|
Skincare Megathread - It's what's on the outside that counts In light of the handful of questions in other threads about skincare, I've compiled a thread for goons who want better skin, or maybe don't know where to start in the sea of skincare products and advertising.  Not a dermatologist, not a physician, not a biologist, just a guy with a keyboard. I've worked in Sephora and was formally trained by them, as well as did my own reading up from books by Perricone and others, as well as gone through the training and materials of about 30 different brands. This is not intended to be some Goon-doctor-esque thread about the medical science of skin or treating face-dissolving ailments, it's more of a way to streamline things like "what the in hell products do I buy and what products are pieces of poo poo". About Skin SKIN. Just in case you really wanted to know where exactly where sebum is produced or anything. Skin TypeIn order to find what products you need, you absolutely must identify your skin type. There are four basic skin types: Dry, Oily, Combination, and Normal (sometimes called Optimal, but most places don't call it that anymore because it's harder to sell people poo poo when they're told they have "optimal" skin). Your skin type is typically what your skin would "default" to, barring environmental factors like weather. The best way to determine your skin type, is to just stare at yourself in the mirror, and reminisce about how dry or greasy your face is, noting things like pore size and flakes. Someone with dry skin using products for oily skin aren't going to have as good of results, and someone with oily skin using dry products are going to be greasy-faced and more breakout-prone. Dry Dry skin tends to be flaky, and tight, with very few breakouts and small pores, but more prone to redness (rosacia in the extreme). Generally, people with dry skin will be looking into milky cleansers, and non oil-free moisturizers, and will usually exfoliate more. Oily oily skin tends to be shiny or greasy with larger pores, and more prone to breakouts, blemishes, and acne because of increased oil production. Generally, people with oily skin will be looking into foaming cleaners and oil-free moisturizers, as to not add excess oil to their faces. Combination Combo skin is a mixture of dry and oily, with the skin in the T-Zone (the forehead and nose, like the shape of a T) being oily, and the cheeks being dry. Congratulations, you get the worst of both worlds! Generally, people with combo skin will be using the same things as people with oily skin. Normal Normal skin is somewhere in the middle, and most people with normal skin can use just about anything or nothing, so it doesn't matter much. "Sensitive" I put sensitive in quotes for two reasons. One, it's not actually a skin type. Two, I find (women mostly, not intended as sexism) seem to like to think they have sensitive skin because they think it makes them more elegant or something. Some people legitimately have sensitive skin, and that's fine. If you legitimately have sensitive skin all around, you will be using products that cost more and do less. It's in your best interest to try and narrow down what specifically causes reactions, so you can avoid just products of that type (instead of just switching everything to expensive, gentle, natural lines). ProductsCleansers Cleansers are simply washes for your face. For women or punk rock band members, these can also remove makeup. Cleansers are different from other washes because they tend to be gentler and less drying. Cleansers are something where it's okay to go with cheaper on, since the 30-seconds the cleanser is on your face isn't enough time to significantly make a difference with fancy-rear end botanicals or whatever. The downside to cheap is that sometimes they're more drying--something to keep in mind. Cleansing should be the very first step in the routine, even before men (or exceptionally goony women) shave their faces. Some men's cleansers claim to lift the hairs for an easier shave, but I haven't found a difference personally, especially if used with a good shaving cream or a pre-shave oil. Exfoliators Exfoliators are a sort of grainy cleanser, that rubs the dead, flaky skin away from your face to make the fresher (youthful and radiant!) skin underneath more prevalent. You can exfoliate with pretty much anything, some naturals use seeds or sugar for exfoliants, some use jojoba spheres, some really cheap ones probably use sand or something. Cheaper exfoliators generally work just as well as more expensive ones. You need to make a personal decision on how rough of an exfoliant you want. Don't rub your eyelids or below your eyes with them. NOTE: Do NOT use exfoliators with an automatic brush like a Sonicare! It'll make your skin look absolutely flawless, as well as redder than a spanked baboon rear end.Toners/Treatments Toners and Treatments (sometimes "serums" or "correctors") are products that generally have little to no cleansing or moisturizing properties (although there are exceptions), but are made to address a skin issue, such as aging, redness, environmental damage, or acne. These are used after cleansing, before moisturizing. You generally can use more than one. These are not eye creams; do not put them on your eyes. Generally there's two types of serums: Corrective and preventative. Corrective are more expensive and the results are inferior. Retinol systems, scarring/stretch mark treatment, and astringents fall into this category as well. Eye Creams Eye creams are like a specific serum for your eyes. They will help with sagginess, wrinkles, and lightening (preventing or correcting). Major dark circles tend to be genetic, and while products can help some, I've found a lot of people who products just don't combat them significantly (and should break out the concealer). Unless specifically stated otherwise, just put the