🐌 Fantastic Skincare: Hairmageddon looms...

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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...

Was impressed by your routine Yong! All those products. I have to line mine up before I start so I don't forget something and you've got about 3 times as many as me!!

Can I ask Yong, why you put your TO HA only on certain areas on your face and not all over? Is it because of dermatitis/eczema tendencies?

FEBRUARY EMPTIES, TRIALS, AND PLANNED PURCHASES

ROUTINE

AM
If working earlies LRP or Simple micellar water
If not then Murad anti blemish or Vit C facewash / or lrp toleraine cleanser
lrp thermal water
PC 2% BHA only if I have 30 mins to spare before applying;
NIOD Copper sulphate
NIOD MMHC
LRP toleraine fluide non oil
LRP SPF antihelios
or Ultrasun face spf

PM
EH moringa balm or clinique TTDO (if wearing makeup only)
LRP toleraine cleanser or Murad anti bacterial cleanser
PC 2% BHA - wait 30 mins
NIOD copper
NIOD MMHC
TO 2% retinoid - every 2-3 nights
LRP toleraine fluide oil free
Neutrogena hydra water boost gel if I need extra hydration or I use it as eye gel.

EMPTIES:

2% retinoid - repurchased ages ago

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

PRODUCTS ON TRIAL:

Loccitaine Lait ultra riche body cream - very nice thank you, keeps skin beautifully soft and sinks in nicely, gives skin a non greasy healthy sheen.

PLANNED PURCHASES:

Tretinoin gel 0.1% which I am planning on using once it arrives. I feel ready for the next step now all my other skin issues seem to be sorting themselves out.

Syoss Salonplex Shampoo - fed up of using anti greasy hair shampoos so wanted to go down a different avenue and this makes my hair look and feel very nice for now.

Products you’re considering purchasing and would like input on/bring notice to.
Vit C for the summer DE or SC, need to be able to wear make up over it and dont want it to sting like the grainy greasy TO vit C

SPECIAL MENTION:

NIOD copper
NIOD MMHC
both of these seem to be working excellently in smoothing my skin and diminishing the appearance of redness

FEBRUARY EMPTIES, TRIALS, AND PLANNED PURCHASES

ROUTINE

AM

Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser when exercising (which is a bit inconsistent at the moment due to extreme fatigue)

Vichy thermal water, tissued off (when not exercising I skip the Avene)

Vichy Liftactiv Vitamin C

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Toner (used as light moisturiser, patted in)

Bioderma Cicabio SPF50+

PM

Edenens Milky Cleansing Oil

if necessary, LRP Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser or Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser

Biologique Recherche P50 2-3x a week

Rest of the week Medik8 R-Retinoate

if necessary, Cezanne Skin Conditioner High Moist spritsed on and patted in

LRP Toleriane Ultra Nuit

EMPTIES:

TO Resveratrol and Ferulic- it did something for like a week, after that I was just rubbing on a fatty alcohol for the sake of it

Bioderma Cicabio SPF50+ - tiny tube so it goes fast but I do like it and it's easily available at a good pricepoint, have RP.

MV Organics 9 oil cleansing tonic- had to finish it up as it was nearing the two year mark. Lovely as it is unlikely to RP as I didn't even finish it within the 2yrs with normal use and my skin rarely has a need for a facial oil.

Uriage thermal water- bought it as it was ridiculously cheap on offer when in France last year. Wouldn't RP because I love the Vichy thermal water too much.

I've tossed out my TO Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane as I'm pretty sure it spoiled somehow and I didn't dare attempt it again.

PRODUCTS ON TRIAL:

Medik8 R-Retinoate- on day 2 so really hard to give it a good review on that alone, but frustratingly (due to high costs) I really seem to be liking it.

PLANNED PURCHASES:

I'm keeping an eye out on the new SPFs launching from Japan but if nothing interesting comes up among those I'll be buying the Kose Sekkisei Excellent SPF50 Milk again.

I need to change up hair products a bit, the Kevin Murphy stuff the hairdresser used that impressed me so much went really greasy and lank mid-afternoon yesterday which was day 2.5 so that's kind of off the table for now. It's probably down to silicones, hadn't expected them to be in there since it's one of those shouty 'free from' brands. I just want a hydrating conditioner rather than a heavy oily one, I may just try something from Japan.

SPECIAL MENTION:

The LRP Ultra Nuit was a godsend after my mysterious TO Squalane reaction that wasn't helped by the moisturiser I used at the time that I initially blamed the reaction on.

Vichy thermal water

Still happy with the Vichy Vitamin C, it's almost finished and a backup is already ready and waiting.

