Let's Talk About Skin Care

tabris said:

Agreed, I just don't think he should jump into an AHA/BHA full exfoliant right away. Start with the basics, a good cleanser and a moisturizer.

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What's the point of the toner then? just to be an extra cleansing step? Everything I had read about it said it's basically not needed unless you're planning on using an active after it (also a little excessive if you are already using a low pH cleanser).

(to clarify - not trying to be super disagreeable haha. mainly curious because of what I had read prior about all these AB products.)

tabris said:

Eye cream won't solve dark circles around your eyes. Just getting better sleep, apply cucumber slices/chilled tea bags, or cold eye masks in the morning.

Eye cream mainly focuses on reducing / preventing ageing lines and brightening the area - which I guess reduces a bit of the darkness but doesn't remove the puffiness which is solved using the above.

You may need to use a bit of makeup to really hide it until you keep working on getting puffiness down.

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Eye creams have made a huge difference for my dark circles. It took 3 months to see any improvements though. I use retinaldehyde every night (Avene Triacnéal and Ysthéal which are the only OTC retinaldehydes), followed by an Olay night creme with a high concentration of niacinamide. Both these ingredients are the only ones scientifically proven to thicken skin which in turn reduces dark circles. Every morning I apply vitamin C serum (at least 20%), followed by sun screen. It's crucial to cleanse every morning/night before application so the ingredients can better penetrate the skin.

I have to say though that retinaldehyde made my eye circles a lot worse in the first 2 months. That's apparently normal with retinoids, but you really have to keep going to get the benefits. On top of that daily sun screen application is a must to get good results. You need a good sun screen though, day creams with SPF are not the same and will barely protect against UVA.

tabris said:

Remove those items. Get the following:

1) Corsx Low PH Good Morning Gel Cleanser - Use once when wake up once when you to bed
2) Corsx AHA/BHA Clarifying Toner - Use once at night
3) MISHA Super Aqua Renew Snail Cream - Use once when wake up once when you go to bed
4) Most important - Biore UV Aqua Rich SPF50+ Sunscreen. - Use once you wake up and about to head out

The moisturizer may be a bit too expensive but definitely don't use a body lotion on your face and foaming cleansers are known to ruin your PH levels.

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Oh wow, thanks. I might check that out, too!

I'm currently using the PC4Men cleanser, the Skin Perfecting 2% BHA and a light moisturizer afterwards.

I really like what the snail cream promises. Do you know if it works well with oily skin? Is it a gel or a creme?

meow said:

What's the point of the toner then? just to be an extra cleansing step? Everything I had read about it said it's basically not needed unless you're planning on using an active after it (also a little excessive if you are already using a low pH cleanser).

(to clarify - not trying to be super disagreeable haha. mainly curious because of what I had read prior about all these AB products.)

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Just a thought-- I think it's better to blend both AB and Western beauty products.

haveheart said:

Oh wow, thanks. I might check that out, too!

I'm currently using the PC4Men cleanser, the Skin Perfecting 2% BHA and a light moisturizer afterwards.

I really like what the snail cream promises. Do you know if it works well with oily skin? Is it a gel or a creme?

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Careful with the snail stuff. Most of the time it seems to be gel, but some people react horribly to it. Get a sample and test first.

Pet said:

Just a thought-- I think it's better to blend both AB and Western beauty products.



Careful with the snail stuff. Most of the time it seems to be gel, but some people react horribly to it. Get a sample and test first.

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Alright, will do.

I've just started using the PC 2% BHA, should I instead start with the Corsx AHA/BHA Clarifying Toner?

Lady Murasaki said:

I had [probably still have] a vitamin D deficiency [mainly because I hate the sun] and I was experience more hair loss than would be normal. The doctor prescribed me vitamin D and the it got a lot better, the hair loss fell like 70%. I also take other vitamins now, and it is great for disposition too.

But especially vitamin D, you must take some sunbaths if you want its full effect.

Also, anyone ever tried using vitamins in oily vehicles on the face? It is bit on a trend in YouTube [at least here], using vitamins meant for oral use in oils like peanut oil as a face oil [vitamin A and D].

