The Secret to Clear Skin

I always had clear skin even as a teen. It's really down to hormones and genetics.

[quote]fresh pillowcases every few days?

What kind of slob doesn't have fresh sheets and linen every day?

Oprah, go back to your minge.

Also, don't touch your face with your hands.

NeoCutis products have aborted baby cells in them. Perfect for DLers. Expensive, but good results.

My doctor swears by Cetaphil cleansers and moisturizers. I'll have to take him at his word, because one bottle of each is relatively cheap and lasts for months. I think if he were conning me, he would just try to sell me those ridiculously expensive cleansers/moisturizer kits they sell in the office.

By 'doctor' I meant dermatologist.

Oops, 'By Cetaphil cleansers and moisturizers' I meant being slapped in the face with a blatino's meat right before he smears my face with cock snot.

Weird. I was going to start a thread about skin care. My partner, a hirsute bear, uses soap. He invests more time and money into his beard and hair grooming products. I'm a skin care freak - cleansing, toning, exfoliating, serums, moisturizers (day and night, warm and cold seasons variants), eye serum & creams (AM & PM), masques, sunscreen, you name it.

A healthy diet that gives your skin the vitamins and minerals it needs to be at its best. Then it's showering and putting on moisture (cream or lotion, I prefer lotion) on a daily basis. Use higher quality stuff (doesn't need to be expensive) and avoid these cheap supermarket shit that dries and iriitates your skin.

Clear skin is best aided by drinking fuckloads of water, coconut oil (ingested and applied to skin), a healthy (in my case, vegan) diet, plenty of sleep. A good skin care regime. It's your entire lifestyle. Not smoking, limiting alcohol and exposure to sun.

All the oils are being promoted now - almond, argon, etc. Serums as well. They absorb quickly but I feel like they attract dust in the air.

Anyone use organic shea butter?

I made the experience that products with argan oil make my nipples and crotch itch.

They're not Japanese potatoes; they're sweet potatoes. These are full of hyaluronic acid. Watch this documentary and learn all about it... brought to you by Connie Chung. The sweet potatoes really do help with anti-aging. The old Japanese people who eat them on a daily basis look a lot younger than their Western counterparts.

What works best for me:

No sugar diet. Bacteria love sugar.

No soap, no cleansers, no toner. Wash face with water. That's it.

My cystic acne went away after giving up sugar and cleansers and I have zero wrinkles. The only time I'll use soap is if I wind up really dirty after a busy day. And even then, it's a full fat soap that won't strip the natural oils on skin.

Stay out of the sun (take extra Vitamin D-3, to make up for less sunlight).

Most importantly, good skin comes from good health--make sure you get all the nutrients the typical S.A.D. (standard American diet) lacks. Magnesium, probiotics, vitamins A, C, E...so many others. Try not to get your nutrients from supplements, unless you're really unhealthy. The best way to nourish your body is via a wide variety of healthy food picks.

I miss Connie Chung.

Come back, Connie Chung, come back.

R15 what happened to her?

Cetaphil is nasty. It feels like lotion.

Frequent hot sex.

If you have acne you have to get to a dermatologist. You cannot clear it by yourself with any store bought products. Most acne products contain harsh salicylic acid which strips the skin of oil and the skin overcompensates by producing even more oil.

Cetaphil is a good gentle facial cleanser but for acne you need a topical retinoid to exfoliate the dead cells and keep pores clear and Benzoyl Peroxide wash or gel to nuke the bacteria.

Then you need non pore-blocking SPF, water and sleep.

Be born with good genes. Ha!

I like NeoCutis because it doesn't contain that silicone crap. At least not the products of theirs that I buy. That silicone garbage made me break out and get cysts on my face, presumably by clogging my pores. Yuk.

All you really need is their cleansing lotion and their bio cream. You can use their sunscreen in summer. If you live in a sunny area, use their sunscreen year round and forget the bio cream. They both have the same ingredients except for the sunscreen. Their sunscreen is very light, not heavy at all. It looks as if it has color in it, but when you put it on, it doesn't. It's just a wee bit of tint to avoid that overly white look that sunscreens can give the skin.

It's expensive, but you don't need to buy anything else. They sell all kinds of products, but you don't need them. Just the basics.

A Swiss cosmetic surgeon in Geneva who I've visited a few times suggests using Acerbine liquid tempered with a bit of water as an astringent after washing and at night applying a 10% gloycolic acid cream before bed.

Its not a big or expensive regimen and it works like magic. Careful not to apply Acerbine after shaving. I've done this and learned its a special kind of torture.

Cream of Sum Yung Gai

Stop touching your face. Clear skin 101 says stop transferring oils from your fingers to your face

My face couldn't even tolerate 7% glycolic acid. Couldn't take the lowest dose of retin A either. I think it was 0.025%. Did everything the derm told me. She kept telling me to keep using it so my face would get used to it. It never did and finally my coworkers asked me to stop because they could stand looking at my skin. And they like me! Imagine if they didn't like me.

My face can't take any vitamin C, either. Weird how everybody is different.

Zinc based sunscreen every single day, applied once in the morning and again before I leave work in the afternoon. I use a prescription retinoid and undergo a fractional CO2 laser treatment twice a year.

I'm forty-two and have really, really, really good skin.

Actually never washing your face leaves it in better shape than washing it every day.

I never use regular soap on my face. R27 has a point. I only use face wash or a weekly face scrub. I use a couple drops of shea butter baby oil in the winter to maintain moisture. I also always wear at least an SPF 15 sunscreen when outside. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables and plenty of water is also key. However, like some have posted upthread, it helps to have good genes!

You are going to think I'm kidding, but I'm not. Oil of Olay. My Mom used it until she died in her 80's and her skin was amazing. I started using it around 5 years ago and my skin looks totally different. It's very inexpensive and I'll use it for the rest of my life. My only regret is that I didn't start using it in my 20's.

Folks, I'm almost a billionaire. If there was some magic potion out there, don't you think I would have found it by now?

Does anyone recommend something for the scalp? If I use regular shampoo/conditioner with sulfate, I get buildup. If I use sulfate-free, it dries out my scalp. I tried not using shampoo at all, just water, but it just made my hair greasy and matted.

Walgreen's version of Proactiv Solution

Oil of Olay burned my skin. The "pure and gentle" Ivory soap burned my skin badly, too. I used to joke that Ivory soap was "99% pure....lye."

Once I received a sample of pert shampoo -- back when samples were close to full size rather than little foil envelopes. I used it a couple of times and swore I had lice my head itched so badly. I made my doctor check for nits. Finally, I realized it was the new shampoo.

In my 20's I stopped using any kind of soap on my face and switched to a soap free shaving cream. I use a moisturizer with aloe every day and sun screen when I know I will be out in direct sun. (don't forget your neck!) That's it. I'm 60 with no lines, creases, sagging or sun spots. Eight ounces of vodka day helps with everything else.

R29, which OoO do you use? There a lot of different kinds? Original? Day cream? Night cream? Hydrating cream? Total Effects? Regenerist?

How do you improve the texture of your skin? Mine is all grainy and my pores are huge and congested. I also have horrible black heads and forehead lines. And I'm only 25! What should I do?

R36 amputate!

Are the connie chung potatoes now infected by Fuckushima radiation? Where do i buy them?

Prescription Tretinoin, R36

R36, go on Youtube and check out the method for a tumeric facial - will help a lot with your condition if you do it once a week R8 has my routine, but I'll add that ghee as a moisturizer is perfect for older skin - otherwise, I use nothing else, 55, and wrinkle free except for some smile lines

Lucky you, R36, you're young and can do a lot to make things better now and you also have oily skin, which stays soft and wrinkle free longer - don't pick at your face to avoid scarring, follow the excellent advice here, and good luck!

Any advice for me?

If you have breakouts, you need to figure out what you are ingesting that your body cannot tolerate. For me it was wheat and dairy. Once I cut those out, my skin cleared up in three days. What a relief after 20 years of bad skin and every treatment under the sun. Some people can consume all kinds of junk and still have the face of an angel. Others aren't so lucky. If I have bread or beer today, I will have blemishes tomorrow.

scalp is a bit different, but having given up shampoo (I have longish hair) I use a baking soda rinse and ayurvedic hair oil (only on the fingertips) rubbed into my scalp. I get more compliments and my hair, always dry, has become shiny and soft. Bhringaraj is the best herb for hair and scalp care, so you can also make a tea with it and use it as a rinse to cut that greasy feeling without drying things out - hope this helps, R31

Oil of olay - which product is being discussed?

I have great skin and I eat sugar and am not the healthist of eaters. But I don't drink soda, mainly water and coffee. I use a Ponds make up remover at night (I'm a lez) and then I use Oil of Oly to moisturize at night...pink bottle works just fine. In the mornings, I use Aveeno bar soap to wash off the moisturizer and that's it. I do use sunscreen sometimes if I'm going to be out in the sun for a long period of time. When I was kid, I got acne and I discovered that it was lack of moisturizing that made me break out. I know that goes against what you think would work...but drying out your skin makes break outs much worse.

I've been using jojoba oil for almost ten years now (turned 25 a couple of weeks ago). Got recommended it because of my tendency to break out while in puberty. Just wash my face in the shower with plain water and then moisturize with the oil afterwards (and during the day if I feel dry). I mean, I had an early puberty and looked old for fifteen when I was that age but today I still get carded as if I was under eighteen (legal drinking age where I'm from). Last year I got asked if I'd like to leave a risque play because one of the actors was worried I was too young for the adult themes so apparently if you wanna stop aging jojoba is the way to go.

Thanks R44

Don't wash until you can see your pores, then an exfoliating cleaner, and a firming moisturizer with CoQ10. Then you should be good to go for a month other than letting the shampoo water run down your face in the shower. YOu can use the firming moisturizer daily (also helps reduce turkey neck).

Thank you everyone!

It all depends on the type of skin you have.

Shaving wrecks my skin.

oops, meant R10 when referring to 'routine' - used a lot of expensive product when I was younger and don't recommend that anymore, but do advocate for drinking lots of WARM water (yeah, it makes a difference) daily, at least 6 to 8 hours of good sound sleep, staying out of the sun (NO SUNSCREEN! - wear a hat, linen shirts at the beach, avoid peak sun hours, and keep covered), a good diet rich in vegetables and fruits (ayurveda advocates no raw, and fruit should be eaten alone) no soap, water only on the face, and using a decent, naturally-based moisturizer like ghee only when needed - I adopted ayurveda as a guideline about 10 years ago and it's cheap, effective, and works wonders (brown sugar mixed with sesame oil is an outstanding exfoliating scrub, for instance) - check out abhyanga (oil self massage) for the skin on the whole body (youtube has great videos of this). The post above regarding checking diet is essential - skin is the primary byproduct of digestion and what you eat will show up in the skin about 3 to 5 days after you've eaten it, so this should help pinpoint any culprits

Completely change your diet, your lifestyle, your outlook and your religion.

