Thread: skin care?

what are your preferences for keeping your skin looking good?

When I follow a regimen, my skin looks great, but I'm lazy.

I like neutrogena products, what do you like?

I've heard really good things about avon's products, reviews?

what else is good?

My skin care routine is really, really easy because I, too am basicaly lazy!

I wash 1 - 2 a day with Ivory soap. I do use either a rough wash cloth or a celo pad. Moisturize twice a day, using a daytime moisturizer with spf in it. Not really picky about brand. Right now I am using Oil of Olay. I also use an eye gel and shay butter lip balm.

Every once in a while I mask. And I will do a scrub about as often.

It has been recommended to me that I start using an eye serum on a regular basis because the skin around my eyes is a little dehydrated. I'm thinking about it.

the bottom line is that I am very luck. because of genetics I have really great skin. The only thing I am thinking of doing outside of the above is having photofacials done. My sister has had them done and has had great success.

{{{HUGS}}}

I use a cleanser, an exfoliant (every 2 days), a toner (Clean & Clear), and a thick moisturizer (Nivea is awesone!). And that's day and night. For the surface, it's pretty good. But I suffer from adult acne, and I have a horrible diet, so it backfires sometimes. Stay away from greasy foods, keep your skin clean and not too oily, and drink lots of water. You probably already know that. I don't take my own advice anyway on eating healthy, but hopefully that helps you out!

Another favourite topic...

I stay away from anything that contains parabens (propyl, methyl, whatever) or artificial fragrance.

Morning: Quick rinse with cool water. Moisturize with Weleda Skin Food.

Evening: Remove makeup with something oily and creamy. Currently it is Burt's Bees Lemon Poppyseed Cleanser. Super moisturizing and the oil removes makeup very well.

Spritz with rose water b/c it's good for maturing skin. Slather with Weleda Skin Food. OR slather with, ff I have time to make it, an essential oil blend of fennel, frankincense, myrrh, carrot, rose, neroli in an apricot kernel oil carrier. My face is SHINY with it. Concentrate much around the eyes and mouth.

If I am showering that night, after removing makeup I will mix a small bit of baking soda with Burt's Bees Marshmallow Root & Chamomile Deep Cleanser, for exfoliation and pore cleaning/refining. Then moisturize as mentioned.

I just discovered hydroquinone cream, 2%...it really helps with those brown spots from pregnancy, scarring, or sun exposure. I'm using the Ambi brand and it's ALOT cheaper than the anti aging creams out there that do the exact same thing. It smells funky for a little while then it's not so noticable. Not bad enough to keep me away from it, heh, heh, heh. I wash once or twice daily with whatever soap is on hand, moisturize with my Ambi cream, and dab a teensy bit of body oil under my eyes. For exfoliation I've discovered that baker's sugar mixed with moisturizer is lovely! It's gentle and effective; it's been nice to exfoliate without irritation. Don't ask me about clogged pores...mine are terrible, especially on my chin and around/on my nose. Anybody have any effective, nonirritating help for that?

I have been using boots #7 products: the makeup removal cloths (can't remember the name), refine and rewind, and day and night creams.

I purchased the boots microdermabrasion product but was really disappointed. My standard of comparison was the microdermabrasion product from Anti Aging & Acne Skin Care Makeup Products, Natural Mineral Cosmetics, Glycolic Acid Treatment, Sensitive Skincare, Rosacea & Organic Make Up

However, since using the boots products, I have not felt the need for much exfoliation.

I have more oily skin prone to break-outs (particularly at that time of the month) what works best for me is a baking soda/water paste at night applied with a facial brush. I remove my eye makeup very carefully using jojoba carrier oil. A slice of cucumber instead of a toner/moisturizer or lowfat milk and honey (the higher the fat content in the milk the more heavily it moisturizes.) In the mornings I just rinse with warm water & spritz with a water/tea tree oil/lavender oil solution. I've found the more 'natural' I get with skin-care the less I have to work at it. Basically, the more I 'cleanse' the more oil my skin produces so cutting down to once a day really helped a great deal!

Originally Posted by Doozer

Don't ask me about clogged pores...mine are terrible, especially on my chin and around/on my nose. Anybody have any effective, nonirritating help for that?

Try a gentle steam (hot hot, but not boiling boiling water) with some dried peppermint, fennel, rosemary kind of herbs. Then follow with a mask that contains kaolin clay mixed with apple cider vinegar. Leave on till dry and then rinse.

The gentle herb-infused steam will open the pores and cleanse them, the mask further draws out the material, apple cider vinegar helps close them again.

The best thing for pores is extractions but I am a glutton for punishment. ..c::

Rosehip oil.

Dermalite: I'm not sure exactly what it is, but it is a very lightweight moisturizer that is also good for pores. I always look better when I use it. I'm also very fond of Noxema. In college, I used Noxema every morning and was constantly getting complimented on my complexion.

I should note that I have combination skin. Anything too moisturizing makes me break out and anything too drying makes me itchy.

