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Had my first " your skin looks amazing" comment-- THANK YOU Caroline Hirons!

999 replies

bigbuttons · 14/04/2015 17:17

A colleague said this at work today, I was so chuffed.
I'm 47 and was looking not so good. This last month I have invested in serums, acids and what not have gone back to Caroline Hirons properly this time. I have been religiously cleaning and tending to my face AM and PM. I use a 30% glycol peel every couple of weeks and use tretinoin every 3 days.
I must say even I have noticed a difference, it has knocked years off me.
All blemishes gone, skin is ultra smooth, wrinkles reduced.
There is hope for us more (ahem) mature ladies!

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Girlsbrigadewashorrible · 26/04/2015 17:41

I've been reading this post on and off all week. Apart from buying lots of new Ren products I have also started using Boots No 7 tinted BB facial sunscreen. I got factor 50 in fair shade, and I am very impressed so far. It's quite thick and creamy so I have used it on its own to replace moisturiser and foundation. I finished it off with loose powder. No stinging around eyes either.

almondcakes · 26/04/2015 17:43

I have got as far as:

Take the day off balm.
Clinique mild clarifying lotion (salicylic)
Liz Earle Toner
Timeless vitamin C serum (have not bought yet)
Olay regenerist serum (peptides, antioxidants, B3 etc).

City Block SPF 40.

PM:
Take the Day off balm
Retin A
Simple Vitamin E moisturiser (will not repurchase as it is in a jar)

I think I should probably have a retinol based moisturiser or serum for the nights I am not using retin A, or a glycolic acid one. but I am not sure.

bigbuttons · 26/04/2015 18:16

I spent a couple of hours in Matalan this afternoon. ( I know, someone's gotta do it). I was very tired and slightly hungover. However, I caught unexpected glimpse of myself in a mirror and drum roll....... I WASN"T UPSET. I didn't recoil and weep. I could actually say "not bad" Grin

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LaPomme · 26/04/2015 18:20

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.

CiderwithBuda · 26/04/2015 18:25

This is such a fab thread. Although gives so much to think about my brain is fried!

I'm sorted on a routine and products but want to Introduce a retinol. Thinking of the Vichy lift active.

I'm going to Australia on Thursday for three weeks and wonder if I can start before or if I should wait till I come back. I have bought the Heliocare factor 50 gel which says its recommended for after microdermabrasion or peels so I think I should be ok to start before?

I started the pixi glow toner this morning and am doing salicylic once a week andl liquid gold once a week at the moment. Will increase those gradually. I was doing the liquid gold twice a week but switched one night to the salicylic.

MrsDesperado · 26/04/2015 19:16

Could you re-post the ascorbic/ferulic recipe please bigbuttons? Thanks

Twitchcoco · 26/04/2015 19:41

Cider, I would start when you get back.. The ozone layer is definitely thinner in Oz, I burnt my décolletage through a white blouse on a boat in Sydney.

Sallystyle · 26/04/2015 19:42

I tell you what I find amazing. I always had really dry skin, foundation could often look flaky.

I have been double cleansing on and off for a month and added the serum when this thread was started and at the same time I started using a cloth to cleanse instead of cotton wool. My skin is no longer dry.

While my skin still has acne scars and some redness and I am still getting acne my overall skin appearance has changed a lot just by using the cloth and a serum, so for that alone I so grateful to this thread.

Here's to hoping the retin A will take care of the scars and acne, I am very glad to be off the antibiotics which my GP now think has caused my acid reflux.

Twitchcoco · 26/04/2015 19:44

I bought Redermic today. Beyond excited!

Sallystyle · 26/04/2015 19:44

I would also like to know when the sunscreen goes on.

I have been using a serum, waiting for a while then applying sunscreen and then makeup.

I am using the cheapy malibu face cream which is moisturising enough so I haven't had to use a moisturiser but I need to get a better one as I don't know if the ingredients would be bad for my acne.

bigbuttons · 26/04/2015 19:54

here's a very basic c serum
1/4 teaspoon vit C
1/4 teaspoon glycerin
1 + 1/2 teaspoons distilled water

You must disolvce the Ascorbic Acid in a small glass ( shot type glass is good) in room temp water. It will takes FOREVER. If you can't stand it then you can stand the small glass in a larger glass of warm water, NOT hot. Heat destroys vit c. Do NOT be tempted to blitz in the microwave. be patient it will dissolve.The gylcerin gives a nice texture.

This next recipe is a little more complicated but not at all hard id that makes sense, you just need more ingredients. These are very easily obtained on a site called "active formulas" they cater for all diy stuff. It is worth doing. Once you have the basics you can keep on making you own fresh, potent batches. I made the following recipe yesterday and it has a wonderful thick serum texture and is silky smooth. You get a very powerful serum for a fraction of the price SE charges.
This is courtesy of a member called kassey on eds forum.
15% C,E + FA with HA

1 tsp L-Ascorbic Acid
3 tsp Distilled H2O
1 tsp SKB
1 tsp Glycerin
1/4 tsp Ferulic Acid
1/4 tsp vodka
1/8 tsp Vitamin E or Rosehip Oil
1/2 tsp Hyaluronic Acid Serum (NCN has a really nice 2oz serum, that is compatible with this recipe, and is also great for an LED serum)

Use 2 little glasses.

