genuinegirly

This is a Ladies' Lounge thread.

My favorite line of facial cleansers, toners and moisturizers is no longer sold at any of my local retailers. I am not inclined to pay for shipping to order from a retailer in another country. It has been a sad couple of months for me, trying to find a new regimen to use for my dry skin.


- What is your daily face cleansing regimen?
- What do you like most about the products you use?
- How easy or difficult was it to find your perfect products?
- Do you stick with one line of cleansers or do you have favorites of different brands that you combine?
- Do you have any difficulty finding products designed for your skin type?

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My Response
- I use a no-water botanical-based cleanser in the mornings and evenings, followed by toner and moisturizer.
- I like the fact that I'm not putting crazy chemicals on my skin that I can't identify, and I really like the fact that I don't have to use water with my cleanser. With my dry skin, water dries my skin pretty badly.
- It took me a few years of experimenting to find the products that I currently use.
- I have learned to stick with one line of cleansers and moisturizers because they are designed to work together.
- It does seem challenging to find products that are designed for dry skin. The retailers near me seem to cater to oily skinned customers. When I discuss this dillema with friends, they recommend I use the oily skin products and compensate with more moisturizer. This does not seem a healthy practice.

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An aside - if you have the answer, please do share...
So, in my search for a new line of products to use, I was in the drug store the other day, glancing at the ingredients in facial care products when I realized toners have a similar ingredient list to astringents.

Perhaps my knowledge of skin care is too basic, but I thought astringent was supposed to thoroughly clean skin and treat acne while toner is meant to decrease pore size and clean up after no-water cleansers.

Am I missing something?

__________________
"Sometimes I have to remember that things are brought to me for a reason, either for my own lessons or for the benefit of others." Cynthetiq

"violence is no more or less real than non-violence." roachboy

snowy

Actually, an astringent is supposed to tighten pores too. Nothing can diminish the size of pores completely, but an astringent can temporarily shrink them. They're essentially the same thing, just different terms.

If you want some good reading about the chemistry of skin care, I really recommend flipping through Paula Begoun's Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me. There's a new edition as of 2007.

Personally, I change up my skin care routine depending on the season/weather. Winter requires a heavier moisturizer, otherwise my skin dries out. I use a gentle cleanser with occasional mechanical exfoliation (using a washcloth) alongside a moisturizer with glycolic acid (an AHA) to keep my skin clear. I also use a bentonite/kaolin clay mask in the shower every couple of days to clear up my greasies, and a exfoliating scrub from Clinique every couple days in place of the cleanser/wash cloth. That is my summer routine. In winter, I often just use Dove soap and Nivea cream, with the clay mask once a week or so and the exfoliating scrub. If I get some breakouts, I use witch hazel and/or a tea tree blemish stick that I have. Works pretty well.

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If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau

ColonelSpecial

Which retailers were you buying this from? I don't know if you have done this but could you have it special ordered for you through the store. Explain to them that they used to carry it and you would appreciate it. Some stores will do this with items that are rarely used but used to be purchased there.

__________________
"Mommy, the presidents are squishing me!"

"Using the pull out method of contraceptive is like saying I won't use a seat belt, I'll just jump out of the car before it hits that tree."

Sara

genuinegirly

Thanks, Snowy!
Aha, so they are basically the same thing.
The book is available at my local library, so I think I'll check it out.

__________________
"Sometimes I have to remember that things are brought to me for a reason, either for my own lessons or for the benefit of others." Cynthetiq

"violence is no more or less real than non-violence." roachboy

lostgirl

I use the Clinique 3 step system. It works pretty well.

I also like the Olay Regenerist moisturizer and pore detoxifying scrub.

*Nikki*

I just use the most pure bar soap I can find. Something clear usually. Then I use Nutrogena Oil Free Moisturizer. I am a very low maintenance girl when it comes to skin care.

genuinegirly

Tried that in August, it's no longer sold in the United States. The retailer can't get their hands on it. I guess it wasn't popular enough to continue importing.

Lostgirl - what skin type do you have, and what do you like about the Clinique system?

Nikki - Sounds like a pretty good stystem. Simplicity is a plus. I haven't tried the Neutrogena moisturizer. I wonder if it will provide enough moisture to counteract the dryness I experience when I use soap and water. I usually have to reapply a couple of times with my current moisturizer after a shower.

__________________
"Sometimes I have to remember that things are brought to me for a reason, either for my own lessons or for the benefit of others." Cynthetiq

"violence is no more or less real than non-violence." roachboy

noodle

i have disasterous oily, extremely sensitive, scarred and broken out skin.
it's a mess. add in some depo last year to totally screw up my pores for future generations and i ended up at the dermatologist today.
i've tried everything under the sun except the two she's given me to try.
i'm to use vanicream soap (supposed to be really mild) and benza-clin gel and hopefully something wonderful will happen.
unfortunately, i'm one of those people that is more allergic to the botanicals than some of the chemicals.
good luck, girly.

