For women only....men don't say I didn't warn you.

[BEG]

SO my skin has been looking like crap lately.  Really dry, especially under the eyes.  I would even say crepey looking and dull (and yes even some wrinkles   ).  I have been quite depressed about it lately.  So I decided to look around the internet for ideas on how to improve it.  I decided I needed to do a peel.  Was going to go to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon and get one but then read thread after thread about how you can do it at home.  Bought myself a 35% Glycolic peel  (if anyone wants a link to the company I bought it from just ask) and have done it twice (with Oil of Olay microdermabrasion in between).  The cost of having an esthetician or doctor do a peel is around $100 - $200 (for the lighter peels not the type you have to have anesthesia to have) vs $18 for a bottle of the glycolic acid.  You do it once a week (every 5 to 7 days) for 6 to 8 weeks then stop for about two weeks (maybe longer if you want) then start up the cycle again.  

The bottle will last for several months.  Yes it stings at first, you build up your tolerance for it.  Starting at a couple of minutes (even less for more sensitive skin) and move up every time until you reach the maximum time limit.  I can already tell a difference and I could tell after the first peel.  You don't peel in sheets like you do the stronger peel.  I didn't even notice any peeling the first time I did it.  The 2nd time it was light flaking that other people can't even see was gone by the 2nd day.  It is suppose to stimulate collagen which is always a good thing for skin as well as reduce acne and lighten sun spots and even your skin tone (and help with small wrinkles...it wont get rid of deep wrinkles).  My face feels so soft and I can already tell that I'm going to be hooked on these Glycolic peels.  There are higher and lower percentages.  Also different PH levels, which once you research it you will find is important.  

There are other beauty tips that I have tried that have really worked and others that I am going to try if anyone is interested. One in particular that I am currently using that have made my eyelashes at least double, thicken and darken.  I ordered it from India and is cheap.    There is one that I'm sure the men (and some of the women) will think is crazy as it sounds like torture but the more I read about it the more I want to do it.  I may only give this one out if someone PM's me because I don't want any crap about it.  

[bijou]

I use a glycolic based cleanser and moisturizer (an Australian brand). It has been the best thing I have ever used on my skin, I've had great results.

[BEG]

I see Carl looking at the beauty tips thread.   

[debk]

Cool!!!

I was just looking at a new spa's "menu" last night at the peels and microdermabrasion.

I have had the micro done several times, and really like it, but the last time I did it, I wasn't as pleased. The doctor that I had gone to for the others split off and opened a new office and I went to the new office. While the aesthetician was good, I really liked the other one....but she is nowhere to be found.  

I had cystic acne when I was in my mid-30's and was on Accutane for 6 months. Did wonderful things for my skin for several years. But it has kind of come back in the last few, and the microdermabrasion helps, as the dermatologist will not give me Accutane at my age.  

However, regular micro treatments are not affordable, ...so I have been looking at what else is available. Where I get my haircut is an Aveda salon, and while their facials/peels/etc are reasonable, their products are plant based and the kiss of death for my skin. They cringed when I told them I wash my face with Dove, though the dermatologist just said whatever works, to keep from breaking out, to use it.

I don't wear any foundation, just moisturizing sun screen for sensitive skin(that has glycolic in it) and loose powder. I haven't used foundation for 20 years...it's hard to get used to at first, and for the skin tone to even...but quitting using it was the best thing I did for my skin. My skin tone is pretty even and I'm not terrible on the wrinkles....one advantage to still having breakouts..

Did you order the stuff, BEG, or go to a store and buy it?

[BEG]

Cool!!!

I was just looking at a new spa's "menu" last night at the peels and microdermabrasion.

I have had the micro done several times, and really like it, but the last time I did it, I wasn't as pleased. The doctor that I had gone to for the others split off and opened a new office and I went to the new office. While the aesthetician was good, I really liked the other one....but she is nowhere to be found.  

I had cystic acne when I was in my mid-30's and was on Accutane for 6 months. Did wonderful things for my skin for several years. But it has kind of come back in the last few, and the microdermabrasion helps, as the dermatologist will not give me Accutane at my age.  

However, regular micro treatments are not affordable, ...so I have been looking at what else is available. Where I get my haircut is an Aveda salon, and while their facials/peels/etc are reasonable, their products are plant based and the kiss of death for my skin. They cringed when I told them I wash my face with Dove, though the dermatologist just said whatever works, to keep from breaking out, to use it.

I don't wear any foundation, just moisturizing sun screen for sensitive skin(that has glycolic in it) and loose powder. I haven't used foundation for 20 years...it's hard to get used to at first, and for the skin tone to even...but quitting using it was the best thing I did for my skin. My skin tone is pretty even and I'm not terrible on the wrinkles....one advantage to still having breakouts..

Did you order the stuff, BEG, or go to a store and buy it?

