Skincare - let's sperg about routines and products

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All of my skin problems--cystic acne, blackheads, pimples, pastiness and uneven coloration, dark circles under my eyes, psoriasis, scaly elbows, excessive oiliness--disappeared after I stopped eating wheat. Some issues resolved within days; others took a couple of months. Drastically cutting my sugar intake and avoiding oils with the highest potential for rancidity had already made a difference (such as a big reduction in blackheads and whiteheads), but wheat turned out to be the major culprit.

That wasn't the result I expected, or that I was looking for in the first place, but fuck it, I'll take it. A bunch of other inflammatory stuff (such as periodontal disease and stiff, achy knees) cleared up, too.

Oh, and I used to sunburn like crazy, and don't any more unless I'm out all day and have forgotten sunscreen. I don't tan very much, but I don't go lobster-red and blistery, either. At worst, I get a little bit pink and it itches for a day or two.

So after decades of trying so many products to deal with all of my skin problems, no longer need much of anything at all. I use coconut oil on my still-damp skin (face and body). I wash my hair with baking soda. Unless I'm really filthy, I only use soap on my pits and crack. I wipe my face with a warm washcloth, and that's it.

I'm at an age where I do have fine wrinkles around my eyes (which don't bother me), and I can get undereye bags if I don't get enough sleep (and those can be reduced with either ice or Preparation H). But my skin has never looked better--smooth, no blemishes, fine pores, with even coloration, and no dark circles under my eyes. I don't wear makeup (except for occasional mascara), and women roughly my age or a bit older are always asking me what products I use to get such great skin.
 
Angry New Ager said:
All of my skin problems--cystic acne, blackheads, pimples, pastiness and uneven coloration, dark circles under my eyes, psoriasis, scaly elbows, excessive oiliness--disappeared after I stopped eating wheat. Some issues resolved within days; others took a couple of months. Drastically cutting my sugar intake and avoiding oils with the highest potential for rancidity had already made a difference (such as a big reduction in blackheads and whiteheads), but wheat turned out to be the major culprit.
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Really? Wheat? :o I hadn't heard about that being a problem for some, I know I have to avoid dairy like the plague but wheat is new.
 
Probably more suited for a new thread entirely, but I've taught a bunch of people how to adopt keto diets, sugar is the devil on top of being inflammatory it also stunts your immune systems. If you'd like a thread on dieting, we can do that.
 
entropyseekswork said:
Probably more suited for a new thread entirely, but I've taught a bunch of people how to adopt keto diets, sugar is the devil on top of being inflammatory it also stunts your immune systems. If you'd like a thread on dieting, we can do that.
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I would like to see this thread tbh
 
acceptable said:
okay mini rant- why is skincare only really marketed to woman? its dumb and stupid and so many boys have gross oily or dirty skin and they think shit like a face mask is girly? no. men have skin issues as well but you never see guys with a complex regimen.
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I think younger guys just don't know any better, but older gentlemen don't have what you'd call a "complex regimen" but they do take care of themselves a lot better when it comes to stuff like that. Not everybody, of course, which is why you'll see those certain elderly men with that one eyebrow hair that is six inches long or a blackhead that looks like its been growing there for 28 years.

I was the only lucky one in my family, all my brothers and sister had either mediocre to severe acne as teenagers and I was a fresh faced, young chap all throughout puberty. When I got older though, past my teenage years, I started getting pimples and blackheads and wondering wtf was going on. I thought that stuff was supposed to go away when you got out of your teenage years. I just started doing some some basic things, like washing with very hot water in the morning and using that alcohol based stuff that makes your skin less oily and it did wonders for me. Now when I shave, I look all smooth and clean, no burns or razor bumps on my neck where I just shaved. After washing my face and shaving, I always splash my face with extremely cold water, because I remember from that movie where Joan Crawford beats her daughter with a wire hanger that she used to do that every day when she washed her face so her pores would tighten up, and it seemed like a good strategy.
 