cream on your orbital bone, and it'll work it's way up where it needs to go. You don't need as much as you'd think. Moisturizers Moisturizers should be used daily, after cleansing and toning, or after showers. Moisturizers with SPF are pretty much universally preferred, unless you're going somewhere dark where you know you're going to have your picture taken with a flash, since it might blow you out in the shot. At the least, moisturizers keep your face from drying out. However most moisturizers nowadays will have vitamins (commonly A/C/E), peptides, collagen boosters, plant extracts (oils, aloe), and other ingredients for secondary benefits. If you have oily skin, opt for an oil-free moisturizer. These generally use glycerin as the moisturizing component to prevent excess oil buildup. Mattifying lotions also exist, for people with exceptionally greasy faces. Moisturizers are divided into day/night. Night moisturizers tend to feel heavier, work more effectively, and lack SPF. If your day moisturizer doesn't have SPF, you'll need to wear a sunscreen on top of it. Order of doing poo pooCleanse Shave routine Tone Moisturize + Eye Cream SPF (if needed) Makeup routine Vogue face in the mirror Remember to step back a few feet when you look at yourself, to make sure you got everything. Acne / BreakoutsBreakouts are caused by a clogging of the pores, which often traps oil under the skin. The P.acnes bacteria plays a role in this, as acne. Breakouts can be hormonal (women on/off birth control, pregnant, on/off periods, puberty-stricken teenagers), or environmental (putting thick hair products in that don't get washed out and slowly make their way down your forehead, rubbing your face in bacon grease). If your breakout is environmental, it's an easy fix. People with thick hair products usually get spots at the top around their hairlines. Just wash your hair and face more, change your pillowcases more if you don't wash it out before you crash. Don't unnecessarily rub your face. If you're one of those people with terrible breakouts and you've tried everything and nothing works, check your diet. If you're eating poo poo, stop eating poo poo. Eat foods high in antioxidants (salmon, blueberries, dark greens, nuts, legumes, unsweetened cranberry juice), and cut way down on sugars, not only sugars like M&Ms, but things that turn into sugar in your bloodstream quickly, like orange juice. Don't exercise or sleep in makeup (exercise with a tinted moisturizer if you can't go out without something). If this doesn't help, it's off to to the dermatologist for you! Change your pillowcase bi/tri weekly. Don't pick your face. Don't over-exfoliate. Don't stop using moisturizers, especially because acne products' ingredients tend to be drying. Most acne products take a number of weeks to work their best, generally 4-6. Some claim to give results in a week, which may or may not be true, depending on the severity of it. You might notice a topological difference in a week, but if you don't, suck it up and keep at it. If you have a sulfur mask (which I recommend), put it on your hot spots only. You can generally leave them on overnight. If you put it on your whole face, it'll dry the gently caress out of it when you wake up. Quick incomplete list of (active) ingredients Blemish-relatedGlycolic Acid: Helps unbind and remove dead skin Salicylic Acid: Removes excess oil inside pores Willow Bark Extract: Like a natural salicylic acid, can be good for sensitivities Benzoyl Peroxide: Combats p.acnes bacteria. Can be drying. Hydrogen Peroxide: Anti-Microbial, can be good for sensitivities. Sulfur: Dries up oil (good in masks), very drying. Aging-relatedAntioxidants: Free radical neutralization, cellular repair. Retinol: Improves cellular metabolism (turnover). Makes you photosensitive. Peptides: Complicated protein-structure explination, just know that they're made to improve collagen and elasticin. DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol): Used for skin firming. Hyperpigmentation(unevenness/spottiness)-relatedHydroquinone: Skin lightener. Arguably safe. Kojic Acid: Natural skin brigtener. Arubitun, Licorice, mulberry, soy, viniferine also used. Vitamin C: Brigtening antioxidant, damage protector. Retinol: Also helps even out skin tone. Still makes you photosensitive. OthersHylauronic Acid (Hyaluronan): Moisturizing agent, helps bind/retain water. Aloe: Skin soother, good for inflamation (and sunburns). Also Rose, Green Tea, Lavender, Chamomile. Alpha Lipoic Acid: Antioxidant. Dimethecone: Moisturzing agent. FAQCan I mix and match brands? Say, use cleanser from brand X, and moisturizer from brand Y? Yes. The only real advantage to using the same brand for everything, is that often you can find packs of the whole line for cheaper, and it does help streamline your product selections. I got a breakout from using product X Stop using it. If you can identify what made you break out, get something without it. Generally, you can try using something more natural, or using something more clinical if it was a natural line. What's this about deep penetrating  products that go to the lower layers of your skin? Nothing that penetrates the dermis is not available over-the-counter, per US regulation. Some products (like Perricone) claim to affect it, but I remain skeptical. Where should I shop in-person for products? The only places I'm familliar with are Sephora, Ulta, and department stores. I can tell you that Sephora workers get no direct commission, and will let you return anything, even used, even with no receipt. My only complaints with department stores are that the salespeople will often try to get you to buy an entire line from them, instead of sucking it up and admitting that a competitors product might be a better choice for you in some cases. Are cheap target/walmart products as good as fancy-rear end French monastary monk-created ones? Generally, I'd say