Here is the link Deb:  http://www.skinlaboratory.com/shop/products/Glycolic-Acid-35%25.html

Read the reviews to get ideas and tips. It was SO worth it.  Next time I need to buy it I'm getting the 50%.  Also I was using AmLactin (which has 12% alpha-hydroxy acid) on my face every once in awhile before I bought the Glycolic acid.  I bought it for my dry skin on my legs and it works WONDERS .  I think it got my face ready for the peel. 

[debk]

Thanks BEG!

Just read the "problem skin" part....yep, that's me!

[BEG]

Thanks BEG!

Just read the "problem skin" part....yep, that's me!

Did you read the acne section and what it suggests for it?

http://www.skinlaboratory.com/shop/categories/Skin-Condition/Acne/

[debk]

Did you read the acne section and what it suggests for it?

http://www.skinlaboratory.com/shop/categories/Skin-Condition/Acne/

Just read it and it sounds like the salicylic acid would work well....I already use the Neutrogena moisturizer. 

[BEG]

Just read it and it sounds like the salicylic acid would work well....I already use the Neutrogena moisturizer. 

If you read the reviews on the Glycolic acid a lot of people who have problems with acne use both the glycolic acid and the other type of acid (spaced out) to get the best result. 

[debk]

If you read the reviews on the Glycolic acid a lot of people who have problems with acne use both the glycolic acid and the other type of acid (spaced out) to get the best result. 

While to me, my skin is horrible....most people don't know I have it to look at me.

I can break out just from reading the newspaper.  Mine is more the result of touching something... and then touching my face....and I welt up. The welts itch, I scratch...then I get a cyst. Then I get mad at myself. 

[BEG]

Another item I found recently (before I moved to CA) was moroccan oil.  It works miracles on hair.  Seriously...it is the best thing ever.  I bought my bottle from my hair stylist about two months before I moved (and I still have some).  I happen to be sitting in the chair when a guy came around trying to sell it.  He had samples so she tried it on my hair right there and I couldn't believe it (you can use it on wet or dry hair).  I asked him for a sample and he gave it to me.  Then I called her and wanted her to order it for me which she did.  I got it cheaper than it is listed at the following link but I will buy it from the internet for that price if I can't find it cheaper when I run out. 

Link:  http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=205422&catid=11899&brand=58686&trx=PLST-0-BRAND&trxp1=11899&trxp2=205422&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-BRAND

Anyone else have any beauty items they would like to give up?   

[BEG]

Oh my lord, when I was googling MoroccanOil I found this one blog and it cracked me up.  He makes me laugh.  Anyway, he linked to this picture of Sarah Jessica Parker.  They must film her with super high tech cameras when they shoot her commercials for Garnier because in her commercials (and in pictures in magazines) her skin looks like she is in her 20's.



It actually kind of pisses me off when you think about it.  You see pictures of women your age or you see them on TV and you feel all inferior because they have perfect skin, hair or bodies.  Most of it is airbrushed or trick photography and we know it yet we feel self-conscious about our own bodies because we feel we should look just as good as them (who have oodles of money to spend on making them look their best).  I guarantee she has veneers on her teeth too. 

[BEG]

LMAO yeah right....

[IassaFTots]

HAHAHA!  Yup.  And, being that she is/was a smoker, she definitely has some veneers.  I would think.

[BEG]

It pisses me off the more I am googling pictures of her:

[BEG]

HAHAHA!  Yup.  And, being that she is/was a smoker, she definitely has some veneers.  I would think.

Where in the heck did her witchy mole go in that first picture?   

[JohnnyReb]

I'm not going to fight the aging process...I'm saving all my energy to fight the grime reaper....

[BEG]

I'm not going to fight the aging process...I'm saving all my energy to fight the grime reaper....

Yeah but you are a dude.  Dudes can get away with being old and still look smexy.  It's not fair.   

[IassaFTots]

Where in the heck did her witchy mole go in that first picture?   

I wish I could walk around with photo shop.  Man.  That would be cool.

[vesta111]

I wish I could walk around with photo shop.  Man.  That would be cool.

Yesterday.?  On Fox there was a short skit with the subject being that men pay way less for skin upkeep then woman.

Three products for eye cream, 2 for woman one for men had the exact ingredients, one of the woman's products as $5.00 more and the other $15.00 more---

  We are buying the brand not the contents.    Like food, store brand is exactly like the big name stuff, made by the same people just a different label.

I worked at Cosmolab in Tenn. making makeup and the only makeup that was different is Avon. They had special areas for that product, extra precautions against infection and  keeping purity of their product.  Workers were spot checked for E-Coli as was the product.

We rolled off  in other areas Revlon and Ester Larder in the same batch as well as the $1.00 cosmetics, we just changed the label.  I was surprised at first with this practice, some very expensive cosmetics had the identical ingredients of drug store products.

The skin preserving industry and cosmetics are a multimillion dollar industry, for moisturiser the men's products cannot be beat, they have added ingredients as beard stubble can give rise to that beard burn most woman get at one time or another in their life after a late night of passion.

