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

[botemp]

Thread 1 Thread 2 Thread 3 Thread 4 Thread 5 Thread 6 Thread 7 Thread 8 Thread 9

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

Happy New Year Everyone! 🍾🎉🥂

I was out very late last night at a party and feeling a bit woolly headed today so will do my Snailies tomorrow.

Hamilton I have oily skin but really like the Eucerin 5% moisturiser that Bo mentioned, it keeps flaking at bay but isn’t heavy or greasy at all, I think it would work really well for your DD.

Olli your skin looks great but I think your skin always looks very clear and fresh in the pics you’ve shared here.

Thanks for the very comprehensive answer.

To answer a few of your questions.

For everyday make up at school she wears either a tinted moisturiser or foundation Brown, blush & eye shadows (mostly Bobbi Brown or Urban Decay) finished with face powder to stop the sweat (MUA or Bobbi depending on budget. I don't think the powder is suiting her.

For stage (usually only once or twice a year but will increase next year) she uses a heavier no 7 foundation, specific school specified Rimmell colours on cheeks & eyes, setting powder & an urban decay setting spray. So not too heavy duty.

I think she's too fond of face masks (I read on your sheet they can be too drying) & im always telling her off about them on her sensitive face.

I have a feeling she was given something Eucerin (maybe bath oil) as a child to help her excema as there was a point when even plain water baths made her skin crack & bleed. Thankfully she's not that bad now. She does quite like a Body Shop camomile cream for make up removal.

She has used Simple moisturiser in the past but reacted to one of their products (might have been a shampoo) so was a bit put off it but I'll look for the oil cleanser.

I agree SPF is important but she's never outside in term time so not an immediate issue.

I ought to add. When she's down my shows at school she doesn't have access to warm water to remove make up (there are minimal toilets/even portaloos sometimes for lots of students & they arent allowed to take stuff out of the dressing room (dance studio) so they all tend to use baby wipes - eek. But that is only one week per year.

In both those MU situations, I'd be double cleansing, Alexander, especially since it's all set with powder in order not to budge. If she's not sweating it off, any cleanser will struggle a bit to get through that and be able to catch it all in one. If she's really diligent she could get away with one cleanse but it's a lot more challenging, and requires to use a bit more cleanser than you'd expect.

I think fragrance is the biggest thing for her to watch out for, even if she tolerates it ok, as soon as the skin gets mildly compromised it aggravates. I suspect a lot of the masks and other products she's been using were fine for a bit then caused aggravations, so it's a slow process of wearing down resistance before the full effect is seen and then becomes difficult to contain.

Yes, the Eucerin ph5 shower oil is often recommended for eczema prone children to add to bath water.

I rarely recommend anything from Simple as it's not suitable to sensitive skin at all, but the CO is a good exception and unlike the BS CB it doesn't contain fragrance, so a bit more innocuous. CO also tend to go further than a CB.

Baby wipes not ideal, Bioderma micellar would be best in that situation, followed by a thermal spray (you can get both of these in travel sizes), then tissue everything off. I mean this is for switching out in between, I assume.

On matinee days they usually leave it on & top up between shows. After the evening performance there is limited time for them (100 kids) to remove make up, get changed then get the bus back to the boarding house where they have again minimal time & communal wash facilities before getting to bed. Not ideal I know but Travel time means it's easier for her to board during show weeks.

CO is cleansing oil but I've missed what is CS CB please?

Got it Body Shop Cleansing Butter?

botemp - interesting paragraph about French pharmacy and derms on CH latest blog. I'm thinking referring to S.H ....

Damn autocorrect! S.B

Do I even want to know? Only January 1st and CH is already stirring drama, I assume. I know she and SB supposedly had some falling out and ever since CH has been making all derms out as Big Pharma whores, is that the essence of it? Is French pharmacy in on it too now? I don't know if I can be arsed to go and read.

Pretty much. Have copied and pasted it. Also some bits about not layering 5 serums and snail goo and Korean stuff

"Dermatologists recommending La Roche Posay, Avene and Vichy (among others) repeatedly. French pharmacy brands set aside huge marketing budgets every year to target and court dermatologists and pharmacies and win over all their ‘affordable’ recommendations. It is literally the skincare equivalent of lobbyists in politics. A full budget dedicated solely to wooing dermatologists, all so that when a magazine asks a derm what affordable product they would recommend they hear the magical ‘Oh I always recommend XXX in my practice, it’s excellent and does exactly the same as professional brands!’. We all know its not true but that’s how the cookie crumbles. Question everything."

Ah she's being her usual consistently inconsistent bit then and letting some grudge dictate her opinion, 'I love a bit of French pharmacy.' and 'I like to see a doctor behind a brand.' should we question those words out of her mouth too?

So the 5 serums is probably some falling out with TO, and I'll just have to go over to the AB Reddit to see how infuriated they are to have their beloved snaily goo demeaned again. At least that's always entertaining

I'm working my way through your previous threads & starting a skincare routine & I'll be back asking about me soon I'm sure.

With regards to Dd. She's just started using the bare minerals moisturiser which she bought with her Christmas money so I think I'll leave it a week or so before introducing the Simple oil cleanser (she's not back at school til Monday so won't be wearing much make up til then).

My snailies, coming in at a snail's pace

🐌🐌 THE SNAILIES 2017 🐌🐌

The Well Hello There - The new La Roche Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser, really like it so far. Also like the Vichy Vit C, I just need to check the pH on both but it has that same rusty nail smell as Skinceuticals, acts similar, I actually think the alcohol as penetration enhancer actually makes it a tad more effective, all in all, a really close dupe. After the Decubal disaster, I ended up buying the LRP Toleriane Ultra Nuit for my Niacinamide fix and am liking that quite a bit too.

