Author Topic: A Skin Care Routine in Four-Part Harmony (Read 536 times)

makinalist · « **on:** February 01, 2012, 11:43:21 AM »

I often dream of a simplified routine for keeping my skin healthy and happy. Time and time again, I have read that at minimum we must do four things: Cleanse, Exfoliate, Moisturize, and Protect. Of course, we each may have specialized things we do in addition to these four, but consider this: Do you have these goals nailed down? What are your favorite products to accomplish each of them?

Cleanse - Albolene Unscented Moisturizing Cleanser to remove makeup, Paula's Choice One-Step Facial Cleanser Normal-to-Dry
Exfoliate - Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Peel Pads, Olay Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System with Olay Pro-X Exfoliating Renewal
Cleanser, or Microfiber Cloth
Moisturize - Day: Paula's Choice Resist Cellular Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 25, DDF Protective Eye Cream SPF 15
Night: Paula's Choice Resist Barrier Repair Moisturizer with Retinol, ShiKai Borage Dry Skin Therapy Eye Cream
Protect - Daily Moisturizers with SPF (see above)

SusieQ · « **Reply #1 on:** February 01, 2012, 11:48:35 AM »

This a great topic and I can't wait to hear from eveyone.

Unfortunately, I am all over the map. But, I purchased a new skinline and once I receive it, I will take inventory and put everything else away and use this line exclusively. It's one of those infomercial thingy. I don't have much hope that I have to start somewhere since I have too many products and they take too much of my time and money.

christinedenice · « **Reply #2 on:** February 01, 2012, 03:15:11 PM »

Agree, great topic!

I don't use too many products in this regard--probably should. I've been using all of the following for a long time (except CeraVe, which is new to me as of last month):

Cleanse: Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser, with warm water. I use it to remove eye makeup, too.
Exfoliate: Renova .05% every-other night. Every morning, before applying makeup, I use a Buff-Puff disposable pad with warm water all over my face. This removes any flakes caused by the Renova.
Moisturize: On non-Renova nights, I use CeraVe PM moisturizing lotion and Origins Eye Doctor eye cream on lids and below eyes. Daily moisturizer is CeraVe PM and Origins No Puffery on lids.
Protect: Nothing in addition to the above, although Missha Perfect Cover provides SPF 42.

If I could change anything about my routine, it would be to go back to Creme de la Mer moisturizer. It is the only skin product I've used that I can truly say made a visible positive difference in my skin. However, it is just too expensive for me to justify the cost.

Poppyfields · « **Reply #3 on:** February 01, 2012, 03:39:31 PM »

Hey, I'm simple!

Cleanse: DHC Olive Oil and Pure soap if I have a full face on -or-
Avene Micellar Lotion Cleanser, followed by Avene Gentle Toner - both w/ cotton pads
http://www.drugstore.com/avene-micellar-lotion-cleanser-and-make-up-remover/qxp168132?catid=182285
http://www.drugstore.com/avene-gentle-toner-for-dry-and-very-sensitive-skin/qxp168128?catid=182998

Exfoliate: Olay Pro-X 2 or 3 times a week
http://www.drugstore.com/olay-professional-pro-x-advanced-cleansing-system-1-set/qxp311960?catid=182285

Moisturize: Avene Hydrance Optimale
http://www.drugstore.com/avene-hydrance-optimale-light-hydrating-cream/qxp168136?catid=182924

Protect: Only when sunning. I believe in natural vitamin D, so sue me.

SusanG · « **Reply #4 on:** February 01, 2012, 03:45:26 PM »

My skin care routine is very basic:

Cleanse: cleansing milk, currently Earth Science A.D.E. Creamy Cleanser; for removing makeup, La Roche Posay Physiological Micellar Solution
Exfoliate: Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub (great stuff)
Moisturize: Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30
Protect: in addition to the moisturizer, Jane Iredale PurePressed Base gives me an SPF of 20

milla · « **Reply #5 on:** February 02, 2012, 02:17:16 AM »

