Skin care - tell me all of the advice

[ThisIsMyDragName]

Embarrassing confession here, but I think I’ve had an ingrown hair on my areola for a while. Certainly there’s been a red bump that looks like one. I attempted to see if I could have a look and coax it out (I have some hormone conditions, I’m hairier than a lot of fellas at the best of times, ingrown hairs anywhere on my body happens sometimes) and it got a bit angry and red for my attempts to extract a hair or whatever was causing the bump. I tried a pimple patch to see if I could extract any yuck which would therefore allow me to see a hair. That seems to have made it worse, and it’s drawn out quite a bit of gunk, but not having a patch on means i have a small ‘hole’ of raw skin that stings. Every time I’ve dried a pimple patch over the days few days it’s drawn out gunk. Should I keep on with the patches and alternate between that and letting it breathe? Still cannot see a hair but don’t want to actually touch it as it will hurt like mad! I feel grubby admitting to this, haha. Grubby and troll-like. The other sort of troll to what Tattlers are usually called good job this is anonymous, otherwise everyone would be sliding into my DMs when they found out how sexy I was

 

[petitspois]

The Ordinary do really great HA and niacinamide serums - you can use them both together. Niacinamide works to reduce pores, even skin tone and control oil. So it’s a good all rounder. It isn’t an acid. Vit C serum is great combined with SPF - Superdrug do a good one for about £5 x


Niacinamide can help ease the ‘harshness’ of retinol so use before. However the LRP I find gentle enough to use without. Maybe use niacinamide the morning after retinol to help with any potential redness? X

you should start your own blog! thank you so much x

 

[Nottonightbabe]

Pretty much the whole cerave range.. I don't know why I kept trying tbh! Just didn't help at all. The large blue tube caused jaw acne.
La roche posay effaclar moisteriser (didn't rate. Made my nose sting!) also tried the cetaplast baum as a hardcore attempt to treat the very dry patches (not as bad now) but was too greasy for my skin. Was recommended Simple range.. Not for me as it just didn't seem to do anything? Nivea also not for me, very heavily scented too. Got a random one in a green tub at the mo from tk maxx but again, very thin and does nothing.

Should I have a seperate night /day cream? I use la roche posay SPF which seems to be okay so maybe it's just the effeclar range that's the issue?


Ooh will have a look

Take a look at LRP Toleriane, it's their gentle, soothing range.

Yeah I didn’t get on with the effeclar moisturiser either, made my eyes sting and water even though I was careful to keep it away from my eyes. Think it’s really perfumed. I have just started using the separate spf and it’s fine and no issues with eyes.

I was really loving the ambre solaire spf anti dark spots hyaluronic liquid but then realised it was only 3 star protection so decided to move to effeclar.

Moisturiser I’m enjoying this winter is Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Multi-Purpose Moisturiser. I first tried it last summer though and it was too thick and made my face sweat. Retried this winter and it’s perfect. So will have this as my winter moisturiser from now on.

It’s a while off but anyone got a summer moisturiser recommendation?

Summer moisturiser - Neutrogena Hydroboost is lovely and light!

 

[Libbylulu]

My dermatologist told me that one of the best things we can do is to take a probiotic for our skin. Once our gut is in good health it shows on our face. I’ve been a little more diligent with this over the last couple of months plus I’ve been taking turmeric supplements and my skin is looking really good

 

[Base2019]

I’m looking for a toner that’s suitable for sensitive rosecea skin and mature skin. I’ve been using Paula’s Choice but I’m breaking out on my chin so was hoping for another recommendation

Toner is one of those skincare products that’s not really needed, in my opinion lol Paula’s choice can be quite strong, I’d ditch it personally!

Look up a mist/spray like the la Roche posay serozinc. It’s really lightweight (mostly thermal water) but the zinc will also help with the break out on your chin.

When the breakout clears up you could then switch to the la Roche posay normal thermal spring water mist. Boots do an own brand one too which is also good. They are great esp for sensitive/rosacea prone skin, very soothing! You can use throughout the day aswell to give yourself a quick refresh/boost over make up

 

[littlepup]

Has anyone any recommendations for an spf product, I want to get one. I have normal to dry skin. I was looking at the Revolution skincare I wonder is that any good

Nadine Baggot is irritating to watch but she has good information. The spf right for you will depend on your skin type. Labmuffinbeautyscience in IG is good too but is Aussie so sometimes the brands aren’t available here.
I personally wouldn’t bother with revolution skincare. They are ripping off other brands rather than doing their own research, they certainly aren’t specialists in skincare. Don’t bother with any other brand for whom skincare or sun protection isn’t their primary market.
Look at La Roche Posay and Vichy for midrange. On a budget Olay does a number of moisturisers with a good level of spf in, just remember not to use them at night.

 

[Shineyshine]

thank you! I really need to up my game, I can't believe how many products I should be using!

