Fantastic Skincare - Snail Optional 🐌

[botemp]

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For those who are taking a peek and wondering whether previous threads are worth reading, we mostly discuss a bit of advanced skincare here with a perspective of seeking out the right ingredients for our particular skin 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 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 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]:

---

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.

wilting I am using acids at night, have just started using TO lactic (love the result but find the smell off putting)!) and have nip+fab extreme pads too which I'm alternating.
I've picked up some great tips from these threads so far, my skin is already looking more even

tsmummy YES I have plenty of thoughts on the perimenopausal subject but I can't expand now. Placemarking to remind myself.

Marjory I've got city block spf 40 which is fine (I bought it last year before learning about Biore) I prefer my Biore as I have oily skin. I've stocked up on another one as I don't like the sound of the 2017 version. I plan on getting LRP anthelios for summer/holiday use.

I've just stocked up on LRP toleriane fluid on-line (no longer available in Boots). I really like it for my skin. My colleague is heading to America next week so I've asked her to get me LRP new cleanser and moisturiser that's not yet available here.

Tsmummy you're on the cusp of GPs not investigating menopause so I suspect that's why she didn't offer any testing. Latest guideline is women over 45 should not have any laboratory tests, diagnosis based on symptoms alone. I appreciate you're under 45 so perfectly reasonable to ask for further investigation. Have a look at most recent NICE guidance so you're informed before you go back the the GP.

Hello to new people- have you looked through threads? I know there's lots to get through but even just this one and you'll get lots of pointers. Bo did some fantastic 'cheat sheets' I'd refer you to as a first port of call.

Skin type: normal to dry

Approx age (range): 39

Primary skin concern: fine lines and the hormonal spots along my jawline once a month

Routine : foaming cleanser, tone and moisturise using Clarins

AM : as above

Pm: nothing, occasional face mask
*
Makeup : none, only on nights out or special occasions

Occasional treatments:* facial every few months

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

Things that are really working well for me now: love the Clarins toner with camomile

Any dietary/health concerns/pregnant: PCOS

What I'm willing to spend on a single skincare item: eg. >£10, £10-20, £20-50, £50-100, no limits. Up to £30 on each product

I specifically [want help with/am looking for a product to/am curious about trying]: have had Elemis facials in the past and liked the results. My skin has changed after 2 pregnancies and as I approach 40, spent my teens and early twenties having spots and oily skin, needing to find a good range for my now dryer, red across the cheeks, fine lines appearing skin.

Hope you lovely ladies can help, thanks in advance.

Thanks JD I've been reading back and see the body shop skin defence spf recommended, think I will try that as the comments on the new Biore have put me off! I want to get some of the tbs chamomile balm too (have been making notes!!)

I've just started using the LRP dermo cleanser as well. I always thought Cetaphil was a good option but my eyes have been opened!
Thank you all for sharing your knowledge. I'm pretty happy with my new routine

Hi Marjory. Yes a lot of people seem to like body shop SPF . Biore is still available in 2016 version so I've just ordered another one of those. TBS chamomile cleansing balm is good too. I've got that but actually prefer Superdrug vitamin E hot cloth cleanser which is creamier rather than an oil like the body shop. They both remove really well with a cloth though.

I'm here again, as mentioned before traditionally busy this time of year until mid-late June/July. Woke up to horrible cramping and shitty weather this morning so plans have gone out the window am taking the time to catch up.

Welcome, newbies! I'll get to you all later.

That's good to know about an alternative use of the Ultrabland, Skinful (that's how I'm reading it, you used it as an occlusive, right?). Speaking of eczema, had to think of your DD, Buttercup, as I've been seeing a lot of raves on the AB Reddit lately for the Whamisa Deep Rich Toner (have mentioned it before as a hydration alternative without HA) in use with eczema. It's a fermented/(soothing) plant extract toner in an aloe base but I suspect the high placement of oat extract is responsible for the eczema relief that isn't in a heavy occlusive base.

