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]:

enid that's not even half of it....yes they have supermarket trolleys as well as modest little rubber trugs for the timid
aurora like the sound of the Klorane SPF...will investigate....they also have the phyto range...which I've always fancied trying.
hollin at your supermarket sweep!
pupsie ahhh well done for getting away from them all for a min
sigh looking forward to getting the festivities out the way so I can get back to The Shelves

Pupsie, I do like Klorane stuff, larger Boots have started stocking it again after cutting the line some years ago. They used to make a papyrus range for iirc "unruly" hair that was awesome. Last time DH was in the States for work I ordered some to his hotel room for him to bring back

Enid, glad that the CosRX is working so well for you - I'm quite tempted to try a BHA again and see what happens. Amazing that it's cleared SFs after 3 days!

Btw, who's tried the Verso eye serum? Any thoughts? TO Caffeine's doing a great job on puffiness but I'd like something to target the little creases left under my eyes after I smile.

yongnian I think you need to put up a warning next time you're going to be tantalising us with skincare porn. Are you looking at the Hydrabio SPF from Bioderma btw? Can't find any info on a SPF50 one.

Samples are often a dud, Enid, especially the ones with special sounding names with silver, caviar, gold. etc. Though speaking of pre-shampoo, was looking up the Lenor Greyl one again and it's basically a mix of oils and just did the same with my Japanese rice brain oil, combed it through my hair pre-shampooing and left it to marinate for half an hour and it did leave it wonderfully soft.

Scooby, nothing wrong with low budget, I quite like a challenge. Saying that if you're already using the Superdrug serum why would you want TO Ha + B5 too? Essentially they're both hydrating serums (though they have different additional ingredients). Nothing wrong with Nip & Fab either provided you can tolerate glycolic, fragrance, and alcohol and it is causing adverse effects.

We were in Rotterdam for an event yesterday and I suggested a shortcut detour past the Korean Beauty shop and stocked up on the new CosRx snail poo mask and also some of the Benton Essence snail masks. They were also selling (completely new to me) a lotion version the Benton Steam Cream (so a lighter moisturiser for combo/oily or extra moisturising step for very dry skin), Dulci. Think I might get it for the summer time but still have to check the INCI but it was a very nice texture.

I've also been looking at this SPF from Japan (but the SPF40 version). It's alcohol, silicones, oils, parabens, sulphates, petroleum-based ingredients, fragrances, and colourings free. It's on the pricier side but a large bottle (135g, think the price was somewhere in the $30 range).

No worries SheStoodInTheStorm, I think most of us can do a carboot sale with our skincare duds. In fact I think we could start quite the interesting trade on the back of this thread.

I was going to mention that bacne product from Superdrug too Lego. Mostly because I'm curious if that actually works and what kind of concentration and pH it is mind getting some pH strips? Also an SLS free shampoo and conditioner may be worth looking into if you haven't already.

No LRP, Pupsie ? Are you sure you're in France . The Klorane oatmeal shampoo is an old staple, I have it for travel but I should warn as mentioned before my hair likes the French crappy water, the shampoo isn't as impressive at home. They are all SLS free but they do use SLES which is sort of the questionable middle ground which most cheaper SLS free shampoos utilise. Their dry shampoo (also the oatmeal, I get the dark tinted one) is legendary and one of the few dry shampoos that cleans effectively and doesn't gas you out of the bathroom with questionable smells. It's all round fab.

Congrats on reaching nerd levels

I'm glad the CosRx BHA is working out for you, Enid. I really hoped it would work out for you since you can't use normal salicylic but the concept of BHA is so beneficial to you. It did nothing for me but I had the very quick turnaround with PC and it's interesting to hear that Raisin had it when trying a different version from PC. It really is about finding your perfect acid sometimes. Should I just open up an acid bar, I mean clearly there's a need for it, right? At the very least the clientele will be interesting

Me Dulci ! Just bought some Versp this morning as it's everything 20% off with Skincity today until midnight (CET). I stocked up on quite a bit actually and am still looking at things It did make fine lines disappear with me but considering my age and lack of signs of ageing I'm pretty sure it was dehydration. I can send you a decant if you'd like.

• isn't causing adverse effects, obvs.

Re sf clearing, maybe it's just the reflection of my nose dazzling me so I can't see them. It really is very shiny. Not oily though. SF still at sides of nose but the the bridge is definitely clear. Think I will purchase and risk it as I can always go back to just using on nose. It's not that £££ I seem to remember.

Now I need that shampoo and conditioner. Do like trying new ones out as my hair is pretty well behaved so it's more fun than skin stuff.

