🐌 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…

Tant I tried the tester of that benefit concealer on my hand and I wasn't really impressed 😒. Looked a little patchy and unforgiving (although to be fair my hands are in an awful state at mo!) I'm really liking the look of the nars soft matte one JDSTER recommended but I'm not near a nars counter unless I go to bluewater tomorrow! I really like the nars tm but I think I need a good powder to set it in this warm weather! I really really REALLY struggle with powders on my skin though because of my dehydration and texture on my skin so I'm not sure which one to go for 🤨😏🤔.
I've just bought Clinique ttdo balm to try out as a first cleanse in the pm because I'm sweating a lot in this weather and also I wear spf 50 daily aswell as the spf in my tm so think I should be cleansing better to reduce my breakouts??

I have been using pureology strength cure shampoo and conditioner which haven't irritated my scalp, however it is a little too heavy and can leave a slight residue so on the advice of a hairdresser who uses this range, I purchased the hydrate and now my psoriasis has flared up and my scalp is sore and itchy!! I think sls free shampoos seem to make my scalp worse!

mint its formulated for your under eyes to hydrate them so will look crap if used on your hand or other part of your face.

It's more like an eye cream with added concealer.

I use Vosene shampoo once a week to cleanse my hair.

JDSTER I had high hopes of being less oily this summer thanks to differin but no It's particularly annoying as I run very, very cold & I rarely feel hot or get sweaty (I don't even have a 'summer wardrobe' as have no need for one) but my face still gets oily I'm going to start tret next week, wonder if that will do anything for oil control though that's not my primary objective in using it.

I'm getting more and more tempted by the NARS TM, but I have one it cosmetics cc cream on the go and one in reserve so really do not need it. Also quite tempted by the green jelly aka sea kelp but as I'm introducing tret think it's best not to try anything else new.

miffy I’m using groenland NARS TM. I did a swatch on my hand a week or two ago on here (if you can be bothered to look back). I’m glad you’re liking it Tant

sallie not just me then with the differin. I’ll be interested to hear how you get on with Tret. I don’t remember- are you/have you seen derm? Is it first time for tret?

Who was it who started anti biopics for their skin? Because they completely balanced out my skin's oil production. An unexpected benefit. Obviously no help to anyone who doesn't need to take them but just a random observation.

Sooo buying beauty products in times of stress seems to be a habit but it's a harmless one (only buy what I can afford but not necessarily what I need) and I feel like it does actually help. With that in mind my skincare purchases this month/week aren't anything new or exciting as make up etc has taken over.

I have bought some more toleriane fluide from Escentual where it's on offer (£10). From Elemis I got a full size papaya mask and some more frangipani body scrub and milk bath. Can't get enough of the frangipani scent! 😍 Got a free Sharp shower body wash for DH. Lovely fresh pepperminty herbal scent.

I'm going to buy Guerlain terricota bronzer in cool light, maybe a Burberry eyeshadow stick and I do actually need a concealer so Nars creamy concealer again and either Laura M ultra longwear or shape tape. Might get the Bobbi B undereye colour corrector as I don't feel like my Laura M one really works for me.

It's a perfectly warm but not too hot day, I've got all the windows open so I can hear dozens of birds happily singing away. There's a blackbird in the garden tree right outside the window. The house smells of the stocks I bought yesterday and the new jasmine plant outside that's waiting for a permanent home. Also planted some lavender yesterday.

Focusing on the little nice things and taken stuff a day at a time. I hope you're all well and taking care of yourselves. 🌸

Mint I don't get on well with powder that's high on talc. I'm using makeup forever hd loose powder atm and really like that it never goes patching or clings to oil during the day. I apply very little to t-zone and Top up during the day as needed.

Anti biopics ! antibiotics, obviously.

I think I'd be Cuzco or Cuba in the NARS. I've seen they also do a matte one which I think might be better for me in summer.

JDSTER no I haven't been to a derm, keep looking into them but there are so many round my way so without a word of mouth recommendation I wouldn't know where to start, same with Botox and laser which I'm also looking into.

The tret was bought OTC in a pharmacy (not in the U.K.) I've swithered and dithered about using it but having watched multiple YouTube videos (including dr Sam and dr Dray) and knowing that I'm absolutely fine with differin (once I stopped using BHA as well, but even prior to that I was just peeling, no 'bad' reaction) I have decided to give it a try. I'll be using it mixed with moisturiser and only 2x a week only to start with. I did wonder if I was doing the right thing using it in spring/summer but my skin is much less likely to peel or flake at this time of year and I spend minimal time outside on work days, but I'll be absolutely diligent with spf 50 as well.

Disclaimer I am doing this very much at my own risk and in no way encouraging anyone else to try it!

I missed you there Enid I hope you're taking care of yourself too all your new/planned purchases sound great, I wish I got on with Elemis as their frangipani stuff does indeed smell gorgeous but it makes me itch like mad

What was the name of that powder that you and I (and I think maybe someone else here) bought last year? As I definitely wouldn't recommend that one, I liked it at first but think it clogged my pores as seemed to make my skin more oily after a couple of weeks use

Sallie The big one in the talcum powder type container? I can't remember. I vaguely remember sending it to someone on here when I didn't like it. Was that you? If it was that one, yes it was a very good price and has good reviews but it was one of the worst I've tried, for my skin anyway. Can't remember the name of it.
Ah shame you can't use the Elemis stuff. The ginger scrub broke my back out once and I love the smell of that.

Enid no you didn't send it to me but I bought mine around the same time, and yes the one in the talcum powder container. I chucked mine out during my recent purge.

