suncream, zits and wrinkles: rolling skincare thread?

when i was in hawaii i got an awful 3rd degree burn (from hot oil, not the sun) but there were tons of aloe plants everywhere and so i just put that on it constantly. i have no scar from it (which is amazing, it was a huge burn).

guys i just made my first sephora order. now i know what youre all talking about with the samples you get. excited!

also found out there is a sephora right here in little rock. who knew?

I get little bumpy spots on my forehead, you can't really see them, but they still piss me off. I have very short hair, don't use gel, wash hair with Vosene and face with witch doctor face scrub every day... but they don't go away!

What to do?

it may be from heat/sweating? try to stay dry. or you may be over-cleansing/scrubbing.

sunny i didn't know you were in little rock! one of my good friends lives down there

So hydroquinone is supposed to be evil and carcinogenic right? I am trying to fade a couple discolored spots on my legs (leftover from ingrown hairs) and I'm wondering if this is a bad idea...

it may be from heat/sweating? try to stay dry. or you may be over-cleansing/scrubbing.

If you're using all that stuff regularly then yes, I think that could be your problem. I would avoid using anything abrasive on them.

No no all he said was he uses a certain shampoo and a witch hazel toner, that's not much at all -- in fact, only one facial product!

Bodrick, impossible to say, really, but start trying things. Is your pillowcase clean? Do you touch your face during the day? Drink a few glasses of water a day? Maybe try giving up caffeine for two weeks and see if that makes a difference, etc etc etc. Think of it as an exciting experiment.

Or stop the witch hazel and try an exfoliant like the St Ives apricot scrub -- it's not fancy and some people don't like it, but it's not a bad start. (I don't want to give anyone sticker shock by recommending a $30 tub of something.)

A little bit of baking soda mixed with soap/cleanser does a nice job of gently exfoliating. That apricot stuff has really large granules and I heard that's not so good for skin, being so abrasive. Also bs is so cheap it's almost free.

iirc, Colette taught me this trick!

Is your friend as sweet as you, Surm?

Yeah, I love the St Ives for my face, but then I use corn meal on my body and that's even scratchier (I love scratchy). I think Julia told me about the baking soda! It's a Chicago thing, apparently. But the baking soda is too fine for me and I never feel smooth after using.

Ouch!

No no all he said was he uses a certain shampoo and a witch hazel toner, that's not much at all -- in fact, only one facial product!

Ah, I didn't really read it and thought Vosene was some kind of American cleanser that sounded very chemical!

St Ives apricot scrub -- it's not fancy and some people don't like it

Why not? (ah I see that this has been answered) I think I can get that here and if it's good for blackheads?

Actually what is good for blackheads and sensitive skin?

A little bit of baking soda mixed with soap/cleanser does a nice job of gently exfoliating.

Wouldn't it burn the face off you? Ah, I see not.

I am like Laurel, I prefer something that has a bit of 'bite' but sadly that wreaks havoc on my skin. There was a very good exfoliator a while ago that I stole from someone, I wonder if I can still find it and buy more.

I with Laurel on this too. I like feel like im taking a few layers of skin off.

has anyone ever had a lactic peel? there is some spa offering them for $50 for the month of july which is half of what it usually costs, but i'm afraid my skin is too sensitive. it's supposed to be less intense than a glycolic peel though.

listen dudes, i like the scratchy and i like the feeling of taking off dead layers of skin, but liking it doesn't make it good for my skin. i only use baking soda on the face because it's sensitive. on the rest of me i would happily use a sandblaster, but i settle for some crappy scrubbing thing i got at marshalls.

let me add that i enjoy exfoliating so much that i bought the god-forsaken ped-egg, and it wasn't tuff enough for me! in fact, it sucked and didn't take off but the top layer of dead foot skin. not recommended!