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I suffer from hair loss too, but my Derm took a quick look and told me it was MPB. I did lose a bunch of hair in the span of a few months, just thought my MPB was aggressive, not sure if my lack of vitamin D sped it up

So any tips for reducing bumps on my nose? I just started this routine so maybe I'll see some difference later on.

Searching around it looks like i have sebaceous filaments but i feel like i had these since i was a kid.

My nose pretty much looks like this.

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meow said:

What's the point of the toner then? just to be an extra cleansing step? Everything I had read about it said it's basically not needed unless you're planning on using an active after it (also a little excessive if you are already using a low pH cleanser).

(to clarify - not trying to be super disagreeable haha. mainly curious because of what I had read prior about all these AB products.)

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Toner is like a primer for skincare - it prepares your skin for what you're about to put in it after and makes it absorb better and stay on longer. It's like zinc for vitamins.
I personally would say it's a pretty important step - you want to maximise the use of the other products you have.

Pet said:

Just a thought-- I think it's better to blend both AB and Western beauty products.



Careful with the snail stuff. Most of the time it seems to be gel, but some people react horribly to it. Get a sample and test first.

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it is true. I think snails are either the holy grail or your worst enemy. For me personally snails are a god-sent. All my creams are snails now, but I know people who really cannot handle them and their skin gets really irritated from them. You have to patch test.

Pet said:

Just a thought-- I think it's better to blend both AB and Western beauty products.

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I personally do myself. :)

catberry said:

Toner is like a primer for skincare - it prepares your skin for what you're about to put in it after and makes it absorb better and stay on longer. It's like zinc for vitamins.
I personally would say it's a pretty important step - you want to maximise the use of the other products you have.

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Well, I know that - I just didn't know the point of a pH prepping toner without using an active product after it. Edit - let me clarify: my original reply was because it seemed the suggestion was to swap out the PC BHA for the cosrx AHA/BHA toner. Those two products do not do the same thing.

haveheart said:

Alright, will do.

I've just started using the PC 2% BHA, should I instead start with the Corsx AHA/BHA Clarifying Toner?

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I think you can use the PC after the toner.

I have PC myself, no Crosx toner. I just use some Beauty Water and apply it after.

Thanks a lot for posting OP, I think i'll take up the advice and see how I go :D
Showed my partner this thread, she has a question:
"I get acne the week before my period, 100% related. Is this unavoidable, or are there creams etc that can help?"
Cheers

Are there equivalents/ways to get the products from this thread in Europe? I've been googling them but in some cases I can't get them from Amazon or local stores.

Pet said:

I think you can use the PC after the toner.

I have PC myself, no Crosx toner. I just use some Beauty Water and apply it after.

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Alright, thanks.

I think it's finally coming together. I ordered the Corsx Low PH Good Morning Gel Cleanser to replace the Kyoku cleanser which is to drying. Afterwards PC BHA. Now all I need is a good, light moisturizer. Still haven't found the perfect stuff. Missha is not handing out testers, do they?

Dwayne said:

Thanks a lot for posting OP, I think i'll take up the advice and see how I go :D
Showed my partner this thread, she has a question:
"I get acne the week before my period, 100% related. Is this unavoidable, or are there creams etc that can help?"
Cheers

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My girlfriend got the exact same issue but during her period, the week before them she has nothing then BAM! acne all over the face. She also get her skin super dry during winter, she's using a Nivea type cream sold in drugstores but it doesn't seem to do it for her.

Any suggestions?

Dwayne said:

Thanks a lot for posting OP, I think i'll take up the advice and see how I go :D
Showed my partner this thread, she has a question:
"I get acne the week before my period, 100% related. Is this unavoidable, or are there creams etc that can help?"
Cheers

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Poutine said:

My girlfriend got the exact same issue but during her period, the week before them she has nothing then BAM! acne all over the face. She also get her skin super dry during winter, she's using a Nivea type cream sold in drugstores but it doesn't seem to do it for her.

Any suggestions?

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I get hormonal acne, especially around my chin.

I find the best thing to do is to leave it alone, no coverups. I have a skincare routine that helps a lot!

On cystic pimples I'll use retinol, salicylic acid, La Mer's concentrate, lotion (lighter one, with aloe and stuff), and sunscreen. It's the same as my regular skincare routine plus La Mer minus serums, toners, and sleeping masks. Overnight I'll put on 10% benzo per something. I have Corsx pimple pads but they don't work for me.

