What is your skin care routine?

[kima]

I was curious about how you all take care of your skin- your routine in the AM and Pm, what products you use etc. I am 43 and while my skin is okay I still have blackheads on my face (not really noticeable to others but I hate it) and I have a few small age spots. Of course NOW I am religious about sunscreen.
I am a very low maintenace person. I wash my face in the morning with Oil of Olay Age Defying (!!) cleanser and then use Neutrogena Healthy Skin Moisterizer (SPF15). On days where I will be out in the sun alot I use Ombrelle Sunscreen (SPF30). At night I wash my face with a gentle soap-Ivory or Dove. I don't wear makeup very often.
I would love to hear what others do and those of you who have no blackheads- what's your secret.
It sure is nice to have a forum to share these kinds of personal questions. I am so glad we are able to share, comiserate and laugh together! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[jd]

kima, great question! I'm closing in on 37 and have been trying to find something that works for me. I've had breakouts for the last few years, so decided to try Proactiv - the infomercial stuff! I must say that it has reduced the problem quite a bit. I use it at night (cleanser with exfoliant, toner and moisturizer/acne treatment). Based on favourable reviews on the board, I've started using Lancome in the mornings - a cleaner, toner and moisturizer with SPF 15. I never seem to notice dramatic results with new things but haven't had any problems with it. Hopefully this thread will give me some more good references!

[SandyM]

I used to use Mary Kay cleansing products because of the difference it made in my appearance (nevermind the pink packaging!!!). However, since then I have been diagnosed with rosacea, and the determatologist recommended Neutrogena - a geltle cleanser, a gentle moisturizer, no toner, and definitely, no wash cloth on my face. Ugh. That's usually my wake-up call in the shower - scrubbing with a wet wash cloth. No more.

The Neutrogena doesn't rid the rosacea (it's here to stay) but it also doesn't agitate it. I stick with the Mary Kay make up because it's oil-free and manages to cover up the red blotches. I've tried store brands (namely Almay, which is highly rated as a substitute for Clinique and those other high-end brands) but I can't get the coverage I need.

[AmyLouise]

I use Neutrogena non-foaming face wash and its wonderful. I have combination skin and can't use soap or astringents on my face because it makes my face flakt in parts and tight. Neutrogena is wonderful. I also use their shampoo because I have very fine hair and it doesn't weigh my hair down. I haven't yet found a soap that I really like. I used Jergens in the shower for years but found that it ws drying my skin so I switched to Dove but found that its worse. I also can't use Ivory because it makes me itch like crazy. I use Oil of olay Moisterizer SPF 15 and find it works fine. i wear very little make-up but when I do its Mary kay eyeshadow and mascara and Maybelline foundation. The mascaa clubs after abot a month though. Hope this helps!
Amy

[Laura]

I only wash my face at night given that the air is so dry here. I just rinse it with water in the morning. I use Oil of Olay age defying products (foaming wash and moisturizer). The only tip I can give is to make sure you wash your face every night and moisturize w/ sunscreen. Both will go a long way to keeping your skin in good condition.

[Lynn B]

Great question!

I am 43, too. My skin is VERY FAIR, normal to dry and here's my skin care routine:

AM: just rinse w/ warm water in the shower. An 8% AHA product followed by a moisturizer w/ SPF 15 (currently using Oil of Olay Complete/Fragrance-Free because I like the matte finish it provides) I do love and wear make-up every day, although not "heavy-handed". And I usually don't wear foundation (I don't really need it).

PM: Wash with warm water and Cetaphil cleanser. Follow w/ Retin A .025% or .05% cream.

That's it. It is simple and easy and inexpensive and it works great! Honestly, I am very happy w/ my skin, and I get a lot of compliments.

I have posted this before in various threads, but I will say it again, since we are on the subject! I have found Paula Begoun to be an awesome resource for skin care! Believe me, she takes the hype and confusion out of the cosmetics industry and turns it into information that we (the consumer) can understand!!! I totally recommend all of her books and newsletter.

In my own case, I struggled FOR YEARS w/ my skin - going from one expensive line of skin care products to another, and getting all those mixed and crazy messages from the cosmetic counters, fashion magazines, etc! (And NOT getting great results, anyway!)

My dermatologist MEANS WELL, but he's busy and he doesn't have the time to really answer all my questions - plus he wouldn't know the answer to, "is it a matte sunscreen or a greasy one?" -- and he certainly doesn't know which foundations are best for a very fair-skinned woman with normal-dry skin who just wants very sheer coverage!!!!

Paula's website is: www.cosmeticscop.com (http://www.cosmeticscop.com)

For years and years Paula did what she did (unbiased cosmetic investigation/reporting) solely on the products "out there". Recently, she began developing her own line of products (make-up and skin care). I use many of her products, and love them; but I also use other lines, too. She really does give all brands the same "fair shake", and she recommends MANY different products, not just her own.

If you want to really educate yourself about the cosmetics industry plus learn simple, basic skin care strategies, check her out! I am SOOOO glad that I did!

Lynn

(PS -- I honestly do not work for her or in any way have anything to gain by this!!! I realize that it sure sounds otherwise, but believe me, it isn't!!!) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[funnybone]

I'm 37 and have dry skin. I have used Lancome products since I was 22. I use their toner, Primordiale and/or Renergie moisturizers/eye products . I always their foundation and pressed powder as well. I love their products and find they are the best for my skin. When I look at some of my friends my own age, I definitely think I look younger. They have crows feet around their eyes, I have none.

