Skincare Ingredients

[Pupsiecola]

Following on from the skincare routines post, what ingredients do you make sure you include in your products, for example, Vit C, Vit E, Hyaluronic acid?

TIA

PS the fillers were indeed HA. Juvaderm 3. I have ordered some caffeine eye stuff from TO. Because I do have puffiness. No dark circles.

Thank you bo

Pup Sounds very good.

I'm also intrigued by the lasers... and all the new things but certainly not to get the frozen in time look. It is bizarre when you see these ageless women who don't necessarily look young but you can't tell their age either.

I've contemplated Botox for a couple of years now also as some friends have had success alleviating headaches and I suffer from chronic head aches (and when one has an attack you simply can't stop the "frowning which makes it worse) but I'm afraid to inject myself with a poison

Aurora Post arrived today. Thank you so much. Have forgotten how to use it, so will look back through the thread.

Glad it arrived safely
On my DS we started with a few drops on cotton wool after cleansing 2 times a weeks. Now I leave it up to him as I don't want to make it too self conscious
I think you can also wet the cotton wool with a bit of water to dilute a bit in the first few times.

Thank you, will let you know how I get on.

I'm back on the no wheat or sugar wagon as my skin always clears up after 1-2 weeks after that. I stuck to it for months but the cold weather and early dark nights made me want comfort food.

As we're talking about needles...how does everyone feel about derma rolling? I've heard a bit about it but never been 100% sure what the results would, or should, be. I feel like, on me at least, it'd either be really great or have disastrous results. Seems like an easy and cheap thing to try though.

^ at home, diy, derma rolling, I mean.

is for Pupsie and Enid when they get their P50W, ignore the advice about 2x a day use though, really think that's overdoing it. Like Aurora, I limit it to 3x a week and that's plenty.

I have friend who uses Botox for migraines (and is covered by the insurance) but they do it in the jaw line and the base of the neck not so much the forehead. I know someone else's DP who uses it against excessive sweating, though I do wonder where the sweat then goes . I have the same trepidation about the type of chemicals used, I refuse medicines unless they're actually necessary (so no paracetemol, etc. either), eat organic, am careful about the ingredients used in my skincare, cleaning supplies, etc. so it feels very counter intuitive to be injecting myself with a known toxin from which we have no idea what the long term effects are. From what I've observed on certain people it also seems to be a gateway to over scrutinisation, and the constant alterations stop them from seeing the bigger picture and the fact they now look like a freaky extra in a B-movie.

It's tough though with cosmetic procedures, as I'm not all that assured that those who are benefitting financially from it should be the ones to assess whether someone is a good candidate or not since the psychology of it all plays into it so much. I have a friend who has been mortified about her flat chest her entire life, boyfriend was never allowed to see or touch them (how he manages this I have no idea), feeling less than a woman, low self esteem, etc. She had them enlarged on our version of the NHS after countless psych evaluations, etc. and now feels even worse about it and thinks they're grotesque. Meanwhile my grandmother's cleaning lady just didn't like what they'd become post breast feeding, had them done with little thought with a very pragmatic approach to it all and is happy as a clam so the motivation behind it and careful consideration of what results can achieve is really important I feel. It becomes a very slippery slope to be treating these type of procedures as ails to mental problems, the suicide statistics are quite scary if you look into it.

DIY Derma Rolling to me belongs in that list of Retin-A, Clinical Peels, Dermaplaning, etc. of things to consult people who actually know what they're doing about. Especially considering the risk of infections, never mind your own sensitivities. I know there's a poster on here (forgot the name though but she pops up now and then) who really treats anti-ageing as a hobby and does it quite successfully but she has a background in it (on a clinical level) so in those cases I think it can work at home but I certainly would not be attempting it myself. We have a lovely expression for this in Dutch, "Goedkoop is duurkoop", but I don't think it translates well, but basically it means when you try to cut corners you usually end up spending far more than you planned.

Wilting, no experience with Timeless but it is part of this article, where they appear to be complimentary about it. Strangely it seems to have both L-AA and MAP (L-AA being the Vit C form with the most research behind it). I think it's one often talked about on Reddit but the reviews are tepid, pH not being in the right range (though at home testing not exactly being all that accurate) and it arriving slightly oxidised and needing to be kept in the fridge. It never made it onto my shortlist due to fragrance and that I'll forget about it in the fridge.

