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🐌 Fantastic Skincare: Hairmageddon looms...

991 replies

botemp · 20/02/2018 11:00

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...

OP posts:
Thread gallery
50
Tantpoke · 08/03/2018 20:03

Yes same sallie my skin looked horrific a couple of years ago before I embraced CH and a proper grown up skincare routine.

mintmagnummm · 08/03/2018 20:03

I'm 36 but feel 86 🤦🏼‍♀️

mintmagnummm · 08/03/2018 20:04

I now have a rotten cold, sore throat and ear ache on top of my chest infection 😩

Tantpoke · 08/03/2018 20:05

Oh mint you poor thing Flowers Brew Gin Wink

SallieSallow · 08/03/2018 20:13

Flowers Mint hope you feel better soon, I had earache last weekend with my sinus lurgy, it's miserable.

My skin has improved since I got a proper routine and stopped slapping on the heavy (allegedly) anti ageing moisturisers. It's the sagging/jowliness that I'm most upset about as unless I'm actually smiling or laughing I look really, really miserable (bulldog chewing a wasp) and outside of a face lift I don't think there's anything I can do about it.

Lonesurvivor · 08/03/2018 20:33

sallie I was the same looked much older in my teens and twenties and seemed to slow right down in my 30s and 40s.

mint that's some dose you have, hope you've a speedy recovery.

miffy2 · 08/03/2018 21:46

I have always been into skincare and makeup. I remember having a Clarins facial in my 20's and the therapist showing me how to cleanse properly so I always took the routine to heart.

I had a basal cell carcinoma (which I thought was the start of a new skin tag) removed from my neck after the birth of my third child in 2004.
I had always avoided the sun, hated sunbathing, used spf etc but still managed to burn my neck/decolletage area on a couple of occasions; enough to cause cancer. Since then I have been vigilant with SPF every day of the year. I also see a derm every year and have had several mole maps done.

Now, at 48, I think I look younger than my age and younger than I did 10 years ago. Investing in skincare that works and finding makeup that is subtle but complimentary to my skin has made a big difference. I need to lose some weight and I hope that will help rather than hinder.

I am also considering trying botox for the lines in my forehead and my 11s.

botemp · 08/03/2018 21:58

So good to hear your hair appointment was a success, Enid Wine I'd completely forgotten about the art gallery, we may need to hire Fabio the Dermaplaning Lion as a scowling security guard extraordinaire now that we don't have our permascowls on anymore.

mint, no, if you struggle with BHA, the gentlest of actives, retinol is definitely off the table. Sorry to hear you're inundated with all sorts of ill at the moment. Brew

Flowers Pupsie, I hope I'm not overstepping but we have a history of Alzheimer's in the family so I've seen the impact quite directly it has had on those surrounding the disease. I think it's probably worth considering seeking some external support for yourself, it's tough enough when you have a good relationship but I imagine it's even tougher when you've been NC for so long and as the disease progresses it only becomes more difficult.

As for the Verso, well I do love it and it fits into my frugal philosophy as it's 30ml (twice the size of a normal eye product) and a little goes a very long way (it's cheapest from Skincity and occasionally they do an offer, I always stock up at Christmas). I can't say what it does for someone older, I started using it at I think 29 and as I've said before, absence of ageing doesn't prove much in my case. I think growing old gracefully, or in a way you 'manage' it rather than you, it's also a broader approach, skin is just the outer reflection and a small part of the whole picture. Minimising stress, good diet, good quality of sleep, regular exercise, keeping the brain active, etc. The usual basically, and good genes help too.

There's a new book out, haven't purchased yet, think it only got released a few days ago, but for those who were interested in the Telomere Effect, this is in a similar alley but more focused on long-term brain health, Brain Food: How to Eat and Sharpen Your Mind.

Twoo, well it depends on what type of pic. Personally, I'm better with descriptions than pictures, beyond suspecting something like Rosacea or chronic inflammation pictures don't tell me much. I definitely wouldn't be able to tell much from a small patch of skin, and by the sound of it, you've had fairly easy skin most of your life. Do you want to double cleanse setup or a single cleanse btw?