[cdm]

I have to agree with Lynn B. I use Paula's skin care routine. I think its better than what I use to use (dermalogica), and much less expensive. I'm kind of iffy about her cosmetics, but am looking forward to see her foundation come out later in the summer.

[kwormann]

I have very dry skin, so usually blackheads arent a problem, but I have had more problems than usual now that I am in Houston and am exercising frequently.....sweat buildup I guess.

I wash my face with Este Lauder face wash and Lauder cream in the am. I only wear powder for makeup unless a very special occasion, and I must admit I horribly lax about washing my face and moisturizing it at night (Im not a night person and usually just want to go to bed).

When I do remember, I use Loreal Plentitude Excell-A3.

Kim

[This message has been edited by kwormann (edited 05-27-2001).]

[Alisa]

I have acne on top of dry flaky skin - it's just not fair.
I have tried every product/routine under the sun and now I wash my face with Cetaphil and follow with Neutogena sunscreen. That's it.

[Lynn B]

cdm,

Thanks for your post!

I agree w/ you regarding Paula's make-up suggestions. I am just a tad "iffy" there, too! But make-up (unlike skin care) is really "art", and everyone has different tastes in what is attractive, etc. (I agree w/ many of her concepts, though... for example, a woman wearing frosty china blue eye-shadow and shimmery white lipstick just WILL NOT be taken seriously in the business world! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif )

But I totally believe that her skin care (and hair care) advice is first rate.

At first, I was such a skeptic, I actually subscribed to the FDA publications ($$$!) myself for awhile, talked A LOT w/ my dermatologist, and otherwise checked and double checked EVERYTHING she said (because I just found it so hard to believe that everything I thought I knew about skin care was basically hocus pocus!!!!) - and she checked out - 100% - every time!

When I started following her skin care advice, I was so amazed and happy! My skin looks better than it ever has, my routine is easier than ever, and it is so inexpensive.

I think the hardest myth for me to dispel was that more expensive doesn't necessarily mean better. I always thought I was doing something SO good by buying the expensive products, I equated good skin care w/ lots of money, and figured I was "worth it"! (Well, I am worth it http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif but I LOVE spending the $$$ elsewhere!)

Lynn

[bluebird]

I am over 50 y/o and at this time in my life do not have blackheads although it was a problem in the past. I cannot use soap on my face.

I read "Don't Go To The Cosmetics Counter Without Me," tried Cetaphil Skin Cleanser and have used it ever since as my a.m. and p.m. cleanser. I use Lancome products as well but do not use a toner. I use their moisturizer twice a day and their polyhydroxy acid at night only underneath my moisturizer. During the week, I use a very light layer of their water-based foundation. I have very sensitive skin and found these products to be the best for me.

[kima]

Thankyou lynn for telling us about Paula's site. I found it to be very helpful. I like her direct no nonsense style. Sound like blackheads are a hard thing to get rid of completely (I know I have sure tried!). But in the grand scheme of things they are very igsignificant!!
I sure have enjoyed reading all your posts. Thanks everyone for sharing! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Lynn B]

kima,
You're quite welcome! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif
Lynn

[Gahoona]

Basis soap is a really great soap for face and body. I have dry skin AND breakouts too ( which as mentioned before is really NOT fair, I could accept EITHER zits OR wrinkles but NOT BOTH!) Anyhoo.... I use Basis soap to wash and a product called VaniCream to moisturize. And it's not the age spot vanishing cream....and I do still have an occasional breakout (especially PMS breakouts) but hey, it's not a perfect world.

I used to only be able to buy it in Rochester MN but have seen it and bought it lately here in Wisconsin. The label has a website www.psico.com, (http://www.psico.com,) which I haven't checked out.

[MelissaAS]

Though I've been a Clinique girl in the past, I am now a faithful "Purpose" follower. My dermatologist recommended it and I love it. I use the Gentle Cleansing Wash and Dual Action Moisturizer both morning and night. The wash even gets makeup (including eye makeup) off without a problem.

As for makeup- I've never worn foundation but I am a still a sucker for a trip to a good makeup counter once or twice a year. These days I'm a Mac fan (undereye concealer, powder and blush) but love Great Lash mascara.

For body lotion, I prefer the Vaseline Intensive Care line (especially the Aloe and Naturals one), but since they don't have one with sunscreen, I use the Lubriderm with SPF 15 during the spring/summer months. One more indulgence: I tried the Origins Ginger Body Cream and it is fabulous (but ridiculously overpriced).

[aggie94]

I'm a minimalist when it comes to skin care. I wash my face once a day, in my morning shower, with Cetaphil cleanser. (For the rest of my body, I use Dove sensitive skin soap). After I get out of the shower, I apply a thin layer of Cetaphil creme as a moisturizer on my face and legs. That's it. No makeup (unless it's a REALLY special occasion), and no sunscreen unless I'm spending several hours in the sun.

I think I have pretty good skin, even though I don't do much to it. My biggest compliment came on the day of my wedding -- I was at my hairdresser's getting my hair done, and she had just finished up a big wedding party as I was showing up. They had a makeup person there doing their makeup as well, and my hairdresser asked what I was doing for makeup. I told her I was doing it myself, and the makeup person asked if she could offer some tips. The first thing she asked was what kind of foundation I was wearing. I told her I wasn't wearing anything yet, and she went on and on about how smooth and even my skin was. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif