Can someone help witha Skin Care regimen???

[lwoodall10]

I have to admit I am terrible with my skin care. The only thing I can say I do faithfully is moisturize and use sunscreen and exfoliate with the SN Micro Derm. I am terrible about washing my face at night, I do use the moisturized make up remover wipes and moisturize in the evening and then in the morning I wash with a cleanser and moisturize. My problem is there are so many things out in the market it gets a bit confusing...Eye Creams, Retinols, Moisturizers, etc, etc...

I would really like a nice simple routine with a few products instead of a whole drawer full of items that I'm not even sure what to do with, or what order to use them. I think that is where I get in trouble...I buy all these products, but there are too many steps and I will follow for a few weeks and then go back to my lazy ways. I think if I can find a nice simple routine that covers my skin care needs I will stick to it...

Here is a brief description of my skin care concerns. I have sunspots (I have tried so many products to try and makes these fade and nothing seems to help) I have the dreaded laugh lines and to my horror I have notice very slight lines around my eyes (In my mind I am still in my 20's, but then I look in the mirror and see the gray hairs sprouting up and the laugh lines and realize, not so much ). I would say I have combination skin. My fordhead tends be oily, but my around my nose I tend to get dry and little flakey and red. (Sorry if that is TMI ) I always have to use the yellow corrective powder to hide the red under my nose.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
Susan

[Rhys]

The Firming or Intensive moisturiser might be your best bet. Renovage cures all sorts of skin ills for most people, and if you know you're not going to use much - that's the one I'd try.

[happyhiker]

I second the suggestion for the firming moisturizer. I live in a dry climate so I thought the intensive moisturizer would be better during the winter, but I find it a little too heavy for me still so I use it only at night until it's gone - then I'm sticking with the firming moisturizer. My skin has never looked better since using it.

I would recommend getting into the habit of washing/toning (the pore refining toner is awesome!)/moisturizing in the morning AND evening. The toner isn't necessary, but I really like it...it makes me feel like I get all the makeup/oil off my skin and it's so refreshing <3. It's quick and the firming moisturizer is absolutely fabulous.

[JenW]

Hi Susan,
Are you happy with the cleanser you are using? If it is working for you, I am not sure I would start there. I agree with the others that you should try a sample of Intensive or Firming Moisturisers to see if it could replace the one you are using. I am not sure it makes sense to recommend much more at this point. It is always best to introduce one thing at a time. And I like that you know yourself well enough to know that lots of bottles and steps won't work for you. Also, what about a mask on occasion?I am loving the Oatmeal, Milk & Honey lately.

A few simple guidelines to follow for skincare:
1. Cleanse
2. Tone (don't worrry...I currently skip this one, too, except for AHA or BHA most evenings...I think it is residual from all the alcohol based toners I used and hated in my youth)
3. Treat...water based things like serums go here if you decide to try one...maybe Facelift or Vitamin C Peptide
4. Moisturize

[lwoodall10]

Jen,

Honestly, I don't have much loyalty to my facial cleanser...really I just buy whatever is on sale at the local grocery store. I did add the Intensive Moisturizer to my cart and have the BHA toner on the way to me, so I should use the BHA at night and do I need to use a higher spf when using this? As fars as masks go, I haven't used one in years. Sounds like a nice treat.

For now, to keep it simple, I think I will stick to adding in the toner, but I did have one last question about serums. Is this something that should be used every day to see improvements? Also, I live where it is close 100 degree most of the year, if I store these in refrigerator how long will they last? Okay, so that was 2 questions...

Thanks to Jen and everyone else who have offered suggestions.

Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize...I can do this!

Susan

[JenW]

Yes, BHA at night and it might make your skin more prone to burning....that is kind of what happens as BHA is a chemical exfoliant and exposes newer skin.

Serums should last for at least 6 months. Some of the simpler ones will last longer. Do you have air conditioning where you live? If so, I am not sure I would worry about refrigeration, but refrigeration will prolong their life. I am sitting here in the cold of Ohio...just thinking of how refreshing it would feel to put a chilled serum on in 100 degree heat......Ahhhhhhh.

After you try a few things for a few weeks, it might not be a bad idea to try the KISS cleanser with a foamer. I love it....and I used to swear by my Lancome foaming cleanser........ one full size bottle should last about a year, but start with a sample.

[lwoodall10]

We use to live in Toledo, I remember those winters and the wind. I had a laugh the other day...I was chatting with a friend and she was saying how they had a nice warm day, it was 55 (she lives in Louisville, KY) and that is our cold day here in McAllen, Tx. We just moved about a year ago, but it is funny how fast you get use to the heat. We use to giggle when we would see people with coats when it was in the 50's, but I have to be honest I have had my hoodie out the last few days and it been about 60 here.

We do have air conditioning, but keep it around 80, so you think the serums will be fine?

Susan

[JenW]

Yes, they will be fine.....we keep ours at 76....if we need it!