cleansers and exfoliators are okay to go cheap on, but for moisturizers and treatments, I'd spend the extra. What about designer lines? I don't have much experience with them. I don't think that they're bad lines, although I haven't used them enough to know if they're worth the cost. I know people who swear by Dior though. What about Proactiv? I have no experience with Proactiv, although from people I know, it doesn't seem to work any better or worse than something like Murad, just better advertised (Katy Perry) and more visible. I would say I hear the same amount of people saying brand X works/doesn't work, as any other brand. How often should I exfoliate? Twiceish a weekish. How often should I use masks? Onceish a weekish. I am a knocked up goonette, should I- Doctor. Also, make sure you're on top of treatments to help with stretch marks and scarring. It's also not uncommon for women to develop hyperpigmentation. What about mens skin? It is a well-documented fact that men using products that aren't packaged as being for MEN ONLY are the leading cause of catching THE HOMOGAY. If you don't want to catch THE HOMOGAY, I would stay away from the FAIRY-rear end fragrance-free, unisex products. Cleanse your face with motor oil and exfoliate with chest hair. Should I use any hardware? I'm a fan of the Clairsonic Skincare Brush. It's like a giant electric toothbrush for your face, but I feel like it really does make a difference worth the investment. It's waterproof, so you can use it in the shower. The Mia is the smaller, cheaper one, with a lower-quality motor. Not what I'd use for my day-to-day, but good for travel. This product says fragrance-free, but it smells like oranges! It has no ingredients added purely for fragrance. How often should I have SPF on my face? Always. Exceptions are any time you know you for certain you will have your picture taken and the picture is more important than the days sun protection (EG, wedding photo). Always moisturize with SPF after using anything anti-aging, some ingredients (like retinol) make you photosensitive. Quick Product PicksNot an all-inclusive list. Links are to Sephora.com just because I know their inventory. Most lines can be found and multiple retailers, and can be bought online from their individual sites. Cleansers Normal/Dry: Anthony Glycolic Cleanser Philsophy Purity Made Simple Fresh Soy Face cleanser Oily/Combo: Caudalie Foaming Cleanser Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash Moisturizers Normal/Dry: Philosophy Hope In A Jar Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Ole Hendricksen Sheer Transformation Oily/Combo: Skyn Iceland Pure Cloud Cream Anthony Facial Moisturizer Night: Ole Hendricksen Invigorating Night Gel Caudalie Vinoperfect Philisophy When Hope Is Not Enough Korres Quercetin & Oak Antiwrinkle Night Cream Exfoliants Fresh Soy Face Exfoliant Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Exfoliating Cream Philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Face Wash Treatments Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Eyes Korres Quercetin & Oak Antiageing Antiwrinkle Eye Cream Fresh Lotus Eye Gel Clinique All About Eyes Ole Hendricksen Ultimate Lift Eye Gel Perricone Cold Plasma Eye (Smells TERRIBLE, but very effective) Acne DDF Sulfur Theraputic Mask Murad Clarifying Cleanser Boscia Willow Bark Breakout Treatment Murad Live Clear Acne Complex Kit Bliss No Zit Sherlock Kit LinksSephora Skincare Ulta Skincare Amazon Beauty PRADA SLUT fucked around with this message at Jul 16, 2011 around 01:24 |
| # ? Jan 7, 2011 03:07 |
|
|
|
| # ? May 24, 2013 01:57 |
|
|
Reserved.
|
| # ? Jan 7, 2011 03:07 |
|
|
I discovered men's facial care in college. Although I catch poo poo for it sometimes it's all in a joking way. Basically, I use mostly drug store products. I am not sure how much of the success is attributable to going from 18 to 21 over time or just starting to eat better and care more about my appearance after high school, but ultimately I have been doing a routine throughout college that amounts to using Nivea for Men Oil Control face wash. If I am about to shave I use Nivea For Men Exfoliating Energizing Scrub. I also use a shaving cream with no oils and dyes in it. I splash Witch Hazel on my face every day. I know I am not following the rules exactly (no moisturizing), but it works for me. Witch Hazel is the best toner/astringent in my opinion because it is cheap and it works and it doesn't have anything extra in it. It is great for after shaving because it closes nicks and smooths your skin and I use it after showering/washing my face just to close my pores up. I started my search way back because I had a greasy forehead and would often get acne there and around my mouth. I also have a tendency for dry skin in my hands and sometimes my face so I am not too sure what I am specifically.
|
| # ? Jan 7, 2011 20:26 |
|
|
Is there any other reason to use products other than cetaphil as far as cleanser and moisturizer are concerned? Seems to be what dermatologists recommends all the time and it's not expensive.
|
| # ? Jan 7, 2011 20:35 |
|
|
KingColliwog posted:Is there any other reason to use products other than cetaphil as far as cleanser and moisturizer are concerned? Seems to be what dermatologists recommends all the time and it's not expensive. I found Ceraphil's foaming cleanser to be really drying for me. I don't think there's anything inherently wrong with their moisturizers, but I prefer using something with extras (vitamins, antioxidants, anti-aging/inflammatory ingredients), and I like the lighter-weight feel of things like the Cloud Cream. That being said, if you're using it and happy with it, that's fine, although I'd grab a bottle of nicer stuff one time to give it a shot, and if you like Cetaphil more then stick with it. I switched from Vaseline body lotion ($7) to Jack Black Cool Moisture ($23) and never looked back.