There's something in Elemis that I really don't get on with, their face stuff makes me spotty. I have issues with decleor, Clarins and l'occitane too - seems to be all the 'high end' planty type ranges. Planty type makes no sense but I know what I mean, the ones that use flowery names for things

I've a patchwork face mask combo on (Vichy clay and Elemis papaya) and I'm trying to find summer clothes again. Pretty sure there aren't any in existence that I'll ever like. Even on the 'mumsnet swears by these dresses' post up there ^ the only one I like is the maternity one The rest are too short, needs sleeves, too tent like, too frilly, weird length, weird pattern...🙄

Sallie They use a lot of shea butter I've noticed. That makes me spotty. Also things like rosemary oil that makes me itchy. Those 3 products I've bought, I really love and get good results from but I'm cautious about trying anything else. It is a bit overpriced style over substance generally really but I'm a tit when it comes to fancy branding.

Thanks sallie for your reply. I’ll be following your progress with interest. I’ve certainly contemplated doing what you’re doing.

Enid you sent that powder to me . I’m not at home so I can’t check the name. I’m still using it. It’s ok but doesn’t mattify particulary well but I’m not sure any powders do anyway.

I’m back wearing my Hush boyfriend jeans -so comfy. Also had my saltwater sandals on. Proper mumsnetter me

I think it's the essential oils like rosemary Enid that my skin doesn't like, though could be Shea as well that causes spots.

I'd never heard of Cos or saltwater before mumsnet, or a lot of the other brands mentioned here like joules, Boden, hush etc. I'm a total fashion ignoramus though, I bought some stuff in peacocks today

Also went to Superdrug and got some Vit E spray, it's for the face but a good sized bottle so I'm going to try it on my body as a potential replacement for the hand chemistry HA spray.

My Nars TM does not like LRP antihelios anti shine matt fluide.

I mean it's ok but has curdled if thats even a thing.

It's kind of slipped in a few areas.

It has been very hot today but the Nars stayed on last week when it was hotter. At least it has SPF 30 in it so it 'll be fine on its own just not sitting directly in the sun.

JD Ah! I thought it might've been you I sent the powder to. I think I'll try Hush boyfriend jeans. I really liked the star ones but they were about half an inch too low for my shape. Maybe I should size up. 🤔 I'm determined to find some clothes for the warm weather. And the one and a half week of hot weather we get in the North.

Sallie The vit E spray sounds nice. Love a spray. Might be nice kept in the fridge.

I had to put some lipsticks and my cream blusher in the fridge today. They were melting! 😯

I’m in the North too Enid and rolled up jeans and sandals is often good enough for our weather!

I’m feeling a bit bored with my skincare. It all feels very functional and I’d love to get something that wowed me. I’m not sure what. I’m using all the ingredients I should - vit C, niacinamide, acids, retinoid, spf. They’re all in there but nothing has made me go “wow”. Anyone else feel the same?

miffy - thanks for letting me know your experience with strawberry net. I've read loads of mixed reviews and have been unsure as to whether they sent genuine stuff out or not.

bagel I've just rechecked the Skinoren instructions and it just says to apply after washing face with plain water or with a mild cleanser; once dry apply the cream. It doesn't mention anything about moisturiser first. Think my dr said in the past that I should put the creams on first as they had the actives in and then could layer moisturiser over the top if they were drying. Will definitely double check next time I'm in though.....

JDSTER I am feeling that way too. I love everything I use and have found almost all HG products for every step. Yet my skin is still lacking something. It looks a bit too textured, like it needs a good scrub ;)

I am booking myself in for an Image facial soon as I bought a discounted voucher before Christmas and it needs to be used by June, so I am hoping my skin will get a bit of a boost with that.

I have been using one product only at night for a week or so now as I am trialling it out, so no retinol or P50. It is by Image and is very expensive, but my 5ml sample tube is going a long way! My skin is really looking better for it too, so maybe the break from the actives is no harm.

Having said that, I placed a Deciem order the other day that should be with me tomorrow (shock horror, fast shipping!) I bought a large pump bottle of the Pro Repair hand chemistry hand cream, another glycolic acid as I am almost out, and a new product, Buffet + copper peptides. It is a cheaper version of the NIOD CAIS so that will be interesting to try. (I am a fan of buffet)

I think my main concern is pores and oiliness. I had high hopes for differin to reduce oiliness and refine pores. I’m wondering about using something like a medik 8 retinol. It probably shouldn’t do anything different but that’s not to say it won’t. . I’m wary of tret with summer coming but equally you then get dryness with winter so it feels like never a good time . I’d also like an appointment with a derm so maybe I’ll book that in if I’m in London in the autumn.

I see a derm every November but it has been (up to mow) for a mole check. I used to get the full mole-mapping done as I had a basal cell carcinoma removed from my chest in 2005, but the Dr I used to go to stopped doing mole mapping, and concentrated on botox and other things. I switched to another derm and she is very matter of fact, told me a full body mole check is all I need (not the full mapping, which was very time-consuming and expensive). When I see her she removes all my annoying age spots and skin tags with liquid nitrogen (and my insurance coves that part - bonus). Anyway I am writing a list of things I want to discuss when I see her next :)

*now not mow

I'm another that never gets 'wow' type results, which is why I don't want to pay for the likes of DE or medik 8, as whilst I'm sure they're great products I just can't see them making enough of a difference to justify the price tag.

I'm still oily and less than happy with my open pores and SF, but I rarely get spots or whiteheads anymore and my skin is fresher looking and less dull and sallow than it used to be. So I think as far as skincare goes, I've got it as good as it will get (am not expecting the tret to work any miracles either but we will see) and I need to look at procedures now which is an absolute minefield as I have no idea where to start