ROUTINE

AM
Either nothing or LRP Dermo Cleanser
Drunk Elephant Vit C (or Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair if used Retinol the night before)
LRP Double Repair Moisturiser or Cosrx Oil Free Moisturising Lotion
SPF

PM
Clinique TTDO if worn make up, LRP Dermo Cleanser if not
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair or Darphin Intral Serum
LRP Redermic 2 or 3 times per week, or else
Bioderma Hydrabio or NeoStrata Bio-Hydrating Cream

EMPTIES
LRP Double Repair Moisturising Lotion - won’t repurchase. Just a bit blah.
Cosrx Moisturising Lotion - had already repurchased :-)
Clinique TTDO - might not repurchase yong would the Bioderma be a good alternative? (I love their night cream)
LRP Retinol almost gone.
Pureology Shampoo, Conditioner and Colour Fanatic Spray

ON TRIAL
Cerave Hydrating Cleanser - only used it twice but really like it so far
PC Redness Relief BHA - been using for about three weeks, just once or twice a week in the morning
PC 1% Retinol to trial. First use last night, mixed in with the Bioderma Hydrabio. Taking thing slowly

PLANNED PURCHASES
Drunk Elephant B-Hydra. Have tried a tester size - DH is off to NY tmrw :-)

SPECIAL MENTION
Cosrx Moisturising Lotion - I love this so much and always feel a bit disappointed if I feel it’s not quite enough,at this time of year. Once I get my DE Hydra I will aim to use these 2 daily (once I have used all the Double Repair)
Cosrx Low PH Morning Cleanser - I love this and miss it. It’s just too much for me atm. I will get back to it in Spring.
Phyto clarifying shampoo - I use this about once every 10 days. It smells divine and gets rid of build up. Product-wise, I only use the Pureology Colour Fanatic Spray in my hair, but I’m about to start using Klorane dry shampoo as I’m sick of washing my hair daily.

Welcome, Twoo! You'll get the hang of our lingo soon enough.

Sophie, I paid something like 54EUR for the SC, I think it was 60EUR and I had a 10% discount code (or similar). Those US prices seem really high comparably, the 30ml version is usually 119EUR RRP.

I always image yong's face to resemble a patchwork blanket full of different products when doing her routine, and occasionally she'll go, 'fuck it' and just rub it all in indiscriminately.

yong, it has essential oils in it but the Klair's toner may be worth trying. It's really popular for reasons I can't quite decipher from the INCI, but Skincity sell a baby version for under 10EUR and their shipping is free. Otherwise, Secret Key has something similar to the SK-II essence but they had a special rosewater edition that was supposed to be quite good. Pyangyul also seems to get a lot of love lately. The Whamisa Floral toner is also really nice for sensitive skin, very floral but it's on the pricier side.

mint, check the INCI, it has a few silicones in it and a high concentration Niacinamide.

Tant, do I need to go shouty caps? 0.1% Tret is a really high starter dose...

Sophie I have to take a picture of my products and then work from there. I don't have a lot of products, but I can rarely remember the full names of things.

Bo where can I find the ingredients in it? I'm ok with silicones as long as not that cyclo one. Am unsure about niacinamide, I've used products with this in before and my skin hasn't liked it but then my whole routine was very different and my barrier was very impaired! Bo knowing my concerns and if ingredients look fine would it make a difference to my skin using this as a pm moisturiser rather than eucerin am and pm??

Bo which Vichy Thermal Water are you using (asking for a colleague as we were discussing thermal waters the other day).

BO I know but I got it anyway thought I'd just apply it once a week and see how I got on. If it's too strong I'll apply over a moisturiser. I'm just going to apply it to my cheeks for now to get rid of faint scarring which needs a stronger kick up the bum.

Also bo can I spray my Vichy all over face then apply my pc bha on top of that rather than patting dry first? So my skin is quite wet then maybe it will dilute it a little more while I build up?

Tant, consider yourself SHOUTY CAPPED, I'd think twice about the risks involved under normal situations but with the extra high dosage I'd really reconsider it, especially since we're just around the corner from Summer (even if it doesn't feel like it).

mint, here

Pupsie, there's only one AFAIK, it's here except I have the 300ml size and several backups Annoyingly I can't seem to get the baby size for travel anywhere.

mint, after would be a better choice than before in that case.

BO I'm scared now 😱 my face is going to fall off if I use it isn't it.

Ok once it arrives I'll stash it away till next winter. I might try it out just the once though

Forgot to add Clarins Beauty Flash Balm to my empties. Anyone else a fan? Been using it on and off for 25 years. I will RP I'm sure. I like it for days when I don't want to wear tinted moisturiser. If I'm just bumbling around with a bit of mascara and some lip tint.

Ok bo so bha on damp cotton then spray the Vichy on top?

Oh and thank you for ingredients bo they look ok for me at first glance but am wondering if it will be of any benefit to me instead of the eucerin in the pm

Some good reading on here today. I’ll update my routine/empties later.

Sophie your routine looks good and you’ll continue to refine it over the coming months. In answer to your questions, I wouldn’t apply HA again during the day. Presumably you’re feeling a bit dehydrated in the afternoon due to weather/central heating etc. I tend to spread HA around on my face then tap it in as well so my skin gets a mini massage.

