r/SkincareAddictionUK

At my most recent visit to the GP I went into detail about my experiences trying every OTC and prescribed product (bar accutane) and about how after doing my own research I am pretty sure that my cyclical acne is down to a hormonal imbalance. When I left I was told I'd be referred to a dermatologist finally. I uploaded photos of my acne, both at its absolute worst (too many to count covering my whole face, red and painful) and in a more mild state (up to 10 in particularly oily areas). Waited a month or so and then... Dermatologist rejected me. GP said to continue using BP/adapalene, which I've been doing every evening for the past 5 years and which I made clear would never help me get to the root of my issue. I can't afford to go private and I'm not a woman so I can't try birth control or spiro.

So, in conclusion, thanks for nothing, NHS. Anyone else who has had to deal with this, my heart goes out to you.

P.S. I intend to go back and ask for a referral to an endocrinologist instead, however my point still stands firm that us acne-sufferers are continually failed and sadly our disease may not ever be taken seriously.

been living in the UK for about 2 years now and honestly I love it but the haircare situation is doing my head in. Back home I had my go-to stuff that worked and I could just grab it from the shop without thinking.

Here everything is different. I've tried so many things from Boots and Superdrug and they either don't work or make my scalp worse. it's like there's no middle ground. Either too gentle and does nothing or too harsh and strips everything. My scalp has been a mess lately. itchy, flaky, red patches. I think the water here is harder than what I'm used to and it's messing with my skin.

My mum actually brought me this anti dandruff shampoo and conditioner when she visited from overseas. I wasn't expecting much but honestly my scalp cleared up in like a week. no itching, no flakes, just normal scalp. Now I'm trying to find something similar here and I'm struggling. everything seems to be either prescription only or super expensive or just doesn't work.

the frustrating thing is that I know there must be good options available in the UK but I just can't find them. like why is it so hard to find a decent anti-dandruff shampoo that doesn't cost a fortune or require a prescription.

anyone have recommendations for good anti-dandruff shampoos available in the UK? preferably something that's gentle but actually works. I'm desperate at this point lol.

thinking of using it for hyperpigmentation /skin texture issues i have since dermatica has been a bit generic for me. it’s about £65, but just wondering if anyone’s had experience with it and whether the advice/prescription was actually useful?

Thanks!

ive done doing skincare for a long time but ive always realised that there were these black small dots on my nose which i found out are called sebaceous filaments. i have looked on tiktok to help but one person says one thing but then it gets contradicted by someone else saying another and its so confusing on who to believe and what to buy and to make sure im not wasting money because skin care is expensive, im only 17!! 😭😭 ive heard a lot about skin1004 centella oil cleanse thingy big yellow bottle being helpful but ive heard people say it makes it worse. but i have considered buying it, thats why im here to see other peoples personal experiences with dealing w sebaceous filaments.

i was planning on getting the skin1004 centella oil, and then they said a gentle cleanser? and a centella clay mask (pink one)—i also have paulas choice 2% BHA and all that. i just need help for a proper routine on what to get and when to use, am or pm since thats what is most difficult for me to understand because no one points it out!!

ive heard some of the stuff ive listed above is to only be used once or twice a week (not sure if am or pm) and thats fine, but what about every other day? do i continue with my regular skincare on the days i dont use those? how do i know if my regular skincare helps or doesnt with the process 😣 someone help please!

i dont wear any makeup and i dont even know if i should use sunscreen if i dont go out or am i supposed to use it in general

my usual skincare—used to be cerve normal to oily but that ran out so im using some black rice haruharu cleanser? then i use a honey toner.. thing.. and anua rice serum and purito gel moisturiser and i try to be consistent w this every night. im not sure what to do in mornings, i wake up with oily skin. ive heard i should just splash water and moisturise?

I'm 43 with naturally very dry skin (I was very lazy with skin care when I was younger) and started Dermatica in mid June. I'm around two months in and currently using it every third night, my prescription is:

• Tretinoin 0.025%
• Azelaic acid 15%
• Tranexamic acid 5%

I'm sticking with 0.025% for now because I'm actually really pleased with the results. My skin looks smoother, clearer and more reflective/glowy. I definitely want to continue but I'm struggling with dryness and flaking, particularly around my nose and chin/under mouth, so I don't want to move up in strength until that is under control.

My absolute holy grail used to be REN Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm. My skin LOVED it, but it's now discontinued now (boo!). I haven't used it for months and that's actually around the time I really started noticing just how dry my skin was. If anyone used it and has found something similar, I'd absolutely LOVE to know what replaced it for you.