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lostgirl

I have combination skin. In the winter it can get very dry.

I like that Clinique stuff is usually free of dyes and perfume.

The dramatically different moisturizing gel is a really good. It is very strong without making you break out, like some moisturizers can.

The toner also exfoliates and leaves your skin feeling fresh without drying.

The cleanser takes off makeup very well and doesn't dry me out.

They have 4 different 3 step kits for different skin types. You can usually get free samples of these just by asking at a Clinique counter.

genuinegirly

Noodle - and your skin looks so perfect in your profile picture. You must be doing something right.

Thanks, lostgirl. Great description. I will look into it.

__________________
"Sometimes I have to remember that things are brought to me for a reason, either for my own lessons or for the benefit of others." Cynthetiq

"violence is no more or less real than non-violence." roachboy

anti fishstick

i actually don't wash my face or use any products. if i do, it's always just whatever soap is around and i'm scrubbing makeup off my face.

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And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.
~Anais Nin

ColonelSpecial

When I have extra money, I use Lush products. They are all natural and easy on the face. They have cleansers, toners and moisturizers. The descriptions of which face type each project will help is pretty accurate.

Link: (LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics -- Welcome)

__________________
"Mommy, the presidents are squishing me!"

"Using the pull out method of contraceptive is like saying I won't use a seat belt, I'll just jump out of the car before it hits that tree."

Sara

ItWasMe

I like to make my own soap with oils, water, and lye. Sometimes with fragrance oils or essential oils, but not for the face. Super-fatted at 10% it is non-drying. But it does not remove mascara well. So if I am removing makeup, I use an olay cleanser. I always use the Olay moisturizer.

I used to have oily skin, and used an astringent to remove excess oils. BTW I noticed Avon's skin care lines has cleanser and astringent for oily skin; cleanser and toner for normal or dry skin.

My favorite lipstick was discontinued. Not the shade, the entire line. I found them on eBay. There are folks who buy discontinued lots of makeups and such, and sell them. Granted, I had to buy 3 of them because they are being sold in sets of 3 or 6. But I am set for quite a while now. What exactly are you looking for?

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"Ok, no more truth-or-dare until somebody returns my underwear" ~ George Lopez

I bake cookies just so I can lick the bowl. ~ ItWasMe

StellaLuna

I started using Phisoderm, a bufpuf scrubbie, witch hazel toner and oil of olay moisturizer... for a looong time there my skin was doing okay, and then I switched BC to my Mirena, and WHAM. Skin like a 15 year old, which is a bad thing for me. The exfoliating and face wash -seem- to be doing the trick. I also switched makeup brands and am now using Bare Minerals, and I think it's actually helping to clear my skin. Whee!

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Screw tradition!

jewels

I've been using Lush only for about two years now. I use such a small amount that each product lasts me about 3 months.

I use Ocean Salt to wash my face, Tea Tree Water as a toner, which contains a very small amount of Tea Tree oil, and an Almay tinted moisturizer in the mornings. I'm older but I still have the T-zone I had in my 20s.

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We are always more anxious to be distinguished for a talent which we do not possess, than to be praised for the fifteen which we do possess.
Mark Twain

hunbun0704

I have slightly combination skin with mostly dryness (especially popping out on the forehead). I am in my 30's and about 3 years ago discovered Arbonne. Spendy stuff, but even with the morning / night routine of use, it lasted almost a year as I use approx <1 pump each time. If I were to calc it out - it would still be probably twice as expensive as something bought at Target minus eye cream. I have stayed with the routine because - and I feel like an advertisement (and no I don't sell the stuff), because it didn't make me feel oily, it has seriously dimished the wrinkles (as in - a few of my friends now use it because of what it has done to my wrinkles), and the hydration spray feeling is so refreshing after my shower that I actually look forward to it. Sounds goofy, but it feels cool and soft.
My routine is long (about 5 minutes), but I work it into other things. For example - the second step needs two minutes before the third. Okay, time to brush my teeth. Between step 3 and 4, I floss. The funny thing is my dentist was the one who turned me on to the product. I think it was her secret way to get people to brush for 2 minutes and then floss twice a day .
Best bet with Arbonne is find a consultant who will give you samples and then decide if you want to continue it. I have bought my products when I find a consultant who will sell it at 50% off.
I used to use Clinque and still think they have some great products. I wear their makeup, along with Aveda, exclusively. (now, NOT a fan of Aveda skin products, but I think they have a new line now...) I say this as makeup can also be an important part of your routine (if you wear) especially if you have dry skin...

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I'm not expecting to grow flowers in the desert,
But I can live and breathe and see the sun in wintertime..
- Big Country

Ayashe

Believe it or not the most common acne remedy that we recommend at the clinic I work at starts with dial antibacterial soap. Unfortunately it has been found that a large number of acne sufferers are carrying staph infections. Cheap to give a try, thought I would throw that out for you.

I have made my own soaps too, I have to admit that I have a similar problem. Super-fatting wise anyway. I generally don't go all the way to 10%, more like 8%. I did make one soap that was a rose/rosemary combination with cocoa butter and olive oil that worked wonders for cleansing my face however. That one was a pain to cut!

I am always switching soaps for my face to be honest. Lately I have been using my own soap as I mentioned, but another old standby would be just a liquid dove soap with an occasional clay mask. Astringent is a must as well, especially in the summertime for myself.

mixedsubstance

I study homeopathy and natural remedies- best to get a fragrance-free natural soap (NOT dial- it will dry out your skin). Use it daily- never overwash. It's also best to alternate between 2 kinds to avoid build-up. Cocoa Butter and Aloe are the best. Then to exfoliate I use a fragrance-free or aloe baby wipe. Also, take your vitamins, especially A & D. I've been taking pre-natals mainly to help with acne, healthy hair, and nails- and using these methods have helped me drastically with my oily and sensitive skin. I hardly ever get a zit now.

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HedwigStrange

I love love the face wash I have now. It smells exactly like orange peel (not fake orange scent - real orange oil) and works very well on my skin. My skin reacts badly to most soaps - usually they over-dry my skin, so my skin then goes an produces lots and lots of oil to make up for it. However, this cleanser is awesome - it cleans, but it doesn't strip my skin of moisture, so I'm not nearly as oily.

After face wash, I use Rachel Perry Cucumber Calendula spf 15 moisturizer. It has a soft, sweet scent and is very light so as not to encourage oiliness. It is expensive as hell ($18 for 4 oz.) but I'm willing to pay.

Lindy

I usually just use soap -Kirk's Coco Castile- and the white Scotchbrite if I want to exfoliate. Also, my Grandma makes soap. She used to actually sell quite a bit of it. She always give me a few chunks when I visit.
Except that I sunburn easily, I hardly ever have any skin problems, but then, I hardly ever wear makeup. Hmmm? I wonder if there might be a connection??

Lindy

Grasshopper Green

I have been searching unsuccessfully for years for a cleanser/moisturizer combo that I love. Right now I'm using a Lush bar that's not meant for the face, but seems to work well. The moisturizer I'm using makes my skin feel really soft but my face is oily by mid afternoon. I would like to find a moisturizer that doesn't cause the mid-day greasies.

I honestly don't know my skin type. I'd say combination, but I'm not sure. My skin feels dried out when I use most cleansers but, as I mentioned above, tends to get oily. I also have very large pores in my T-zone.

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"They say that patriotism is the last refuge to which a scoundrel clings; steal a little and they throw you in jail, steal a lot and they make you king"

Formerly Medusa

SabrinaFair

I have to admit, sometimes there's nothing better than washing your face with nothing better than good old Noxeema. There's just something about the tingly, fresh feeling I get after I use it. And the smell...yum. It's not my every-day cleanser (I use an Oil of Olay blemish control cleanser) but sometimes I just have a hankering for it. As far as moisturizer, I like Oil of Olay night firming (my mama always taught me that the secret to great skin is to start using night cream in your mid-20s)

That being said, I may have to take some previous posters' advice and try something a bit more natural. I've noticed a huge different in my hair since switching to a natural shampoo/conditioner.

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"With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy."
-Desiderata

snowy

I like Noxzema, but it's not for everyone--menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus are all skin irritants, and some people are sensitive to those things. I really like it for summer because of the cooling factor, and then in winter for the extra moisturization.

One thing I've noticed is that using products with certain surfactants/detergents irritates my skin. I'm still trying to work out which particular detergents/surfactants cause the problem, but in the meantime, I feel it's just safer to switch to natural soaps.

__________________
If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau

ally_cat

I'm also a big fan of the Clinique 3-step system. Their acne solutions line completely cleared up my skin within the first week of using it and hasn't dried out my skin. Only downside is it's a bit pricey, and I've heard people say they started getting acne again as soon as they stopped using it.

Starkizzer

I thankfully do not have much of a problem with my skin.

I use Clean and Clear Morning Burst face wash, the orange one. I tried the green on and it made me break out a little. I wash my face when I take a shower about every other day. I think I'm really lucky when it comes to my skin, I have a really bad habit about going to bed without washing my makeup off and nothing seems to happen. Oh how I hope that doesn't change.

I think it also helps that I use Neutrogena Visibly Even Liquid makeup. I have tried other concealers and all of them have made my face break out to some extent.

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