Or you could just use Ponds or Vaseline.

[quote]a good diet rich in vegetables and fruits (ayurveda advocates no raw

What? Only eat cooked vegetables/fruits?

Drink warm water? Nooooooo!

R31- perhaps you are not rinsing thoroughly enough? I remember reading that if it takes one minute to shampoo, it should take you two minutes to rinse.

"and fresh pillowcases every few days?"

Does biting through them while being pounded mercilessly count?

Coconut oil clogs many peoples' skin. So not that.

you can have raw veggies, occasionally, but without fruit, and usually only during the time of day your digestion is strongest, between 11 and 2. Raw veggies are roughage, and good for strong digestion, but not if you're compromised or having problems....if you try the warm water a few times, I guarantee you won't go back to cold except on days when it's over 90, and maybe not even then - very soothing, especially first thing in the morning - cold water is served in restaurants to suppress your appetite, for obvious reasons, and warm water is quickly absorbed in the body as opposed to cold sitting in the stomach, diluting the water-based, hydrochloric acid that is the first step in digestion and constricting the ducts that excrete it - I'll get start that blog now

R26 is a pro!

if you have fruit during a meal, eat it first...especially if raw - stomach won't dump into the small intestine until everything is partially digested and fruits ferment - raw fruit is fine for most people with good digestion, especially the young, but yeah, eat that raw and watch the breakouts happen - I'm an ayurvedic practitioner/yoga therapist and have a lot of older women clients, who've dieted for years, dealing with the brittle bones and bad digestion of long term, raw food diets - their skin gets rashy - my male clients are better at following this advice and get better results

For clear skin, less acne, and anti-aging solutions use: Alaffia black soap, Gunilla of Sweden, Kenmen of Quebec natural makeup for men, Re:Beauty all natural skincare, Ursa Major super natural skin care products for men and women, Monave soap of Baltimore, Maryland, Argan oil products fair trade, Body Deli, Alaska Glacial Mud Co., and or GRAYDON Clinical Luxury | Natural Skin Care. Eat less acidic food and eat more alkaline food in your diet (ph balance). Eat less junk food and eat more whole food. Get rich so you can get plastic, cosmetic surgery. Check out the book "The Miracle Berry Diet Cookbook [by Homaro Cantu], to eat less sugar and lose weight.

Fleur: [Picking up face cream] Have you tried this? It's a triple acting, alpha-hydroxy acid natural complex to reactivate your skin making you... scientifically more beautiful!

Catriona: Sounds good!

Fleur: "Dermatologists and opthamologists tested non-acnegenic-.." I don't know what this means but it's forcing me to believe it!

Cacay nut oil for anti-aging "Flori Vera" skincare brand.

I wash with a Cetaphil bar and washcloth. I agree with the other poster who said that the bottled pump version feels like slimy lotion. It doesn't last as long as the bar either.

Afterwards, I put Cerave on my face, which absorbs nicely.

What does glycolic acid do?

My derm recommends Cetaphil, too. You can get two big bottles at Costco very reasonably.

NO SUGAR. SILK PILLOWCASE. EIGHT HOURS OF SLEEP.

Arnica and horse chestnut oil are great for redness. I use pure aloe vera gel as a moisturizer and a witch hazel toner.

Cetaphil didn't work for me. I have very oily skin and did not feel clean at all after using Cetaphil. Like someone said upthread, it depends on your skin type. I use Aveeno cleanser.

R67 Glycolic acid when used in higher percentages exfoliates the top layer of the skin. It is often used in chemical peels.

R71 Try washing your face with an oil. Oils are drawn to each other so washing your face with oil makes it LESS oily.

Also, finding a good Esthetician or Dermatologist really helps when you have skin care questions.

R36 Look at the spas in your area and find out if they have an ultrasonic scrubber or if they do microdermabrasion, works wonders! Also, using an at home face steamer and cleansing everyday and exfoliating a few times a week helps!

I have all the answers, bitches!

Does that Con Air steamer actually do anything? The reviews seem mixed at best.

My dermatologist gave me a sodium sulfacetamide wash for the dermatitis that happens concurrently with my rosacea. If you can, see if you can get some of this if you have adult acne. It's cheap and it doesn't smell.

I use Cetaphil or the sensitive skin Dove soap. I just switched face cream to one that has some almond oil in it that's SPF 20.

Getting enough sleep helps too, especially if you have circles under your eyes.

R75 I have a similar steamer but mine is by Revlon, when you use it in conjunction with exfoliating or a mud mask it really does help clean out the pores. If you have cystic acne the steam helps reduce the inflammation.

A health practitioner by the name of Chris Kresser has touted the benefits of cod liver oil as helping the skin, in particular acne. My acne disappeared once I went gluten and dairy free. Kresser also says the skin is connected to the gut, therefore diet plays a major role in skin health. You may not have symptoms for bad digestion, but if you have skin problems then you very likely have issues with your gut according to him.

Google "Chris Kresser gut skin connection" and you'll find articles written by him and a few podcast episodes. Some dietary interventions you can try are low FODMAPS, autoimmune diet, and GAPS diet. I am on the first two, but have had a few relapses; once ice cream enters the house I have zero self-control.

Probiotics are supposed to help with gut bacteria and can relieve acne and rosacea from within.

A cleanser with a pH of 5.5 (like Sebamed). Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with water as a toner will get rid of cystic acne in a matter of weeks. Coconut oil as a moisturizer--if you break out, switch brands, as it may not be a pure, unrefined oil.

Does anyone have any advice on subtype 1 rosacea? I don't break out at all but my cheeks are perpetually flushed. I don't smoke, drink, eat anything spicy, iced, too hot or too cold. I don't have high blood pressure and the only caffeine in my diet is green/white tea, usually 2-3 cups per day. I've had v-beam laser several times and it looks good for a couple of months but then it comes right back. I'd do it more often but the bruising and swelling is so bad that I can't do it while I'm working.

The low point was when an old man in Target laughed and asked if I had gotten "fresh with a lady." I had no idea what he was talking about but when I looked in the mirror I had one pink cheek and one blood red, as if I had been slapped. Then I realized the car heater had been blowing warm air — not even hot — on that side of my face.

In the shower every morning, I wash my face only with water, and then rub sunflower oil all over my face and hands and then continue showering. I exfoliate once a week, again in the shower, with baking soda. Grab a handful of baking soda and get it a bit wet, and rub your face and neck with it and rinse it off. Don't know what it is about baking soda, but your skin will feel like buttah immediately afterwards. I buy cheap sunflower oil in the cooking oil section of the grocery store.

I've been doing this for years...no wrinkles, no lines, no breakouts.

Don't use baking soda on your face! It is extremely alkaline and damages the acid mantle of your skin.

Plain oatmeal or rice bran make good facial scrubs. Be gentle with your face-- you're not cleaning a kitchen floor.

R67 I started using glycolic acid cream about a year ago (Reviva brand.) I could see a big difference after just a couple weeks. It's an exfoliant and clears away dead skin cells. My skin is noticeably brighter and smoother. Start with the 5% then move up to 10%. My skin was a little red and sensitive at first but got used to it fairly quickly. Only use it at night and be sure to use a regular moisturizer and sunscreen during the day.

thanks for all the tips!

How common is it for men to wear full make up like that video at r74? Covering up a blemish is one thing, but actual primer, base, and foundation?

R49, nothing topical will reduce "turkey neck."

Nothing aside from a lower rhytidectomy (neck-lift) will help.

I have never found anything that works without fail for shaving breakouts/ingrown hairs, especially the neck area.

This is making the rounds on my Facebook today:

My skin is sensitive, so retinol and peels are not an option. Started using Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (salicylic acid). Morning and night, after washing my face, apply all over with a cotton pad. It dries in a few minutes, then I follow with moisturizer. After a few weeks there was a noticeable improvement is pores, texture, and evenness of skin tone. I like the results so well I am now trying the moisturizer and C15 skin brightener. Not very expensive, which is a plus.

[quote]Don't know what it is about baking soda, but your skin will feel like buttah immediately afterwards.

Base + fat = soap. You're hydrolyzing the natural lipids in your epidermis, breaking them down into glycerol and fatty acid salts. It's the same reaction you get when you accidentally get Clorox or dishwasher detergent on your hands.

r74's skin looks like a goddamned alien. way too perfect for reality.

Anyone ever try makeup artist choice products? Their peels look interesting

I have a stupid question but doesn't that layer of dead cells on top help protect the layers underneath? (Although, of course I can understand wanting to see the fresh layer when you look in the mirror.)

Peeling back the layers isn't eventually harmful to your skin?

Tyra Banks says the most important thing you can have in your makeup bag is a good night's sleep.

I have seborrheic dermatitis, which is a mother fucker. I have extremely oily skin, and a layer of tiny facial dandruff every morning that holds on to my pores for dear life. I swear by glycolic acid cleansers. They do the job very well, removing dead skin, the dandruff, and cleansing my face without making it produce even more oil. Salicylic acid aggravates my condition, by glycolic doesn't.

r76 has a good dermatologist that prescribes sodium based products for dermatitis. Salt is the only thing that has worked for me topically to keep my face from being a disaster. I will also say every single skin problem I have, my parents have. That's why there is no one answer for skin care regiments. Everyone is going to respond differently based on genetics.

r93, their products are legit. A lot of good stuff there.

r92, he wears full makeup in most of the videos.

A second endorsement for MUAC peels here, r93. Start off with the mildest and work up to the others.

R96, this is 76. I also wash my face with Kiehl's dandruff shampoo. It aggravates the rosacea a little but it calms the sebderm. The face cream I'm using is prescription Ovace and it's pretty pricey stuff. It might help you out though.

I get so sick of not knowing why this happens. I've done the diets, backed off on sugars and use probiotics. Still it ebbs and flows.

r100 that's the frustrating thing, my derm said it's a lifelong condition, so really I can just take measures like you do, low sugar, cutting back on caffeine, etc.

Does Ovace help with the oiliness? That is my biggest problem always.

R100, I've had two bouts of rosacea that just wouldn't go away (aside from some in between breakouts that lasted a few days and responded well to Noritate). Both times I had these really stubborn blowups I also had bad stomach pains and tested positive for h pylori (a bacteria that causes ulcers). They say that about 50% of people have h pylori but most don't show symptoms. Some think there is a correlation between h pylori and rosacea and other skin conditions.

Anyway, it's something you might want to look into.

do you ever watch that Perricone M.D. shill on QVC? She is so hilarious the way she hocks the Perricone branded stuff.

So many useless, crackpot theories here! Start with the obvious - stay out of the sun, do not smoke, drink plenty of water, and eat a high quality diet. Minimise caffeine and alcohol. Oxygenate your skin with exercise. If you have cystic acne, get Accutane. Use a gentle moisturiser and choose an exfoliant. It works.

