Ditch The Foundation, Embrace Some Fantastic Skincare Instead!

[botemp]

Thread 1

Thread 2

Thread 3

Thread 4

For those who are taking a peek and wondering whether thread 1,2, 3, and 4 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 in as much detail as possible, skincare is highly individual and a random recommendation for a 'good' product will be completely different from one person to the next.

Make sure you've read the earlier threads (or at the very least the first one) so we're not being asked to answer to previously raised questions. It takes a lot of time and effort to answer these queries and often the answers can be found in previous threads, but if you still have questions relating specifically to you, use the following form to make life easier on us. We generally answer one or 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]:

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Ahem, and finally a little note on spending. I'm well aware these threads cause many to reach for their wallets and spend with wild abandon. There can sometimes be a bit of a frenzy surrounding the excitement around a newly discovered product or on the back of great improvements when someone reports back. This is all great, it doesn't however, mean everything that's a sudden miracle for one will be it for you. Usually, it's a light bulb moment for connecting the right skincare ingredient with an individual experiencing a specific problem. Take your time to mull over decisions and question whether it's right for you too. Skincare is highly individual, it's a slow game that should cost mostly in patience, input, education, and perseverance. Please don't make it cost you financially needlessly either.

The ordinary acids have just launched on Victoria Health which means they'll be out of stock tonight! Interesting as others have said that Brandon apparently didn't 'approve' of acids and now there's a whole line up.

I noted what you said above Bo how do you think that 30% AHA will perform? VH do suggest caution and should be used by "experienced users of acid exfoliation".

Enid and Hollin your parcels are in the post .

I'm still using Azelaic too. Totally the same as Hollin, I usually breakout from silicone and actively avoid it but it's keeping me spot free. I use it every other to every 2 nights as I don't like it under makeup and can't use my Rosehip with it as it balls up.

Interested in the salicylic from TO if only because I hate the film the PC leaves.

I've tried the TO niacinamide again and it's a no from me, it seems to gradually make my skin duller.

Enjoying the results of TO vit C but still don't like the texture. Strangely it seems moisturising? I'm ok to put my spf over and not feel dry which is unusual for me if I don't use a moisturiser too. Facetheory are launching a vit c serum so I've orders that as I really like their retinol serum.

For shame, Dulci! I bet you practised really hard on that bat signal in anticipation too

Just saw the newsletter too, pretty sure they'll be sold out pronto as a result. I am a bit puzzled about it all, from their previous staunch standpoints and the Ordinaries line turning into a direct dupe line.

In their initial lineup there were a few products that were very similar to some other products, the B5 is similar to the Skinceuticals B5, the lactic acid is sort of 'similar' to Sunday Riley Good Genes, the rosehip oil pretty much 'like' industry favourites Pai and Trilogy etc. but incidentally, all their 'direct' dupes (as opposed to the 'inspired by' category) seem to be the most dud-worthy of the whole lineup even without the direct comparison to the originals.

What has further puzzled me is why they are jumping on the heavy acids game when it has recently been severely limited in Canada (where they're based) to high pH and low concentrations only (and why BR has a special sad version of P50 there now) and the EU is in talks about following suit on that and restricting OTC retinoids as well. Though possibly they're circumventing this with their production and headquarters being in different places and being online retailers.

I like when TO innovates, or offers pared back formulations that were previously just not available on the market at all or at a reasonable price. The Azelaic is an example of that, as is the Alpha Lipoic Acid (which in comparison to that peel seems slightly more interesting), the Caffeine solution, the Matrrixyl, etc.

For whatever reason, the direct copying irks me, especially the duping of Pixi and Paula's Choice which are generally already considered 'affordable' (and in the case of PC there isn't even any savings). So far TO hasn't proven to me that they're better formulators, in fact, it's their major weakness and the only thing that makes people put up with it is the price point. So to see them conjuring up direct competitors for which some don't even offer any financial savings, whilst previously slating these companies and their preference for using such 'harsh' ingredients to make their own ingredients and 'sciencey' methods look better, to then do, not similar things, but the exact same thing and excusing it all with an addition of 'pepperberry extract' that's supposed to take away all the sins of harsh acids... Excuse the ramble, I'm just a little ugh about the whole thing...

So as for the peel... not my thing but wouldn't be normally anyhow. I don't even know how that works out legally at that strength (I'd have to check the EU guidelines), though the pH is relatively high for a peel so in that sense the strengths should be regarded somewhat differently. It's kind of like a reverse of Good Genes which is low-ish concentration but really low pH so the direct acid availability is very high. People with a face of leather and a long time history of acids could give it a go but I'd caution anyone else about using them, though I doubt many will head the warnings. Also, with higher strength acids the effects tend to be temporary and mostly focused on intermittent skin smoothing. Not something I'd want to be doing on any sort of regular basis (and would go down the mandelic acid route instead probably as its more gentle) but I can see in certain cases it may be beneficial. But, as noted above, I'm generally not all that happy about another high strength, possibly high damage product, in a lineup that needs a rather extensive manual to understand and purposefully has no easily legible method for product use.