Originally Posted by Azhia

I stay away from anything that contains parabens (propyl, methyl, whatever) or artificial fragrance.

ita! synthetic stuff is so dangerous and makes me itch.

i like the von natur products and the ayurvedic facial powders from the local indian grocery, mixed with rose water or milk.

coconut oil or jojoba oil for body moisture.

At night I use Mychelle's Cranberry Cleanser, followed by the Mychelle's Clear Skin Serum, then I finish with Mychelle's Pumpkin Renewal Cream.

In the morning I rinse with water and moisturize with Kiss My Face SPF 15.

When I stopped using the birth control pill, my face broke out like crazy! I tried so many remedies, but Mychelle was the only thing that cleared me up. Now I've noticed that the scars are diminishing much quicker than they have in the past.

I usually buy mine at Whole Foods or through Amazon b/c the shipping from MyChelle Dermaceuticals, LLC is a little steep.

Originally Posted by LeylaFahada

At night I use Mychelle's Cranberry Cleanser, followed by the Mychelle's Clear Skin Serum, then I finish with Mychelle's Pumpkin Renewal Cream.

In the morning I rinse with water and moisturize with Kiss My Face SPF 15.

When I stopped using the birth control pill, my face broke out like crazy! I tried so many remedies, but Mychelle was the only thing that cleared me up. Now I've noticed that the scars are diminishing much quicker than they have in the past.

I usually buy mine at Whole Foods or through Amazon b/c the shipping from MyChelle Dermaceuticals, LLC is a little steep.

oh, i was gonna ask where to get it...........i now live only 2 blocks away from whole foods...........

i'm currently using re9 by arbonne, which is actually really great, but it's designed mostly for aging skin, tho it HAS helped my acne........not completely tho...............still break out on the apples of the cheeks, nice and visible..c:: i'm gonna try the 'milk of magnesia' that i've heard helps, (and azhia says makes a great primer..g.: ), but i'll look for mychelle as well.........how is it price wise? i'm kind of afraid to change regimens........i hear that you can break out big time if you switch products, and its now somewhat under control (such as it is), so i'm being a fraidy-cat for trying something new........

I dabble in lots of skin care brands/products because I test so many things for my blog, however, what works best for me is what I consider my "base skin care" - this is what I return to after every product testing.

Cleanse: Cetaphil Daily Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin or Paula's Choice One Step Cleanser

Exfoliate: For manual exfoliation - St. Ives Gentle Apricot Scrub (weekly); for chemical exfoliation - Paula's Choice 2% Beta Hydroxy Gel (on the other days)

Tone: Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner

Acne treatment: Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Treatment or Paula's Choice Blemish Fighting Liquid

Eye cream: Day - MAC Moisturelush Eye Cream, Night - It's an Olay Regenerist thing that I'm forgetting the name of at the moment.

Night cream: Avon Anew something-or-other (my mind is blanking this morning) or Elizabeth Arden PREVAGE

Weekly, I steam over very hot water in which I drop lavendar essential oil, a chamomile tea bag or peppermint oil, depending upon what my skin needs at the time. After the steam, I apply a clay mask, to help clean pores and cut down on oil. (I'm oily skinned and can be blemish-prone, if I'm not careful.) Also, once a week, I do a deep cleansing using olive and castor oils. (Interestingly enough, that doesn't add to the oiliness of my skin. Cleansing can strip oils, if not gentle enough, which can send your skin into oil production overdrive. The oil cleansing method, when used weekly, helps my skin achieve balance.)

Makeda

I'm a big fan of Shiseido skin products, which have kept wrinkles at bay despite my very advanced years. ..g.: The last make-up artist who played with my face was mentioning a product that was good for wrinkles, then added, "But at your age, of course you don't have any." She thought I was about 20 years younger...

Oh, and a related question re skin: do y'all have regular facials? I've never had one and wonder if I should give it a try. What are the benefits? A friend says they're wonderful for deep-cleaning, but do we need that?

washes face with dove soap

moisturizes with oil of olay

retin A peels often

in the past i've used clinique & avon's anew. right now i'm being cheapo so i'm not.

tina

Hi Latifa,
I don't get regular facials. I have found that with my skin, facials tend to result in more breakouts, rather than less. Often, the products used aren't as gentle as could be and have ingredients that don't work well for my skin. I like being in charge of those things that touch my face. I do my own extractions, steaming and mask treatments.

I do know that one should not get a facial right before an important event - more likely than not, your skin will be red and you will maybe even be suffering a breakout. If you're going to get a facial, schedule it a couple weeks before a big event.

Makeda

I honestly swear by good old fashioned Oil Of Olay - not the fancy Regenerist line, just the stuff like my mom used to use when I was a kid.

Originally Posted by Toya

Hi Latifa,
I don't get regular facials. I have found that with my skin, facials tend to result in more breakouts, rather than less. Often, the products used aren't as gentle as could be and have ingredients that don't work well for my skin. I like being in charge of those things that touch my face. I do my own extractions, steaming and mask treatments.

I do know that one should not get a facial right before an important event - more likely than not, your skin will be red and you will maybe even be suffering a breakout. If you're going to get a facial, schedule it a couple weeks before a big event.

