Even More Fantastic Skincare And Where To Find It

[botemp]

Thread 1

Thread 2

For those who are taking a peek and wondering whether thread 1and 2 are worth reading we mostly discuss a bit of advanced skincare here with a perspective of seeking out the right ingredients for our particular needs. Distinguishing the acid toners from the actives whilst avoiding the truly unimpressive and harmful ingredients with a hope to achieve a bit of anti-ageing, alleviate irritation and sensitivities with some idle chat in between deviations on this thread are mostly my fault.

If you're in need of some advice coming to grips with your skincare routine please don't hesitate to ask, we don't bite, only occasionally sting with a bit of Biologique Recherche P50 now and then . Just make sure to state clearly what your concerns and needs are, skincare is highly individual and a random recommendation for a 'good' product will be completely different from one person to the next.

If you want help, have read through the previous threads, but if you still have questions use the following form to make life easier on us. We generally answer up to two people a day on a first come first served basis. Not everyone will have answers and sometimes we can't answer you at all. We're only a bunch of amateurs that can respond by suggesting what we would do in your place, for any severe conditions please seek out professional help.

Skin type:

Approx age (range):

Primary skin concern:

Routine :

AM :

PM :

Makeup : eg. no/light coverage/medium coverage/heavy coverage

Occasional treatments:

Things I've tried in the past with disastrous results:

Things that are really working well for me now:

Any dietary/health concerns/pregnant:

What I'm willing to spend on a single skincare item: eg. >£10, £10-20, £20-50, £50-100, no limits.

I specifically [want help with/am looking for a product to/am curious about trying]:

@LtheWife

By the sound of it you can only tolerate glycolic in small amounts or are becoming more intolerant to it as you continue to use it. I definitely agree that an acid would be beneficial to you but the first one I’d gravitate towards with your issues would be a BHA because this is oil soluble and works at a deeper level than AHA, so in terms of congestion that’s the acid I’d be looking at. For oilier acneic skin it usually helps to have an AHA in your routine to help with cell turnover. Which salicylic acid have you tried so far, the N&F dragon’s pads? I think it’s worth getting a sample sachet from Paula’s Choice to see if you react to that too, alternatives to then look at are the CosRX BHA which is a gentler different form of salicylic (and with a bit of luck someone on here will have a decant) or mandelic, or looking into a stronger AHA like P50W but I’d say see what BHA can offer you first.

Wrt P50, it’s a predominantly lactic acid exfoliator so in that sense I think it would be of interest to you as the FAB radiance pads are a lactic/glycolic combo.

I’m all about finishing up products but if they’re not working for you, relegate them to the body. I’m on record as not being the biggest Pixi fan, finding it strangely to do more harm than good but it seems agreeable for use on the body.

Yes, the Biore Watery Essence should suit your skin type but if it is drying due to alcohol content it might be worth looking into something else.

Grendel

Makeup disappears how? You haven’t mentioned skin type (dehydrated is a secondary condition to dry/normal/combo/oily), do you suck the moisture out of it resulting in that chalky look or is it simply dissolved by oil worse in the T-zone, or the dreadful combination of both?

Is there something other than water (without sugar or caffeine preferably) that you would drink more of?

In terms of routine, firstly get your face out of the shower, it’s too hot and not doing your skin any good. All skincare happens at the sink, especially cleansing. Tepid water, clean flannel every day. Wash hands before starting routine. Acids need to be introduced slowly, some purging may occur but should not continue, nor should continued irritation with any product. Generally (hard in your case I'm aware) introduce products slowly (cleansers are exempt from this), 2 weeks apart.

AM :

just water in shower LRP Toleriane Dermo Cleanser
not using toner atm you don’t have to use toner
ordinary buffet
ordinary hyaluronic acid the buffet and HA serum do very similar things, use one or the other, how are you getting on with the HA as there are some who have found it very drying (personally think on the back of this feedback it’s really only suitable for heavier combo/oily type skin)
dermalogica sensitive moisturiser, - if this works for you great
SPF get thee one, skin type will determine rec.
clarins flash balm
clarins foundation

PM :

cheapy garnier make-up remover relegate to eye makeup removal only
an oil based cleanser Clinique TTDO, DHC Cleansing oil, etc.
LRP Toleriane Dermo Cleanser
no toner as above
ordinary retinoid
ordinary hyaluronic acid - as above
dermalogica moisturiser

Bugger it, thought I was completely caught up then remembered the P50 info.

