Beauty

[texgal6]

This is my first post. I come here daily to read the boards I use to have oily combo skin. But now I am really not sure. Sometimes I think I am dry, and then normal!! So it causes a problem when looking at skin care products. I am 40 with beginning of fine lines (the normal stuff)! Should I go to Sephora, or derm for suggestions? Thanks!

[JeanLouiseFinch]

Unless you really have a problem, you don't need to go to a derm for product suggestions. If you want to get a jump on your fine lines, and want to begin using Retin-A, then yes, you will have to see your derm because it's a prescription product.

Your skin can change as you age so that could be why you're confused one what kind of skin you actually have. You need to decide what you want to do, what you're trying to achieve, and how much you're willing to invest. Some people want a very basic routine and others enjoy several steps to their routine. Results will vary by person and products. Sephora sells lots of products and the sales people are trained to encourage sales. Some people like buying from Sephora and others don't. Unless you are decisive on what you actually want, you could end up coming home with a lot of things you don't want. Figure out where you want to go with your skincare routine and then start researching products for your situation.

I'm a bit older than you and used to have oily/combo skin, but now that I'm using the right products for me, my oil production has stabilized and I'm more normal now.

[wagirl]

I love JeanLF advice!! I agree about finding a retin product to use. I am 60 with very dry skin and I need to find a retin product for me too. Not sure where to start tho. All the skin drs I have listened to say that retin-a is for everyones skin. But do it now and I guarantee you will thank yourself when you are 60.

[texgal6]

Thanks JeanLF! I think the starting point is where I get stuck. I see people talk about Dr. Denesse and Dr. Gross. But I don't want 10 plus products to help my skin LOL! Thanks!

[AspenGrove]

On 12/28/2014 wagirl said:

I love JeanLF advice!! I agree about finding a retin product to use. I am 60 with very dry skin and I need to find a retin product for me too. Not sure where to start tho. All the skin drs I have listened to say that retin-a is for everyones skin. But do it now and I guarantee you will thank yourself when you are 60.

wagirl, I'm 56, also with very dry skin. More than 10 years ago, a dermatologist prescribed Renova for me, which is retin-A in a moisturizing base -- specifically developed for those of us with older, drier skin. (The derm explained that other types of retin-A in high doses and gel form that are normally prescribed for acne issues would irritate our skin too much.) I've been using Renova nightly now for more than 10 years. It's all I use every night. Awesome results. (I just posted some on the TSV talk thread.) I highly recommend that you see a dermatologist to determine which type/brand of retin-A is best for your skin.

[Dusty1]

I agree. First you have to decide what you are looking for. Do you just want basic skincare?

Start with your cleanser. Even a cleanser that is for "normal/dry skin" can be too drying. The right cleanser can make or break my complete skincare routine. If it is too drying it makes my skin look a decade older than it is & then I think I need a different treatment or moisturizer. If it doesn't break down/remove my makeup & products, it's a problem. If it leaves a film on my skin or breaks me out, of course, it's a problem.

Then you have to decide if you want a treatment, moisturizer, how you will include sun protection, etc. It's a lot of work. Asking questions & reading reviews online (I use this forum & Makeupalley) can help. Talking to SAs at stores & getting some samples, once you narrow down what you are actually looking for, is helpful, too. SAs at dept store counters are basically only going to recommend their line, but that is fine, if there is a line that you think works for you. Nordstrom & Sephora have more options & can mix & match lines to find products that may work for you, but you have to be able to have some knowledge about what you want & be able to ask questions.

A lot of websites have a skincare test you can take & they will recommend products for you based on that, but my skin is complicated & that doesn't work very well for me.

My other advice would be to start with one thing & try it for a few days or a week before trying/adding something else. You may want to jump into new cleanser/serum/moisture/treatment all at once, but then you don't know what is working for you or is not working for you.

Good luck.

[suzyQ3]

texgal6, a few of us like an online skin care company called Paula's Choice. It's quite popular and well-received. Their customer service is top-notch.

You can call and talk to them about your needs, and they will recommend a regimen for you. They will also send you samples of products free of charge. And if a product you buy turns out not to be right for you, you can return it within 60 days (after 60 days, you would receive in-house store credit).

Their products are fragrance- and irritant-free, packaged so as to keep the ingredients protected and effective, and are moderately priced, certainly less expensive than "high-end" department store prices for which you are paying for marketing, salespeople, and often fancy packaging. They are certified cruelty-free as well.

You might try browsing through the site (www.paulaschoice.com).

[Gal]

Suzy, For several years, I've been using the BOOTS skincare line, made in England and found at Target and ULTA. It is by far the best I've ever used. The INTENSE ADVANCED Serum is a must have and the day and night creams come in different formulas for different skin types. I also use the cleansers as well as a face mask which will remind you of a pink whipped cream. I cannot say enough about this brand - they also have makeup which I have found to be very good. The prices are reasonable too. I would suggest you give these products a try.

[ahoymate]

On 12/28/2014 JeanLouiseFinch said:

Unless you really have a problem, you don't need to go to a derm for product suggestions. If you want to get a jump on your fine lines, and want to begin using Retin-A, then yes, you will have to see your derm because it's a prescription product.

Your skin can change as you age so that could be why you're confused one what kind of skin you actually have. You need to decide what you want to do, what you're trying to achieve, and how much you're willing to invest. Some people want a very basic routine and others enjoy several steps to their routine. Results will vary by person and products. Sephora sells lots of products and the sales people are trained to encourage sales. Some people like buying from Sephora and others don't. Unless you are decisive on what you actually want, you could end up coming home with a lot of things you don't want. Figure out where you want to go with your skincare routine and then start researching products for your situation.

I'm a bit older than you and used to have oily/combo skin, but now that I'm using the right products for me, my oil production has stabilized and I'm more normal now.

Yes, sales people are there to SELL. They are not experts. You'll save yourself time, $$ and grief by going to a reputable derm. They R the skin care experts. Not the cosmetic companies.

[suzyQ3]

On 12/28/2014 Gal said:

Suzy, For several years, I've been using the BOOTS skincare line, made in England and found at Target and ULTA. It is by far the best I've ever used. The INTENSE ADVANCED Serum is a must have and the day and night creams come in different formulas for different skin types. I also use the cleansers as well as a face mask which will remind you of a pink whipped cream. I cannot say enough about this brand - they also have makeup which I have found to be very good. The prices are reasonable too. I would suggest you give these products a try.

Did you mean this reply for the OP?

I appreciate the recommendation but am very satisfied with my current skin care.