I know they also have UK site now so unlike most K-Beauty is easier to source. It isn't the cheapest unfortunately at £28.25, regardless of where you source it from.

Oh dear, that wasn't the point of me sharing that article, Buttercup. I have to say I'm becoming increasingly more uncomfortable about the botox conversation. Not so much on here but more generationally, in the over 40 crowd it's still regarded as this thing to whisper about, deny, hide from OHs, etc. whilst at the same time the 20-30 crowd (and increasingly even younger) below me seems to treat it as the most natural thing in the world, seeking it out specifically for the transformative application rather than corrective, the only thing really stopping anyone is the finances attached to it.

I have no advice on perimenopause, Tsnmummy08, but can say I've experienced many of those symptoms and have had the standard catch all of 'that sounds a bit hormonal' thrown at me plenty. My gyn. likes to joke that I pretty much go from pregnant woman to menopausal in terms of my hormonal levels and that I must be a joy to live with . As others have mentioned it's probably worth pursuing although with me it's always come down to that the treatment was always more bothersome than the condition. I did link back to the Spike talking about an upcoming visit to a specific Hormone Clinic in London (am assuming this is private), she's going for her skin issues but it is a broad approach iirc. Maybe that's something to look into if the NHS is being unhelpful?

Marjory, nothing terribly wrong with Clinique City Block but the reason I don't rec it on here is due to its low PPD rating, which is the rating for UVA protection. (SPF relates to UVB protection). The Japanese only go to PA++++ which is a PPD of 16+, so for summer I usually favour the French pharmacy offerings for longer sun exposure as they provide the highest PPD ratings (25 and above) and disclose them (though not always easy to find) LRP Anthelios and the Bioderma Photoderm MAX ranges coming out on top (35+ range) whilst being water resistant. The BS SPF has a PA++++ rating in Asia so is probably near the PPD 16 range but I have seen some reports recently on users claiming it doesn't give as good a protection as advertised in comparrison to Japanese sunscreens so if you're very fair and burn easily I'd reconsider the BS one for the height of summer.

Glad you're ok Bo. Hope the busy time of year is good for you.

Has anyone used the A313 cream, is it any good for stopping blemishes developing & reduction of post-spot red or dark marks? And where is the best place to get it (I'm in UK). I always get terrible marks after a spot, I'm very pale so they really show up.

Hooe you feel better soon though, sorry!

I really need to get a new tablet. It's just sabotaged both those posts... grr.

Since it's now the first of the month we're introducing the monthly overview to get a good overview of what everyone's been using up an trialing and how it's been working for them. I've drawn up a simple format for everyone to use, but it's a guide really no need to adhere to it to the letter . I'll post my overview after this post.

MARCH EMPTIES, TRIALS, AND PLANNED PURCHASES

EMPTIES:

Mini reviews of finished products and your thoughts and whether you’d repurchase or already have.

PRODUCTS ON TRIAL:

Mini reviews of products on trial and your thoughts so far, please include for approximately how long you’ve been using it.

PLANNED PURCHASES:

Products you’re considering purchasing and would like input on/bring notice to.

SPECIAL MENTION:

Product(s) you may not have started or finished this past month but has been giving you noticeable results (good or bad).

MARCH EMPTIES, TRIALS, AND PLANNED PURCHASES

EMPTIES:

TO Vitamin C 23% - the texture is still challenging but I have simply gotten used to it, the three dotted gentle patting method overcomes most of the struggle. After contemplating various other possibilities again I ended up RP this on the point of price, efficacy, and stability of the product.

Andalou Naturals Probiotic Cleansing Milk - bought this to top up an iHerb order hoping it would make a viable alternative for my much loved Aurelia Probiotic Miracle Cleanser (which also has Probiotics as a USP). It cleanses fine as a second cleanser but despite not having any fragrance the smell is very strong (apricot being the dominant note) and no known irritating plant extracts/oils it was mildly aggravating to me. Not enough to not use it but that combined with the strong smell (which some may actually like) means I won’t be repurchasing it, which is a shame as it’s quite affordable (under a tenner at H&B) and looked promising on paper.