Perricone MD cold plasma

The perricone facial conformer is a joke at $495. The neuropeptide is just plain ole matrixyl 3000 and it is all the way at the end of the ingredients list. Even olay products has more matrixyl.

Does no one use Queen Helene Julep Mask anymore?

Any tools/brushes that can really get the gunk out? My pores are super clogged

Sandpaper baby!

Jojoba vs Coconut vs Avocado

Which oil has the most benefits on skin?

[quote]The Secret to Clear Skin

genentics!

R110 coconut is definitely the best for hair as it's the only known oil to penetrate the hair shaft. I know it has antibacterial properties. It's one of the most moisturizing oils. Jojoba is close to the natural oils on the skin and helps with inflammation. Avocado is good for dry skin as it has a lot of oleic acid, which is heavier. It's supposed to increase collagen.

Another good oil is safflower, which contains a lot of linoleic acid. Oils with that are the best at unclogging pores. They are also the best for oily skin.

I swear by Perricone MD products. Dr Perricone is a skin care genius.

R7, at this point, thanks to your post, I have a 6month waiting list.

For clear skin try: Cheryl Lee MD "Truelipids" skincare = great for dry, cracked lips and feet; also great for: psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, & rosacea (skin sensitivity, allergies, and irritations).

I use Cetaphil.

Cheryl Lee ewwww

at reply 117: What's wrong with Cheryl Lee MD skincare?

R118, blame it on reddit. I remember it was being pushed so hard by a bitchy skincareaddiction mod who created her own skincareaddiction website while claiming it is non profit. She has since been kicked out as mod. I hate her and anything associated with her i am highly skeptical.

Which is a better cleanser: noxema or cerave or cetaphil?

CeraVe gets greats ratings on Amazon. Cetaphil moisturizer leaves me looking very shiny.

What works to make skin look dewey?

The Secret to Clear Skin is genetics

I can't believe they still make Noxema. That shit is so 60's.

I like Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleaning Gel. It is so refreshing and does not dry your skin out.

R101, the Ovace cream does not seem to make my face oily. See if you can get a sample. I've been rubbing it on. letting it dry a little and putting some Aquaphor over top.

R102, I do have a wonky stomach so that would not surprise me. I see the derm next Monday, so I will ask.

What does the DL sayeth about ice rollers? I know the cold is good for your skin.

I know that there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for acne, but speaking personally, Adapalene gel, which can be prescribed by your GP, does an amazing job at unclogging pores and reducing inflammation! It makes my skin super soft as well. My dermatologist has also recommended Cetaphil cleanser and it works well for me, although I've experimented with the generic brand and it works just as well, and it's half the price!

Cerave and Cetaphil cleansers are very similar. I use them interchangeably.

I prefer Cerave lotion and eye cream, but plan to buy Kiehl's undereye cream soon.

I use a silk pillowcase...you can't tell, only one side is silk and it is the color of my other sheets...and I try to sleep flat on my back.

If I get a zit, I use Clean and Clear persa-gel. It's strong benzoyl peroxide without a prescription. Salicylic acid does nothing for me.

nobody cares 129

Give up all dairy products for a month and you will be shocked at how good your skin will look!

R131 I gave them up for a year, make no fucking difference.

Chinatown facials saved me.

For women, it's all about sun protection, Vitamin C, retinols, exfoliation, moisture and not clogging the pores. Exfoliation can be accomplished a dozen different ways: clay masques, glycolic acid pads, gentle scrubs, enzyme peels, sonic brushes. The thing is not to overdo it. You don't have to spend a huge amount of money--ignore branding, learn how to read labels--the first five ingredients are 90 percent of the product.

Constancy is the most important thing. A good diet is central to health, not just skin.

For men, it's a little different. Testosterone is going to dispose you to acne and oiliness for a much longer period of time but it will keep your skin younger. Also you exfoliate daily by shaving. i would concentrate on daily sun protection and some nightly repair with vitamin C, retinols and other proven ingredients. Salicylic acid products are great for oily skin because they help de-gunk pores.

If we're talking about additional serum ingredients, I suggest hyaluronic acid, ceramides, copper peptides (but not in conjunction with Vitamin C), niacinamide, COQ10, phopholipids. Read Paula's Choice for more suggestions and good critical reviews.

Not a fan of pure aloe (unless you have a burn), baking soda scrubs (wrecks you pH), sugar scrubs (particles are too sharp), Queen Helene's mask if you are fair-skinned (it will break blood vessels). Have never tried pure coconut oil other than on my hair.

I do think the tissue-derived products such as TNS are amazing but am not motivated to pay their prices. If you can, go for it. Also don't expect miracles. It's better to look your own age than peeled, plumped and pulled to oblivion.

Finally, ignore bullshit hype brands like La Mer that are based on image and appealing to a particular clientele. Korean and Japanese brands have some great bargains.

Paula's choice is pure shit!

I'm not talking about her products. I'm talking about the section of the site that lists ingredients and discusses what they do.

Does Kiehl's under eye cream really work? I could use something for puffiness and most under eye stuff is crap.

So Is Creme de la mer pure hype?

This is r129, I mentioned the acne product because the prescription r129 mentioned is about the same thing for 4 dollars and sold anywhere.

Price and prescription aren't always indicative of what the best products are.

The lotion in Mexico, that cheap turtle cream or whatever is great and I found that tip here.

La mer is crap. Geeze even the jar container is like $0.25 cheap

Keihl's facial fuel under eye gel is great for puffiness. it has caffeine in it.

Mario Badescu products are made "fresh". They spend little money on advertising and yet have quite a celebrity following. I adore their enzyme facial cleansing gel and their aha botanical body wash.

I keep coming back to Philosophy's Purity Made Simple as my go-to facial cleanser. It is always a favorite at Allure Magazine's reader polls.

I think part of the issue with skincare is so many products and ingredients. I wanted more of an idea of what was in everything and why bc I am allergic to so much. Paula's Choice website, which explains what is in a number of products and also sells their own, has been really helpful for me. I don't like the mystic aspect of so much skincare- more of a science person.

R143 - Yes, I tried a product with great reviews yet it burned my skin and took months to heal. It was advertised as pure vitamin A but when I checked the ingredients it contained Triethanolamine which is a horrible ingredient. My fault for trusting reviews.

R143 I'm the same way. Using a cream with fancy packaging and questionable claims is the beauty equivalent of eating a bowl Lucky Charms when I really want something that will leave me feeling satisfied. I don't understand why anyone uses products without knowing what they can do, if they can do anything at all.

We should make a DL face cream!

Cheapest exfoliation: go to the beach, rub sand on your face, rinse.

Do you want a glow like me?

I use ground up Muslims on my skin daily.

What pink lipstick is that? Sp beautiful

Lots of water. Always wash your face before bed with quality products. Frequent baths with Epsom salt and essential oil. Avoid sun exposure.

I'm routinely told I look ten years younger.

"You cannot clear it by yourself with any store bought products. Most acne products contain harsh salicylic acid which strips the skin of oil and the skin overcompensates by producing even more oil."

Salicylic acid is actually a great product. Yes, it can dry your skin if you use it too frequently but I use it every other day and it helps my acne a ton. I use the 2% salicylic acid lotion form Paula's Choice. It helps with wrinkles and uneven texture, too, because it's an exfoliant.

For cystic acne the only cure is Accutane.

r143 looks freakish.

Really R153?

I like Philosophy products. I use Purity made simple to cleanse and hope in a jar as my moisturizer.

I have been using retin a .01 gel and putting vaseline over it at night and am now starting to see god things happening

What about differin?

You saw god?

R155, Accutane was the brand name for isotretinoin. It's all generics now. Yes, it works but the side effects suck and you have to go to the doc all the time. I didn't get depressed, but my back hurt and I was tired a lot. After a few weeks of taking it your skin is so much different. It was like a cheap facelift. You just have to drink a lot of water and stay moisturized.

If anyone has massive rosacea or horrific acne, it's worth a shot. Just keep in mind it's a major investment in time and money and temporary well-being.

Dataloungers clearly have so much medical expertise! And yet, if you read this thread, you'll see that somehow most posters have different advice.

They must ALL be right!

I have rosacea also with occasional cystic acne. I used to take antibiotics daily, but my dermatologist took me off of them. He recommends Cerave cleanser and lotion. When the acne used to flare up, I used a prescription sulfur-based cleanser, but you can buy sulfur-type soaps at the drug store. Also, I was prescribed Finacea which has made all the difference for the rosacea and it helps with the zits too. Menopause seems to have taken care of the cystic acne. The rosacea seems to have settled down some too, so I don't use the Finacea as much.

i like skin medica products. they're what my dermatologist recommended. i swear by the TNS complex.

Has anyone tried that bacterial spray? I don't personally find it disgusting because everyone is covered in bacteria anyway. The most interesting thing I read was that showering so often is like clear cutting a forest; you remove everything beneficial and then all you get is weeds springing up. Apparently harmful bacteria multiplies quicker. Bacteria causes acne and rosacea likely does too. And no, it's not that people who have these problems are dirty, it's that the bacteria which are present on almost everyone's skin will cause different effects for different people.

The most common positive thing I've seen said about the product is that it makes people smell better, which is interesting. It seems to almost always help with BO and foot odor.

I should been clearer. The bacterial spray is a certain type of bacteria that oxidizes ammonia. The science behind it is a little too complicated to get into. I'm just wondering if anyone has tried it.

*should've been

If you have a pimple or flare-up, take an Ibuprophen. Wash your face with a really bland shampoo, something without perfumes. put some unscented Vaseline lotion on your face, dab some milk of magnesia on the pimple and done. To avoid future episodes, drink water, get your vitamin C and magnesium in (oranges and pumpkin seeds) and wash your bed linens with borax.

R167 Ibuprofen. Also, plain coconut oil dabbed on helps your body stop excreting sebum in areas where it's building up from scrubbing and stripping.

If you have acne then find a good esthetician. I had and still have acne at times . Getting facials and the right products helped me. I can't afford to spend the money on facials anymore, I'd get one every three weeks or so, but the products are still helping me keep my face looking good.

mario badescu drying lotion is the best shit when you've got a zit. dab it on with a q-tip.

Where is best place to buy tns recovery complex?

r171, i buy it from Dermstore.com. They sell it as an authorized seller. It's fresh product.

dr bronner's unscented magic soap (diluted) for cleansing morning and night followed by silicone-, paraben-, sulfate- and perfume-free moisturizers - I use a lush one at night (or pure jojoba oil, usually during the winter months) and one with spf during the day. I love skin food by weleda as an eye cream + on any dry/chapped patches and tea tree oil for pimples. diet and genetics play a huge part too, obviously. my skin is sensitive, oily and acne-prone and this routine has really changed and calmed my skin. don't buy expensive/overhyped products, you end up paying for the advertisement - not the quality of ingredients. keep it simple!