Whilst I'm here I just wish you all a very merry Christmas. I hope you all have a lovely day. Thank you very much for your kindness, patience and good company over the past couple of months. 🎄💗

Thanks Hollinhurst, I'll take a look at that spray next time I'm near a Superdrug (my local branch closed down a couple of years ago, boo!) I have tried similar things before though - notably the Clinique back spray, which, although it helped with the spots, caused itchiness & general mild irritation. It was a year or two after that, that I was diagnosed with an allergy to the preservative in it, which seems to be in a lot of those sorts of things (plus eye drops & all sorts of other inconvenient things). Re: hair washing - I don't usually use conditioner - my hair is only about an inch long! I must say though, that my back was rather a lot worse when my hair was long (nearly knee length, many years ago,) I had guessed it was the conditioner but no amount of rinsing or further washing ever seemed to be enough.
I'm in awe of the Body Shop sweep. I'd have cleared all their hairbrushes & stockpiled them, they stopped selling the good ones years ago, the idiots.

NoJimmyProtested - that's interesting about the sugar connection, thanks. Whenever I've asked my GP or dermatologist about diet, they have always given me the usual line that I should just eat a balanced diet, but that sugar or specific foods don't make a difference. I've long suspected they do. I intend to reduce my sugar intake anyway as I think blood sugar spikes are a migraine trigger for me. I'll pick up a small bottle of Head & Shoulders & some probiotics too, thanks.

Does amyone else have a continual stream of adverts for skincare when they've been on this thread...? I don't even need to post - I'm sure the ads can read what's on the thread & they just appear.

Bo thanks v much for your earlier reply, when i was gushing about the amazing-ness of PC BHA 2% My skin looks so much better for it.
The Skinceuticals serum I'm using is their Serum 10. Its nice but was ££ so i wont repurchase as its not working miracles. I was earning a different salary when i bought it - now need to readjust things when i replace! TO looks great, i have been reading your advice on the previous threads for oily-skinned peeps like me.

I have a family member who works for Neutrogena (J&J) and he is able to get frequent freebies. Anything remotely useful at all from them? I have their Hydro Boost Water Gel (contains a bit of hyalauronic apparently) and i'm getting on quite well with it as a moisturiser.

botemp - I can definitely get some PH strips! In fact it's probably a good idea as I've been known to make the odd thing up for myself or my DD when I can't find something or can't get to the shops (leave-in conditioner for DD, back spray for me, scalp treatments for me as I have hairloss due to meds). All have worked to a certain extent, & not caused any obvious irritation but it would be good to know if I could improve them at all. The back spray was just floral water, pure aloe gel, & essential oils but I did get bit of improvement, I think. I've had a quick look online, but I'm naturally inclined to be suspicious of all online purchases - has anyone got a recommendation for a good (inexpensive) supplier?

I'll look at a non-SLS shampoo too. I'd chosen the current one based on what's in it (medicated to try to help the hairloss) but I can probably get something else & dose it to get a similar effect. Or do pre-wash treatments. (Not too hard when your hair is only an inch long!)

Yes def worth a try Lego, I was sceptical but it was definitely that as it improved dramatically after a few weeks on the new regime and I do still get flare ups now if I go mad scoffing sweet stuff and white carbs Good luck.

Yes, the sugar and yeast issue is an interesting one, I always suggest anyone who sees massive improvements from going sugar-free (beyond the expected) to get checked for candida (not the localised vaginal variety but the all over body type) even though GPs are very reluctant to check for it and it often doesn't show up in blood tests. It's very common but hard to detect and has a massive impact on your health, mood, energy levels, etc. Even more common in those with suppressed immune systems.

NoJim the Serum 10 is basically a Vitamin C serum (10%) with panthenol (Vit B5) and zinc. Should be easy enough to replace with TO Vit C, the TO HA + B5 (provided you're truly on the oily side), and Serozinc or the Zinc content from TO Niacinamide (thought the Zinc will hardly be crucial to the success you had with that serum).

Not that familiar with Neutrogena as it's not very available here, or at least not the full range, think body and hand creams mainly. Someone on the thread liked one of their oil free face moisturisers, I think?

The Gracefruit supplier came from a recommendation on the DIY Reddit so think they should be pretty reliable, Lego.

I get thrush regularly (lovely) but as soon as I cut sugar out of my diet it completely goes. Sugar= thrush, acne and anxiety, for me anyway. In varying degrees obviously, but it's really clear that when I don't eat refined sugar, my skin clears up, anxiety vanishes and I don't get even a hint of thrush.

And on that itchy festive note, I'm off to paint my nails red.

Well having the vaginal variety is sometimes a symptom of the full body version. Basically, sugar feeds the yeast and it's left to go rampant the symptoms increase. I personally find the psychological symptoms attached to it quite disturbing and no one has yet to explain to me how that works.

