🐌 Fantastic Skincare: Happy Snail Year, Bring Spoons!

[botemp]

Thread 1 Thread 2 Thread 3 Thread 4 Thread 5 Thread 6 Thread 7 Thread 8 Thread 9 Thread 10

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?

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.

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JANUARY 2018: Thread 11! we're getting old. A recap of The Snailies categories for those still meaning to get round to them:

🐌🐌 THE SNAILIES 2017 🐌🐌

The Well Hello There - newest and latest find that gets your motor running

The Flusher- money spent on this product would have been better put to use by flushing it down the toilet

The Jack & Rose- the product you’ll never let go of because there’s plenty of fucking space for the two of you on that piece of wood. Damn you, James Cameron, for breaking my poor little tween heart.

The LTB- it all seemed so promising, everything was going so great, then they turned out to be a narcissist gaslighting bastard

The Child Prodigy- that one product that’s annoyingly good and isn’t afraid to be smug about it

The Worker Bee- never the centre of attention but has been steadily chugging along like no other

The Troll- the one where you repeatedly asked, ‘Is this doing anything?’, but continued to use it anyway…

The Flabbergaster- that one product or technique that wasn’t really supposed to be used like that or delivered well beyond your non-existent expectations

The Sinner- oh, admit it because we’re all guilty of it, what did you do or use that wasn’t all that sensible like take an acid bath and had the disastrous results you really knew to expect

I've stopped applying body moisturiser to my upper chest area. Couldn't find one with didn't cause irritation, a rash or small spots. I'm using a shower oil (Bioderma) which seems to nourish the area enough that moisturiser isn't needed afterwards. I use the Eucerin 10% cream, one by Garnier in a red bottle and Aveeno blue top on my lower legs as they get irritated by anything else. You could try Aveeno although it doesn't smell that great. I put Eucerin mainly on places prone to KP- upper arms, top sides of thighs and knees.

I went shopping today. Boots have 3 for 2 on skincare LRP, Avene,Vichy etc so I stocked up on bioderma micellar for removing eye make up and Vichy thermal water today, which I’m loving.

I also bought NARS tinted moisturiser on recommendation from Dr Sam/Dr Emma. I was telling the makeup artist on counter about Dr Sam and Emma and their NARS recommendations. I admitted to using ELDW and she took a sharp intake of breath . Full of drying powders she said, even though it’s a liquid formula.

I didn’t use any primer today and only a tiny bit of powder on my forehead. Just used blotting papers, as usual. As I said previously, I wasn’t using makeup last week while I was on holiday and I swear my skin does seem a bit clearer. I’ll see how I get on with this new makeup regime. I hadn’t really thought about how ‘flat’ powder makes your face look. Interesting you should mention setting sprays bo as I’ve always intuitively avoided them based on the same conclusion as you.

I’ve got a couple of skincare items still to introduce to my routine. Medik 8 Vit CE thione from pupsie and BR 50W. Now I’m back from holidays I should probably get on with it! Might give myself a couple of weeks to evaluate change in makeup routine.

Speaking of troublesome chest areas, mine has cleared up lots in the past month and a bit since I asked for advice. I religiously use the Bioderma shower oil and then apply the Bioderma Atoderm cream. I will definitely be buying the large size in the cream soon. I might start applying Chemistry Brand Retin-oil once a week to start with and see can I tackle the texture which, while improved, still bugs me!

JDSTER funnily enough I have never once used or even trialed ELDW, and I have tried every other foundation that exists (almost). I always thought of it as a poly-filla type of foundation. I have a couple of heavy-duty foundations but never saw the appeal of DW; now I am glad I didn't.

I've got a makeup setting spray from urban decay, it does naff all for me in terms of makeup longevity or oil control, and I agree is probably pore blocking so I'm passing it on to a work colleague.

I only used a light sweep of the it cosmetics cc powder today (no primer or mattifying powder) and my skin doesn't seem any the worse for it so I'm going to keep it up, my skin does get oilier some days than others though, presume it must be hormonal. And I'd definitely want the matte effect for nights out or any occasion where photos are being taken.