R172. Damn u! I'm out of $170. If i dont look 20 years younger I am sending you the bill! I bought it years ago from ebay and it was rusty red, seemed old. Xoxoxoxo.

it stinks and it is rusty red but it works.

i use merle norman.

R173, which Lush moisturizer are you using that doesn't have perfume or parabens? The ones sold in the US have one or the other, and the vast majority have both.

R177 lush's dream cream! it's an old (european) jar though, they've reformulated it now so idk about the current ingredient list. I don't really like lush that much but their skin products never break me out, and usually /everything/ breaks me out. weleda and dr. hauschka make great face and body creams without the nasty stuff in them!

that dr Hauschka stuff is pure shit. i bought a whole bunch of it and wish i hadn't. not effective at all.

i just use avon.

Thanks, R173/R178. I just checked the ingredients and the current American version has both. I used to love Lush's Ambrosia shaving cream but they either changed the formula or something went wonky with me and it became really irritating.

I've never used lush products. do you like them?

R179 that sucks, their stuff is pretty pricey. dr. hauschka basically saved my skin 15 years ago and a few of their products are still staple items in my bathroom cabinet, especially the clarifying clay mask - it's magical

R182 I like a lot of their products and they're pretty gentle the skin, but if you're sensitive to harsh smells and perfumes I'd stay away from anything lush. their bath bombs are very popular but I personally can't justify spending that much money on one bath lol. they have great shampoo bars and exfoliating scrubs, I like their body lotions and acne products too. their stuff expires pretty fast (usually within a year) so it's not something you should stock up on. google popular lush products and look up what you'd be interested in trying out!

I don't use their skin products but Lush makes a great conditioner called American Cream that I use on my hair. It smells great, too.

do you eve use Zum products?

R186 I love Zum soaps. They don't moisturize as well as plain old Dove though.

The best soaps are the primal elements glycerine soaps. I love those.

The name brands on sale on eBay, are those authentic?

I need something for sebaceous filaments

I like Peter Thomas Roth's 10% Glycolic Acid Hydrating Gel which I use twice a day. I have oily, acne prone skin and I think it helps a lot. I also get a glycolic facial once a month or once every two months. For me, the struggle is sunscreen. I want to use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, but I always break out so I'm stuck using avobenzone, and I'm unsure how to feel about that. I really like Paula Begoun's skincare advice, but I don't care for her products. I'm grateful for her website and research but I've found her products to be too harsh.

As for Mario Badescu, I've experienced and like their nicely priced facials but are their products really all natural? They just settled out of court with their customers over the contents of some of their products. I had always wondered why their products were so colorful and yet the ingredients on the label never provided an explanation for this.

Mario Badescu got caught using cortisone in their acne product. They labeled mineral oil as carnation oil, carnation being the mineral oil manufacturer name. Yuck. Will never buy any if their products agian.

I love Mario Badescu products. They have great cleansers like the enzyme cleansing gel. Their masks are also great: strawberry mask and rose hips masks are wonderful.

I like Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream. It's hydrating, oil-free, plumping, firming and very nourishing.

Please make me beautifuuullllll

What are some good creams for hyperpigmentation?

Usually products with vitamin C and licorice extract get good reviews for that, r196.

Thanks, R196.

Cum facials!

Cum baby cum baby cum cum

i use clinique for men face wash, oil free moisturizer with sunscreen and swear by skin medica TNS complex.

My tns recovery complex arrived! It smells like spoiled cum, I love it!

wow you got that shit fast! did you overnight it?

i use skin medica TNS complex during the daytime and i use tazorac (prescribed by my derm) at night.

r196, I use this. It helps with my acne, too.

Funny you should post that, R205. I emailed their company to inquire about their best cream for hyperpigmentation and they recommended Resist 25% Vitamin C Spot Treatment. I need something that I can use together with Retin-A 1%. I'll post the email here in case someone has the same problem.

"We would advise that you being to use a product with either hydroquinone or vitamin C. If you read these articles, you will learn about what topical products can address with skin and when you might have to seek alternate treatments from a doctor or dermatologist.

Since you mentioned that your skin is both sensitive and your concerns are mostly the pigmentation on your nose and cheeks, you could definitely benefit with a spot treatment such as the Resist 25% Vitamin C Spot Treatment. Resist Vitamin C Spot Treatment is for anyone who wants to dramatically reduce stubborn brown spots. This innovative spot treatment combines 25% stabilized vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in a silky, line-smoothing texture.

Resist Vitamin C Spot Treatment beautifully complements the benefits from retinol, and research has shown it is fine to use these two ingredients together. In fact, retinol has been proven to be more effective when combined with vitamin C. Applied together, they are a formidable defense against free-radical damage that ages skin, and each helps to fade brown spots.

Even if your skin tends to be sensitive to vitamin C, you can still apply this a few times a week to receive benefits. As with any skin care product, you need to pay attention to how your skin responds and adjust usage (or products) accordingly.

Ideally, you’d want to combine Resist Vitamin C Spot Treatment with one of our skin-lightening products with hydroquinone (Resist Dark Spot Erasers) or niacinamide and acetyl glucosamine (Resist Pure Radiance Skin Brightening Treatment).

Remember that anything that you do in regards to anti-aging and battling pigmentation needs to ALWAYS include SPF, 365 days a year."

R203, no not overnight. I got it from skinstore since i got skinmedica freebies and i figured if they got skinmedica gift bag then they must be legit dealer. I plan to use ths during daytime as well and retinoids at night. I now avoid hydroquinone since it is banned in europe and not only is it bad for your liver it is supposed to make your skin dark with long term use. I know that people use it to supposedly lighten dark spots that is why I was shocked when I found out. I am drowning in products, i hate at least 30 in active rotations and a boatload in reserve. I am a skincare ho.

R206, i have that 25% vitamin c from paula. It is grossly overpriced. Didnt help with my slight melasma.

The "natural" products usually contain licorice root to lighten skin. I have no idea how well it works long-term, though.

Auntie C's Fruit Peel, not for the tender of skin

Plain Uncoated Aspirin Cover with Lemon juice to make a paste. put on clean, dry skin Avoid eyes and lips Once dry, use Baking Soda/water solution to fizz off Immediately rinse til clear with cold water Moisturize Use suncreen. Do once weekly.

Faux Crem de la Mer

German (It MUST be from Germany, not the USA kind) Nivea Bio-ferm algae (lotionworks sells it) Rose Hydrosol Mix into cream. Makes a ton for under 50 bucks.

Vitamin C powder, food grade, fine ground can be purchased bulk from Amazon or ebay. Mix with distilled water or hydrosol, store in amber bottles. Cheap as hell serum.

For zits/black heads: get charcoal capsules. Make a paste. Let dry. Rinse. It will remove the toxin. store remainder or throw out. 50 capsules for 8.99 or so.

I didn't get this one. I have regular Nivea cream from Germany, but this sounds like something else. Can you elaborate?

[quote]German (It MUST be from Germany, not the USA kind) Nivea Bio-ferm algae (lotionworks sells it) Rose Hydrosol Mix into cream. Makes a ton for under 50 bucks.

R210, your use of caps is slightly confusing. Other than that, thanks for the info.

Oh, and the reluctance to use punctuation. Ay yai yai.

Oh bitch since when did lush starte selling 8 oz shower gel for $26. I just paid more than $60 for 2 shower gels. Wasnt paying attention to the proce thinking how expensive can shower gel be. Nice name though. I bought 'it's raining men'. And 'wash that man out of my hair'

The real secret is olive oil!

The secret is just applying makeup to cover any imperfections.

Try my pearl cream!

I use suave

R160's experience with Accutane is similar to mine.

I had cystic acne from about age 14. Tried everything. Three types of antibiotics, salicylic acid based products, mild cleansers, diet changes, the works. Ultimately cystic acne is a skin disease that responds amazingly well to Accutane, which shrinks the pores and the sebum ducts, kills off the bacteria that cause the inflammation and as a bonus, you get a big boost of collagen which gets rid of any wrinkles.

The down side was six months of nosebleeds, chapped lips, dry eyes, back ache, joint pain and tiredness. You have to take very good acre of yourself when you are on it and if you start experiencing sudden depression or an intensification of existing depression when on it, you must stop taking it immediately.

R214 those things smell good. Not cheap but they put a spring in your step.

Queen Helene Mint Julep Clay Facial Mask. Have been using iot since the seventies.

For me, a bar of Clinique soap, used for shaving, bedtime, and as needed during the day. I started using it at 29, and now, 55, I'm often told I don't look my age. I'm surprised not too many on this thread mention Clinique. It's expensive for what it is--soap--but I use it liberally, and only need to purchase two or three bars a year.

R211--

It's a recipe for homemade Creme de la Mer. The base of real La Mer (minus the seaweed extract) is virtually identical to German-formula Nivea.

SkinActives sells the sea kelp bioferment in sizes from 2 to 128 fl. oz. (LotionWorks, mentioned by R210, doesn't seem to be online anymore.)

Rose hydrosol (a.k.a. rose flower water) is available pretty widely online.

Rose water is also available at Rite Aide, CVS, and Walgreens.

Mario Badescu has a wonderful facial spray with aloe, rosewater and herbs. Martha Stewart swears by it.

r225, does Jenny Stewart swear by it?

R196, you need a prescription for 5% hydroquinone. Put it on pigmented spots only, at night, not all over your face, or you risk kidney or liver failure. When you use this, you have to be vigilant about sunscreen on the treated areas.

There's no cookie cutter solution for everyone. In my case, I did try to go the inexpensive route, because so many people claimed that you don't have to send a small fortune to get great skin - not true in my case. My skin didn't get better until I started using expensive products.

My tips: Only use a cleanser at night. Use plain water in the morning and soft wash cloth. Exfoliating scrub and mask once a week. I also dry brush.

spend*

r222, and why is it different than any other soap?

Do not use bar soap on your face. It is going to clog your pores

R230, when I first tried Clinique, it was at the strong urging of my glamour fag hag whose husband had been having good results with it. I don't know...I'm not a chemist, I can just say that I find it to be mild and effective for me. Lathers well. I like it. Perhaps it really is an extravagance, but it's not breaking the bank.

Since age 34 (I'm now 50) I've been using Lab Series products, particularly the "Daily Moisture Defense Lotion" and "Eye Time," and I have way fewer wrinkles than I would have. I know I can't prove that, and it's true that I don't smoke or drink a lot, but if a genie offered to show me what I'd look like if I hadn't begun this regimen 18 years ago, I think I'd see a more wrinkled face.

I also use Clinique "M Protect" in the morning.

Oh wait, OP wanted to know about clear skin. I have no idea; I've always had trouble keeping my pimples, blackheads, and rosacea under control. Sorry for the image.

50 yo with pimples? :O

The only thing that works if you actually have a problem? Accutane or a steroid cream and both are dangerous. You guys are living in a dreamworld if you thing anything else works .

