Combination skin + anti-aging [ Edited ]

[#1]

I'm 30 and have a very sensitive combination skin (oily T-zone, black spots on the nose). I am seriously lost in the myriads of brands looking for a good set for my skin type .Are there any good skincare solutions you can recommend?

[#2]

I have the same type of skin issues.  Luckily for me, I found a top dermatologist in DC who helped clear my skin by pointing me towards the right kind of products and regimen.

This is what works for me:

1) Use a gentle cleanser in the morning and at night. I like Philosophy's Purity or Caudalie's Foaming cleanser.

Note: I have found that cleansers formulated with anti acne ingredients actually over dry and irritate my skin causing me to break out even more.  You want to find a gentle cleanser that effectively clears away dirt and bacteria without stripping your skin of its natural oils.

2) Use an oil-free (and preferably noncomedogenic) moisturizer in the morning and at night. I like Caudalie's Vinopure Matte Finish Fluid or Philosophy's Hope in a Jar (regular or oil free). 

Note: It's important to keep your skin moisturized to help minimize any irritations caused by your acne treatments.  Don't put moisturizer on your chin or any place where you are breaking out.

3) Use a peel with glycolic and salicylic acid in it in the PM. I like Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel.

Note: This is good for anti acne and anti aging. It helps unclog pores and promotes cell renewal.

4) Use a spot treatment with benzoyl peroxide in it in the morning and at night.  I use a precription brand called Duac which works beautifully.  Another good product is Clinique's Acne Solutions Emergency Gel-Lotion.

Note: Benzoyl Peroxide is one of the most effective acne treatments available in over-the-counter products. It works thanks to its peeling action: it exfoliates skin, getting rid of the dead cells on the surface, dirt and sebum that clog pores and inflame follicles causing bumps. In addition, this ingredient can also dry up existing blemishes. Use it sparingly to avoid over drying and irritating your skin.

5) Use a sunscreen in the AM.  I like Kate Somerville SPF 55 Serum Sunscreen.

Note: It's important to wear sunscreen on a daily basis especially when you are treating your skin with benzoyl peroxide and alpha beta hydroxy acids because your skin is more sensitive to sun exposure.

All of the above should work for mild to moderate acne.  If you have severe acne (covering a large area of your face) you need to see a dermatologist for more aggressive treatment.

Hope this helps!

XO,

TheSuperficial

[#3]

I've been using the Juice Beauty oil-free moisturizer.  I put it on at night after washing w/ a gentle yet effective cleanser (Alchimie Forever Excimer Cleanser), and I don't wake up all shiny.  Unfortunately at the moment, neither of those products are available on Sephora... what's up w/that?!  I think when I finish the bottle of Juice Beauty I'd like to try the Dr. Brandt pores no more mattifying lotion...that one is avaiable at Sephora and has anti-aging ingredients, like retinol:  http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P254204

[#4]

I like the Neutrogena grapefruit products recommended also.  I currently use a glycolic cleansing bar by Perricone that is really effective; I use that with the Clarisonic Mia and it helps eliminate the blackheads.

[#5]

I have found that using a gentle cleanser like Cerave and then following up with a gentle cleanser such as the Body Works Aloe Toner has worked wonders.  I am 35 and have both sensitive and acne prone skin.  I used to use lots of cleansers that were way too harsh that would end up causing my face to produce more oil & would result in my skin being dry, flaky and breaking out.  Good luck, I know that it can be frustrating!!

[#6]

I have similar skin and I stick to a daily routine of washing my face with an oil-free scrub in the shower (Neutrogena's pink grapefruit power scrub works awesome!) and also washing it before bedtime with a mild anti-acne facewash (Neutrogena's pink grapefruit oil free acne cleanser is pretty great too). Try to keep your skin as dirt free as possible after sweating or excercising to avoid clogging your pores. Have you tried a mint julip mask? They are great for removing the black heads and drying out pimples and blemishes. You can find them at any drug store and they're inexpensive too Hope this helps!

[#7]

Well, you could try just a oil free cleansing gel and then a oil free moisturizer on dry areas on your face. For those black spots, try a nose strip. Remember not to use a creamy cleanser, because what this will do is fill in to your pores (black spots) and produce more oil.