🐌 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…

Zoclueless Is it worth seeing a dermatologist in your area to get you on the right track. Either your GP could refer you or you could see someone in a nearby private hospital who specialises in acne, that's what I would do.

That said I think retin-A, tretinoin stuff would probably work wonders on your skin externally and does need to be prescribed by a dermatologist (obvs you can buy on-line and abroad) but they can professionally track your progress etc.

Hi Sophie , Tant -
I haven't seen a derm before as i was happy with the massive improvements I saw when i was on pill and using both Epiduo and Duac. Now that I'm not on pill for ttc and also unable to use the Epiduo and have had this negative turn I have started looking into dermatologists though. I am based in London so that would come at quite the expense. My GP has in the past indicated that a referral for NHS derms would be made if I was going for the roaccutane route but that is obviously also now off the table (and I wasn't keen anyway).
I agree that it could be hormonal but as the pill was stopped close in time to the Epiduo its hard to know which one my skin is missing more! My acne is definitely not as bad as some people suffer from but it is disheartening to know that there is stuff that helps but I can't use at the moment and that then in turn puts more pressure on ttc!
I'll research the Agnus Castus - thanks for that

cad, I really wouldn't be able to say it's innocuous enough on the INCI alone. I'd have to know the pH, I'm not a fan of foaming washes as they tend to strip the face too much putting troubled skin in a more perilous pendulum. The lower pH stuff can be ok sometimes though, so it's not an absolute for me that all foaming washes = evil.

Bagel, as Renarde mentioned it's SAP which has no evidence of interest behind it as a traditional Vit C but is interesting as it's as effective or even more than Benzyl Peroxide as an antibacterial. The Mad Hippie Serum which is about 15% SAP IIRC is really popular with SA Reddit users (predominantly young, acne sufferers) for that very reason. Think that may actually be cheaper than the Face Theory one.

Welcome, ZO. Yes, unfortunately not everyone responds well to LRP Anthelios. I had a similar horrific reaction to it, hence why I'm always reluctant to recommend it, though I know it's great for others.

I'd leave your skin as it is for the next two weeks and not risk inflaming it any further with unknown/untested products. That even includes a free waiver from me not to use sunscreen in that time period . Try to minimise makeup use too, if you can, skipping base and only spot concealing for example, or even better, none at all.

LRP Serozinc is fine to try later, as is the Clinique lotion (it's a very low BHA % though, 0.5% IIRC), I'm not all that familiar with the Clinique moisture surge concentrate but if you don't have actual dehydration I'm not sure how much use it is. The Vichy I'd avoid due to the high fragrance content, maybe this hasn't been an issue for you previously but since your skin is in a temperamental state, probably best to leave it. Not sure what the Smashbox is, is it makeup?

WRT sunscreen there are certain chemical filters to possibly avoid when pregnant hence I usually rec an all physical one.

I'm sort of on the fence whether shelling out for a private derm is sensible at this moment in time. On the one hand, it does sound hormonal and considering how much hormones mess with the system during and after pregnancy it's to be expected that your skin will be all over the place for some time. But realistically all the anti-acne treatments like Tret, Spironolactone, and possibly BHA are off the table which leaves Azelaic Acid and BP (which you already have). So basically you'd be paying for someone to hold your hand throughout than access to anything that's otherwise hard to obtain. I'd see if you can get AA (Skinoren) from your GP first, it's what's mostly prescribed to pregnant women suffering from acne, and also to treat melasma often induced by pregnancy so it's a good one to have in the arsenal on both fronts. Otherwise as mentioned above, you should be able to obtain it through the Boots Acne Clinic.

I'd also suggest looking at AHAs, though not traditionally the preferred acid for acne prone skin they're still helpful when BHA is off the table but possibly not necessary if you're on AA, so explore that avenue first.

Just popping on to say I have aged about 15 years over night. Stress with ill family and not much sleep but still, the lines between my brows look more obvious than usual. I always wondered when I'd look my age and now I know. Definitely getting baby botox when I decide where to go.

Honestly I'd almost unbelievable the difference between two days ago and today. Wtf.