I had a dark freckle on my lip for a few years that was noticeable and thought nothing would make it go away, but before bed I started to put a dab of Retin A on it and it has really diminished and I'm very pleased with the results in case anyone else has a similar issue.

i'm 44 and i get pimples.

there are SO MANY Lab Series products! I don't know where to start. Even though I know my skin type.

How do you keep cum from clogging your pores?

[quote]I had a dark freckle on my lip for a few years that was noticeable and thought nothing would make it go away

I had a dark freckle on my lower lip and my dermatologist just cut it out. Now I have a bit of a light spot there.

stop sucking dirty cocks so that yp dont get dark freckled lips

It's from going on summer vacation to Europe for weeks on end, you poor person

A good cleanser is very important. I like Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel, Philosophy Purity Made Simple, Clinique For Men face wash and Kiehl's Ultra Cleanser the best.

I use tide with bleach. No dark spots in my face! ^ ^

I use my Shea Moisture Weightless Shampoo as a cleanser. The first ingredient is aloe vera, even before the sudsing agents. I use the same brand's creme rinse as my moisturizer. My skin has never looked better and these products are way less drying than the usual facial cleansers and moisturizers I've tried. I also apply fresh lime juice to my face 2 nights a week.

You have to rub one of Cindy's immortal melons on your face all day -

[quotq]Philosophy Purity Made Simple

Tested on animals: yes!

No, thanks.

DIY. Hyaluronic acid & vitamin c serum been using for a week with good result so far:

r247, i want all of my products tested on animals before they touch my skin.

Have you tried the Antony Recker facial scrubber? He does the technique personally.

Is that the one that strips all of the layers off of your skin and exposes a bloody face, r250?

[quote] Have you tried the Antony Recker facial scrubber? He does the technique personally.

What technique is that?

Duct Tape: Use it like the frownies, keep it on all night long, it holds in place exfoliates and lifts gunk out of your pores.

r253, i hope you're kidding.

No I am not kidding. Gorilla brand works best. The link suggests Scotch tape, but for me duct works best.

R252 He sits on your face and gives you a nice circular motion facial massage and scrubbing. I hear it works wonders. And no R251, he is a pro at it, no facial tearing,.

R256, where did you hear of this technique and is for women only? How did he learn it?

Where can I buy Abolene?

I use pond's cold cream

Facelift Tape actually is a thing. Sometimes, Hollywood stars use it to fight wrinkles.

mineral oil is the secret to Albolene.

skinactives is good. It's the La Mer knockoff that someone else mentioned. In the winter, when it is very dry. The best thing to use under it is mario badescu herbal hydrating serum.

I cannot stand the fell of anything on my face, and these are the rare two that don't leave a lotion feel.

Dermalogica cleansers are good - but the anti-aging one made me break out.

[quote] Have you tried the Antony Recker facial scrubber? He does the technique personally.

R250, what ever made you think of Anthony Recker in relation to secrets to clear skin/

[quote] Where can I buy Abolene?

Albolene can be found at drug stores.

Oh dear the 3rd ingredient of mario badescu herbal serum is paraben!

I like Mario Badescu Vitamin C serum. They use a high concentrate in it. It's a steal for $45.

I also like Caudalie polyphenol C15 anti-wrinkle defense serum. I use it at night and the stuff works like magic.

omg the Caudalie polyphenol C15 anti-wrinkle defense serum is great. This Caudalie anti-wrinkle serum uses a strong combo of grape seed and Vitamin C, which prevents fine lines from turning into permanent wrinkles. The serum also protects skin against free radicals and daily UV-radiation damage, two of the leading causes of aging skin. It’s potent, so you only need a dab each time you use—no watered-down ingredients here.

I also like Le Mer moisturizing soft cream. It's oil free. One of its key components is the Miracle Broth, a combination of hand-harvested Pacific sea kelp, nutrients and minerals—like calcium and magnesium. These battle signs of aging by reducing redness and softening fine lines.

R235 If you are female, or have hormone difficulties, do not even consider using Accutane, it's a motherfucker. It's known to cause suicidal depression, liver damage, and severe circulation/respiratory ailments, among other lovely side effects. Docs won't prescribe it in Europe anymore.

R232/R222 Clinique is awful for me, it burns my skin (I have rosacea and acne scars on very pale/blond/hirsute complexion skin).

I use a vegan soap (right now a refreshing lemon-scented bar that I found at TJ Maxx) with my natural bristle shaving brush on my face to wash and shave with. I use either Cetaphil or CeraVe cream on my hands and feet as needed. I use Keihl's avocado eye cream - it's the only one that doesn't get in my eyes and sting. Oilology Argan Oil lip balm on my lips at night in the winter. In the summer sometimes I get backne so wash my back with CVS Oil Free Grapefruit Cleanser which is 2% salicylic acid and does the trick.

Ignore the doom-laden warnings about Accutane. If you cut back the dosage, you will not experience undue side-effects. You will however have to have a longer course of treatment. And then, wah-la, beautiful clear skin.

"Some are saying Japanese potatoes."

Do you eat them or put them on your face?

For me it was going vegan (I think in particular eliminating dairy) and Derma-e Very Clear products from Whole Foods. Like night and day.

I use Skin Medica TNS serum on my face during the day and Tazorac cream on my face at night. My face looks wonderful. Always were Elta MD invisible sunscreen during the daytime.

R274, with all due respect, I have found that vegans tend to have awful skin. Though I do agree about dairy (incl. organic sources). When I cut it out, my skin cleared up.

Noxzema or equivalent to clean skin.

A good moisturizing lotion is required for me, because I live in a desert, and the dry air and frequent wind will dry out my skin to leather if I don't use lotion.

Sunscreen to help prevent skin cancer!

Visit hot springs frequently, if you live near one. I find the hot mineral water to do wonders for my skin. If no hot springs nearby, take hot baths with epsom salts.

Does anyone use a dermaroller? I'm curious, though having seen the process, it looks horrifying. Can anyone give an opinion?

Exfoliate.-Aqua Glycolic Lotion You have to order through your pharmacy..I used the hand and body kind on my face.It gently burns off top layers of skin.I haven't gotten it in a while,but it used to be about 12 bucks.

[quote]All the oils are being promoted now - almond, argon, etc. Serums as well. They absorb quickly but I feel like they attract dust in the air.

MARY!

Agreed, R280.

R11, so wear a welder's mask all day.

You can hear the caftan flapping in the wind as he rushes around the condo slamming windows against the dust. ALL THE DUST!!!!!

I make a concoction of all different types of oils.Coconut.avocado.almond.grapeseed.sesame and maybe a few others I can't remember.The best selection and prices were surprisingly at Whole Foods.You can put it in your hair and use it for tanning also.

You're not going to get anywhere smearing all this shit on your face.

I'm 63: no sugar. My diet is mostly vegetables, fruit, beans, seeds, nuts. Some grains. No dairy. No eggs. Fish: sardines, herring, mackerel (canned is fine). I like these foods. I work at home and so I can cook. Olive oil... but don't over do it.

You have to eat spinach, swiss chard, beets, cauliflower, winter squash, leeks, cabbage, red cabbage, pumpkin seeds, broccoli, sunflower seeds, walnuts, I eat an onion every day. Apples, oranges. All kinds of beans. Lentils. Occasionally if I can get organically raised liver, I'll eat it.

Oh... and get some sun. I get some sun everyday. Build up gradually. Just don't over do it. A man has to get some sun if you want good testosterone levels. Otherwise you'll look fragile and that's why a lot of men start looking like women. They avoid the sun. Don't ever use sunscreen.

Walk a lot. Don't jog, it loosens your face.

Build up gradually? Maybe if you want wrinkles and skin cancer. You only need about 10 minutes in the sun every day to get vitamin D.

R285, Don't use sunscreen? OK, I'll just get a nice dose of cancer instead.

Why don't you post a pic, R284? Your liver and onion diet sounds disgusting.

As far as I know accutane is the only thing that helps cystic acne. You can wash your poor face 40 times a day, it won't help.

[quote]Walk a lot. Don't jog, it loosens your face.

MARY!

if you want clear skin, you gotta wash your face twice a day with a good, mild cleanser. I use Clinique face wash for men and Philosophy Purity Made Simple.

drink lots of water and make lotsa poops!

rub cum all over your face every morning and night

Disagree, R291. Over-washing is bad for your skin and if you're prone to oily skin, you'll create even more oil by washing too much. Wash with a cleanser at night. In the morning, wash with only water and use an alcohol-free toner just to pick up some of the dirt.

Is it your own, R293?

i don't give a flying fuck if you disagree or not, r294. you've got to wash your goddamned face twice a day.

I always had clear skin until I turned... 28. Don't know if it's down to the mobile phone, but fact is I've had a patch of small red pimples on my right cheek for ten years now. It was devastating when it first happened, now I don't care anymore. I try to keep them at a minimum, but can't say I have clear skin anymore.

Hell, at least my BMI isn't acting up (too much).

Just wait, R297.

What is a good everyday sunscreen/sunblock for the face? I know I should wear it every day but I hate the smell and feel of it on my skin (I've used Ombrelle in the past).

R298, do you know why the f*** I got those pimples? Cause I still haven't figured that out. And at such a strange age, too.

Oh, my genes have been acting out, all right. But it could have been waaaaay worse.

NERIUM

Hormonal changes, R300.

Retin-A is still the supreme topical, bitches! It's not for everyone but if you skin can tolerate it, it's amazing. Get an Rx from your doc or buy it from AllDayChemist.

I also get a great skin response from topical vitamin C. I get the crystals from Lotioncrafter and mix with distilled water. This serum has to be made weekly as there is no way to prevent it from oxidizing but IMO it's worth the trouble... fresh, plump, glowing skin and it really diminishes dark spots.

And for dry skin Eucerin Original Healing Cream is fantastic. It's rich and thick so it really locks in moisture. As a Retin-A user I consider it a must.

Use Elta MD invisible sunscreen everyday. spf 46.

R299, this is what I've started using. It's very moisturizing, so might not be the best for normal/oily skin.

Note the first comment on the page, which I wasn't aware of when I bought this -- the same company's body sunscreen is apparently identical to the facial sunscreen but costs significantly less.

R297, it could be either your phone or your cellphone, your habit of touching your face, or possibly you sleep on your right side and your pillowcases aren't clean.

[R299] Laroche-Posay has a new sunscreen,Breakout Free Anthelios 60 Oil Free Dry Touch Sunscreen. Glides on and dries really fast. Fragrance free .

R296, WTF is your morning cleanser called? Angry cunt? Unless you're sleeping in dirt, you don't have to use a cleanser in the morning. A damp, soft washcloth followed by a toner and then your usual moisturizer is all you'll need.

Also, any sunblock you get that's over 30spf is bullshit in that regardless of how high it claims to be, you'll need to reapply every half-hour for it to be effective.

