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

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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…

Could it be the maybelline instant age rewind concealer causing problems?? Does anyone know a good concealer for under eyes and also breakouts that isn't silicone heavy or fragranced??

Sorry, yes meant to flag that up with you mint. Is that the concealer with a spongy applicator? Just from a hygiene point it seems like a bad idea to use on active breakouts. Better to use a separate concealer for pinpoint concealing spots with a small brush which you clean after every use. You can use a thicker type as well, like Laura Mercier secret camouflage although Nars has a similar product in a round little pot these days, I just can't recall the name. Or alternatively apply on back of hand and then apply to face with a brush on spots. Though I wouldn't continue to use the one you already have without giving the applicator a thorough wash, if possible.

Allthewhite, if you're in London the Debbie Thomas clinic is probably worth taking a look at for a variation of laser options. No personal experience, but it's a name that has continually come up as a laser specialist that's held in high regard. The website is a bit useless though.

www.dthomas.com

Bo yes that's what has been concerning me, also I just looked at full ingredients and first inactive ingredient is that cyclo silicone which breaks me out (when high on the ingredients list)
If I start using my mineral 89 both am and pm will that be ok? How will I know if my skin is over saturated?? My skin seems to be oilier lately but still very dehydrated and breakouts are almost daily.
I am poorly at mo, just got over a chest infection and now have an ear infection!

Also has anyone used Laura mercier loose setting powder?? Think I may need something on top of the nars tm especially in this warm weather and on my eyelids as they get oily and it irritates my eyes but as we all know in here my skin is uncontrollably dehydrated and need a powder that doesn't make this worse!

mint I use the mineral 89 twice a day. I’ve had no issues with it but I think your skin is more reactive. My skin is has gone a bit oilier again in the last few days. I’ve attributed that to the warmer weather - do you think that might be the cause of yours? And you’ve been poorly as well, maybe a reason?

Yes quite possibly MrsD

My skin has got very oily the last couple of days, definitely weather related in my case. I've replaced bioderma cicabio spf with their nude touch one, and have gone back to using mattifying powder again.

I've not used anything by Laura mercier Mint I use either IT cosmetics cc powder, IT cosmetics bye bye pores mattifying powder or Tarte tinted mattifying powder. The IT cosmetics cc powder might be an option for you as it's not matte/drying but you'd need to get the right colour match and I know you struggle with the shades on offer, the cc powder comes in the same shade choices as the cc cream.

Thanks Sallie but I really don't like the colour choices of itcosmetics and would rather the powder be colourless I think, have seen good reviews for the Laura mercier from those with dry/dehydrated skin so am tempted, I'm just very anxious as my skin doesn't tend to do well with powder!
My body dismorphia has flared up lately and I've been obsessing over my skin ALOT which for some reason tends to flare up my oiliness and irritation (can skin react externally to internal feelings??) anyway have left it alone as best I can today and have used my usual products including mineral 89 and it feels better so far....

Mint yes I think your skin can react to internal feelings, especially stress and anxiety.

I prefer tinted/coloured powders as the non-tinted ones leave a bit of a white cast on me, bye bye pores is a brilliant mattifier but I have to go very easy with it or I look ghostly.

Someone here got a recommendation for a powder from their derm - I think it was might have been Bananafish who sees dr Emma, but I can't remember what the powder was.

Found the post from Bananafish hope she doesn't mind me quoting what Dr Emma told her about powders.

"Avoid powder, where possible, especially around the lower face and chin. Matte surfaces don’t allow light to ‘pop’ off the skin. Try blotting papers instead (I like MAC and Screenface). If powder is a must, try Armani Luminous Silk Powder."

On the back of this I cut right back on my use of powders but have had to start using them again now the weather has warmed up and my skin has got more oily.

mint I'm really enjoying my Boi-ing hydrating concealer from benefit. It's the only under eye concealer I have ever got on with.

I use the dermablend loose setting powder which I love. It's transparent.

