Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Fantastic Skincare - we're snail here 🐌

999 replies

botemp · 23/04/2017 14:25

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. Grin

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 Wink. 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]:


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.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
33
olderthanyouthink · 09/05/2017 00:13

Olli it looks lovely. I find the not touching it hard and other people seem to struggle with not touching my hair as wellHmm

mintmagnummm · 09/05/2017 06:57

Wilting try the eucerin mattifying spf 50 my skin is combination and very reactive, this doesn't irritate at all.

legfaced · 09/05/2017 08:57

Hi all,
Looking for some advice and direction! Since having my baby 8 months ago, I've been a bit slack on my skincare. Basically I cleanse and stick on a bit of moisturiser. Occasionally I stick on some tinted moisturiser.

Skin type: Freckly, pale, Dry, sensitive, with hormonal spots on my chin (my periods haven't returned yet as I'm still breastfeeding so haven't had the spots since having my baby)

Approx age (range): 30-35

Primary skin concern: Fine lines around eyes, keeping skin from getting dry

Routine : Needs to be quick! I'm back to work in a few months and time will be tight!

AM : Cleanse, tone, moisturise. Currently using Body Shop vitamin E products (ahem, as I got them free with an order...). SPF 50 facial sunscreen on sunny days.

PM : Micellar cleanser (garnier for dry skin) and bit of moisturiser if I remember

Makeup : usually light coverage with tinted moisturiser

Occasional treatments: Occasionally remember to put on some Boots No 7 serum

Things I've tried in the past with disastrous results: nothing really, but I avoid anything that isn't for dry skin

Things that are really working well for me now: I'm not having any sensitive reaction to the vitamin E products

Any dietary/health concerns/pregnant: None

What I'm willing to spend on a single skincare item: Ideally less than £10 but would pay up to £20

I specifically [want help with/am looking for a product to/am curious about trying]: Curious about the nip and fab dragon's blood and pads, but not sure if they're for my skin type! Want to overhaul my facial skin care regime!

VictoriaandBump · 09/05/2017 13:25

Olli your curls are beautiful! So defined unlike mine, frizz is the bane of my life.

Dulcimena and mint I think you asked about the derma e antioxidant spf 30, I've tried this and it had a very noticeable white cast. I'm very pale but I couldn't get on with this at all, so thick and pasty looking. For anyone sensitive to chemical sunscreens the Ultrasun sensitive family spf30 is worth a try. Great texture and no reaction, works well under makeup. M&S sell a 25ml sample size for £4.50. Its a chemical and mineral blend but the chemical filters used all seem safe and effective from the little bit of research I've done.

bananafish81 · 09/05/2017 14:26

@mintmagnummmm would something like Lansinoh be worth trying for really deep nourishment for the tips of your fingers?

Also nice to 'see' you again from prev thread (trying to guess what your prev username might have been on which thread!)

@Enidbutton yes the Innisfree is the mineral powder in a mint coloured pot. It's really excellent. I apply with a brush in the morning, and then top up during the day with a powder compact (I like Bobbi Brown), plus blotting papers if needed

Q to all (esp @botemp) - I've got what I assume to be KP, i.e. chicken skin type blotches on my upper thighs (and to a lesser extent my upper arms). Not itchy or raised, just discoloured splotches around the hair follicles

As my recommended skincare routine from Dr Emma has stripped back any other actives (just the prescription Skinoren + Treclin) I now have a fair bit of leftover AHA + BHA exfoliants - specifically Alpha H Liquid Gold + PC 2% BHA Liquid.

Would there be any benefit to using these on the affected areas? If so, which of the two would be better for KP?

Glad to hear I won't be banished for considering injectables! The consult was £350 and the cost of the Skinoren + Treclin tubes by private prescription was £30 from my local chemist.

I'd imagine there must be plenty of reputable cosmetic dermatologists and plastic surgeons around the UK who offer injectables, certainly in and around major cities (as well as a vast number of less reputable or qualified practitioners without medical training, esp around salons)

Forgot to say that the regimen sheet also included a few recommendations for makeup brands. Happily it so happens that the foundation and concealer I use were amongst the recommended brands (Lancome Teint Miracle + NARS Creamy Concealer). Both were recommended to me by Sali H, who is a friend + did my wedding makeup. I didn't used to wear foundation, except for special occasions, but once my acne came back with a vengeance after coming off the pill, I dug out the bottle SH had given me, and have since rebought it a couple of times (now I have to wear foundation every day, grrrrr). It's a really lovely texture, although I'm so desperately hoping to improve my skin - because even with primer, it sinks into the fine lines. So if I didn't have acne I could go back to a lighter base (and if I didn't have wrinkles the lines wouldn't be as obvious!)