I use the Eucerin 10% moisturiser (take up from the body) or the 5% moisturiser (take down from my face) on my chest, & not had any issues with either. I use the chemistry brand retinoil a couple of times a week too, again with no issues. I normally can't use actives on my neck and chest bit this seems fine so presume it must be pretty weak.

My favourite body moisturiser is the hand chemistry hyaluronic acid spray but it's not cost effective at all, only lasts about a month and that's being frugal with it.

Talking of being frugal, I've just had an unexpected bill for car repairs so I'm going to try and not spend any money on non-essentials till April now. I just swooped in and ordered a couple of trial size items from Skinpep but they were only a couple of £ and the ban is in force now unless I run out of a must have.

Oh and I'm quite impressed with the AF Vit c, though it's early days yet. It felt nice and watery going on and doesn't leave an oily film or have a funny texture, so fingers crossed it won't start to make me itchy.

My hair is so awful at the moment! Parts of it look singed! I'm desperate to find a shampoo and conditioner I love! Have been using wella elements sls free shampoo and the matching conditioner which has been fine as in it hasn't flared my scalp up or given me that residual coating I'm prone to but isn't helping my hair! I can't do oils or heavy masks either so have to rely on a good shamp and cond!

I hear you user. DH's car has needed 4 tyres this month and they're pretty chunky ones. There goes all the savings I've made this month on food and non essentials/entertainment. Hey ho.

I use a big Sanex body lotion with a pump action top. I have to be very careful with shower gels and body lotion as I get eczema on my elbows and sometimes my hips. I'm tempted to try the shower oil but I'd be worried about this.

Can I moan about money. Our water bill is £100 more than usual despite the fact we must have used less as we don't have a dog to bath every two weeks anymore (he had a skin condition) or his water bowl to top up. Hate water meters.

Damn having to pay for boring stuff like tyres and water.

Thanks Enid, Pupsie User and Miffy. I will check out those two Bioderma products,** the Sanex and the Aveeno one when I’m next out. Not sure where I could by the Eucerin so will look online.

The Hand Chemistry spray definitely doesn’t sound like it’s for me, User, if it’s not cost effective!

On a different note, Pupsie had also posted a link to a Sali Hughes video on thread 2. Was a great description of the difference between dehydrated skin and dry skin. Thank you! Not sure how well regarded Sali is but she strongly recommended the Burt’s Bees range for intense hydration and the Institut Estherderm. I didn’t see any other discussion of these in my reading so far (it’s taking me a while to get through everything) so wondered if anyone has used these?

Mint - before I cut my hair off (got a pixie at the moment), I was using the ever sleek range from L’Oréal which had no sulphates or silicone (or maybe it was ever smooth - one has silicone and the other one doesn’t). There were also some shampoos by Tresemme without sulphates but forgotten the name of the range. Good luck!! I know how annoying hair can be** (hence the spur of the moment pixie )

Sorry about the random bold parts. Why does my phone do this?!

My hair is terribly frizzy at the moment, I'm just wearing it up but think I might have to brave the dreaded hairdressers soon. I could try trimming it myself but it's so thick and bushy I'm not sure how that would work, plus I could do with a good few inches off as it's nearly down to my waist

My car was making a funny noise over the weekend so took it in today, 3 small-ish things needed fixing/replacing but added up it was over £500. I'm going to trade it in soon as it's turning into a money pit, something seems to go wrong every other month, only minor things but they all add up My water bill has also gone up, I had a leaky tap in the bathroom, fixed now but it was dribbling away for ages so used masses of water and I'm on a meter.

I'm really resentful and keep thinking of all the makeup and skincare and other lovely things I could have bought

Oh I forgot to say, thanks for the rec for the Hand Chemistry Pro Repair (?) hand cream a while back. I have been using it for over a month now and wow, definitely have noticed an improvement in my skin. way better texture, my hands look and feel hydrated and younger! I have bought a second tube for my car as it is once again on sale in Boots.

Ah! User We have a dripping loo. Bet that's made a difference. Will get a washer tomorrow and sort it out.

Miffy I have the Hand Chemistry Pro Repair on subscribe be save; a tube turns up every two months. I have one upstairs, one downstairs and one at work.

