Skincare Regime Help- Oily Skin Mid 30's
Skincare Regime Help- Oily Skin Mid 30's
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Hi Ladies,
Please don't judge too harshly as this has taken alot for me to post & put pics up! I am hoping for some advice re a skincare regime that I can start. Any advice & recommendations would be great! (Sorry for the long post but I am hopeless when it comes to this stuff and I really need some guidance!) I don't have a dermatologist/beautician etc either.
I've looked at many articles & the older forum's for info and I'm so confused with everything! I've used bits and pieces in the past that have been good and of course I was younger but now I find nothing much is working and don't know where to begin.
I have oily skin with semi noticeable pores & black heads around my nose area mainly, and fine lines on my forehead. I'm also starting to get them under my eyes and now around my lip area. My main concern are my "frown" lines and now looking at the pics I posted maybe my eyes! I also want my skin to look fresh and supple (I am sick atm so the pics may look worse but my skin isn't too far different!)
So I'm now 35 and can notice my skin is starting to look bleh, I think I look disgusting and my skin is starting to make me look older than what I am. I don't have that fresh "young glow" I once had and I don't use much makeup daily either. I think I eat a balanced diet as well and not much fried stuff.
Attached pics to give you guys an idea (Sorry to scare you guys!) LOL.
I don't know what products/brands to use and where to begin- I've never been much into skincare and just used whatever but now I think I really need to start getting a routine down pact as I hate my skin and the way I look, I am so self conscious...
I don't want something that will cost an arm and a leg and like 100 different products just a quick simple routine that won't take ages as I am a full time working mum and don't have alot of time either.
I also realised that I don't really like natural type brands such as Natural Instinct and Kosmea- they don't agree with my skin I find they make me break out and also I hate the smell- I much prefer perfumed stuff! (bad I know!)
Now I use a range of different things to clean my face (mainly things I have gotten as trials or sale items no real consistency!)
In the morning I only really wash my face with water & use the Olay Pore Minimizing Toner then nivea Q10 day cream or Olay total effects. Then I use a CC cream or BB cream rather than foundation and after apply the rest of my makeup.
In the evening I use either the simple foam cleanser or blessed by nature and trilogy oil cleanser/manicare makeup remover towel depending on what makeup I more & St Ives apricot scrub / Olay Regenerist Detoxifying Pore Scrub or Sand and Sky Flash Perfection Exfoliating Treatment every other day. Occasionally I use the Olay Regenerist Advanced Cleansing System when I can be bothered with one of the cleansers!
After that I use the Olay toner & Nivea q10 Plus Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream or the clinique surge depending on if my skin has dry patches or not and if I can remember the Olay Ultimate Eye Cream.
Yep my routine is not up to scratch I know it's terrible! So any recommendations on brands & a proper routine would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to read and suggest ideas!
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I feel you about the under the eye and forehead lines, I'm in the same situation over here as well. And I personally don't think they look as bad as you think at all. But yes, once we hit our 30s, our skin definitely starts changing.
I would recommend a good eye cream with collagen for your under eye area. And using a good face scrub and mask at least 2-3 times per week and a Vitamin A and/or C serum to address overall skin texture and dullness.
Aww thanks **Bellefleu***. Any particular brands or actual products you can recommend?
I have been really enjoying using the Esfolio Collagen Daily Eye Cream lately, but I don't know how easy it is to get. Another good purse friendly eye cream option is John Plunkett Collagen Eye Lift - you can find it on sale at various pharmacies.
And there are plenty of serum options around - it would all depend on your budget and likes.
My current go-to face scrub is the Microdermabrasion Paste from Rodan and Fields (I know this brand has received a lot of backlash in the recent years, but this scrub is TO DIE FOR. It is expensive, but it lasts ages, so it's well worth it in my opinion) and my fave face mask at the moment is the Philosophy Purity Made Simple Pore Extractor Mask - AHMAZING results. Clear pores and glowing skin for days!
Having said all this, I think you probably do need to go see a professional at least for a one off consult to get your skin assessed, so that you will know what will work best for your individual needs. So what works for me may not suit you at all.
Thanks heaps. I would love to go see a professional but no-one I know has one they can recommend as they don't have one themselves and I don't trust to go to anyone that will try sell me everything under the sun. I live in Sydney Inner West so if you know anyone in that area I'm open to suggestions!
Sorry, I'm Melbourne based, so don't have any recommendations for Sydney. But I'm same as you, I want to know from someone I trust that a professional is good prior to going there.
I've just checked out the sand and sky flash exfoliant, its description says it contains macadamia oil, so maybe its not for you?. I think exfoliation becomes more important as we age. I use the dermalogica daily microfoliant one, their are also stronger ones you can use over a specific period of time to really get rid of dead skin cells, cheaper than going to a clinic and getting one heck of a peel.
