🐌 Fantastic Skincare: Hot Snails, Summer in the City - Now with added shelf porn!

[botemp]

Thread 1 Thread 2 Thread 3 Thread 4 Thread 5 Thread 6 Thread 7 Thread 8

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):

Where to Start

Basics of an Actives Routine

Skin Types vs. Skin Conditions Info Sheet

Anti-Ageing Info sheet

Adult Acne Info Sheet

NEW ADDITIONS since last thread:

Do I Really Need to Wear Sunscreen Every Single Day of the Year?

Understanding Which Sunscreen(s) to Buy

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.

AUGUST 2017: Sunscreen is pretty much non-negotiable at the moment (not that it’s ever not ), RL bumps have been met in the road for some, unfortunately. Grief sucks but we do our best to offer a bit of comfort even if it is just something as inane as skincare chat . Some of us are lucky enough to be nerding out in French pharmacies whilst pretending to do that holiday thing, the Shelf Porn Off is still on…

I can't believe we're on thread 9

Ooh that looks interesting Bani

Yes, I didn't realise she of Stratia was the Acid Queen until recently, she's really great. As serious as she was about her DIY on the DIY Reddit and her blog I'd expect nothing less. Then again that seriousness might mean she's a proper rule follower who signs the custom sheets like a business person is supposed to

I'm sure if I ask she'll mark it down or as a gift but I'm not all that comfortable asking them to do something illegal. I don't even care about the income tax part of it as it isn't that much it's just that the local post agency who despite privatisation retain their monopoly charge a standard admin fee of €15 on top of them for doing fuck all. Nothing from the US doesn't get past them, other countries not usually an issue. UPS and DHL don't charge a fee at all but hardly anyone uses those in the US

So whilst on the subject of acids, JDSTER, no, with normal it shouldn't happen but if you are not using them properly, and far too often, not using SPF (which is your average skincare noob) then it can definitely wreck your skin barrier which leads to all sorts of problems and makes you vulnerable to things like broken capillaries, especially if genetically susceptible. Overuse can also mean thinning out the outer layer of your skin making them (more) visible, so I'd say not a guaranteed outcome of using acids but at risk if not used sensibly.

30lbs is a great achievement Olli . It's probably good to take a break a bit and then restart again, saw some research on it recently that had several groups, one that dieted for two weeks then ate a normal 'balanced' (no calorie deficit) for the next two and so on, and another group that dieted throughout (I think for a total of 4 or 6 months). Think exercise (light 30 mins. daily) remained at the same interval.They lost similar amounts of weight but the group that went on and off had slightly better results but much better results long term in keeping it off.

It did indeed thanks bo if I can ever return the favour let me know.

Can't read atm and this app ant skincare but I might be able to stop boring you all with my powder quest as I tried the MUFE hd loose powder today and think it'll do nicely for now at least. Goes on very lightly, matte but not heavy, zero colour, no oxidising, no caking. Could last a bit longer ideally and there was a tiny bit of patching after a few hours but nothing that wasn't easily and quickly fixed with a dab of a beauty blender/sponge. I like it.

*this isn't.

Oh and it's just silica, no HA in it. So hopefully that was just a mistake on those ingredients I saw. Maybe it's the pressed one that they've added stuff to. I'll try to avoid talc based powders in future now I know they don't work with my skin type.

Hi all, I dropped off the thread a bit as had too much going on but I've been reading and lurking.
I've been committing the mortal skincare sin of failing to cleanse at night I've struggling with exhaustion and all day morning sickness and by the end of the day (well, far from the end, about 8 o clock when I can't stay awake any longer) all I can do is drag myself upstairs to bed. A skincare routine is a bit beyond me.

On the plus side I've not been wearing any makeup which is unlike me. Usually always have foundation on, but I can't be bothered with that either. Still keeping up with the spf though, I've not gone completely feral!

I was about to order TO Bha but a quick bit of reading before hand showed that it's not recommended in pregnancy. So I'll be subbing it for azaleic acid instead I think, for the times when I manage to clean my face! My skin is holding up fairly well, no outbreak of red hormonal spots, but I'm definitely noticing the lack of BHA, my pores are terrible and blackheads cropping up.

The dehydration under my eyes is much better, wrinkles are less noticable. I'm still liking the Cosrx snail 92 cream but I think I might try the Bentons Snail Bee Steam Cream when it runs out/over winter.

I ran out of BS Camomile Balm so was using Una Brennan vit C oil for first cleanse (back when I was cleansing but I think I prefer the camomile balm so I'll reorder that once the oil is finished.

