What are your Skincare Success Stories [ Edited ]

[#1]

We all like success stories.  You know, the ones that make you cry with happiness.  Well, it's time to share some of yours.

Finding the Right Cleanser

My starts off with my skin.  For those who have saw me posted on the boards multiple times, I have dry, sensitive skin (heck, I even break out with most sunscreen).  Because of my sensitivity and dryness, I am prone to breakouts.  For years, i have been trying to find a cleanser that actually worked with my face.  After trying product after product of trying to find the rigth product, I took matters into my own hand.  One day, I decided to stop at Younkers.  Now, for those who don't know, which is probably most of you, I am an extremely short person.  Normally it takes me minutes to notice me at counters (maybe because I look younger than what I am?) and therefore, it tends to get interesting when speaking to some of the representives.  But anyways, the first place I stopped at was the Clinique counter.  It took a while to get someone but finally, I was able to talk with a person.  I told her my situation and she called another person to help her out.  Well, they didn't have anything so I went on to the next counter.

That one just happened to be the Clarins/Elizabeth Arden counter.  It took them only seconds to notice me and again, I explained my situation.  Well, they were more then helpful.  Both of them literally jumped right on it, bringing up two products for sensitive skin.  One was a foam based cleanser (Clarins) which was extremely perfumey.  The other was lightly scented, oatmeal cream based cleanser (Elizabeth Arden).  The two women gave me samples of both products (for some reason, Clarins and Elizabeth Arden is never cheap whenever it comes to samples.  Normally, I never get samples at Younkers except at these counters) and wished me success.  That is when, after bumming, I went home with my sister.

Later on that night, I decided to try the products.  Because of the over whelming perfume smell, I decided to give Elizabeth Arden a try first.  Used a little dab, rubbed it in my face, and went over with my clarisonic.  I then allowed it to sit.  It was then in which I washed it off and load and behold, no tightness in my face and my skin felt very soft to the touch.  With that said, I toned, moisturized, so on and so forth before going to bed.  It was only the next day in which I noticed that the acne on my face was shrinking.  Well, you can imagine how happy I was.  I went back to Younkers (on Christmas Eve) and bought the cleanser without any hesitation.

Was I happy with my purchase?  Yes.  After a week of using the cleanser, my acne was nearly completely gone.  Yes, I still get acne once in a while but not as bad as I once did.

Alright, now it is your turn.  Let's hear it, ladies!

[#2]

I think my recent skincare success story is finding out that there's a reasonably priced cleanser out there that I can use for my acne. I mean, don't you hate those girls who can go run out and buy a Neutrogena tube of cleanser and be done with their skincare?! For me, it's Dermadoctor's Ain't Misbehavin's AHA/BHA cleanser. I was so sick of having to buy a cleanser every month because every acne cleanser I've used lasts one to two months. That can be so expensive! As for Dermadoctor's cleanser's effectiveness? It works so great that I actually look forward to washing my face in the mornings because a lot of times my face will look decent after waking up, but after washing it, my face will get raw and red. Not with this! Of course, no acne product is perfect and I still get the occasional breakout, but I don't even stress over it anymore. Weirdly enough, this cleanser requires you to use it on dry skin, which I sorta like because you're not wasting water, so this is a big plus. The only con I would say is that it does contain parabens, which I hate, but I'd rather have my acne gone, than deal with searching for another acne cleanser again.

[#3]

The best skincare "products" I've ever used are plentiful and cheap, if not free:

WATER

Drink lots of water. Make sure your skin is hydrated and has enough water to flush out toxins. If you are not drinking water on a regular basis throughout the day, give it a shot.

YOGA

Improves overall well being and circulation while reducing stress.

REGULAR YOGURT MASK

I use a yogurt based mask a few times a week. Usually I mix in things like ground oatmeal (to moisturize), non-pasturized honey (moisturize/kills bacteria), and add ins like tumeric, cinnamon, lemon juice, etc. depending on what my skin needs. In fact, I am waiting for my mask to dry right now!

FACIAL MASSAGE

Many Asian women give their faces a good massage to help move toxins out.

DIET

Reduce refined sugars and eat lots of fruits/veggies so your skin has the nourishment it needs.

ORGANIC APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

sephoramusthave mentioned this as a toner ingredient - it doesn't smell nice but it's amazing in leaving skin soft and smooth and feeling clean without being stripped of moisture.

Products can be great but I believe that no expensive product can replace what a healthy diet and lifestyle can do for your skin

[#4]

I have had terrible skin since I hit puberty (I'm almost 26 now! That's half my life). I went to the dermatologist 2 weeks ago and got put on a pretty strict (read: insane) regimen.

In the morning, I take 150 mg of Spironolactone, and a Bactrim DS tablet.

Then I wash my face with a PCA Skin brand 5% Benzoyl Peroxide cleanser. (I guess the other dermatologist in her office actually helps create the PCA line).

Then I put on EpiDuo gel (BPO and adapalene).

Then PCA's protecting hydrator SPF 30.

In the evening, another Bactrim DS tablet.

Wash my face with 5% BPO cleanser using my Clarisonic Mia.

Ziana gel (clindamycin and tretinoin).

PCA Clearskin moisturizer.

I swear, my skin has improved dramatically since starting this. It's mostly smooth, and my post-acne hyperpigmentation seems to be fading. (Though TBH, I would hope to see results because it is a LOT of work!) I am really excited about my future. I haven't been putting the gels on my body because I'm cheap and don't want to waste product on those areas, but my bacne is completely gone! I get little zits on my sternum every once in a while too, and those are gone as well.

The only downside is that my face is really dry, even with the moisturizers, but I expect that to go away once my skin is used to so much work.

[#5]

I am going to have to think of a Great SkinCare story.. I can't focus much. I am searching for ElizabethArden Cleanser that You have used. I am not exactly Sure which One and reading about EA Product Cleansers, Please Share Color or Name. After I can focus I am going to Share a SkinCare Success story soon!! ThankYou!! AngieB.

[#6]

It is Elizabeth Arden's Hydra-Gentle Cream Cleanser.  They also have a toner too, which works wonders.  The toner is alcohol free and I have noticed that, when I use it, my skin doesn't feel tight anymore.  The toner is also part of the Hydra-Gentle line.