Skin care recommendations anyone?

It depends on what your concern is. For moisturization, you want something with hyaluronic acid in it.

For spots/overall clarity/glow, vitamin C at least 10-15%, lactic acid, or alpha hydroxy acid andr/or hydroquinone.

For wrinkles, tretinoin (Retin A) works.

I am an ER PA but have done Dermatology before and am doing Aesthetics per diem now. Ask me anything!

capriqueen wrote: »

Thanks! I am looking for something that would help with aging and bring about a glow, what brand recommendations do you have?

Obagi Vitamin C serum and SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic are good. Korres Wild Rose vitamin C serum is less pricey. Many of the products with a good percentage of active ingredient are a bit pricier. But, it is better than buying a bunch of products that claim to work, but don't. Also, if you see a dermatologist, they can write you for Retin A or an equivalent which is the best anti-ager out there but only available by prescription. Many of these products are a bit drying so are best used with a face oil or other good moisturizer. Also, it is best to start at a lower strength if your skin is sensitive.

I'm a guy.

A bar of Lava Soap works pretty well for me.

capriqueen wrote: »

Thanks a lot! I have heard a lot about CE Ferulic but was apprehensive about the price, so wanted to know if there were others out there. I tried Paula's choice retinol but that had no effect on me either, so I thought I would start with the serum for now.

Yeah, that is the most expensive one. The Obagi one is a little less cost and the Korres is the cheapest option. I have used all 3 with good results. IMO, you can save money on moisturizers and cleansers and invest more on the serum.

Sounds weird but try not washing your face in the morning (assuming you do wash it at night). Sometimes in the fall and winter it’s just too drying to use cleanser twice.

branflakes1980 wrote: »

nooshi713 wrote: »

It depends on what your concern is. For moisturization, you want something with hyaluronic acid in it.

For spots/overall clarity/glow, vitamin C at least 10-15%, lactic acid, or alpha hydroxy acid andr/or hydroquinone.

For wrinkles, tretinoin (Retin A) works.

I am an ER PA but have done Dermatology before and am doing Aesthetics per diem now. Ask me anything!

Derm just told me that I have melasma. He recommended a $250 bottle of something that is only a month supply... Sorry but I don't want to take out a second mortgage on my home to get rid of these spots. They aren't awful and I can live with them, I just don't want them to get worse. Any suggestions?

I did a few rounds of laser for mine. Couple of things:

Always always wear sunscreen but make sure it’s a physical sunscreen like zinc oxide. A physical sunscreen will block the sun’s rays whereas a chemical sunscreen will simply convert the rays to heat. Heat is a big trigger for melasma.

Make sure to reapply sunscreen throughout the day. You can get powder sunscreens that work really well for this purpose.

branflakes1980 wrote: »

Derm just told me that I have melasma. He recommended a $250 bottle of something that is only a month supply... Sorry but I don't want to take out a second mortgage on my home to get rid of these spots. They aren't awful and I can live with them, I just don't want them to get worse. Any suggestions?

Yeah you dont need to spend that much. There are many over the counter bleaching products for much less. Most that you can buy in the store are 2% hydroquinone. Prescription strength are 4-6% and just work a bit faster. Use a 2% product and spf 50+ every single day for 3 months to see results

caco_ethes wrote: »

branflakes1980 wrote: »

nooshi713 wrote: »

It depends on what your concern is. For moisturization, you want something with hyaluronic acid in it.

For spots/overall clarity/glow, vitamin C at least 10-15%, lactic acid, or alpha hydroxy acid andr/or hydroquinone.

For wrinkles, tretinoin (Retin A) works.

I am an ER PA but have done Dermatology before and am doing Aesthetics per diem now. Ask me anything!

Derm just told me that I have melasma. He recommended a $250 bottle of something that is only a month supply... Sorry but I don't want to take out a second mortgage on my home to get rid of these spots. They aren't awful and I can live with them, I just don't want them to get worse. Any suggestions?

I did a few rounds of laser for mine. Couple of things:

Always always wear sunscreen but make sure it’s a physical sunscreen like zinc oxide. A physical sunscreen will block the sun’s rays whereas a chemical sunscreen will simply convert the rays to heat. Heat is a big trigger for melasma.

Make sure to reapply sunscreen throughout the day. You can get powder sunscreens that work really well for this purpose.

Yes great advice. You look good.

nooshi713 wrote: »

@caco_ethes What kinda laser did you use?

I have used Spectra Peel with good results. But there are so many...

They called it a fotofacial laser I think?

caco_ethes wrote: »

@branflakes1980 wrote: »

Thanks. I have been religious with the sunscreen since he told me that I had this. I didn't know though that I could get powder with sunscreen in it (powder and mascara is all I wear makeup wise) so this is great news. I just couldn't afford this serum that he recommended, was looking for a cheaper alternative... Is the laser expensive as well?

Yes. It’s way more expensive than the creams. But I used alllll the creams and they did nothing so ultimately laser was a better value. Here’s a before and after if you’re curious.

And the powder sunscreen I use is just Physician’s Formula CC something or other. SPF30. It’s like $10

Wow, looks great. I will have to look into my options.

DeadliftsAndSprinkles wrote: »

Motorsheen wrote: »

DeadliftsAndSprinkles wrote: »

I love Thayer's Witch Hazel with Aloe and Rose Water (about $16.00 CDN) along with Joyal Beauty Organic Retinol Serum ($24.00 CDN) and Original African Black Soap (white diamond -- $13.00 CDN).

Do you know how many tacos you can get with $53.00 ??

To really compare you'd have to turn it into a whole math equation because a bar of soap lasts for over a month and both the serum and toner can last me up to two months so you'd have to figure out how many tacos you'd have to buy to cover about 6 weeks (or so).

Okay now go.

Ugh..... I wasn't prepared for a math problem.

nooshi713 wrote: »

It depends on what your concern is. For moisturization, you want something with hyaluronic acid in it.

For spots/overall clarity/glow, vitamin C at least 10-15%, lactic acid, or alpha hydroxy acid andr/or hydroquinone.

For wrinkles, tretinoin (Retin A) works.

I am an ER PA but have done Dermatology before and am doing Aesthetics per diem now. Ask me anything!

Hydroquinone... I am just not one to tango with the risk. Tretinoin is extremely drying - even by second hand exposure. Like everything else you'd listed. 👍👍

Pure rosehip oil