Excellent topic.
I recently had a good, hard look at my beauty routine over the years, and got a bit upset (just a tiny bit) when I estimated the cash I parted with, especially in the last 2 decades.
So this is what I'm using now:
Cleanse: Olay anti-aging milk, this really agrees with my skin and I haven't found anything better. I cleanse thoroughly 2x a day.
Tone: L'Oreal Dermoexpertise for mature skin.
Exfoliate: I don't exfoliate my face. Only my body. I use a very cheap product from a chemist chain in the UK ( Superdrug, Boots' rivals)
Moisturise: Superdrug Vitamin E cream with SPF 15. I also use their Vitamin E body moisturiser, which comes in a big 475ml tub.
Protect: I don't get to see the sun a lot and I reckon I need a bit of it to stay reasonably healthy; I only use sun protection in the summer or in warmer climates. I have a tube of Anthelios sun cream somewhere....

SusieQ · « **Reply #6 on:** February 02, 2012, 10:12:35 AM »

Quote from: christinedenice on February 01, 2012, 03:15:11 PM

If I could change anything about my routine, it would be to go back to Creme de la Mer moisturizer. It is the only skin product I've used that I can truly say made a visible positive difference in my skin. However, it is just too expensive for me to justify the cost.

Oh, another fan of Creme de la Mer!! I finished a jar of la Mer and I wanted to buy another one but it is sooo expensive. I noticed that my pores were visible smaller with la Mer but I couldn't justify the cost, too. But, once I win the lottery, I will have this cream on auto delivery!

ILuvLucy · « **Reply #7 on:** February 02, 2012, 10:27:26 AM »

Great topic. I'm about to run out of cleanser and moisturizer, so I appreciate all the replies.

cara4art · « **Reply #8 on:** February 02, 2012, 12:28:56 PM »

Here's mine - with comments about each:

Cleanse:
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser - this is MUCH better than the Cetaphil Cleanser I had been using for years. The Cetaphil was starting to dry my skin out, while the CeraVe doesn't. A real keeper.

Exfoliate:
Aquaglycolic Cleanser as a 10-minute mask every morning. This is HG for me - a way to get the benefits of AHAs without a lotion or cream that would otherwise irritate my skin.

Moisturize:
AM: Cetaphil Cream with CeraVe AM SPF 30 layered over it. There are tons of moisturizers out there, but Cetaphil Cream is just awesome on my face as a basic, product. So glad there's SOMETHING that doesn't have everything but the kitchen sink in it for so-called "anti-aging".
PM: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream (in in a dry climate, I'll layer the Cetaphil over that, otherwise not). I know this isn't Rx, but it is highly regarded as a basic OTC retinol for people who might not be able to tolerate a Rx retinoid, or for someone to introduce before moving on to something stronger.
For eyes: L'Oreal Revitalift Eye Cream - been using this for years - one of their better products as it's unscented and does the job. Not a miracle worker, but I notice the difference if I don't use it.

Protect:
The CeraVe AM takes care of that, although now some people over on MUA are saying that it has LOUSY protection. If that's the case, how come it gets great reviews and dermatologists are recommending this? It's been really a challenge for me to find something with a high SPF(for me that's 30, as anything more is likely to cause irritation)that doesn't burn my skin, make it pasty-white, or break me out(even though my skin is only normal-to-very-slightly-oily), or have some unpleasant texture that ruins any makeup.

Does this sound like a good routine? Even though I have somewhat reactive skin, I still think sometimes I'm missing out on something. Namely something to treat some sun spots. The stuff that really works is STRONG and aggressive(Rx hydroquinone and tretinoin - AKA Rx retinoid). At least my skin is pretty smooth, no clogged pores(the Aquaglycolic Cleanser makes a big difference for that along with the Neutrogena retinol)and moisturized. Oh, and I do use a nice toner, the pricey Cosmedix Benefit Balance(but at least a bottle of this lasts 6-7 months so that's not that bad pricewise per month). This made a difference too, as it's hydrating and refreshing at the same time. I pooh-poohed toners until I got onto this one, recommended by an esthetician here. I don't have a lot of wrinkles even at age 64, considering I had a good bit of earlier sun exposure.

christinedenice · « **Reply #9 on:** February 02, 2012, 01:36:50 PM »

Cara, your routine sounds very well thought-out and comprehensive. Sounds like it works well for you, and that's the main thing, right? You have me wondering whether I should switch to CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser next time I need to purchase...