Don't pick, don't try to get it to come to head, etc. I think my strategy is to dry them out asap by declogging pores as much as I can and exposing it to air.


The only downside is that even though the pimples come and go quickly, they still leave a mark (sad, huh?). For those I guess you can do a Vit C/Vit E/etc spot treatment (haven't tried it yet).

So I've been using PC 2% BHA for roughly a week now. Before that I used the PC4Men cleanser tester, since yesterday the cosrx low ph cleanser.

Just in a couple of days this stuff did magic. It really helped evening out my skintone, I roughly get new shit. This really really helped me, thank you all. I guess BHA is something I should have done along time ago but never knew it.

I'm trying to get rid of some acne/pimples, and a friend suggested isoretinoic acid or topical vitamin A, but I'm having the hardest time trying to find those things without a prescription in Canada. Any fellow Canadians have a good alternative? I don't have a ton of acne, just a bit on my forehead and the sides of my face where I shave - mostly from razor burn, I suppose.

catberry said:

Toner is like a primer for skincare - it prepares your skin for what you're about to put in it after and makes it absorb better and stay on longer. It's like zinc for vitamins.
I personally would say it's a pretty important step - you want to maximise the use of the other products you have.

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Really? I didn't know this. Right now I have a really basic set-up with all Clinique For Men products. I use the charcoal face wash, then exfoliating tonic, then shave, then the post-shave soother, and then finally moisturize. This probably isn't ideal, but a lot of suggestions I've found in this thread aren't available in Canada, so I just went with a collection of easy accessible products.

Anyway, should I be adding a toner into my morning/night schedule? I'm checking out the Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner on Amazon right now, and it seems to have good reviews. Where would it fit into my routine, though? Would it be the first step, before I shave, or right after shaving before moisturizing? I don't really know what the effects are, but I'm interesting in learning more.

Any good site to buy cheap face masks in bulk?

Darryl M R said:

Any good site to buy cheap face masks in bulk?

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Check out Cosmetic Love, the purchases I made there ran very smoothly.

Lady Murasaki said:

Check out Cosmetic Love, the purchases I made there ran very smoothly.

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Thanks for the recommendation. I'll check it out

I'm still digging through the thread, but have a question about where shaving goes in routines. I shave every day and from what I gather it would go -

Cleanser - toner - exfoliant - shave - moisturize/sunscreen

Is this accurate?

dmke said:

I'm still digging through the thread, but have a question about where shaving goes in routines. I shave every day and from what I gather it would go -

Cleanser - toner - exfoliant - shave - moisturize/sunscreen

Is this accurate?

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I think you exfoliate after you shave, to prevent pimples and ingrown hairs.

Are there any alternative uses for exfoliate? The one I'm using right now is a bit irritating, so I'm looking to switch to something else. I was told to never waste product though, so I don't want to just toss it. Not really sure what else I could use it for, though - it's a lot easier reusing moisturizer and toner.

dmke said:

I'm still digging through the thread, but have a question about where shaving goes in routines. I shave every day and from what I gather it would go -

Cleanser - toner - exfoliant - shave - moisturize/sunscreen

Is this accurate?

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This is what I do. If I'm not mistaken, exfoliating before shaving helps by providing the razor with a smoother path, as well as raising hairs for a closer shave. Skin can be pretty sensitive after shaving, so rubbing sensitive/potentially cut skin with exfoliate sounds like it would sting. I just dab some post-shave soother on to alleviate razor burn and dryness.

Anyone have any opinions on new sheet masks? I'm running out of my stock. I like the better quality masks, no issues paying a couple bucks, maybe 5 bucks per sheet mask. I may just order some Tosowoong again.

meow said:

What's the point of the toner then? just to be an extra cleansing step? Everything I had read about it said it's basically not needed unless you're planning on using an active after it (also a little excessive if you are already using a low pH cleanser).

(to clarify - not trying to be super disagreeable haha. mainly curious because of what I had read prior about all these AB products.)

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It's a decent light exfoliant at the same time though. So it's a good start imo.

I think using retin-a(and its cousins) for the past 12+ years has made me super sensitive to some products. Finally found a moisturizer that doesn't burn like fire on my skin. Derm recommended Vanicream products and they work pretty well. I've also found good old vaseline works wonders as well for dry skin

Been following Leona's recommended regime since the old thread. Same products and all.

