(Part 2) Top products from r/SkincareAddictionUK

There's been a post recently on one of the skin care subs about someone meeting a scientist who worked on the Nip/fab glycolic acid products who said it was formulated to be too weak to do any damage in case of lawsuits, so maybe give up with that brand. Look into other brands tho- Amazon is actually really great for having a whole bunch of skincare stuff in one place with budget friendly and cheaper yet multibuy options. I'm linking mainly to Amazon in this post too, so just a heads up.

I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that your skin is dehydrated and sensitive from all the harsh products you've tried, so let's try something different. Your acne may well be hormonal though, you should talk to your GP about getting your levels checked.

Face wash wise, I'd recommend you start with either Cetaphil gentle cleanser, or Eucerin Sensitive Skin Gentle Hydrating Cleanser. Both of these are super gentle and won't strip your skin or make your face feel tight after washing.

Use a microfibre or muslin cloth to cleanse with, they're cheap and great gentle physical exfoliators. Be gentle, you really don't need to scrub hard, just gentle circles.

For a budget friendly and honestly fantastic face mask that's known for clearing skin and giving glowy complexions, ignore the overpriced hype of Aztec Healing Clay and buy a bag of calcium bentonite clay (which is all that is in Aztec healing clay btw) and a bottle of apple cider vinegar - mix about a tbsp of the clay with enough vinegar to make it foamy and use it twice a week. You can use this on body acne too- I use it on my back and bum about once a month.

You're going to want an AHA/BHA you can use Niacinamide daily and or The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution 30ml, 10-Minute Exfoliating Facial twice a week. Leave a few days between using this and the calcium bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar mask tho. There are loads of AHA BHA products on the market but The Ordinary has fantastic reviews and is what is says on the label- percentages and everything, which to me puts it head and shoulders above many other products in the same price range. You can mix your own AHA/BHA's for far cheaper but it's a little trickier than the super easy recipe for hyaluronic acid serum in the next paragraph.

Now this stuff isn't necessary but it has a pretty huge and immediate impact on how your skin looks and feels. Making your own hyaluronic acid serum (this stuff forces moisture into the skin and moisturised skin is far less prone to irritation and spots) is super easy. Buy the powder, some glycerin and a preservative and make your own, there's a great website with instructions here. Trust me when I say you will save a shit load of money with this. You will also see results fast. If you want to buy/try first tho, I'd recommend The Ordinary. I keep my hyaluronic acid and AHA/BHA bottles in the fridge, it probably does little to extend the life span of the products but it feels super nice to put on cold serums (and sheet masks!).

Now, to moisturiser. I've heard great things about YES to Tomatoes Clear Skin Daily Balancing Moisturizer for dealing with acne prone skin, also about Bioderma Hydrabio Gel-Crème Light Moisturising Care and Vichy Normaderm Anti-Blemish Care you get a free cleanser that's supposed to be quite good with that link too btw.

Suncream is really, super fucking important- I use Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+/PA++++ and cannot reccomend it enough- it neither smells like suncream nor feels like it and it looks nice and kinda satin matte on my face too. Any suncream is better than none tho- just make sure you wash it all off at the end of the day.

I know that all together the stuff in these links comes to a bit of money but these products will last you bloody ages for the most part and they're super well reviewed and mostly unlikely to do much damage to you or further break you out.

Name of product: DeVita Solar Body Moisturiser SPF 30+

Price of product: Gift voucher (RRP $28 for 210ml)

Where did you purchase: Essential Day Spa (US)

Product claims: "Raise Shields to Full Intensity...You are now protected by an effective light body moisturizer and sun shield all in one! Our 100% natural mineral sunscreen absorbs quickly, and is never oily or greasy. Light and comfortable to wear and always Fragrance Free, our natural formula is loaded with hydrating Hyaluronic acid, soothing green tea, skin defending vitamins and supportive essential oils.

Offering broad spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection utilizing pure micronized zinc oxide (250 nm average particle size). This is a gentle, physical mineral sunscreen that is skin and reef friendly. Safe for adults and children and those with sensitive skin. Titanium Dioxide Free.