Angry New Ager said:
All of my skin problems--cystic acne, blackheads, pimples, pastiness and uneven coloration, dark circles under my eyes, psoriasis, scaly elbows, excessive oiliness--disappeared after I stopped eating wheat. Some issues resolved within days; others took a couple of months. Drastically cutting my sugar intake and avoiding oils with the highest potential for rancidity had already made a difference (such as a big reduction in blackheads and whiteheads), but wheat turned out to be the major culprit.

That wasn't the result I expected, or that I was looking for in the first place, but fuck it, I'll take it. A bunch of other inflammatory stuff (such as periodontal disease and stiff, achy knees) cleared up, too.

Oh, and I used to sunburn like crazy, and don't any more unless I'm out all day and have forgotten sunscreen. I don't tan very much, but I don't go lobster-red and blistery, either. At worst, I get a little bit pink and it itches for a day or two.

So after decades of trying so many products to deal with all of my skin problems, no longer need much of anything at all. I use coconut oil on my still-damp skin (face and body). I wash my hair with baking soda. Unless I'm really filthy, I only use soap on my pits and crack. I wipe my face with a warm washcloth, and that's it.

I'm at an age where I do have fine wrinkles around my eyes (which don't bother me), and I can get undereye bags if I don't get enough sleep (and those can be reduced with either ice or Preparation H). But my skin has never looked better--smooth, no blemishes, fine pores, with even coloration, and no dark circles under my eyes. I don't wear makeup (except for occasional mascara), and women roughly my age or a bit older are always asking me what products I use to get such great skin.
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Coconut oil is still occlusive and not good for acne prone skin. In terms of your skin problems clearing up with the avoidance of wheat well there are some studies to support this. Something like 70% of women on the south beach diet (that's low carb, low sugar) noticed an improvement in their acne etc. These diets stabilize insulin.

Fresh Grown Breasts said:
I had cystic acne, took Roaccutaine for a year, and had perfect skin for a decade. Hit my 30's and I've suddenly started getting clusters of cystic acne again. I'm heartbroken but don't want to go back on Roaccutaine for another course because it turned me into a psychotic hosebeast.

My skin routine is pretty much non-existent as I'm too freaked out to put anything on. Outbreaks are so unpredictable I can never gauge what sparks it and what controls it. Does anyone have any recommendations? I'm desperate at this point and a decent skin routine might actually get things back under control...I look like an elderly teenager.
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How do you feel about using retinoids?
 
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mdrop22 said:
I'm so skeptical of any Western sunscreens because of white cast. I wear makeup most days and I'm not trying to look like a ghost, or have too much physical sunscreen caking up my skin. I don't know if anyone is familiar with the Biore Watery Essence sunscreen but it is the shit. It's basically a serum consistency, SPF 50, and leaves no white cast or residue. It dries totally matte and smooth.

View attachment 235632

I just don't understand why it takes months to get here from Amazon. It's not like it's coming from another planet.

I am going to check out the exfoliants section though. Thanks for the blog link
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I don't know for sure, but I think it's something to do with customs. I've heard the FDA has been really slow in approving the filters used in Asian sunscreens, so I'm just assuming it's a bitch to export. I go through a ton of sunscreen, so I've been using Neutrogena Clear Face Break-Out Free blah blah blah sunscreen since it's less of a hassle. It's a pure chemical sunscreen so it shouldn't cause a white-cast. It's the only non-Asian sunscreen I've really liked to use on my face, unfortunately if you sweat alot, it has the tendency to run into your eyes which can be very painful. It's nowhere near as nice, but it's an okay, cheap alternative in case Asian sunscreen gets banned outright.

While we're still on the topic of sun protection, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation , UVA radiation can penetrate glass so if you guys have alot of windows in your home that you hang out in front of for an extended period of time, it might be a good idea to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen indoors as well. There's also this laundry detergent that's supposed to add 30 extra SPF to your clothing. I haven't looked into it yet, but it sounds neat, since apparently a white T-shirt on its own only provides 7 SPF. I was disappointed I didn't find out about this earlier. I thought I was so vigilant in my sun care when in reality I probably exposed myself to alot of unnecessary damage just spending hours at my window-facing desk everyday.
 
