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

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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?

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

Thanks Bo. Yes, I think she does want an active, and that would be vit C at this point. I think she's worried about getting sucked into expensive products ie what if she really loves the DE. She won't get another voucher until next birthday lol.

I get that, but I would say I went through the Kiehl's in about 3-4 months. I could probably eek it out longer if it didn't oxidate at that point and that fourth month was already iffy. I did still keep skincare in the bathroom then so that may have influenced it, but DE lasts you six right? If money really is a concern in that it's absolutely unaffordable when it's finished then I'd just get the GOW one and spend the money on something else.

Yes, I eat around a 100g protein which feels like a healthy medium to the low advised amounts and the more extreme end of bodybuilding calculations. It's not the easiest to get too without a shake or similar (and I avoid them as much as possible as it doesn't feel like real food) on days I don't eat fish (otherwise vegetarian). A vegan would struggle to get anywhere near getting in a 100g without eating a shit tonne of food.

Hello I'm so pleased I found your many threads!

I've started looking though all your amazing info and wish I'd found it all a few days ago before I ordered some things! Not too bad; an avene 50 spf but I'm Not convinced.

Preening slightly that I found frezyderm last year before mn (I couldn't find anything on mn on it!) but I need to look at it all again I think regarding chemicals etc - amazing cheat sheets thank you! I'm breastfeeding so don't want any nasties. But don't want them anyway!

I've got loads of freckles which are worse post baby. I treated my self to timeless vitamin c in the third trimester and have just done so again (5 mo post part)

I found some info on niacinamide and bought some from TO - however then found you can't mix them? Or you c

Oops seeks post

Or you can mix but it's not clear which first? Or one eve and one morning - but which when is best????

Main aim is reducing fine lines/ aging and sun spots.

I'm using bare minerals complexion gel factor 30 but am now using more than I did and around my eyes which works very well. Trying this avene out but may try the factor 50 frezyderm when avene runs out (if chemicals stack up)

I can get a bit oily around my nose, cheeks have remnants of keratitis Pilaris on but not much of an issue now, they're just normal.

Speaking of the KP - rest of body really suffering. I think it's hormonal. Any suggestions? Gp prescribed salycic acid (sp?!) cream when I was a teen and it was bad but pharmacist said had to be prescription only and I'm not sure I can bother the Gp with it to be fair!

DH and I have a regular semi-heated argument about food vs supplements. His take is that it's all chemicals at the end of the day. Good quality protein shake vs good quality "real food"; all just chemicals. "Natural"? Arsnic is "natural".

Drives me nuts but I also see that he has a point.

Ekphrasis, if you're still breastfeeding then a prescription SA is off the table. For KP on the body I usually suggest Eucerin 10% Urea body lotion as a first start. Moving onto AHAs (glycolic) and BHAs lotions or Retinol but with the exception of glycolic probably best avoided when breastfeeding.

Well only the TO Vit C can't be used at the same time/routine. Usually it's preferred to use Vit C in the AM but since you're using it for pigmentation (I assume on account of freckle talk, though freckles are so lovely!) then use it at night and the Niacinamide in the AM.

Pupsie, I have a rice based protein powder on standby but it's just 100% fermented rice, no other ingredients so I sort of accept that's still food-like. Comparable to any other refined grain. Same with whey and similar but the stuff with lots of sugar alcohols and weird flavours just doesn't feel like food to me. Those candy protein bars even with great macros, no added sugars, etc. just don't satiate IME. They may be 'food' but it's comparable to highly refined engineered food. I do like Kodiak cakes though, but I'd still call those food with a bit of added protein but there's a huge industry of highly refined foods out there that feel the furthest thing from healthy, makes no sense to me to avoid some but not others.

Ah thanks I had no idea about that! I'll look into those. Some on my legs are becoming spots and a bit sore. During pregnancy they completely disappeared so it must be hormones.

I've been very simple for many years and only used NY vitamin e night cream morning and night on my face using bare minerals as make up. Used to use various tinted moisturisers. So I've very little idea about anything else. Living up north and working full time limited my sun exposure in the past but now I work part time I'm out n about much more plus if this summer is anything to go by, I'll need more protection in the future!

Freckles are nice but there's some larger patches and I reckon they'll not all
go but reducing and protecting is going to be helpful (I'm 41!)

I hate my red cheeks and broken veins esp round nose or I'd not bother with make up. Bareminerals seems to be light bright to calm down but allow them to show.

the fear that our beloved LRP Toleriane Fluide may have been discontinued

Again?! FFS! I am done with the emotional roller coaster that is being in a relationship with an LRP moisturiser.

Ahem. Hello everyone.

Hi Nabootique 👋

I’ve never used that particular LRP moisturiser but yes agree it’s so annoying when things get discontinued, especially with no warning

Enid sorry I meant to say up thread that I have not sent you any moisturisers either did you ever get to the bottom of where they came from?

Hello Naboo 👋🏻

Nope Sallie still waiting to hear from 'the relevant department' about returning them, whatever that means. It's been a couple of days since they said they'd get back to me. So we'll see.

Favourites being discontinued is so so annoying. It always seems to be about 6 months after I decide something is a staple.

Omg they CANNOT discontinue cicaplast

Not sure if anyone uses or has used anything from Sunday Riley but thought this article was interesting, basically it’s about SR employees being told to write fake reviews

people.com/style/sunday-riley-admits-writing-fake-product-reviews/

They’ve obviously been caught in the act but I wouldn’t be at all surprised if a lot of companies are at it too.

I don't feel Sunday Riley addressed that issue very well at all! I'm following that IG account now though. I'm not surprised. I bet this goes on a lot.