The regimen also advised no powder unless absolutely necessary. I'm going to ask about that, because as much as it may dull any glow and luminescence, I'm more worried about the glow of my shiny face and setting my makeup so it doesn't slide off!

mintmagnummm · 09/05/2017 14:33

Victoria thanks for that, id already decided against trying the derma e anyway but you have just confirmed it. Unfortunately I don't get on with ultrasun at all! I'm going to stick with what I'm using now.

@bananafish81 i used to be indecisive does that ring any bells?

Dulcimena · 09/05/2017 14:51

User I've been using TO vit c suspension for over 6 months, so some cumulative effect would be nice! I'll carry on repurchasing though, I like what it does when it's on even if it doesn't last.

Olli I have hair envy.

Victoria the Ultrasun Family is one that I generally use atm. The Extreme version (SPF50) makes my eyes feel itchy and swollen. Have you tried the face one?

Banana Not Bo but of those, the PC 2% is your best bet for the KP (although it's not v strong), BHA or lactic is generally recommended. Try it and report back? Or, for science, try the PC on one side and Alpha H on the either Grin

EnidButton · 09/05/2017 15:31

Thank you banana Smile I'm getting some of that then, my powder is almost finished. Do you use the loose powder or the compact? I'm never sure if there's much of a difference but I feel like loose is always finer.

Ollivander84 · 09/05/2017 15:37

banana - could you use a setting spray instead of powder?

userallusedup · 09/05/2017 20:13

Olli your hair is gorgeous!

Dulci I use the Ultrasun for face, both normal and tinted SPF 50. I really like them but don't think the tinted would be good for the very pale (I'm medium skin tone). Both are quite sticky at first and take a while to rub in, but once settled they dry matte and make a good base for makeup. I've ordered some bioderma nude touch to try (not arrived yet) as it's specifically for oily skin, but depending how I get on with it I may well go back to Ultrasun. It's the only facial SPF I've found so far that hasn't made me greasy and/or spotty.

VictoriaandBump · 09/05/2017 20:43

Dulcimena - I tried the Ultrasun face one (which is supposed to be for sensitive skin) and it stung/ made my eyes water all day. It has alcohol very high on the ingredients list and also contains Abobenzone (sometimes labelled as Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane) which I find really irritating. Seems ok for loads of people though.

Does anyone have any thoughts on The Ordinary 1% Retinol or 2% retinoid? My skin seems to tolerate retinol fine so not too concerned about irritation, but I wondered if one stood out as being more effective? My main skin concerns are fine lines, and blackheads around the nose. Thanks all.

Ollivander84 · 09/05/2017 20:54

1% more effective on me definitely BUT advise caution as even TO themselves says it's irritating!

applepineapple · 09/05/2017 21:37

Quick question: those of you who use the LRP Cicaplast (I think Enid recommended it to me?) do you use it over or under your moisturiser or as a stand alone treatment. I've been using it as a light layer over my moisturiser where I need it but it would be good to know what others do Smile

EnidButton · 09/05/2017 21:46

I use it over moisturiser, dabbed on so it's still visible, over night. Most of my marks are on my chin and jaw where I don't apply moisturiser over night so it goes on by itself there, but in other places it's over usual moisturiser after it's had time to sink it.

EnidButton · 09/05/2017 21:49

On my nose to get rid of the odd flaking and peeling I get there, I use it over a hydrating serum (vichy). Also small bit blended in over to stop make up clinging to any drying up spots (none at the mo!).

I'm extra cautious with it though, because of the shea butter which my skin doesn't normally get on with.

Dulcimena · 09/05/2017 21:49

Thanks user and Victoria - that's really helpful about the Ultrasuns. I suspect I'd be too pale for the tinted and I was wondering about that, so thanks again.

Victoria, I've been using the 2% retinoid on and off for about 6 months, and apart from some mild clogging I'm not seeing any dramatic results. If you're ok with retinol I'd def go for the 1% based on Olli's experiences. Actual flaking!

JDSTER · 09/05/2017 21:54

banana I love hearing your snippets!
Envy at seeing Dr Emma and having Sali as your friend! You must continue to share any wisdom bestowed upon you. Interesting about the no powder rule. Like you, I couldn't do without it. Dr Sam always advocates blotting sheets, which I use as well during the course of the day, but I couldn't just apply foundation. Any other make up brands that were recommended?