King Bigdick said:
I don't know for sure, but I think it's something to do with customs. I've heard the FDA has been really slow in approving the filters used in Asian sunscreens, so I'm just assuming it's a bitch to export. I go through a ton of sunscreen, so I've been using Neutrogena Clear Face Break-Out Free blah blah blah sunscreen since it's less of a hassle. It's a pure chemical sunscreen so it shouldn't cause a white-cast. It's the only non-Asian sunscreen I've really liked to use on my face, unfortunately if you sweat alot, it has the tendency to run into your eyes which can be very painful. It's nowhere near as nice, but it's an okay, cheap alternative in case Asian sunscreen gets banned outright.
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@mdrop22 If you have local asian supermarkets nearby, try them, basic cosmetics are usually in glass cabinets up near the front.
I usually use Sunplay's Superblock 50 or 130+ spf depending on the season. I stock up whilst I'm actually in Japan because Matsumoto Kiyoshi is much cheaper than buying online and since Amazon doesn't really ship to where I live. But if you're sick of Amazon maybe try Yesstyle and Sasa? They are much easier to use and ship rather speedily.
Invisible Zinc which is an Australian brand is extremely good. I use that in summer in Sydney because the sunlight is completely different than when I'm in East Asia. Sydney burns/darkens my skin quick.

On the topic of skincare routines, does anyone switch routines daily? Or do you all just stick to an everyday routine?
 
My routine has a basic skeleton, but I rotate BHA, AHA, Retinol and vitamin c serum for acids, and that's made such a difference in my face in regards to results + not angrying up my skin. I have dehydrated skin so I use a lot of essences, creams and some oils, and I mix those up as well. I love sheet masks, and during the summer I usually use one a day since they're so cooling and relaxing.
 
On the topic of Melanoma and other skin Cancers it can also occur from persistent irritation - not just the sun. Bras that are too tight and irritating clothing. I honestly never knew that before and when I found out I as completely shocked.

I have never treated my skin the best personally. I have been harsh on it in the past with acne products and tanning. At 27 I'm hoping it's not too late to repair the damage.
 
lila said:
I have never treated my skin the best personally. I have been harsh on it in the past with acne products and tanning. At 27 I'm hoping it's not too late to repair the damage.
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Definitely not too late! If you don't have a routine it's good to start with cleanser -> eye cream/treatments -> moisturize. I used the 3 step system from Clinique which you can dupe with any cleaser, toner, and moisturizer that works for you. If you don't really have any specific concerns, that should be plenty. A chemical exfoliant doesn't hurt either.
 
grandpasatan said:
My routine has a basic skeleton, but I rotate BHA, AHA, Retinol and vitamin c serum for acids, and that's made such a difference in my face in regards to results + not angrying up my skin. I have dehydrated skin so I use a lot of essences, creams and some oils, and I mix those up as well. I love sheet masks, and during the summer I usually use one a day since they're so cooling and relaxing.
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How long do you use each before rotating? I use retinol too but I've been wanting to try vitamin C and glycolic acid.
 
I have super sensitive skin, so my only change in routine is I only exfoliate a couple days a week. Avoid things that scratch your skin too much with beads, I find it only aggravates my face. Charcoal is good, though.

Burt's Bees sensitive cleanser is a life saver, extremely gentle and creamy. Aveeno moisturizer is fantastic and gentle too. Lush's Bohemian bar is bar none the best soap for general cleaning in the shower, very sensitive and the lemon oils really help with scarring or discoloration.

I also use essential oils serum (its from kiehls so it costs an arm and a leg normally) but it has evening primrose and lavender which is amazing for your skin.

Last but not least. Frequently clean your pillow cases, seriously. My face improved dramatically when I started washing my pillow cases every weekend.

Side note: I just invested in Pixi Toner because of this thread, I adore it. I was nervous because of my skin (though I do love glycolic acid so I thought I'd give it a whirl) but it's fantastic!
 
Taking showers that are (too) long and/or (too) hot will dry your skin out fast and I've noticed that finishing with a cold shower leaves you not sweating quite a bit longer.