NO NANO TECHNOLOGY! (average particle size is 240 nm) DeVita skin care products are 100 percent Vegan and Paraben Free. They are considered Gluten Sensitive Safe and never contain GMO's. DeVita products are never tested on animals (only humans!)."

About you: Sensitive eczematous skin which is easily dried out, first fine lines, mild papulopustular rosacea. Purchased because it is a very similar formulation to the DeVita [Solar Protective Face Moisturiser] (http://devitaskincare.com/store/solar-protective-moisturizer-spf-30-25-oz75ml-p-17534.html) but in a much larger pack size.

Your opinion: I was disappointed to learn that in 2013 DeVita changed their zinc oxide supplier and this product is [now being reviewed unfavourably.] (http://www.amazon.com/Devita-Natural-Skin-Solar-Moisturizer/dp/B000VUZ2KC/#customerReviews) I have contacted DeVita via their website but have not yet had a response. ETA see comment below.

This sunscreen comes in a tube which protect the antioxidants from oxidising and helps maintain hygiene. The ingredients are very gentle and heavily natural which is right up my alley. Given the pack size this is a similar price to many chemical sunscreens found on the UK high street.

The cream has a translucent quality about it and massages in easily to leave no white cast and a dewy finish. It layers up beautifully encouraging the user to use the recommended amount and reapply part way through the day. I have not experienced any irritation and absolutely would repurchase this sunscreen if DeVita resolve the issues with the quality of their current supply of zinc oxide.

Active Ingredient: "Zinc oxide 19% (UVA/ UVB, micronised/ uncoated)."

Inactive Ingredients: "Aloe vera gel, water, green tea leaf extract, capric/ caprylic triglycerides, glycerin, shea butter, olive oil, lecithin phospholipid, hyaluronic acid, jojoba seed oil, olive squalane, panthenol, vitamin E, sodium PCA, rosehip oil, gotu kola, copper gluconate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, seaweed extract, allantoin, sodium riboflavin phosphate, carrageenan, lavender essential oil, Roman chamomile flower essential oil, grapeseed extract."

[The Triple Helixian blog post discussing the SPF of this product.]
(http://thetriplehelixian.com/2013/04/25/the-meaning-of-spf-and-how-antioxidants-and-anti-inflammatories-can-skew-exaggerate-and-mask-those-ratings/)

This is my favourite! However, I have to admit that when I was out of supplies for a while I used a bottle of Good Things honey cleanser, and it did a similar thing. This made me wonder if lots of creamy or non foaming cleansers might do the trick.

OP another thing you could try is using an oil cleanser that emulsifies i.e. can be washed off with water without leaving an oily residue. I find that when I use oil cleaners like that, I don't need a second cleanse. I haven't tried it myself but a lot of people on /r/asianbeauty recommend this one as a cheap, effective and readily available option:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B000V2FBAQ/ref=pd_aw_sim_121_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=S1YACBCZGM5GZY4V41V0&dpPl=1&dpID=61V%2BpHlQDkL#immersive-view_1494152094184

(Personally I use Illi total ageing care because it smells WONDERFUL, but I can only buy it from Korean eBay sellers.)

Are you subscribed to that sub btw? You might get some other gentle cleanser ideas over there!

1. No, I prefer not too since its expensive to go to a dermatologist unless its the NHS, in which case I prefer not to waste the doctors time on acne matters.
   