Sales are a bit rampant this year, Selfridges is already pestering me as they're starting tomorrow on Christmas day and SpaceNK just granted early access for n.dulge members, don't know if the link will work for others but here it is anyhow:

www.spacenk.com/uk/en_GB/sale/?src=ndulge_email&cm_mmc=email--uk_wk39_email_SALE_ndulge--N.dulge%20early%20access-_-SpaceNK

Damn. I've had a feeling (for a few years, TBH) that I might have a candida problem. I didn't realise skin problems were a symptom as well as all the rest. Right, that's three NY resolutions for me.

botemp - the Gracefruit recommendation - was that for me? Confused, sorry! If it's for PH strips I can't see them.

Sorry I thought you were looking for a floral water, essential oils, etc. supplier, Lego. pH strips can be easily obtained from a chemist (or an aquarium place), just make sure to get the ones that have a range on them so not the very basic 'acid or alkaline' single colour ones. Think there are a few sellers on amazon too but no personal experience with those.

Thanks Bo, will check out those TO recommendations. Am definitely a true oily, used to hate it but actually don't mind nowadays as i'm still wrinkle free (huge eye bags but that's a different issue!) and i've learned how to work with my skin in terms of make up etc.

The candida thing is fascinating. I get this huge sensitivity and bright red flushing when i'm having a flare up, all across my neck, forearms, everywhere. I also have quite bad anxiety and sleep issues but they come and go. I know I should cut out all sugars really as I'm probably just firefighting with the probiotics rather than having eliminated it totally

Bo I thought you were on festive leave from skincare advisory duties! [Fgrin] I am happy my wallet less so to learn that the Verso is a bo-approved staple. I was also looking at the niod fractionated eye concentrate but I can't tell if it's snake oil or not, any thoughts on that one? The snail bee lotion sounds interesting, as does the essence mask, and the ange naturel s/s. Lots to investigate, thanks!

I've been experimenting with TO vit C suspension again, one of the big problems I was having is that I couldn't apply anything (except ss) before or after without it balling up. Turns out the snail bee essence will apply on top without issue, good news. I've been using the vit c and TO niacinamide on alt mornings this week, but I'm not sure if that is often enough to get real benefit from either. Would be grateful for any advice on that.

I think I've fallen off space nk's list as I haven't been invited to their pre sale. Oh well! Merry Christmas everyone!

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and hope you all receive the gift of glowing, blemish free, youthful skin! I must have been on the naughty list this year and a big thank you to all that have contributed and made this such interesting reading

Aha! No (but thanks for the recommendation anyway). I get my floral waters, oils etc from ID Aromatics in Leeds, have done for years. I love the shop & they do sell online as well although I've never ordered from them so I couldn't comment particularly on their delivery service - if it's like their instore service it will be great.

Right - we've a couple of pet shops in town so I'll check them out after Christmas re the PH strips. Definitely interested in that back spray. If I discover I can't get it (possible allergy), I'll get back on with the homemade spray, & maybe look at improving the formulation, adding some fancier ingredients etc. It definitely helped last time I made a batch but didn't clear it all up. What are your thoughts on witch hazel water - I've seen it but not bought any before. Is it helpful?

Interesting about the TO vit C suspension balling up - I'd been looking at that one as a possible future purchase, but if it's a pain to work with I will probably give it a miss. I imagine my vit C cleansing oil will have some (limited) benefit anyway, & some of the other TO products seem to have vit C in as well.

I got some beauty presents!
Dermalogica - the micro exfoliator, ultra claiming cleanser and overnight repair serum
Body shop - oils of lift essence and the gel cream
Becca pressed highlighter in moonstone which I am cooing over

I feel like death warmed up today, I'm kind of dry all over, the soles of my feet hurt when I walk and I can't find the right words when I speak. So I'm less princess and the pea and more The Little Mermaid today. It's balls so I'm doing a Sephora order to cheer myself up.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what can add? Make up or skincare or anything really.

This thread is immense! Found the answers to my questions thank you but am quite confused.
What is the HCC method?
What SPF should I use?
What moisturiser should I use? The lengthy and really helpful answer I had just said use the one I have but it's not great tbh.

It was recommended I get vitamin c is this tablets? Also those who answered me (many many pages ago) said my skin is probably dehydrated so how do I address this?
What is niacinamide and what is retinoid?

Thank you

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0052EM8L8/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr0_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1482788059&sr=8-2-fkmr0&keywords=lrp+toleriane+cleanser

Is this the LRP toleriane derma cleanser? Do I use a normal flannel or cotton wool?

I'm trying to find the Paula's choice skin perfecting 2% BHA liquid on amazon to buy a travel size one is anyone able to link to this for me? Thank you. I can't seem to find it!!