The truth about looking good, BBC1

[lovemylover]

Very interesting programme on BBC1 about skincare, moisturisers etc,and which work best
Also about Botox

[OutToGetYou]

I body brush now and then, the trick is to do it fairly lightly. My brush is an Elemis one which I think is made of cactus or something, it's really scratchy, but you don't need to gouge at your skin, just lightly skim it, towards the heart.

[CointreauVersial]

Joyce - the program didn't say moisturiser was BAD, just that it doesn't have any long-term anti-ageing properties (which doesn't really surprise me, to be honest).

But it obviously hydrates the skin short-term, so if you have dry patches or tight-feeling skin you can continue to use it. It just won't hold back the wrinkles, that's all. And if you don't need the hydration, you can happily dispense with it.

[SophieLion]

Yes agree with Cointreau. And I won't be stopping my moisturiser use! Just putting SPF 50 over the top - my day moisturiser is SPF 30 but I'm always suspicious if these 2-in-1 products really work as effectively as we think.

[PerfumeIsAMessage]

Apparently they don't, Sophie. I remember Caroline Hirons (I think) blogging about the fact that no moisturiser or foundation with spf is ever going to deliver the same spf as a similar-factored sunscreen because we don't put as much on. I use Biore Watery Essence which is spf 50 and lovely.

Bagel- thanks for the names- I've used Roseroseshop before. Might order some galacto-thingies.

Which Liquid Gold are people using? When I used it about 5 yrs ago there were far fewer products, but I've looked this afternoon and am LOST! It was something you used only so many nights a week and then didn't use moisturiser or anything afterwards IIRC.

[JoyceDivision]

Ah, thanks for clarifying

[VanillaSugarGlider]

Love this thread, thank you!

[BagelGoesWalking]

I put this on a parallel thread about skincare as someone asked, but it might be of use here?

Here are the ones know seen most often recommended. In order of popularity as far as I can tell 

• Biore Aqua watery Essence (does contain some alcohol, I think, so maybe not for drier skin).
• Nivea Water Gel spf 50 - huge bottle, good value. Gel- like so disappears into skin.
• La Roche Posay Anthelios facial mist or ultra fluid lotion
• Etude House Mild Airy Finish SunPrise spf 50

The Asian sunscreens (and that includes the Nivea in this case) are on eBay and Amazon. Couldn't put a pic of the Etude but it's in a light green tube. Easily found by googling

[user187656748]

You want the liquid gold solution. The range has expanded and so there are now cleansers and masks etc but you want the solution.

There are various limited editions (Im using the rose atm) but these aren't important.

[SophieLion]

Hi Perfume, I have the Liquid Gold that User mentions above. Ive attempted to attach a photo - hope it goes through ok.

Thanks for that Bagel. Many of those are available in the pharmacies here which makes that easier for me. I use an Avene SPF which I like but is a little white.

[Marinade]

This is a really useful thread thank you. Can I ask how long the 30ml bottle of Ordinary granactive retinoid 2% lasts and do you know approximately how long you need to use this strength before you can proceed to the 5%? Does anybody know if it this product contains lightening properties to remove dark acne marks ? Also, has anybody tried the Ordinary's Vitamin C products? I have botox and my doctor advised on Vitamin C for the eye area but the one he sells wasa £70!

[HLBug]

The SPF part of the programme really struck me. My B.B. cream etc all claim to contain SPF but I doubt it's enough (as pps have already alluded to). For those that use an independent sunscreen, at what point in your morning routine do you apply it, and do you reapply throughout the day? Are there any that don't interfere with makeup?

[Delatron]

I use SPF after serum then just pop concealer on top. I think the only ones that don't disturb make up are the spray on ones. I think La Roche Posay does one.
I tend to reapply before I go out on the school run but as I don't have foundation on it doesn't disturb anything. Not sure how you can reapply with foundation without having to re-do make-up!

[HLBug]

That's exactly what I was wondering delatron. Hmm...

[Huntinginthedark]

Interesting. I haven’t thought about how long spf lasts.
My usual cream has spf 15 and my foundation has spf 15

[SophieLion]

Marinade - I've just ordered a bottle of 2% Granactive Retinoid so don't profess to be any kind of expert! However, from the research I've done, it seems you should use it for a few months until your skin is used to it before you move up to stronger versions. I suppose it depends on your skin type too and how well it tolerates the retinol.

Re SPF, I think you are supposed to put it on 20/30 mins before sun exposure and reapply it every 2 hours if in the sun. So I would think an application in the morning wouldn't last all day.

I don't tend to wear foundation or similar during the day so it's fairly to easy to reapply if I'm going outside again. Tricky one if you wear foundation...

[SophieLion]

Bug- like Delatron, I apply SPF after I've cleansed and put on eye cream and moisturiser etc. Then just use Touch Eclat, blusher etc on top.

[HLBug]

Thanks sophie - I'd love for someone to come along and say "yes, this spray (or whatever) can be easily applied throughout the day and not ruin your foundation / make up" ... does such a spray or person exist?

[SophieLion]

My retinol/retinoid has finally arrived! It's The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in squalane. Hoping to start using it tonight but want to check with someone experienced who has used it before if I'm doing it right.

Planning to use it night time only 2 times a week (or would 3 times be ok at the start?).

Will wash and acid tone (with First Aid Beauty pads or Pixi Glow - won't be using Liquid Gold on the retinoid evenings) and then spread a pea-sized amount over my face. Do I put eye cream and moisturiser on top?

Get ally does retinol help with fine wrinkles. Will it help with crow's feet and lines under eyes which appear when I smile?

Thank you

[SophieLion]

Bump

Anyone?!

[BagelGoesWalking]

Sophie I wouldn't use the Pixi glow or any other acids with it. You can use serums (like Buffet or similar) beforehand and just oil/moisturise after.

2-3 times a week to start off with is plenty. Don't get too close to your eyes as product can "wander".

[KatharinaRosalie]

can be easily applied throughout the day and not ruin your foundation / make up
La Roche Posay spray can be used over make up. As the name says, it's invisible and won't uin your foundation.

[SophieLion]

Thank you Bagel. I've got a couple of spots on my cheeks from severe tiredness and flying so not looking my best. Hoping a good night's sleep plus this retinoid will have me glowing again!!

Would it be ok to use an acid toner tomorrow as per usual? And could I use vitamin C on the days between the retinoid application?

[SophieLion]

Also does anyone have any recommendations for a hyaluronic acid serum to help with dehydration? Do these serums work?

[BagelGoesWalking]

Sophie your skin is probably really dehydrated from flying so I'd concentrate on hydration for the next few days - even before the Retinoid if you haven't used it yet. For that reason, I'd hold off on the Acid toners etc for a day or two to give your face a chance.

Apart from the Ordinary, La Roche Posay do Hydraphase Intense serum which is Hyaluronic Acid. Otherwise, there's just loads on the market now, including ones like thiss*

[BagelGoesWalking]

Btw, join the www.mumsnet.com/Talk/style_and_beauty/3130064--Fantastic-Skincare-Happy-Snail-Year-Bring-Spoons thread - great skincare advice there. I've learnt a lot.