|
| # ? Jan 7, 2011 22:30 |
|
|
I use only the 3-step line of Clinique products (soap, cleanser, moisturizer, then All About Eyes), but I'm always open for suggestions if there's something better out there. I don't mind spending extra on something if it works better. I have normal skin, but I also live in New Mexico.
|
| # ? Jan 8, 2011 08:09 |
|
|
The girls over at the make up thread swear by CeraVe moisturizer for dry skin. I just started using it and I actually do like it better than Philosophy's Hope in a Jar so far.
|
| # ? Jan 8, 2011 12:24 |
|
|
My skin is unfortunate in that I have acne but both benzol peroxide and salicylic acid cause it to break out even more than usual. Is there some third option that I should be looking out for? Right now I just use cetaphil face wash which keeps things pretty under control, but if I could eradicate the acne entirely that would be awesome.
|
| # ? Jan 9, 2011 03:19 |
|
|
Here's what I've learned from taking an esthetician course: Toners/astringents are actually to bring the skins pH level back to it's natural level after cleansing. Cleansers are more alkaline (to remove the crap off your face) while the pH of skin is closer to 5. pH 1 [acid] - - - - pH Skin (5) - - pH distilled water (7) - - - - - - - - - pH 14 [alkaline) When your skin is constantly stripped of its acid mantle and too many alkaline products are used, this can wreak havoc on skin (mainly in the form of acne breakouts). Toners are pretty important in skin care, unless you're using a cleanser that is low enough pH (however, I doubt it can cleanse the skin very well).
|
| # ? Jan 9, 2011 03:20 |
|
|
ChirpChirpCheep posted:My skin is unfortunate in that I have acne but both benzol peroxide and salicylic acid cause it to break out even more than usual. Is there some third option that I should be looking out for? Right now I just use cetaphil face wash which keeps things pretty under control, but if I could eradicate the acne entirely that would be awesome. Which specific benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid products are you using, and what kind of breakouts do you have with your skin? Also, what is your skin type?
|
| # ? Jan 9, 2011 03:21 |
|
|
Murad is terrible and everyone knows it. Even the Sephora employees. Save your money, frustration and time and try Proactiv before you use Murad. So here's my question (prefaced by the fact I am a skincare geek): I've used way more skincare products than anyone my age should, and I've found that DDF's glycolic acid 5% wash has been the most effective cleanser in terms of acne removal when coupled with a grain exfoliator as well. Am I going to scrub my skin off? I'm of really fair complexion and I burn easily, but I don't live anywhere hot. Basically I'm just concerned about whether I should be wary of the effects of exfoliating this much, since 90% of my acne is caused by clogged pores. My current skincare regime is Philosophy's Purity 2x a day, Hope in a Jar 2x a day, DDF glycolic acid wash and Laura Mercier exfoliant 3x a week, Laura Mercier Rich toner on the days I exfoliate, and adapalene cream (Differin) when I break out. My SPF is from my makeup (primarily Bareminerals). P.S. If I already knew everything in your post with no formal training yet, do you think I've got a fair shot at a job at Sephora? Tshirt Ninja fucked around with this message at Jan 9, 2011 around 03:43 |
| # ? Jan 9, 2011 03:38 |
|
|
Par Avion posted:Which specific benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid products are you using, and what kind of breakouts do you have with your skin? Also, what is your skin type? I have combination skin. Acne products- the most recent ones I've tried were Proactiv, Neutrogena's oil free acne wash line, and the Clean and Clear acne control kit. The Proactiv worked for about two weeks and then my entire face became oily and erupted into big cystlike pimples and red bumps (sorry for the lack of technical terminology), same with the clean and clear, and the neutrogena made my face really dry and irritated, plus red bumps. The breakouts I get have actually changed over time. I used to get cystlike pimples and whiteheads on my cheeks and forehead, but over time that's changed into red bumps and cystlike pimples on my chin and jawline/mouth. It's not super bad or anything, but it gets better/worse depending how close I am to my period- the closer the better, the farther the worse.
|
| # ? Jan 9, 2011 03:44 |
|
|
Tshirt Ninja posted:Murad is terrible and everyone knows it. Even the Sephora employees. Save your money, frustration and time and try Proactiv before you use Murad. That is not excessive exfoliation, don't worry. However I'd use a higher spf sunscreen during the day to prevent any pigmentation on your newly exfoliated skin. Note: My esthetician friends do not recommend proactiv at all. It is way too harsh and drying for most people. I don't know about Murad, but if Proactiv is better then I'd definitely skip both brands.