Then the eyes, our sight is to put it is one of the most important features of our senses, some of these foreign made products can blind you or cause horrid problems.   

One last thing that is odd, we made a product for nails and the tubes it was placed in said made in China.    Not the product, but the tubes themselves.    No where did it say the product itself was made in the USA.   

This is homework girls, a bit of work compairing ingredients can save you hundreds of dollars a year and save your sight to boot.

If we could find the formula to turn our skin into what the leather makers do for Doe hide, that ultra soft supple, non wrinkling, last for 50 years or more skin-------some one is going to rule the world.

[DixieBelle]

Where in the heck did her witchy mole go in that first picture?   

She had it removed recently. Got a lot of flack for it too.

Thanks for the beauty tips! I try to keep up with this kind of stuff so I love it when someone finds something that works.

I also check out www.cosmeticscop.com and www.beautybunch.com - I really like Paula Begouin's honesty.

[debk]

Vesta made some really good points.

I have used Clinique for probably 30 years....primarily because of their sensitive skin line.

In the last 5-6 years....I have started using many of the drug store products when Clinique stopped making some of my favorite things...in particular an eye cream.

If you've read above....my skin is a real pain in the tush! If I walk through a spider web...which is quite common in my job, and also around the outside of my house since I live in the woods....I will rash up everywhere the web hit me. If I touch something with mold or mildew on it - or something that has gotten "bug-y"....very common with lockboxes...and then touch my face....I welt where my fingertips touched.... I have gotten better about carrying Purell in the car and using it after going in a foreclosure or messing with a lockbox.

In any event....I started using Neutrogena products. I really, really like them. Also Aveno.

Neutrogena has a liquid moisturizer with a 15 sun screen, Daily Skin Saver that I have used for years. I mix a bit of it with a dab of Neutrogena anti-acne/anti-aging (it's in a tube) and spread it all over my face. It has a bit of salicylic acid in it. I do still use two Clinique products for skin tone evening out, and anti-gravity cream - on top of the other. Only reason I'm still using them is, though they are quite expensive, one bottle will last a minimum of 6 months and one jar will last me for close to a year. I can justify the costs that way. 

I keep flipping around on the eye cream....I go back and forth between a Clinique(a cream), the Fructis roller ball, and an Aveno liquid. I sleep in my contacts, and my eyes tend to be swollen when I wake up and all of those are "puffiness reducers". I did buy a L'Oreal product that is two products in one container. I like what it did for the skin around my eyes...but it make little bumps too... Neutrogena has the best eye concealer that I have tried other than Clinique...again there is the huge cost difference.

I have stuck with Clinique loose powder, as it lasts a long time, and it's all I put on my face. Then I flip around with different L'Oreal blushes.

I have used Cover Girl or L'Oreal mascaras and eyeshadows for years. Can't really tell the difference in them from the Clinique. They are less than half the price, and have a good color selection. Neutrogena has started making eyeshadow and liner, I have one of each and like them....though I prefer the eyeshadow over the liner. I don't take them off before going to bed (hate oily eye makeup remover and so do my contacts) and none of them smear all over my pillowcase or my face while sleeping.

I still like Clinique lipsticks the best, but usually will pick up a L'Oreal. Cover Girl makes me look like I got bad Botox injections.. L'Oreal has a good "stain" lipstick with a glosser. I don't really care for the glosser, but the stain stays on forever, and I use a different glosser. It does dry my lips out so, I tend to use it when going out to dinner or something rather than just running around.

I use the Dove cleansing cloths for Sensitive skin to wash my face with at night and the bar soap for washing my face in the shower and getting rid of eye makeup.

What works for one person, may not work for another, but at least with the "drug store" brands....if it doesn't work or you get a reaction from it....you haven't spent a whole bunch of money finding out it's not a good product for you.

The View and The Today Show w KathyLee and Hoda....both shows frequently do segments comparing the drug store brands with "designer" brands...and I believe they keep the info on their websites. Good place to find out about makeups, shampoos, lotions and potions.

[IassaFTots]

Deb, that is so funny.  My mom made me get on Clinique right off the bat, and up until recently, when the prices kept soaring, that is all I would use.  Now, I use some Physician's Formula, but I still get the Clinique Mascara, and Lipstick.  I don't go anywhere without my Raspberry Glace'.  I also use a significant amount of Aveeno products, and they have a tinted facial cream, that has UV protection.  I have been using that for over a year, and have noticed a significant difference in the texture of my face.  My worry/frown lines are decreasing. YAY.

I also like Burts Bees products too.

[DixieBelle]

This site requires registration ($) but is SO worth it ladies! - http://www.beautypedia.com

[BEG]

This site requires registration ($) but is SO worth it ladies! - http://www.beautypedia.com

Thanks Dixie, I'm checking it out now.