Looking for a skincare brand to clear up spots?

tomhenryford · 15-12-2014 12:34pm #1

I'm looking for a good quality cleanser and moisturizer for oily skin that is prone to breakouts. I'm 25 and still getting breakouts even though I eat clean, drink a tonne of water, on the pill all that stuff and still don't have clear skin.

There are just so many brands out there, I have looked at Decleor, Dermalogica, Vichy, Clarins, Estee Lauder, Lancome but I have no idea where to start.

Anyone swear by any products or notice a significant difference in spots since they starting using any products in particular?

Thanks.

Stench Blossoms · 15-12-2014 1:37pm

I think it's gonna be a case of trial and error. What works for someone else might not work for you.

Vichy for example, didn't do anything to help my skin, Ren made me break out in spots, others did the same and then I finally settled on Lancome.

I initially wouldn't have thought Lancome would be better than the likes of Dermalogica or Vichy but it works wonders for me.

hfallada · 15-12-2014 1:45pm

I use this

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alpha-Hydrox-Lotion-177-ml/dp/B000052YM7/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1418647227&sr=8-2&keywords=aha+glycolic+acid

Most US dermatologist recommend glycolic acids. They are chemical exfoliants. Meaning they go deep into the skin and cause it speed up rejuvenation of new skin. If you use this, you will feel your skin getting smooth as the died skin falls off. This is an anti-aging cream that works.Skin is designed not to let anything enter it, but glycolic acids can get into the skin and improve it.

This cream has reduced my blackheads, I very very rarely get spots and my mild acne scars are gone. But you constantly have to wear sun cream as this cream will reduce the bodys natural UV resistance, as it reduces the skin thickness.

tomhenryford · 15-12-2014 4:02pm

Thanks guys. Glad to hear Lancome worked for you, what products specifically are you using. Someone said to be that the Primordiale moisturizer was excellent and then someone else said at 25 I didn't need to spend that much, that the Daywear creme from Estee Lauder would be more than sufficient.

jadie · 15-12-2014 11:50pm

tomhenryford wrote: »

Thanks guys. Glad to hear Lancome worked for you, what products specifically are you using. Someone said to be that the Primordiale moisturizer was excellent and then someone else said at 25 I didn't need to spend that much, that the Daywear creme from Estee Lauder would be more than sufficient.

Ziaja have a new range called manuka which might suit your skin type. They are really good value products too. You can buy online at original beauty

heldel00 · 15-12-2014 11:53pm

La Roche posay effaclar range is designed for people with oily skin.
(Trust me I have spent almost a thousand euro in the past two years with dermatologist and I suffer with oily skin too.)

Sheela · 16-12-2014 1:58am

hfallada wrote: »

I use this

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alpha-Hydrox-Lotion-177-ml/dp/B000052YM7/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1418647227&sr=8-2&keywords=aha+glycolic+acid

Hi Hfallada

There are a number of sellers on Amazon, is there one in particular you use?

Thanks

Dial Hard · 16-12-2014 5:14pm

Tbh, if you're doing all the "right" things and you're still getting spots then it's unlikely that your skincare is the problem. Have you spoken to your doctor about medical causes?

tomhenryford · 16-12-2014 10:21pm

heldel00 wrote: »

La Roche posay effaclar range is designed for people with oily skin.
(Trust me I have spent almost a thousand euro in the past two years with dermatologist and I suffer with oily skin too.)

I actually was looking at the La Roche range today, it seems to have some really good feedback on the boots.ie reviews online.

Has it been successful for you?

tomhenryford · 16-12-2014 10:24pm

Dial Hard wrote: »

Tbh, if you're doing all the "right" things and you're still getting spots then it's unlikely that your skincare is the problem. Have you spoken to your doctor about medical causes?

I did briefly before but she just said there was nothing much she could do apart from refer me to a dermatologist but the waiting lists are forever long. She suggesting changing me to another pill to 'see' if it would make a difference but I would prefer not to change, it suits me very well.