You do NOT need to reapply sunscreen every half hour unless it's spf 2 or something

I tried a mask made of fresh tomato and lemon juice. It was tingling quite a bit. Like with all natural products it may take a while to see any results.

i would never put lemon juice on my face. it's too acidic. are you trying to fade liver spots or aids spots?

I like to use my Claiisonic mia facial brush once or twice a week. It gently exfoliates my facial skin. I also use Mario Badescue rose hips mask. It gently calms and refreshes my skin.

A lot of people have good results with daily application of Benzoyl Peroxide.

You need to use a very mild cleanser, no rubbing, no hot water. Dry very softly, just press a clean towel on your face. Then apply the BP. Then apply a moisturiser - with SPF in the daytime. Do this twice a day, day in, day out. Never miss the moisturiser or your face will peel and flake very quickly. Always use the SPF as your face will be sensitive to sunlight.

The BP oxygenates the skin, thoroughly cleaning it and eradicates the bacteria that led to the inflammation.

Anyone on this thread with genuine acne problems - do not use ANY facial brush or any exfoliants on your acne. Ever. Be ultra gentle in cleansing and application of BP and moisturiser - no scrubbing, no rubbing and do not touch your face throughout the day.

milk of magnesia works as a great face mask if you have very, very oily and/or acne-prone skin. some women even use it as face primer under makeup because it makes your face really matte

r314, i do not have acne problems. i do have clogged pores and using a clarisonic mia brush is wonderful to clear your pores. you don't know your ass from a hole in the ground.

[quote] i would never put lemon juice on my face. it's too acidic. are you trying to fade liver spots or aids spots?

Hyper pigmentation, yes.

I used one teaspoon of lemon with half a tomato. It came out to a quarter of a cup, but I only used maybe a tablespoon in the end.

Don't use lemon, R317. Despite all of the "home beauty secrets" out there, lemons aren't good on your skin. I had hyper-pigmentation and nothing topical will ever work. You need to get laser resurfacing. Something professional that will remove the top layer - lemon won't do it.

If some of you feel clarisonic is too harsh, try the foreo luna. It's much more gentle and you don't need replacement heads. It's silicone, so you just need to rinse it.

Which is best, Retin-A, Differin, or Tazorac?

R320, I know it's cliched to say, but I think it depends on the individual. Some people have better luck with one while others do not. Trial and error.

Personally, I use retin-a, but not every day. I love it.

Thanks, R318. I guess it will be a visit to my dermatologist then. But I think I will wait till the fall. It doesn't make sense to make my skin sensitive through laser treatments just before the summer.

[quote]I get the crystals from Lotioncrafter

Can you post a link, please, R303?

No,[R324] is absolutely correct . Finicky acne prone skin and Clarasonic are a match made in hell. Not going to say how long it took me to figure that out

Thanks, R319. I didn't even know about it, but now I will research it.

Just ordered what I'm reasonably sure is real SkinMedica TNS Serum from Amazon.

How bad/strong is the smell supposed to be? To me it's odd but not unbearable. Why do they suggest that you mix it up on the back of your hand rather than in your palm?

I'd be careful where you order cosmetics and skincare. Sellers on Ebay and Amazon have been shown to be selling counterfeit products from China. I have seen websites where fake makeup is sold in bulk. Buy from a large, reputable seller.

[quote]I also get a great skin response from topical vitamin C. I get the crystals from Lotioncrafter and mix with distilled water.

What ratio do you use, R303?

Consider too that while some people are just genetically blessed with great skin, and can eat, drink or smoke whatever they want, skincare comes from the inside out. A high quality diet, plenty of water, minimal alcohol and definitely not smoking make a huge difference in most people's skin. And sunscreen.

Re the Clarisonic, I found I had to pre-clean my face of makeup and sunscreen before using it. Otherwise the brush got filthy.

I've been using a caviar eye gel roller for dark circles and it seems like it's working.

The cold metal roller ball is interesting. It was an impulse buy, but worth it. I also use Kiehl's undereye cream.

I've been dieting and my skin is drier and a little broken out, which is unheard of. Hope it's a fluke.

Acne is a hormonal thing. Clean eating and meticulous skin care can't help that. You have to see a derm for clear skin. All of these anti-acne products on the market just dry the skin and exacerbate the problem.

Re reapplying sunscreen - if you get a physical sun block - micronised titanium or zinc oxide, you do not need to reapply unless you have been perspiring heavily. But there are serious concerns that the micro particles enter the bloodstream. And they are a real challenge to remove at night, without irritating your skin.

Agree with R332 - benzoyl peroxide will work on single zits, but for a real acne problem, you need Accutane, from a derm.

elta md invisible SPF 46 sunscreen is physical and is wonderful. i use it daily upon recommendation from my dermatologist. i also use skin medica TNS serum everyday. do not buy the product from eBay or amazon. get it from an authorized seller like your dermatologist's office or dermstore.com. .

"All of these anti-acne products on the market just dry the skin and exacerbate the problem.'

Not true. Someone with severe acne will probably need to see a derm but mild acne can absolutely be treated with over-the-counter products. These days the over-the-counter products are pretty sophisticated and you can find ones for adult acne that don't severely dry the skin.

Off the skin topic, but product-related: has anyone purchased/tried a nasal irrigation system like Sinupulse? Is it worth it?

stupid bitches

"Off the skin topic, but product-related: has anyone purchased/tried a nasal irrigation system like Sinupulse? Is it worth it? "

I know two people who used it. One loved it, one hated it. Give it a try. Send it back if you dislike it.

Thanks, R303. I just ordered vitamin C crystals from Lotioncrafter. I use Retin-A every other night and I will try this on the nights in between.

This gayling has the answer to every Millennial's question about EVERYTHING.

He is my new Guru for life issues.

He has already answered my personal question, Kelly or Birkin, and under his tutelage I am a Kelly gal.

I no longer think, I just consult Charles Gross.

Anyone here have seborrheic dermatitis? If so what helps with that? Or what diet or supplements help? I use Neutrogena T-Gel shampoo, and Selsun Blue in my scalp but a dermatologist told me to do this.

Just squeeze that shit out.

Anyone ever tried Fresh Umbrian Clay? I saw a guy online with perfect skin and he said he uses it.

r343, I use their Umbrian Clay soap and it works

It works how, R344?

You still look like shit.

Mean but funny @R346

Okay, I've been using the BOSCIA black cleanser and it reduces any sign of acne and dries it up immediately. Pores disappear too.

It heats up on your face, don't freak out.

This entire thread is begging for a ... MARY!!!

Is it good for cleaning large nasal pores, R348?

Any of those derm experts out there? What is the rule if you use Retin-a at night, would you apply a separate serum before or after it?

The fact is if you go and spend the money on a top derm he or she will know what to do with your particular skin - and the Rx is different for everyone.

I never had bad skin growing up but over the past couple of years (in my 30s) I've developed a tendency towards rosacea and the occasional cystic acne. It wasn't going away so I finally went to a top doc and he did laser v beam on my face, which I now do every month for maintence, and some kind of topical medication (I think it's glycolic, but it's not drying, so I can wear it over or under makeup if I want) to put on once or twice per day. I kid you not, within less than a week of my first laser treatment, my skin almost entirely cleared up. Less than three months later, it's now porcelain - the way it has been most of my life - and you can see nary a mark. I don't even have to wear makeup anymore (I mean I do if im going out at night, but that's it, and I barely out on any foundation even then), which of course is great because makeup especially in the summer makes your skin worse.

Anyway my point is if you see a top derm he/she will know exactly what to do with your type of skin, and everyone is different - even though I was breaking out, my skin was never oily, and it's very thin and sensitive with small pores - I was just prone to these redness flare ups. So I can't take anything too harsh. But he knew exactly what to do. He got rid of the redness and flare ups within days. He's a miracle worker.

R341, I have seb derm along with my rosacea. The dermatologist put me on sulfur wash and a cream. I don't think either have helped.

To keep it from creeping up my scalp I use dandruff shampoo 2x a week.

Otherwise, sometimes I use a thin layer of Aquaphor just to keep my face hydrated, so the skin won't come off in chunks.

Yes, r350 , I swear by this stuff now. I spent too much time in the sun and I'm 42. It really helps and doesn't dry you out, but definitely moisture after use.

Can i use drugstore retinol at night and drugstore saliclic acid during the day?

^ yes, as long as you don't use them both at the same time

^thank you @356

R341 & R353, Dermarest for psoriasis also helps with dermatitis.

Has anyone tried differin gel ?

I l ike Differin. My doctor prescribes it for me and it makes me beautiful.

Getting out of puberty worked for me.

Has anyone tried hydrocolloid patches for their pimples, and if so what were the results?

any new secrets?

Apple Cider Vinegar.

Coconut vinegar is supposedly much better.

To the person/people interested in reducing pores, use a pore minimizer. They aren't heavy like foundation, no one will know.

I use:

Black bottle BOSCIA

White bottle BOSCIA to remove dead skin a couple times a week

Cerave eye lotion

Cerave face lotion

Any pore minimizer without color

For horrible flare ups (rare now), a prescription called Epiduo

...My man's ejaculate. Discharged upon a new or full moon. Rub vigorously into pores. Urination rinse. Pat dry... Honey, your pores are so tight, they make a newborns ass look like poc-marked, cellulite granny-fanny.

Is the DL derma roller expert still out there? I am wondering about any opinions on the dermapen?

[quote][R67] I started using glycolic acid cream about a year ago (Reviva brand.) I could see a big difference after just a couple weeks. It's an exfoliant and clears away dead skin cells. My skin is noticeably brighter and smoother. Start with the 5% then move up to 10%. My skin was a little red and sensitive at first but got used to it fairly quickly. Only use it at night and be sure to use a regular moisturizer and sunscreen during the day.

Great advice, R84. I have been using 5% glycolic acid (by Reviva) at night and vitamin C serum during the day for a couple of weeks now and my sun spots are MUCH less noticeable. I am the poster upthread with skin pigmentation issues.

I normally use retin-A cream, but I stopped during the summer months. It helps that I have been so busy at work I stayed out of the sun all summer.

For seb derm, get ketoconazole shampoo or skin cream (Nizoral). To clear up acne, get a prescription for Accutane. You will not have any side effects if you are on a low dose, ie, 10 mg a day, but you will have to use it longer, 6 months, not 3 months. It works, and is truly a miracle. I sat next to one of the developers at a dinner party, and told him how he had changed my life. But - for a single zit, a strong benzoyl peroxide cream on the spot will work overnight. For clogged pores, get glycolic acid. For anti-aging, use retin-a at night only. In daytime, use a vit c serum. For all the product mentioned above exced Nizoral, you MUST use a heavy sunscreen. Use a gently exfoliating cloth at night to remove it. To maintain clear skin, eat a diet heavy on fresh fruit and veg, and as little sugar as possible. Drink lots of mineral water. Take a good multivitamin. Definitely do not smoke and avoid alcohol.