Tant I thought your 0.1% tret was a typo . I’d say the problem with starting at such a high % is you’ll never develop a tolerance. So using once a week will cause dryness and flakiness i.e. side effects but you won’t get the benefits by only using once a week because it requires consistency. The aim would be to use most nights of the week and to be able to achieve tolerance would take months, slowly increasing the usage and strength. For anti ageing some people wouldn’t move past 0.05%. Also the gel is apparently difficult to work with because it dries quickly on the skin, unlike a cream formulation.

Bo is Avene extremely gentle cleanser wash off? I know it’s got a good ingredient for keeping pores clear. Kose SPF, do you have a PPD raring for that?

Pusie I used to like beauty flag balm but I can’t use now as it just sort of sits in pores.

To all I wondered about us offering out our products to each other that we won’t use. I know a few of us have done that anyway but we could add it to our monthly updates? Might not suit everyone to do it because of location, time and expense to post, but just an idea. I know Sophie offered her LRP HA recently.
Pupsie/Tant both NIOD users? I’ve got an opened voicemail mask if either of you would like it? I’ve never stuck my fingers in it . Always just poured it out of the bottle.
Bo/anyone else who likes Sisley concealer shade 2.

I like a patchwork skincare approach. Works better for my skin.

Sophie Just to let you know I get breakouts on my chin and lower cheeks if I use Shea butter which I believe is in the toleriane ultra creams. You'll probably be fine, but if you have issues when you start them that might be something to look at.

Ooh I'd love that mask please JDSTER. And I think that's a brilliant idea.

Posted too soon

Sophie meant to add, you're far more tolerant to acids than I am so I feel like you'll be fine with Shea butter. They look like good products. My skin is just stupidly temperamental.

If you don't want to look like that emoji, I'd suggest seeing a dermatologist for proper advice, Tant. Dr. Sam did a recent video expressing her concern about the use of OTC Differin, was interesting to see her take on it. I expect she goes shouty caps too about off prescription Tretinoin use.

I don't know if you'll get enough use out of the acid with both a damp cotton and final rinse, mint. Theoretically it should still get there but maybe do a dry cotton instead?

Sorry, JDSTER, I keep meaning to PM you about the Sisley and then forgetting will do so tonight.

I can't remember where I found the info but it was low twenties (I think PPD 22) as it has nano Zinc oxide as its main UV filter and then two further UVA filters (I think but at least one more).

I don't have any products going spare to offer, unfortunately. I can still offer decants of P50 for experienced acid users and I did get a Vichy Mineral 89 sample sachet I got with an order the other week.

Pupsie I’d be delighted to . Is your address the same as last Nov still in my inbox if yes. Also got an opened beauty flash balm I’ll send.

Bo and Jdster you will be relieved to know, as am I, that because I paid via debit card and not credit card I need to make other payment arrangements if I want to purchase the 0.1% tret.

Which obvs means I had a lucky escape and am now just quietly walking away from the whole face destroying idea.

Thanking you both for shouty caps and general finger wagging

Hello everyone! Just popping back in.

Recap on me, I'm 28 with super pale skin (Bobbi Brown alabaster shade) my skin is sensitive dry/dehydrated and I was diagnosed with Rosacea a couple of years ago, mostly flushing (triggers are hot temperatures, hot food/drinks and the sun but my biggest trigger is anxiety) it first started with my cheeks then October 2016 my nose started to flush. My nose flushes the most now tbh when I have hot meals/drinks but not every time. My cheeks flush if I'm really hot or anxious. I do get a few p&ps sometimes.

My routine is pretty simple

AM
Wash with Cerave Hydrating Cleanser, followed by EL ANR then Trilogy vital moisturising cream.
If I'm going out I'll apply Coola mineral sun cream then makeup.

PM
If I've had makeup on then I'll remove with Garnier 2 in 1 gentle makeup remover (which is getting really hard to get old of now) then wash with Cerave and apply ANR and Trilogy cream.

I no longer exfoliate since I started using ANR about October/November last year and I think (touch wood) that my skin feels and looks the best it has in a long time.

I was signed off from the dermatologist last month and told just to keep doing what I'm doing. I take 15mg of Mirtazapine for anxiety and have a prescription for Soolantra but I only apply that once every so often. I usually apply it one day and then five days later I break out. They usually clear up within 2 weeks and then I have good skin again for ages. 🤔 derm can't figure out why but it seems to work that way best for me. Everyone else uses it every day but if I use it more than 2 days in a row then my skin becomes super dry and itchy as well as spotty.

I think this year I'd like to try the Heliocare mineral spf50, has anyone used it?

I'm so excited about the fact that Cerave is coming to boots I've just looked on their website and it says the 237ml bottle of hydrating cleanser is going to be £9. I currently buy the 340ml on Amazon which is £16 at the min but last month it was around £23. I think I might try their moisturiser too.

Sorry for the massive ramble trying to give you all the info.

jdster I was going to say give pupsie the mask because I havent even tried my Niod Mastic must mask yet.

I also have a clarins beauty balm - opened - that I dont get on with anymore I really liked it for a while, it's to old now thought to pass on.

Bo yes I've just been watching a few of Dr Sams videos and she only uses 0.025% herself, so low dose high frequency.