My friend has it v successfully for migraines which I think is a good thing
I don't have any wrinkles despite 20 years of smoking but I'll wait and see!
My illness means I have to inject myself with bone marrow stimulant weekly so I guess I'm used to scary drugs but I'm also more cautious because of being immunosuppressed something is more likely to go wrong? If something was really really bugging me then I might look at it. I had my teeth whitened this year as a quit smoking reward

Bo Thank you for the link.

I have the very faintest of lines between eyes of I stare with a bright light on but nothing visible yet. Also cautious about adding anything foreign into my body as I have a list of weird symptoms as long as both my arms and don't think I should risk it with Botox. But a few years ago I might have. I had my teeth whitened a couple of years ago. Might pop into the dentist and get some more of the gel stuff, actually. Still have the moulded trays.

Love that Dutch expression. I apply that thinking to everything else so why I wouldn't to skincare I don't know. I'll rule out home derma rolling then. It did sound a bit too risky.

Thanks for the link Bo.

bo what you wrote reminded me of a school friend who in spite of being smart, super nice and absolutely gorgeous (though with a slightly big nose) had it done the minute we left school. I found it such as pity, as in my opinion she went from being truly gorgeous with a special face to bring kind of cute and not as striking. But I really try not to judge ppl (and believe me it's hard, cause I'm actually very judgmental... )

I also don't take any medicines (besides now when I get an attack but stick to mild painkillers) use only organic cleaning products, know 3/4 of the labels in the supermarket by heart, try not to buy any processed or ready made food etc etc... but I have good skin and also look young, so again think I can't place myself in the shoes of women who maybe have scaring or "premature" skin aging etc...
And since I'm so obsessed interested in skin care, and the lines between traditional skin care and other less invasive methods will, I think, become more blurred, who knows....

I don't think I'd have the guts to try derma-rolling since it's basically injuring your face, though I know how beneficial this can be to deeper tissues (when it's done through deep tissue massage or electrodes) because it stimulates blood flow, and HA as well as collagen production.

And thanks for inserting a bit of Dutch to this thread bo

Thinking about what I will switch to once my LRP Redermic is used up. I could go back and scan the entire thread, but would you guys mind just letting me know what you're using?

TIA

EnidButton - I've used a dermaroller occasionally, for scars & hair loss. Not sure about the efficacy re the hair loss but it has seemed to improve the scars a little (I only use it very occasionally, as I've read that they can cause thickening of the skin, & risk of skin cancers if you then have exposure to UV.) Plus, in my experience, for at least a couple of hours after use, I get a fairly significant itching / tingling sensation in the skin, similar to a healing scab. Difficult not to scratch. Definitely not something to use shortly before going to bed as I find it quite distracting. You need to ensure you get a good one, with "pins" rather than "blades" as the pins are less disruptive to the skin. Also get a good disinfectant - I use surgical alcohol in a spray bottle & spray over the bathroom sink. You will need to replace the roller every so often - the pins will get blunt with use & become not only painful but the effects will be more visible.

Botemp - I've just received my Biore watery essence sunscreen in the post today. I've not had good success in the past with sunscreens (they all tend to make me break out so I'm hoping this one works for me). What order do you recommend I use my products for maximum benefit? I am currently using:

• Lancome gel eclat face wash, Vichy aqualia serum, LRP Toleriane Fluide moisturiser, in that order, AM & PM. Then,
• PC 2% BHA liquid applied with a cotton pad, alternating nights
• I do the Cattier clay /PC BHA liquid / oil 3- step mask about once per week. I'm still still trying to get this to work though, but I don't get any adverse effects after.

My skin has cleared up a lot in the last few weeks (still quite oily), but I need a sunscreen as the current regime has none so I do want to get the Biore / an alternative in by next summer. Face feels comfortable & the few spots that appear tend to clear up very quickly which is a new development, I'm very happy with my skin for the first time in a really long time.

I think I brought in X-rated videos with all the Dutch ^ . Anyone see what that was about?

Yes the blurring lines are worth considering, in a sense my openness to laser would be radical to many. It fits in better with my vision of looking the best you can in a natural way, not altering it but it doesn't make the method any less severe or invasive.