Lone, well I'll go proper shouty caps about a stock up in a Spanish pharmacy as that's a huge leap between the TO/Indeed retinol and off-prescription use of tretinoin especially since you say you have no clue what to look for . Traditional Retinol would be the thing to look at and see how you tolerate it. And time, lots of it, this is the hardest thing with Retinol, you need to give it time and most don't and then desperation strikes which leads to the questionable situation that is sourcing off prescription tret, it's a bad motivation to work from, and IMO a foolish one at that. It's a medicine, and it needs to be treated as such.

I found Dr. Dray difficult at the beginning too, her very thin appearance bothers me mostly so I never actually 'watch' her, just listen to her in the background. I also suspect she's on the spectrum somewhere, but I have a few of those in my family and direct surroundings so I'm quite used to the way she talks/engages. The information is good though and I do think having a variety of derms and their differing opinions is helpful, the likes of NB (who's better informed than most) is just a different source to me but the close ties to the industry can sometimes be a bit of a hindrance. Trinny, whilst wildly entertaining, shouldn't ever be taken seriously skincare wise though, she can barely pronounce the different ingredients, never mind understand what they're doing. She's also got the hide of a rhino which isn't the best baseline for general advice.

JDSTER, I'll update on the Medik8 tomorrow as it will have been a week then.

OP posts:
ponzusoup · 08/03/2018 22:05

Just marking a place.

JDSTER · 08/03/2018 22:42

Dr Sam has just done a quick review of two of the Cerave products, now available in Boots, that she rates

m.youtube.com/watch?v=VLSPVRgAW5s

Lonesurvivor · 08/03/2018 22:57

Bo thanks for the shouty claps I'd rather have them than a face disintegrating from the wrong products. Right now I'm happy with the results I'm getting from what I'm using. I've pared back my routine and feel my skin is better for it.
Good idea about DR Dray and just listening, as for Trinny she's hilarious but you couldn't take her serious.

EnidButton · 08/03/2018 23:22

Can I ask an incredibly stupid brain fog induced question? Google isn't helping and I know I do know the answer but brain isn't functioning.

If my hair is blunt cut, so all one length, why does it look different lengths when it's in a ponytail? Like short bits at the top of the ponytail, staggered down to long?

It looks a bit daft. Hoping it's just the over straightening making it look silly.

EnidButton · 08/03/2018 23:22

And sorry I haven't caught up with thread yet Brew

RosieLig · 08/03/2018 23:31

@botemp - really interested to hear your thoughts of Verso v Medik8 Retin-A eye cream. I’m looking to invest in one but can’t decide which!

What are your thoughts on the Skinceuticals Vit C serum? Excruciatingly pricey! Reviews sound good. I’m using this at the moment.
www.cultbeauty.co.uk/aesop-lucent-facial-concentrate.html

I quite like Aesop (helped by the fact they have a shop right next to my work!) but not sure of the science behind it....

Pupsiecola · 08/03/2018 23:40

Thanks Bo. My grandad lived with us my whole life until I was 22. Then he had to go into a home because of dementia, and was there for 5 years, until he died. So I know what's coming. I just need to figure out where if I regain contact but I don't think I will.

My skin feels lovely tonight. Although I did get my Philip Kingsley dry shampoo mixed up with my Vichy Mineral Water and didn't realise until I had dabbed myself white Shock.

I've switched to a Bobbi Brown Mascara. It's not waterproof, but The Body Shop eye make up remover isn't getting it all off.

Also, I no longer double cleanse. And I mostly just use my hands and no flannel. These two things have helped with my skin.

Night all.

Pupsiecola · 08/03/2018 23:40

PS JDSTER first thing I did was go in for a sniff!

EnidButton · 08/03/2018 23:59

Pupsie Sorry you've had bad news. Do whatever feels right and is best for you. Have to look after yourself. Good mental health is so so important. Flowers I hope your trip to Prague is relaxing and full of exciting things. WineCake

Twoo a photo is good. A few people have done the same and got good advice. Sometimes it's easier than trying describe it. Only if you feel totally comfortable.

Mint get well soon. Brew

bo I have a gut feeling my hair isn't right...Remember yours last year when you said it was a good cut but not 'you'? I'm a bit worried that's what mine is. She's given me the cut I showed her bit maybe I got it wrong. Really need to wash it and get the poker straightness out.

I've risked a Elemis skin recovery capsule tonight. Smells strongly of lavender oil. Didn't feel particularly heavy or anything. Fingers crossed it doesn't cause breakouts as I'm pretty clear atm.

