Fantastic Skincare: Skin (almost) sorted- decent fucking summer fucking clothes would be fucking nice. Don't ask us about our hair 🐌

[botemp]

Thread 1 Thread 2 Thread 3 Thread 4 Thread 5 Thread 6 Thread 7

I am very slowly working on consolidating the gathered information from previous threads into easier to read formats but it’s slow going. If you wish join us on this thread I would suggest reading thread 1 and at the very least the following info sheets (provided they apply to you):

Where to Start

Basics of an Actives Routine

Skin Types vs. Skin Conditions Info Sheet

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. Newcomers are always welcome but please note the following:

Questions and asking for help on this thread is encouraged, however, we can’t give you a specific routine to follow and hope it works out for the best. There are no overnight miracles in skincare whether it be in the form of products or techniques. It’s about perseverance, understanding your skin, assessing its needs and responding to that in a diligent manner.

These threads were created to help those who want to learn for themselves. We’re a group of interested and invested skincare nuts happy to offer tea and sympathy and dole out advice. Everyone’s journey with skincare is different, what is universal and binds us is that through actually learning about the different active ingredients it helps us get to know our skin and help us adapt as it will change many times throughout our lives - with seasons, hormonal changes, ageing, genetics etc. It's in everyone's best interests to get to know their skin and to keep reviewing those changes with the confidence that comes from the gathered knowledge here. We really encourage you to spend the time reading through previous threads and linked info sheets that the many contributors have taken the trouble to share.

By no means are we experts, we're only a bunch of amateurs that can only respond by suggesting what we would do in your place, for any severe conditions please seek out professional help.

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If you pose a question and we need more contextual information to answer properly we may ask you to fill in the following form. Please only use this form when asked, unsolicited forms will be deleted. Responses to the form can be found here

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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.

MAY/JUNE 2017: It’s summer and some of us are hourglasses (and otherwise beautifully shaped) that desperately need to bitch and moan about the severe lack of clothes available to us. Also, some of us are recovering from a ‘fine’ butchering to our hair. Don’t ask. Some of us suffer from all of the above. At least the weather is good, wear sunscreen.

Can all of you on here please tell me what moisturiser you use

Update on my oil slick skin-I didn't apply buffet nor Cerave moisturiser yesterday, only Ultrasun SPF after cleansing and toning and my skin looked much less oily. Duh! I feel a bit silly that I came on this thread to ask now! I was obviously just applying too many oily products.
Anyway Bo suggested I changed my cleanser as the No 7 one isn't the best which is fine by me. Any non £££ suggestions? Thanks everyone

Morning-ish all, it's hot snail weather here again. Ugh. Will reply to the rest later but Wellhello, the default response is LRP Toleriane Dermo cleanser. I think you could still use buffet or swap it out for a different HA serum in the AM as I would use some sort of hydration in the AM.

SUNDAY SUPPLEMENT

6 Skin Care Techniques Derms Say to Never Try at Home - the 50 shades grit technique is discussed beyond that standard advice about proceeding with caution and avoiding DIY.

Azelaic Acid Is Reddit's Secret Ingredient to Fighting Acne see below (Q&A with Dr. Sam) for my renewed interest in this ingredient.

Sali Hughes Beauty: my festival essentials - just for Bali

Vichy Mineral 89 I'd already flagged this as an upcoming product of interest, seems to be coming to the UK in July but it's already available here and on EPP. The initial impressions from BBB sound promising.

REVIEW: SUNDAY RILEY GOOD GENES LACTIC ACID TREATMENT - personally not a big fan of the product at all but I know some love it. Anyhow, sharing as there's some good info on AHAs and lactic acid in the post that's worth reading.

ORDINARY VITAMIN C SUSPENSION 23% + HA SPHERES 2%: THE DUD OF THE LINE OR A MISUNDERSTOOD GEM?

Would you spend £1000 on a moisturiser? Victoria Beckham's dermatologist thinks you might - mostly sharing since I'm shocked that beauty companies still insist on making the most uninteresting product (boring old moisturiser) the most expensive thing ever... just why?