The Flusher- TO Caffeine Serum, I don't know why I keep it around, it just sits there not being used.

The Jack & Rose- Previous years this would have included the Verso Eye Serum, the Kuramoto Bijin Komeyu Rice Bran Oil, Biologique Recherche P50, Kose Sekkisei Essence Milk SPF, and the La Roche Posay Thermal Water but this year the LRP was dethroned I'm more heartless like James Cameron than I think by the Vichy Thermal Water. It's love I tell, you.

The LTB- TO Vit C 23%, I tolerated all its quirks despite knowing better, but I was a happy cheapskate, I even tolerated it's constant out of stock status until I met someone better got a large
sample of a Medik8 Vit C and only then did I realise what a dehydrating bastard TO had been.

The Child Prodigy- Paula's Choice 2% BHA Perfecting Liquid. Not only is the stuff good, its mum Paula is the most annoying smug skincare person around, nevermind her other baby, beautypedia. No as if that wasn't enough, I'm now on record on MN's Swears by 2017 for all too see looking just as smug and annoying as dear Paula. Bastards.

The Worker Bee- Avene Extremely Gentle Cleansing Lotion, LRP Toleriane Dermo Cleanser, Edenens Oil Cleanser. I should appreciate cleanser more

The Troll- The smelly arse, that's not smelly at all, TO Resveratrol and Ferulic. It sort of did something but then not... I think it worked for a minute and then oxidised. Now I just seem to be smearing a fatty alcohol on my face for reasons I don't quite understand either. TO Retinol in Squalane 5%, ditto, since using the TO retinols my skin texture has definitely deteriorated, miniscule and it may very well be down to being a year older and losing weight but still, I'm moving on. Had the Medik8 R-Retinoate (same retinol type as Verso) in my sights and Dr. Sam recently recced it in a video, so hopefully a J&R for next year's snailies.

The Flabbergaster- Avene Akerat 30 made the most clogged up ingrown hair pop out overnight revealing its freakishly long length. Also, I expected the BR P50 PIGM 400 to be much the same as the other P50s but it was impressive how much it brightened my face, radiant I was. Note to self, must incorporate something with liquorice root extract again.

The Sinner- I had some Exuviance samples and it's always mentioned as a good brand, so I was curious, and despite knowing better ignored the fragrance in the INCI and when putting it on. My skin was not pleased.

LRP toleraine ordered. I got 3 samples so I chose Redermic C50 (for me I want to try something with Vit C in. Effaclar Duo (Ds uses salicyclic acid & it might be worth trying if dd's blackheads persist) & the sun cream. (Useful travel/handbag size)

The thermal water I didn't order as I saw the baby version is on offer in Boots & the only difference as far as I can see is the design on the bottle!

Ok so my skin is misbehaving AGAIN! One minute it's really clear and the next it goes bonkers 🙄

Can't do my awards as having an ill day. Just wanted to note that I'm using the Eucerin 5% face cream for the first time. Tried to use it a few nights ago but it stung slightly so pressed/patted on less tonight and it seems fine. Thicker than toleriane lotion, quite matte.

Skin texture really needs sorting out and the skin between my brows has been catching my attention this week. Possibly frowning more? 😠

Hormones or diet Mint. I'd put money on it.

Talking of which, I'm Farty McFartson today. Confirming my suspicion that I'm intolerant to wheat.

While I think about it Dd showed me a face mask in a tube she bought last year that she felt helped soothe her skin when she had her Johnson & Johnson face wash reaction. It's Rituals Intense Mousturisung Mask. Ingredients

Oops posted too soon.
It's supposed to be rich in blue ginger & hyalaronic acid

Ingredients
AQUA/WATER, OCTYLDODECANOL, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, DISTARCH PHOSPHATE, GLYCERIN, PANTHENOL, PENTAERYTHRITYL DISTEARATE, POLYSORBATE 60, SORBITAN STEARATE, ALGAE EXTRACT, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, RHODIOLA CRENULATA ROOT EXTRACT, PAPAIN/CARBOMER COPOLYMER, ALGIN, ZINC GLUCONATE, COPPER GLUCONATE, MAGNESIUM ASPARTATE, CARBOMER, PULLULAN, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, TOCOPHEROL, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, CAPRYLHYDROXAMIC ACID, METHYLPROPANEDIOL, SODIUM BENZOATE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, PHENOXYETHANOL, PARFUM/FRAGRANCE, CI 15985 (YELLOW 6).

Panthenol (Vitamin B5) is very soothing and why the LRP Cicaplast B5 is such a rescue product. I believe that also contains the zinc, magnesium, and copper ingredients. They're all anti-inflammatory and restorative. Think the Rhodiola extract is likewise. The fragrance would normally bother me but if it's a wash off mask then it's less of a problem. Papain is a fruit exfoliant so depending on how compromised the skin is, can be harmful or helpful. Does she still have it?

Enid, you've completely ruined my image of your excellence with your flatulence... wondering if the two are related now...

^Sorry, won't make sense unless you're a wannabe Parisienne as well.

Yes she does. There is quite a lot left. We've had a good old chat today & she loved telling me she knew I was wrong when I told her to just use soap & water (Gcse science acids & alkalis mean she's far more clued up than I was)

Drat I could have ordered a sample of the Cicaplast.