Hope everyone is keeping well! How is it October already?

Thanks for quick response Bo, that makes sense.

Thanks again bo. I have about a month left in the small bottle of P50W and my skin tolerates it really well. I will up the usage to x2 per week and then order the small bottle of the regular stuff from skincity next month. Thank you for the offer of the decant though.

Olli 30lbs is a massive loss, well done. I know the plateau can be hard; mine has been reached roughly half way through my loss (10kg gone, 10 to go!). I was eating low carb/high protein/reduced cals for weight loss but the problem is I also have high cholesterol so now I have had to cut out the prawns etc and add back in the porridge, berries, avocados and all that jazz. (When I add in my occasional IBS flareups and the foods I should be eating/avoiding for that and I am TOTALLY confused) I just can't win.

It's still coming off, just v v slowly at about 0.5lb a week. Annoying when my BMI is still high! Skin has gone to pot as TOTM (thanks body, appreciate it)

Hi ladies

Hope you’re all well

You very kindly gave me lots of advice a little while back, and I subsequently went to see a dermatologist (Dr Emma @ Dr Sam’s clinic) for help with my breakouts (and, er, for Botox )

The regimen she had recommended was to come off ALL my actives, and switch to a very pared back routine

AM

• Cleanse - LRP Toleraine dermocleanser
• Skinoren (prescription azelaic acid cream)
• Moisturise where/if I feel dry - she recommended LRP Toleriane Riche / Effaclar H, I still had LRP Toleraine Fluide, which she said was fine
• SPF - she recommended Elta MD SPF46 or Neostrata SPF50, I was already using (on your recommendation) and liking Biore Watery Essence SPF 50, which she said was fine

PM

• Cleanse - as AM
• Treclin - tretinoin 0.025% / clindamycin gel
• Moisturise - as AM

I didn’t get any dryness or irritation from any of the creams - if anything I found that I was no longer feeling dehydrated and skin felt much less thirsty. And actually I found my skin was feeling much more oily - I’d be swimming in it

Went back for a follow up today and she agreed my skin was significantly improved - the texture has really changed since starting the topical treatments.

To deal with the increased oil production she’s tweaked the routine slightly:

• Moisturiser she recommended I like La Roche Posay Toleriane Fluid or Bioderma Sebium Hydra (I’m already using the former)
• Recommended switching from the LRP Toleraine dermocleanser in the evening to one of: “Try Obagi gentle gel cleanser or Avene cleanance foam (NOT Gel). Alternatively Cetaphil gentle cleanser”
• Stepped up the retinoid from 0.025% to 0.5%: have swapped the Treclin for a pure Tretinoin cream (Obagi - whereas I got the Treclin from a chemist with a private prescription, I got this tube directly from them, as she said it was harder to get good cosmetic retinoids)

I’m also completely thrilled with the botox - it’s really softened my crow’s feet, so I look like me, but fresher.

Off to a wedding tomorrow with a load of beauty journalists (the bride is a well known beauty editor, who did my wedding makeup) so best bring my A-game face!!

Bo no it doesn't have to be oil free anymore lol I'm a contrary Mary aren't I I realised my skin doesn't mind oils and oil free seemed to make my skin a bit more oily and not hydrated . I was really tempted by the kiehls ultra facial moisturiser but it has the cyclo whatever it's called silicone ingredient which gives me tiny little whiteheads!!

I actually like what the moisturiser I'm using now does to my skin (creamy but sinks in and no grease or tightness) however it's the one I mentioned a while ago that tingles on the verge of stinging as I apply, it does only last literally 5 seconds but I'm not sure if that's acceptable??

Milford drink more water
I had terrible morning sickness with my DD so I hope you're feeling much better now and have come throught the worst of it.
Because I wasn't wearing any make up over the summer I also didn't always cleanse at night if I was too exhausted plus I decided my actives could keep on working.

Olli impressive weightloss so far

bananfish that's brilliant you managed to sort your skin out, enjoy the wedding, you will look amazing. I'm now going to be cracking open my azaelic acid more often.

So last night I applied TO Lactic acid 5% followed an hour later by TO retinoid 2% my face hasn't fallen off, gone red or dried out so I'm happy with that combination (I figured that I'd give a go as there are a few products around combining lactic acid with retinol) And I felt like going for it skin wise.
What I forgot to do because I fell asleep was to apply any kind of moisturiser afterwards.