PRODUCTS ON TRIAL:

Manyo Factory Niacin set of sample bottles- start date in mid February

My skin loves fermented ingredients in the form of galactomyces/saccharomyces and niacinamide so this product sounded ideal being made up of predominantly those two ingredients. I liked it a lot but I didn’t like it as much as the old formulation of Missha’s FTE so the search continues Won’t purchase a full size.

Manyo Factory Bifida set of sample bottles - start date in mid February

This is an EL ANR dupe of sorts and I sort of had the same reaction as I did to that, it’s nice enough but not amazing enough to make me go gaga over it. Won’t purchase full size but will probably purchase the sheet mask versions for occasional use.

Edenens Milky Cleansing Oil - using for about a week

The only actual cleansing oil without irritating ingredients I’ve spotted from the French Pharmacy. The low price makes it an attractive alternative to my usual staple from Muji (which I have to import from Japan) as long as I’m hauling several products from EPP. I quite like this, it cleanses very well though I have yet to try it on heavier makeup. Texturally it’s very light (think like a dry oil but without the rapid absorption), the pump is a bit finicky as you need a few pumps to get a decent amount (4-5 and I always loose track of how many midway). Price per ml probably comes out a little higher than the Muji if I calculate it individually with the respective shipping but to add on to an order and quicker shipping (vs. Japan) it’s a good alternative to my Muji Sensitive Cleansing Oil and I definitely like it better than DHC which can be a bit stripping and the Edenens definitely isn’t (nor does it leave an oily residue).

Bioderma Photoderm Nude Touch Sun Perfector SPF50+ for Combination to Oily Skins - Colour NATUREL UVA rating of 25 (PPD) - using for about a week

This is a really liquidy and thin sunscreen, on par of some of the Japanese I’ve tried and the most cosmetically elegant mineral sunscreen I’ve personally stumbled across. It has a few additional skincare benefits for combo-oily skin that promises 8h of oil/sebum control and includes Salicylic Acid (amount unknown). Fragrance and alcohol free but is silicone heavy (but not in feel at all). It’s tinted (3 limited colours available, light is strangely not the lightest colour) and acts almost like a tinted moisturiser, evening out skin tone quite effectively, as it is a mineral sunscreen the colour initially comes off a little too pale and needs to settle a bit. The colour I have vaguely reminds me of the lighter Bourjois shades, the deathly pale will probably find this too dark. Finish is a semi-matte, it will cling to dry patches and crease in fine lines so I can’t use this around the eyes.

I like this a lot, the colouring is flattering surprisingly even though it’s not an exact match and it plays well with Laura Mercier’s TM which I use in drier areas on top. Also looks to be ideal for summer when I don’t really feel like wearing base makeup but still would like a smidge of coverage but rather not turn into a shiny mess. I do wonder, however, who would really benefit from this sunscreen as I’m only slightly combo, if I were genuinely dry elsewhere on my face I’d be having a lot of issues with it but the minimal coverage does require relatively good skin to wear on its own, though I suppose you could build up coverage with a sheerer base (as I do with the LM TM) on top instead of having to rely on very heavy coverage foundation in the summer.

PLANNED PURCHASES:

My Japanese simple moisturiser, Tenshi No Bihada HA Cream, which I ordered from Amazon JP is nearly done and am amazingly considering RP as I’ve been enjoying it a lot. Amazon JP is now also shipping the Komeyu Beauty Serum (full of rice bran and sake goodness from the same brand that do that lovely looking sake bottle light moisturiser and rice bran oil that I both love) now so there’s even more incentive .

