Hi ya,
I completely sympathize
, I have tried all sorts of things for my skin and here are some of my findings:
I would highly recommend a professional product by the name of Repechage. It contains no colours or perfumes as any product with perfume or colour added to it can cause irration and pore blockages, particularly any yellow products!
Repechage also contains seaweed which is very healing and hydrative for the skin. However it is expensive and only available through professionals. If not look for products that aren't perfumed or coloured, many have essential oils in them which can be very beneficial to the skin. Also products that are for combination skin help to balance the skin. Evening primrose can be good for balancing the hormones which can also help, vitamin E is another good idea as this will help keep the skin hydrated.
It is very important that you drink plenty of water around 6-8 glasses a day, this is one of the most important things you can do but drink it at room temperature as this helps to flush the waste toxins out of your system and keep you hydrated. If you drink very cold water your body will hold on to waste and fats to keep warm!
Try to eat a balanced diet, not to many sugary, fatty foods or too much alcohol! Red fruits are good as they contain a strong anitoxidant to help rid your body of 'free radicals', (these are what makes an apple go brown and are coming in through the holes in the ozone layer)
A regular facial could help around once a month apart from working on your skin it should also help you to relax. Rest and relaxation are also important as the skin repairs itself at night time. Be carefull in the sun try to use a moisturiser that has a S.P.F. in it.
Exfoliation is important as the surface skin cells are dead and they can make the skin appear very dull, if you slough these off with an exfoliation product the skin will appear fresher. Be very carefull you don't use a harsh product that contains ground kernnel nuts as these have been proven to tear the delicate skin tissue of the epidermis. Products containing bran or oatmeal can easily be found in the high street or you could make your own! Or products that have spherical nylon balls in them are good as they don't tear the skin. If you don't exfoliate you will just be moisturising dead skin cells.
'Boots' have brought out a 'Sanctuary' range that has one of the best exfoliating products I have ever used, it contains essential oils and you can try it without spending a fortune as they do a sachet that costs around £1.00.
I would recommended that you follow a good daily skin care routine such as:
*Cleanse and tone the skin morning and night.
*Moisturise every day
*Exfoilate and a mask around twice a week.
This is a basic routine you could also use specialised products such as eye serums or gels e.t.c.
Remember it's as quick to cleanse, tone and moisturise as it is to wash, rinse and dry!
Oh and if you have the time after all that, remember to have fun as laughing helps to exercise all those facial muscles and releases endorphins that make us feel good!
Good luck!
Hugs
Bev b
Wigan & Leigh College