Thanks, Shop, these TO role call feedbacks really are quite useful.

I only have four things at the moment, of which two I use on the regular and would probably continue to buy, the Vit C (until something else with a decent price point and better texture comes along) and the Retinoid 2% (though same applies as with the Vit C, there's little keeping me loyal to TO).

I have the Caffeine Solution which is fine but was bought mostly to get to free shipping, and it's the same for the Matrixyl, I like it well enough but wouldn't be jumping at the bits to go buy it and I wouldn't miss it if it were gone. I also find most of the HA based serums rather quick to use up and that makes me question how truly affordable they really are.

Hi!

I'm a bit of a lurker here, and have a question about vit C. I've been on the lookout for an affordable serum for absolutely ages, and have been unconvinced by any of TO formulas.

I know you regularly recommend Face Theory's moisturisers (I'd not heard of the brand before reading these threads) and as someone else has mentioned they're bringing out a Vit C serum in a couple of weeks.

The ingredients look pretty good to me, and it's half price atm so I'm quite tempted - just wondered what you knowledgeable folks thought?

I'm 23 with oily/spot-prone skin that is under control atm with Differin if that helps.

Thanks!

bo, the Missha Super Aqua Smooth Skin Peeling Pads sound interesting, I've never heard of PHA before though! Is this something that would be beneficial for me and I should look into getting?

So far I've introduced the CosRx BHA and the sunscreen, and my skin's gone a little crazy. I'm hoping it's just an initial reaction to the BHA as I've not used one properly for awhile, and it settles down soon! Will try keep the routine simple and minimal until then.

Hopped on the TO azelaic wagon and ordered some to try.

Thank you JD

Thanks for your thoughts on the matter Bo. I haven't looked at P50 in any detail but is that not a 'strong' acid?

I've ordered TO retinoid to try. It's my first time trying. How many times a week initially? Should I skip BHA initially on the days I use it? Thanks

Bo thanks for the help with my pilling issue. Not used serum before so didn't know it was meant to be a much smaller amount! Did it this morning and I still got a small amount of product balling up but it wasn't as bad as before. I may have used a larger sized pea though will try again tomorrow. It tends to happen on my jawline at the sides of my face.

Slopes in whistling nonchalantly....I bought the pony ahem ahem.
And bo yes colours re accoutrements - saddle pads, head collars, hell even coordinated brushes and wheelbarrows if you wanted to take it way too far!!
Sorry, I have no skincare news to report as have been far too overexcited.
As you were.

Ok italics fail

I've read all the threads, can't say I've been lurking as I only started reading at the beginning of this month. I am interested in skincare, I read quite a few blogs and I used to listen to an AB podcast but I think I just don't have the mental capacity for it as I get so confused! I'm hoping all you clever clogs might be able to help me.

I've done the form you provided, and I have taken some pictures but not sure whether to post them as they aren't great quality. I apologise in a advance for quite how lengthly my post is. If you take time to read it all thank you regardless of whether you can offer any advice.

My skin is very combination. I generally suffer from dehydration. Most of the time my nose is an oil slick by midday but the rest of my skin is relatively dry. The areas around my nose, forehead and mouth range from red , sore and peeling (for a few days before my period) to red and visibly dry/scaly and just red. I have enlarged congested pores across my chin, nose and half of my cheeks. 99% of spots I get are on my chin, often to tie in with PMT but in general my chin appears to be the toilet of my face. Basically I’m a real looker!

I’m late twenties.

Primary concerns- Congestion. Redness/uneven skin tone/eczema type thing around nose and mouth but not ON my nose or mouth. I’m also solid purple under my eyes but I don’t know if this constitutes a skin concern.

My Morning Routine:
Soap and Glory Ultimelt Cream Cleanser washed off with a flannel post shower (I’ve previously used Soap and Glory Peaches and Cream Cleanser and Alpha H Triple Action Cleanser but I didn’t have any noticeable results when I’ve moved from one to the other)
Nip Fab Dragons Blood Pad (Although I’ve used these up so haven’t done this step for a few days and I can’t see any different so I’m probably going to give it up)
Vichy Aqualia Serum and Paula’s Choice Resist 10% Niaminacide Booster mixed together
Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Jelly
LRP Anthelios SPF 30 Lotion or Nivea Anti-age suncream or Kiehls Daily Defence

My Evening Routine:
Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil or Vichy Beautifying Cleansing Micellar Oil- Flannel
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser - Flannel (used to use Alpha H Triple Action and am not sure on the change to CeraVe, sometimes it feels a bit stingy with skin red and tight after but this is only sometimes and haven’t yet identified why)
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA. (Either the Skin Perfecting Liquid or the Clear Extra Strength Liquid as I have both in a trial size. The ingredients seem to be the same so I don’t understand what the difference is)
Indeed Labs Eyesilix or Kiehls Powerful Strength Line Reducing Eye Cream
Elemis HydraNourish or Origins Make A Difference Night Treatment OR one of the below moisturising treatments depending on what my skin is doing.