The Most Overrated Skincare Trends, According to Top New York Dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross Apparently emailing dermatologists about overrated skincare trends and dos and donts is a default go to for editorial staff in the summer or something

YOUTUBE’S GOSSIP VLOGGERS HAVE CREATED THEIR OWN TABLOID INDUSTRY only vaguely related to what we discuss here but an interesting read regardless. Am I the only one btw getting a bit tired with YT beyond 'trusted' content? I seem to be getting a constant feed of recommended videos that are just terrible, especially when related to skincare- it seems to be one of the last places for growth in the beauty vlogging industry and there are just way too many accounts spouting absolute nonsense and some very, very, questionable advice.

NEW SUNSCREEN CONTENDERS FROM JAPAN via Ratzilla:

Best Pick: Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel (2017 Formula)

Best Pick: NIVEA Sun Protect Plus UV Milky Essence

VIDEOS/PODCASTS

No, your sunscreen isn't going to kill you

Sali Hughes Podcast 01/06/207 (can't remember if I already shared or not, just know I haven't had time to listen yet)

- there was some really good info in here, specifically surrounding Azelaic acid, am very tempted to try some instead of BHA now for pore control since my PC is nearly finished. Also, Victoria, hate to be the bearer of bad news but Dr. Sam does mention your Avene cleanser being discontinued in this video. Part 3 (Part 1&2 in previous SS)

I've been going through Dr. Dray's account looking for the good videos to share here as she publishes a lot of vlogs (which I find unbearable to watch) but the Q&As are really good. Will probably try and compile them into a shareable youtube playlist at some point. These are two good ones for now:

Thanks for info Botemp.

Bo - are konjac sponges any good? I've got one as a freebie and know nothing about them!

Lego, fragrance, alcohol, SLS, SLES, etc. but perhaps it's worth trying an oil cleanser as shampoo? I know some people with delicate scalps and irritable skin are having success with that, either using up an oil cleanser that didn't work for their face or getting a dedicated one. French Pharmacy and Eucerin have a couple of cleansing oils for the body (some do contain sulphates though). As I understand it you apply to dry hair before getting in the shower then emulsify and rinse.

Well BHA, pure retinol, and high strength acids were once the devil according to Deciem until TO started selling them, apple. The silicon spiel is getting retracted too now that they're selling one, surprise, surprise . The Vit C powder in tiny tubs is definitely the biggest swindle in the cosmetics industry so unless they cost a quid I'll be giving that a pass. I have to say Deciem are making it really hard to keep me loyal to their brand, price really is the only thing and in all honesty, I'm not convinced TO is that affordable considering how often I'm repurchasing them in comparison to other products.

It is a relief from the worry (though I won't know for sure until a few weeks, if something is found there it'll be a lot less serious), Enid, but I'm also a bit pissed. Had to sort of read between the lines, but apparently, there's been some backroom arguing about me between my GP and specialists after my GP failed to follow up with aftercare as directed from my endocrinologist two years ago (whom I only see when there's something wrong/out of the ordinary). When I asked about scheduling it (regular bloodwork and physical checkup), my GP unilaterally decided that it wasn't necessary and refused to do it which annoyed me greatly at the time. When I then saw my Gyn last year and asked if she'd add that specific bloodwork from the endocrinologist to my regular workup she informed the endocrinologist (per the usual but with a note as to why she was the one ordering it) who then had some strong words with my GP about not following up her directed care. My GP's practice default position now appears to be to immediately refer me to specialist care whenever it's PCOS related so she doesn't' have to deal with the specialists and thus scared the shit out of me, probably unnecessarily, by suggesting it was something more serious and only a specialist could look at it Not that I have any concrete evidence of this but still

Supposed to be ok as a morning cleanse type thing, Olli, or with a foaming cleanser. Mildly exfoliating (equivalent of a flannel), I think it becomes a bit questionable with the charcoal claims but otherwise, it can be a nice cleansing tool for some. Think there are some hygiene concerns, so replace in time and leave to dry in a non-damp place, preferably hanging.

It's a white one so no charcoal I don't think. Has a string thing on so I can hang it up! I don't really use any foaming cleansers as only have LRP dermo... Might try as an AM cleanse

Morning, I got some helpful recommendations a few threads back. So I thought I'd pop back, catch up and say hello! Sorry to hear you've had a health scare Bo

My main issue when I asked for help was routine! After recs I used LRP Toleraine cleanser and moisturiser, dabbled with the Superdrug serum and body shop hot cloth cleanser if I needed something extra.