Don’t fall into the trap of buying loads of stuff. You really don’t need too many products. Just start with the basics, work out what your skin likes and can tolerate, and only add to it if you feel you need to

Enjoy!

 

[mindlessness]

Do you use spf before or after moisturiser? I was told by a very good beautician I should use it before but I’ve only seen people mentioning on different threads that it needs to be put on after.

Oh that’s very weird advice.
i would say SPF goes after moisturiser. Applying moisturiser on top of sunscreen will (I think) disturb the formula and cause uneven coverage.

 

[Lindssdnil]

I know diet doesn’t affect everyone’s skin but for the last 3 months I have been decreasing the amount of cows milk I have either by itself or in food and can honestly say it’s improved my skin massively!! I am now sticking to a milk free diet and if I do have a small bit my skin reacts so I know this is what affects my acne

 

[mindlessness]

I'm currently using the La Roche Posay retinol (the retinol + b3 serum) however I also use niacinamide. Is it silly to use these together (I'm currently only using the retinol product 3 nights a week) on the same evenings if both products are/contain vitamin b3?

I would probably not use them together. Maybe just use the regular niacinamide on non LRP retinol nights?
Too much niacinamide can cause redness and sensitivity. https://www.allure.com/story/niacinamide-skin-care-redness-side-effect

@petitspois A great YouTube channel for information on skincare is Dr Shereene Idris. She’s really excellent at explaining ingredients and how they work and discusses products at all different price points. I discovered her after she was reccomended in the Sali Hughes thread.
@under the ivy has also given you fab advice! The only think I would add is start simply. Introduce a new product at a time and wait and see how your skin goes. You will find what works for you (and it might end up less steps than Caroline’s book advises).

 

[LowCalCalzoneZone]

I use Clarins every thing have done for years! My older sister however uses Aveeno body lotion on her face nothing else and looks younger than me!! Doesn't tone, use spf or any eye creams she tells me it's all too much and your skin needs to breathe

I've used Averno body lotion on my face for years too! Although I do use other stuff as well ha. But honestly, I've yet to find a better moisturiser. I've got quite sensitive, combination skin so a lot of stuff either irritates or brings out spots

 

[under the ivy]

I have dark patches on my face ,I think it’s part sun damage part genetic but when I’m pregnant it spreads even more and they get darker .Also get darker in the sun .I wear medium or full coverage foundations and i fake tan sometimes too and you can’t tell but if I’m bare faced and pale in the winter you can .People have pointed it out .Is there anything I can do about them ?

Tranexamic acid works for dark patches (melasma). The Inkey List do one which I’ve tried before. Vit C / Niacinamide serum is also good for brightening and even skin tone.

Big one is to wear SPF everyday without fail on your face to prevent further damage and discolouration.

 

[HoGi]

The one in superdrug is great.

View attachment 1380522

There is also one in Aldi but I haven't tried it.

This is the one I was going to recommend.

I really rate it

 

[kittypaws]

No, never heard of it . Can you recommend

So azelaic acid is used for treating both rosacea and breakouts. As a previous poster recommended, The Ordinary do an azelaic acid which a lot of people find really effective. You could start there and see how you get on with it. Another option for you could be Dermatica - a brilliant prescription service which I use myself. You upload photos of your skin and they’ll formulate a product for you. They use azelaic acid and also other ingredients which help with breakouts and acne. It’s £20 a month but I spread mine out to receive every 56 days so it ends up being £10 a month as I never go through one bottle in a month! All the ingredients are prescription strength so really effective!

So Dermatica is definitely an option to consider but if you wanted to try over the counter products first then azelaic acid and salicylic acid are 2 ingredients which would work well, you may also like niacinamide! I’ll happily recommend some products and/or a routine for you if you like!

 

[noseybirdxo]

thank you I currently use HA twice a day on damp skin, plus a moisturiser at night but maybe need to look at my hydration first then

you could use niacinamide after HA! if you’re just using like water damp skin maybe get a hydrating toner/mist? i love the elemis ginseng toner as a mist before my HA and i love the pixi milky mist and the elemis kefir tea mist - all really hydrating!

 

[Base2019]

has any one got a minute to offer some words of wisdom? as i have a feeling fillers might be my only option.

i have developed a vertical wrinkle at the side of my forehead. after a bit of googling its caused by sleeping on my side/stomach rather than the typical wrinkles caused by using the muscle.

is there anything that can help this? i already use retinol most nights and the perricone md moisturizer. i also use a hyaluronic acid although i dont know what that does.

i dont think botox will help because its not caused by the muscle movement as such.

has any one experienced this or have and advice on a product that may help?

Hylauronic acid gives the skin an instant plumping effect so it won’t really address the root of the problem, altho it’s a lovely product to use.

If it was me I’d get a gua sha and a jade roller - don’t be roped in by the expensive ones online, you can get just as good alternatives on Amazon for way less. You can look up videos on insta and YouTube for the best ways to use it - hard to explain via text - they are fab.