And thanks to it, your boy is looking smooth as fuck.

Can anyone recommend a good body lotion? I have some dark spots on my arm from when I was a fry cook and I'm wondering if there's anything good out there that would fade them out a little bit.

Does anyone have any shampoo / conditioner recommendations for dry scalp? Head and shoulders or any of the anti-dandruff shampoos actually make things worst because of the harsh chemicals, I just have dry skin in general, not a fungal issue.

brownmagic said:

Does anyone have any shampoo / conditioner recommendations for dry scalp? Head and shoulders or any of the anti-dandruff shampoos actually make things worst because of the harsh chemicals, I just have dry skin in general, not a fungal issue.

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I have the same issue. Bought Head and shoulders, all-natural shampoos and it didn't work. I think it makes it worse. And then have to use a clarifying shampoo because oils burn like crazy.

What work is fresh aloe on my scalp. I put some in a spray bottle with some water. Very soothing.

I just bought a bottle of 100% argan oil and so far: no itch.

Leona your thoughts on glycolic acid? I ordered some 30% glycolic acid off Amazon. How often should I use it and for how long.

Charismagik said:

I think using retin-a(and its cousins) for the past 12+ years has made me super sensitive to some products. Finally found a moisturizer that doesn't burn like fire on my skin. Derm recommended Vanicream products and they work pretty well. I've also found good old vaseline works wonders as well for dry skin

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Could you share a photo and your age? I recently started retinaldehyde at 28, I'm really curious about the results after a decade. How much has it slowed down the aging process for you?

Airegin said:

Could you share a photo and your age? I recently started retinaldehyde at 28, I'm really curious about the results after a decade. How much has it slowed down the aging process for you?

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Not sure what that one is. I've used retin-a, tazorac, and atralin in the .05%. Atralin seems the most tolerable because it's more moisturizing. I'm in my 40s. Sorry, no photos. I will say that I get constant double-takes when I tell people my age and women are always making comments about my skin. Just 2 days ago seeing old classmates, they asked me if I still get carded lol. Now, I also avoid the sun, exercise daily, and try to eat fairly well. It really all comes down to genetics and environmental factors in the end, but retinoids are really good

Charismagik said:

Not sure what that one is. I've used retin-a, tazorac, and atralin in the .05%. Atralin seems the most tolerable because it's more moisturizing. I'm in my 40s. Sorry, no photos. I will say that I get constant double-takes when I tell people my age and women are always making comments about my skin. Just 2 days ago seeing old classmates, they asked me if I still get carded lol. Now, I also avoid the sun, exercise daily, and try to eat fairly well. It really all comes down to genetics and environmental factors in the end, but retinoids are really good

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Retinaldehyde is more effective than Retinol and much more tolerable than Retin-A. Avène Ysthéal and Triacnéal are pretty much the only products that contain it.

So you started retinoids in your 30s? How much has it reversed the first signs of aging for you during the first few years of use?

Yeah, started in 30s. Ok, now I know what it is. I'd ditch that stuff and get on retinoids if you want the best results. Retinoids>retinaldehyde>retinols. This site has a good breakdown: http://www.skinacea.com/retinoids/types-of-retinoids.html
Not sure where you're at, but they require a prescription in the US and you will probably go through an "ugly" phase with redness/more breakouts/dryness for a while. They're also hella expensive, so ask the derm for discount programs. Honestly, it's not something I ever noticed was doing anything, but I think it's helped. It's not going to suddenly make wrinkles disappear. Most aging is caused by sun damage when you're young(plus poor lifestyle as an adult). I just use it as a preventative measure

Retinaldehyde is pretty effective for me already. It made me really ugly in the first month but I have built up tolerance. 3 months after starting retinaldehyde I had 100+ moles removed by laser and noticed my face recovered twice as fast as the rest of my body which signs to faster cell turn-over. I'll ask my dermatologist about retin-a though.

I've always avoided the sun but I didn't start applying sun screen daily until recently. I also smoked for 8 years. Combined with UV damage it has caused some premature aging. I'm confident I can still partly reverse the damage at my age. I've already had a great reduction in my dark eye circles which I've been dealing with for years and worsened overtime.