|
| # ? Jan 9, 2011 03:44 |
|
|
ChirpChirpCheep posted:I have combination skin. So (according to your previous post) right now you're using Cetaphil cleanser, correct? If you like that cleanser, stick with it and use a toner (witch hazel is nice and cheap, apply it to a cotton pad and sweep over your face) after you cleanse. I think the products you used were way too harsh for your skin, hence the drying out and breakouts. Have you tried using a glycolic acid product? Glycolic acid helps exfoliate your skin and works for a lot of acne sufferers who don't get any relief from BP or SA (I am one of them). I'd just use it at night and wear a good sunscreen during the day. Let me know if you need any product recommendations.
|
| # ? Jan 9, 2011 03:50 |
|
|
Par Avion posted:That is not excessive exfoliation, don't worry. However I'd use a higher spf sunscreen during the day to prevent any pigmentation on your newly exfoliated skin. Thanks. I live in the Northeast, we've only got sun for three months of the year, and I generally layer SPF 15 Bareminerals with an SPF moisturizer then too. I've heard New Proactiv is terrible, but I haven't used it. The old Proactiv was harsh at first but my skin adjusted with liberal use of the third step, the lotion. edit: Here's my Murad horror story. I bought the whole basic acne line, and was told my skin may have to go through an adjustment/purging period. I figured that was okay, I was consistent and could probably get rid of any acne that popped up while the Murad dredged up oil from the depths of the fiery hell that were my pores even though my skin wasn't too bad to start. I thought I was prepared. What I wasn't prepared for was two months of the worst breakout I've ever experienced or seen, and it was on my own face. After the first week of horrible, inflamed monster acne, I started to have my doubts about the 'purging' and cut my losses and quit using the products. But the breakout persisted. For weeks, and weeks, and weeks. It's been more than a year and I still have scarring from the breakouts that Murad caused. I went back to Sephora and was told that some people 'never got over the purging period'. Right. The happy ending is that Sephora has a silly excellent return policy. edit 2: What does Sephora do with all their returns?? In my head I picture some huge warehouse full of returned products and the stores call into it for display products when theirs get too gross. Tshirt Ninja fucked around with this message at Jan 9, 2011 around 04:00 |
| # ? Jan 9, 2011 03:50 |
|
|
At what point should someone consider Accutane? I've been fighting cystic acne on my face, chest, and back for the better part of a decade and nothing seems to work long term. I've done the acne.org method for the past few years and at best I can see a temporary improvement. After using any product for a while the effectiveness fades and I go right back to where I was. I went to a dermatologist about a month ago and they gave me an antibiotic, cleanser, Ziana and Aczone. Just like with benzoyl peroxide, I saw a temporary improvement and now it's right back to where it was. My dermatologist is against prescribing Accutane because of all the potential side effects but I really don't want to keep bullshitting when I know that Accutane has a high success rate. Should I find a dermatologist who is more open to Accutane or am I being a baby about this?
|
| # ? Jan 9, 2011 03:52 |
|
|
internet celebrity posted:At what point should someone consider Accutane? I've been fighting cystic acne on my face, chest, and back for the better part of a decade and nothing seems to work long term. I've done the acne.org method for the past few years and at best I can see a temporary improvement. After using any product for a while the effectiveness fades and I go right back to where I was. I went to a dermatologist about a month ago and they gave me an antibiotic, cleanser, Ziana and Aczone. Just like with benzoyl peroxide, I saw a temporary improvement and now it's right back to where it was. My dermatologist is against prescribing Accutane because of all the potential side effects but I really don't want to keep bullshitting when I know that Accutane has a high success rate. Should I find a dermatologist who is more open to Accutane or am I being a baby about this? Didn't they pull Accutane off the market? Or are you a goon outside the US? :] You actually sound like a good candidate for Accutane for me. If you're female, I'd suggest trying to get a perscription for spironolactone before you try the 'tane (both have side-effects, but Accutane tends to be much worse).
|
| # ? Jan 9, 2011 03:56 |
|
|
Never. Never take Accutane. I've heard only terrible things. If the FDA hasn't banned it yet they should/are going to.