My current routine is:

AM

• Medik8 PDRN serum
• Medik8 Triple Collagen Day Moisturiser or Purito Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cream (just started Purito about 7 days ago)
• Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF50 – although I sometimes find this makes my skin feel a little drier and tight

PM

• Medik8 PDRN serum
• Dermatica every third night
• Purito Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cream or La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+
• Occasionally BYOMA Hydrating Recovery Oil on top (although I find this can Pill with the Cicaplast

Moisturisers I've tried:

Day Moisturisers I've tried:

Medik8 Triple Collagen Day Moisturiser (Pink Tub) – probably the best I'd tried before Purito, but still not quite moisturising enough

Q+A Ceramide Face Cream – nowhere near moisturising enough

Geek & Gorgeous Happier Barrier – lovely application and finish, but again not moisturising enough and sometimes would pill a bit

Nuxe Crème Fraîche de Beauté Rich Cream – seemed to sit on top of my skin, the fragrance was overpowering and it actually stung

Purito Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cream – my current favourite. Feels really nice and moisturising and my skin doesn't feel tight, but I'm still getting flaking

Night Moisturisers I've tried:

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ – feels protective but more like it sits on top of my skin rather than actually giving it any of the the moisture I feel like it needs

BYOMA Hydrating Recovery Oil – nice for extra nourishment, but seems to pill if I use a couple of drops over Cicaplast, but works ok over Purito

Purito Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cream – Is better suited to day wear for me and does not feel enough for over night.

So essentially I'm looking for:

• A properly moisturising day cream that works under SPF
• A really nourishing night cream/balm for very dry skin
• Something that works well alongside tret and helps with the dryness/flaking
• Ideally fragrance-free or very low fragrance
• And especially anything that comes close to the old REN Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm

I'd particularly love recommendations from 40+ people with very dry skin who are also using tretinoin/actives. What are your holy grails?

And does anyone use Cicaplast over another moisturiser as a final layer, rather than using it on its own?

Sorry for the extremely long post, but I've already spent a fair bit (I give my husband all the moisturisers that don't work for me, he's delighted) and I am desperate to find something that works for me.

Hi all I'm new to skincare but I'm also autistic and I'm really struggling to find an affordable moisturizer that doesn't pill. I hate the texture on my face and I'm using a retinoid so I need sun protection and moisture. Please tell me there's one out there that doesn't feel heavy and pill (I have an issue of skin rubbing I do try to stop but it's difficult so one that doesn't pill is very important)

Edit to add that I'm from the UK

Hi everyone, I hope this is an okay question and appropriate flare.

I am going camping but I haven't been camping since sorting out my skincare routine. I can't figure out how to edit my routine whilst sleeping in a tent with no running water lol. I also won't be able to dump any water anywhere as that is against wild camping rules so I have to be self contained if that makes sense.

My question is: what do you all do for skincare in the wild?

Idk if it matters but current morning routine is:

Wash with water and salycilic acid soap (generic stuff from Amazon)

Wash off with water

Use cetaphil cream as moisturiser

SPF (face theory)

Night is exactly the same but swap SPF for night oil (face theory)

I've got the Geek & Gorgeous Vit C, and I love it! Only problem is that it stains the skin around my nails (apparently it's the thicker skin that gets more affected, I read on Lab Muffin.).
I go to the fridge, drop some product in my cupped palm, try and evenly distribute it between both hands, and then rub into my face and neck. I then immediately scrub with a firm nail brush and blue Fairy - and still it stains my nails and skin. I'm so over it - even tempted to give up Vit C entirely.

Then I thought - could I attach a spray nozzle and use it as a kind of face 'mist'? Would it absorb as well if it's not rubbed in but left to dry on its own?

Help, oh wise ones!

I've only recently gotten into Vitamin C so I'm wondering if I'm doing something wrong but, whenever I apply it, it doesn't feel like it's getting absorbed by my skin. I apply it on a fresh face in the morning with no other products (I just wash my face with water in the morning). Am I putting on too much maybe? It just feels sticky the whole day and it doesn't feel like it settled in my skin at all.

I've been alternating between the Greek & Gorgeous one and the Transparent Lab Ascorbic C15. Does anyone have any advice

Hi,

I've been using Eucerin Oil Control SPF as my daily SPF for a few months and it's been great for my oily skin.

No white cast, no pilling and skin feels smooth. I even enjoy applying it which has never been the case with previous SPFs.

I've heard some say Zero Feel can be more matte and was wondering how true that is.

The only thing that concerns me is I've seen someone online mention that it leave this powdery white residue on hairline, brows and beard. Is this a common issue?

Hi, F33. I’m desperate to try! I have greasy skin and enlarged pores - it’s genetic. I did 3 months of Roaccutane in 2020 which changed my life tbh. Ive never suffered with spots since, but have noticed my greasy skin getting worse in the last couple years.

Can I get spiro in the UK?
Current routine:

AM: La Roche Posay SPF50 Anthelios

PM: Simple gel cleanser,
Cerave Resurfacing Retinol
Simple Light moisturiser (or Cicaplast 2x a week)

Please dont suggest tretinoin!

Edit: i dont expect to go through the NHS, that was never the plan. I should have specified private in my original post.