/r/SkincareAddictionUK

Photograph via snooOG

A UK focused skincare subreddit.

Welcome to /r/SkincareAddictionUK! A UK centered skincare subreddit that is dedicated to finding and sharing the best skincare deals, products and tips easily available in the UK.

All information here is user collated advice and no substitute for medical assessments.

Welcome to SCAUK!

Feel free to ask questions and join in the conversation!

Review Topics


Useful Wiki Pages


Useful NHS information:

As slow and clunky as it may be, we are lucky to have the NHS as a free resource. Don't hesitate to make an appointment with your GP and ask for a referral if you have severe issues or at a loss with what to do next with your skin.

If they aren't helpful the first time, try and try again until you find someone who is. An £9 prescription is going to be much cheaper than constantly trying products that you don't know will work.


Subreddit rules:

1. Advice posts must include a full routine: If you're looking for advice on your routine or how to use a certain product, please list which specific products you're currently using (including brands), in what order, and at which time of day. Please also include any products you've previously tried that didn't work, in order to avoid irrelevant suggestions. If you don't have a routine, please say so!

2. No trolling: All trolls will be banned permanently and without explanation.

3. No Medical Questions: We are a group of skincare enthusiasts not medical practitioners. If you have questions relating to any medical condition please speak to your GP. Medical questions will be deleted.

4. No filters, editing, or makeup: Any photos showing skin improvement must not be filtered or edited. Makeup should be disclosed.

5. Don't be rude: Rude comments or posts will be removed. Be kind to one another.

6. No soliciting: Please do not share your surveys or questionnaires here. This is a community not a focus group. If you are company with an offer to share with the community, please contact the moderators for permission. If you are a company that wants to participate in the community, please contact the moderators for a custom flair. Companies that promote their brands or products without disclosure will be banned.

7. All posts must be flaired: Please ensure all posts have a flair as it makes it easier to search.

8. Posts must generate discussion: Please ensure your post has enough detail to generate discussion regarding skincare. If posting a photo of your face, please include your routine or products you have tried, even if you're not looking for advice. If posting about products, please state whether or not you've tried them and what specific advice you're looking for.


Our Subreddit Family:

/r/SkincareAddictionUK

499,350 Subscribers

0

Washing face

I recently got my 12 year old some face soap ( https://amzn.eu/d/bhh2GjC ) we are a no chemical household, she asked me if she was doing it right. Basically she creates a rich foam and then massages it into her face then washes it off. But I would just get the soap on my hands and apply to face then wash it off? Who’s right? By the way she also uses moisturiser and SPF 30

5 Comments
2025/02/01
09:37 UTC

2

Help with bump/scar

The bump has been there 1 year since I popped a postule and the derm didn’t help me, just charged me $300 to tell me there was nothing they could do to help me. I’m looking for ways to remove the bump on my nose (and clear my face). I’m looking for either at home care treatments, products or a specific request I’d ask for at a cosmetic / dermatology office to fix it. I’m not sure what kind of scar it is, maybe a keloid? Tysm if you reply I love you

1 Comment
2025/02/01
04:43 UTC

1

SPF that won’t stain

Hi everyone.

I’m very hot on using SPF30 (preferably higher), I am fair and use active skin care, and there is a history of skin cancer in my immediate family.

I’m looking for SPF I can use on my neck and décolletage that won’t stain my white tops! I use a tinted one for my face but really wanted to use active skin care on these areas as I’m getting older, but I need to find a sunscreen that won’t ruin my tops first!

Thanks in advance x

6 Comments
2025/01/31
12:05 UTC

2

Simple Recs

I've recently come off the pill and I don't know if it's that or just this winter but I've lost control of my skin! Corners of my nose are so dry but then really spotty when I try to compensate with more moisturiser. Chin is breaking out but that might be due to hormone changes. Everything just looks so congested and red and dull. I tried introducing a hyaluronic acid serum and a vitamin c serum but my skin can't handle it right now (I think I have vitamin c sensitivity too).

I'm looking to strip back my routine and doing an oil cleanse with just pure coconut oil then follow up with a water based cleaner.

I currently use Liz Earle milk cleanser but I'm finding that really drying lately.

Those if you that use Simple cleansers, what is your recommendation? I use a Simple moisturiser and it doesn't break me out a tonne so looking to see what else of theirs suits. It also doesn't break the bank which helps.

TSM!

1 Comment
2025/01/30
13:33 UTC

2

How can I reduce this redness from a previous reaction?

Current routine: Cerave green cleanser, Micellar water and Nivea blue tin.

