Fantastic Skincare - we're snail here 🐌

[botemp]

Thread 1 Thread 2 Thread 3 Thread 4 Thread 5 Thread 6

I am very slowly working on consolidating the gathered information from previous threads into easier to read formats but it’s slow going. In order to make use of the below form and join in I would suggest reading thread 1 and at the very least the following info sheets (provided they apply to you):

Basics of an Actives Routine

Where to Start

Anti-Ageing Info sheet

Adult Acne Info Sheet

For those who are taking a peek and wondering what this all about, we mostly discuss a bit of advanced skincare here with a perspective of seeking out the right ingredients (rather than the latest new shiny product and all its empty promises) 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 and the linked docs) 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 . Please note, the form is not here to generate a routine for you, sometimes it involves product recommendations but mostly it's there so we can answer a specific question without having to go back and forth endlessly. Also, 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.

I haven't, I'm determined to use a shed load of stuff up first! I got some Aussie shower gel for 50p in morrisons reduced section as well

Ollivander I got that sample too I didn't realise the price! I do like the Green People's childrens range though, especially the toothpaste and suncream.

Anyone know any good products to put on active spots? I'm going to try the cicaplast when they aren't active anymore but what can I put on them at the start to help them GO!!

Also has anyone tried Bobbi brown cleansing oil??

mint I like the LRP Effeclar AI spot treatment, it has niacinamide and salicylic acid in. I find it takes down spots in a few days. For whiteheads I also like the Cosrx pimple patches for overnight. They're little hydrocolloid patches which suck the gunk out of the spot, I find the spot is flatter and less red when I take the patch off in the morning. Just make sure you apply then to dry skin as they won't stick on top of moisturiser!

I haven't tried the Bobbi Brown cleansing oil, just had a look online and I can't see a list of the ingredients anywhere! I did see they do a trial size so that might be good for you to try out

user I've got the cicaplast hand cream it's one of the 3 on my desk atm, feels like it does something without being greasy. Perhaps not the most moisturising but it's I use it more because it doesn't make my phone and keyboard gross.

Thanks all for advice on the previous thread - massively appreciated. Went to see a dermatologist last night to get advice about prescription retinoids for my PCOS acne (and discuss my routine and how to tackle the bastard wrinkles that age and the stress of the last 2 years has inflicted on my face). Saw Dr Emma Wedgeworth, of Dr Sam video fame.

Left with a prescription for skinoren (azelaic acid cream) and treclin (tretinoin + clindamycin cream) and going back in a few weeks for a bit of botox to sort out my crows feet. My skin is indeed dehydrated from too many actives, as advised by @botemp, so we're stripping back the routine, which hopefully the above will help with.

No topical treatment or drinking water or diet is going to deal with the wrinkles however - so absolutely cannot wait to get them sorted. I was at the hairdresser and sat in front of the mirror was depressing to see how bad the smile lines around my eyes have got. Hopefully next time I go back to have my colour done, I'll look better and fresher!

@mintmagnummm I like Aesop spot gel for active spots

Thanks Apple and banana (had to laugh that u both have fruity names ) I'll have a look at both of those spot treatments.

Very very NSFW bad language but I did laugh a lot at this video. I know I don't agree with all of it but it's a little dig at the 20 layer skincare routines

I'm a bit behind. Third day in new job. Loving it.

What is this I spy on Dr. Sam's Instagram feed?! Is it new? Cicaplast hand cream.

Okay. Catching up. Late to the party.

banana that's fantastic you saw Dr Emma. How long was your consultation may I ask? Can I also ask what cleanser, moisturiser and spf she recommended? Did you tell her about this thread?

nickpic, I'm unfamiliar with the brand. I'm assuming she sells it? Nothing against beauty therapists per se but their education and knowledge varies vastly. I usually think Dermalogica do good facials and training, some of the products are good but generally very pricey.

apple, I've never had a compromised skin barrier so can't tell you from personal experience but on the back of the issues presenting themselves with far more people than I ever expected on these threads it happens quite quickly, especially when people are over enthusiastic with the quick results of chemical exfoliators or a bad/misinformed use of cosmeceuticals.

Basically, skin is irritated, tight, and easily inflamed. It's easy to spot once you've gotten there but it's more difficult to realise you're tipping the balance against yourself in the process towards it. Skin is dehydrated and it's difficult to rehydrate since the epidermal layer that's meant to keep the water in is just unable to function as it should.

You'll react to most products, even if you tolerated them fine before, as it's just irritating. Your natural defence against bacteria is equally compromised so expect a flare up of those. If your usual response to bad products is breakouts you'll see more of those, if you're dehydrated you'll be even more dehydrated, flaky skin and increased sebum production, very prone to shininess, etc. It varies with severity though, most people want to do something about it instantly and the worst thing to do is aggravate it more but this is usually the point people grab a physical exfoliator in hopes of solving it but instead making it even worse. It's usually best to do nothing and let the skin settle itself out, at most some SPF and something occlusive like vaseline or Cicaplast and very minimal cleansing and water exposure. Your skin will look awful for about six weeks but it usually can recover itself. It's far more difficult to tackle if it's permanently compromised.