For the P50(w) intrigued since there seem to be a lot of decants going out now I figure it's best to outline the basics once more.

If you're going to be using P50 it should be the only AHA you're using, no alternating with others, treatments like Alpha-H Liquid Gold, etc.

To start with you'll use the slightly weaker version P50W, you have to built up to use it gradually. Those already using an AHA for a while may take to it quicker than others but it still requires a careful approach.

Start with a damp cotton and a few drops of P50W at the base of the neck moving upwards (see ) with a dabbing motion.

Initially use 2x a week and built up to (every other) day dependant on need and be cautious wrt over exfoliation. Most of us using P50 for a longer period use it about 3x a week.

Yes! It was the Una Brennan mask. £2.99. Am liking my TO Buffet very much.

Should we be looking for the Una Brennan mask?! Is it now a rarity?

Just been reading through this thread and was interested in the niacinamide due to the redness under my nose. Neither The Ordinary nor Paula!s choice mention it helps with redness ? Thanks in advance from a newbie

Add message | Report | Message poster | botemp Fri 16-Dec-16 10:37:15
Thread 1

Take 2 with full details

Skin type:combination. Oily t zone

Approx age (range):46

Primary skin concern: redness under nose

Routine :

AM :water in shower , Pai moisturiser

PM :
Emma hardie balm then pai moisturiser
Makeup : eg. no/light coverage/medium coverage/heavy coverage.Urban decay all nighter...not much

Occasional treatments:none

Things I've tried in the past with disastrous results:
None
Things that are really working well for me now:none

Any dietary/health concerns/pregnant:no

What I'm willing to spend on a single skincare item: eg. >£10, £10-20, £20-50, £50-100, no limits.max of £50

I specifically [want help with/am looking for a product to/am curious about trying]:
Redness under nose with tiny spider veins

Well today my skin looked the worst it has in months. Weird as a couple of weeks ago it looked the best it has for months. Its so strongly affected by my hormones and what I eat and as my hormones and illness are also affected by what I eat it's a double whammy atm.

I know the full glare of the Winter sun isn't going to flatter many people but still, today I was extremely grateful for concealer and bright lipstick.

After Christmas I am firmly back on the no sugar wagon and will go back to having as little wheat as possible. Then will get an spf and a good acid.

On the positive side my peeling nose was slightly better today. Have used the cosrx bha in it again with aqualia and cicaplast. No idea if that's correct? Seems to have helped though?

Skipped the Kiehl's micro peel tonight as my skin was feeling a bit tight. Like Mint said, it's the artificial (?) heat inside places atm. Tonight I went to a friend's house and they had their gas fire on very high all night so think that's what's made it dry.

Oh and I got asked for ID when buying a bottle of champagne for Christmas. Not unusual but did reassure me that at least I still look younger than I am. Might be spotty but it keeps the wrinkles away.

bo I don't know how to find the questionnaire or how to paste it properly lol can you help me? I'm thick as shit

Mint the questionnaire is in the first message within this thread. Select the text, right click, copy (or control C), start a new message, paste (or control V). Simples.

Enid congrats on the champagne challenge and non-peeling nose Sorry to hear your skin's being fussy today though - at least you know it will pass? I think I'm going to at least try to join you in the NY on the no sugar/carb thing. I know it makes a real difference for me, but it also means cutting out all my favourite food and I am weak. Strength in numbers, maybe.

Thanks pupsie I'll give it a try lol....

I CANT DO IT FFS

Just a little notice.

I won't be answering any questionnaires till at least after Christmas. I'll respond to Storm's as she's been waiting a while and playing catch up. It takes up quite a bit of time and while I'm happy to help most should be able to answer their own questions with a good read through of the two previous threads. Will happily respond and interact with the non questionnaire questions.