Ollivander84 · 09/05/2017 22:43

Tips for the retinol before I forget
Make sure your skin is dry, I cleanse then play a level of candy crush Grin
After cleansing I put moisturiser around my eyes and above my cheekbones as they're my sensitive bits (before my candy crush game!)
Tiny tiny bit. It's a silicone feel and tempting to spread on but don't! I would do every third day at first
Moisturiser on top

mintmagnummm · 10/05/2017 07:36

Bit of a weird one BlushConfused

mintmagnummm · 10/05/2017 07:38

Oops pressed post too early Grin. So.....I've been using the soaper duper body wash but I think it's making me smell!! Blush. I noticed a smell in bathroom and thought maybe it was the damp towel so had a sniff and that as fine then when I was showering this morn I noticed it again so smelt my shower puff thing which I change regularly btw and it smelt!! I'm wondering if it's not cleaning me properly due to the low foam?? I'm gutted as I love it and was planning on getting the ginger one next but now I don't knowHmm

mintmagnummm · 10/05/2017 07:40

Oh also meant to ask is the collection concealer any good??

applepineapple · 10/05/2017 09:08

Thanks for the tips Enid Grin

nicpick · 10/05/2017 11:54

I have been using the Hylamide and Euccerin cream for a week and the dehydration in my skin is much better.
so i still have this problem with what i think are pores on my chin. Have made an appointment with doctor as im wondering if its down to the mirena coil i had fitted 10 months ago?
Also thinking of going for the cyrysal clear microdermibrasion.
othere than that what can i use to help them, i know you cant make them disappear, but something to make my skin feel smooth again, so i can get my confidence back. ☺

Fantastic Skincare -  we're snail here 🐌
ilovetocook · 10/05/2017 14:22

A tip i discovered for helping hair to grow apart from an upsidedown scalp massage was when you wash your hair dont use a towel, use an old t shirt as its gentler on your scalp and hair. Also a natural bristle hairbrush is suppose to be better too. I was desperate after my husband trimmed to much off my hair the day before our wedding! He hated himself and spent hours trying to find ways to help my hair grow as we both prefer my hair long.

botemp · 10/05/2017 14:29

playing catch up again...

nickpic, that does look to be an improvement, so I'm glad it's working for you, no more product reactions?

WRT mirena coil, it is a possibility some hormones cause skin thickening, that in combination with the dehydration may be the root cause but it's all very speculative from my end.

WRT dermabrasion. I'm always a bit surprised to see this pop up as I only ever see it mentioned on MN. IMO it was a bit of a fad a few years ago and I hardly ever hear of dermatologists suggesting it (as a standalone procedure) and only really see beauty therapists market it aggressively (groupon and similar offers). Makes sense, they've made the investment in the machinery, probably on the end of the trend, and need to see returns on it. It's a very intensive treatment and the results are not instantly trans-formative or permanent, in order to maintain results you need to continue for several sessions and hope not to wreck your skin in the process. Anecdotally, the most horrific stories surrounding beauty treatments I've heard are all dermabrasion related (usually the BT being too aggressive), the damage being quite severe and in some cases permanent. The key to successful dermabrasion really is down to a well trained technician and the adjuvant therapies and probably most importantly the products applied directly after, usually containing high doses of active ingredients depending on skin need/problem. I'd really only ever feel comfortable seeing a qualified aesthetic derm for that and as mentioned a lot of those have moved on from microdermabrasion to things like laser, microneedling, and peels. They'd also be a better authority to truly assess your skin and rule out anything else at play. If you're serious about spending a bit of money on this I'd look towards a TCA peel (think it also goes by the name Jessner Peel) as performed by a (cosmetic) dermatologist as that has added hydration boosting effects (in comparison to just laser and similar procedures).

purple15, for a Biore (2016) alternative that's easily available locally I'd suggest the Body Shop Skin Defence. It's lightweight, minor fragrance, an essence-like feel (but probably not as light as the Biore, but far from uncomfortable), not sweat/water resistant, etc. Reasonably affordable, especially when they do their fairly regular 40% off offer.

otyt, good to hear it was nothing serious! I don't think I've ever been asked the religion question in hospital, might just put down Jedi if it ever comes up Grin

Enid, I vaguely remember reading similar about Biotin as mentioned by Lego. It only really helps if your own Biotin levels are low (which is really rare) and has some nasty side-effects if that isn't the case IIRC.

