🐌 Fantastic Skincare: Hairmageddon looms...

[botemp]

Thread 1 Thread 2 Thread 3 Thread 4 Thread 5 Thread 6 Thread 7 Thread 8 Thread 9 Thread 10
Thread 11

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.

I am very slowly working on consolidating the gathered information from previous threads into easier to read formats but it’s slow going. 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?

FEBRUARY 2018: The month of February sucks. Period. We’re sick of winter and the state of our finances, some are embracing frugality (in different shapes and forms) but water bills and car maintenance are ruining our buzz. Hair appointments need to be made despite the palpitations of fear that the mere thought incites. Oh, and skin texture. As you were...

Just remembered I can't have a bath because I'm still in the Footner process and can't get bathing moisturising on my feet. It's working very quickly.

sophie AF is 'active formulas' that Miffy mentions on page 14

BO I'm very interested to see how your new beautifully packaged retinol works out as I cant decide which one to step up to using next although I have a couple of months till my current one runs out.

I'm planning on buying another Vit C once my copper isolate runs out, but I think it's actually making a huge difference to my skin so I might just carry on with it.

decisions decisions

I have watched 2 films today on my laptop, Murder on the Orient Express 2017 and Australia Day, whilst pfaffing around online because it's cold to go out.

I started watching The Greatest Showman only it's a flipping musical so I turned it off toute de suite

Hmmm well #1 took 4 months (and OH was traveling a lot in that period too) so I am hoping that I will be pregnant by the end of 2018... But I am a couple of years older so you never know. Will include pregnancy and BF compatibility in my skincare research project. Got a nice new Papier notebook set aside for all my notes

Ah thanks Tant. So think Bo was referring to the activeformulas.com site. Makes sense now

I love musicals tant

I am very cold and feeling a bit fed up at the prospect of being stuck in again tomorrow. Contemplating a huge mug of hot chocolate with cream even though I still want to lose 3lbs. I need the insulation.

I love that packaging bo, guessing it was very expensive.

(My spell corrector is appalling lately. ^ Bathing moisturising= anything moisturising.)

Enid I thought you meant some kind of special moisturiser you put in the bath water (like a bath oil).

Hope it gets warmer soon for you all

Ooh a bath oil would be nice. Ren rose oil is lovely but so pricey for the amount I pour in.

enid Sometimes I can tolerate the occasional musical when I'm in the mood and it's expected but this was too unexpected and just weirded me out when they started singing.

I just finished watching 3 Billboards, it certainly lives up to the hype its a great film.

enid and anybody else shopping online whilst snowed in...here’s what’s keeping me out of trouble - there’s been no postal or courier service for days (and so some of DD2s birthday presents are stuck in transit)...and there might not be for a while yet where I live...so am waiting firmly til I can see stuff has a chance of actually being delivered!

That's a very good point. I'm not very patient when waiting for orders.

Hi there, has anyone tried Omorovicza cream cleanser and the cleaner balm? I tried the cream cleanser today and loved it, have dry skin so thinking it’ll be good for my skin.

Morning all (apologies in advance as this turned into a much longer post than expected)

Hi Hipster. I've not used the Omorovicza products (not even heard of them!). I don't have dry skin.

Hello Bo. In your adult acne info sheet, you write that all forms of exfoliating acids (including Vit C if L-AA) should be started gradually. Just checking that when I introduce my new Vichy Lift Active vit C, I therefore go for 1-2 times a week in mornings and then build up to everyday?

I also spent a lot of time on moisturisers and trying to decide my skin type/condition - I don't think it's that easy actually (well for me anyway ).

Have concluded my skin is: dehydrated, sensitive (those two were the easy ones), not dry, not extremely oily, possibly combination (the oilier bits probably on my chin).

I get spots but likely from ingredients/products (I don't have acne per se). My pores are small but I do see (what I think is) congestion in one or two in random places - it's not a spot but a little white bit, flat - not milia. I'm thinking this is the pore blocking up. If I get spots then they tend to hang around for ages.....

I just ordered the LRP Toleriane Ultra for mornings and the LRP Toleriane Ultra Night Cream (which goes on face and eyes). There are so many Toleriane moisturisers and the UK and US sites each say something different about each one and then here there were slightly different names too. So I'm just hoping I picked the right ones for me (was going for sensitive and dehydrated and checked ingredients too).

Finally I want to say a big THANK YOU . It's so lovely of you all to take the time to help out random strangers on the internet. Plus your knowledge is out of this world!! My skin has definitely improved for the better (actually changing cleanser and method od cleansing made a huge difference). I'm not where I want to be yet but getting there slowly (the 2 week wait before introducing something new means nothing goes quickly )

MrsD, difficult to recommend an SPF around the eyes as not everyone reacts to the same ingredient. Avoiding Avobenzone (INCI Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane) is the easiest to try otherwise use a physical sunscreen. Skinceuticals has a very specific eye SPF but it's obviously pricey.

Sophie, the Vichy lasts about 2-3 months. I bought mine mid December and it's almost finished (expect a week or two more out of it). It hasn't oxidised in the fridge and still appears active. The SC I used was a 15ml version (they sell those in France). They're the exact same consistency so you per/ml you get the same wear out of them.