I agree your pics don't look that bad. And I cant imagine why anybody would judge you or have anything negative to say. Good on you for posting and asking for help! I'm certainly no expert but hopefully other members will have more advice for you. But all I can think of is to try some different products to exfoliate, skin needs it more as we get older.
Thanks Lisa359 I never looked at the ingredients of any of the products I use tbh! Maybe my exfoliators are not doing a good enough job. As for the pics. Thanks (the system did shrink them because of the size so that my be why they don't look that bad to youLOL. Or it could be in my head which is probably more likely!)
I just figure if I can get a proper face routine down pact it may help my self esteem and how I feel about my face instead of being so self conscious and feeling yuck all the time! :(
Have you tried The Ordinary? They have guides and recommended products for various skin types and conditions. Don’t have oily skin myself so can’t personally recommend based on that but their products are great both in price and performance.
Hey duality I did actually think about this brand but some beauties were saying in the forums they will be discontinued etc and you won't be able to buy so I didn't bother as don't want to fall in love with a product I won't be able to get. Do you know if it will be still available or not for sure?
The sad situation with the founder Brandon has resolved itself and the brand is owned for the most part by Estée Lauder so the future of the brand is stable and no affect on products. That was a short period when Brandon pulled the stores during an episode but he was overruled by Estée Lauder.
Ahhh OK! I had no idea. Thanks heaps for letting me know. Do you know the best site to buy them from pricewise?
Direct from the site if you want the full range, Myer and Priceline stocks some, Adore Beauty is good as they often have discount codes. I just go directly to Deciem AU as they have the full range and guaranteed fresh stock.
ThisIsMe That's the age when I found my skin started to change and I used Olay products right up to my 50s and then switched over to Clinique. I can't help with oily skin as I have never had that problem.
I guess it is trial and error to see what suits you so good luck with it all. I am sure the other more experienced ladies in here can direct you in the right direction.
I don't have any recommendations for you unfortunately as I don't have an oily skin type, but I just wanted to say that I sincerely don't think your skin is as bad as you think, at least not in those photos! After reading your post I was expecting to see photos of skin that isn't in very good shape but I don't think that's the case here. Perhaps you do need a change of routine but what I am getting at is don't let it bring your confidence down because it's really not at all that bad.
ThisIsMe I'd like to start by saying that I don't think your skin looks bad at all. I have combination skin, but more dehydrated, so can't help you with the oily skin. If you're happy with the products you are using, maybe just add a couple of products to what you are using. I do think your routine could include some actives such as vitamin C and A (retinol). Of course, you would be best to introduce these slowly. For example a retinoid might be a good one to start, as opposed to a retinol. I don't like spending a lot on skincare, so the Ordinary is what I generally buy. As Duality mentioned, they do have guides and you could even send them a message about your concerns and their recommendations for you. The amount of products can be overwhelming, so just explain that you want a simple routine.
Also, are you using an SPF? If not, I would really recommend that you add one to your routine.
Good luck, and please let us know your skincare routine if you do end up making changes.
Firstly, I'm the same age as you (albeit months younger - I don't turn 35 until September) & I've gotta say your under-eye area looks better than mine! My left side is really starting to show the fine lines under the eyes sadly. I think it's partly due to sleeping predominantly on my left side & squishing my eye & cheek area into the pillow. That side has also had some sun damage in the form of pigmentation over the years, especially on my cheeks. I too am starting to see fine lines on my forehead, but I tend to overlook them since I have a sizeable H scar smack bang in the middle of said forehead. (Cheers skin cancer! I'm ok now though - just have to be vigilant with the SPF, which is easier said than done in winter.)
Now as for a skin regimen, I can't give you much in the way of advice as my skin's different to yours. (Sensitive/slightly combination/dehydrated here.) I know some people here have recommended using a retinol, which I do think is a good idea; but having not used one I'm not sure what to recommend. (Only reason why I haven't is because my skin can react to actives, particularly any & every form of Vitamin C that's out there. There's only 1 Vitamin C type product that I don't react badly to, but I use it sparingly.) I think you could do with some sort of active serum to really help boost your skin, whether it be Vitamin C (which you can use during the day) and/or Vitamin A (which you should use at night as daytime use will make you photosensitive & therefore prone to more ageing).
I also think that rather than using a physical exfoliant, try a chemical/fruit acid based exfoliant instead. Again, can't give any recs as I haven't tried anything really cheap, although I am curious to try The Ordinary's Mandelic Acid + HA as I've read that it could be alright for sensitive skin. As soon as my current physical exfoliant is done I'm moving on as I don't feel like physical exfoliants cut the mustard with my ageing skin nowadays.
And yes to an eye cream! Again, I haven't really got too many recommendations. I'm trying to finish an Alpha-H one, which isn't working for me anymore sadly. Going to move on to another soon hopefully.
