Best 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/)

I lived in Oxford for three years and the water is as bad as London's. I was in rental accommodation so I just replaced the shower head with this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Handheld-Adjustable-Showerhead-Additional-Replaceable/dp/B07259BPG2

And then I replaced the beads every 3 months. It worked surprisingly well! I do know that some limescale/hardness still got through because I'd end up soaking the shower head in vinegar every 6 months or so, but honestly for £15 I felt like it was super, super worth it.

You mention being on a budget, so I thought I'd throw this magical Superdrug serum out there:

https://www.superdrug.com/Skin/Face-Skin-Care/Face-Serums/Superdrug-Simply-Pure-Hydrating-Serum-50ml/p/342700

You'll find a ton more information on this if you search for Superdrug here and in the regular Skincare Addiction sub, but basically it's a £3 serum that is super hydrating and includes ceramides! It should help with the dry patches.

And if you're struggling with your body skin, I'd definitely recommend Bioderma Atoderm cleansing oil. It's not as cheap but you do get a huge huge tub for about £10-15 and it lasts forever. It's really hydrating. For a super cheap alternative, look for plain glycerin soap bars - you can buy it at Waitrose for £1. The bars don't last as long as other kinds of soap but the glycerin is super hydrating and there are no other ingredients so nothing to irritate your skin.

ETA: I do feel that hard water can be sensitizing, so if that's a concern I'd get rid of anything with fragrance or denatured alcohol.

What Stegateratops said.

THAT SAID, if you wanted to gradually start a new routine, here's what I'd go for:

AM:

• Hadalabo Cleansing Foam. pH neutral, affordable, incredibly gentle.
  
  
• OPTIONAL: Hadalabo Light Lotion. It's a little bit lighter than the usual Hadalabo lotion, but BE SURE TO PATCH TEST. I find this invaluable for giving combination skin a very light, comfortable dose of moisture.
  
  
• Biore UV Aqua Rich Sunscreen. Yes, you need sunscreen, even in the UK.
  
  PM:
  
  
• Any cleansing oil. I like the L'oreal one that you can get from Boots. Apply to dry skin, wait a minute, massage, rinse. You might feel little 'grits' pop out while you're massaging.
  
  
• Follow with your foaming cleanser from AM.
  
  
• Paula's Choice BHA Liquid. Pat on after you've cleansed. I like to let it sit for 10 minutes before proceeding, but La Paula says you don't have to.
  
  
• OPTIONAL - your Hadalabo lotion if you choose to get it.
  
  
• Loads of moisturiser options. I like Neutrogena Moisture Boost at the moment, but some people find it a little drying.
  
  But, again: see a GP about your acne, there may be some other treatments that can help. Add new products very gradually. PATCH TEST. For acne, I choose a spot beside my nose and dab that new product on every day for about 10 days. I've discovered that quite a few products break me out when I do that, it's very much worth trying. And WEAR SUNSCREEN. It's not optional. Sun damage causes large pores to look much much worse.
  
  Good luck.

I have oily skin, but the oiliness decreased DRAMATICALLY once I (a) stopped using strong, stripping cleansers and (b) addressed some underlying dehydration issues.

First, paradoxically, you've got to stop drying your face out. The second ingredient in that toning lotion is alcohol - as a start, I'd stop using that. The second ingredient in that cleanser is sodium laureth sulphate - I'd also replace that with something much gentler, like Cerave Hydrating Cleanser, or my favourite, Hada-Labo Cleansing Foam.

You've got to get some hyaluronic acid and ceramides into your skin to help repair your moisture barrier. For me, the key to repairing my oily/dehydrated skin has been using multiple light watery hydrating layers - this is where Asian products really are better. For hyaluronic acid, you could try Hadalabo Light Lotion. This is basically an extremely light hyaluronic acid serum that almost looks like water, that you pat into your face after cleansing. You could also try layering that with Cerave Lotion at night to get some ceramides into your poor skin.

For me, the best mattifying primer is my sunscreen, Biore Perfect Milk, but this does leave a slight white cast so is not suitable for deeper skin tones.

So, TL:DR, your drying cleanser and toner are doing you no favours. Invest in light, watery hydrating layers to repair your moisture barrier. And pls use sunscreen!

I have very oily and pretty acne prone skin, and so far (two weeks of use) I'm really liking this one

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shiseido-SENKA-Sunscreen-Mineral-Water/dp/B004Q1WT58

It is very runny and sinks in pretty quickly (3 or 4 minutes) and I can apply foundation using a cushion (from a bb cushion compact) very easily - no pilling. It also looks great with no makeup on top. It isn't oil controlling, but it doesn't make my skin any more oily than normal either. Haven't noticed a change in the amount of acne I have either, so for me that's a win. I can't really comment on white cast because I am deathly pale, but it's a chemical filter sunscreen so white cast shouldn't be a huge issue

I have such oily skin that I don't bother with an AM moisturiser, which means I apply this straight on top of a hydrating toner. However, I have tested it on top of a few lightweight gel moisturisers and it doesn't seem to change the amount of oil I produce, or how easily the sunscreen dries down. So you could just stick to your normal AM moisturiser and layer this on top.