Quote from: SusieQ on February 02, 2012, 10:12:35 AM

Oh, another fan of Creme de la Mer!! I finished a jar of la Mer and I wanted to buy another one but it is sooo expensive. I noticed that my pores were visible smaller with la Mer but I couldn't justify the cost, too. But, once I win the lottery, I will have this cream on auto delivery!

That would be a fantasy-come-true, SusieQ!

makinalist · « **Reply #10 on:** February 02, 2012, 02:41:37 PM »

I confess I am mystified by the power La Mer cream holds over people. I checked the ingredient list, and there are no unicorn tears. Is it the seaweed? Algae should be pretty cheap, though, so that can't be it. I am at a loss!

What I would do if I were in your place is to study the list and search out something similar to try. There must be something more reasonably-priced out there that would give you the same results.

Of course, if it is just the most pampering, luxurious, silky, comfortable stuff you ever felt on your face....I'm afraid I can't help you!

milla · « **Reply #11 on:** February 02, 2012, 04:51:17 PM »

Cara, I am very interested in the L'Oreal Eye cream. The 'one' thing I would love to find is an eye cream that makes a difference (even if it is minimal).
Can you tell us more about it?
Thanks

ILuvLucy · « **Reply #12 on:** February 02, 2012, 05:06:55 PM »

Hey ladies - CeraVe has a coupon you can print out for $1 on their website! (Cara had me intrigued!)

christinedenice · « **Reply #13 on:** February 02, 2012, 06:06:15 PM »

Quote from: makinalist on February 02, 2012, 02:41:37 PM

I confess I am mystified by the power La Mer cream holds over people. I checked the ingredient list, and there are no unicorn tears. Is it the seaweed? Algae should be pretty cheap, though, so that can't be it. I am at a loss!

What I would do if I were in your place is to study the list and search out something similar to try. There must be something more reasonably-priced out there that would give you the same results.

Of course, if it is just the most pampering, luxurious, silky, comfortable stuff you ever felt on your face....I'm afraid I can't help you!

I know, Listy, it's not rational (for me, anyway)! I just felt from the first time I applied la Mer that something good was happening for my skin. At the time, I had some stubborn red, irritated, flaky spots that completely resolved after a short time with la Mer. My skin just had a glow that it hasn't had since.

Your suggestion to try to find a substitute with the same or similar ingredients at a better price is a great one. I'll bet someone has taken this on already. Off to Google....

Anita · « **Reply #14 on:** February 02, 2012, 08:36:38 PM »

Here is mine, but keep in mind I have skin which does not react to any ingredient and is still oily despite being part of a 50+ year old frame!

Cleanser: Olay Age Defying Wash. This also works as an exfoliate since it has a light grit.
Toner: Sea Breeze Sensitive
Exfoliate: See Cleanser, plus Olay Regenerist Might Resurfacing Exlixir, plus 6 days a week CVS version of Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask, plus once a week St Ives Apricot Scrub (I believe in exfoliation)
Moisturize: Olay Age Defying Daily Creme with BHA, Olay Night Firming Creme
Protection: Only what is in my SPF 15 foundation; I also believe in natural Vitamin D

SusieQ · « **Reply #15 on:** February 02, 2012, 10:09:59 PM »

Quote from: makinalist on February 02, 2012, 02:41:37 PM

I confess I am mystified by the power La Mer cream holds over people. I checked the ingredient list, and there are no unicorn tears. Is it the seaweed? Algae should be pretty cheap, though, so that can't be it. I am at a loss!

What I would do if I were in your place is to study the list and search out something similar to try. There must be something more reasonably-priced out there that would give you the same results.

Of course, if it is just the most pampering, luxurious, silky, comfortable stuff you ever felt on your face....I'm afraid I can't help you!