I used migraine forehead patches and some ibuprofen gel because I was having extreme pain 2 weeks ago (yes I know I shouldn’t have used the ibuprofen gel but I was desperate). Ever since then I’ve had itchy red splotches on my forehead that periodically go dry and very flakey.

I’ve tried diprobase and not putting any makeup/anything on it at all but to no avail.

It looks ten times worse in real life and is flaking badly (this is just after I moisturised with some e45).

11 Comments
2025/01/30
10:29 UTC

1

Dark circles

Hi beautiful people! Has anyone tried under eye skin laser to help get rid of/improve dark circles?

1 Comment
2025/01/29
17:23 UTC

7

Anyone buying a Foreo?

Not sure if this is the right place to post but not sure where else to post it. I got a LookFantastic advent calendar and it came with a £30 off a Foreo device voucher. It expires on January 31st and I’m not going to use it if anyone else is looking to buy one? I’m not selling it obviously - I’ll just send the code over if someone wants it

1 Comment
2025/01/29
14:47 UTC

3

Best hydrating eye creams/gels? Best hydrating face masks/treatment? For under £30.

I need to invest in a better eye cream and a hydrating face mask/treatment. My face has been so dry this winter and it has brought out fine lines around my eyes. I currently use Q+A vitamin C eye cream. I use Caudalie Vinoclean facemask every 10 days or so but it isn’t hydrating.

6 Comments
2025/01/29
12:16 UTC

9

Had a bump on my lip for 8+ years, what is it

It doesn’t hurt. It’s not a whitehead because nothing comes out. It’s flesh coloured. On my lip line. It doesn’t look like an ulcer (ie it’s not herpes, because when I google herpes the pictures look like ulcers).

13 Comments
2025/01/29
10:54 UTC

0

Cleanest tretinoin product I can buy?

0.025 is what I'm going to start with. Asking for product suggestions as the formulations are different on different websites right? I just want the cleanest formula.

Hope someone can help me out. Thank you. 😊

7 Comments
2025/01/28
22:07 UTC

1

Any cleanser i can use on chest?

Hey guys,

Over the last couple of weeks im getting some spots on my chest.

Anything I can use to try and clear them up?

I usually shower on my lunch (I work from home), or the morning at weekends.

Is there any sort of cleanser I can use on a cotton pad at night, just for my chest? I don't really want to get 2 showers a day 🫠

Or maybe something like this when In the shower?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/316018953789?chn=ps&_ul=GB&var=614566621388&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1vLkZPwbkRc2HIQqfOmptCQ29&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-134428-41853-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=614566621388_316018953789&targetid=2425733423477&device=m&mktype=pla&googleloc=1007282&poi=&campaignid=21697391927&mkgroupid=162558106770&rlsatarget=pla-2425733423477&abcId=10027104&merchantid=5381705268&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3s_XpqyZiwMVHpZQBh316QRWEAQYAiABEgJoe_D_BwE

Thanks.

7 Comments
2025/01/28
21:22 UTC

6

Dark spots caused by routine products?

Hi all

So I got a new routine after stopping my skincare for a year or so. However I started to see dark spot appear on my cheek below eye area that was not there before.

For context I am a south Asian male with light tanned skin. My Routine is below.

Anything there which could cause it or things I should avoid?

AM:

1 - Beauty of Joseon - Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser

2 - SKIN 1004 - Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Essence Tone

3 - Neocutis Bio Gel Firm

4 - Guinot CRÈME HYDRA BEAUTÉ

5 - COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream

PM:

1 - Beauty of Joseon - Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser

2 - SKIN 1004 - Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Essence Tone

3 - Tretinoin 0.012%, Niacinamide 4%, Azelaic acid 4% cream

4 - Medik8 Crystal Retinal Eye 1

5 - Guinot CRÈME HYDRA BEAUTÉ

6 Comments
2025/01/28
18:04 UTC

3

Discolouration on eyelids?

Looking for a product that is safe to use for eyelid discolouration, was thinking Azelaic acid but according to google it wouldn’t be safe. Has anyone dealt with a similar problem?

2 Comments
2025/01/27
22:13 UTC

1

Help with hyperpigmentation

Due to a combination of anxiety-induced skin picking and laser hair removal, I have some scarring and hyperpigmentation on my bottom. I've been using Bio Oil but I read that it's not actually very effective. This is an area that I don't have a 'skincare routine' for - I assume most don't!

Does anyone have any recommendations for products that can be effective to reduce hyperpigmentation and scarring on what is obviously quite a large area? I'm happy to spend money but obviously need it to be fairly cost effective as I'll use a decent amount of it for each application.

5 Comments
2025/01/27
21:53 UTC

1

Differin 1% noon

**noob lol. Hello! So I've decided to try differin 1% for my hormonal acne. I'm a bit overwhelmed and new to all this,but I've read there's certain rules to help with purging, build up slowly and protecting the skin barrier.

This is my current routine most days:

AM: simple refreshing face wash, the ordinary hyaluronic acid, B (superdrug) BB cream (spf 30) OR simple vital vitamin cream (spf 15)

PM: simple refreshing face wash, the ordinary niacimide + zinc, the ordinary granactive retinoid 5% in squalane

now I know I'm definitely going to ditch the retinoid in exchange for the differin. I've bought simple rich moisturiser to use at night after the differin. What else should I ditch/swap? I'm planning to use the differim every 3 days for a week or so and then slowly build up (every 2 days, then every day)

Some people say to use hyaluronic acid before the differin, but also niacinimide? Othrr people say when you start out to just drop everything except gentle cleanser and moisturiser. Are my simple products okay?

any advice would be fab, thank you!

PS, I'm also going to switch to a higher spf in my AM to protect my skin more now. all the spf I've tried except those two listed give me horrific breakouts, but I'm hoping now the differin will help with that and I can finally use spf properly 😭

10 Comments
2025/01/27
20:08 UTC

3

What do I need for a good footcare regime?

Hello! I'm currently 9 months pregnant and as such, haven't been able to tend to my feet for quite a while now. Embarrassingly, they're looking a bit worse for wear and after a trip to the podiatrist last week where I had a couple of corns removed, I'm really keen to improve their condition and make sure they look and feel much nicer in time for the summer!

I would like to know:

  • are foot peel socks worth it and which are the best?
  • what's the ideal regime for foot care to keep the skin looking healthy, reduce the chances of corns coming back, and healthy nails?
  • using a grater-style foot file or a pumice stone? How often?
  • recommended products for maintenance
  • any other top tips!

I can't afford regular podiatrist visits or pedicures with two little ones to look after, so any help is much appreciated!

5 Comments
2025/01/27
19:38 UTC

2

Some advice about cleansers/facial wash etc.

Hi

I am pretty new to skincare, but have just turned 40 (male) and am learning many things I should have a long time ago!

My routine currently is very simple - Simple facial wash (various ones) in the morning, then Simple rich moisturiser, and SPF50 if I am going out. At night, facial wash again, I've just started 0.025% Tretinoin, and then a little moisturiser after

I'm confused about a few things -

  1. People often mention using a cleanser - is this the same as a facial wash? I have a variety of 'Facial washes' from Simple, Micellar, refreshing, age resisting etc. Are these cleansers, or should I get something else?

  2. I would like to try and reduce the size of pores on my nose, and read about Oil cleansers. How often should I use this, and I don't like the feeling of oil on my face, so can I use the oil cleanser, and then use my normal facial wash after?

  3. Do most people here use SPF inside? It's rarely sunny, and I don't like the feel of it, so would rather not. But I'd wear SPF50 when outside, or maybe less if its cloudy

Any advice would be great, Thanks

9 Comments
2025/01/27
12:22 UTC

3

Advice please - I can't get past these skin issues - dark spots, possible rosacea, eye bags and huge pores!

https://preview.redd.it/nk0fj020xife1.jpg?width=2544&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fa7615db0f0c5d467d24a3d8a1834933a2457fd4

https://preview.redd.it/ripc1vo0xife1.jpg?width=2510&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=09b9e7f5f5c16fc8f10c9d48e4263d31458bbe86

Hi everyone - long time lurker first time poster etc!

I'm in my thirties now and find I just can't find a way to have skin I'm happy with.

I think I have combo / oily skin (can be dry but it turns into an oil slick if I'm too warm or dehydrated), and I feel like I'm well hydrated/moisturised now but just can't tell what's wrong.

The things that bother me most are the dark spots and eye bags - with the eye bags I don't know if it's just thin skin, or something more. When I smile they 'bag up' if that makes sense so it may also be just my face shape?

I've been referred to a dermatologist to assess the suspected rosacea but wanted to post here to see if any of you lovely wise people have any advice?

Current routine:

AM:

Cleansing: Wash with water only

Actives: A couple of times a week, The Ordinary Niacinamide + Zinc serum - but recently using less because I feel like it might be making the possible rosacea worse?

Moisturising: Hada Labo Gokujyun light Moisturising Lotion (the blue bottle) and then Superdrug Naturally Radiant Gentle Moisturiser

SPF: Biore UV Watery Essence (if going outside)

PM:

If taking makeup off: Farmacy Cleansing Balm, followed by:

Normal Cleansing: Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Face Wash

Actives: Alternating days either Pixi Glow Tonic or COSRX Blackhead Power Liquid - but again I'm currently using less as unsure if making rosacea worse

Japanese Sana retinol eye cream (maybe a couple times a week)

Moisturising: Hada Labo Gokujun Premium Hyaluronic Cream OR the Aldi dupe of the Nivea retinol night cream (if haven't used the eye cream)

Appreciate some of these are Asian Beauty products but any advice for UK alternatives or suggestions would be amazing - thanks so much for reading!

4 Comments
2025/01/27
11:39 UTC

1

Up until now my skincare routine has been quite basic due to a limited budget. But I'm looking for work in hospitality now and appearance is very important in that line of work. So can anyone recommend what I should change about my routine without spending a fortune?

My current skincare routine in the morning:

1. Shower:

I use Sainsbury's Stamford Street Co. shower cream in the shower on my body and face most days, then about twice a week I use Simple Smoothing gel cleanser on my face instead. I use a scrunchie to apply the shower cream on my body but not my face. Is there something better for my skin than the cheap shower cream that comes in a bar rather than liquid? I find it easier to use less with a bar so it's more cost effective.

2. After shower:

I use Garnier Body intensive 7 days 24h replenishing lotion shea butter lotion to moisturise my whole body below the neck.

I use Simple hydrating light moisturiser on my face. (Is this a good one for putting under makeup?)

3. Sunscreen:

I use Garnier Ambre Solaire Invisible Serum factor 50 on my face. (Is this a good sunscreen for under makeup? Is it better to get a spray sunscreen that goes over the makeup instead?)

And I use Garnier Ambre Solaire Hydra 24h protect factor 50 on my body.

4. Makeup

I don't currently wear makeup often but I'm trying to get better at it. When I do, I use Garnier Skinactive Micellar Cleansing Water to clean it off. Should I use anything else after removing makeup?

Questions:

1. Should I be using a cleanser everyday, and should this be in the shower or after I get out?

2. I currently have hyperpigmentation on my face from electrolysis, would using bio oil help this fade quicker? And should I use bio oil after getting out of the shower before putting any other products on my face?

3. Would using a toner after the cleanser be recommended? I've read conflicting reports on whether toner actually does anything or is just another product invented to sell more stuff.

4. Is there anything I can use to reduce dark circles under my eyes?

5. And is there anything else I should add to or change about my skincare routine?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

PS: I should probably add that I get dry skin if I don't moisturise.

16 Comments
2025/01/27
09:50 UTC

1

Can Squalane oil be used under spf, will it break down the spf?

I’m using squalane oil as my new moisturiser, and want to put spf on top. I would think this is fine, but some people on other subreddits say oil should NEVER be mixed with spf as the oil breaks it down. I feel like a lot of these people have no clue what they’re talking about tbh, but just wanted to get opinions here.

This is what ChatGPT says:

Applying squalane oil underneath your sunscreen is generally fine and won’t degrade the SPF in the same way an oil cleanser would. Here’s why: 1. Oil cleansers vs. facial oils work differently • Oil cleansers contain surfactants (cleaning agents) that help break down makeup, sunscreen, and other product residues so they can be washed away. This is what allows them to effectively “remove” SPF. • Squalane oil (or other facial oils) do not contain those cleansing surfactants. Their primary function is to moisturize and nourish the skin rather than remove product. 2. Layering order • Generally, you’d apply your usual skincare (serums, moisturizers, oils) and allow everything to absorb for a minute or two. • Then apply your sunscreen as the last step in your daytime routine. • Giving each product time to settle into your skin prevents the sunscreen from mixing too heavily with the oil and ensures an even application. 3. Possible considerations • If you apply a thick layer of oil right before sunscreen, it could make your sunscreen slip around or feel greasy. The key is using a light layer of squalane and letting it absorb, so your sunscreen can set properly. • If you notice any pilling or slipping, experiment with applying less oil or waiting a bit longer before applying SPF.

In short, a thin, well-absorbed layer of squalane underneath your sunscreen should not break down your SPF or reduce its efficacy. Just give it a moment to sink in before you finish with sunscreen as the final step in your morning routine.

2 Comments
2025/01/26
21:54 UTC

1

skincare routine help

I am male 17 and looking for a routine to help fix my bad hormonal acne, here are the products I have

-the ordinary hyaluronic acid 2%

-anua heartleaf 77% soothing toner

-anua heartleaf pore control cleansing oil

-anua heartleaf pore deep cleansing foam + 0.5% BHA

-COSRX daily acne facial moisturiser

-COSRX master pimple patch

I also have paulas choice 2% BHA and acnecide 5% benzoyl peroxide but dont really plan on using these as neither have worked for me in the past.