|
| # ? Jan 9, 2011 03:58 |
|
|
On pure opinion, I like the new Bliss acne system. I'm not sure how well it works on someone with severe acne, but I've used it when I've had small spots here and there and it seemed to work for me (along with the DDF mask). I also think the Clairsonic makes a difference, especially used in the shower. Tshirt Ninja posted:So here's my question (prefaced by the fact I am a skincare geek): I've used way more skincare products than anyone my age should, and I've found that DDF's glycolic acid 5% wash has been the most effective cleanser in terms of acne removal when coupled with a grain exfoliator as well. Am I going to scrub my skin off? I'm of really fair complexion and I burn easily, but I don't live anywhere hot. Basically I'm just concerned about whether I should be wary of the effects of exfoliating this much, since 90% of my acne is caused by clogged pores. My current skincare regime is Philosophy's Purity 2x a day, Hope in a Jar 2x a day, DDF glycolic acid wash and Laura Mercier exfoliant 3x a week, Laura Mercier Rich toner on the days I exfoliate, and adapalene cream (Differin) when I break out. My SPF is from my makeup (primarily Bareminerals). If you're exfoliating 3 times a week and using a glycolic cleanser, I don't see any reason why things wouldn't be fine, unless your exfoliator is exceptionally harsh or something. Exfoliating keeps acne away from clogged pores from excess dead skin buildup. Your skin only dies so fast, so theres a point where exfoliating isn't realistically doing anything more. I use a glycolic cleanser daily and exfoliate about 3x a week too. Tshirt Ninja posted:edit 2: What does Sephora do with all their returns?? In my head I picture some huge warehouse full of returned products and the stores call into it for display products when theirs get too gross. Depending on the product, it'll either get turned into a tester in-store, or thrown away. Tshirt Ninja posted:P.S. If I already knew everything in your post with no formal training yet, do you think I've got a fair shot at a job at Sephora? I don't see why not, but you'll make more money working for a brand instead. PRADA SLUT fucked around with this message at Jan 9, 2011 around 04:35 |
| # ? Jan 9, 2011 04:14 |
|
|
Thanks! Bliss and Philosophy are my two go-to brands for myself and for recommendations, especially if they're available on the cheap. For mild acne, it seems very medicated products can cause more problems than they solve, but the Bliss and Philosophy cleansing and acne systems are all pretty mild. I really want a Clarisonic, but I can never justify spending so much money when I only get hormonal breakouts any more.
|
| # ? Jan 9, 2011 04:40 |
|
|
wacky posted:I also have a tendency for dry skin in my hands and sometimes my face so I am not too sure what I am specifically. I absolutely swear by the Jack Black Hand Healer hand cream. It smells like RUGGED MANLY EUCALIPTUS and really makes a difference. The Cool Moisture body lotion is fantastic too.
|
| # ? Jan 9, 2011 04:44 |
|
|
What's your opinion on Paula Begoun and her books/products? She seems to know her stuff. edit: your order of doing stuff doesn't include night? I just kind of asked this same thing in womens fashion, but I figured this thread would be more specific. I grew up with zero feminine training. 
ladyweapon fucked around with this message at Jan 9, 2011 around 04:57 |
| # ? Jan 9, 2011 04:49 |
|
|
Tshirt Ninja posted:I really want a Clarisonic, but I can never justify spending so much money when I only get hormonal breakouts any more. I break out less than goons get laid, but the Clairsonic is still a great investment. It's one of those things where until you actually use one, you'll just have no idea how much you'd like it. It's like switching to an electric toothbrush. For your face. In the shower.
|
| # ? Jan 9, 2011 04:50 |
|
|
I think I might get a Mia. Anyway, do you know much about depilatories? I want one that's not as strong as Nair since my hair is fine but still needs to go, and Nair burns me before it's gone.
|
| # ? Jan 9, 2011 05:06 |
|
|
I'd get a big one over a Mia, for the extra fifty bucks or whatever. It's got 3-speeds, a better motor, and a charging base.
|
| # ? Jan 9, 2011 05:19 |
|
|
Edit: I'm an idiot, misread.
|
| # ? Jan 9, 2011 05:22 |
|
|
Par Avion posted:Didn't they pull Accutane off the market? Or are you a goon outside the US? :] Nope, at least not in my state, I have a cousin who started taking it a couple months ago. It is a lot more restricted now. They used to prescribe it to everyone but now it's reserved as a last resort for severe cases. There are a ton of hoops you have to jump through (psychological examination, blood work, pregnancy tests) but it's definitely still available.
|
| # ? Jan 9, 2011 07:48 |
|
|
How do I get rid of blackheads? My nose is covered in them. They're too small to squeeze after the shower and there are too many for those pore strips. I also have problems with milia around my eyelids and fainter milia at the tops of my cheekbones. Some of the bigger ones have occasionally dried out and I've popped others with scissors, but more grow in their place. Is there a way to get rid of them without a doctor? Can I prevent them from occurring?
|
| # ? Jan 9, 2011 09:01 |
|
|
Totoro posted:How do I get rid of blackheads? My nose is covered in them. They're too small to squeeze after the shower and there are too many for those pore strips. Have you tried those strips you can get at a drugstore that sort of glue themselves to your face and then you peel them off in 15 minutes, hopefully with the blackhead? I once had s blackhead as a kid on my nose and my mom successfully used this method on me. However it took a few tries and the final try, we didn't wash my face before hand as we were instructed. I've never been sure if that made a difference.