I got a clinque for men skincare kit for Christmas. Is it any good? Or should I just buy CeraVe and Paula's choice exfoliant? I'm l just about to start my skin care regime. I'm in my mid 40's usually get mistaken for mid 30's don't have any wrinkles or crows feet but skin is kinda dull. Anyone have any tips for that?

What body lotion are you guys using? Recently I started to use one, and I like how smooth my skin feels.

scarlet said:

What body lotion are you guys using? Recently I started to use one, and I like how smooth my skin feels.

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I use Cetaphil. Don't know any other easily accessible lotion thats non comedogenic (doesn't clog pores)

palmers cocoa butter.


lol

I've had pretty large pores mostly on my nose just about all my life. Exfoliating never did anything noticable and I've always wanted to get rid of them. They're also on my cheeks but not as noticeable. I could have been using the wrong products but is there anything else that could help?

stress pimples popping up around jawline. why i gotta be so stressed.

Paula's Choice's website says that toner should go on after a cleansing and before an exfoliate, but I'm questioning that. I feel like it would be better to cleanse, exfoliate, [shave,] then do a toner followed by moisturizing. Toner seems more ideal to catch the last bit of dirt that may still remain, as well hydrate the face and help set the moisturizer. I don't do any serums, but I'd also put those on after the toner before mosturizing.

Furthermore, I wash my face right after using an exfoliate 'cause I was told to not let it sit on your face. I don't think toner is suppose to be washed off, though? It's meant to just dry naturally afaik.

Tanooki said:

Paula's Choice's website says that toner should go on after a cleansing and before an exfoliate, but I'm questioning that. I feel like it would be better to cleanse, exfoliate, [shave,] then do a toner followed by moisturizing. Toner seems more ideal to catch the last bit of dirt that may still remain, as well hydrate the face and help set the moisturizer. I don't do any serums, but I'd also put those on after the toner before mosturizing.

Furthermore, I wash my face right after using an exfoliate 'cause I was told to not let it sit on your face. I don't think toner is suppose to be washed off, though? It's meant to just dry naturally afaik.

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It depends on the exfoilant. For BHAs, you put those on after toner. For other stuff, like Exfolikate, you use before toning and wash off.

Pet said:

It depends on the exfoilant. For BHAs, you put those on after toner. For other stuff, like Exfolikate, you use before toning and wash off.

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Interesting. I've been using some generic Clinique "Exfoliate Tonic" and just got a new BHA one, so I'll try putting that on after toner and leaving it.

Where does shaving fall into the equation then? I always shaved after exfoliating, since I was washing my face off either way. I gusss I could shave, put on my soother, wait a bit for the pores to close up, then apply the rest?

Hi,

Starting a skin care routine for the new year. I've already been using CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser. But I'm still confused about choosing the right Exfoliating and Moisturizers to pair with it :<

Also, would I benefit from regular facials? Or can you overdue it?

Anyone have any recommend for lip balm? My lips are always dry and cracked, especially in winter.

Pet and Tanooki, thanks for the discussion on where shaving goes! I think I read this thread on the old forum and started off with a face wash and toner, but I'm ready to move up a level. Prior to my new routine I was doing cleanse, shave, then toner. I want to step in lightly so now I'm doing:

AM
Cleanse: Corsx Low PH
Shave
Toner: Corsx or Mizon AHA/BHA Toner (as a light intro to chem exfoliants)
Sunscreen

PM
Cleanse
Toner
Moisturizer: Mizon Snail Repair Cream

Moisturizer was the hardest one to choose, but the Mizon seemed as good as any to try first and is more affordable than the Missha Cell Renew Snail Cream.

Just used a derma roller for the first time (0.5mm) and my face is red af. Hope it goes away tomorrow tbhh. Does anybody know any other ways of beating the collagen grim reaper?

just like to pop in and say that using moisturizer after oil cleanser was a game changer in terms of preventing acne

so dr. carvers shave butter and the repair serum are legit. I use the serum in my normal routine now. It is extremely soothing after you shave and leaves my skin feeling fantastic. I was amazed at how smooth my skin got when I used the shave butter, legit best shaving cream I've used and I have tried a lot of them from ones that require a brush to the cans you get at the drug store.

Great OP, any considerations for winter face care?