It is mostly what you eat plus certain supplements. I had terrible psoriasis on the tips of my fingers (painful, cracked skin) and on the heels of my feet for about 2 years. Was primarily a result of chronic stress which led to increased alcohol intake and increased carbs. Went to two dermatologists and got every lotion and potion they had; with the second, I had laser treatment twice a week on my hands and feet for over a year. No improvement. I gave up and had no treatment of any kind for about 8 months. Then I started reading online about how stress causes inflammation and went to a naturopath. I was put on a very strict anti-inflammation diet: no soy, gluten, dairy, alcohol, caffeine (1 cup of green tea per day), no nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants), no white rice (brown OK), no shellfish and plenty of water (she recommended half of my weight in ounces of water per day). In three and a half weeks my hands cleared up completely; my feet cleared up in five and a half weeks. I also lost weight. It was truly a miracle, especially since I had given up and was resigned to living with this condition for the rest of my life. While I do not follow the diet as strictly as I did, I have not had any symptoms. Yet every traditional MD I told about this success story looked at me like I had three heads. I also took Omega 3, a probiotic, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and magnesium supplements. I hope this helps.

Good post r371 thx!

Has anyone heard of or used Michael's naturopathic supplements?

nope...

That dollar shave club "miracle serum" for post shave did absolutely nothing for persistent ingrown hairs. I have yet to find a full regimen that actually works for this problem.

For rosacea suffers please try tea tree oil. It works wonders. There is a link between rosacea and demodex mites.. Tea tree is known to help both conditions.

I just started using "yes to tomatoes" charcoal soap. I love it! Cleared up everything.

R368 I had a mishap with a derms roller a few years ago. Be careful. I used it and within a day had. A huge rash on my face.

I'm African American and Hispanic and I've got oily combination skin. An oily nose and forehead and kind of dry in the shaving area. The upside is that at 49 I look a dozen years younger, with not much in the way of wrinkles. The downside is oily skin with occasional pimples. All I can do is use oil free products and I do all right. I try everything and now use a regimen of Noxema and witch hazel. And of course, shave with the grain of my beard. Never shave against it if you have coarse and curly beard hair like me. I did it once and got those dreaded razor bumps. I do wish I could find some alpha-hydroxy products if anyone knows of any.

Limit the booze and sun exposure. Hydrate with lots of water everyday, and wash your face before you go to bed with a FACIAL CLEANSER not soap. Also, use a light moisturizer on your face morning and night.

R378

This is good and it's cheap.

Genetics. Nothing more, nothing less.

Friends will use all these expensive potions and then tell me how great their skin is looking and I honestly can't see the difference.

Then there are guys who tan all the time and have barely any wrinkles when they're 50

Best tips from skincarewiz for getting a VERY natural look.

I've used a retinoid since I was a teenager and worn a 20% zinc oxide sunscreen every day of my life since I was a teenager. I also have a CO2 fractionated laser resurfacing every six to eight months. At 45 I've got the skin of a baby. Just day before yesterday someone in Whole Foods told me that my skin looked translucent. Granted, I'd just come from the gym but still.

Good skin and good teeth are essential.

"Then there are guys who tan all the time and have barely any wrinkles when they're 50"

Funny, I don't know anyone like that. Any derm will tell you that most skin aging is caused by sun exposure, not luck or genetics. And there are lots of inexpensive skin creams, who said you need "expensive potions"?

I do R384

A couple of them.

Genetics.

If you haven't started a skin-care routine from a young age, there is nothing short of surgery that is going to reverse things.

That said, tons of water every day, vegetables, and Nivea original at nighttime (after cleansing with something not soap-based) helps.

And avoid eating so much damn meat.

I'm 49 and I've been good about taking care of my skin since I was a teenager. The texture of my skin is great (thanks, Mexican Retin-A!), but I am sagging around the neck and jawline and I have those hollows under my eyes from the sagging. If I can save enough for some work, should I just have my jawline tightened and let the rest go? (I'm a guy.) Would a chemical peel help at all with the sagging?

I'd like to look better but not "done."

I would like to have a chemical peel, too.

Thank you r380!

How's your hair, r383? Beautiful skin deserves youthful hair.

Filler under the eyes first, r387. Then consider doing the jaw.

Be careful with fillers. They stretch out the skin that has been filled, so you must keep going as it gets ever worse. Save up for a blepharoplasty. The stitches are out in a week, there is no scarring and the results are usually good.

[quote]The texture of my skin is great (thanks, Mexican Retin-A!

I hear you, compadre. I slather that shit on.

[quote]wash your face before you go to bed with a FACIAL CLEANSER not soap.

With a what, dear? I didn't hear.

Is the 1% retin a gel legit?

Your're right, R390. Good hair is essential and thanks to a series of two transplants, the last of which was done in 2013, I'm fortunate to have it. I've taken really good care of myself and worked extraordinary hard my whole life. I see no problem with having some very judicious work. If it makes you feel better about yourself and you can afford it, I say go for it. I had a face and neck lift at 45 and the result was, and still is, fantastic and very natural. Finding the right surgeon is essential to anyone going under the knife but especially men. Surgeons can be more aggressive with women but not men. That's when they end up looking done.

R387, nothing but surgery will significantly tighten the neck. At your age you'll need a face and neck lift to notice any perceptible change.

Yes, a facelift...and then you can start shaving behind your ears.

Yeah, I figured that, R397.

Isn't it pretty much the consensus here that if you're a man you shouldn't do a complete facelift, just a neck and jaw lift? I do have the hollows under my eyes where gravity is pulling things down -- do I just leave those alone? Again, I'm not trying to look unnaturally young.

R396

This is where I get my Retin-A. It's sketchy because you have to trust them not to screw you -- they only take PayPal or money orders -- but they've never let me down. (They actually give you a discount if you pay with a money order.) They don't sell controlled substances, and they're part of a chain (they also have a bricks-and-mortar store in Mexico), so they seem legit as online pharmacies go.

Joan Crawford said sex gave her a clear complexion.

R398, I had laser hair removal and it worked great. R399, you can undergo a direct submentoplasty which is just a neck lift . . . but if you find the right surgeon and have your face, eyes AND neck done you'll be amazed at the difference. I'm not telling you that you'll look twenty, but you'll look so much more well rested and healthy.

r400, $37 for one tube? And that doesn't include shipping. You're better off going to All Day Chemist. They have the same retin a gel. They do charge $25 for shipping but you can buy in bulk like 6 tubes.

^ Do they have it in .01%?

I've ordered other stuff from ADC before -- they have great prices, but they're a huge hassle because you have to do an e-check instead of a credit card. The last time I tried to order from them, the e-check didn't go through even though I had just gotten paid at work and had plenty of money in my account. I just said "fuck it" and ordered somewhere else (InHouse Pharmacy).

When was your last order, R403?

Yes, they have the .01% in gel form, which is actually absorbed better. I have no problem paying with a credit/debit card, but it will be $25 for shipping. I believe the only advantage of using an e-check with them is that shipping reduces to $15.

I meant .1%

I'm reading R396s post and thinking "Calvin Klein"

R405

The last time I tried to order from ADC, there wasn't a credit card option on the website. Do you have to do it over the phone?

I ordered maybe about a month ago and there was the Visa option.

Attention Retin A Virgin Queens : you must a) let your face dry completely before application b) use a sun block - it makes your face more photosensitive c) apply at night only d) do not use any exfoliating products concurrent to retin A use.

Then, sit back, relax, and watch your plumptious smooth chops take shape!

this is where i got my retin-a the last time. I actually bought it over a year ago, maybe even 2 and I'm still using the same tubes, oops.

If you're young and have rosacea or acne, wash your face daily with sulfur soap. You can find it on Amazon and each bar is pretty cheap. Also gets rid of butt acne or bacne.

However, it is incredibly drying over time and could contribute to dry skin and wrinkling for older folks whose sebaceous glands have stopped producing all that face oil that they hated when they were young.

R297, Rosacea often resembles acne.

Ill say u it again, the vbeam laser is the best , especially for rosacea. Best to do it once a month but once it's under control you can get away with doing it every eight week.

I've always had very fair/pinkish skin but oddly enough I never developed skin issues until a few years ago (im almost 40) - and this cleared up any flare ups immediately. And no irritation - I have very sensitive skin so many treatments don't work for that reason.

Going to a top derm really is key.

i had mild acne well into adulthood.

The biggest difference is after I cut out fried foods and sugar. Acne went away. But its still important to wash your face twice per day, to use a moisturizing sunscreen that doesn't clog pores, and a nighttime cream with retinol.

Datalounge taught me to make my own vitamin C serum: the superfine powder is cheap on amazon, get some rose hydrosol and an amber bottle, and you've got serum for you and your friends for a year for 20 bucks.

Active Charcoal capsules opened and mixed with water is amazing on pimples/black heads. Apply like a masque, let dry, wash.

Oh honey. We are all about the Queen Helen's Mint Julep Mask here at the datalounge.

Question for retin a experts - is it better to apply that first before a serum, or apply a serum first, let it dry, then apply retin a?

You don't use a serum with retinoic acid. Wash your face, pat it dry, put on a small amount of retin-a, and then a light, basic moisturiser with no treatment ingredients, especially no vitamin c. Nighttime use only, not recommended in summer, must use heavy sunscreen year round.

But what if you wanted to use a serum (non-vitamin c)? Would putting that on first hinder retin a absorption?

splash your first piss of the day all over your face.

Use your vitamin C serum during the day (with sunscreen) and Retin-A at night.

The Secret To Desperately Trying To Hold On To Your Fleeting Youth Using Chemistry (And Failing Miserably)

Fixed that headline for you all.

You just don't need an extra night time serum. Alternate it with retin-a if you must. I alternate it with glycolic acid.

Sunscreen is the most important thing you can do for your skin.

Physical sunscreens containing zinc and titanium dioxide are best.

I may stop using Noxema. It's got soy in it. Not good for ones testosterone levels.

Do not apply anything before retin A application. Add a moisturiser afterwards if you must - one that contains no exfoliants or retinol or retinoic acid or acid of any kind (AHA, glycolic , salycylic etc). I suggest Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Nuit.

r427, do you think a serum applied 30 minutes before retin A will actually hinder absorption?

It's not a matter of absorption, it's a matter of conflicting ingredients.

In relation to skin, does anyone else experience frequent redness and swelling of the whole nose? One of the derms said it was rosacea but I am skeptical as this only happens to my nose.

I put retin a .01 on at night and put some albolene on right after

Avoid any Mary Kay products.

I take a shower every morning. Maybe not on Sunday. My skin has never been a source of issues.

Ask Don Lemon. He has the best skin for a 50 year old.

r430 I'm a woman with rosacea on my cheeks but thanks to V-beam treatments, it's all gone. I did a lot of research on rosacea (and ways to fight it) and can tell you that men tend to get the redness from it more on their noses compared to women. You probably have it and should consult a board-certified dermatologist for diagnosis or any treatment.

r435, appreciate the help. What does "rosacea" actually feel like on your cheeks? Do you have a sense of throbbing or heat when an attack comes on?

r434 because he's black.