Mint, why are you filling in the questionnaire? You already know I'm not going to recommend you change your routine when it's more likely to do more harm than good?

Little pink, niacinamide helps with causes responsible for redness like inflammation, sensitivity, etc. I have no clue what causes your redness and as it involves capillaries and it's on an unusual spot and the mention of your health issues my advice is to consult your GP about it. General advice wrt routine is to include SPF in the AM and to wash your face in the morning with a gentle cleanser like the LRP Toleriane Dermo Cleanser.

Bo your time and effort on this thread does not go unnoticed or unappreciated - ty

So, on one of the previous threads I said I had ordered the Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF, for use in my daily routine. I've been using it about a month now. I'm really pleased, I will definitely be ordering some more when I get paid in January. This is literally the first facial sunscreen I've ever tried that hasn't caused me to break out in horrible painful & scarring acne. I use it after my serum, moisturiser in the morning, & before my makeup (if I use any). I've used it before BB cream (which I'd got as a tester, & which is applied with fingers), & before my usual foundation, which I apply with a brush. I've not noticed any balling up, weirdness of texture, finish or appearance. It doesn't appear to make my skin any more likely to appear oily, either in feel or appearance (in comparison to the majority of sunscreens which look like I've poured a bottle of vegetable oil over my face). As I live in the UK, I can't personally comment on its SPF qualities as we're currently in the depths of winter...
Does anyone know of a reputable supplier where I could buy this SPF a bit more cheaply than on Amazon, in multiples if necessary?

Skin type: Combination, tends towards oily (despite 2 full courses of roaccutane), dehydrated. Sensitive.

Approx age (range): mid 30s.

Primary skin concern: Tendancy to breakout when I'm ill or eat unwisely...

Routine : I don't really have one - I shower when it's convenient, could be just before bed or first thing in the morning (my hair is vv short so I can be in & out & towel dried in under 10 minutes). I use microfibre face cloths (Cheeky wipes actually - obviously I bought them new!) for face washing. I use a new one each day then stick them all in the washing machine together. I also have half a dozen small hand towels that I use just for my face, I use them just for a couple of days each (turn & use a clean end / side each time).

AM : Face wash, serum, moisturiser, sunscreen.

PM : makeup off as soon as I get home, I use the Superfacialist Vitamin C oil to remove it, then some pure floral water from the aromatherapy shop, as a toner. Currently using some Lancome eye makeup remover I got as a freebie for the mascara (I always wear waterproof). It's pretty good actually.
Before bed I wash as at morning, no sunscreen obvs, BHA twice weekly.

Makeup : either none or light coverage only. I definitely go for the natural look. Light foundation, blush, mascara, eyebrow pencil (I dye my hair so this is a must or they disappear), sometimes a touch of eyeshadow.

Occasional treatments: 3 step mask on my nose area - PC BHA, Cattier rose clay, Superfacialist Vitamin C oil.

Things I've tried in the past with disastrous results: Body Shop Vitamin E face wash, just about every facial sunscreen before the current one, Body shop Sensitive makeup remover (Aloe Vera?). Any kind of "scrub" - they feel ok at the time but my face always feels really sensitive for several days after. Using up the last of the St Ives on my elbows / knees / feet etc, quite a good use for it actually. Lots more things I've forgotten in the mists of time - I have a rule that I don't buy expensive skincare now, if I cant get hold of a tester pot or sachet to try out for a few days first.

Things that are really working well for me now: Lancome Gel Eclat pearly face wash, Vichy Aqualia serum, LRP Serozinc spray, LRP Toleriane fluide, PC BHA twice weekly at night, Biore Watery Essence SPF.

Any dietary/health concerns/pregnant: I am allergic to Benzalkonium Chloride (a common preservative / antibacterial.)

What I'm willing to spend on a single skincare item: Depends what it is, how long it lasts. My face wash is about £25 but I've had it 6 months & it's not even half gone.

I specifically want help with/am looking for a product to: reduce wrinkles that may start to appear soon. I've been told I look young for my age, I'd like to keep things that way!

So so glad to read the reports about improvement in skin condition. Well done!