Aesop Parsley seed mask, LRP Serozinc, Origins Overnight moisture mask, Kiehls Midnight Recovery Oil, Una Brennan Probiotic Night Treatment, soap and glory Hot Pore declogging mask. I don’t want to list every mask and treatment I own as I have a large drawer of ‘occasional treatments’ and this could go on forever but these are things I use most often.

Make up is a medium coverage. Either Clarins BB or Nars Sheer Glow and a touch of Hourglass powder on the nose.

I’m not sure I tolerate glycolic very well. I found both Liquid Gold and Pixi Glow left me tight maybe even sore, peeling and very dry which felt as if my skin then went into oil overdrive. I also feel that perhaps a too keen use of liquid gold is what started my eczema type thing some years ago and its clearly never recovered. I also used an entire bottle of Cosrx blackhead power liquid and saw no results whatsoever. I won’t use anything with microbeads in either.

I also noticed a significant reduction in the congestion of my skin and my hormonal spots/general breakouts when I switched from using a balm (had used Elemis, Clinique TTDO, Emma Hardie) to an oil cleanser.

In terms of whats really working for me, the only thing I use on a regular basis which I haven’t mentioned is Germolene. Yes really. Its one of the few things that can keep my peeling, when its at its worst, at bay for a few hours plus it numbs the soreness.

I don’t have any health concerns and I’m not on any medication or hormonal contraception. However, my diet is A.P.P.A.L.L.I.N.G. Yeah I probably eat sufficient amount of greens, avocado and salmon to mean I get the nutrition I need but I’m a card carrying sugar crazed carbaholic dairy devourer. Its to the level where if it was any other substance there would have been an intervention. This has been going on for the past year due to work and home stress. The thing is though, although I’m aware this won’t be good for my skin (and my entire life) long term I previously ate a relatively low carb, low dairy, sugar free diet and there has been no noticeable change in my skin, if anything , its improved.

My worst health issue is that I never drink enough water, or any liquid to hydrate myself and this is probably reflected in my skin. Its something I’m working on but its difficult as I don’t like the toilets at work —whole other thread.—

I’ll spend up to £100 on a single item but I do like things you can get in boots and I couldn’t afford to have an entire range of products costing £100. up to £35 is probably my sweet spot.

On a whim I bought two hylamide serums and LRP Redermic R today as I’m very interested in the ideal of Vit A and C but I’m not clear if they’re suitable for me or how to implement them into my current routine.

Not sure if relevant but my toothpaste doesn’t contain SLS.

I’d also like to recommend Lumigan to you all as I’ve been quite successful with it so far.

Fuck. I didn't realise it was so long until I posted. Apologies.

I didn't mention I'm deathly pale with light freckles and broken capillaries around my nose. I plan to have these lasered next year.

I can post pictures if you like but not of great quality.

It is a bit much to say the ordinary are copies. In the end salicylic acid, glycolic acid and vit a are neither special nor expensive. There won't be a massive difference between their actions. It is whether you like the formulation and feel.
Btw I really like these threads.

Shop I find TO Vit C moisturising too - it does contain HA so that's why I assume. It's nice. I agree re the Nia too, initially nice but over time, not so much...

I'm a bit jealous by all the azaleic successes, I really didn't get on with the silicone although I did give up quickly.

JD I think I'm about to give up on my retinol 2%!

Re TO acids, yes, I'm not sure if I'm desperate to try anything more from them tbh. The only things from the range I really rate and have/will repurchase are the Vit C and Buffet, both of which I get on well with. The others (caffeine, azaleic, lactic 10%, nia + zinc, retinol...can't remember if I have tried anything else) have been either just ok or basically ineffectual. Interesting what you say about the dupes Bo, I hadn't really thought of it like that before. I guess that on balance, if something looks to good to be true...............

I can't spell azelaic...

yongnian
I am a matchy fiend and have far too many photos of my horse dressed up in matching. She silently does this face every time I approach her with a new colour

Ah yes, hollin I remembered your matchyness..thoughts on dark bay....?

Red is always a good classic. Petrol or a azure blue is nice and orange if you're feeling more out there

Dulci why giving up on To retinoid?

I can't spell it either Dulci and auto correct has no idea what it is. (Siri clearly doesn't use acids). What is your skin type/ issues again please? Just getting a feel for how people got on with it before I start using it myself.

That blue is looking good Hollin! Not sure Horse looks that impressed though. 😁

She eye rolls every time I appear with new stuff. You can actually see her thinking FGS what now human?

Sasha I've put the body shop chamomile oil on my to buy next list, thank you. I'd forgotten about it. When the EH balm is used up I'll give it a try.

This is boring af advice but you need to drink more water. It's the only thing that'll help the dark purple under eye buts and will brighten your skin. Also beneficial for the hormonal breakouts. It won't cure every thing but I speak from experience. I've an illness now that makes me dehydrated and one of the first signs I'm having a flare up is dark purple circles and dull looking skin. So water is important. That said, do you know if either of your parents have dark circles? They can be heridtary. Mine are. Can't get rid of them but can improve them and there's good concealers around. Look for peachy coloured ones to cancel out the blue.

Hollin

Sorry for typos. Poorly day so my brain is like mud.