I asked her about steroid creams or something but she said it wasn't her area, that I would need a specialist if I wanted to look into creams etc. So I left it there.

heldel00 · 16-12-2014 11:11pm

I was on roaccutane before I got married and had a fabulous spot free year but it came back a few months ago. Not as bad as before though.
I just need another course of roacc and should do the job hopefully but in the meantime I find the la Roche posay working well. My dermatologist recommends it highly and it's not the dearest brand either.
Your own doc should be able to prescribe Zineryt (topical antibiotic that you rub on affected areas) or duac cream (it dries out the skin to help prevent too much oil production and ultimately spots). Maybe speak to them the next time you are in and see?

starlit · 16-12-2014 11:22pm

heldel00 wrote: »

La Roche posay effaclar range is designed for people with oily skin.
(Trust me I have spent almost a thousand euro in the past two years with dermatologist and I suffer with oily skin too.)

I use the La Roche Posay and find it very good for my skin and Vichy is too. I like that la roche posay is meant to be paraben free to some extent and that it has spf in the moisturisers as an option. Very important in summer and still needed all year round to protect your skin if fair, sensitive and oily.

I found the lancome toiletries even for oil-combination skin dried out my skin too much. Simple isn't too bad but think buying good quality toiletries that last a while is good. No7 is meant to be hypoallergenic but depends on the products you use that suit your skin. The exfoliator is a bit harsh on my skin but the foam cleanser isn't too bad when I use it now and again. If you use cleansing wipes, Tesco or boots own brand is grand. Some wipes just dry out my skin and cause flaky skin and scally patches more noticeable in the winter. The new 'Simple' design wipes and the nivea and Johnson and Johnson wipes dry out my skin and make my skin more sensitive.
You might need to try a few brands to see what works its no different to see what tablets suit to keep skin clear. Are you drinking enough water? not touching your skin too much? changing the pillows often and washing the hair often? Depending how severe your skin a dermatologist might be an option in the future to keep in mind.

Bored_lad · 16-12-2014 11:28pm

Op can you post up your current routine fully and it will make it easier to recommended products and maybe tell you if there is somewhere you're going wrong.

tomhenryford · 17-12-2014 11:25am

Bored_lad wrote: »

Op can you post up your current routine fully and it will make it easier to recommended products and maybe tell you if there is somewhere you're going wrong.

My current routine is very basic. In the morning I use the Clean & Clear exfoliating scrub (little blue beads in a creamy based lotion). Then I apply my make-up (I've been around on a lot of foundations and MAC suits me the best). I apply it using the triangle shape make-up sponges but I use a new one each week. (They come in a 4 pack).

At night time, I take the make-up off with the Tesco remover sensitive wipes and then I follow with the same scrub as above again in the shower. I then use the Olay Total Effects Night cream. I tend to always apply sudocrem going to bed, it's just a habit, it never seems to do any good. I tend not to touch my face too much (I always have clean hands if I do) but most of the time the spots are just hard and sore and red, never in any condition to be squeezing them or anything. I do just have to wait for them to go back down again.

Even though my skin is quite oily, I do have a large dry patch on my forehead as the poster mentioned above. It's all scaly but there are loads of mini red oily bumps in the middle of it.

My nose does generally be fine, my forehead is my major problem area. I get them around my mouth, top lip and on my chin as well. My skin can be 95% clear some of the time but never for long (maybe a week tops) and then something else pops up. It's clear, then not, then clear, then not for at least the last two years.

Lunaarli · 17-12-2014 11:38am

tomhenryford wrote: »

My current routine is very basic. In the morning I use the Clean & Clear exfoliating scrub (little blue beads in a creamy based lotion). Then I apply my make-up (I've been around on a lot of foundations and MAC suits me the best). I apply it using the triangle shape make-up sponges but I use a new one each week. (They come in a 4 pack).

At night time, I take the make-up off with the Tesco remover sensitive wipes and then I follow with the same scrub as above again in the shower. I then use the Olay Total Effects Night cream. I tend to always apply sudocrem going to bed, it's just a habit, it never seems to do any good. I tend not to touch my face too much (I always have clean hands if I do) but most of the time the spots are just hard and sore and red, never in any condition to be squeezing them or anything. I do just have to wait for them to go back down again.

Even though my skin is quite oily, I do have a large dry patch on my forehead as the poster mentioned above. It's all scaly but there are loads of mini red oily bumps in the middle of it.

My nose does generally be fine, my forehead is my major problem area. I get them around my mouth, top lip and on my chin as well. My skin can be 95% clear some of the time but never for long (maybe a week tops) and then something else pops up. It's clear, then not, then clear, then not for at least the last two years.