I think my Pestle and Mortar Retinol Oil is near the end (annoyingly impossible to tell). I don't know whether to stick with or try sth else. I like it. I use it every other night. I think I'll probably RP. I'm scared to go stronger. I feel I should at least go to nightly use of P&M before trying sth more hardcore? But then when would I for my Azeliac in?!

I need help, my poor skin is dehydrated and I need something to plump it up.

I'm currently very happy with my face masks but only have a few left so I need something just as juicy to work it's magic. They are made up of HA, rosehip oil, manuka honey, collagen, aloe vera and argan oil. My skin usually disagrees with HA but is happy with it here.

Can you not get any more of the masks Tant? I couldn’t find them when I looked but that was in a small homesense.

I’m not sure what else to suggest as I like HA and it suits my skin, maybe an oil but I don’t have much recent experience with them.

Hello! Just a couple of things:

I asked on the last thread about TO niacinamide replacements, and went with the GOW one. I’m not liking it. It leaves my skin feeling sticky and I’ve had spots on my face (not the previous rosacea patch though ) since starting to use it. TO version also contained zinc - this doesn’t, so maybe that’s the difference. I’m going to try the Revolution one next (does contain zinc), and will report back.

I hated all the other TO things I tried, but loved that niacinamide...

Secondly, Enid - you mentioned nail issues. I have recently corrected a recurrent (actually pretty constant) nail issue. Since fairly strong chemo several years ago, the thumbnail on my right hand was a disaster zone. Cracking down the left hand side leading to breaking across the nail bed - or if I managed to avoid a break for a couple of weeks the the actual nail tip would split and peel down the nail. Rest of fingers were fine, but being right handed, I guess that thumb nail took a lot of abuse. I tried all of the usual contenders (OPI nail envy, Nailtiques, nail Ear/Drink, supplements, etc).

I was recommended CND Rescue Rx- tiny bottle of oil with keratin, massage it in every day.

cnd.com/products/nail-essentials/treatment-essentials/rescuerxx

They say results in 4-6 weeks - my nail stopped splitting after about 10 days, and I haven’t had a single break or peel since then for about 7months now- after literally 8years of daily damage/weakness problems. I use it every couple of weeks now, not every day and it’s still effective!! Highly highly recommend!!!

Oh that looks good Splat Thank you!

That’s a fantastic recommendation splat. I like cnd solar nail oil (almond smelling one) and ‘sticky’ base coat.

Talking of recommendations, Sali Hughes is recommending Druk Elephant 🐘 brand today, in particular C firma

I was in Primark this week but none of the Alex Steinherr skincare stuff in at all

Ekphrasis, if you're suffering with redness and broken capillaries I really would suggest to discontinue using products with essential oils, fragrant compounds, fragrance, etc. I know not everyone reacts to them instantly but they really aren't that great for any skin long term, but especially sensitive reactive or rosacea prone skin.

Hi again Nabootique! It's been replaced by a similar product Fluide, Too Sensitive(I think), the INCI is somewhat similar in that the amount of ingredients is low, Squalane has been swapped out for Niacinamide.

I've always thought SR was overhyped and am not surprised at all by their manipulation scheme. It was always obvious influencers were mouth pieces for them. I was somewhat puzzled to see CH in my suggested YouTube feed doing an ad for them. Last time I paid any attention to her (years ago) she was making a whole song and dance about how she was done with them and how overrated they were

Speaking of the esteelaundry insta account, Pupsie, it made for some really uncomfortable reading this morning. Thought the Deciem drama couldn't get any more shudder inducing. Ugh.

Splat, I've heard the CND almond nail scrub is also meant to be really good. If anyone remembers 'one minute manicure' back in the day it's a bit like that. That did really make hands addictingly soft, I always wondered why that went away.

So weird about the Primark x AS colab availability. I checked in again here and it was still the limited selection. I'm also unsure whether it's a temporary or permanent thing. It's not just a another private label brand, they spend time, resources, and R&D on it, clearly, so it would be odd to just have it for a few months and then never see it again.

I read the DE column last night JDSTER, the BTL was a bit disheartening to read. I mean I've noticed it on MN that there's an increased incense and shame agenda on affording things others can't but I'd always attributed it as a MN specific thing.

Oops, totally forgot to mention what I came to post about. Skincity has 25% off Verso this weekend. I've sensibly stocked up on the eye serum.

Also, Enid, wash your mouth out with Cicaplast for even suggesting it would ever be discontinued

My mouth would be lovely and even toned afterwards bo

Fluide, Too Sensitive It's Toleriane Sensitive fluide. My 'too' was a typo of 'tol'. It's doing well so far but I've been in a very hard water area all week and I'm having a long period so skin isn't its usual self. Will be able to judge better after a couple more weeks of use. First impressions are positive.

I use the Essie hand scrub. It's excellent on the skin around nails. I'll look the cnd one up, sounds like something I'd like.

There was even a mini drama on the comments section of Sali H's Instagram yesterday. Someone saying DE's customer service was poor and DE were defending themselves. Which is fine I guess but the way they phrased it, and went into saying there were rumours being spread about them, it seems so much more personal than companies used to be. Not sure I like it.
The newsletter you get from Hush (clothes) is like that. I don't want to know about your holiday or how you've had trouble with packaging suppliers or whatever, it's too friendly for the customer/business relationship.

Your = their

God sorry for the row of posts. Just wanted to admit my skin diva moment from last week.

The water where we stayed was really hard in comparison to the soft water I'm used to. My eyes felt stingy and my face was tight and uncomfortable. The avene spray helped but not enough. So I bought some cheap bottled spring water and did a final couple of rinses using that. I even used a bottle to rinse my hair after washing. Anyway the combination worked beautifully. My skin looked great.

Move over Mariah Carey. 💅🏻