I use Pureology shampoo and conditioner, and heat protector/styling spray when I'm blow-drying. It's pricey stuff but I have a lot of strong-willed, kinky hair. When I leave it to dry naturally I use Carol's Daughter leave in conditioner. My DH got it for me in the US. Not sure if it's available here.

user my car has been making funny noises and not accelerating properly so I finally got round to getting it repaired, one garage wanted over £400 to replace an expensive part and the other only charged £45 to refix and clean the filter properly I guess it makes up for having to splashout on a new fridge freezer last week

I used my TO serum foundation today urgh I hated it it made my face feel all slippery and it felt all slimey by the time I got home and cleansed it off. pity because I like their normal foundation.

I am looking forward to maybe trying out the Laura Mercier foundation 'flawless fusion' ultra longwear - lets hope thats not full of drying powder though anyone tried it out yet?

I hardly ever use body cream but I have an unopened L'occitaine laite ultra riche which I guess I should try out soon.

Subscribe and save of course.

• had to get new fridge freezer as my Bosch one broke down after only 4 years !!!!

Miffy It's good isn't it? Very good for cuticles if you massage it in.

Talking of cuticles, I'm really liking a hand scrub by Essie. (Starter Scrub) Think it's the first 'gift with purchase' item that I've ever bought once the free one ran out. Excellent for dry, peeling nail folds/sides. A scrub with that plus either neutrogena red top or the Hand Chemistry Cream, is keeping my fingers looking neat and tidy. (It was only £5 with postage but can't remember where from.)

My skin looks absolutely dreadful, super blotchy, dry, creased just horrendous so I have finally cracked open the NIOD cais and mmhc and I am praying for an overnight miracle.

I am destined for bad skin and insanity, I slept for 3 hours on Sunday night woke up at 6.30am yesterday (still my today) did a 12 hour shift at work and I still havent slept my poor skin

Will catch up properly in a bit, but figured I'd put up the new thread before this one ran out:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/style_and_beauty/3173461--Fantastic-Skincare-Hairmageddon-looms

Sallie and Mint - I think I’ve got a bit lost somewhere. Is the FAB cream you’re talking about the FAB ultra repair moisturiser?

Thanks Bo - like Yong suggested, it seems putting oil on my face is the way forward if I go into the steam room. Normally go only once or twice a year when skiing. Does the steam and opening of pores/loss of natural oils also apply to those steam facials (for cleaning and extractions) or is the temperature lower? Not had one myself as I don’t really need but curious.....

Now, can anyone please help me with my acid toner “problem”. Very stupidly I was seduced by CH and other threads and online sites that daily acid toning was the way forward. Please don’t tell me off! I realize the error of my ways. I’m now trying to minimize my financial loss as well as treat my skin in a respectful way. Currently I own:

1. FAB radiance pads. - these are supposedly gentle acid toners. Lactic and glycolic acid (I can’t find out %). Got about 30 pads left out of 60.

1. Pixi Glow - 5% glycolic acid, no alcohol. Almost new.

1. Alpha H Liquid Gold - 5% glycolic acid with alcohol. It’s a pretty full bottle. I really dont understand how Pixi and LG can have the same % as they feel completely different when I use them. Is it to do with the pH of Pixi? I saw you had written something Botemp about the pH of Pixi being high (near pH4) and so this means it is only a mild exfoliator. Perhaps LG has a lower pH and therefore a stronger action on the skin?

1. I also own (and have used for years) Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant Mask - lactic and salicylic acid (contains cetearyl alcohol).

I appreciate one of the Biologique Recherche P50 lotions is recommended here but I really cannot dump all mine and buy this one now.

So I need advice as to how to build the acids I own into my routine (if possible - or else I will have to start giving away more products.....!) and how often. Just to remind you:

• I don’t have an acne problem but do get spots which I suspect are from MOs in products.
• I also want to tackle aging (who doesn’t?! )
• want to get rid of the red marks left behind from the spots -this is an important one for me.
• tackle dehydration (and fine lines cause by dehydration).

I am about to start using Vichy HA and I have some vit C serum 10% from Castalia which I will use up before choosing a different one.

Thank you

Ignore the above - posted it here by mistake. It's on the new thread too now.