I was using the Clean&Clear wash up until last week when I went for a facial and the woman begged me to stop!
She said that it was likely that it was stripping my skin and parts o f my face were producing more oil to combat it. Also full of nasty chemicals and what not.
She has me oil cleansing since then and I can see a difference already.
I used to have constant spots on my forehead like you and either side of my nose and chin and I hated the look of make up on them 'cause it would look lumpy but dry.
Also, sugar and dairy can be a killer for some people with spots.
Maybe go to a decent nutritionist or naturopath.

tomhenryford · 17-12-2014 12:06pm

Lunaarli wrote: »

I was using the Clean&Clear wash up until last week when I went for a facial and the woman begged me to stop!
She said that it was likely that it was stripping my skin and parts o f my face were producing more oil to combat it. Also full of nasty chemicals and what not.
She has me oil cleansing since then and I can see a difference already.
I used to have constant spots on my forehead like you and either side of my nose and chin and I hated the look of make up on them 'cause it would look lumpy but dry.
Also, sugar and dairy can be a killer for some people with spots.
Maybe go to a decent nutritionist or naturopath.

Thanks for the reply. I'm at the end of my current tube of the scrub and I don't intend buying another, deep down I know it's not good. I suppose I think by using it that I'm getting my face really clean but because it's stripping it altogether it's having an adverse effect. I just tend to keep buying the same products all the time because it's such a huge market and I never have any idea where to start.

I'm vegetarian but I also eat very, very little dairy, no eggs, no milk, no cheese, no yogurt. I cut out sugar before and it made no difference apart from leaving me extremely lethargic. I'm booked in for a deep cleansing facial Saturday week so I'll see what's said then and I think I'm definitely going to give the La Roche range a try.

Dial Hard · 17-12-2014 1:35pm

tomhenryford wrote: »

Thanks for the reply. I'm at the end of my current tube of the scrub and I don't intend buying another, deep down I know it's not good. I suppose I think by using it that I'm getting my face really clean but because it's stripping it altogether it's having an adverse effect. I just tend to keep buying the same products all the time because it's such a huge market and I never have any idea where to start.

The wipes aren't doing your skin any favours either, so get rid of those too.

I know you've had loads of recommendations already but another great range for oily skin (mine could put OPEC out of business) is Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel. I use their foaming facial wash every day and love it.

starlit · 17-12-2014 2:10pm

Lunaarli wrote: »

I was using the Clean&Clear wash up until last week when I went for a facial and the woman begged me to stop!
She said that it was likely that it was stripping my skin and parts o f my face were producing more oil to combat it. Also full of nasty chemicals and what not.

Ya I agree with that about the Clean & Clear and I would say that about the neutrogena. They were too harsh for my skin I use to go all red from those products so stopped using them. I guess they were stripping the oil off my skin. I think for facial scrubs its recommended to use just once a week? A foam one suit better every other day.

The winter time I find is the worst time for my skin, it dries it out in patches, more scally and flaky. Too much dry or dead heat from air conditioning or from radiators as well as having too much steam near the face can cause havoc with the skin. Hot showers are ok but not great for the skin, lukewarm water to keep your skin in good condition is what is recommended.

I'm a partial vegetarian so include a certain amount of dairy and mince meat in my diet. Your diet seems grand. Green leafy veg be very important for a vegetarian.

It be lovely for you to go for a facial OP, it really helps with the skin. I found the last time I went for a facial I didn't need to wear make-up for a few days it was glowing and so clear! You'll enjoy the facial, its a lovely treat!

Lia_lia · 17-12-2014 3:45pm

Hey op I would recommend to stop using scrubs and wipes of all brands for a bit and see how you get on. Anytime I use a scrub or wipe of any kind I get spots, and my skin is quite clear otherwise. I just use a cleaning milk to remove makeup.

retro:electro · 17-12-2014 4:44pm

The thing that jumped out most from your routine was the wipes! Bin them bin them bin them! They do your skin absolutely no favours!

mazdaminx · 17-12-2014 4:56pm

Liz earle products are brilliant my skin has never been so good. They are designed for problem skin. I use liz earle only. I've tried and tested so many others.

Lunaarli · 17-12-2014 5:02pm

doovdela wrote: »

Ya I agree with that about the Clean & Clear and I would say that about the neutrogena. They were too harsh for my skin I use to go all red from those products so stopped using them. I guess they were stripping the oil off my skin. I think for facial scrubs its recommended to use just once a week? A foam one suit better every other day.