I hate having periods and I hate being a worrier and over thinker and I am exhausted.

Pupsiecola · 09/03/2018 00:05

Enid. Bless you. I'm an over worrier too. Or Highly Sensitive Person or whatever it's called. It's a blessing and a curse. Big hugs to you. Let us know how your hair is tmrw. FWIW I have never, ever liked how a hairdresser dries my hair. Even my fab current one. Makes it too flat and I like it with a bit of oomphy and not-perfectdness. Could be just that?

Mint I hope you feel better soon. Sounds tough.

EnidButton · 09/03/2018 00:19

I like oomph Pupsie. Not keen on the smooth flat look on myself. Fingers crossed it's fine and I'm just picking.

Highly sensitive person sounds about right. 😏 I tire myself out sometimes. I long to be someone who doesn't constantly think about a dozen things at once and worry about a dozen more. Maybe I need to meditate. I ask DH what he's thinking about and sometimes he says 'nothing' and he means it! Imagine!

Hope you have a good night's sleep 😴 I'm watching Netflix and having a hot drink first.

opinionatedfreak · 09/03/2018 01:00

Hi, I've been lurking. I've just had a makeup/skin care consult (40th b'day present) which made me think more about my skincare and needing to up my game a bit esp with fine lines and a bit of hyper pigmentation.

I bought some Vit C serum (skindesign) and a retinol was suggested but I didn't buy one.
I am a long term Liz Earle user - c&p and dry/sensitive moisturiser and in general have pretty decent but sensitive skin. I tend to dry especially in cold weather. I used Clinique 3step for a decade prior to starting LE.

I have, however, reacted badly to various skin care products over the years - in recent years the following stand out - Nivea light daily moisturiser (a failed economy drive purchase), ambre Solaire sensitive facial sunscreen and most recently LE superskin sensitive moisturiser. I tried to use the Nivea up on my legs and ended up with the same awful reaction on them! (red/irritated slightly swollen skin which itches like buggery and then resolves into unbelievable dryness)

I need new cleanser and was contemplating a change...Rodial have a 50% off sale on. Anyone used their stem cell cleanser? Or want to suggest something else I could try?

Opinions/suggestions on a retinol product also welcome...

And I'm tempted by some kind of acid but am worried about possible reactions. My sister has some PIxi glow she doesn't like that I could probably pinch but I think it might be too harsh.

mintmagnummm · 09/03/2018 06:39

Thanks for the well wishes everyone x

Bo point taken, I'm stepping away from the retinol 🤨

Tsmummy08 · 09/03/2018 07:10

Oh Pupsie, sending more good thoughts your way after the diagnosis.. I'm an oversensitive, overthinking worrier too. Take care of yourself xx

I'm 44 and have just started looking more my age in the kast year or so... not sure why, but it could be a combination of stress, being very lean and my eyes - which can't really be changed except with surgery, I fear. Having said that Pupsie, I've been using the Verso eye cream since last July and I think it's improved the colour/skin tone of my undereye area more than any other eye product (which is saying something!)

Like Miffy I've been into skincare since my teens/twenties, and can remember spending my student loan money on Clinique and Decleor Blush. I've only been using SPF daily for the last couple of years though, which has no doubt had a deleterious effect on my skin...

I was going to say "yay to a good haircut" to Enid but might wait on that!!

I've bought a few new products recently, will update later.

SophieLion · 09/03/2018 07:48

Get well soon Miffy

Sorry to hear about the hair, Enid. Perhaps you just need to wash it yourself and see how it is? Sometimes it takes a couple of weeks for a new cut to "settle". Like someone else said, I often don't like the way the salon dries it and hate poker-straight hair on me - have been known to come home from hairdresser after a cut and jump in shower immediately to wash my hair ShockBlush

I watched the Cerave video - thanks JDSTER. It had me wondering though, Sallie also doesn't like foaming cleansers. Seems like no-one likes them so who are they actually targeted for? Very oily, acne-prone skin?

Was my two week wait question about my moisturiser too silly for an answer or did it just get forgotten in all the different posts?

SophieLion · 09/03/2018 07:52

And hello Ponzusoup, Rosie and Opinatedfreak Smile

SophieLion · 09/03/2018 08:06

Opinionated even Wink