Yes, the Toleriane hydrating cleanser is a lot cheaper. It was designed to compete with the Cerave hydrating cleanser, hence the lower price point. I bought mine (400ml) from France for 12EUR which is far less than I've ever paid for the Dermo.

I hate musicals, I think I'm still traumatised from Moulin Rouge. Had a huge argument with my mother after because neither one of us had said anything during the film or the intermittence break how truly awful we found it and that we should have just left. I think the only thing I hate more than musicals is long-running TV shows doing a musical episode

Enid, if you like bath oils look on eBay for some Aroma Therapy Associates sets. People always give them for Christmas and then stick them on eBay for nothing but they're really lovely and the tiny bottles are so cute.

I was finally (briefly) snowed in yesterday, cabin fever struck immediately. Managed to not go mad with the online shopping, I was wondering whether you all were expecting one giant package delivery weeks from now considering how backed up it all must be by the weather. I did finally manage to finish watching the 2nd season of Top of the Lake. Didn't surpass the first season but I did quite Brienne of Tarth as a police officer.

Hipster, Omorovicza is a sensorial/spa brand. Nothing wrong with that if you wish to indulge (although their presence of fragrance and possibly essential oils are all potentially irritating) but it's that sensation you're spending your money on than anything long term that will improve your skin. A cleanser is not what I personally would invest too heavily in considering how shortly it remains on your skin. For dry skin the less cleansing the better, in the AM it's often better to rinse off with tepid water before patting dry or using a thermal water. Never cleanse in the shower, the heat and sheer amount of water is guaranteed to wash away the natural (wanted) oils of your skin. Unless you wear really heavy makeup and powder I'd avoid double cleansing and rather just use one effective cleanser, perhaps using a bit more cleanser than you think and thoroughly clean your face once. Overcleansing will only exacerbate dryness.

Sophie, yes build up L-AA use if you've never used before. We do indeed have similar skin types, I tend to refer to it as sensitive/dehydrated which is pretty much normal/slightly combo but the wrong type of products will give it an identity crisis. Congestion prone (most likely due to dehydration and being a poor cell turnover performer) but not really acne prone, but spots are individually more of a pain than in someone with legit acne.

I use the Ultra Nuit from LRP Toleriane and I'm very happy with it, it's nearly finished and will definitely be repurchasing. Speaking of, it's the 4th and I've forgotten to post the empties form, again I've decided to add in a routine as it is useful to see what everyone is using, feel free to use the form however you want though, no need to stick to the format or fill in everything.

FEBRUARY EMPTIES, TRIALS, AND PLANNED PURCHASES

ROUTINE

AM

PM

EMPTIES:

Mini reviews of finished products and your thoughts and whether you’d repurchase or already have.

PRODUCTS ON TRIAL:

Mini reviews of products on trial and your thoughts so far, please include for approximately how long you’ve been using it.

PLANNED PURCHASES:

Products you’re considering purchasing and would like input on/bring notice to.

SPECIAL MENTION:

Product(s) you may not have started or finished this past month but has been giving you noticeable results (good or bad).

Also meant to say, for you Sophie and MrsD, we thoroughly enjoy seeing newbies jump in and do our best to still keep it all accessible and as non-intimidating as possible here and it's always great to see someone catch the skincare nerd bug in the process

Sophie I’d be interested in hearing how you get on with the Vichy vitamin C serum. Currently researching vitamin C with a view to purchasing in a few weeks time.

Wow just wow. I feel I’ve stumbled into a parallel universe

The language, the acronyms, the routines.

I’m absolutely intrigued to learn more.

I need to establish a grown up, youth boosting & skin firming routine of my own now I’m in my fifties

I think I will start at thread one and work my way through .... I could be some time

Bo I’m enjoying being here, thanks. Definitely not intimidating; everyone is very friendly and so willing to help. The products and ingredients are a little intimidating but slowly getting to grips with it. I do like the INCI decoder that I found. Have definitely caught the skincare nerd bug, have always been a nerd. As I’m working my way through the old threads (number 7 now) I’m starting to predict what you all will recommend to posters completing the questionnaires, and getting it mostly right

Thank you so much for your help last week. I can now see that my skin is sensitive, I’m still researching the rosacea angle. After years of mistreating my skin with soap and Nivea, I can really see an improvement in my skin. I might not be using the best products for me yet but already, in less than a month, my skin looks healthier and is really starting to feel bouncy. Not sure it’s ever going to glow, have never glowed, but I’m more than happy with the changes so far.

Thanks Bo. I misunderstood - you mean the Vichy Vit C lasts longer than 1 month if kept in the fridge. The SC one I saw was 30ml for about US$165 (or US$135 - can't remember). I will decide in June whether to buy so my friend brings over. MrsD - I need to start using my TO retinoid first as it's open and will expire if I don't use it so will start vit C in about 3 weeks.

It's quite reassuring to see in writing that "spots are individually more of a pain" - so true . Thank you Bo.

Will attempt to fill in your form now:

FEBRUARY EMPTIES, TRIALS, AND PLANNED PURCHASES

ROUTINE

AM
Vichy Thermal water and LRP Toleriane
FAB radiance pads or Pixi Glow (1/2 times a week)(using these up now to replace with P50 I think)
Vichy 89 Mineral HA serum
Eubos eye cream
Cetaphil moisturiser (planning to finish and then change to LRP Toleriane)
Avene SPF

PM
Dermalogica pre-cleanse
LRP Toleriane and Vichy thermal water
FAB radiance pads or Pixi Glow 1-2 times a week (using these up now to replace with P50)
Vichy Mineral 89 HA serum
Cetaphil moisturiser (don't usually use at night but decided to stop the Castalia one for now as suspicious of it)
Eubos eye cream (again don't usually use at night but decided to stop the Castalia one)

Liquid Gold - once a fortnight? Depends on acid use during week
LRP Cicaplast baume on red marks from spots at night

EMPTIES:

Castalia Vit C - not repurchasing as annoying to use, v sticky if put too much on by mistake plus difficult to find out type of vit C in product.

Also wishing my Castalia chronoderm moisturiser and eye cream with retinol were empty. Again can't find out % of retinol in them and become suspicious (not liking the brand generally anymore. I had a sensitive skin rehydrating mask from them and realised it contained MO which gave me spots).

PRODUCTS ON TRIAL: Vichy 89 mineral HA - been using for a week. So far so good but I'm wondering if I need to reapply during day (although that wouldn't make sense) as still tend to feel dehydrated towards the afternoon). My skin feels softer though. Does one pat in HA or spread it lightly with fingers?

PLANNED PURCHASES: SC vitamin C

SPECIAL MENTION:. Am loving the LRP Toleriance cleanser and Vichy thermal water combination.
LRP HA serum gave me spots (from MO in it I suspect).

And am very open to comments on my routine!

The following will be added in slowly:

• TO retinoid 2% in squalane
• Vichy vit C
• LRP toleriane ultra and ultra night
• vit C Bo suggested specially for red marks from spots (can't recall brand off top of my head - Melabo?)

Hello Twoo ha ha, yes it is like a parallel universe

FEBRUARY EMPTIES, TRIALS, AND PLANNED PURCHASES

ROUTINE

AM
Thermal water spray (St Cristalline)
LRP Toleriane Dermo cleanser
Rosewater toner
Egyptian Magic Cream around eye area.
TO Vit C plus Reservatrol on acne scars/hyper pigmentation
TO HA on forehead, naso-labial lines and neck
TO Moisturising Factors all over
Bioderma photoderm SPF50

PM
Bioderma Crealine if wearing make up
Rice bran oil as cleanser if not
Rosewater toner
EMC again on eyes and dermatitis patches
TO Niacinamide on cheeks
TO Buffet same places as HA in the am
EMC as a night cream
Every once in a while I do a 3-night run of A313 cream to blitz any purple scarring or for any particularly bad spots

EMPTIES:
TO Vit C 23% I still like this and find it effective. Will RP tho am currently trialling the 30%. (See below)
Tata Harper Aromatic Stress treatment. Had a sample of this and liked it a lot. Would find it hard to consider the hefty price tag for full size though.
TO Buffet. I have RPd.

PRODUCTS ON TRIAL:
TO colours serum foundation- had this a couple of weeks in two colours (mixed race with varying skin tones and seasonal variations). Love it. Had been looking for a replacement for a Sephora TM and this is it. Unusual texture on application but I like it and it sits where I put. Shades good for mixing/zoning on my hard to match skin colour and to cover hyper pigmentation.
TO Vit C 30%. Just started this a day or two. Immediately notice texture is different from the 23%, more cream less gritty. I got used to the grittiness of 23% but the cream does make it easier to apply.
Egyptian Magic Cream. Couple of weeks in on this and I love love love this. Small number of ingredients means my tetchy dermatitis/excema prone skin is kept soothed and happy. Using it on the eyelid burns I have and anŷwhere else I can think of.
Lush big shampoo - the salty one. I think I like this and I think it doesn’t irritate my scalp. Yet.....

PLANNED PURCHASES:
Still looking for the elusive body cream, need something heavy duty for atopic skin. Considering bioderma atoderm range or topicreme which I’ve used before and liked.
Would like a floral essence type toner to switch up from Rosewater. Looking wistfully at Tata harper but unlikely to part with that kind of cash. Thinking possibly there might be a k-beauty substitute?

SPECIAL MENTION:
I’ve been trying to kid myself that I can use shower cream like a normal-skinned person but I really can’t so have returned to an oatmeal soap a friend makes, originally for her highly allergic child. Skin has immediately given a sigh of relief and stopped being tetchy.
And not a product as such, but I’ve also belatedly discovered the ‘sensitive care’ button on my washing machine which gives clothes an extra thorough rinse, touted as being also good for tetchy skin. It’s good! No ‘fresh laundry’ related itch.

Bo is that lrp toleriane nuit moisturiser something that would benefit me at all? Or do you think my skin is better using the eucerin am and pm

Make up not Goin on well again today, I've got those foundation coloured dots over face where it's sitting my pores. Haven't used acid since last week either so can't be that