Skin Care, I need some help!

radleyboo

Ok, so, I am 38 years old and as I age, my skin has changed, and I need a new skin care regimen.  I'm dealing with dryness, some enlarged/clogged pores, and still the occasional breakout!  It's very frustrating and I'm wondering what some of you girls who might be close to my age are using?  Other factors that come into play are my regular work outs, so 3-6 days a week I'm washing my face sometimes 3x a day, so I need something that's not too abrasive.  It's also very cold and dry in Michigan from now until about April.  Of course, I want to continue to use SPF and something that has anti-aging benefits.  Any/all thoughts and suggestions are welcome.  I haven't really struggled with skin care since puberty, and it's not any more fun now.  

buddysmom80

I didn't have any skin problems as a teenager, and in my 30's I'm making up for it! I tried EVERYTHING. I finally went to an Origins store one night after work and they did a full skin-care regimine for me. Granted the stuff is expensive (the whole thing cost 300-400 bucks) but I figured that I'm stuck with the skin on my face forever, I should take care of it.

Lately I've been slacking hard-core on the skin care, I should get back into it again because now that I'm working out more I've been breaking out a lot.

radleyboo

Ooooh, Origins!  I used to use some of their stuff, but then I got annoyed by how expensive it is and moved to Olay, primarily.  It's just not doing the trick anymore.  I may have to go back and revisit the counter at Macy's, which also annoys me, because I hate the mall.  But I remember just loving the moisturizer I used, so it's likely worth a trip back.  

Yes, exercise can wreak havoc on your skin.  Drinking a ton of water can help, but it doesn't solve all of the problems, at least not for me.  If you wear hats or headbands or anything that touches your forehead, wash them regularly.  I have a visor and running hat that I wear when I run.  I buy em cheap, and if they don't make it through the wash cycle, then I don't cry.  I wish I had more and better advice for you in that area.  

buddysmom80

Olay sometimes made my face too oily. I also thought for years that I had dry skin so I only bought products formulated for dry skin. When I went to Origins I found out I had combo skin with an oily t-zone.

I'll have to try that with washing stuff. I wear the old-school bra strap headbands when working out just so that the fly-aways in my hair don't get in my face, maybe that's what's causing the breakouts. Thanks for the advice!

Swazzle

I've had bad skin my entire life until I started using the Paula's Choice (CLICK) products. 

I used to use the CLEAR line but now I use the Skin Balancing Oil-Reducing Cleanser and RESIST Anti-Aging Clear Skin Hydrator. 

I will never use anything but PC products on my face again. 

suzie211

I swear by Mario Badscu.  They have a variety of face washes and lotions depending on how harsh or gentle you would like them to be. I swear by the drying lotion and the buffering lotion.

buddysmom80

Swazzle said:

I've had bad skin my entire life until I started using the Paula's Choice (CLICK) products. 

I used to use the CLEAR line but now I use the Skin Balancing Oil-Reducing Cleanser and RESIST Anti-Aging Clear Skin Hydrator. 

I will never use anything but PC products on my face again. 

I just ordered the RESIST sample packs for a Christmas gift. For myself.

newenglandgal0802

@radleyboo I am a licensed cosmetologist and based on your post I think your problem is that your are drying out your skin. Washing your face 3x a day plus the cold dry air you mentioned is probably causing your skin to overcompensate and produce more oil in an attempt to hydrate your skin. This will seem counterproductive but a moisturizing facial cleanser will work wonders. If the cleanser you are using is drying out your skin then your skin will work overtime to compensate = clogged pores/breakouts. Just a tip if you go to a spa you can get a mini and/or express facial and while you're there ask the esthetician for product advice. They will most likely try and sell you what they have at the spa and it will be crazy expensive so just listen to what they say about the products ex: moisturizing, exfoliating, etc and then go look for products with those attributes at the drug store. Even ask her to write them down. A true professional will have no problem with that. In my area an express facial is anywhere from $30-$45 and is a good way to get your pores cleaned out and some product suggestions. Just an idea! Good Luck!

JCbride2015

Yeah, it sounds like over-washing + dryness = excess oil.  I have extreme dryness and sensitivity, and probably the worst eczema you can imagine. (Gross alert)  I literally used to get flaky skin that would shed off my face, with lots of redness.  I use Arbonne (link) and it's like night and day for my skin. The products are so gentle and moisturizing, with good SPF, and don't irritate my skin.  My eczema is GONE.  I have cobbled together my own best combination of the FC5 and Calm lines, but they also have a stronger anti-aging product line.  It's expensive, but it's so worth it.

Fair warning: they are a direct marketing company.  I'm signed up as a "consultant," but I don't sell the products, just use the seller discount for myself.  You can find an actual working consultant in your area on the website search.

radleyboo

@cassandramarie01-Thank you!  I have had exactly 2 facials in my life, maybe time for another one?  They have a nice skin care practice at my salon, I just never indulge.  I sincerely appreciate the advice.  

newenglandgal0802

@radleyboo No problem! Give it yourself as a holiday gift! I highly recommend it and make sure to ask for product/care instructions.  

GPla08

I've struggled with my skin for a a long time.  I tried a face wash from St. Ives that is made with tea and olive oil and it work miracles for my skin.  You might think it makes your face even more oily, but it has an opposite effect, try it!