I have a list of about ten Japanese SPFs that I’m contemplating and YSL is seriously tempting me with more cushion foundation package envy in their latest incarnation of it, what a square shiny box won’t do to me Also am liking the look of orange lipstick on me from Sisley -slightly coral, and surprisingly fresh looking on the face.

mint Facetheory do a 30 money back guarantee so you can return the regenecalm

EMPTIES:*

Argan Magic conditioner from TK maxx. Second bottle, would repurchase as cheap, decent and huge bottle
Pure heals propolis ampoule. Meh. It's inoffensive but not convinced it does much for me
Sanctuary hot cloth cleanser. Doesn't break me out, takes makeup off well and I like the smell but texture too thick for me
Urban decay naked foundation. Love. Third empty of this! Will repurchase. Light to medium coverage, goes on well with a beauty blender
TO 2% retinol. Am on my second bottle but planning to try the 1% next

PRODUCTS ON TRIAL:*

Embargoed eye make remover from boots. No idea what brand but will reveal when I'm told! It's interesting, it's like water and no smell, not a duo phase one. Now it doesn't work brilliantly on my heavy eye makeup BUT if you wear light makeup and have sensitive eyes I would recommend like a shot. It leaves absolutely no grease and is oil free and seems to brighten eye area

PLANNED PURCHASES:*

Ahem copy and pasted from my notes
Neutrogena milk Gelée hydro boost cleanser
Vit c Melano CC
Ordinary retinol 1%
LRP toleraine hydrating gentle cleanser
Cosrx blackhead power
Ordinary foundation 1.0p
Carli bybel/BH cosmetics palette
Merumaya cleansing balm
First aid beauty milk oil cleanser
LJH tea tree essence

SPECIAL MENTION:*

LRP toleraine cleanser. It's so bland but so good on my skin
Avene light moisturiser. Again with the bland but my skin loves it!

*@wheatchief *, bear with me whilst I try to wrap my head around your work schedule .

So the basics will apply to you as outlined in the following sheets:
Basics of an Actives Routine

Where to Start

But considering your schizophrenic schedule I think a good focus would be on finding easy to use products. The reality is that this will mostly be a psychological advantage rather than actually saving you a lot of time but that might just be the edge to actually using them rather than skipping or neglecting your routine altogether.

I don’t think it’s ideal but I do find it works to use an acid toner (provided you are diligent with SPF) as an AM cleanse. Micellar water works too as long as it’s followed by a spray of thermal water that's tissued off.

The Dr. Wu Intensive Hydrating Toner With Hyaluronic Acid (in a spray) or the CosRx One Step Moisture Up Pads (HA + small amount of BHA and as I understand it will work as a sort of moisturiser in a pinch for oily skin - but do follow up with sunscreen) an act as quick hydrating steps. Equally a sunscreen can be used in place of moisturiser in the AM. If you’re working in an environment that’s also especially dry the Dr. Wu Toner also makes for a good intermittent hydrating spray during the longer shifts.

For PM (or whatever resembles that routine regardless of time of day) TTDO is fine on its own if you’re not wearing makeup or very little, an acid toner or micellar + thermal spray can act as second cleanse in a pinch again but equally a single cleanse could suffice. The CosRx pads can act as emergency moisturiser again if you’re too tired.

Nivea Sensitive probably isn’t the worst thing out there provided it isn’t breaking you out, if you can still source it the LRP Toleriane Fluide is a good one as it’s supposed to be good for hayfever sufferers (otherwise try the newer formulation although that does contain shea butter which not everyone gets along with, if not the Eucerin UltraSensitive is your best bet).

I’d say incorporate actives and a fuller routine lineup for when you have the time and energy, in reality, a more extensive routine doesn’t take that much more time but it can feel like that.

Even though your suspected skin cancer turned out to be benign I tend to recommend those with that type of history to be cautious about using photosensitising actives and using a broad spectrum sunscreen that uses mineral filters rather than chemical (as that’s what most derms recommend), the Bioderma Photoderm Mineral is a good one to look at.

See how you go with the SubQ eyes, general feedback is that there is some improvement but that it lacks punch after a while. Sunscreen in the eye area and a retinol eye product like LRP Redermic for eyes are the products to incorporate for fine lines, for the pigmentation something with Vit C works best like LRP Redermic C for eyes.

