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Post in Skincare Aware
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Skincare 101: Discussions, Questions and All

This is a place to discuss everything skincare.

 

- Have a question about a product (Or type of product)

- Need recommendations

- Learned a new tip or trick you want to share with fellow skincare junkies

- New to skincare and lost about where to start

- Have a skincare emergency ( Bad reaction, broken dropper, lost lid of a jar)

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Images From top left to clockwise (Essencz, Garnier, Men's Fitness, Harper Bazaar)

 

We have some great thread about skincare but I feel we don't have a general place to discuss skincare which is open for everything from lowend products to luxury skincare. 

 

Other skincare threads you may like to explore

 

http://community.sephora.com/t5/Ask-The-Experts/All-about-Luxury-skincare-Come-in-and-chat-about-you...

 

http://community.sephora.com/t5/Skincare-Stories/Daily-Skincare-what-are-you-using/m-p/2716765#M8681

 

 

 

Re: Skincare 101: Discussions, Questions and All

Ok, just because I don't see it asked here- what do you beauties use to minimize pores (or even just cover them for makeup application)?  

Re: Skincare 101: Discussions, Questions and All

I was interested in picking up Glossier's sunscreen tomorrow, since I have yet to find a sunscreen I really really like. I noticed some comments about people not choosing to buy it because it is a chemical sunscreen. What's the difference between a chemical and physical sunscreen? How can I tell which sunscreen is which by looking at the ingredients? What are some sunscreens that you recommend? 

Re: Skincare 101: Discussions, Questions and All

All below is correct but I also wanted to add HOW they work is different and that's where people can sometimes have issues with chemical sunscreens (along with their chemical makeup).

 

Physical sunscreens work by actively blocking the suns rays from hitting you skin.  Think of them as a deflector that bounces the suns rays right off your skin as soon as they hit.   They also go to work right away where chemical ones take longer to work.

 

Chemical sunscreens work by creating a chemical reaction within your skin by changing the UV rays into heat, then your body releases that heat from your skin.  Some of the them to scatter the rays but most absorb.  Additionally, most chemical sunscreens take about 30 min to start to work.

 

If you have sensitive skin or any hyperpigmentation, acne scarring or age spots, a chemical one is NOT ideal for you as the heat that is create merely by it working how it is supposed to, can cause more damage to your existing conditions. 

 

oxybenzone Is a chemical found in most chemical sunscreens and it is a synthetic estrogen that can disrupt your horomones as it is absorbed into your skin/blood.

 

Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide ARE the only physical/mineral sunscreen ingredients.  

Many sunscreens are a combination of both physical/mineral and chemical.  

 

I hope that was helpful:)

 

 

Re: Skincare 101: Discussions, Questions and All

This was very helpful! I struggle with hyperpigmentation so I will start using more physical sunscreens. I prefer chemical sunscreens because they are a little thinner, but physical sunscreens sound sooo more beneficial in the long run. Thank you!

Re: Skincare 101: Discussions, Questions and All

Hey @MissEmilly you can tell if it's a physical sunscreen by checking the active ingredients - I believe Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are the only UV blockers that are considered physical sunscreen. All the others, like avobenzene, oxybenzene, oxtinoate etc are chemical sunscreens. Physical sunscreens sit on top of your skin and block the UV rays whereas chemical ones get absorbed. 

 

Because of this, physical sunscreens are better for people with sensitive skin. There are a few studies questioning the safety of chemical sunscreens as well so other people without sensitive skin prefer physical. 

 

Chemical sunscreens usually go on smoother. A big issue with physical sunscreen is that most formulas leave a white cast. 

 

I have heard many rave reviews about the Neogen Dermalogy SPF 50 in the orange and white tube. I haven't tried it but people say it's very light and leaves no white cast. 

 

I liked the Clinique SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen for face as well but ended up returning because my face reacts to vitamin C products and this contains a form of it. If your skin can tolerate that though then I highly recommend it - it was very light, easy to blend in, and no white cast. 

 

I'm currently using the Coola SPF 50 Tinted Sunscreen Stick. I like it enough to keep it but I preferred the Clinique if I hadn't been allergic. The SPF stick I haven't reacted to but it's a waxy texture that you can feel on your skin. It's worth it to me because my skin reacts to 90% of things and my skin is also dry so I don't mind the waxy texture as much (it's pretty hydrating). It's also got a very slight tint so no white cast. 

 

All the products I suggested are physical sunscreens, but chemical sunscreens are usually more comfortable. If you find one you like and will reapply consistently the extra UV protection is worth it over the very slight risk. 

Re: Skincare 101: Discussions, Questions and All

thank you SO much for all the info and recommendations! I picked up the Sun Safety Kit and I noticed some of them are chemical sunscreens so I will toss that! I'm terrible at reapplying my sunscreen, I often forget so I think a physical sunscreen is a lot better for me.

Re: Skincare 101: Discussions, Questions and All

Ugh, ya'll. I don't even know what to do about my skin right now. I'm 29, and since I stopped using birth control about a year ago my hormones and my skin have been all over the place. I'm constantly trying new products to keep the breakouts under control, but I realize at this point they're not going to go away. I'm also trying to save money. So for the past two months, I've been using the Clinique 3-Step and my skin looks so horrible! I have all these clogged pores and white bumps on the lower half of my face. I'm thinking the Clinique is too strong. Thoughts?

Re: Skincare 101: Discussions, Questions and All

@CLV88

 

The best thing you can do for your skin is to stop using Clinique 3 step.  Immediately.   I do not recommend it at all - for all the reasons.