The winter time I find is the worst time for my skin, it dries it out in patches, more scally and flaky. Too much dry or dead heat from air conditioning or from radiators as well as having too much steam near the face can cause havoc with the skin. Hot showers are ok but not great for the skin, lukewarm water to keep your skin in good condition is what is recommended.

I'm a partial vegetarian so include a certain amount of dairy and mince meat in my diet. Your diet seems grand. Green leafy veg be very important for a vegetarian.

It be lovely for you to go for a facial OP, it really helps with the skin. I found the last time I went for a facial I didn't need to wear make-up for a few days it was glowing and so clear! You'll enjoy the facial, its a lovely treat!

Yay to facials!
It was actually another boards peep that recommended the lady I went to last week. She makes all the stuff she uses which is really cool I think, all natural.
There is nothing like a really relaxing facial..
Ahhhhh.. stress of work today, would love one right now.. and a shoulder massage...

Oh to be a real lady of leisure

tomhenryford · 17-12-2014 5:14pm

mazdaminx wrote: »

Liz earle products are brilliant my skin has never been so good. They are designed for problem skin. I use liz earle only. I've tried and tested so many others.

Haven't heard of this, just looked it briefly on boots.ie, they don't stock it online but they gave it a very good write up. Who stocks it online?

retro:electro · 17-12-2014 6:11pm

tomhenryford wrote: »

Haven't heard of this, just looked it briefly on boots.ie, they don't stock it online but they gave it a very good write up. Who stocks it online?

Word of warning, Liz Earle can be very hit and miss. For some it's the holy grail but for me personally it ruined my skin. I'm only now getting over the mess it made it of it a few months ago.

Lunaarli · 17-12-2014 7:03pm

anna080 wrote: »

Word of warning, Liz Earle can be very hit and miss. For some it's the holy grail but for me personally it ruined my skin. I'm only now getting over the mess it made it of it a few months ago.

Apparently a lot of the named ingredients in her products are in small doses and there's a lot of fillers..
I got a freebie moisturiser in a magazine last year and it was nice though.

Bored_lad · 17-12-2014 7:39pm

tomhenryford wrote: »

My current routine is very basic. In the morning I use the Clean & Clear exfoliating scrub (little blue beads in a creamy based lotion). Then I apply my make-up (I've been around on a lot of foundations and MAC suits me the best). I apply it using the triangle shape make-up sponges but I use a new one each week. (They come in a 4 pack).

At night time, I take the make-up off with the Tesco remover sensitive wipes and then I follow with the same scrub as above again in the shower. I then use the Olay Total Effects Night cream. I tend to always apply sudocrem going to bed, it's just a habit, it never seems to do any good. I tend not to touch my face too much (I always have clean hands if I do) but most of the time the spots are just hard and sore and red, never in any condition to be squeezing them or anything. I do just have to wait for them to go back down again.

Even though my skin is quite oily, I do have a large dry patch on my forehead as the poster mentioned above. It's all scaly but there are loads of mini red oily bumps in the middle of it.

My nose does generally be fine, my forehead is my major problem area. I get them around my mouth, top lip and on my chin as well. My skin can be 95% clear some of the time but never for long (maybe a week tops) and then something else pops up. It's clear, then not, then clear, then not for at least the last two years.

The first problem is that scrub firstly its most likely way too harsh to be actually used on skin and it also sounds like it contains microbeads which are extremely harmful to the environment.
So I'd start by getting a cleansing balm like Clinques take the day off to use at night time. Make sure your double cleanings this means you use it once to remove make up and then again to wash your face. Ditch the wipes as well there not doing you any favours.

Secondly your not moisturising enough. This is causing your skin to produce more oil to compensate. I'd recommend you start moisturising twice a day dermalogica make some great ones I find.

I'd also recommended you start chemical exfoliating you should start using a salicylic acid product at night a few times a week and then increase the amount of days your using once your skin is able for it. Paulas Choice make some great ones. I'd also recommended you try clay masks the Aztec Indian Clay mask or what ever its called is great. Use it once a week to start off then you can start using it more.

You also need to start using suncream you mightn't think you need it but you do in the winter you'll be fine with a suncream+moisturiser combination once its at least SPF 15 and you apply the 1/2 a teaspoon a day.

If your seeing your doctor soon you should ask for a benzol peroxide prescription to be used only as a spot cream as I think this is the only prescription you'll need. If your not seeing your doctor soon or can't afford to you can order some online from Amazon but it is illegal and all that stuff.

