🐌 Fantastic Skincare: We're So Drunk We're Seeing Elephants 🐘

[botemp]

Thread 1 Thread 2 Thread 3 Thread 4 Thread 5 Thread 6 Thread 7 Thread 8 Thread 9 Thread 10
Thread 11 Thread 12 Thread 13 Thread 14 Thread 15 Thread 16

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?

NEW SERIES:

So You Want To Buy A Retinoid - A Guide

WRT to The Ordinary/Deciem:

Most of us had long since stopped using it, partially due to the inconsistency of formulations and the worrying behaviour of the CEO on Social Media.

For more info on the latter, overview here

A good overview of alternatives is here

Since that compilation, other brands like the Inkey, Revolution Skincare, QRXLabs, and Alex Steinherr x Primark have launched with similar products/concepts.

From the limited experience on here, the Vitamin C 23% and Azelaic Acid from Garden of Wisdom (at Victoria’s Health) is well liked and much preferred over TO versions.

OCTOBER 2018: In other news, we’re two years old this month! We’re so old- Drunk Elephant is finally available in the UK, but all this celebration is probably overshadowed by the fear that our beloved LRP Toleriane Fluide may have been discontinued

No I haven't Mint.

I feel I want a hand ceam with actives. I do try to use face products on my hands but I forget half the time.

Bo I did like it enough to RP once, and I can't remember why I stopped. It maybe that it didn't sit right, or I just wanted to sth I liked more. Certainly no major reaction. I might try it again in the Spring as I used it 2 years ago and my skin is in a different place now, in a good way..

Is this the neostrata spf 50 moisturiser?

www.notino.co.uk/neostrata/targeted-treatment-mineral-protective-face-fluid-spf-50/p-484478/?gclid=CjwKCAiAyMHhBRBIEiwAkGN6fITBvh_LGcVZQ-a6u4iU_m0oP9Op69n4Qe2G9QNbLloLlnfrs5Xh2hoCmiMQAvD_BwE

It does look like a good option for spring/summer, I think I will give a try. Does it have a flattering tint to it?

That's it. I think I remember it being a little drying but my skin wasn't in as good nick then and I probably didn't experiment with different moisturisers before.

hello! firstly want to say thanks for these fantastic threads I am currently browsing all the guides and previous threads - will probably still be here at my laptop tomorrow!
I asked for some advice on a previous thread and got lots of help but dipped out for a bit as the thread moved way too fast for me 😳

I am reading about retinol but wanted an honest opinion - is anything aside from Botox likely to make a difference to forehead lines like these? They are expression lines rather than aging lines IYSWIM. And I know no cream is going to completely get rid of them I just wondered if retinol/retinoids would make any difference to something like this or whether it’s mainly fine lines only. I am doing my homework and reading all the amazing info you’ve shared but it’s taking a while! Tempted to print it all out and put it in a skincare folder!

I binned the vitamin C and my skin is much happier and the acne clearing up
NO MORE VITAMIN C for me
I've booked my Botox as last had it July 2018 so it's due for doing

Actually feel like I have a routine I am 99% happy with - the only addition I want is something to shift the pigmentation/pink marks from spots, everything else is absolutely perfect my skin really likes the Alpha H hydration range and Paula's choice BHA

mmmgoats, expression lines are indeed a different kettle of fish. Retinoids mainly tackle sun and environmental induced damage and ageing (lack of collagen). You might see an improvement but since you continue to be expressive I doubt it would be a massive improvement.

I'm not sure Botox will tackle it in its entirety either, unless you're happy to be quite frozen which will probably confuse many around you when you're normally quite expressive. I'm no expert but I'd expect you'd be doing Botox to contain the muscles (within reason) and something else like fillers to add volume and smooth out the skin. I'm no expert on injectibles at all, that's just my speculation. I'd definitely be seeking out an aesthetic specialist and be prepared to pay more than most and potentially you'd be topping up more often to keep the muscles in check.

mmmgoats A retinol isn't going to hurt, but I'd get a consultation from a cosmetics clinic to see what they'd suggest. I use a clinic in a GP surgery and have botox every 6 months or so for my deep 11's lines which are expressive. It's made a massive difference I think, though no one has noticed I've had it done. They aren't gone, just not as deep and I don't look angry and tired all the time. The skin care recommendations on this thread have made a huge difference as well - my skin has never looked so good. People are starting to ask me what I am using, which I take as a compliment.

thank you for the advice, they’re really getting me down, I’m 33 and feel like I look a lot older.
but I’m determined to really up my skincare game and I think I will book a consultation as I dont want the frozen look if I can help it, you’re quite right it would probably freak everyone out as I have an annoyingly expressive face. 😁

Not skincare but have you ever considered getting a fringe Mmm? Not saying you need one, just it'd be something to instantly help if it's really getting you down that much. Have a look on Pinterest (often under 'bangs' as there's a lot of American content) see what you think.