   
2. Yes they are Pitted scars
   
   
3. I am using the moisturiser in the morning
   
   
4. Boots simply sensitive foaming facial wash, planning on moving into the E45 emollient face wash once I run out of boots, however I nearly have a full bottle left
   
   
5. pH is about 3.5, I use Derma E
   
   
6. I have an Acne cream which is prescribed, called Skinoren, active ingredient Azelaic Acid (got it without prescription online), I plan on going to BP after its done.
   No specific cream for hyper-pigmentation
   
   
7. Those areas are dryer then normal and also concerned about aging
   
   
8. I am unsure, I do not eat a lot of fruit but a lot of my meals have a lot of veggies in them so I suppose so?
   Thank you for the well done XD and I did not know that. I do take a Multivitamin+Mineral Pill daily/every other day
   
   
   Thank you :)

Thank you but I purchased this https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000TTPZQ6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 is that good or better maybe? :)

It can be overwheling at first, but it helps to focus on one step at a time. Let's say you're starting with a cleanser. As you have dry, sensitive skin you may have better luck with a cream cleanser (rather than foaming). I really like the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser but it's on the pricier side and not as easy to find on the High Street. If you'd prefer something more affordable/convenient you could try Simple Kind To Skin Purifying Cleansing Lotion which is on offer at Superdrug atm.

Unfortunately there is some trial and error involved as everyone's skin is different. You may have to buy a few different things before you find what works for you. But you can always sell them on in our Sunday Swap thread :).

Have you ever tried Neutrogena T gel with the coal tar? It’s 125ml for £3.79 in home bargains so not cheaper than your OGX shampoo but the coal tar is meant to be great, it’s a bit cheaper if you get the bigger bottle on amazon and use Subcribe & Save (15% off of you get 5 things in one month) https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Neutrogena-Gel-Therapeutic-Shampoo-250/dp/B000LNEB1A

I had the same problem for a while. I now use Hadalabo Hyaluronic Acid serum for hydration (the Asian beauty peeps love it), in conjunction with Neutrogena oil free moisturiser.

Hey! Thank you for taking the time to reply.

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Can I say D). all of the above?! I'd like to get a better complexion and control the dryness of my skin. Oiliness I am not too concerned about as I don't (in my opinion) think it's particularly oily.

I often find myself with dry skin in the mornings and quite tired looking. I am looking for a relatively simple routine that I can do in 5-10 mins in the morning/evening. I'd rather start off simple (if that works) before moving to anything advanced.

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I use literally just this most mornings - https://www.amazon.co.uk/LOreal-Expert-Energetic-Anti-Fatigue-Moisturiser/dp/B000T1VZ3G

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Seems to do an okay job and makes my skin feel less dry after showering. Aside from that, I do not use any other moisturisers/toners etc.

There isn't really much out there that is like an everyday body lotion with SPF. I read about the Aveeno Daily Moisturiser with SPF30 from somewhere on reddit and I think it fits what you're looking for. Think it's an American product though as I couldn't find it in Boots or any UK online shop. But the amazon link above is about £13, which I think is quite pricey for a moisturiser but I don't know, could be ideal for you.

I've just started using the Neutrogena one on the Skincareaddiction reddit wiki, ordered it from amazon from the states, cost about £10. It's not too bad with my skin, also acne prone.... I think it's factor 55. this one

I used this, it doesn't list the ingredients anywhere so it might've contained vitamin E.

Since then I have bought this which is just liquidum paraffinum. However, I need to double cleanse as I think the first time I might've left oil behind. So I can't use this one until I find a cleanser.

Try this one

I found some on Amazon!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/J%C3%A1s%C3%B6n-Dandruff-Relief-Shampoo-355Ml/dp/B000YG2T6S/

O'Keefe's Working Hands

That serum you posted! An evening of primrose oil + vit e cream, hemp seed oil sunblock, bare minerals cleansing foam (already have this and I adore it, lasts for months) and a tea tree body wash.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0013G3AHK/ref=ya_st_dp_summary

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B001VC9T9Y/ref=ya_st_dp_summary

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B007RY6DCG/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B007RY6DCG/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

To add- I've been looking at alba botanica it's cheap but maybe drying?
Mentholatum SKIN AQUA UV Mild Milk SPF25 PA++ which is cheap on eBay, meant to sensitive but is chemical I think
Olay regenerist which is p cheap.
I've tried clinique before and got on fine. But. Money.

There's a whole bunch I've looked at and been turned off for various reasons. I'm a bit lost!