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Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,296
Registered: ‎09-18-2010

My dermatologist has recommended several different things, including makeup, but the one thing she recommended that I have stayed with for years is the skinmedica aha/bha cleanser.

 

The other things I use have mainly been by trial and error.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,001
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

I agree with @Harpa -- it took me a lot of trial and error over the years to find what works best for me.  And what works best for me may not work for you because everyone's skin is different.  Some products worked well for a long time, then my complexion changed and needed something else, and I got rid of one and added another.  

 

At 72, I've settled on a very simple routine and mostly drug store products.  Neutrogena makes some wonderful products -- your skin could probably use the ceramides in every CeraVe product.  Add/change one product at a time in your routine in case you get irritation or other reaction -- you need to know which product to blame.

 

For me:   a gentle cleanser, a vitamin C serum, a moisturizer, a retinol cream, a firming cream on my neck.  That's it!   Nothing fancy.

* A woman is like a tea bag. You can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water. *
- Eleanor Roosevelt
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,276
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

@tototwo wrote:

I agree with @Harpa -- it took me a lot of trial and error over the years to find what works best for me. 

 

 

For me:   a gentle cleanser, a vitamin C serum, a moisturizer, a retinol cream, a firming cream on my neck.  That's it!   Nothing fancy.


It's not that I think trial & error is the way to go, it's just that you discover which things are true performers.

 

@tototwoYour routine is basically my routine. I also heartily ascribe to toning. Like using an essence for deeper penetration into your surface layers.

 

Also, in method, in facial stimulation via massage (not necessarily with gadgets). You can use practically anything and achieve visible results.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 17,774
Registered: ‎03-13-2010

It is hard because as you stated, there are just so many lines out there and new stuff comes out constantly!  I have a suggestion but it might not be exactly what you want.  How about trying one of those beauty box subscriptions?  You can go on line and plug in beauty box subscriptions and quite a lot of them will come up and there are different price points, as well.  I used to get one from Ipsy which was very inexpensive --- I believe it was $12 a month.  You initially fill out a profile of your wants, needs, likes, etc.  Then, each month they send you a selection of several products.  That way, you can try out a lot of different products for not a lot of money!  

 

Otherwise, for me, I have very senstive skin and I can't use products with fragrance or harsh ingredients.  If I see a new product advertised, whether it's in a magazine or on tv, or wherever, I will try and research it first to see what is in it.  Also, price is very important.  I don't like to go overboard and I don't buy high end things either.  I also don't want a complicated regimen.  The fewer things the better.  Some like organic products, products with fruit extracts, etc., but I find these things cause reactions for me.  Lines like Almay, Neutrogina and even Cover Girl work well for me.  As for cleansing and moisturizing, Cetaphil, Neutrogina, CeraVe are great ones.

 

"A day without sunshine is like, you know, night." - Steve Martin
Honored Contributor
Posts: 12,111
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

@Shanus wrote:

@CalminHeart wrote:

My philosophy is to keep it simple.  Cleanse, exfoliate (I do it once a week), moisturize. I also use a serum under my moisturizer. I'm 67 and most people think I'm in my mid 50s.  

 

You don't have to spend tons of money. There are some good products in any store. I prefer Neutrogena unscented products.  


@CalminHeart   Annoying, I know, but I'm adding SPF to your great routine. Neutogena has some wonderful choices.


 

I should have mentioned that!  I do too.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 21,812
Registered: ‎03-16-2010

I've been using some very highend  products and products on the other end of the spectrum...CHEAP.   I don't care that it's a lot of product.  It works and my face has never looked better.  

 

Spendy: Tatcha (Oil Cleanser, Rice Wash and Rice Polish).  If I could only keep one of those, I think I'd keep the Rice Polish

 

Avg: Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence

 

Cheap: The Ordinary ( HA, Buffet, Niacinamide, Granactive, Marula Oil)

Honored Contributor
Posts: 35,031
Registered: ‎05-17-2010

Re: So how do you decide??

[ Edited ]

@monicakm wrote:

I've been using some very highend  products and products on the other end of the spectrum...CHEAP.   I don't care that it's a lot of product.  It works and my face has never looked better.  

 

Spendy: Tatcha (Oil Cleanser, Rice Wash and Rice Polish).  If I could only keep one of those, I think I'd keep the Rice Polish

 

Avg: Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence

 

Cheap: The Ordinary ( HA, Buffet, Niacinamide, Granactive, Marula Oil)


@monicakm   Kudos for you, but that's way too many skincare steps for me. I stay with cleanse, exfoliate, serum, moisturize and spf....Retin A at night.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 21,812
Registered: ‎03-16-2010

@Shanus 

 

Several months ago I posted a question asking if anyone else enjoys doing their skincare.  I do.  It's relaxing, it feels good knowing I'm doing something good for my skin and I'm loving the results.  

Honored Contributor
Posts: 35,031
Registered: ‎05-17-2010

 


@monicakm wrote:

@Shanus 

 

Several months ago I posted a question asking if anyone else enjoys doing their skincare.  I do.  It's relaxing, it feels good knowing I'm doing something good for my skin and I'm loving the results.  


 

@monicakm   At night, sometimes I light a lavender candle and put on soft classical music while doing my cleansing, moisturiers, etc. It's relaxing for sure.

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Registered: ‎07-09-2011

@Harpa wrote:

@CherryHugs  What worked for me was to understand skin, understand my skin at my age and what I really need; what improvements I wanted to address, and research which ingredients will take you where you want to go.

 

And then, good old trial & error. You learn an awful lot of practical lessons that way. 

 

It helps, too, when you understand marketing strategies.

 

 


@Harpa   @CherryHugs 

 

This is my process as well.

Then I eliminate anything with fragrance & anything tested on animals.

That really narrows the field. 🙂

"Animals are not my whole world, but they have made my world whole" ~ Roger Caras