Don't get too fixated on them though, it's really not worth it. No-one else will notice as much as you do.

Thank you @enidbutton it’s been a consideration! But I am also cursed with very fine hair so I’m not sure a fringe would work, might do a bit of research though.
I know, it’s quite ridiculous really, I think I’m going to try and not obsess so much and just focus on improving my skin generally and then see where I’m at. still got lots of reading to do :)

Currently on the prowl for a good vitamin c serum.

Not ridiculous, easy to do. Sounds like a very good plan

It’s been good catching up with the thread tonight. Here’s my snailies. Thanks for finding them Bo

The Well Hello There - newest and latest find that gets your motor running

I think this has to be Medik 8 crystal retinal. A stable retinol that seems to be working and has caused no irritation at all. I wonder if it’s worth looking at Enid because it has some anti bacterial properties so good for oilier acne prone skin.

The Flusher- money spent on this product would have been better put to use by flushing it down the toilet

Probably the last of The ordinary and NIOD products. I liked NIOD HA but haven’t needed to use it this winter so it probably will get flushed. NIOD Sanskrit saponins
Cleanser will likely get binned as well. Sick of seeing it!

The Jack & Rose- the product you’ll never let go of because there’s plenty of fucking space for the two of you on that piece of wood. Damn you, James Cameron, for breaking my poor little tween heart.

Definitely Biore UV bright milk. Fabulous SPF. Lovely finish on my skin, great base for makeup. I can’t imagine being without it.

The LTB- it all seemed so promising, everything was going so great, then they turned out to be a narcissist gaslighting bastard

One word- Frezyderm. So much love for it on here. Leaves my skin like an oil slick by lunchtime.

The Child Prodigy- that one product that’s annoyingly good and isn’t afraid to be smug about it

Drunk Elephant products strike me as smug. The Vit C is good. Onto second bottle but I may try skinceuticals next so I feel I’ve tried all the high end brands.

The Worker Bee- never the centre of attention but has been steadily chugging along like no other

Probably Cosrx low ph cleanser, used as a morning cleanse. Great for my oily skin but not at all drying. Tube Lasts forever.

The Troll- the one where you repeatedly asked, ‘Is this doing anything?’, but continued to use it anyway…

Less trolls this year I think. I’m not utterly convinced by P50W although it still stings when I use it and it does exfoliate, I think I just had slightly higher hopes I’d have glass -like skin after use. Same with PC BHA. I’m not utterly convinced it’s keeping pores clear but I continue to use it

The Flabbergaster- that one product or technique that wasn’t really supposed to be used like that or delivered well beyond your non-existent expectations

DHC deep cleansing oil has delivered beyond my expectations. I thought I needed to use a cloth to remove a balm type cleanser to feel my skin was clean but this is great and leaves no oily residue, like you might expect

The Sinner- oh, admit it because we’re all guilty of it, what did you do or use that wasn’t all that sensible like take an acid bath and had

Well I’ve tried a bit of Tret purchased in Spain. Left my skin a bit flaky but I’m not sure I want to persist with it once the weather improves (also going on a sunny holiday in Feb). I’m just not prepared to be 100% in the shade all my life or wear a massive hat.

Enid Just dropping in to say I used SkinCeuticals 0.3 retinol and Retriderm 0.5 Retinol when I started using Retinoids - neither was irritating for me.

I started calorie tracking yesterday after a few weeks off - I definitely ate more chocolate (and LOADS more cheese) than usual and didn't get to the gym as much as usual over the last month (gained a couple lbs, lost a little muscle) but I'm back to healthier habits now. Breaks from MFP tracking are vital (for me), otherwise, I start descending into obsession and I've backed off social media recently for my mental wellbeing - read Matt Haig's book Notes on a Nervous Planet and following his advice has been quite helpful....

The Well Hello There - newest and latest find that gets your motor running

Skin Aqua Super Moisture Milk SPF50 – I know it’s boring but I’m really loving this one that I started using a few months ago. It’s replaced my previous favourite (Biore water essence) because it’s much more moisturising, lovely stuff!

The Flusher - money spent on this product would have been better put to use by flushing it down the toilet

Loads of TO products that’s I’ve recently binned, although they’ve probably been lingering at the back of the cupboard since before the last Snailies, ahem!!

The Jack & Rose - the product you’ll never let go of because there’s plenty of fucking space for the two of you on that piece of wood. Damn you, James Cameron, for breaking my poor little tween heart.

Dr Jart Ceramidin Cream – perfect texture, moisture levels and scent for me. I occasionally try other moisturisers but always go back to this. Love it. Biologi it’s so interesting how individual our loves/hates are!