I’ve also used TO lactic acid (mine is 10% though) and followed with their 2% retinoid, based on tip from your one who runs Skincity. Heard it on a podcast, she said use an aha and then follow up with a retinoid, the aha will help it penetrate. Use care test first bla bla. I obviously jumped right in WITH MAH FACE. It did boost effects somewhat but I don’t think the 2 % is strong enough and I’m not testing with stronger until I’m sure I’m compatible with the 5% retinoid I’ve got now (so responsible, I deserve all the Daim liquorice in the world for being so restrained - btw Daim liquorice is THE BEST DRUG EVER I’m obsessed).

Screw Daim, Lakerol Salvi is what I smuggle out of Scandinavia in embarrassing quantities. Thankfully, I live in the land of liquorice with plenty of other choices. Although I've never tried the Daim tbh is it sweet or aniseedy, as that would explain my circumventing of it?

Yes AHA before other actives is the high risk approach, one that CH used to tout out a lot without any sort of warning. I've tried it a few times, it's a good way to test if things are working well together and results are a bit more visible quicker but I don't think it does anything better long term and the risk of damage is definitely high.

Milford, don't fret too much. You have a good excuse and you're still sticking with the SPF Can't believe it's October already either, think Pupsie mentioned the first thread started October last year (we should really mark it somehow), it doesn't seem that long ago. October is also reminding me that it's breast cancer awareness month (though I'm not sure if that's the same internationally) and I'm only really mentioning it because I'm terrible with remembering to do self exams monthly and maybe now I'll be better about it. to all those it has affected.

Have a great day at the wedding banana, probably best not to mention MN though . Interesting to hear of your experiences again, it doesn't sound like Dr. Emma is a hard seller but on the back of several spammers on the S&B boards pushing Obagi at specific clinics over the last few weeks I can't help but wonder if Obagi has some sort of end of year target/bonus system or something. Is their retinol significantly more expensive?

Hi @bananafish81 I was just wondering the other day about the poster who went to see Dr Emma. Really interesting, thanks for sharing please update us again. I Hope you have a good day!
Bo it's breast cancer awareness month here in the U.K. too.

The Daim is limited edition 😎 you might never see it.

Speaking of your derm banana, and that article above, I’ve been thinking a lot about the pared down routine as a concept. My routine ends up being only a few steps really, because I’m too lazy for endless steps. But I do have a lot of different products.

I've just googled chocolate and liquorice? How is that supposed to be tasty?

Yes, similarly my routines are short, 3 or 4 steps at most but a variation of products so it seems like a lot.

Does it then count as a pared down routine?

Chocolate and liquorice is contentious and I’m usually not a mad fan. But this one...

Probably not by a derm's standard but by mine in the sense that I'm not using any more or less than my skin needs. A derm would most likely strip out the P50 and Retinol and replace it with RetinA (they could probably cut out the Vit C as well by prescribing a version with Vit C in MAP form mixed in) or put me on Spirolactone (which I'm actually considering as it inhibits bodily hair growth too) but I don't really feel the need for that at all, maybe in a few years I'll attempt RetinA but for now I see no necessity for it. The very pared back routine of cleanse, moisturiser, SPF I would probably be ok on if necessary but it would be a lot more susceptible to dehydration and drying out painfully in winter. So after all that long drivel, yeah it's pretty pared back if you ignore the odd sheep purchase

Just popped in a piece of chocolate after liquorice, odd, but not bad as I expected. In a crazy way it kind of works, I admit defeat and will seek out the limited edition if it's still there in February.

[smug] Well it might be limited to Sweden and be only for us [/smug]

I’m having thoughts about spf again now that we’re entering the dark ages. I can see the point of spf to protect us from skin cancer. But let’s face it, there is no way an average office worker’s exposure to sunlight in the winter months in Sweden is ever going to be so damaging so as to cause any form of melanoma. How much radiation do we get from computer screens?

I love liquorice. I get the hard liquorice oil sticks. It increases the blood pressure a bit if you eat loads so that's an added bonus. I am imagine dark chocolate and liquorice being very nice.

banana Really interesting. What was the thinking behind swiping your evening cleanser? Did she say? I think I know whose wedding you're going to. Very exciting! Hope it's a beautiful day for you all.

Swopping not swiping!

Oh hang on, it's today isn't it? 🙄 Well I hope you are having a fabulous time banana.

bo I've just seen a little video of one of the Dior rooms at the Paris thing you went to. Oh my word it's BEAUTIFUL! The sparkling lights like glitter or falling stars!