First thing: i actually finished a product! The Moisturiser felt like it what gone in no time, possibly too fast though and in retrospect I think I was slathering it on to compensate for its lightness. The Toleraine range almost feels too light for me, if that's possible - but I'm going to persevere with the cleanser.

Main realisation from this is I despise flannels! Not sure why but they gross me out completely, and for brief a while stopped me using the cleanser. Until I picked up a silicone facial cleansing pad at TKmaxx and I much prefer this. I'd not heard of them before, knowing my luck it's probably bad for my skin - right?

After finishing the moisturiser I decided to try something different. LRP T was okay but my skin actually felt a bit thirsty. I settled on Bodyshop (why do they put glitter in so much skincare?!) vitamin e moisturiser and the Aloe eye defence. I've noticed that my dark circles are getting lines

So although I've not found skincare nirvana, this whole process has been really good for my self care and esteem. It got to a point where I wasn't looking in the mirror in the morning (what was the point) but getting these beginnings of a little routine have been really positive.

Oh, Ive also recently tried No7 extreme length sensitive mascara, definitely recommended for anyone with sensitive eyes.

Just catching up. Thanks for SS Bo I'm at the airport waiting for a flight that has been delayed slightly so this will help pass the time!
hello pleased that just using ultrasun is the trick. I did think you had too much going on in the morning. I'm not using HA or buffet in the morning currently. You could add in again as we move into colder weather in the autumn. I personally don't like toleriane for my oily skin in the morning as a sole cleanser. I feel it leaves a film. I don't mind it as a second cleanse at night strangely. Currently I'm using cosrx low ph good morning cleanser. It's good for us oily skin girls and I think would suit you better. It does have tea tree in it (and smells of it too). I got mine on Amazon. It's a huge tube and you only need a small amount so I think it will last forever . I can't link to reviews but check out fifty shades of snail, Snow White and Asian pear, makeup alley, as well as Amazon. There another cleanser by medik 8 I was looking at but again can't link. It has coco glycoside in, which if I remember right is good for pore clearing. I haven't tried it yet though.

Anyone use corsx oil free ultra moisturiser?? This and their morning cleanser are really tempting me right now! Any fans?? If so are they ok to use without any actives, toners, or serums with them? My skin seems to only tolerate very few layers so I'm literally cleansing and moisturising in the pm then same in am with addition of spf.

Wellhello, probably best to listen to JDSTER as I only like the Toleriane Dermo cleanser in the AM. The CosRx low pH is a pretty good one for oily skin but can be a bit drying for others and it contains a tiny bit of salicylic so you may get away with phasing out the N+F pads with it so probably a better fit. The Medik8 one mentioned is the gentle cleanse.

Pupsie, sorry I thought you also had a reaction to a Stila palette, either the concealer or eyeshadow one. Must have been someone else.

mint, Pupsie uses the CosRx oil free lotion and last time I heard she liked it a lot.

Fledgling, well done on the self-care and esteem! I'm not really sure what a silicone cleansing pad is but if it is what I think it is... I'm thinking those are meant to clean your makeup brushes with . You don't have to use a flannel, most people just prefer them to splashing water all over the bathroom floor or get better results with them when they wear heavy makeup. It may be worth looking into the Foreo (they sell a small trial size version of it) if you like the silicone thing for your face. If your skin felt very thirsty with the Toleriane Fluid it may be worth upgrading your HA serum from the Superdrug one to either TO Buffet or Hylamide SubQ and say no to fecking glitter in skincare.

Oh thank you bo how about the corsx morning cleanser?

Thanks Bo and JD I'll check out that cleanser. I'll not repurchase nip and fab pads when I'm finished my current ones. I've got some cosrx BHA blackhead power liquid that I use on my nose for open pores and blackheads (not sure how effective it is TBH). Do you think I could start using this all over my face instead of the nip and fab pads?

Ok Bo, I've got a couple of things I currently use /had bought as potential future trials, for body use, I'll try them out as shampoo. Lucky I have a pixie cut!