If someone could help me make an AM and PM skincare routine that would be much appreciated as I dont really know what I'm doing.

1 Comment
2025/01/26
18:55 UTC

0

What is "Korean Glass Skin Treatment"?

Also what is the difference between a Facial and a Hydra Facial

3 Comments
2025/01/26
16:41 UTC

0

Any advice for spots from drooling?

Hey guys,

Oddly specific but if anyone has any advice, I'd appreciate it.

Overnight I usually drool quite a lot and I end up getting spots around my mouth.

Any tips on what I can use to prevent?

Thanks

11 Comments
2025/01/26
15:25 UTC

1

Routine help!

Help building a routine!

Hello! I need some help building a daily routine.

My skin is dehydrated, dry on cheeks, end of nose above lips, but greasy ish on nose and forehead. I have dark circles under eyes. My sister says she thinks I have type 2 rosacea on my cheeks as they're red and dotty. I don't suffer too badly with spots but do have some blemish scars. Skin is quite dull. I hate looking oily and I have sensitive skin and eyes.

My only other issue is I'm breastfeeding, so don't want to use certain products that are contraindicated.

Happy to build a decent routine, but just looking for where to start, what to look for and where to buy from!

I use AM Cerave normal to oily foaming cleanser Simple hyaluronic acid serum Vitamin c eye gel Either moisturiser with spf if I'm going out or aveeno oat gel moisturiser

PM Aveeno oat gel cleanser Simple hyaluronic acid serum Caffeine eye gel Azelaic acid cream Aveeno oat gel moisturiser

I sometimes use a glycolic acid toner but don't always remember.

2 Comments
2025/01/26
14:21 UTC

1

Sun protection clothing??

Sun cream is suffice for January, February etc but when it comes to spring and summer, I find that sun cream just isn’t working properly (wearing off too quickly, forget to reapply, miss a spot… the list goes on).

Been doing a bit of research for alternatives and other than hiding inside all day, sun protection clothing looks like the best bet.

There doesn’t seem to be that many suppliers in the UK. Has anyone got any recommendations?

18 Comments
2025/01/25
23:15 UTC

2

any products/advice for acne scarring..?

hii, I've (15F) had acne since I was about 10 on my face, chest, upper arms/shoulders, and back... it's def one of my biggest insecurities and veryy frustrating as it means i can't wear clothing with open-backs, v-necks, tank tops etc. the actual acne/spots have gone, but i still have scars all over the affected areas (for over 3 years now), and since i'm brown-skinned the scars are rlly dark 😭 and also since i'm getting older its also kinda restricting my clothing options too in a way. the scars don't really affect the texture of my skin, tbh the texture isn't even that bad, it just all the dark acne scarring (i think it might be PIH). also i've been to the gp a couple times, but they've just said that the scars will fade by themselves as u get older and just to stay moisturised, but as i've said, i've had them for a long time, and its become a really big problem... btw for reference i have really oily/greasy skin. ive attatched a picture of the scarring on my chest (sorry ik not the best picture due to the flash ) but the scarring pretty much looks like that on my back, chest, arms and face just darker. i've also attatched my routine and the products that i use too.

https://preview.redd.it/8altr8b2j7fe1.png?width=2000&format=png&auto=webp&s=498251be535a42ebda6ec020dfeec3160479fbe7

https://preview.redd.it/bgqk7515j7fe1.png?width=1854&format=png&auto=webp&s=a2f864da83e797aa7a471d8cd66c7933843bd2d0

https://preview.redd.it/8b1jkz9qi7fe1.png?width=585&format=png&auto=webp&s=e834dbeccbcc40bda6ec5b55bb905b9268e85359

https://preview.redd.it/e604d9lui7fe1.png?width=582&format=png&auto=webp&s=ac7393e283a6a792aa3fd10ae1619d57ad7b5d1c

can someone pls help me out with any advice or product recommendations? thanks!

2 Comments
2025/01/25
21:23 UTC

1

UK alternative for or reliable supplier of Palmers Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil for FACE and Thayers Milky Cleanser.

I want to try Nina Pool’s (TikToker) skincare routine but cannot find a supplier of these products in UK that isn’t a random dodgy eBay seller. Does anyone have any alternative suggestions or a reliable supplier please? Thanks!

1 Comment
2025/01/25
19:02 UTC

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