Which sunscreens don't burn your eyes?

I've talked about vbeam above and how it's been like a miracle for me, as someone who is prone to rosacea. So I agree for that type of skin it's the best way to go.

Eliminating dairy worked like a charm for me. Amazing.

I take a range of supplements daily, and honestly my skin is in way better shape at 42 than it has ever been before. The ones that work best for my skin include:

Vitamins A, D, E and C.

Magnesium and Zinc

Approx 1.5 to 3 grams per day of Niacin (this causes the skin to flush as the capillaries expand, great for clearing stubborn acne).

Silica (this is called the beauty mineral with good reason)

Brewers yeast - this is an old beauty secret of many Hollywood actresses - high in minerals and keratin forming compounds like alpha lipoic acid.

Lecithin or choline - contains phosphorus, is cell forming, helps create an inner glow.

MSM

Folate

Iodine - preferably from a natural source, like kelp

B12 injection twice per month or sublingual tablets.

Royal Jelly

Evening Primrose or Black Current Oil

Reishi Mushroom (ganoderma lucidum, literally translates to "glowing skin")

This is what I do and I have been complimented on my skin as recently as last week by a total stranger-

Wash face with one of those peach scrubs (never soap!) While still moist, but not wet, rub face with a mixture of white vinegar and water and let air dry After that is dry moisturize face with coconut oil. Sometimes I blot it after, sometimes not.

That's it-really cheap and really easy and I get compliments on my skin fairly often.

R2 since the invention of Febreze everyone can have fresh sheets and pillow cases every day.

r441, with all of that, how could you possibly know what is actually working?

What brand of Brewer's yeast do you take?

R444 I have just experimented slowly and only add one new thing at a time, over a decade or more. Some times it just takes a little more persistence to work out exact amounts, lots of trial and error... Lots of research. But worth it.... As far as brewers yeast my little local deli sells fresh powder in small amounts - it's very dark and bitter and I just knock it back with a little grapefruit juice.

Also curious to hear if or what any of the other posters have taken internally to improved their health and wellbeing (and the way they look).... Time to 'fess up guys!

Black Seed Oil.

It's not only good for your hair and skin. But it's also an anti-inflammatory and immune booster.

r445, I had been looking into brewer's yeast for sometime, but most of the brands I see online offer a less than ideal serving size per order. If you had to choose between that and royal jelly, what would you say has had the bigger effect?

I don't take royal jelly every day, just when I feel a little run down and need an energy boost, and I definitely see a big difference with my skin when I do take it. It's potent stuff.

Brewers yeast is rich in copper, selenium, chromium (all important minerals for of the organ function, including skin) and it's easily absorbed by the gut. If had to choose just one that would be it. I do like the BY powder over the flakes as it seems more potent. Another factor is the gray hairs on my head start to color in when I take it everyday!

Loss of elasticity, sagging, wrinkles, tons of large pores and everything else that interferes with smooth, firm, lifted, plump skin, are all part of skin texture.

It is VERY rare to have great skin texture even as a teenager.

Most of the brewer's yeast powders are "debittered" which some say does not have the same results.

R387 - Don't laugh, but I bought a facial flex. I've been using it for about 2 weeks and I can feel things beginning to firm up around my jawline. I can only see a subtle change right now - but it's only been 2 weeks. Try it. It exercises your facial and neck muscles. My cheeks look a lot better too - more definition. I am turning 41 soon, (lesbian). My PS said I was not ready for a lower face lift so I bought this. I don't really have visible jowls or anything, but I can feel/see a change in my face over the past few years. I feel like it's beginning to sag a bit. The PS did say I could try fillers in my cheeks to lift things, but I am not thrilled with the idea of fillers yet. So I figured I wool try facial flex. I do love how my cheeks look now though! Still waiting on the sag to firm ;)

The reviews are pretty good to. You have to do it daily. I do it morning and night. I do a set of 250 in the am, and 250 before bed. It only takes a couple minutes to do.

I wanted to add r387 - if you do decide to get under eye fillers. Please go to an ocularplastic surgeon who specializes in under eye fillers. The under eye area is tricky when it comes to fillers. There are many regular plastic surgeons that don't do them because of this. Also check out real self reviews and look at pictures of under eye fillers that have gone wrong - lumps, bumps and permanent discoloration. They say you have to start at the top and work your way down when you want to lift with fillers, so eyes first, then work on your mid/lower face if you're going to get a lift. A lot of docs also like to pair a brow lift when you do a lower/mid face lift (and a neck lift) so you'll be looking at a few procedures to get the effect you want.

Maybe also get some botox on your 11's between your eyes...

It's funny you posted this because I was researching these same issues for the past month and was looking at options. My doc didn't agree with me - said I didn't have adequate sag to do anything yet. I'm a good 5 years away from going under the knife :(

R452 the best way to figure out if it's working is to take photos from the same distance and angle with the same expression and exact same lighting. I read in a few studies that people are not good at objectively assessing changes in their face, and I assume part of that is because people judge their faces in the mirror without controlling for variables. I don't think facial exercises work that much considering old people move their faces too (and what about wrinkles that form from face movement?) but maybe they do a tiny bit. I would bet they work more on certain features than others. I think the jaw is probably the main feature that can build up due to exercise. It's probably adaptive.

r436 Yes, my whole face gets hot the day/night before a breakout and if I don't use Clobetasol then it's a guarantee that in the morning, my face has red dots and/or white head pimples. The feeling is similar to when you blush really bad & your face gets flushed n hot. Dermatologists tell me not to use Clobetasol because it makes the rocasea worse but other topical prescription solutions aren't as effective and leave my face much drier than the Clobetasol. I figure I'll keep going every few years for V-beam treatments so I don't really care that I use the stuff dermatologists say not to because it stops the outbreak on my face within hours.

What exactly would be the benefits of brewer's yeast? I have only ever heard of it in regard to breast milk.

Quite a few actually. Clearer eyes, thicker more luxuriant hair, better teeth and gums. Many of the golden age actresses like Garbo and Dietrich were addicted to the stuff.

If you took a good B vitamin and specific amino acids, you would have the same effect.

"Which sunscreens don't burn your eyes?"

I use the CeraVe sunscreen stick around my eyes. It doesn't burn at all.

459 I don't think it would be possible to synthesize the same effect from brewers yeast, as it contains hundreds of unidentified dietary factors. It's chock full of B-vitamins, minerals and helps support the nervous system.... You can't really go wrong!

This whole thread has a throbbing citation needed all over it

From the Times today:

"Yes! Foods may fight acne

Acne can be an embarrassing problem that seemingly no amount of expensive creams and ointments can resolve. But research suggests that in some cases, what you put in your mouth may be as important as what you put on your skin.

“I’ve had a lot of patients who get their acne under control just by changing their diet,” said Dr. Daniel J. Aires, a researcher and dermatologist at the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City.

Dr. Aires said that over the years there have been many studies on the link between various foods and acne, and the strongest evidence can be summarized in three takeaways: ..."

What are the results of brewer's yeast? Plumper skin?

There have been some university backed studies which show some very encouraging correlation between BY and skin and body health, they are worth chasing up if you are interested. I noticed my cats fur is alot silkier if I add it to their food and they are less susceptible to flea bites. I rarely use it in my own food, although it is yummy sprinkled quite sparingly on hot buttered popcorn.

Are the studies on Brewer's yeast or Nutritional Yeast? That article seems to say they are interchangeable, but I thought otherwise.

Yes, more info on yeast. What type/brand is best? What dose?

Yeast has never been helpful to me.

What do we think of this one?

Does anyone take Viitamin A? As Beta Carotene?

BUMP

Does anyone the DL take Black Currant Oil?

I had my first microdermabrasion done a couple of days ago. Yesterday, being stressed out from spending the holidays with my parents, I forgot to put sunblock while I was out, and today I'm noticing that the sun spots are back. Fuck me.

If you're female, I urge you not to touch Accutane, especially in the form of 'Roaccutane'. I deeply regret agreeing to those drugs more than almost anything else. I was wrongly prescribed it in oral capsule form (isotretinoin) in conjunction with birth control in my late teens, and it damn near killed me. I lost a good few years of my adolescence to the drug combo; I'd say it set me back years in terms of emotional and physical developmental. If I could do it over now, I'd just live with the acne/grease/cysts and ride it out until it inevitably subsided, as I deem the side effects of the drugs aren't worth it. I still have no idea if it was the combination of medications or if my body jus couldn't handle or wasn't ready for Accutane, but going through what I did has destroyed my faith in pharmacology and doctors almost totally.

I'll be the first to say that taking this cocktail did give me flawless skin and shiny hair.....but with the heavy price of chronic cyclic depression (to a very extreme degree, as in a complete shutdown of personality, inability to self-care/leave the house/feed myself, self-harm etc.) and permanent damage to my hormone balances and sebum glands. In the years after I came off it (gladly, as my depressive state was becoming severe), my skin was no longer acne-ridden but dry/flaky/damaged and much thinner than it used to be (same for my hair, which is now dry and frizzy where it used to tumble). I was always sun-sensitive but I singe like a motherfucker now where I used to redden a little and tan. I feel as if I can't process certain substances like sugar and alcohol as easily, and my fat stores are double what they were.

Today I'm thankful just to be still alive and with all my functions intact, but I have to report that a decade after coming off isotretinoin I still have deep pre-menstrual depression, as well as rosacea and dermal scarring and facial lines aplenty. I've tried so many healing approaches myself and symptoms persist. In my experience so far 'clean' eating doesn't fix it, creams and potions don't, therapy does nothing, antidepressants make it worse (which is the only thing GPs have offered me), all the purified water in the world is to no avail. So far all that seems to have helped my body recover is high doses of vitamins in tablet form (especially B12/6, D & E), but I don't want to live off of supplements all my adult life. I also sleep on silk pillowcases and try to leave my skin/hair alone (e.g. not washing twice a day).

I'd like to see someone about it to ask how to recover my skin/hair health and balance my hormones back to what they were pre-Accutane, but I don't know who best to go to...a nutritionist? dermatologist? herbalist/naturopath? private gyno or blood doctor? As long as it's not a GP or another damn therapist I'll try it. What does DL recommend?

I just started using L-ascorbic acid powder diluted in water. Someone here on DL recommended it (even included a link were to buy the powder). I put a few drops on my washed face and neck in the morning and at night. There is a slight tingling sensation and a drying feeling, so I slather my face with moisturizer once the solution is absorbed into the skin. It's been only a week and I noticed skin peeling on my nose, just a tad. I'm curious where this leads.

....

Water. Cetaphil cleansers And moisturizer. That’s it.

I always had clear skin too. I use African black soap to wash my face and body and I use witch hazel as a toner and I'n very happy with my skin.