If you have any questions or need any product recommendations or even just want to know it what order or how to use the products just ask we're all here to help.

Lia_lia · 17-12-2014 8:54pm

^great advice!

heldel00 · 17-12-2014 9:31pm

Lunaarli wrote: »

Yay to facials!
It was actually another boards peep that recommended the lady I went to last week. She makes all the stuff she uses which is really cool I think, all natural.
There is nothing like a really relaxing facial..
Ahhhhh.. stress of work today, would love one right now.. and a shoulder massage...

Oh to be a real lady of leisure

Don't shoot the messenger here but when I was with my dermatologist before I got married I asked her what should I be doing to have my skin looking it's best on the big day. when I mentioned facials she said "by all means go ahead as they are so relaxing but from a dermatology point they are of absolutely no benefit"!! I was very surprised too.
She advised microdermabrasion with a reputable beautician but poo-poohed facials!

phoebo · 17-12-2014 10:35pm

I would really recommend that you search for r/skincareaddiction on reddit, their advice cleared up my skin and can really help if like me you don't know much about skincare

How Strange · 17-12-2014 11:23pm

I used to use liz Earle cleanse and polish and never realised that it was causing huge breakouts on my chin. I stopped using it and used oil, balms and cleansing milks and my skin has thanked me. Some of the LE products are great but I'd be wary to recommend C&P now. Similarly with la Roche Posay Effeclar products. I found them way too harsh for anything more than topical use.

Bored_lad · 17-12-2014 11:24pm

As said above facials are fairly useless and don't really do much form a skin care perspective as far as I know. However acid peels do help and it might be beneficial if you got one done after a month or two on a new routine.

I also for got to say above make sure you introduce all the products carefully and patch test them I'd start with the cleanser, moisturiser and then the chemical exfoliant.

Lastly as above defo go over to reddit and look at r/skincareaddition I'm extremely active over there as well however a lot of the product recommendations are american and not available here but if you some just ask on here as I said above.

Talula_d · 18-12-2014 12:09am

I work with a range called Phyts, I also have used it for the last 6 months and I find it super! It's a French organic range and if you google Phyts you will see where you can buy the products! I think avoca may sell them too! But it's a very affordable range with a cleanser being a max of €24 and they are 200ml! You should always double cleanse, use a toner to remove any cleanser remaining, exfoliate once a week preferably with a non beaded one( hard to come by Phyts have a fab one for €28 that is used on dry skin!) a deep cleansing mask you can use once a week or every two weeks, witch hazel is super antibacterial and healing as is tea tree, anything with camphor is balancing on the skin too, a moisturiser with a light oil is far better for your skin than one without oil, as the skin tries to replace oil on the surface that it needs and therefore you create excess oil.. A light oil will allow any residue to push through the skins surface eventually smoothing the skin. Be careful with spfs as they can contain a lot of ingredients that will clog the skin.. Where possible use an spf seperate to your moisturiser.
I hope this helps, I know I work with the above brand but there are other ranges you can choose from just be weary of ingredients! Also they do samples in Phyts salons so ask for some! I can tell you the names of what I'd recommend if you want!
Best of luck with your skin.

Cocolola · 18-12-2014 12:18am

I also recommend ditching the scrub and wipes OP, they are definitely not helping. I've been through all the bad skin crap for years myself so I've tried a lot of stuff. I used to use Cleanse & Polish for a long while but it did nothing for me. Also used to try and scrub the face off myself with harsh beady exfoliators, not realising I was making things much worse.

Bored_lad's post is very good, and I can vouch for the Clinique Take The Day Off cleansing balm, it's a fantastic product, lasts forever and I don't think I'll ever use another cleanser again. Use it with a face cloth, muslin can be a bit too exfoliating. I use Clarins Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner as my chemical exfoliation and it's another great product. I also use a La Roche Posay sunscreen SPF 50 nearly every day, the tinted fluid one. My moisturiser is just a basic cheap one from Oilatum but it does the job and doesn't irritate my skin and a couple of nights a week I use Clarins Blue Orchid face oil which is divine!

Basically the best advice I can give you is to go on to Caroline Hiron's website and follow her advice. Here's a link to her Acne Cheat Sheet which is a good starting point. She pretty much saved my skin .

tomhenryford · 18-12-2014 8:57am

Bored_lad wrote: »

The first problem is that scrub firstly its most likely way too harsh to be actually used on skin and it also sounds like it contains microbeads which are extremely harmful to the environment.
So I'd start by getting a cleansing balm like Clinques take the day off to use at night time. Make sure your double cleanings this means you use it once to remove make up and then again to wash your face. Ditch the wipes as well there not doing you any favours.