Off topic: I know. And, I agree, no rational. But, here's my thought because I had tried two products with the same ingredients and I think some of you may remember that I was trying Perricone's Finishing Moisturizer and one by Reviva with the same ingredients. While Reviva was nice, Perricone is much better. I can tell the difference in the morning. My skin feel smoother, not greasy and just looks refreshed with Perricone. Maybe while they have the same ingredients, it's not so much what is in it but the amount of each ingredients and how the ingredients are mix together and when. Take a recipe for instance, two people can have the same recipe but the outcome won't be the same. IMHO.

cara4art · « **Reply #16 on:** February 02, 2012, 11:41:16 PM »

@SusieQ: Indeed, just how something is formulated can make a BIG difference. Of course, we don't know exactly how since we're not cosmetic chemists here. This is why sometimes the advice to pick up a drugstore generic dupe of a popular product doesn't always work, even though the products side by side have virtually-identical ingredient lists. I would put it out there that even a subtle difference in formulation would affect the feel and texture of the product. In some cases the products are VERY similar, and others, well, the store-brand version won't be quite as good, so I can definitely hear what you're talking about.

makinalist · « **Reply #17 on:** February 03, 2012, 12:20:40 AM »

If that be the case, I plan never to try that cream!

CathyEarnshaw · « **Reply #18 on:** February 03, 2012, 01:03:29 AM »

Cleanser: I'm not too picky about these. I prefer a foaming face wash. I'm currently using Clean and Clear oil free. I also like Alpha Hydrox foaming face wash
Moisturizer: I like something light. I have combination skin . I am currently using the original Oil of Olay. I like Clinique too.
Exfoliation: I alternate. One night I use Retin-A .05% gel. I get this from Alldaychemist.com for $2.50 a tube. The next night I use Alpha Hydrox 12% souffle.
Protect: when bare faced I use Neutrogena Dry Touch SPF 50.
Currently using the Missha BB Cream as a foundation.

makinalist · « **Reply #19 on:** February 03, 2012, 01:09:38 AM »

Do y'all realize how few duplicates are on these lists so far? Hardly any!

LemonMyrtle · « **Reply #20 on:** February 03, 2012, 06:54:55 AM »

This is the four-part harmony I think I'd LIKE to achieve but I'm not fully weaned from extraneous products yet:

Cleanse: Paula's Choice One Step Cleanser normal/dry
Moisturise: PC Hydrating Treatment Cream (day); PC Resist Barrier Repair Moisturizer (three nights a week)
Exfoliate: PC 1% BHA Lotion (day); Diacneal soon to be Triacneal (four nights a week)
Protect: SunSense SPF30+ sunscreens, a tinted one for face and untinted for neck

SusieQ · « **Reply #21 on:** February 03, 2012, 10:16:45 AM »

Quote from: makinalist on February 03, 2012, 01:09:38 AM

Do y'all realize how few duplicates are on these lists so far? Hardly any!

I know, right? This is great for future reference! I love it. I have to take lots of notes and look at reviews.

SusieQ · « **Reply #22 on:** February 03, 2012, 10:26:54 AM »

Quote from: cara4art on February 02, 2012, 11:41:16 PM

@SusieQ: Indeed, just how something is formulated can make a BIG difference. Of course, we don't know exactly how since we're not cosmetic chemists here. This is why sometimes the advice to pick up a drugstore generic dupe of a popular product doesn't always work, even though the products side by side have virtually-identical ingredient lists. I would put it out there that even a subtle difference in formulation would affect the feel and texture of the product. In some cases the products are VERY similar, and others, well, the store-brand version won't be quite as good, so I can definitely hear what you're talking about.

I guess it's easy enough to dup because the ingredients are easily accessible. But, as you mentioned, it boils down to technique. Speaking of boiling, it's reminds me of how each of us would boil an egg. Some let the water boil and add the egg for x minutes. Some put the eggs with the water to boil; lid on the pots; no lids...you get the picture. Maybe it's the same with how a chemist cook the ingredients to come up with his/her own signature.

I would love to buy another jar of La Mer but I would have to a very good girl in order to one of these this year.

Ok - I've hijacked this topic enough. Please carry on ladies. I'm taking notes.

makinalist · « **Reply #23 on:** February 03, 2012, 11:23:24 AM »

I see someone else is using Paula's Choice (LemonMyrtle)! I have just now returned to her Resist line after wandering around for a bit. I decided I had never really tried a whole routine from her -- just one product here and there -- so I'm giving it a go. So far everything is working nicely!