|
| # ? Jan 9, 2011 10:43 |
|
|
internet celebrity posted:At what point should someone consider Accutane? I've been fighting cystic acne on my face, chest, and back for the better part of a decade and nothing seems to work long term. I've done the acne.org method for the past few years and at best I can see a temporary improvement. After using any product for a while the effectiveness fades and I go right back to where I was. I went to a dermatologist about a month ago and they gave me an antibiotic, cleanser, Ziana and Aczone. Just like with benzoyl peroxide, I saw a temporary improvement and now it's right back to where it was. My dermatologist is against prescribing Accutane because of all the potential side effects but I really don't want to keep bullshitting when I know that Accutane has a high success rate. Should I find a dermatologist who is more open to Accutane or am I being a baby about this? Find a dermatologist that will get you Accutane. Accutane is safe and EXTREMELY effective as long as you moisturize and sunscreen properly all the loving time and drink little to no alcohol. Also pay attention to anything that has warnings about being hard on your liver and steer clear from those while on Accutane. Any good Derm will also send you for blood tests once a month when you get your script for Accutane to make sure that your liver is functioning normally and everything is good. If you're worried about the mythical suicide risk, don't be. There was a study that came out just recently about Accutane basically saying that the highest percentages of suicide occurred months after the last dose of Accutane was taken. Accutane takes about a month to completely leave your system. If you've ever dealt with bad acne you know that it's really depressing, so after a person takes what is considered to be the final solution to the acne problem, and it doesn't work, they're going to be feeling pretty loving depressed. Accutane often takes multiple runs to completely get rid of your acne. So I would suggest you find a prescription as soon as possible. One run is usually 4 to 6 months and in first few weeks the acne often gets worse but it soon clears up within the next week or so.
|
| # ? Jan 10, 2011 04:12 |
|
|
I'm going to chime in and say DON'T take Accutane. My best friend became suicidal shortly after beginning it, and even attempted to kill herself by overdosing but thankfully got to a hospital in time. She's been on antidepressants ever since, but was not depressed, let alone a suicide risk, before starting Accutane. She's got no family history of depression or suicide. There are other ways to combat acne that don't run the risk of causing you to become suicidal.
|
| # ? Jan 10, 2011 04:50 |
|
|
Why are night moisturizes so great? I get that you don't need the SPF, but is there any tangible benefit?
|
| # ? Jan 10, 2011 05:19 |
|
|
internet celebrity posted:At what point should someone consider Accutane? I've been fighting cystic acne on my face, chest, and back for the better part of a decade and nothing seems to work long term. I'd love to tackle your problem with more detail if you're open to trying some stuff from Lush (handmade hippie stuff). If so go ahead and let me know more about your skin -- what it's like (oily, dry, etc), what exactly you do to it, what you use on it... that sort of thing. Totoro posted:How do I get rid of blackheads? My nose is covered in them. They're too small to squeeze after the shower and there are too many for those pore strips. For both of those problems if you want to tackle them at home, I highly recommend you steam your face first. Bowl of hot steaming water + Towel to drape over your head + 10 minutes = Gaping wide pores ready to ooze out crap. If you have fresh rosemary or rosemary oil, or lavender oil, feel free to either crush some bits of it in there or put 4 - 5 drops in the bowl before doing so. Rosemary helps with oil and lavender balances/soothes/heals. Combine them if you like, it's not like bleach and ammonia. Really stubborn blackheads will benefit from the use of an extraction tool found at your local drugstore. It's so gross but also awesome to push junk out of your pores and marvel at how disgusting your body is. Otherwise, for both problems, try a simple Aspirin/honey face mask. Either crush up some Aspirin (real Aspirin, not Aleeve or anything yellow and different) or put some B.C. Powder (powdered Aspirin, woop) in a tiny dish, add a bit of honey to make a paste, and add a drop or three of water to thin it out. Apply to the face with circling motions to exfoliate -- focusing on the blackhead areas of course -- and let sit for 10 minutes. Aspirin is a natural source of Salicylic Acid, and honey is not only anti-bacterial/microbial but also has healing benefits. Rinse the mask off, possibly with the aid of a warm washcloth, and then tone/moisturize as usual. Milia seem to be connected with either heavy sun damage or excessive product used on the face, or just because you have lovely luck. You can give it a go with an extraction tool on them after the mask step, but I highly recommend going to your derm or to get a (good quality) facial to let them take care of it -- the risk of scarring from messing it up is kind of high and, while chicks dig scars, they dig cool scars. Not dumb scars. I do also have to plug LUSH's Mask of Magnaminty for the blackheads. You can even use it on your back if you have gross backheads (is that a term, I hope so). Seriously, I had such a time with them on my nose and this poo poo just sucks them right out. Use it a few times a week if you want -- the large tub is enough for three full face masks for three months. Also helps with making your pores look nice and tiny instead of the aforementioned gaping. Kahlua fucked around with this message at Jan 10, 2011 around 07:12 |
| # ? Jan 10, 2011 07:05 |
|
|
OKAY HI THERE sorry to hijack this thread, prada slut you are doing a fine job. I work at Lush (been there over a year) and I talk to people about their skin all freaking day so I just can't stop myself. I would also be more than glad to recommend some expensive hippie products for your list in the first post, btw. bishnu posted:Why are night moisturizes so great? I get that you don't need the SPF, but is there any tangible benefit? Just because you're passed out doesn't mean your skin gets a break from losing moisture. If your goal is to keep your skin super healthy AND to prevent wrinkles, the key is to keep your face moisturized. Wrinkling is caused by a hardening of the skin, which happens over time due to sun exposure and loss of moisture. Lots of people don't do it and that's okay! I forget or am too lazy to do it a lot. The point is, it keeps your skin hydrated so you look good.