Secondly your not moisturising enough. This is causing your skin to produce more oil to compensate. I'd recommend you start moisturising twice a day dermalogica make some great ones I find.

I'd also recommended you start chemical exfoliating you should start using a salicylic acid product at night a few times a week and then increase the amount of days your using once your skin is able for it. Paulas Choice make some great ones. I'd also recommended you try clay masks the Aztec Indian Clay mask or what ever its called is great. Use it once a week to start off then you can start using it more.

You also need to start using suncream you mightn't think you need it but you do in the winter you'll be fine with a suncream+moisturiser combination once its at least SPF 15 and you apply the 1/2 a teaspoon a day.

If your seeing your doctor soon you should ask for a benzol peroxide prescription to be used only as a spot cream as I think this is the only prescription you'll need. If your not seeing your doctor soon or can't afford to you can order some online from Amazon but it is illegal and all that stuff.

If you have any questions or need any product recommendations or even just want to know it what order or how to use the products just ask we're all here to help.

Thank you for taking the time to write such a lengthy and informative answer. Will definitely look into all of that.

shalalala · 18-12-2014 9:27am

Hi OP, when I was 25 I started breaking out randomly, I didn't have money to burn and I started using the simple spotless skin range. They stock them in the bigger boots and some penneys. The cleaners are great, the moisturisers are none greasy and well worth trying before you head down the route of one of the more expensive ranges

tomhenryford · 18-12-2014 4:37pm

The acne cheat sheet was fantastic, so much information. The point where it says not to avoid oil based products just because you have oily skin was excellent. I always avoided oil based products like the plague for that reason. That has really been an eye opener for me.

I have never heard of a chemical exfoliant before, is there any in particular I should try?

Cocolola · 18-12-2014 5:01pm

I was the exact same as you, always kept away from any kind of oils but it makes sense now that I've read about it all!

I was really slow to jump on the chemical exfoliant bandwagon, firstly because I found the whole area really confusing, it sounds a bit scary and a lot of the products that I saw recommended were usually quite hard to get in Ireland or too expensive for me (or both usually!) but I heard about that Clarins one then and decided to give it a go to start off with as it doesn't have too strong a concentration of AHA. I got it on Escentual.com as it was on offer at the time but you can usually pick it up in Boots, BT or Debenhams.

There's a few stronger ones then like P50, Liquid Gold and some others but my budget won't stretch to those just yet

Tiddlypeeps · 18-12-2014 5:22pm

hfallada wrote: »

I use this

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alpha-Hydrox-Lotion-177-ml/dp/B000052YM7/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1418647227&sr=8-2&keywords=aha+glycolic+acid

Most US dermatologist recommend glycolic acids. They are chemical exfoliants. Meaning they go deep into the skin and cause it speed up rejuvenation of new skin. If you use this, you will feel your skin getting smooth as the died skin falls off. This is an anti-aging cream that works.Skin is designed not to let anything enter it, but glycolic acids can get into the skin and improve it.

This cream has reduced my blackheads, I very very rarely get spots and my mild acne scars are gone. But you constantly have to wear sun cream as this cream will reduce the bodys natural UV resistance, as it reduces the skin thickness.

Glycolic acid isn't recommend for people prone to break outs as it can be quite harsh and can make things worse.

Salicylic acid is the safer choice when it comes to chemical exfoliation if you have acne or suffer from break outs.

If your skin can handle it tho glycolic acid is more effective.

How Strange wrote: »

I used to use liz Earle cleanse and polish and never realised that it was causing huge breakouts on my chin. I stopped using it and used oil, balms and cleansing milks and my skin has thanked me. Some of the LE products are great but I'd be wary to recommend C&P now. Similarly with la Roche Posay Effeclar products. I found them way too harsh for anything more than topical use.

I had the exact oppose with Liz Earle's cleanse and polish. I was constantly getting break outs on my chin and when I switched to the Liz Earle cleanser it cleared up and hasn't come back since. It does seem to be very hit and miss on different people.

Bored_lad · 18-12-2014 6:17pm

Personally I don't see what all the fuss with Caroline Hirons is and I hate when I see her website mentioned and when people say she's some sort of queen of skincare. Considering a lot of what she says is actually myths.