Oh Enid I'm sorry to hear about your family. I hope it isn't serious and hope they'll be better soon
Yes, sleep is the best for beauty. You may feel you look awful now but it's just lack of sleep so is entirely fixable

(Wondering whether to follow Bo's advice to ZoClueless and cut out sunscreen myself for a few days. Will have to lurk in the shade all the time).

the no sunscreen exception only goes for Zo as that's what she's reacted to, if she had a trusted SPF in place I would not be encouraging her not to use it.

Enid, don't be so hard on yourself when life is already. I think we all have the tendency to project internal upset on our appearance when times are tough. Hope things will get better for you soon.

Did I nearly get shouty claps Bo?!

Nah, not wearing sunscreen isn't illegal until I take over ruling the world just foolhardy, so it merely gets a headshake and a few tutting noises from me.

Btw forgot to answer earlier WRT Frezyderm, the only ingredient that doesn't fill me with joy is the rosemary extract but it's an extract not essential oil so not a genuine problem. Just don't see the point of it, I expect it'll be a bit more like makeup than a traditional SPF which sounds promising and I like the idea of a velvet finish for spring/summer as I'm not a fan of how some sunscreens can be very shiny but too matte looks odd too.

Thank you for the good wishes. Waiting to see, often the worse bit.
I think I forgot to pace yesterday so today I look and feel a bit dug up. I did wonder if it was just my mind playing tricks on me. Although the 4 bits of chocolate flapjack probably haven't helped...

Does everyone have the Easter weekend off? Any plans? 🐣

Hi Enid, our Easter is next weekend so it's an entirely normal weekend here. Hope all of you have a lovely Easter though 🐥🐣🌸

Bo - I don't think I really could actually go out now without any SPF on. I think it's engrained in me!!!
Thanks for the feedback on the FrezyDerm. I also don't see the point of the glass beads I really did like how soft/melts and transparent the no colour one was.

I've also decided to stop complaining about my spots and actually do something positive so have made an appointment with the dermatologist (it's much cheaper and easier here to do that). I have to take with ALL the products I use so we can discuss and see ingredients (hope I don't get shouty claps from her! To be honest though, apart from the spots, my actual skin is looking so much better - thank you ladies )

Sorry things are difficult Enid . I made flapjack the other day and just eating a piece now with a cuppa

sophie there’s just some things you shouldn’t mention to Bo

Welcome to zo

That’s great you’ve got a derm appointment sophie. Dr Sam has just done a video about when to see a derm. I was nearly going to see her (well Dr Emma because that’s who was there the day I was in London). I decided not to as I feel I’m doing well at the moment but I may make an appointment later in the year. It is very pricey to see a London derm.
m.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1IN--pnVrA

Yes, GF and Easter Sunday and Monday are national holidays here. Everything is closed except on Monday when everyone goes furniture shopping

I finally had a 'good' Easter food memory when I was rummaging around in the back of a kitchen cupboard and rediscovered my mother's lamb cake form, similar to the one in the picture. We also had a little wooden one for butter but I can't find that one. I think it was a plain cake recipe, but I'm pretty sure it was made with buttermilk as we'd (well we, realistically she as I lacked the patience and just left her to it) hand churn the butter from cream for the baby lamb. Just a simple lemon icing or icing sugar to decorate. Also vaguely remember using breadcrumbs instead of flour to line the mould. Might make one if I'm inclined.

Also intending to make some English muffins (really hard to find nice ones here, or maybe I'm just picky I thought the M&S ones were horrid and the Hovis ones have a weird chemical after taste). It's a trusted recipe that is easily made the night before and just needs to be griddled and toasted in the morning. Thinking of a loose interpretation of eggs Benedict without meat.

Oh, JDSTER, I'm far too scared to ponder, never mind ask, what you all must think of me

You know what I wish derms would offer (just in case Dr Sam is still lurking) a sort of MOT just like you can with overall general health checks. Not as specialised and detailed about fixing specific conditions but more an overall insight. Give an outline of what your dermatological age is, take some up close images with specialist equipment, what sort of procedures/treatment plans are worth considering, which ones aren't, etc. It wouldn't even need to be done by a dermatologist, an assistant or trainee could easily do it and then the derm could discuss results briefly and hand over a load of relevant documentation.

Ah someone once made us a lamb-shaped cake just like that Bo. It was very sweet. Happy baking!