|
| # ? Jan 10, 2011 07:23 |
|
|
Kahlua posted:OKAY HI THERE sorry to hijack this thread, prada slut you are doing a fine job. I work at Lush (been there over a year) and I talk to people about their skin all freaking day so I just can't stop myself. I would also be more than glad to recommend some expensive hippie products for your list in the first post, btw. I don't mind. It's just a general list I made from the products that I had experience with. Also to note, I shop at an Express that's right next to a Lush, and my wool jacket from Express smells like Lush whenever it gets wet. bishnu posted:Why are night moisturizes so great? I get that you don't need the SPF, but is there any tangible benefit? Also to note, night moisturizers can be heavier, since you're not going to be wearing it around during the day. PRADA SLUT fucked around with this message at Jan 10, 2011 around 10:28 |
| # ? Jan 10, 2011 10:14 |
|
|
Would cold cream qualify as a cleanser if you're not wearing any makeup? I've heard it described both ways.
|
| # ? Jan 10, 2011 16:19 |
|
|
Oily or combination skin? Try bentonite clay. This brand in particular is pure bentonite clay, it's the cheapest I can find and it works beautifully mixed with water or apple cider vinegar - make a thinnish liquid, apply, let dry and rinse off with warm water. I use it once a week, then follow up with a pore strip, and it's done a real number on my blackheads. A little dab on a pimple helps clear it up, too. I've been using witch hazel as a toner with great success, too. Kahlua, I have problems with Lush products making my skin and hair dry/flaky because they all contain sulfates or silicones, and I haven't been able to find any unscented moisturizers there that also has SPF, any tips? I love how the place smells but I hate what it does to my skin.
|
| # ? Jan 10, 2011 19:31 |
|
|
PRADA SLUT posted:I don't mind. It's just a general list I made from the products that I had experience with. Awesome, I'll whip up some additions with links. I would say WOAH WEIRD about your jacket but 1) the Lush I work at is ACROSS from an Express not next to, and 2) I will walk through my store to put my stuff down and head to sbux where everyone in there will go "omg you smell so good" IT WAS LIKE 10 SECONDS EXPOSURE. demozthenes posted:Kahlua, I have problems with Lush products making my skin and hair dry/flaky because they all contain sulfates or silicones, and I haven't been able to find any unscented moisturizers there that also has SPF, any tips? I love how the place smells but I hate what it does to my skin. I can't think of any products that have silicone in them, but our products with nettle include silicon which is one of the reasons we use it -- they're very different, as one is what my iPhone case is made of and the other is a natural component good for your nails.  As for sulfates, they're only used in products to induce lathering as a surfactant. Unfortuantely that does mean that they're found in all of our shampoos, however the reason we use them is because out of all the other lathering agents out there, sodium laurel sulfate has been around the longest and has had the most safety studies. For some people, sulfates do dry out their hair, but I've mostly found that issue in African Americans for some reason. In the event you want to try out a different Lush shampoo/conditioner combo and you're concerned about overdrying, I would recommend pairing our two most moisturizing products: Curly Wurly, a shampoo meant for curly hair (with dessicated coconut pieces), and Retread, our thickest conditioner with melon and yogurt. The Godiva shampoo bar is also very moisturizing. If you have a Lush near you, tell them to whip you up samples of them at the suggestion of a stranger on the internet. As for your skin, all of our moisturizers are unscented. Like Prada Slut said up top, that just means that there's no added scents, so the ingredients themselves make up the smell of the moisturizers. We have two SPF-equivalent moisturizers at the moment, since Ultralight just got discontinued  Skin Nanny, which is quite thick but can obviously be used in small amounts to achieve a lighter coat. I love this moisturizer even though I don't have dry skin. SPF-equivalent of 20, I believe. Paradise Regained might sound like it's just for old ladies but it's totally not. Not as thick as Skin Nanny, this is a good match for combo skin or skin that is sometimes dry but not always. For oilier skin this would work if you use a tiny dab. So basically, the moisturizers don't have sulfates, only products that lather. *(I say SPF-equivalent because the FDA requires that all SPF products are tested on animals, and Lush has an extremely strict NO TESTING ON ANIMALS policy.) Kahlua fucked around with this message at Jan 10, 2011 around 23:08 |
| # ? Jan 10, 2011 22:56 |
|
|
Well I have eczema, how am I supposed to even HOMOGAY now?
|
| # ? Jan 11, 2011 01:34 |
|
|
|
| # ? May 24, 2013 01:57 |
|
|
MaSteRMaSteR posted:Well I have eczema, how am I supposed to even HOMOGAY now? Look for moisturizing products with oatmilk. Oatmeal is really good at soothing itching. Actually you can buy a big tub of oatmeal, tie some off in a cheesecloth, drop it in the tub and take a nice relaxing bath. Be sure to moisturize as soon as you're out of the bath to lock in that moisture that your skin absorbed. Is it all over or relegated one area of your body? How severe is it? Do you have bad reactions to other products?
|
| # ? Jan 11, 2011 04:48 |
|