Btw I have never bought it from that Amazon seller so I can't comment on how genuine the seller is - I just posted that link to easily show you which one it is because there are several SPFs with very similar names to that one so searching for it can get confusing. I bought mine on yesstyle but might check out Amazon for my replacement.

Hi! My skin type is a mixture of sensitive (not to fragrance) and dry (used to get a bit oily on nose and forehead). My only skin concerns are hormonal acne and redness on cheeks.

My current routine:

Morning:

• Wash face with water
  
• Moisturise with Oilatum Natural Repair Face Cream
  
• Sunblock Clinique Super City Block SPF 40
  
  Evening:
  
  
• Wash face with Superdrug Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser (been using this for a week after seeing the reviews, my skin loves it!)
  
• AHA Olay Regenerist Night Renewal Elixir every other day
  
• BHA red Stridex in the box every other other day (seems a bit strong for my skin, don't use it often)
  
• Spot treatment Freederm Fast Track Spot Gel
  
• Moisturise with Oilatum Natural Repair Face Cream
  
  I recently ordered Rohto Hadalabo Super Hyaluronic Moisturizing Lotion which I hope is the right one to use for extra hydration.
  
  I'm looking for a new sunblock to buy when this one finishes (as it's a bit too pricey for me), can't have fatty alcohols in it (I think they break me out). Hopefully without a white masque effect and no alcohol (really dries me out).
  
  I'm also looking for a suggestions on an antioxidant or vitamin C serum, I'm only 19 but I'd like to prevent everything possible! I don't know if niacinamide breaks me out but I have been reading the topics on here about it. I'm very open to products from Asia as well! :D
  
  Oh I forgot to say I probably should try and find a better BHA (has to be without alcohol), seems to be a little hard to find in the UK :'(
  
  Thanks!

Removal would be laser hair removal. The hair follicles can’t clog and make little cysts if there aren’t any! For people with dry skin apparently even just moisturising helps, you’ll want something emollient/occlusive with liquid paraffin.

I’m more cloggy KP and not really dry. For me some toner with glycolic acid seems to help (legs def. get worse when I get too lazy) and some body cream on top.

The Ordinary 7% Glycolic Acid (£6.80/240ml, cult beauty) definitely made a difference to clogged pores but stings like hell on shaved legs. Recently switched to the Aldi version of Pixi Glow (both 5%) and that one is much more tolerable. Aldi link but it was a specialbuy and it’s sold out everywhere so you’ll have to get it on eBay, and probably soon. Lidl & Aldi both do very cheap cotton pads.

I don’t have sensitive skin so I use this perfumed Nivea body moisturiser which is currently £2.50 on amazon pantry or as an add-on item (even cheaper with subscribe&save). There’s a version with Q10 that’s less thick/sticky but it’s usually more expensive and has dimethicone.

I also find scrubbing down in the shower with scrubby gloves (I like the Tesco ones) helps the texture on my legs. You’ll want a non-stripping substance to scrub down with so you don’t get even drier skin, something without Sodium Laurel Sulfate (and probably also without the gentler Sodium Laureth Sulfate, YMMV).

Baylis & Hardling funky farm is a relatively gentle shower gel with SLS. Usually £2 for a 1litre pump bottle, tesco link, amazon pantry link.

The Aldi & Lidl dupes of the Simple gel face wash cost 85p (150ml) and don’t have any SLS at all, I really like using them as replacement shower gel.



If you’ve got free prescriptions then you can get Zerobase which is an occlusive moisturiser with no extra stuff in it (smells like non toxic paint, I find it too stinky) and Dermol200 or Dermol500 which is an antibacterial “shower emollient” (both are the same stuff but the 500 is in a 500ml soap type bottle while the 200 is in a 200ml shower gel bottle).

I haven't tried Toleriane but I know it's recommended by Sam Bunting and looking at the ingredients list I can't see anything nasty in it. I'm yet to find a cleanser that trumps the dermatoclean cream/milk though, and I've tried a lot of them! Dermatoclean and plush microfibre flannels (cleansing twice a day with a fresh flannel every morning) probably did more for my skin than anything else. Something like these or these. You just run them under warm water until they're soaked through, wring them out, then do a couple rounds with them. My skin is sensitive too and I found the flannels made a huge difference, so much less rubbing to get the makeup/sunsreen off and gentler than just using my hands. I wouldn't touch a cleansing brush or any sort of textured flannel, but plush microfibre doesn't physically exfoliate so it's safe for sensitive skin.

I'm looking for a perfect sunscreen. Have tried Shiseido SENKA Mineral Water UV Gel SPF50 PA+++, too heavy, and am now on Lancome UV Expert XL-Shield™, which is lighter, but I'm not loving the fragrance and it is shiny.

Next on my list is Biore KAO JAPAN AQUA RICH Sarasara SPF50+ PA++++, which I must have heard good things about somewhere (I added it to my Amazon wishlist a while ago). Has anybody tried it, liked it?