Take that cheat sheet for example. Firstly she says that you should avoid mineral oil and what's her reason natural oils are better and that's it nothing to back it up. Considering that mineral oil is a lot of peoples holy grail oil and isn't worse than any other oil I can't see why you shouldn't use it. Secondly she recommends not using foaming cleansers as they are the wrong pH this is also wrong and the majority of foaming cleansers from reputable brands are pH balanced to you skin and are great. Lastly she starts recommending cutting out foods all over the shop firstly there has been no conclusive link with diet and acne. Secondly even just read what she says cutting out all white food really?? chicken is white yet its perfectly natural and good for you and not as she says "bastardized buy the food industry" the poor woman can't even spell by properly but yet she's promoting all of this bs with little to no scientific evidence.

Also op you were wondering what acid to start with I'd recommend you start with salicylic acid as it will be easiest on your skin and is also best for oily acne prone skin I find. Paula's Choice do great chemical exfoliants and there great value for what you get. The only thing is not a lot of people know about them and you have to order them online.

Cocolola · 18-12-2014 7:11pm

I'm sorry Bored_lad, I don't have the time to reply to this properly at the moment but just real quick;

No worries about not liking Caroline Hirons, I'm sure I don't agree/understand/follow everything she says myself but I have picked up some great advice from her blogs that have made a real difference to my skin so I'm happy to recommend her. People can decide to take or leave what they find there.

And I only have anecdotal experience myself but personally I found diet also has an effect on my skin, in particular bread, dairy and sugar. I've managed to nearly completely get rid of sugar but the bread and dairy are too delicious so I make do with just cutting down a bit

In fairness though that particular cheat sheet you refer to says this about white food:

...Bread, pasta, cereals, sugar and cakes - if they are white - they are not real food.

She obviously doesn't mean chicken. Further down:

Eat white meat or fish - especially oily fish like salmon

So you were't exactly representing her fairly. I think most of what she advocates is the kind of advice you'd find over in the Nutrition and Diet forum at any rate. BTW I don't follow her diet advice at all, that kind of healthy eating is far too restrictive for me and I do love red meat so that's never gonna happen!

Bored_lad · 18-12-2014 10:56pm

Cocolola wrote: »

I'm sorry Bored_lad, I don't have the time to reply to this properly at the moment but just real quick;

No worries about not liking Caroline Hirons, I'm sure I don't agree/understand/follow everything she says myself but I have picked up some great advice from her blogs that have made a real difference to my skin so I'm happy to recommend her. People can decide to take or leave what they find there.

And I only have anecdotal experience myself but personally I found diet also has an effect on my skin, in particular bread, dairy and sugar. I've managed to nearly completely get rid of sugar but the bread and dairy are too delicious so I make do with just cutting down a bit In fairness though that particular cheat sheet you refer to says this about white food:

She obviously doesn't mean chicken. Further down:

So you were't exactly representing her fairly. I think most of what she advocates is the kind of advice you'd find over in the Nutrition and Diet forum at any rate. BTW I don't follow her diet advice at all, that kind of healthy eating is far too restrictive for me and I do love red meat so that's never gonna happen!

I think that she's done some great things in helping oil cleansing and chemical exfoliants becoming more main stream. My problem is a lot of her advice has no scientific evidence to back it up because there is no connection between diet and acne that has been concussively proven by a scientific study and when there is I will start reccomending people cut foods out of their diets but she's just reccomending cutting foods out here there and every where really now I didn't read it fully but that's what it looked like.

We should probably leave this topic anyway as I don't want to drag the thread off topic any further.

lubie76 · 19-12-2014 8:39pm

I am using the Dr Murad acne range with cleanser containing 1.0% sallylic acid and the exfoliating toner acid, followed by his oil free moisturiser and my acne is totally under control. I started with the trial pack which lasts 8 weeks and it was so effective I now also use his clay mask and spot cream- it's brillaint stuff.

They do the trial pack on lookfantastic or hqhair so you can try without spending a fortune. I also use liquid gold glycolic acid toner twice a week and oil cleansing method for a weekly deep cleanse. Skin is so much better for my wedding next week which was I started it in the first place. Oh have also done 2 salon obagi chemical peels and they are the bomb for a glow but do expect a little peeling after.

Omega 3 supplements are also great for any dry patches including if you suffer from dry skin on feet.

Looking for a skincare brand to clear up spots?

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