Thanks for the video JDSTER. Think I definitely fall into one of her categories. Yes am aware that London derms are extremely expensive. I wouldn't even go here if I wasn't getting entirely fed up and frustrated. Fingers crossed it goes well. Feel like my skin is cultivating the spots. And getting on my jaw line and temples and cheek. Odd.

Enjoy your tea and flapjack - sounds so English

I actually think you come across as very kind Bo. And very intelligent. And extremely knowledgeable about skincare
I've already sussed out that I come across as very curious and inquisitive

Thanks everyone for the further hellos, welcomes and advice.

Having Bo approved temporary no sunscreen does make me feel a lot better about having not used it for 5 days! I'll give it another week and a bit and then see about introducing either a new sunscreen, or if my skin hasnt calmed down at all the serozinc or clinique lotion.

I dont have too many plans for the Easter weekend yet so hopefully that will mean plenty of opportunity to go make up free which should help.

I see your points Bo about how i'd get limited benefit from a derm at this point due to ttc restrictions. I'm going to call the GP tomorrow to get an appointment to see if I can get some AA - thanks for the product info, it'll be good to go into the appointment with something in specific in mind.

I had always thought of myself as a combo of shiny t-zone, congested chin/jaw (occasionally forehead) and dehydrated on the cheeks, this is where the moisture surge concentrate purchase came from.

I'll use the rest of the Vichy aqualia on my chest and neck i think. I do get a bit lax in spreading my skincare down and my spots are completely limited to the underside of jaw and above.

The smashbox primer oil I think is meant to be a bit of a hybrid product. Some benefits from the oil, with added primer function for make up. I feel this is probably the biggest wasted purchase of all the things old and new in my stash at the moment.

Also, wanted to add that I already feel better in myself for knowing I have joined in here and there are people interested in all things skincare to chat with. My DH is very kind and supportive when i'm upset about my skin but he isn't really able to talk much about products, what could be triggering a breakout or skincare in general, and whenever the issue comes up with my friends I have the habit of downplaying my skin concerns and changing the subject.

I can't see me being able to input much other than questions at the moment and I can struggle to have confidence to be very active on threads at times but rest assured I do plan on sticking around - there's so much I want to learn so that I make more thoughtful purchases in the future

Sophie oh yes! I forget you're not in the UK. Be interested in what the derm says after you've been. Hope your Easter weekend is a good one.

Homemade flapjack is the best JD. I fancy making some brownies this weekend.

Had the news I was waiting for now. They need a minor op but it's not something serious like we were worried about. So good news. (Although they'll still be feeling rotten but you know..) Feel physically lighter so must've been more worried than I realised.

bo I love the lamb cake! There are some new lambs near our house. I can hear them bleating all the time. Lovely little things.
I like the sound of your derm mot idea. That would be very helpful and handy for a lot of people. Surprising they don't really.
And I find you refreshing. In a good way. I like your confidence in what you say. There's no wishy-washy-ness. It's a very good thing. It's made me try to be more like that.

Hello Zo 👋🏻 Sorry, I missed you there. Welcome to the threads. I just chip in bits and bobs, not sure I'm any real help. So don't worry. I use the Vichy aqualia just on my nose where I get peeling skin. It does a very good job there but I get break outs from it on my cheeks.

Just to give you another product to think about when you see the GP, I had a lot of success with a topical anti-biotic, Zineryt. I still get it to dab on any spots when they first appear but it cleared up the patches of mild/moderate acne that I had on my cheeks and helped with the cystic ones on my jaw. It's safe for ttc. (Though obviously double check) Good luck for when you do go.

Glad you got some good news Enid and hope you manage to get a decent night's sleep now.
*
Zo- "I can't see me being able to input much other than questions at the moment"*. I also feel like this so we're in the same boat I just try to be helpful where I can (if possible)

I thought that was a stuffed (taxidermied) lamb at first I seriously need my eyes tested FFS!!

Glad the news was better than anticipated Enid, if you have any questions about Botox, let me know :)

Thanks Ts, will do.

I'm trying to be conscious of frowning. I never do in the mirror so the (albeit faint) 11 lines are a surprise if I catch a glimpse. My fringe is coming in handy.

Sophie I did sleep ok last night. Much more relaxed. Looking forward to the long weekend. Although I must stop eating chocolate.