I'm judgey too, try not to be and do feel it is very much a to each their own type thing. I take issue when it becomes a societal norm though, the way it is in S. Korea, Iran, and Brazil and those who choose not to partake in fillers/plastic surgery etc. are the ones frowned upon (I have an Iranian friend who was bullied into a nose job at 16 by her mother so that the entire extended family would have the same 'new' noses from the same plastic surgeon ).

Pupsie, for Retinol it's usually, Redermic (lower strength) than moving to Skinceuticals 1% or the Paula's Choice 1% for higher strength. Sunday Riley Luna Oil and the Pestle and Mortar Retinoil for oil based somewhat gentler options. The Ordinary's Advanced Retinoid 2% is definitely clogging my pores but I believe I'm alone in that so may be worth a try. I can only compare it to Verso which I prefer, though not price wise, and I'm a preventative user so I'm always cautious in translating personal experience in these.

I did come across a new UK startup who do seem to have their mind in the right space with regards to ingredients, pH, and formulations. I've discarded most of their products for my own use but their 2% Retinol did look interesting as it also contains 5% Vit C (L-AA), and Ferulic + Vit E that should help boost the working of the Retinol which appears impressive at 2%. Also contains Licorice Extract (glycyrrhiza glabra) which is brilliant as mentioned previously by Lumpy. It's big in Asia for brightening and skin tone evening. Not sure what the pH is or how reliable the reviews are but they will give your money back if unsatisfied and it's pretty affordable for a Retinol - £18.99 (further 15% off if you spend over £20).

Sheesh that sounds like a sales pitch... not affiliated in any way and as far as I can tell don't ship internationally yet, though possibly through ebay or amazon.

Lego the orders are usually as follows:

Cleanser
(Vit C)
BHA
(AHA)
Serum
Moisturiser
Sunscreen

Pupsie bo has already named the option available. But be careful- if you switch to 1 or 2% try alternating between the two strengths in the first two weeks to wean your skin to the %%

Bo that retinol looks great!!! I'm very curious ... and price is great too.

I haven't used the TO retinol yet but yesterday morning I was dreaming when pouring out the Vit C (which I actually manage to measure out quite well) and ended up with quite a lot in my hand so just slapped it on and OMG the sting!!! It went on-off for hours (though not in a very annoying way, more like- oh it's still there). Mini facial????

How horrible for your friend bo. It reminded me of a cousin who injected her lips years ago. She was also extremely beautiful and she too spoilt her face IMO

No I didn't click on that xx link. Just reported it

I bought a Laura Mercia tinted moisturiser a couple of weeks ago if you remember. From a Space NK not in my home town. I've used it three times but wasn't sure about the colour. Too dark and warm (the store was galley style and she applied it right at the back miles from a window).

I just brought it into my local Space NK. Told her the story but not the particular shade. She spent 20 minutes with me and we found the right shade. They happily exchanged it for the wrong one.

I didn't miss that, just wanted to give the option for others that Redermic is a decent starting point for Retinol and know where it stands strength wise, especially since the prices go up significantly without Redermic (and the little of yet proven TO). It is true though that higher strength takes some getting used to (like any acid, Retinol is an acid) and you often look a bit shit before looking better.

I have actually managed to get my Vit C to work better for me by holding it upside down for a few seconds, then opening it and it doses out perfectly now. How much is everyone using, I use about 3 dots on 3 fingers as that allows me to pat it in effectively with minor sting, I do get a little stingy after effect though when I then add my HA serum. I don't hate it as much as I used, who knows I might actually get excited about it when it's nearly done . Very happy with the Niacinamide after just a few days use.

I was more affronted on her behalf than my friend at the time, strangely, though maybe not, despite being very independent, progressive, and intelligent it does show how hard it is to not adhere to those societal wishes and expectations.

Yay my TO has finally arrived, can't wait to go home and try it ALL OUT AT ONCE

Did the nip+fab again last night and it wasn't as prickly at all and skin only a small bit sensitized today. However, my foundation is now disappearing into my skin literally soaking it up as soon as I put it on.

Hopefully the HA will help with that...

Thanks Bo. I will look at that new brand. Would I still be able to use a dedicated vit C as well do you think? Why have you diacounted it?