Skin care

[LouLamb]

Hello all . My face has been bothering for a time now . I go the whole day without thinking about until it comes time to go out and see people.

My face is red all under my eyes and across the nose - funny enough this lupus rash doesn't bother me. It's the redness I have under my bottom lip . I also have a lot of blackheads and a few spots . Spots not as bad as a few years ago . My face is always dry like my eyebrows and my nose .

I have some dry cream from the doc for the eyebrows ands it ok. I was just wondering what everyone else skin care routine is . If anyone had any tips for my blackheads and stuff . I find when using the scrubs that it makes it come out worse and I just give up .

[Lupiknits]

It's a very long time since I had similar problems, but my sons, who are around your age, use Revlon Clean and Clear products which I wish were around 40 yrs ago. They avoid any scrubs which are just too harsh, but use the cleansing lotion ( there is one for sensitive skin) and a special spot/blackhead prone moisturiser, because the skin otherwise gets too red and rough. It's not expensive stuff at Superdrug.

One son also used tea tree oil strips, which lift the tops of the blackheads off.

I hope this helps x

[LouLamb in reply to Lupiknits]

Thank you I'll make a trip to super drugs soon. I prefer to use sensitive skin products as well .

[Wendy39]

Hello. I often have red cheeks and a red chin. Debate about whether it's the Lupus or rosacea is ongoing, although I definitely get the malar rash with flares and in the sun. I have used Clinique for years and they do an Anti redness range which is good. I've always suffered eczema etc and have been sensitive to cosmetics and washing powders etc. But I've never had a problem with Clinique. I know it's expensive. The facial soap bar is about £17 but it will last me a year. I have experimented with other brands at times and then after spending £5-£10 on stuff and not liked it, so wasted money on unused products, I stick to clinique which is cost effective for me by comparison. Failing that I use Simple. Currently have their moisturise. I use Simple facial wipes too. Both great. Available in Superdrug, Boots etc. I would say don't use clearasil or other harsh stuff. They don't work. Take out all natural oils. Make your skin more spotty. Just find something that you like and is kind to your skin and use it mornings and nights. That's the best you can do really. Do you see a dermatologist at all? You're wearing Factor 50+ on your face too? The sun sense one on prescription? Wendy x

[LouLamb in reply to Wendy39]

I don't see a dermatologist . I wear suncream factor 50 kids one in the summer

[Wendy39 in reply to LouLamb]

Do you get any other issues with your skin that are lupus related? Just wondering if you should see a Consultant Dermy? Is your GP good? No harm in asking. You might only need an annual appt but they might help you out with advice and treatment. X

[LouLamb in reply to Wendy39]

I am thinking about going to my gp why I'm off work to ask about my skin . There is no harm in asking x

[Wendy39 in reply to LouLamb]

Go for it. And take photos of it now. Just in case it gets better before you see your GP or Dermy. Photos are always useful and prove what your skin has been like on your lupus journey. X

[weathervane]

That sounds like good advise from Wendy , i use clinique as well as it seems to work for my skin which is quite sensitive. I avoid products with oils as they don't agree with me , use the simple eye makeup remover because of this . A dermatologist might help 🌸🌸🌸

[AgedCrone]

Have you tried using Micellar Water to cleanse your skin night & morning?

It is just like ordinary water that you apply with a cotton wool Pad. It removes eye make up as well as foundations & powders. ...so you don't need creamy cleansers & toners, which can encourage blackheads - it's a one stop solution.

It is made by many cosmetic companies from Nivea & Garnier.....you can buy a 120ml bottle of Garnier for sensitive skin in Boots for under £3, right up to the fancy expensive brands that cost £25+. I have used both & they appear exactly the same to me!

You then just need a light moisturiser both during the day & at night...with SPF during the day.

For under your lip try one of the cream/powder products you apply with a sponge ......choose a suitable shade & blend it all over your lip area. I use something called "The Original Pot of Gold-Crème to Powder". It's under £5 & it lasts forever. It's available on Amazon.....little tip have a few little sponges & wash them after every use!

If you can't get referred to a dermatologist......ask for cash presents on your birthday & treat yourself to a professional facial. The beautician will give you advice how to deal with your skin, & will say if she thinks you need to see a dermatologist. The downside is she will probably try to sell you expensive products, but hey....you have proved you can stick to your guns, so unless you want to buy stuff just politely refuse.

Good Luck.....let us know if things improve!