🐌 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.

_

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 would like to try a vitamin C serum as my next step. Being a super cautious Snail, my routine is lacking any extras still. I know we've had this conversation before but can't remember any of it So, is there a serum that isn't too pricey that will actually give results? I'm thinking under £30 preferably. Or is it one of those that is going to be expensive if it's going to do anything?
I'm hoping for an increase in brightness and freshness. I have some slight faint pink marks from past spots that it'd be good to fade. Feel like my skin can look tired sometimes (because it is ).

Any advice on where to start looking please?

(Acne prone, dehydrated, can't use Hyluronic acid)

I have the melano one botemp recommended ages ago which is nice
Melano CC it's called

Thanks Olli. I'll have a look at that one.

Found a note I'd made about Medik8 c tetra serum. Sounds promising. Is anyone using that one?

I see JDSTER and Enid. I do have docs on weds so I'll ask her then. I take co dydramol daily plus amitriptyline and levothyroxine, all of which I think are fine with aspirin?
JDSTER I would only be taking it when I get one of my full blown migraines that nothing else so far has shifted, so prob once a week?

Enid can you describe your breakouts and where were they on your face while you were using ANR? Still don't know whether to stop using it, I'm in denial because I love it lol.

Enid Not much help but I’m waiting to start on medik 8 Vit C (different formula though) kindly sent by pupsie. It’s sat unopened in the fridge until I’m finished TO.

mint definitely speak to your GP. If you were going to take weekly it should definitely be in your records in case you had any problems down the line with anaemia or any bleeding disorders. I’m not convinced it will work for you if you’ve tried lots of things previously and you’re obviously on regular analgesia . Aspirin is great for many things but can have nasty side effects.

olli any snailies from you?

Bagel I've had good success ordering off iherb and they do Cosrx I know, but they don't carry that serum! The frustration!!!

They have shitloads of reasonable Vit C serums though, but it's hard to know which to take a punt on. I usually cross check with Makeupalley but they don't have reviews on all of them.

Has anyone tried the Physicians Formuka Booster oil? Seems quite a nice blend and not too expensive.

Been really using TO Retinoid 5% this week most days and could feel a bit of sensitivity for the first time last night. Looked fine though. Just felt a bit hot on my cheekbone for ages.

Might give it a rest tonight.

That's on iherb actually!

ie.iherb.com/pr/Physician-s-Formula-Inc-Organic-Wear-Bright-Booster-Oil-Elixir-1-0-fl-oz-30-ml/76832

I was thinking of the Active Formulas Vit C for you Enid but it's got HA in it, but possibly something for you Elspeth, it's 12 quid and you can choose 15 or 20% (I'd go with 15).

I was the one that used the Medik8 Tetra, I had a deluxe sample and was pleasantly surprised by it and it's the thing that so clearly pointed out that TO 23% was such a dehydrator. It's oilier in consistency so not sure how much you'd enjoy that.

Haven't checked for HA but I think the current Vit C in L-AA form worth considering are:

Melano CC Intensive Anti-Spot Essence- concentration unknown (£)- eBay (Japan)

Active Formulas Vitamin C Serum 15 or 20% - (£) AF or at half off in the old packaging here (15% only and expiration date July 2018). I used to be wary of this formula as it appeared they used essential citrus oils but they've since clarified they use juice powders rather than essential oils. Can't remember who it was but someone on here has been happily using it for quite some time. (UK)

Skin Deva Vitamin C Serum with Ferulic Acid + E (££ -due to shipping and possible import duties) - 20% - Skin Deva, look up some referral codes via Google for small discount (US)

NuFountain C20®+Ferulic Vitamin C Serum No longer ships outside the US

Paula's Choice RESIST C15 Super Booster (££) usual PC choice places, PC own website regularly run % off. The Resist Vit C treatment (available in travel size) may also be worth looking at if only interested in Vit C as a topical treatment.

Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Brightening Skin Corrector (££) usual Vichy places, low initial investment but only 10ml. 15% concentration.

Drunk Elephant Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum (£££- due to product price and import duties, shipping) Sephora US, 15% concentration. (US) DE has announced it'll be coming to Europe sometime in 2018, doubt it'll be any cheaper though.

SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic (£££) - 15% concentration. The gold standard, still the best thing I tried but the Vichy comes in very similar. (Have not tried all of the above myself though). Available from SC designated resellers, most usually run some sort of offer, but it remains expensive and most of the above are a copycat version of it.

There's also Obagi Vit C, but it's fragranced and only available through dermatologist practices (no prescription necessary though).

Also meant to add, that CosRx Vit C serum is an exclusive at Soko Glam, and it got a bit of a kicking on the AB Reddit so not sure if that's worth chasing.

Apols, correction, the Melano CC is not L-AA based but an Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (like the Medik8), it's a form of Vit C that has worked well for me in the past though but it's always in an oil of sorts as it's oil soluble. The Melano is also fragranced but it didn't irritate me, not that that say anything.

👑👑👑👑

Wow, thank you for the detailed list! Very helpful. I'll search all those tonight. The three that are standing out atm are the medik8, Vichy, Melano and skinceuticals. Oh, that's 4.

mint It was a while ago so can't remember really sorry. Think it was an all over oiliness, congestion and fullness with some patches of spots on my lower cheeks. It calmed down after a week of stopping it so you could try leaving it out for 1-2 weeks to see if it helps.

Fullness= dullness

Thanks for that Bo, really useful!

It's me that likes the Active Formulas vit C - I've RP several times and I'll probably do so again once my current Drunk Elephant runs out.

Ok JDSTER I will discuss it with my doc at my appt weds, thank you! What are the nasty side effects?? I'm scared now lol.

Thanks Enid I'm going to try leaving it out for 2 weeks and see if things improve. What is your daily am and pm routine if you don't mind me asking?

I had the flu jab today and my arm is now aching like mad 😩.

Thanks enid . My hands were dreadfully dry and having tried so many creams,the only one that acutually worked in any way and amazingly fantastically was the original neutrogena. I slapped on loads at every opportunity and more at night with cotton gloves. Now that that they are looking -unrecognisably- much better ,I am thinking of something to stop them looking old. Hand chemistry sounds like just the trick!
Wondering if I can get it a little cheaper though..maybe it is on offer sometimes,she said hopefully 😀

I was very tempted by the AF Vit c last time round and think I might try it when I’ve finished the Vichy one. TSMummy what is the texture like of AF as I prefer a watery serum.

Skin Boots do deals (usually 1/3 off) on Hand Chemistry so worth keeping an eye out, I got 2 massively discounted HC sets (Hand cream & retinoil) from Victoria Health on Black Friday but doubt it will go that low again until next year.

I messed up again the Medik8 is a different Tetra, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, so different from the Melano CC one which is Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate based (which is also available from TO and Zelens). I did quite like the Medik8 one, it surprised me, the internet tells me it's one of the most stable and effective forms of Vit C that penetrates deeper than any other so it's definitely a good contender if L-AA is troublesome.

Skinful, Lookfantastic also sell Hand Chemistry, they always have at least 15% off but they usually send me a 20% off code at least once a week.

User AF vit C is very watery, no silicone-y or creamy texture, if that makes sense! It needs to be refrigerated, which was annoying as I had to go down 2 floors to get it after my shower, until DH (being a resourceful man), found a mini-fridge on Gumtree which we keep in the room next to ours... he's a keeper ;)

Meant to say I had schar ciabatta rolls today for lunch and they are delicious, I baked them in oven for 10 mins first. Also having a gluten free pizza with salad for dinner .

Oh and got some mr Kipling gluten free brownies today and yum!

Hi again! I'm working my way through all the info, it's so thorough and useful! Botemp are you a dermatologist? This is all really new to me so apologies if I ask basic questions! 6 months ago I was literally using any supermarket cleanser followed by old school blue Nivea. I'm now using Liz Earle cleanser, toner, moisturiser and eye cream and my skin is a lot better but still not great. I've just bought the Paula's choice skin perfecting 2% BHA liquid exfoliant and a sunscreen. Should I just stick at that for now before I use anything else? & does sunscreen go over moisturiser?