Makeda

Agreed. I think facials are best for "normal", non-issue skin.

Latifa, if you can find a day spa that uses Yon Ka products, you're golden. If I could afford Yon Ka products, I would be golden. ..l;, Regular facials for non-issue skin work well in removing top layer of clogged dermis and all that but I think with a good daily skin care regimen, and by the looks of your beautiful skin, not all that necessary.

Makeda, if you do your own extractions, you're a glutton for punishment!

Originally Posted by Azhia

Makeda, if you do your own extractions, you're a glutton for punishment!

Anything for beauty, my dear.
Makeda

I had an appointment with my acupuncturist last night so after reading this thread I asked her about cosmetic acupuncture for acne.

The theory is with facial acupuncture that it reduces redness and swelling by improving 'circulation' in specific facial areas and also by encouraging other areas of the body (e.g. digestive system) to release stored toxins. I have a bit of a break out and my first solo performance tomorrow (bites nails) so I had a go with the facial stuff along with my regular treatment.

The facial needles are tiny compared with the regular ones for the rest of the body and some people would find having them put in uncomfortable/ upsetting (I'm odd and totally love the unique acupuncture sensation). However I have had a significant reduction in angry looking redness since I had it done - was it the acupuncture? who knows, but this treatment does work brilliantly for me in terms of other, long term problems so why not for cosmetic stuff too.

Just thought I'd report back

In another thread I have been advised to use Paula's Choice product against my acne and it has worked miracles! After just a few weeks my skin is practically clear!
I bought the entire blemish fighting set, but might not order all products again, after all there are a lot of shipping costs from the States to Switzerland.
But I will certainly get the 1% Beta Hydroxy Acid Lotion and Blemish Fighting Solution again, because they are the main reasons for my better skin.

The good thing is that she has a lot of recommendations for other products and for skin care in general, so I think it's really worth looking around her website: Paula Begoun - The Cosmetics Cop - Paula's Choice

MEISSOUN

Great recommendation, Meissoun! As you can see above, I use several Paula's Choice skincare products. I love her, her website and her books. Agree with her or not, I think she is a fount of information - I love that she gives you access to the information on the ingredients in skincare, beauty and hair care products, gives you her thoughts and then allows you to make up your own mind. I have not always agreed with her estimation of a product, but I always consult her guides before trying something.

Makeda

I've been using mainly neutrogena products for cleansing (wash twice a day) moisterize in AM with neutrogena tinted moisterizer, and at night with some good smelling cream that I can't think of the name of, I use toner after washing my face. I also use bare minerals foundation, if I don't use that, I find I break out all. the. time.

I hate that I'm reaching for wrinkle cream and acne cream at the SAME TIME!

That's the basic routine. I'm not happy with my pores, while they seem to be welcoming to the world, i swear I could plant something in them.

Any recomendations for that?

Originally Posted by Azhia

Agreed. I think facials are best for "normal", non-issue skin.

Latifa, if you can find a day spa that uses Yon Ka products, you're golden. If I could afford Yon Ka products, I would be golden. ..l;, Regular facials for non-issue skin work well in removing top layer of clogged dermis and all that but I think with a good daily skin care regimen, and by the looks of your beautiful skin, not all that necessary.

Aw, thanks, Azh.

retin A can handle both wrinkles & acne !! yay. tinah

Yup,In Paula We Trust;)

Really,even if I don´t use her products and just goes by her recommendations I have significantly less troubles with my skin since I discovered her...

The Balancing Cleanser,8% AHA gel and sunscreen for oily skin-
and today
I WAS CARDED WHEN BUYING BEER!!!
In Sweden you have to be 18 to buy beer in the supermarket,
imagine my smile when the cashier said "So you´re 31 today?"

I use Lush products, especially their tea-tree toner. My skin is happier with less washing and more natural products. My skin has been happier without using the acne cream that the big industrial companies make. It surprised me that it worked when the Lush person told me to try stop using so much stuff and washing so much.

I am pretty amazed at how well the Bare Minerals stuff controls acne! Used to be that wearing makeup gave me acne, and I'm so glad to find stuff that prevents it instead.

I just got the best moisturizer too from Bliss. "Youth as We Know It". I feel it is working wonderful magic. Other than that product, I like Kiehl's Abyssine cream. I also like the Cat 5 eye cream and the night time moisturizer from "Collective Wellbeing" which they sell at Whole Foods.

I have been using Avon Anew since my early twenties. There ANEW products go by the age. The only thing I like to use.

As for the body, I use to use the Avon Spa Shea Butter scrub and body butter, twice a week but they don't sell it anymore. Now I just use the St. Ives Apricot Scrub on my face and body.

I did find Vaseline now sells the butter, and it goes everytime I see it in CVS. I have heard good things about it. They do sell the lotion. It works well for everyday use, but I found that the CVS look-a-like brand works better.

I like using the Avon Skin So Soft self tanner, especially when I am going to California for a weekend.

I found that after I moved from Massachusetts to Arizona, my skin has gotten dryer.