🐌 Fantastic Skincare: The Snailaversary and Winter is Coming, Luckily, we're Part Sheep 🐑

[botemp]

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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

NEWish since previous threads:

Understanding Which Sunscreen(s) to Buy

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

NEW since the last thread:

A Damaged Skin Barrier - Now What?

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.

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.

OCTOBER 2017: It's our snailaversary ! Our baby ripe toddler skins are about a year old now, or rather getting together on these threads about a year ago. I can't believe we're all still finding things to chat on about between the hair disasters. I know I always encourage a bit of catching up at the beginning of the new thread with how everyone's skin been progressing over the last couple of weeks/months but now I'm demanding more and would really like to hear how everyone is doing a year on now, or however long you've been with us. Basically, pledge your undying love for these threads

NB: I've removed the form from the OP as I felt there really wasn't a need for it anymore. I think I've also answered enough of those forms in their previous incarnation for a lifetime so it may just be a selfish decision but it's been made

Can I ask a cleanser question? I have a balance me one, a Superdrug hot cloth cleanser and clinique ttdo oil. Which do I use when?! Thanks for the advice - am working through the excel info and want to look at adding Stage 3 products in in Jan.

Itchy and gazelle, since you're asking similar things about double cleansing. I'll answer you both in one.

The theory behind it is you use an oil based cleanser to remove makeup and sunscreen and then follow up with a water based cleanser to cleanse the actual skin of the face. If you hardly wear any makeup and wear a very lightweight sunscreen a single cleanse probably suffices, you have to sort of figure it out for yourself but it's not some miracle cure all and most of skincare is a less is more approach. Cleansing should be done in relation to how much you put on.

First cleansers often recommended on here are DHC cleansing oil, Body Shop chamomille cleansing butter (contains fragrance so proceed with caution), Clinique TTDO balm, Edenens cleansing oil (from France), Una Brennan Vit C cleansing oil (again contains fragrance).

Second/morning cleansers (that also work well just on their own as single cleansers at night), La Roche Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser removed with flannel or similar (oilier skin and those in soft water areas may prefer something with more surfactant power like the Avene), Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser Lotion also with a flannel or similar (this is slightly better at taking makeup off but if it's loads of heavy long wearing stuff than a double cleanse is best).

Don't double cleanse in the am (unless you work nights and wear heavy makeup then).

Itchy, sorry I don't rate Nip+Fab at all, the majority of people coming on here with messed up skin as a result of product use has been at the hands of N+F. Please do avoid using the glycolic on the daily, acid use should really only be 2 or 3 times a week max, far less if skin is sensitive.

Gazelle, I'm not sure which balance me cleanser you have but the other two I'd consider first step cleansers, though the Superdrug is a bit of a hybrid so theoretically could be used as a second cleanse but I wouldn't advocate it as I doubt you need that much cleansing power and you'd risk depleting your skin of its natural oils. You want something gentle and non offensive.

Bo I am actually considering getting the avene extremely gentle cleanser when my dermalogica runs out (it’s a huge bottle so won’t be for a while)
It’s not necessarily cheaper ml for ml (maybe slightly) but it’s just much easier to get hold of and can get advantage card points in boots and it’s often on offer etc. Have you used this on your own skin? How do you fare with it?

Yes I have it and I like it very much. Very gentle, I tend to use it at night as it'll catch any stray makeup from the first cleanse where the Dermo struggles a bit. I then go with the Dermo Cleanser in the am but would be perfectly content to use it in the morning too. It's also one you can wash off without a flannel without too much trouble where the Dermo really needs to be taken off with something I always feel.

Thanks for such a speedy response bo. I'm going to try the following routine for December and then add in some special products in Jan once i can see what I need. I don't wear much make up so will relegate the Superdrug cleanser to the back of the cupboard. Any critique of the following welcome!

Am:
Balance me cleanser (my favourite and my skin responds really well to it)
Superdrug hydrating serum
Body shop essence spf 50
Olay 7 effects moisturiser

Pm:
Clinique ttdo oil
Ren omega serum oil
Body shop vit e night cream

Look fine except in the am, SPF should always be the last step of your routine.