Wilting in my case if was def dehydration. And the changes I made to my skin care routine 3-4 years ago have a made a huge diference -
-Ditching foaming cleansers
-P50
-HA serum/s (though bo is right, there is no point layering the same type of serum, better alternate between AM and PM if you want to use all of them).
-Using an oil almost every evening
-Using a good occlusive over all the above layers.
-if you have a particularly dry day reapply cream mid day or use one of the water sprays we have been mentioning.
-The flaky skin under my brown was solved with castor oil.

Pupsie thanks for reminding me about the dry brushing. I've really neglected it this winter but picked it up again yesterday. Feels so great!
Was it you that asked about facial massage?
I'm of the opinion that even if you do 20-30 seconds a day you are already better off than having a massage in a salon/ beautician once a month.
So yes I have a longer thing that I do every few days (combination of some of the above techniques) but when I'm applying my stuff I always do something - quick eye area massage and taping, quick forehead massage etc, because I think that even doing that minimum you are already better off. Been doing this for years already as it kind of always felt right intuitively.

And.... Finally got my blush!!!! But must say that I'm extremely dissapointed by both the texture and the colour. Where to begin? It has a consistency of a cream so it's very messy and annoying. The colour is very orange so not so flattering on me (maybe for darker skins?). The application is very difficult because it becomes very patchy, and the more you try to blend/ tap the more you are removing, so for the last two mornings I've ended up with patches of colours on my cheeks (and believe me I'm very good at applying cream blush ). Also - the little pot is half empty!?!? It supposed to weigh 7 grams which of course I've no idea if it does but receiving half empty packaging is very bizzare.

Lego

I’ll answer you as it’s quick and you have your routine setup and it’s just a matter of getting into it on the regular and steady (or is the non existent routine a thing of the past?).

Wrt the Biore, Amazon and ebay (only buy the listings from Japan, esp. Biore the formulations can be different per country and it’s a popular product so fakes do exist) are usually the cheapest and multi offers are harder to find. I’ve used a personal shopper in Japan in the past (unfortunately she’s moved) and it’s only worth doing if you’re buying a lot of things at once. Amazon.co.jp did recently open up their market place for international trade but I’ve yet to properly explore, Rakuten (the JP version) is probably the cheapest but to buy there is the biggest headache that I wouldn’t wish on anyone.

Wrt anti-ageing, the trade off with oily/combo skin is that it delays ageing, probably the only positive. So things to look into if you want to get serious about the anti-ageing (assuming the routine is steady and working for you): AHA, Vitamin C, Niacinamide, and Retinol which in turn are all beneficial for your current skin concerns too. If you want to start out small and not add too much to your current routine, the TO Matrixyl is probably a good one to start with for now, you can then research the others and introduce them gradually, with the exception of AHA all very affordable to get from TO.

Boo on the By Terry, Aurora! Think they'll take it back?

Don't know if they'll take it back. I have to contact them anyway as the lost package turned up so I've now got two... they do send out amazing packages I must say.

Yes they do! I have a whole little army of those little Japanese dolls. They're doing a Dermalogica Active Moist offer today that might be interesting to some and 30% off Elemis.

I used the Una Brennan mask last night. Liked it. It did tingle strongly for the first minute or so but then stopped and no adverse after effects.

I am going to struggle to keep up with this thread over the next 10 days (fly to the Alps tomorrow). Perhaps the thread will naturally become quieter over the festive period anyway. I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has contributed and especially to Bo for your patience and wisdom and helpfulness. I have learnt so much since I started the first thread - thought it would be a 5 word response sort of affair, but here we are a quarter way through thread 3! Thank you everyone, I've enjoyed chatting with you all and I wish you a peaceful, fun Christmas and a happy and healthy and skin brightening 2017 .

Thank you Bo! Will make GP appointment and meanwhile get on with the spf and morning cleanser.

bo I thought you asked me up thread to fill it in?? I did wonder why but thought there must be a reason lol, I must have misread it....wouldn't surprise me lol.

I actually like the dermalogica active moist and you all know how incredibly sensitive I am! It works well with hylamide subq if anyone is tempted.