I have very dry skin, and would say that most of the moisturisers I've tried - including some highly recommended - had the same problem of them not doing much except for the first couple of hours. Two things that appeared to have a more long term effect are Mineral Oil (baby oil is scented mineral oil, so if you can put up with the smell it's a cheap easy way of getting some) and products with Hyaluronic Acid, which helps your skin hold more moisture. For the latter, the Ordinary is a good way to get some on a budget, and a few of their other products have Hyaluronic acid added in too.

You should also wear sunscreen whenever you leave the house. I got this Altruist sunscreen after seeing it recommended in this subreddit, and it's great value, no white cast or pilling, and gets on well with my dry skin.

I don't think you can get it easily in store, but Ziaja has a line (Med ATO line basically) with multiple ceramide creams. Everything from this line is unscented, with the 3:1 ceramide:cholesterol ratio. Plus, they're super cheap!

The one I use is the Ziaja Med Kuracja Dermatologiczna AZS Krem regenerujący natłuszczający. If you click on the down arrow under Składniki that says "Pokaż wszystkie" on this website it states the INCI. It's a bit thicker, but absorbs really well into my skin. It's also unscented.

They have another cream thats very similar here

Lastly there is a face / body emulsion. It comes in a 400ml pump bottle. I've input the ingredients here

The first cream can be purchased from amazon. the 2nd and 3rd item can be purchased off Notino. There are obviously other online stores as well that sell them, but you'd have to do some digging of your own.

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 :).

I love Cerave pm. It feels light and non greasy, but it's also really hydrating, gentle, and fragrance free. Incidentally Cerave in the tub gave me acne, and cerave am made my eyes burn, so don't rule out the pm based on their other products.

Edited with link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00365DABC/ref=sr_ph_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1485120858&sr=1&keywords=cerave+pm

Stridex red box is £8.99 for 90 pads on Amazon. I don't have acne but I use these for my Keratosis Pilaris with good results.

Cosrx BHA blackhead power liquid doesn't come in pad form but is a great product.

I don't know if there are any UK specific brands and I'm still on the lookout because I'm sure there must be! However, I've recently got the Etude House Sunprise one from Amazon, and I'm liking it so far. I'm 90% sure it's a physical blocker, and reef safe. Little to no white cast, and I'm brown so it would definitely show up. The downside is the price and the fact that it came wrapped in a tonne of plastic when it was delivered. Pretty sure the K beauty stores in/around Chinatown may carry it but I've heard their prices are hiked way way up.

for spf to be effective you need to apply 1/4 tsp of sunscreen product.

this amount of sunscreen is ok for most but that amount of a moisturizer with spf can feel too greasy or heavy especially if you have oily skin. most people using moisturiser with spf won't end up using enough so won't get enough protection.

I recommend using a lightweight gel moisturiser and a separate sunscreen like la Roche posay Shaka fluid, etude House sunproof, or biore watery essence

Wow guys thanks so much for all your replies!
So this would be okay to use? https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B006Y6ZA5E/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1518632172&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=mineral+oil&dpPl=1&dpID=310rAVvVM2L&ref=plSrch

Hi all - I use this

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B002KDTGVE?pc_redir=1406137960&robot_redir=1

I had treatment for acne from a nurse and she recommended this. I've been using it for two years - I don't use moisturiser underneath, just this. It's not greasy and it doesn't block your pores or leave you with a sticky film on your face - I love it and I would recommend it to anybody.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B002KDTGVE?pc_redir=1406137960&robot_redir=1

Hey! Thank you for taking the time to reply.

​

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.

​

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

​

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.

I'd second the La Roche Posay line as well as it doesn't tend to irritate my skin. The moisturiser I use currently though is [CeraVe Facial Lotion PM] (http://www.amazon.co.uk/CeraVe-Facial-Moisturizing-Lotion-PM-3-oz/dp/B00365DABC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453674425&sr=8-1&keywords=cerave+pm). It's really light compared to a lot of other moisturisers and non-comedogenic. The CeraVe brand seems to get a lot of love from the main SkincareAddiction subreddit and they have a range of other moisturisers as well. The only problem is that I've only found it for sale on Amazon UK so far.

I second this! I alternate between Biore Watery Essence and Shiseido Senka Aging Care. Biore is thinner and quite good as a matte primer, but is more strongly scented. Shiseido is thicker and more moisturising. Both are SPF 50 and under £8 on Amazon.

£10 from amazon, but Boots do these pretty cheap which apparently contain 2% salicylic acid??

Edit: you're right, I didn't see that. I guess you're right then!

I also didn't get on with Watery Essence but found this a nice alternative! Shiseido Senka Aging Care UV Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00IG12XLO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_GFASAbRCDR2ZT

If you’re open to using Asian skincare products, they have tons of gentle/low ph ones! I use the Hada Labo Foaming Cleanser which I buy off Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01CE5P580/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_LnKgDbPRZGDBE you can also head over to r/AsianBeauty and search for low ph cleansers if you’re interested!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/122/CeraVe-Facial-Moisturizing-Lotion-PM-3-oz/B00365DABC