The LTB - it all seemed so promising, everything was going so great, then they turned out to be a narcissist gaslighting bastard

Anything by GOW unfortunately – I had high hopes for these as cheaper versions of products I like but found the C to be overly sting-y, peptide serum to not be very nourishing and the cleanser to be too harsh (donated to DD 10, who’s starting to get the odd spot, poor kid).

The Child Prodigy - that one product that’s annoyingly good and isn’t afraid to be smug about it

Definitely Drunk Elephant for me! Still love the vit C and hydrating serum, in spite of the price tags, because for me they’re more effective than cheaper versions (sadly)!.

The Worker Bee - never the centre of attention but has been steadily chugging along like no other

DHC Cleansing oil – have RP multiple times. Very effective, lasts ages and isn’t expensive.

The Troll - the one where you repeatedly asked, ‘Is this doing anything?’, but continued to use it anyway…

JDSTER I also feel like this about BR P50 – acids aren't entirely convincing for me but I carry on regardless ☺

The Flabbergaster - that one product or technique that wasn’t really supposed to be used like that or delivered well beyond your non-existent expectations

Possibly the Pestle & Mortar Retinoil – my skin looks good and is not a permanent shade of pink as it was in the Autumn…. Whether this is due to the Retinoil I don’t know but my skin is looking fairly OK. However, I’m still noticing collagen loss and sagging ☹

The Sinner - oh, admit it because we’re all guilty of it, what did you do or use that wasn’t all that sensible like take an acid bath and had

Hmmm, not sure there have been any this year, I’m a bit more sensible than I used to be…

@tsmummy08 that's interesting about GOW, I've been eyeing up their vitamin c serum, as I've been using samples of Kiehls which I really like but was hoping to find a more budget friendly alternative!

mmmgoats, I'm not a massive fan of the GOW Vitamin C either. Had a lot of issues with the bottle at first (VH replaced it twice as it was a known issue) but the formulation itself, whilst pleasant to use, hasn't wowed me and the high concentration is borderline irritating. Granted I'm a very long Vitamin C user (I started off with the Kiehl's one in my mid twenties as there was little around back then) so most vitamin C aren't going to have that instant impact on me anyhow and I've not noticed a set back in results so it does work. I've seen the best results with Skinceuticals CE ferulic but hate the price, the Vichy version is nearly identical but it needs to be kept in the refrigerator (though all Vit C in L-AA form should) and it isn't really that cheap and comparable to Drunk Elephant in price, who incidentally are currently being sued by L'Oréal (owners of Skinceuticals) for infringing on their patent as it's nearly identical to the Skinceuticals.

Apologies for endlessly long sentences and lack of paragraphs

thanks @botemp is that the Vichy ten day one? I really like the kiehls so am wondering whether to just give it a go

Yes liftactiv antioxidant boost something or the other. It lasts longer than ten days though, closer to a month and a bit IIRC. I think it does come in similarly priced to Kiehl's in use. Think there's a 10 or 15% off offer on your first order on the Kiehl's website, may be of interest.

Olli I think PC BHA and differin combined are making good inroads into clearing pink marks left over from spots years ago.

Hi all - I've been mostly absent from the thread for ages (but I have still been lurking, from time to time. I did pop up under my new name a few days ago & forgot to NC back). Just to say, if anyone hasn't found a basic moisturiser they're happy with to replace the LRP Toleriane discontinued one, I've been using the new LRP Sensitive Fluide. EPP don't seem to carry it for some reason, but Escentual do & they have a third off French Pharmacy stuff at present.

I thought I'd try out a new antibacterial soap a couple of months ago & TBH it's getting my Flabbergaster. It's Valderma... 99p from my local cheap toiletries shop. I don't use it on my face though, too dehydrating, only on my back & shoulders. It's made a lot of difference. It's a lot cheaper than the Eucerin oil I was getting from EPP. And I honestly wasn't expecting much, it was really just an impulse purchase & I thought it would probably end up just being used at the sink.

I'm also a recent convert to the Cicaplast hand cream - it has nearly healed an itchy patch I've had on my hand since last April, I only bought it on Wednesday! And I've managed to convert DH & DD to Cicaplast as well...

Vit C fans REN have brought out Glow daily Vitamin C gel cream.

I nearly bought the cicaplast today Joz think I'll get some after your positive review. I'm using that lrp sensitive moisturiser too and need some more so thanks for the escentual tip.

Just to say, I have spots for the first time in months. So annoying. I'd started to get used to having clear (ish ) skin. Not really sure why other than much more sugar than usual and suspect there was hidden wheat in a meal I had over Christmas. Hoping zineryt and cicaplast work their magic quickly.

I just tried my fiancé's lrp toleriane sensitive fluid and I quite like it. Felt lighter and absorbed easier than the ultra which is good as I use vit c and spf too, it layered nicely with these.