You could alternate on nights using the Superdrug cleanser and the Clinique TTDO to see use out of them both.

I've finished my tube of Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50, now using bottle of Biore Aqua Rich Watery Gel and it balls up and peels off my face! Argh!

I've not tried the Body Shop spf, anyone had experience with that? Does it ball up on the face?

I've put my Cosrx Snail 92 cream in an airless pump bottle, it's SO much better. I hated the jar packaging for such a gooey stretchy cream.

I'm still struggling to be good and double cleanse at night, all day morning sickness and exhaustion is winning and more often than not I fall asleep when putting the toddler to bed, before washing my face. My skin is suffering for it! Obviously double cleanse would be the best thing, but would (and I hesitate to even type the words)...face wipes.... be out of the question? Sometimes I use miceller water on a cotton pad, followed by another one and pretend that it's double cleansing

For the gel, it's probably best to use less and pat it in and then apply a second layer as a workaround.

Any cleansing is better than no cleansing. I don't think it's a terrible idea to have a stash of time saving products on your night stand. If you can get them the Koh Gen Do facial wipes are a lot better than most. I'd get the CosRx One Step Moisture up pads for after, they'll multitask as a second cleanse, provide minor exfoliation as it has a bit of a BHA derivative in there and the HA and propolis extract will act as a hydrating moisturiser. If you've got any energy left an oil may finish it off but if you're not particularly dry you may get away with just the pad.

Sorry just realised you're pregnant and whilst BHA is generally considered safe some derms (Dr. Sam being one of them) err on the side of caution and advise not to use it. That's mostly in relation to the higher concentrations and the lack of research about it's safety in pregnant women. This is a derivative (so even weaker) at a very low percentage but something to keep in mind regardless.

Great thanks bo. I just picked up 7 sachets ANR! And anyone who is interested (u didn’t hear it from me though lol, Debenhams will be doing the 30mls of it half price from Weds after 6pm!)

The reason they give out samples so easy means I've never bought it, it's also stupidly expensive for what it is. I know it's the Black Friday extravaganza coming up but if they can sell it at half off and still turn a profit that's saying something.

Yes bo that’s very true. Will it still work as well only using few nights a week rather than nightly?

It'll depend on the person whst I'd does long term but I usually have the little 7ml bottles (and otherwise decant the sachets) then just use it when I feel the need for it. Usually during the day, I wish they'd stop marketing it as a night product but I guess they're stuck with it in the name.

Great thank you bo here’s hoping I have my routine sorted now and will be settled into the new year. If it all goes to plan i shall be a clear skinned glowing bride in 2019 (although I’m sure in reality I’ll be a red, blotchy, dehydrated, spotty one )

For the love of God why oh why do I suddenly have so much chin hair, its dark or very light and fluffy, I am constantly having to pluck due to the fear of the consequences from shaving. It seems to sprout at the jaw line and under.

Any suggestions please?

I've just spotted the post re chin hair so I'm just going to bite the bullet and shave the pesky buggers off.

Tant, are you talking to yourself?

As long as you don't have PCOS or other hormonal issues than shaving is pretty safe. Best results are with the Tinkle or Shiseido facial razors (make sure you don't accidentally get the eyebrow ones).

It may be down to exfoliating chemically, does allow hair follicles through easier.

Thanks Bo I will take a look at those, thanks for the suggestions

Before I open my expensive REN omega 3 skin oil, would I be better off just with plain old rosehip oil?!

I love the REN one! Have repurchased 3 times

Ha olli so do I - I'd forgotten how much I love it but have it on now.

Is it sad that I’m feeling very excited about my potential new routine 🤦🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️

Course not, mint. Being positive about the future is always a good thing. I know we're all just randoms on the internet and we can only tell so much but you 'sound' to be in a good place right now. I'm excited for you too

Gazelle, in terms of skincare I think there's always an advocacy for not abandoning things that work well for you. Technically the REN isn't really a serum but if it works for you stick with it.

My pared down routine seems to be working pretty well. Mostly pared down due to job loss

Oh Olli, so sorry to hear that . Not as a result from being away for a long period due to the operation I hope.