Bunny, is your face still there? There's not much you can do about it after the fact (and my tardy reply) but just be superduper diligent with sunscreen and lay off other actives. Saying that, I vaguely recall that SR skincare use some other form of SA to make it compliant to regulations so don't know if those peels are really as strong as they sound. I used to see a facialist who put quite a high strength BHA on my nose and it always resulted in my skin peeling off there the next day (nothing serious or scary) so I'd expect that to be the worst barring an instant reaction.

Welcome Tree! MNHQ I think I deserve a reward or something for all these lurkers registering Ehm, would you be so kind and share your notes with me, it's a lot of work going through it all to condense it all so anything helps me out? Glad the information has been useful for you and weened you away from evilcorp QVC.

Lord, sunscreen before introducing anything on that list. The "Where to Start" sheet in the OP will help with how and when to introduce the different products. Remember to take your time and introduce everything gradually with two weeks apart minimum (exception for cleansers).

Dulci, the great and confusing thing about Vit C is that its benefits are multifaceted, but it also means some of its effect is cumulative and others are temporary. eg. For pigmentation it helps with melanin inhibition and skin turnover and therefore fades it gradually but for brightening it acts as a collagen promoter and is mildy exfoliating (L-AA at least) which causes that Vit C glow, but since it's fast acting that effect is really only sustained through continued use as without it you rely on the (naturally) lower collagen levels and slower exfoliation cycle. Since TO 23% also has a bit of HA (same with the temporary effect) in it I assume that contributes to the glowy plump look too.

wilting, I'm thinking of upping the ALA use with Inositol after I see my gyn again in June, what was the suggested dose you use again? I wrote down 600mg but didn't note down if that was 2x 600mg or 2x 300mg in total.

legfaced, if you're sensitive I'd stay away from the entire Nip+Fab range and the dragon's blood pads specifically are more of interest to combo/oily skin. As for an overhaul, why? I'm not saying what you're using is perfect but if it's working for you, especially taking in the sensitivities, why tinker with it without any specific concerns? I would suggest swapping out the micellar for a proper cleanser and using the SPF year-round. I'm assuming you're dehydrated (age+ emerging fine lines+difficult to tackle dryness) so integrating a hydrating serum probably makes sense.

@bananafish81 , yes, that sounds like KP. The bumpy-agro phase is usually more of a thing when you're younger. I find it's really personal, mine reacts well to Glycolic, even in lower % and there's plenty of KP marketed body creams with Glycolic. Others respond better to BHA, or Urea, or Lactic, or Retinol. You kind of have to see what does and doesn't work. I do well with dry brushing + any from of AHA and generally treating it a bit like crap (the less body lotion and other pampering occlusive things the better, so I use a giant bottle of Japanese 'lotion' which is the watery stuff like Hada Labo which is hydrating and has skin restoring agents but no occlusives, sometimes a dry oil but nothing that sits on top iyswim). Mine also really responds well to Retinol but it's really too expensive of a hobby to do on a regular basis as the actives for body lines are pretty much non-existent. I have a vague theory that the skin as it is without the KP sort of determines whether AHA or BHA works better, if you're more acne prone/oily (face and body) BHA would be more suited and vice versa. It's usually just about figuring out the right combo of procedures/ingredients that work for you.

I saw Nars is bringing out a new limited edition line with Charlotte Gainsbourg I WANT IT ALL with a sort of hybrid tinted moisturiser/foundation that looks really promising. I do think Nars along with Bobbi Brown and Laura Mercier are some the rare brands out there who do a good shade range that actively avoid the more irritating ingredients but for whatever reason Nars seems to be the least problematic.

As to the no powder, was the regimen sheet specifically made for you or just a general suggestion info sheet for those with acne? I can imagine that if you're on acne medication like a Retinoid which is very drying that it is then best to avoid powders in fear of further exasperating dryness. Maybe you can ask if the By Terry Hydra powder would be okay to use in that case?

Could also be the general not loading up your face with too much makeup theory, I know Dr. Sam is more an advocate of single cleansing as much as possible (which is indeed more sensible when under prescription and/or especially sensitive/compromised) ergo keeping amount of makeup products to a minimum keeps that regime effective and manageable?

VictoriaandBump, what retinols have you used before to make you determine it doesn't irritate you? Generally not a fan of the existence of the TO 1% version due to general confusion in their lineup and contradiction to their whole 'ethos'. That aside, I think the efficacy is probably more immediate and that may be confused by some as being more effective depending for what you're using it. For anti-ageing there's plenty of science to support that low % and long term use is just as effective as high strength, some new research emerging too on the acne front in terms of long term improvements.

OP posts: