Skin is getting me down now, can you help?

[baby11]

Hi everyone

I am hoping you can help or point me in the right direction as I am unable to go to a salon due to funds.

I am 27 and having problems with my skin. I have had problems since I can remember and being 27 I think enough is enough now.

I have greasy/combination skin. My main problem that I can’t seem to keep under control is spots on my cheeks, forehead and chin. I also have blackheads on my chin and nose with open pores, split capillaries around my nose and some on my cheeks.

My facial routine at the moment is: AM
Cleansing with SBC Cleansing Gel or Australian Body Care Skin Wash with my fingers. (I dont use this all the time as it makes my skin very dry).
Tone
Apply small amount of Retinol Anti Wrinkle Facial Serum
Apply Avon Clinical Eye Lift around my eyes.
Apply small amount of Decleor Aromessence Neroil Oil
Apply moisturiser, this can change to either essential oils that I have made up in a fragrance free moisturiser (Jumiper and Palmarosa). Or something by Clarins or Algologie for my skin type.

PM:
Cleanse with SBC Cleaning Gel or ABC Skin Wash with my fingers and again with a facial brush.
Tone
Apply small amount of Paula’s Choice 2% Beta Hydroxy Acid Gel (I use this every other day as it makes my skin dry if I use all the time).
Apply Avon Clinical Eye Lift
Apply small amount of Retinol Anti Wrinkle Facial Serum
Apply small amount of Decleor Aromessence Iris Oil
Apply night time moisturiser or essential oils again as above.


Once a week I apply a facial mask.

I like the skincare routine I have at the moment and I like layering my skincare with serums oils etc as I believe you get the most out of them this way but I want clear skin. Am I going the right way? Not giving it long enough to see benefits? Keep going with it longer and see how I go?

Thank you

 

[Lynne Baker]

Sorry to hear this. Difficult to diagnose without seeing the skin.
I suspect the retinol serum's a bit harsh.
I think you should go see a professional facialist and have your skin properly assessed. Yes, it will cost you some money but you're spending a lot on all that product!
You need to treat oily/combi skin gently or you will produce even more sebum.
If you really are strapped come and see me and I'll do a facial for free.

 

[baby11]

Thank you but I am in Sheffield and unable to get to you.
I will leave the retinol serum for a bit and see if it makes any difference but to be honest my skin hasn't got worse from using it, my skin has stayed the same.

 

[tigi]

what a kind offer lynne.

xx

 

[Zo Zo]

Being a recovering acne sufferer myself, you have my sympathy. And the only thing that works for me now is expensive skincare. So, my advice you, bearing in mind your budget, is to take yourself along to your gp and get a prescription. Skin drugs can be a little slow acting but follow the instructions and stick with it (for at least 3 months, even if there appears to be no improvement at first.) While you are on medication, keep your routine with products as simple as possible. Maybe just a soap free wash and a non greasy moisturiser. Or maybe even something like a Jane Iredale mitt that you can use without any product at all.

 

[baby11]

Thank you for your advice, what skincare do you use now that works for you?

 

[Zo Zo]

Nothing has ever cleared up my spots and made my skin glow like P8N8.

P8N8 - Anti-ageing Oxygen Skincare

 

[Lynne Baker]

I don't use or stock P8N8 but lordy have I heard some good things about it!

 

[baby11]

wow they are expensive! Get what you pay for hey?

 

[Lynne Baker]

Hell yeah. You buy cheap you buy twice. Professional products will last much longer and will actually do what they say.

 

[baby11]

Absoutley agree with you, I believe I am using good products. Also last a long time and in my budget

 

[kylieb]

I have suffered from acne too. So also can feel for you with what you are going through.
A lot of salons that use Dermalogica will offer a free face mapping service. They will assess your skin and advise you of the right products to use. Professional products can be seen as 'expensive' but infact when you weigh them up they are not actually. Professional products will not only give you results but will last you longer as you only need a small amount. The other option is to go to your G.P. He may be able to give you something such as Dianette or something else along them lines. He could possibly refer you to a dermatologist. It can take a while to find what works for you. I hope you get it sorted soon xxx

 

[baby11]

Thank you for all your advice guys. I think I will stick to what I am doing at the moment a while longer and see if it improves. Then a beauty therapist is needed.

Thanks again

 

[daisyl]

you are putting way too many products on your skin. Less is more. The best advice would be to go to your GP or specialist skin clinic who will get you on prescription topicals. You do not need to spend a fortune on expensive skin care - you just need the correct formula - and in this instance that would be prescription. There are no instants with skin care. Prescriptive retinols are great and often the first line of tx for your type of skin - although they do not suit everyone, and because of this often people recommend staying off them, but you have to use them appropriately and for the correct length of time, along with combination txs. Avoid plant based products, which may only serve to exacerbate your condition.

 

[tigi]

I used to have acne and was perscribed roaccutane (when it first came out). it was my saving grace. I was then advised to only ever use roc. (by my dermatologist dr beer). i am 40 now and no wrinkles .

my skin looks pretty darn good actually. I was still suffering right until my early 30s. i was then diagnosed with pcos and once that was under control(through diet) my skin really turned a corner.

i really hope you get your sorted out. its awful suffering with bad skin.

tigi

 

[rouge]

Get yourself one of these books The Skin Type Solution: Dr.Leslie Baumann's Guide to the 16 Skin Types: Amazon.co.uk: Leslie Baumann: Books
It will help you to work out exactly what skin type you are, I found it really helpful.
Also, try and find a facial wash that doesn't contain sodium laureth sulphate or sodium lauryl sulphate - both these ingredients are harsh detergents and will dehydrate your skin, which will make the oiliness worse.

 

[sukic]

A lot of good advice from all you geeks. Can I just ask do you drink water? I find if I'm drinking lots of water my skin becomes so clear and bright, I do struggle with it though, so I drink water when I can. :green:

 

[baby11]

Yes I drink a lot of water but it doesn't seem to make a difference