I'm thinking with my results from the peroxide set that my skin doesn't need DRYING, per se, but it does need sterilization ALL THE TIME. It's just so prone to infection and dead-cell/oil build-up, it has to be germ- and sweat-free as much as I can manage. The scratchier exfoliators take off the right amt of skin for me, I think. Not for everyone, though, for sure.

this afternoon, i got the aveda pads that rrrobyn (fellow sensitive-skin sufferer) mentioned upthread. the combination of sunscreen/chlorine/saltwater/sun has really done a number on my complexion, so i'm hoping these will help sort things out. definitely pricey, but the saleswoman recommended tearing them in half and then using a cotton ball to soak up leftover product once the pads are gone.

yeah, i cut them in half. discovered also that i can only use them like twice a week because they were causing sensitivities blargh. but they still work.

i need to do some kind of experiment where i go live in a dry climate for a few months or damn even a few weeks and see what happens to my skin. i wonder if it wld be good? i have never lived or even visited anywhere that didn't have some kind of humidity and/or regular precipitation!

i figured i'd try using them 2-3 times a week... really hope they don't end aggravating the problem.

Style, what do i buy for my face? I am generally neither greasy nor dry, but I do work out a lot so I am frequently sweaty.

I want to keep from getting wrinkles, and have never applied cream or lotion except for in the incident of sunburn.

What should my regimen be? (I am poor, btw.)

Gentle cleanser, antioxidant (Vit. C or copper peptide serum), sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, Rx retinol (retin A, tazorac, etc.).

But mostly sunscreen. A#1 ultimate most important thing!

why am i breaking out on my forehead? just tiny little bumps. this never, ever happens. i am concerned.

My skin got really bad lately and I realized I had forgotten to change towels, sheets, as often as usual because of not being at home all the time now. So when I start getting little bumps and annoying redness it's usu b/c of linens and things that touch my skin.

yeah that can make a big difference - did i already talk about how you can add 1/2 tsp of bleach, heavily diluted in a small container of water (like a small plastic container from yogurt or whatever) and add that to the soap while the washing machine is beginning to fill up, then add clothes - doesn't affect coloured fabrics and kills bacteria/mildew/etc - esp good for washing towels and sheets.

my skin is ok these days tho still not perfect or anything and still really sensitive. i find i can only use the aveda salicylic acid pads once every two weeks, and i should probably not wear make-up but i mean damn i work in an office and also like to look somewhat polished despite my hippie leanings. using the weleda salt toothpaste has made a noticable difference in breakouts around mouth though!

rrob, those aveda outer peace pads have really worked well for me. i've cut them in half and use a half every day or every other day, and so far no irritation or dryness or anything of that nature. these plus my sulfur cleanser have been keeping my skin in pretty great shape despite the heat and humidity.

i'm currently debating whether i should buy a tinted moisturizer or a primer to help even out my skin tone...i don't want to wear foundation every day, but i need something to help smooth over my pores and give me a more even look. any suggestions?

Re bleach: Hah, for years I only bought all-white sheets and towels and Tshirts for sleeping in, expressly for the purpose of bleaching them at every wash. I stopped somewhere along the way b/c of the lure of polka-dotted bed-set but I do wash all household linens in hot water.

i'm glad to hear it, lauren!

i would like aveda to make their super-sensitive skin moisturizer with a slight tint, that wld be nice

a friend gave me some of her nuxe (french, expensive) mattifying moisturizer to try and even tho it is all 'botanicals, high-quality, blah blah blah' my skin went a bit pink and i got a couple (minor) pimples by the end of the day eeesh botanicals whatever

bell i have been using laura mercier tinted moisturizer and i really like it. not too heavy, and seems to maintain a nice look all day w/out looking too makeup-y.

also they have good shades for fair skin.

laura mercier website just made me feel highly under-makeuped

I've been really frustrated all summer with breakouts under the corners of my jaw and in my cleavage.

THEN I read somewhere that I might be allergic to perfume.

Mystery solved.

Last time I tried natural scented oils I broke out as well. Any suggestions?

Put the scent somewhere else, I'm sorry to say. I can't wear it on my head or ears or neck or chest either. Wrists are okay usually, back of knees, armpits seem all right. That's it for me.

For tinted moisturizer usually I just mix a little foundation (usually only for special occasions) with my regular moisturizer = not having to purchase another product + color is right.

hmmm. glad that perfume issue does not happen to me. i am feeling rly greasy this summer, though. i keep forgetting to blot during the day and then at 5:30 i'm a mess!

Good idea, Laurel. Thanks. I put it in my hair sometimes, too.

Sorry my suggestions are so limited. I don't like putting perfume in my hair but I should try dabbing a finger of scented oil into my part or somewhere on my scalp. It would make hair greasy in large quantities but maybe a little dab underneath....

