at the moment. I don't have much by way of wrinkles but the blotchy spots are doing my head in!

Help me someone, please!!!

annie_d

My daughters skin only cleared when she started on a low dose oestrogen contraceptive pill. Extreme but it worked within 4 weeks. x

*SuzySue*

annie_d wrote: »

My daughters skin only cleared when she started on a low dose oestrogen contraceptive pill. Extreme but it worked within 4 weeks. x

I can't take any oestrogen based medication.

geri1965_2

Have you tried aqueous cream (for washing, not moisturising). You may not need an additional moisturiser after using it.

hieveryone

It could be that your skin is 'purging' and it will get worse before it gets better. Or, it could be that you are sensitive to one or more of the ingredients in the products.

What brands have been used on you when you have had facials?

What is the general condition of your skin generally, is it oily, dry or combination?

Did you buy the Hope in a Jar moisturiser? I find that very greasy and heavy on my skin, which isn't surprising as it contains a high percentage of glycerin. Glycerin literally sits on top of the skin and blocks pores.

Do you have any underlying health issues?

*SuzySue*

hieveryone wrote: »

It could be that your skin is 'purging' and it will get worse before it gets better. Or, it could be that you are sensitive to one or more of the ingredients in the products.

What brands have been used on you when you have had facials?

What is the general condition of your skin generally, is it oily, dry or combination?

Did you buy the Hope in a Jar moisturiser? I find that very greasy and heavy on my skin, which isn't surprising as it contains a high percentage of glycerin. Glycerin literally sits on top of the skin and blocks pores.

Do you have any underlying health issues?

I've had elemis and clarins facials (and bought the products afterwards). I've had one glycolic peel and one session of microdermabrasion. Think I preferred the glycolic.

I bought the Miracle Worker moisturiser which is pretty light and more of a gel consistency. I couldn't bear the smell or consistency of the Hope in a Jar stuff.

Healthwise I have early stage NAFLD and moderate to high stress levels. I don't take any medications but am drinking more water and trying to eat better than I have been.

hieveryone

If I were you I'd try to back to basics as much as possible. There are lots of websites and blog posts dedicated to the Oil Cleansing Method which might be a consideration for you.

Drinking more water is definitely a step in the right direction and will help cleanse your system and impurities from your skin.

Does your health condition cause any hormonal imbalance that would affect your skin? What about the skin on your body - is that sensitive too? Might be worth a chat with your doctor?

*SuzySue*

hieveryone wrote: »

If I were you I'd try to back to basics as much as possible. There are lots of websites and blog posts dedicated to the Oil Cleansing Method which might be a consideration for you.

Drinking more water is definitely a step in the right direction and will help cleanse your system and impurities from your skin.

Does your health condition cause any hormonal imbalance that would affect your skin? What about the skin on your body - is that sensitive too? Might be worth a chat with your doctor?

Have never needed to moisturise my body. It isn't dry or oily or sensitive.

Tried OCM a couple of years back. Didn't really help.

*SuzySue*

geri1965 wrote: »

Have you tried aqueous cream (for washing, not moisturising). You may not need an additional moisturiser after using it.

I think I have some of that somewhere. Should I stop the Philosophy stuff and try that instead? It should I be carrying on with the skincare and using the aqueous cream as well?

maddiemay

I am sorry that I cannot really offer you any help, except to say if you wash your hair in the shower, be very careful not to get any shampoo or conditioner on your face, I break out in eczema type sores on my face if this happens, also I cover my face with a towel when using hairspray and try not to use spray can products in any form as the propellant used in the cans causes me to break out. Wash/cleanse your face after showering not before. Always rinse very well.

One lady on the no more toiletries forum had lots of problems and went back to washing her face with Pears soap and found her skin improved a lot, but I cannot remember her moisturising regime.

I really hope that you find some answers soon, it is difficult to know where to go as all the sales consultants are there to sell their own products and the level of training varies vastly anyway:(

My only other suggestion is to only change one product at a time and leave it a couple of weeks before introducing a new one, this way you may be able to tell what helps and what aggravates.

hobbitfancier

geri1965 wrote: »

Have you tried aqueous cream (for washing, not moisturising). You may not need an additional moisturiser after using it.

I have sensitive skin and use this, I don't have amazing skin, but it doesn't seem to irritate it, its cheap and I haven't had any massive breakouts since using it.