Sorry I haven't been able to provide much advice; but what you're doing so far I think isn't too shabby. Maybe a shake-up of your routine & an introduction of some new products is what's needed. Good luck & go slowly though - you don't want to overload your skin so much that it freaks out!
I also think your skin looks pretty decent considering how you described it haha, I have similar issues but don’t want to advise on specific products as everyone is truly different. I ended up with a burn from retinol after spending a lot of time reading everyone recommendations for it :(
Anyway, I think a good vitamin c serum could give your skin that fresh boost you’re after, and maybe you should give derma rolling a try in conjunction with the serum.
Another thing that’s fairly obvious - to drink a lot more water, and maybe look into some vitamins that boost skin radiance. There’s only so much we can do for our skin topically, but a lot comes from within too.
Good luck, I think you look great already!
Welcome to the forum, daninicole!
I also second drink more water!
Hi ThisIsMe
Having met you personally, I think you look excellent for your age. We are often the harshest critics of ourselves!
I am older than you by a year or 2. I used to have much oilier skin, but sticking to a routine focusing on hydration really helped balance my skin. My skin is now by and large normal, with a possible swing to combination in/after summer.
Just my 2c, and please take only what you think applies to you. Looking at your routine, I feel that you could probably concentrate more on hydration. Hydration plumps up lines and wrinkles, and hydrated skin produces less oil.
My favourite humectant is hyaluronic acid. I have also heard that beta glucan is a good one but I have not tried it. I would probably incorporate a serum AM and PM - between cleansing and moisturiser. The Ordinary 2% hyaluronic acid + B5 is an affordable one. Although personally I don't like it because I find that it feels sticky and it pills with my other products.
I would also check all toners to make sure they are (1) alcohol free and (2) pH neutral or low pH.
The scrubing sounds a little bit too much for me. I used to like scrubs in my 20s but I stepped back gradually and now only scrub once a week to once a fortnight. The Olay brush also feels very abrasive to me. I use my Foreo every now and then but I feel that's completely optional. I would go for a good AHA exfoliant once to twice a week.
Thanks everyone! Seems like the ordinary is a very popular brand.
Maybe I am being a bit harsh on myself LOL when I do look at the pictures I guess it doesn't look too bad I thought it might be because the images have shrunk!! I've got a few ideas now where to begin as I do want to change my routine so thanks to everyone who replied xo :)
I’m almost 10 years older than you and I think your skin is looking pretty good. I have used Olay and have been happy but there is an Olay product that makes me break out (not the total effects). I think finding the right moisturiser is important. I ve used la Roche possay toleriane ultra with good results.
The Ordinary also has great customer service, if you email them with your concerns they will email you back a suggested routine. It’s a good place to start without spending too much money but still finding out what works for you :-)
Thanks Pretty_please I'm confused on the website for them in Australia?! LOL do you know what it is so I'm looking at the right one?
I can’t find their email address either! You can always call tel:+61800626540 (toll free) or if you’re in Sydney pop into their shop. Good luck:-)
Hi there ThisIsMe,
If you haven’t already, you should check out YouTube dermatologists:
Dr Sam Bunting London
Dr Davin Lim Dr Lim is Brisbane based and his IG is really good
Dr Dray Texas
Dr Tabasum Mir New York.
They are all a wealth of information.
While a good skincare regimen is important, there are few other things to consider...
What's your lifestyle like? (Diet and exercise)
Do other family members have oily skin? (Genetics or underlying medical issue)
What climate are you living in? (Environment)
Do you have a stressful job or stressors in your life? (Emotional)
Regarding a healthy skin diet, you can always incorporate the following:
Avocados, kale, sweet potato, carrot, extra virgin olive oil, hemp seed, linseed, almonds, sunflower seeds, pepitas, tomatoes, purple cabbage, sauerkraut, kefir, sardines and salmon if you aren’t vegan...
I consume a lot of vitamin C on top of this to help build collagen as I have fine lines and forehead lines.
I also take N-acetyl glucosamine to help increase hyaluronic acid production.
Now to skincare, keep your regimen as simple as possible and avoid fragrances and essential oils.
If possible, avoid scrubs.
BHAs are your friend- salicylic acid is generally really good for oily skin so look for cleansers that include it.
AHAs like azelaic , mandelic and glycolic acids are fabulous for oily skin too.
As others have mentioned, The Ordinary has a wonderful selection of proven actives at an accessible price point.
Having oily skin, you can probably get away without using a moisturiser but if you must, look for very lightweight formulations.
When it comes to humectants, glycerine, hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, algae, sorbitol and many peptides are incredibly effective.
That said, make sure your environment is kept humid as this the key to them effectively hydrating your skin.
I really hope this helps!
❤️☺️