Sallie thank you for reminding me about the powder rec from bananafish, that particular powder is fragranced tho so is a big no no 😩.

Tant I'll have a look at that concealer thank you, can you use that one in spots too?

Hello. I hope everyone is good and those lucky enough to also be in the sunshine have been enjoying the weather the last couple of days.

I have been a bit MIA this week with busy times at work. Nothing really to report as just starting using the Azelaic Acid a week ago (use after cleansing in the AM) and still using DUAC after cleansing in the PM. Not sure if this is the right way round or not but not entirely sure whether I should swap them now or just stick with it! Can’t say I am noticing any difference yet but it’s only been a week so totally to be expected but just disheartening to constantly feel like all the improvements I made over the past 2 years have been completely undone.

The amount of sunshine we have had recently has made me feel very bad for not yet having sorted a new sunscreen to try. Just very scared after the last one triggering a breakout which has sent my whole face out of control! I have also been trying to see if there is anywhere online other than amazon that I could purchase Elta MD Clear but no luck so far. I might have to order from there but always worry about products not being real…

for everyone who has been going through a tough time

mint no it wouldn't work for spots.

I use collection lasting perfection concealer which is brilliant for spots and cheap. It's from Superdrug and is very popular.

Thanks tant

Clueless did you ask before on the thread about Strawberrynet (for buying EltaMD)? If so I have used the site for years and years and find them great. Once I had an issue about a lost item that was resent to me and once I had an issue about a mascara that was dried up and they refunded me straight away.

You may have to pay customs on delivery if the value is over the accepted amount BUT they will refund you if you upload the sticker or receipt with the details of the charges!

The only thing I would be concerned about ( as some of their stock is over-stock) would be the expiry date but you could email and ask about it...or be prepared to use it once you receive it.

My skin is definitely more oily at the moment since the weather has warmed up. I was hoping differin would reduce oil production overall but it doesn’t seem to.

I tried not using powder, following the advice from Dr Emma/Sam but impossible for me to avoid powder completely.

Blotting papers are good mint. NARS soft matte concealer might fit the bill for you. I’ve got it, although the shade I have is probably slightly too light when I use it on my face but fine for under eyes.

Zo Azelaic Acid usually goes on last, even after moisturiser, as it's thicker and contains silicone. Don't know what the rest of your routine consists of, but after cleansing doesn't sound quite right.

Also, have you looked at Altruist sunscreen? It's been recommended to me for sensitive skin and is very good value too.

So this Sea Coral Kelp (best imho for combination / oily skin unless mixed with a moisturiser) I've been using is making my skin very smooth and soft used after my NIOD CAIS and Neostrata retinol stuff which is finally, hallelujah, getting rid of old faint scaring on my cheeks and just generally making my skin look fab for the summer.

I'm using my Bioderma micellar water quite a lot at the moment and I have to say it blows every other micellar water out of the water, my skin loves it. In fact I used it on my sweaty, tired DS last night who collapsed on his bed too tired to shower and his skin looked noticeably smoother and brighter this morning.

I am obsessed I think in making sure my DD and DS don't get acne like I did.

The Nars TM has been such a brilliant purchase esp in this warmer weather.

I was Tantpoke incase anyone's wondering before NC

TantricTwist do you wear Groenland in Nars TM? Sorry I can't remember. If so, do you know roughly your MAC shade for comparison? I would be NW 15-20 and I think Groenland would be a good match (from pics online, haven't been in to a store to check just yet). I am very happy with my IT Cosmetics CC cream and my TooFaced peaches foundation (which is very yellow but settles in well) but would like to look into NARS and I think their other foundations are too heavy. I wasn't a fan of Sheer Glow, loved how it looked when applied but it slipped off my face in record time.

I wear Alaska. Groenland is slightly lighter and pinker. I am NM 20 in Mac and 20 in Chanel

Mint and Jdster both wear Groenland I believe

Miffy I wear groenland as tant pointed out. Alaska was too yellow on me and made me look a bit odd 🤨.