I’d also say silk pillowcase or silk eye mask - the drowsy sleep co do mulberry silk ones which wrap around your whole head/temples so if your line is in that particular area it would defo help. They are really good quality eye masks, I got one at Xmas to help with sleep as I’m mental it covers a lot of my face so it probably would cover your crease

 

[Shineyshine]

you should start your own blog! thank you so much x

Hi there. Sorry to jump in on your conversation - niacinamide is often built into other serums and moisturisers. So rather than adding another step into your routine you could just use a moisturiser which has it already in. Eg Cerave facial moisturiser contains ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid (if you want that too), so it will work lovely with your retinol. There are lots of others out there too, just basic moisturisers, nothing fancy, that have lovely soothing ingredients like glycerin, that will be great if you’re using retinol.

 

[noseybirdxo]

Could you share your full routine please? Because your evening routine sounds perfect @noseybirdxo

Sorry for only just getting back to you - it’s been on my mind but kept getting distracted. Ok I’ll share

AM:
Cleanse with La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo
Spray my face with Elemis Ginseng Rehydrating toner (sometimes if I want to save money i’ll use a rose water from ebay - can link if you want but was recommended this by a derm)
Whilst my skin is DAMP !!!! I put eye cream on - I use the Inkey List caffeine eye cream which I like but would like to try something else maybe and then Hado Labo super hydrating lotion on my skin whilst still damp as this really helps the moisture (i really love this!)
Then on alternate days I’ll do one of the following next - If i’ve used retinol the night before I’ll use a vitamin C as this is meant to be beneficial - currently just got a superdrug one but also really like the inkey list vitamin C but I’d like to try the Summer Fridays one eventually but spenny. Or I’ll use a little bit of niacinamide by superdrug again
or some Paula’s choice BHA just in the palm of my hands and patted in (the niacinamide or BHA depends on what i’m upto or how my skin is at the time)
Then I follow with Weleda skin food which is definitely not designed for my skin type (combo) but it’s made a huge difference, I love it. Ive been prone to replacing my moisturizer with an oil some mornings as I just love it hahaha i use either Pai rosehip oil or elemis superfood oil
Then always, always, always SPF 50 - I’m using la roche posay anthelios one at the moment but I loooooooove the Elizabeth Arden city smart prevage one as it has a lovely tint and glow - tend to use that more in the summer/spring months but it is expensive too.

Night time my routine as follows:
Cleanse - Majority of the time I’ll use the elemis rose cleansing balm as a first cleanse
Double cleanse - la roche posay effaclar duo, I double cleanse every night as you should if you wear SPF too. I never stray from these two cleansers, so a balm and a gel into foam cleanser.
Then on nights where I use a retinol I’ll do the following -
Spray with the mists mentioned in my AM routine and then whilst damp i use Retinol eye cream by inkey list and then retinal - I use the medik 8 crystal retinal i’m on number 6 i think? I love this, you don’t need loads and just pat into the skin. I do this every 2-3 nights, I just read my skin really. I let this sit for 20 mins before I apply anything else. Then I’ll apply niacinamide and then the hado labo super hydrating lotion and follow with the weleda skin food again.
On the nights where I don’t use retinol, I will spray my mist and do eye cream and the hado labo and then following with moisturiser and then one of the oils I mentioned and i’ll roller that into my face or instead of spraying i’ll sometimes 1-2 times a week use some Paula’s choice BHA lotion on a cotton pad over my face then the hado labo then moisturiser.

That’s generally it, it works really well for me and took me ages to find something that I love and has benefitted me. As I say, I really just read my skin to see what I feel like it needs! But it makes me feel really good I used to never use oils thinking they’d make my skin more oily but they don’t - my skin type has changed so much over the last year I’m more dry-combo rather than combo-oily now. I get a lot of compliments about my skin now which is lovely after struggling If you’ve got dehydrated skin I reallt recommend the spray & hado labo onto skin whilst damp. I sleep on a silk pillow case too!

Another thread on here as got me considering buying a LED at home mask from Current Body

Does anyone have any recommendations for eye cream (perhaps with retinol)? No wrinkles yes but want to start asap! There’s so much out there that I don’t even know where to start.. Also do we need to use a different one for day/night?

Retinol only use at night, in the day use something different as retinol increases your sensitivity to light hence the recommended for SPF too

 

[under the ivy]

Bought these Lidl Garnier mask dupes today. I bet they’re just as good! Going to try the Sakura one later and use my Gua Sha after.

 

[Nottonightbabe]

Does anyone have any experience with glycolic acid? I use the Vichy ampoules, which are amazing, but so expensive. I need a cheaper alternative?

Superdrug's own, from their Naturally Radiant range. It's a 5% toner, the same strength as the Pixi toner, but I honestly prefer it to Pixi's. So cheap too.