SusieQ - I think you are a very good girl already!

SusieQ · « **Reply #24 on:** February 03, 2012, 11:30:51 AM »

Quote from: makinalist on February 03, 2012, 11:23:24 AM

SusieQ - I think you are a very good girl already!

Oh, Listy, you're such an enabler! That's what I love about you!

LemonMyrtle · « **Reply #25 on:** February 05, 2012, 03:46:57 AM »

Quote from: makinalist on February 03, 2012, 11:23:24 AM

I see someone else is using Paula's Choice (LemonMyrtle)! I have just now returned to her Resist line after wandering around for a bit. I decided I had never really tried a whole routine from her -- just one product here and there -- so I'm giving it a go. So far everything is working nicely!

May it continue to work well for you. The only thing that didn't work for me some years ago was her spot treatment, the strong one. It was far too harsh and I've still got a little white mark where it burned me.

makinalist · « **Reply #26 on:** February 05, 2012, 01:02:09 PM »

This is awful, but my first thought was to ask if the treatment worked on your spots.

I'm ashamed of myself.

Did it?

LemonMyrtle · « **Reply #27 on:** February 07, 2012, 07:16:17 AM »

Quote from: makinalist on February 05, 2012, 01:02:09 PM

This is awful, but my first thought was to ask if the treatment worked on your spots. I'm ashamed of myself.

Did it?

No, ask away. Trample on my finer feelings. Mock me. I can take it

Oh, it killed the spots all right, and took the rest of my skin with it.

It was very effective for my son, who was a spotty teenager at the time. He used the 2.5% strength after finding the 5% made his skin tingle alarmingly.

makinalist · « **Reply #28 on:** February 07, 2012, 11:20:49 AM »

Oh - you meant breaking-out spots, didn't you? I was thinking of the brown ones, you see. Now I am both ashamed and embarrassed.

I hope your finer feelings will be okay.

LemonMyrtle · « **Reply #29 on:** February 08, 2012, 06:49:34 AM »

Quote from: makinalist on February 07, 2012, 11:20:49 AM

Oh - you meant breaking-out spots, didn't you? I was thinking of the brown ones, you see. Now I am both ashamed and embarrassed. I hope your finer feelings will be okay.

I just LOL'd. Guess that means they're not too seriously damaged! (My feelings, not my spots.)

makinalist · « **Reply #30 on:** February 08, 2012, 11:26:37 AM »

Such a relief!

Angelcat47 · « **Reply #31 on:** February 10, 2012, 04:33:35 PM »

For those who like the La Mer cream,Skin Actives has a kit you can buy and whip up to duplicate it.I don't know how to post links,but it's called the Formulation Kit for Beginners and it's $29.50.It looks like it would make quite a large jar.I have not tried this,but use many of their products and can vouch for their quality.The website is skinactives.com.

christinedenice · « **Reply #32 on:** February 10, 2012, 05:17:42 PM »

Angelcat47, thanks! This is VERY interesting, and the price is certainly reasonable. May have to try this ...

Canie · « **Reply #33 on:** February 11, 2012, 01:44:31 AM »

Here is the link to the product Angelcat47 mentioned:

http://www.skinactives.com/Kit-Formulation-Kit-for-Beginners.html

linc2 · « **Reply #34 on:** February 12, 2012, 07:51:29 AM »

Cleanser: Paula's Choice Skin Restoring Cleanser. Used it for years. May switch to Cetaphil Restoraderm Wash when my PC runs out.
Toner: Never use it
Exfoliate: PTR Un-wrinkle pads.
Moisturize: Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle sensitive--night. Matis Eye and Lip Mask (around eyes)
Protection: LRP Anthelios SX 15 -- daytime moisturizer and sunscreen combo

SusieQ · « **Reply #35 on:** February 13, 2012, 11:22:05 AM »

It's only been a week but about two weeks ago, I got really tired of having so many skin products lining my shelves and counters in my bathroom so after much thoughts, I've decided to order Meaningful Beauty. It includes the cleanser, exfoliation, moisturizers and protection. I'll start a separate topic for my initial result.