For pigmentation on the face I’d look at incorporating Vit C and Niacinamide but get your basics sorted out first.

There are several possible irritating factors with the Clarins exfoliating toner so it’s difficult to say what caused the reaction so be cautious about an acid toner and introduce it very gradually and not until other things are in place and working well for you. Acid toners to consider for more frequent use are TO 7% Glycolic toner and the Missha Super Aqua Smooth Peeling Pads.

I don't usually like Liz Earle stuff but the eye bright I love for when eyes are tired or gritty. I keep it in the fridge and soak cotton wool pads in it to hold over eyes

@Cremolafoam, I've been putting final touches to the new Anti-Ageing Info Sheet today so I'd recommend reading through that:

Anti-Ageing Info Sheet

and if you haven't read the following:

Basics of an Actives Routine

Where to Start

I know you're asking specifically for an anti-ageing night cream but in my opinion that's an unfortunate product category that's a bit of a relic from the olden PR days. You'll want your active anti-ageing ingredients primarily from serum rather than moisturisers as the delivery system is better and the active concentrations are higher. If you are experiencing more dryness with age then it's worth contemplating a richer night cream (often marketed as anti-ageing but will unlikely perform as such).

If you're in bone dry territory the Urea creams perform well as does Dr. Hauschka's Rose Cream.

@Notthisnotthat , I suspect you’re probably suffering with dehydration on top of the dryness that’s come with age. A foaming cleanser is probably not helping with this. Wrt to the redness I do think it’s worth ruling out rosacea.

I recommend reading through the following info sheets:

Anti-Ageing Info Sheet

Basics of an Actives Routine

Where to Start

And as a reference it’s probably worth reading through the Adult Acne Info Sheet wrt hormonal issues.

My opinion on Elemis has been asked before and I’m generally not a big proponent as it might ‘feel’ nice but it’s not really serious skincare that does much and at that price point I feel it should do more than have a superior sensorial experience.

That's a good tip Olli, reminds me that those eye patches are also probably worth exploring to take down some swelling, wheatchief. Those weird heated ones are very big in Japan now for professional women, haven't tried them but have been intrigued regardless.

MARCH EMPTIES TRIALS & PLANNED PURCHASES

EMPTIES
TO HA
TO Moisturiser (have new one on standby)
Uriage Rosealiac cleanser

TRIALS
PC calming cleanser (just about to start a sample before LRP Toleriane cleanser arrives)

PLANNED PURCHASES
LRP Toleriane dermo cleanser
TO HA (repurchase)
A night cream if current one runs out this month - not sure what yet

lego I have form with the A313...ahem....as a spot treatment/for use on hyper pigmentation, it is fine for me now and very effective, used v. Psparingly...but I had what I think was a reaction to it when I first used it on forehead wrinkles (i.e. In bigger quantities) and think it triggered very bad seborrhoeic dermatitis which took aaaaaages to clear up. I also now have a small patch of vitiligo near this area. I do not know that definitively that all this was caused by the A313....but I do think it was a major trigger.
IIRC, dulci had a similar experience, don't know if was A313 or something similar....so do proceed with caution...though I did do a patch test beforehand of course, but nothing in 24/48 hrs - it happened over time.
Needless to say, I have learned to love my wrinkles instead.

Got a sample of kneipp bath salts in lavender to use so they're in my bath. Smell v good!
I've yanked the pump off my urban decay foundation and there's a couple more uses in there
Going to make a big effort to moisturise my body more while I'm off work although given I can't bend or stand on my right leg, it will be interesting

Gosh Bo, thanks very much indeed. That's very interesting to read, and I look forward to trying a few things out.

Oo olli love love kniepp bath salts....they do an arnica one that might be good for you too....hope the meds are doing their job til treatment comes along.

I'm out the bath and yes they were lovely! Also finished the body shop almond and honey body butter which is gorgeous. Doesn't sting even after leg shaving
Morphine is taking the edge off slightly but mainly I'm horizontal or hobbling