Phase 1 glass (water)

Put L-AA in glass, add water, stir frequently and let it fully dissolve. Depending where you buy it, that can take up to an hour.. (If, and only if, after 60 minutes it's still gritty, you can sit the glass in a warm water bath for a minute, and stir, stir, stir.

Phase 2 glass (oil/emulsifying)

While you are waiting for the L-AA to dissolve, you can proceed with the rest like so. Put the FA in the 2nd glass, pour the vodka in and stir, now add the SKB. Mix this together, and put it in the microwave for 6ish seconds. When you take it out it should be whitish and serumy.. Give it a stir, add the oil and stir + add the glycerin and stir..

Phase 3 (putting it all together)

When the L-AA has fully dissolved, add the contents of both glasses together, stir well, and add the HA in now and stir well..

You should have an opaque off white serum when you are finished, with a consistency similar to a syrup (minus the stickiness Laughing ) If you use Rosehip Oil, you will start off with a bit darker colour (great oil though!)

For anyone that is using an HA powder, you will 1st have to make it into a liquid, or it will just ball up..

Please don't be tempted to add more L-AA.. It will only wind up in your toilet bowl. Our skin can only absorb so much. Besides, it will give you a load of grief trying to dissolve it.

As I said this makes a fantastic serum. it isn't hard, honest.

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Kundry · 26/04/2015 19:59

I am confused about when sunscreen goes on as CH always says last item before makeup. Have rewatched her Sam Bunting videos today and she says the same.

But apparently Ultrasun says bare skin. But it you put that on first, none of the rest of your skincare is going to get past it Confused

Am wondering if this is because Ultrasun is mainly a chemical sunblock - SB says she recommends mineral.

Anyway I'm sticking to last before makeup and haven't used Ultrasun Face anyway

MrsDesperado · 26/04/2015 20:03

Fab, thanks buttons. I work in a lab so this should be a doddle Grin

Quick questions - what's SKB, who are NCN and what's and LED serum?

Oh and do you use this daily or twice-daily?

I am definitely going to do this Flowers

HenriettaBarnet · 26/04/2015 20:05

Thanks Kundry, I'll try the skinceuticals serum (I don't really have a skinceuticals budget, but I've just been paid...).

I double cleansed this morning (not sure why I got a bit confused I think) and then just put Glamtox on (I think this is just hyalauric not glycolic) and my skin looks better.

I'm thinking its the acid tone and/or the retinol that has brought me out in bumpy spots.

Back2Two · 26/04/2015 20:06

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This post has been withdrawn due to privacy concerns

MrsDesperado · 26/04/2015 20:06

Sorry buttons one final Qu, how long does each batch last?

MrsGuyGarvey · 26/04/2015 20:28

Thanks Buttons for the recipe. I love how My iPad changed Kundry to kindly.

bigbuttons · 26/04/2015 20:32

mrsD don't worry about that. That was just a ref to another thread on the forum. I copied and pasted without checking through properly. Oh you work in a lab, lucky you!!
SKB ( brand in the us) is equivalent to this :www.activeformulas.com/collections/facial-masks/products/sea-kelp-coral. It's a really handy thing to have if you're doing diy.Do check the website out if your lab doesn't have all the stuff Envy

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bigbuttons · 26/04/2015 20:36

Oh yes, a batch should last you 2 weeks. I am now experimenting using it WITH my ret A. The current thinking is that it enhances it. This is contrary to previous theories that the 2 should be kept apart. So tonight I have got my retin on and beofre I go to bed I'll put on some vit c serum. I'm making stuff up as i go along, tweaking routines, trying different mxes of things to see if it makes any difference.
My hands are responding nicely though. I would love it if I could do even a little something about the boney, wrinkly claws I have.

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WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes · 26/04/2015 20:38

I think Ultrasun is a physical sunblock not chemical.

Kundry · 26/04/2015 20:43

Then I have no idea! I can't see why it would need to be on bare skin as it doesn't need to interact with your skin like the chemical ones to work.

I think as CH and SB have seen me right so far, I shall stick with their advice of after moisturiser before makeup.

bigbuttons · 26/04/2015 20:44

I also make and use a niacinamide and glutamine serum. These are also terrific actives. CH raves about using B3 too.

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EssexMummy123 · 26/04/2015 20:53

I've changed my routine since this thread started and my skin has improved much less pregnancy spots. All i've done is started using the superdrug hot cloth cleanser twice a day, a toner (either REN/Nip Fab pads/Clearasil Pads) and Nivea blue pot. I plan to add La-Roche-Posay-Redermic-R-Retinol when i'm not pregnant.

Kundry · 26/04/2015 20:54

OMG the Active Formulas website is amazing. THANK-YOU bigbuttons you are a Star

Am lining up their Vit C kit and am loving the idea of adding some arbutin or kojic acid to my normal moisturiser to treat pigmentation. So excited.

bigbuttons · 26/04/2015 20:58

soooo. if I bought the helicare gel would I... cleanse tone serum the helicare then oil? etc
or would I do the suncream BEFORE the serum? I don't want the suncream to block the serum. I am confused Confused

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