Basically, since you're on a prescription retinoid I'd cater your routine around that, leave the other actives for what they are. Supporting roles at best, it's a different level of efficacy and you just don't need to be relying on a variation of actives. Prescription Retinoid + Hydration + Moisturiser + SPF really should be all you need . Quick question as I'm not that familiar with all the prescriptions, nor should be, why do you use the Adapalene in the AM? As far as I'm aware prescription retinoids instantly degrade when exposed to daylight, hence why they're always supposed to be used at night (as well as diminishing the photosensitising side effect of the medication somewhat).

Hi Nabootique! Long time no see! Hadn't realised NIOD were releasing a new version of the MMHC. Well, I've always been convinced NIOD is a tad overpriced for what it is, they're not exactly financing the research into it, just first on the ground to adapt it.

I told you all superfoods are a thing in Skincare now, why wouldn't Quinoa join in. I think we should all slap some kale on our faces and call it a sheetmask And, ahem, I don't know if you're still using that Kiehl's Micro Peel, Enid, but that's all Quinoa too! Or at least 2000 quinoa husks per bottle according to the website

usedup, there are a few on here (often the DHs) who have tried the LRP Redermic for eyes and have seen good results with it. Check the price on EasyParaPharmacie, I'm sure it's not as crazy expensive on there.

banana, it's good to know I don't speak utter nonsense . It's the same practice as Dr. Sam, right? I wish the whole water drinking myth would die already, body dehydration and skin dehydration aren't the same thing .

Good to hear you had such a helpful consultation, can I be nosey along with JDSTER, no obligation whatsoever to answer, but what are they roughly charging for a consult/do you expect this to cost over the several (derm related) appts. Or you know Dr. Emma if you're lurking just like Dr. Sam just tell us already. I think the biggest thing stopping a lot of people seeking out a derm is the lack of transparency around cost so it would be helpful to know since I often suggest people seek one out on here with the reasoning it's cheaper than spending far more on a lot of ineffective miracle products, would be nice to know I'm not speaking utter nonsense about that too .

I'll stick with what you told me for know see how that goes, been using an oil based cleanser and the Eucerin cream am and pm also the Hylamide. I have broke out in a few spots, so my thinking is its just my skin getting used to the new products?

The demo cleanser and thermal water spray are on my weekend to get list.

I love me some NIOD. I've been using the MMHC for quite a while, but I've also been using the copper peptide serum for around three weeks and it's really helped with the redness I sometimes get. I just have skin that tends towards ruddy in places, but then sallow in others, and it's helped balance that out. I also like the non-acid acid precursor.

I had a period of total no buy for about three months. Not really intentionally. I was very busy with some difficult family and personal things, and I lost enthusiasm and had no time, although I did keep up with my routines. The positive was that I really "shopped my stash", as the YouTubers would say, and it's been enlightening. There's a lot that I've rediscovered, and then other things I've realised I've outgrown. I might post about some of those once I've got a list together! I've got back into it all recently now that things have calmed down at home, and I've invested in a few really lovely things, like the new NIOD bits and some Zelens. The Vitamin D drops are another new favourite.

Oh yes! I'd forgotten that was mainly quinoa. I am on a pause from it whilst my skin settles again. Haven't had wheat, at all, for 3 weeks now and skin is clearing up well. So will be back using other things soon.

Can I get some advice on how best to use DHC cleansing oil? I haven't used an oil before, always balm/cream/liquid.

My skin is flaky not from the retinol I don't think as I've eased right back. It's almost like my skin is v v dry but I'm using hydrating products and when I touch it, it feels normal
Apply foundation and I can see it clinging to dry patches almost like its pilling but not

Thanks for the info Botemp handy to know what to look out for. I will leave off any extra acid treatments for the time being then just in case. In regards to using the Different in the morning I find it suits my routine better. Also from my research it is stable in the presence of light and oxidising agents (unlike tretinoin). This study is from 2000 http://medcomhk.com/hkdvb/pdf/200012-12.pdf and this FDA paper from 2016 (see page 23) https://www.fda.gov/downloads/AdvisoryCommittees/CommitteesMeetingMaterials/Drugs/NonprescriptionDrugsAdvisoryCommittee/UCM495797.pdf To be honest I had to look this all up myself as GP advice wasn't particularly helpful In fact I was told to use twice a day from the start! (my poor face if I'd have followed this!)

jdster I haven't used that particular oil cleanser but I massage into a dry face, emulsify with a bit of water to make a milk and then you can either splash or flannel off. I prefer to splash off as I can feel with my hands when my skin is clean

Bo I did the 7 layers of face slapping (I'm joking), not sure its helped much. I did it yesterday and my face feels kinda tight now, felt better in the morning I think though. I'm eyeing the Squalane now...

Skin hydration isn't linked to the drink 2 litres a day thing? I'm not great at that but maybe manage a litre at work bloody hate needing a wee in the middle of being in the zone on a complex bit of code

I drink shed loads and yes, I don't mean alcohol!!!
May try a sheet mask tomorrow and see if that helps a little

Hi all
I did use the lrp toleriane moisterisor until it was discontinued then I tried to get the eurcerin but couldn't find the one which was recommended.
I am currently using the Face Theory Signiture .
Just had a quick look and saw the ordinary moisterisor. Is this ok ?
Or does it contain some of the things we are avoiding ?

Right I need your knowledge everyone! I'm looking for something to put on my eyelids like a primer I guess but something that can be used WITHOUT eyeshadow so just on its own because I get oily lids and the oil gets into my eyes making them sting and sore! I don't really wear shadow though so need something that looks ok alone aswell as with shadow for the rare ocassions I wear it. Please help