Not a tinted moisturized, but I like MAC's studio fix as an alternative to foundation (to which I too am averse). It goes on powder-ish and but gives coverage somewhere between a powder and a liquid/creme foundation.

Most of all I like that I can wear it just on my cheeks--which need help in the evening-out department--but can skip it everywhere else. It matches my skin tone well enough, and is sheer enough, that it doesn't leave a line of demarcation.

I was really bored on my lunch break and bought a bunch of stuff from Origins. It was all much better than expected and I like the smells when you use a bunch together. There is some sort of microdermabrasionawesometimesupercub scrub that I am in love with. And I bought a bunch of mushroom dr. weil stuff because i read his book when i was like 15.

oh and I bought some loose powder which I like, because I don;t think I have had powder in about 8 years.

i got this mattifying tea tree oil moisturizer @ body shop yesterday. it really does feel mattifying! will see how long it lasts... i've been feeling so greasy this summer so i hope this helps cut that.

you're welcome

does not work for the sensitive skinned, have tried

tea tree? i just felt like i needed to strip off summer gunk.

(my breakouts are rosacea style bumps, not uh 'traditional acne')
i think tea tree does work as an anti-bacterial! but obv again it depends on yr own personal sensitivities to stuff

i don't really have "acne" either. i think it's just a little bit of congestion in the pores or maybe from summer sweat? it also may just be that it was my off-week for the birth control.

Yes, every year. My shins are the worst, it is maddening. I started keeping body cream in the fridge because putting it on cold felt really nice.

it's horrible. i get it shins sometimes, under the elastic of the socks can be bad. this year it's my sides just above my hips. you'd think it's an allergy cos it's so intensely itchy but it must be just temperature-related as i never have it in summer.

im

im going to have to budget for some of these recs arent i

The ordinary is pretty reasonably priced ya pup

relative to whatever I've been picking up from tesco, is the fair context here

Cerave is honestly pretty good but my personal recommendation as someone who has struggled with dry skin and itchiness in the past and obviously feel free to not do any of this but….

Sanex shower gel. Yes it looks like it’s for old people but it’s a good first step to soothing your skin if your shower gel is eg soapy and stripping out moisture. A thing I also do is putting on moisturiser as soon as I’ve got out of the shower while my skin is still damp so it locks all that in.

For actual products, hmmm. The really good ones ime are Avène Xeracalm which has been great for me, you could also try a dry oil like….Aveeno I think is a good one. I say dry oil cos you want something fast absorbing, this isn’t Victorian London where you can sit around all day waiting for your clothes to dry. Nuxe is also a classic but better for smaller areas like elbows, knees, and hair.

The greatest is La Roche Posay’s Cicaplast which is a pretty heavy duty balm that soothes and heals pretty much anything. It’s too expensive to get for over all use but for the itchiest/most problematic areas, it’s very good indeed. That and Lush’s dream cream are the best at getting rid of a lot of stuff.

Again though if your skin is actually bleeding start gently, definitely think about your shower gel and (don’t laugh) consider dabbing your skin dry with a towel rather than rubbing. This sounds like “let me explain to you how to make a cup of tea” or some shit BUT if you’re looking to reduce damage to skin then dabbing is much less abrasive. My €0.02. Oh and if your Cerave has acids in it steer clear for a while!

honestly there is no advice basic *enough* so i appreciate it

also: sometimes ‘lotion’
formulas are too thin for chronically dry skin and doesnt penetrate enough

make sure to use a really thick lotion (ie Lubriderm is a good basic brand), the kind you have to work in a fair bit, or if you are using Cerave use the tub of moisturizing cream vs their lotion, same reason — it gets in and heals your skin better

Also deems feel free to tell us what products are locally available I have zero snobbery about anything and I love trying out stuff, I just like to recommend my faves as being most effective for me personally but you don’t have to spend a ton of money nor are your choices wrong. I still maintain the best moisturiser I ever had in my life was some unremembered farm brand I had when I was 12: unscented, full of honey and lanolin and whatever else. You will not believe where my parents got it (all I can say is there was one for everyone in the audience 😎)

!

i think cerave and aveeno def both available and seem sensible starts if im reading right

Yeah personally I've used Cerave and Nivea and Gold Bond and a lot of the makeup company ones, and my "100% stg this heals anything" everyday lotion is regular Aveeno Daily Moisturizing formula. I'm sure different people find different products best for them, I can only say that for me, putting this on once a day makes me feel velvety and just-moisturized still 18 hours later and NEVER GREASY.

Currently obsessed with this Australian company Ciroa's "body butter" because TJ Maxx had a bunch of it this year for $7 a tub when it's normally like $30. I can't afford to continue this habit but I'll enjoy it as long as it lasts. Highlights: the Sea Moss & Sandalwood, and the Almond Milk & Manuka Honey scents.

I have a Laura Mercier fancy lotion at work for my hands and honestly the scent is 300% too strong and also...it makes my hands feel dirty an hour later? I can't explain it. I think I'm going to throw it out. Aveeno wouldn't do me like that.

im going to have to budget for some of these recs arent i

20% off La Roche Posay in Superdrug this month if that helps.

really good advice all, thanks. i do keep reading it's related to showering, how long you spend in the shower, hard water, the shower gel you use etc. i use aesop at the moment and while it smells nice idk how it works out in terms of dry skin. will give sanex a go. i don't really spend long in the shower. i sometimes wonder if it's related to exercising and sweating as i do rowing machine four or five mornings a week, but again, i also do that in summer so idk. will also try being a bit more careful with the towel, lol. i've not got any bleeding yet this year thankfully but can be weird some other years. once i was out with work and had like a slight itch on my arm which i barely touched and it began bleeding steadily enough, tho usually the bleeding has been more where one area is really itchy and i've itched it.

it's weird as the skin on my face is generally really healthy, but i have always moisturised my face, never really did my body much. i suppose that's why. no 7 for men advanced day moisturiser the absolute GOAT for my face tho ymmv.

xpost i will be looking into that also.

20% off La Roche Posay in Superdrug this month if that helps.

ty again

i have dry skin, very prone to eczema as a kid, live in a hard water area in a dry house, commute by sweaty train and bike to a warm office and play football three times a week and walk a dog several times a week in a wet country

i may be asking a lot to get this sorted basically but starting simple and consistent cant be a bad idea

have you looked into a water softening system? they're not cheap (if it's going into your shower and the whole house) but you might find it makes all the difference, especially if you're prone to eczema.

I have some Inkey serums which I uncharacteristically bought on a whim in Boots/TK Maxx. anyone know if they're any good? can't say I'm noticing any difference (Niacinamide and Collagen Peptide)

Warning: my parents have a water softening system and I despise it. It makes soap impossible to wash off, everything feels soapy all the time. And it tastes terrible.

I think for both of you it might be worth reading up on the skin barrier which is a real thing but also very important to shore up to deal with a lot of these problems. Some helpful advice here:

https://nationaleczema.org/blog/what-is-my-skin-barrier/

This page mentions ceramides and probably most of the products I have bought recently contain ceramides. Here’s some starter options:

Boots DermaCare Ceramides Moisturising Lotion SPF30 50ml https://www.boots.com/boots-dermacare-ceramides-moisturising-lotion-spf30-50ml-10341427

A light cream that sinks in fast & also has some sun protection. 30 is basically useless but it’s no harm to have anyway and if you do get into trying products with acid in them you do need a bit of spf to protect your skin.

This one ime is good, more of a gel type texture but definitely good for soothing and moisturising. As someone who has had combination skin (now normal, thanks age!) it’s good for looking after the dry parts but also moisturises the oily parts enough that your skin doesn’t shit the bed and start reacting.

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides Moisturiser for Very Dry Skin - 30ml https://www.boots.com/the-ordinary-natural-moisturizing-factors-and-phytoceramides-30ml-10342572

Simple and Cerave also have various products with ceramides which will be pretty easy to get and both are generally good for unscented stuff (my preference though it may not be yours).

I also recall having a Pixi rose ceramide face cream which was incredible but honestly, anything with ceramides to start with will do a good job of building up the skin.

Aveeno has a daily emollient wash that contains ceramides and such, ime pretty good for winter, however it doesn’t lather up like a traditional soapy wash

https://www.aveeno.co.uk/products/dermexa-daily-emollient-body-wash

Avene’s body oil is probably the best but I have it on my list to try. Their xeracalm cream is incredible imo.

https://www.avene.co.uk/p/xeracalm-a-d-huile-lavante-relipidante-3282770389883-b5405ca4

Obviously these are just top of the head suggestions but per that article, it’s good to know what products help and specifically which ingredients