🐌 Fantastic Skincare: The One Where Sallie Swallows Dermaplaned a Lion Named Fabio

[botemp]

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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

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?

MARCH 2018: We managed to live through hairmageddon without any major losses. We welcomed some new inquisitive faces, reunited with some much missed old ones, and are delighted at the thought of a baby snail on its way. Now, all we need is the weather to start cooperating and match the levity in our moods…

Think I need to get some of that "sheer will power" too Tant

What is the difference between salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide anyway when it comes to spots? I know both are common ingredients in acne creams/gels.

Ok so I went in boots and asked for acnecide which is benzoyl peroxide and she asked if I was really sure because I didn't look like I needed it 😂. I do have a few active breakouts at the moment but she thinks this would be too harsh for me and is better suited to younger skins. The neutrogena one has perfume in it so is a no no for me. I'll ask doc about that one on Tuesday thanks Enid

I’m just going to leap in with a question and would welcome any recommendations.

So so often I can’t be arsed to properly flannel cleanse in the morning g after shower. Is there anything super quick I can use in shower that won’t anger my blotchy skin? Are all foaming cleansers awful?

Can't stop giggling at "acnecide" Mint. What a name! Like pesticide

Perhaps your breakout isn't as bad as you think then? I think benzoyl peroxide is harsh as my derm was quite clear that it was to go on the spot only (and in fact the head of the spot only if there is one) and nowhere else. Also I'm not sure if it's good for the little whiteheads you said you have. As I said, I use it for larger under the surface ones to draw them out.

Hi Bebe, sorry I can't help but I'm sure the lovely ladies here will have lots of good advice (although suspect some might tell you that you really shouldn't skip washing your face properly )

Actually Bebe, I don't think one necessarily needs to flannel cleanse after the shower (I think one can cleanse effectively without a flannel too) but I think the problem is more with the temperature of the water: tepid water is best for washing your face and shower water is just generally too hot.

Sophie oooh I wonder if pesticide would work on my spots, they are pests after all 😂

Bebe yes foaming cleansers are awful, you could however use something like avene extremely gentle cleanser in the shower, just massage it all over then rinse off under the shower ONLY if the temperature of your water isn't HOT. Then there's no need to cleanse once your out, you can just go straight in with your serum/moisturiser/spf etc.

Bebe I used my beloved Murad anti blemish face wash in the shower - it's non foaming. They also do a Vit C one which is just as good. Sometimes I just use Bioderma Micellar water as a morning cleanse.

Ok so right now my skin looks very shiny! I wiped my finger over it and there's definitely oil! Lots of whiteheads and a few red lumps! What on earth could it be?? I'm wondering if it's the itcosmetics cc cream?? Although been using a while it's still the newest addition to my routine apart from a maybelline instant anti age eraser concealer which I've been using under my eyes and on any break out 🤔🤔

What is wrong with foaming cleansers??? I’ve literally just bought one and started using it as the second stage of evening cleanse - LRP Effaclar - and in the shower in the morning 🤭 I really like it so far.

Hadn’t occurred to me to use a micellar water in the morning. Hmm - that would be quick. I do a cool rinse on my hair at the end of a shower which is prob similar to face washing temps. Will look at a couple of these reccos.

Peony I think the issue with that spf primer is that you wouldn't use enough of it to give you decent protection in the summer months and you'd probably need to top it up too which would be tricky if you're wearing makeup on top. But I guess it depends on how much time you spend outside, if you're an office worker who is inside most of the day then it may be ok. Do you use any actives like retinol/retinoids or BHA, AHA etc? If you do, then I think you really need a proper dedicated spf, not a hybrid. My IT cosmetics cc cream and powder both have spf 50, but I don't rely on them for protection as I would need to really pile them/keep reapplying on which wouldn't be a good look

Foaming cleansers have a reputation for being very harsh and drying, and can actually make oily skin more oily as they strip it. That being said, I've used the cerave foaming one with no issues - it wasn't particularly 'foamy' though, and I've not tried the LRP one.

Bebe I think using one of the cleansers the other ladies have suggested above during your cool rinse would work. I don't get on with micellar water (stings my eyes) but I thought it was for makeup removal. Could be wrong though as only tried one (garnier) and chucked it after a couple of uses.

Mint I think you should wait until you've seen the doctor before trying anything else. Diet might be something to look at as well, but using acne products or 'drying' stuff could make your skin worse as you're sensitive/reactive. I think the pharmacist was right not to give you the acnecide and she's seeing you IRL and saying you don't need it so I'd hold off till you see the doc.

Thank you Sallie I am an office worker, and am not currently using any actives. But I’d like to start using BHA soon, so will continue the quest for proper SPF - at least I haven’t shelled out £78 on the Chantecaille one... Looks like lots of people are getting on well with the Avene one so I thought I’d try that next.

Peony I missed it was £78 I'd definitely look for a proper one which will cost a fraction of the price and give better protection. What is your skin type, as Biore do a good range of makeup friendly spfs which are very primer like (and cost under a tenner usually) but they can be a bit drying.

Sallie yes I'm glad she talked me out of it too but honestly my skin is awful at mo and quite sore where the breakouts are.

I tried the Biore watery essence one but thought it was a bit drying on cheeks - I have true combination skin. Would it be bonkers to use a different SPF on cheeks and then t-zone? I already use different moisturisers which might be a bit mad

Mint Try not to wear concealer and base make up when you see the gp. Sorry if that's sounds obvious but I know it can be scary skipping make up to cover up when you're paranoid about how your skin looks so thought I'd say. They'll be able to know if you need something strong or mild or anything at all if they can see it. good luck

Peony yes the Biore ones can be drying, I had the brightening one and it was great last summer but I couldn't use it during winter. You could use two different ones I suppose but I'd probably look for a good all rounder, I've not tried the avene one but seen it recommended a lot here, bioderma do a good range of spfs too. It is a bit of a minefield though and often a lot of trial and error to find one that suits unfortunately.

Enid that's impossible for me to do :-( (body dismorphia) I don't wear heavy make up anyway but defo can't go without any on! Hopefully I'll like the nars tm so will just wear that, however I have a feeling by Tuesday my skin will look better! Which is great for me but typical when I want doc to see

Mint, could you perhaps take a photo of your bare skin now to show the doctor when you go?

@botemp - how are you getting on with the Medik8 retinol product? Your initial results sounded good- has there been more improvement? I’m think about investing but it’s quite pricey!

Sophie I'm not sure, I don't like photos of myself either and if I see one it flares up my dismorphia terribly 😩

Mint

Thanks Sophie x

Mint I understand. Sophie If it's anything like it was when I had it, a photo wouldn't be a good idea. I'd have got obsessed with zooming in and studying it from every angle. I had to avoid photos.