 

Skincare:

 

- Acid exfoliating is your friend.  Use FAB Radiance pads or Pixi Glow tonic.  Both are well priced. Use these at night.  Start off 3 times a week and see how you react.

- Make sure you are well hydrating your skin.  Dehydrated skin is sensitive/reactive skin.

- Do not use products marketed to acne.  They are all harsh and make things worse. I am generalizing, but the exceptions are too few to matter while advising on a forum.

.  Get a facial with extractions (from a reputable facialist).  It is an investment, but will really set you up for better skin management. 

 

Hormonal acne is not all managed by skincare.  Besides medication, I would focus on diet.  Dairy, sugar, processed food, starch.....they do us no favours.  Most people are sensitive to this to some degree or another. 

 

Re: Skincare 101: Discussions, Questions and All

Thank you so much! One question: what moisturizer would you recommend? Is the Dramatically Different Lotion + also bad for my skin?

Re: Skincare 101: Discussions, Questions and All

@CLV88I was never impressed with Clinique Dramatically Different lotion.  If you find it works for you, go for it.

 

There are many good brands that make moisturisers - you will surely find something.   I use Tata Harper and Algenist right now.  But there are a ton more suitable ones as well.

 

Otherwise you could look into Ren (Evercalm line, and their Bio Retinoid oil), FAB, Caudalie, Algenist, Belif, Dr.Jart, Youth to the People etc. (some suggested brands) for moisturisers.

 

Samples are your friend. 

Re: Skincare 101: Discussions, Questions and All

I exfoliate with Dr. Dennis Gross extra strength and I love this. My skin is on the oily side, but I don't want to use anything that strips it. I have tried Soy Fresh, Murad, and Clinique. I'm thinking about switching to something natural like Lancome or Caudalie. 

Re: Skincare 101: Discussions, Questions and All

I've been using the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow pads and I'm really loving them so far. My face is significantly paler than my body thanks to a stronger SPF used on face (and a not frequent enough re-application of sunscreen on my body), so I've been using them once every 2-3 to add more colour (bronzer does the rest).

 

I like these MORE than the regular peel pads. The regular (normal or extra strength) have denatured alcohol as the 2nd or 3rd ingredient. I tried the Sensitive ones but they didn't seem to do much.

 

I really hope DDG can come out with normal peel pads without denatured alcohol... I know this product has a loyal following but I'm leery of using something on my face long-term with alcohol that far up the ingredient list.

Re: Skincare 101: Discussions, Questions and All

That's Great @k617! I'm glad these are working for you! Are the Glow ones the ones that are slightly tinted? I recall a tinted one being a point perk at one point. I used to love the Extra Strength ones but found that they weren't getting rid of all my texture, so I switched to a different product all together. I still have a couple of these floating around for travel. The packets are very convenient.

Re: Skincare 101: Discussions, Questions and All

Yep @mrsbaine! They are infused with self-tanner and the towelette does look slightly tinted. The results are pretty instantaneous. This morning I saw slight colouration within minutes of application.

Re: Skincare 101: Discussions, Questions and All

I want to start using an oil cleanser. Typically I use Caudalie Gentle Cleansing Milk. Would I use the oil cleanser and then the cleansing milk? Or do I only use one? And I heard someone say you don't use water with the oil cleanser - so that means your just wipe it right off? Sorry for the all questions, really trying to up my skincare routine. 🙂

Re: Skincare 101: Discussions, Questions and All

@AriJ1989 You have already got the answer about how to use a oil cleanser.

Now to the first part of your question, Caudalie cleansing milk performs exactly the same way as a oil cleanser. You use it on dry skin and it takes off makeup and cleanses the skin. I dont think you need to use it and a oil cleanser at the same time. Instead if you feel your face needs a second cleansing, use another gel, cream or foam cleanser that can be used on the wet skin to remove the traces of your cleansing oil/ cleansing milk any any left over residues of makeup.

Re: Skincare 101: Discussions, Questions and All

Are there second cleaners that you recommend post oil cleansing?

Re: Skincare 101: Discussions, Questions and All

@AriJ1989

 

What are you planning to use the oil cleanser for?  To remove makeup or any time?

 

A good oil cleanser can be used as a first cleanse, second cleanse, or only cleanse.  You will have to decide how good the product is and if it it working for you.

 

In terms of how one uses an oil cleanser - I massage my cleanser into dry skin.  Then I use a very warm/wet wash cloth and wipe my face off throughly.  I always use a cloth, I don't emulsify with water.  After cleansing I move on to toning and then serum and/or moisturising.

Re: Skincare 101: Discussions, Questions and All

I am using it to remove makeup. What type of cleanser do you use after the oil?

Re: Skincare 101: Discussions, Questions and All

Nonono, you need water for oil cleanser. What they meant is you massage oil onto dry skin, THEN splash/rub with water to emulsify and rinse it off. If you add water to cleansing oil or apply cleansing oil to wet skin it won't cleanse properly.

 

Most of oil cleansers are makeup removers, in which case you just massage the oil all over your dry skin (with or without makeup on it). When the makeup is breaking up/comes apart, then rinse off that mess. Some oil cleansers leave a residue that can feel stuffy or clog pores, which is why you follow up with a normal cleanser. But some oil cleansers like Tatcha or Shu rinses off cleanly so you don't need to use a cleanser afterwards.

Re: Skincare 101: Discussions, Questions and All

Thank you so much! This whole skincare thing is so foreign to me. I'd be a mess without y'all. 

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