I'd still like to switch my Vit C to evening use but not sure where to fit it in - any thoughts? Currently use:

• Cleanser /wash x2
• Toner (floral water)
• BHA although not every night
• Retinoid 2% or BR P50W on alternate nights
• TO Buffet
• Moisturiser

I'm thinking of dropping the BHA as I'm not convinced it's doing anything for me. I've tried 3 different types, no improvement.

But... but... why do you want to use Vit C in the PM [Daily Fail Sad Face Emoji]. Unless there are real issues in the AM you're missing out on all the potential benefits during the day with Vit C (unless you really are only using it for pigmentation issues only) and it would be tough to combine with Retinol and BRP50 and I'm of the Vit C as often as you can school as it only lasts about 24hrs, so ideally every single day in the AM. Otherwise, you may just have to risk it with wait times of at least 30 mins in between. So cleanse, tone, and then Vit C, 30 min. wait time then proceed per usual.

I tried it once with the oil cleanser (can't really remember why) but I just used it in the scalp area and gave it a nice massage so didn't really need much. I did have more hair then and followed up with an ACV clay mask and then rinsed the lot out. I didn't need as much conditioner/oil after as I expected but it was clean and not flat or super fluffy.

What about it mint? Generally best for truly oily skin and teenagers, as mentioned above, can be a bit drying for other skin types.

Yes, Wellhello, if oily all over then you can use the CosRx BHA all over.

I would love to find a Vit C which doesn't cost a fortune which I could use in the morning. TO Vit C is just too greasy for me under make up. I know others find it ok but I've tried it in all different combinations on it's own, mixed with serum, leave it half an hour before primer etc, etc and my make up kind of slides all over my face by lunchtime 😭 So disappointing as it's so cheap!
I'm trialling TO Ascorbyl Glucoside soln 12% (eek forgot to add that to my morning routine earlier) but I gather as it's not LAA it's perhaps a waste of time.

Curly girl hair method is definitely working! Have a way to go but curls are looking more defined and softer

hello I use BHA all over. I've got the cosrx one and I'm also not that convinced now of its efficacy. I originally got a sample from a poster on here and thought it was great. SInce I've purchased it, I'm not so sure. I use TO vit c and though I don't love the texture, until something better comes along I'll stick with it.

I'm interested to look at videos bo posted on SS on azelaic.

Also wondering if I should be trying something like P50 or what about an offering from TO. Any thoughts anyone?

olli hair looking good

Woah! Gorgeous curls Olli! 😍

bo I'm having a bad time with my gps at the moment. So therefore, all GPs are in my bad books. I'll add yours for being crap at communication and causing stress. Grr. 😠 Thank you for the SS.

Can't remember who said the LRP toleriane doesn't last long but I agree. I only use two short pumps on my face and it does seem to run out much quicker than it should. I don't like the packaging as I bet there's loads stuck in there that we can't get to. Still my favourite but the never liked hard plastic pumps.

I bought the bulk buy of LRP cleanser so 400ml bottles! Better value than boots

It's one of the links you posted a couple of weeks ago, it mentioned not using Vit C in the daytime (ideally) unless with ferulic acid & Vit E, neither of which I use. I think it was due to sun damage concerns (I do wear SPF50 but still...) Alternatively, what are my options for an affordable Ferulic Acid & Vit E for daytime use, bearing in mind I've established I don't do at all well with wheatgerm oil, or Niacinamide in anything above a really tiny percentage.

I wonder if I could repurpose my Niacinamide as a body sunscreen add-on?

Oh yes, I mean the LRP toleriane moisturiser. The cleanser lasts ok. I'm getting the 400ml bargain bottles when this one runs out Olli

I am mortified. I have just used a 5x mirror for the first time to pluck facial hairs and I have teeny tiny veins on my cheeks (which would account for the redness) lots of tiny freckles I've never noticed before my skin is dotted with all sorts

Now I'm wondering if using all these strong products esp glycolic acid over the last year has contributed. I've only just started with retinol and Vit C the last couple of weeks so can't be that.

No idea any more what on Earth I should be putting on my face.

Has anyone tried and tested Face Theory's 'Stabilized 20% Vitamin C Serum'? It is back on the site for purchase. It was gone for a while and when I asked why they told me they had to sort out some regulatory paperwork before officially launching it so I am not sure if it was ever actually on sale?
I am almost finished with TO MAP and kind of like it but would like to up the ante with the %.
Have lots of posts to go and read through.