Help with skin care

[Colleen]

I have no idea where to start so I would love some advice.

I am 42, combo skin, small wrinkles not too much, some sun spots, a little redness.

So far the foundation is making my skin smoother and I am having less of a problem with breakouts. I have only been using it a week but I do notice a difference. I think the edm was breaking me out. I would love to make my skin even nicer. Thanks for your help.

[Rhys]

What are you using for skincare now, Colleen, and which things are working for you? Moisturiser, cleanser, any treatment serums, etc?

[JenW]

Hi Coleen....
Let us know what you are using. Definitely start with samples and add one or two at a time so you know what the problem is, if you have a reaction..

You sound quite a bit like me, and this is what I do........
1. Cleanse: Try the KISS cleanser. I prefer it with a foamer, but I don't think it is necessary to purchase the foamer unless you are sure you will use it for something even if the cleanser does not work for you. A sample of KISS cleanser and a foamer will last for at least a month. You dilute the cleanser at about 1 part cleanser to two or three parts water in the foamer.
2. Tone: The Pore Refining Toner is lovely....it is kind of more like a hydrating spritz. Use this one in the daytime, and consider trying the AHA Toner in evenings to help with cell turnover/exfoliation. You would start the AHA every few evenings, and then work up to possibly every evening. I use it about every other. And I do use the BHA Toner if I have a breakout.
3. Treat: Super Serum in the daytime (cannot be used in the same application as the AHA) It helps with the fine lines as well as the sunspots. If you find you need more hydration that that, try the Oatmeal Serum after.....it is our most hydrating serum. For evenings I use either the Vitamin C Peptide Serum or Facelift Serum (Oatmeal would work here, too if you needed more hydration).
4.Moisturize: I have been using both the Daily Defense and the Firming. Firming is probably more in line with the things you want to address.

[krenee]

Not meaning to hijack Colleen's thread, but your response brought up a question, Jen. Is it okay to keep layering on the serums and moisturizers? There are many benefits from the Facelift and Super Serums that I'd like, but my skin is dry during the winter so I would probably need the Oatmeal or Green Tea for more moisture. Then there are benefits in some of the moisturizers (like the firming and intensive) that I'd like to get too. Is it okay to just keep layering things on? or are there products that shouldn't be combined?

[Rhys]

You shouldn't combine SuperSerum with acids, but other than that layer away!

I'm really dry too, so my routine usually goes: wash my face, dry it, then DMAE, let that work its magic for 20 or 30 minutes, at least at night, and daytimes if I'm not rushed, PRT or hydrosol next, then while my face is still damp from that, Oatmeal Serum mixed with Argan Oil, give that a few minutes, more PRT or hydrosol and moisturiser. I'm on the last of my raspberry sample, so I hope my emu oil gets here soon!

When I'm a bit better off financially, I use both the DMAE and the Super Serum. When I'm not, the DMAE is my active of choice.

[JenW]

Rhys is exactly right about the layering...just really no mixing Super Serum and Acids (AHA or BHA) in one layering session.

Another thing to try to keep in mind....water based stuff before oil based stuff. This rule is not as critical as the Super Serum/Acids rule, but the water based stuff seals in a little better with the oil on top.

Water based = Toners and Serums
Oil Based = Moisturizers and Oils
I might do something like Holy Crow Last, though.

[Colleen]

I'm doing a lot right now. I use an acne treatment kit that has a cleanser toner and some acne cream in the morning. I use a moisturizer with sunscreen after that. At night I just have a generic face wash that I am using. That is pretty much it. My face has been looking good and feeling really smooth since I have been using the sn foundation so I have been skipping the acne cream and just using the cleanser and toner. I would like to go with something more natural. I will take a look at the things you suggested Jen. Thanks for the help everyone.

[AnneShirley]

Sorry Colleen for hijacking your threat a little, but Jen:

Was I supposed to dilute the kiss sample? OMG, I wondered why the Kiss cleanser was so concentrated. I liked it, but wondered why I always felt it was a little too much cleaner. Now I know. Is it better to use the foamer then not? What's the benefit?

[Rhys]

It lasts a lot longer if you dilute it with water in the foaming bottle, but there's no harm to using it straight - it's more a matter of economics. It's concentrated enough so you can dilute it without losing the benefits.

[Colleen]

Sorry Colleen for hijacking your threat a little, but Jen:

Was I supposed to dilute the kiss sample? OMG, I wondered why the Kiss cleanser was so concentrated. I liked it, but wondered why I always felt it was a little too much cleaner. Now I know. Is it better to use the foamer then not? What's the benefit?

Don't worry about it. Your questions help me too.