PS: Non-comidogenic face wash also helps to keep your pores unclogged just throwing that out there
 
OH BOY MY FAVORITE THING TO TALK ABOUT!

I've finally found a routine that works for me, after years of experimentation and months of suffering with allergic reactions, so I'm really happy. I've also stopped wearing foundation entirely, simply cos I don't want to anymore. I'm tired of nothing ever matching my skin or staying on more than a couple of hours. It's just concealer and translucent powder now, aside from my eye makeup and lip colors.

  • Morning-
  • Mario Badescu Keratoplast Cream Soap
  • Skyn Iceland ANTIDOTE Cooling Daily Lotion (the best for calming down itching and redness)
  • Julep No Excuses sunscreen gel (40 SPF)

  • Night-
  • Mario Badescu Carnation and Rice Oil Cleansing Milk (takes off my eye makeup with no burning!)
  • Hada Labo Age Correcting eye cream (I don't love it but it was $6 on clearance so I grabbed it)
  • Mario Badescu Buttermilk moisturizer

Once a week I use a pore strip on my nose and then this mask from 10.0.6, which works really well but it burns my face like a mother until it dries so I don't think I'll buy it again...

Also, any Kiwis with sensitive, problematic skin should look at the Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox BB cream. It's helped me so much that I've stopped using it, lol. I don't feel like I need to cover my face that much anymore, my redness is almost completely gone and I have pretty much no acne these days, so why bother? But it's a great one-and-done product, I love it and I'm keeping it for, like, special occasions and job interviews. Times when you have to put your best face forward.

King Bigdick said:
Where does everyone stand on wait times for acids? I do wait about 20-30 minutes with glycolic acid since my skin doesn't get dry from it, but BHAs it drives me nuts if I leave it on my skin alone past just drying alone.
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I've had really good results from using glycolic cleansers rather than putting the actual chemical peels on my face, maybe you could try that? I used the Nip+Fab cleanser, but I got a travel kit from Mario Badescu that had their Glycolic Foaming Cleanser in it and I really preferred that one.

acceptable said:
you put oil on your face????????????????? wtffffff if i put oil on my face i would wake up looking like a fucking pizza pie. my skin has enough oil to sell out BP.
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Oil attracts oil. All it'll do is remove the surface oil on your skin, that way you can use a more gentle cleanser that won't strip your face and cause you to continue over-producing oil. I use to strip the shit out of my face (which makes me cringe, knowing how sensitive my skin is) and I could never figure out why my acne was so bad. When I went to esthetics school and learned exactly how wrong my entire routine was, I switched to products for sensitive skin and immediately saw a change.

Fresh Grown Breasts said:
My skin routine is pretty much non-existent as I'm too freaked out to put anything on. Outbreaks are so unpredictable I can never gauge what sparks it and what controls it. Does anyone have any recommendations? I'm desperate at this point and a decent skin routine might actually get things back under control...I look like an elderly teenager.
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Be very gentle and kind to your skin. The more harsh products you use, the worse it'll get, because cystic acne is mostly inflammation. Unfortunately, it's also more internal, so products will only take you so far. But you can get a jump on it by drinking lots of water and eating decently healthy, anti-inflammatory foods. Keeping stress under control and sleeping well helps a lot, too.

Just an aside: I 100% support more marketing of men's skincare products. EVERYONE needs a good regimen, it's not just for girls! Skincare is so important. Even if you're just using drugstore stuff (I wish I could, none of it works for me), at least it's something.
 
@fire_fly, oh wow, I just read a nightmare article about Mario Badescu's products and consumers having terrible reactions to it, including a class action lawsuit over products that disfigured people's skin and didn't have steroids disclosed in the ingredients list. Glad you've found something that works for you, but I'd feel bad if I didn't make you aware of his track record, least one of his new products is janky.

ETA: Dr. Jart's products are excellent. I had a male friend suffering terribly with dry skin (whole face flaking) that wanted it cured within a weeks time for a wedding, I referred him to the recommendation I got for the circumstances which was the tiger grass serum and moisturizes, (replaced his old face wash with an oil cleanser, added simple witch hazel as toner), and the problem was fixed in three days.
 
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