How do you make your skin smooth and flawless? #3

[emailme.]

Any cheaper alternatives to scar "denting"? Fraxel is really expensive.

 

[Yendor]

Where i live in Australia it is 800-1200 per session which is considered overpriced. If you're not willing to pay that then i guess you're fortunate that it doesn't bother you too much.

Dermal peels are a cheaper option.

 

[emailme.]

Well bothered enough to ask, look into, say hell no, and ask for another option.

 

[diesanni]

Lately I've become really interested in making my own skin-care. I don't have enough knowledge yet and way too little experience to make any real successions, but I've found that unrefined, organic Shea butter is amazing for sensitive, easily irritated, blemished skin. I use it over night because it's quite heavy but despite its greasiness it doesn't clog my pores at all. I've woken up to way more relaxed, clearer and softer skin than I have in a long time. Apparently, some studies proved it's anti-inflammatory (got this from wikipedia so don't ask for any further sources ) and so far, it's working fine for me. I've also made a body-balm with it, melting it in coco-nut-oil first and then adding broccoli-seed-oil and cranberry-seed-oil and I really love this mixture. It spreads well and is absorbed easily and makes my skin really soft and smooth. I'll definitely experiment some more, it's great fun.

 

[MilkyWay]

I take really good care of my skin (really!) for years, I eat healthy food, drink a lot of water and green tea, clean my face twice a day, moisterize, use good products (Avène, usually) and still, I have spots and redness, especially around the chin and on the right cheek. I have no idea why they are here, it's been a few months and I can't get rid of them.
Yesterday, I ws talking with a Russian friend who has the most amazing skin and she was telling me how people often think her mum is actually her sister. I've met her mother, and it's true she looks incredibly young and has a perfect, radiant skin. They both told me they think it's because they clean, moisterize, and never use makeup except lipstick or mascara (but nothing on the skin) !
What do you think? Do they have amazing genes or do you think that not using any makeup on the skin (no foundation, no concealer, no powder...) is helping??
I feel tempted to try but I feel very little confident without foundation if I have to go somewhere, even if it's to the shop.

If their not wearing any form of makeup other than lip and mascara were the reason than all the plain faced women that make up the United States would have great skin. That is clearly not true I think it probably has more to do with genetics and/or diet and lifestyle.

 

[FashionHappy]

^I have to agree - I think good skin has more to do with genes and diet/lifestyle. I don't think that simply wearing or not wearing make up has much of an impact on the overall health of your skin. I think that some people are just blessed with lovely skin and of course, things like wearing sunscreen, not smoking, eating healthy, etc. is advantageous.

 

[emailme.]

^I have to agree - I think good skin has more to do with genes and diet/lifestyle. I don't think that simply wearing or not wearing make up has much of an impact on the overall health of your skin. I think that some people are just blessed with lovely skin and of course, things like wearing sunscreen, not smoking, eating healthy, etc. is advantageous.

I disagree. I think technology has progressed to the point that we don't have to live with the skin 'genes and diet/lifestyle' has given us. That sounds archaically hopeless. There are ingredients clinically proven to have certain effects on your skin and consequently change how it looks.

 

[supermodel]

I disagree. I think technology has progressed to the point that we don't have to live with the skin 'genes and diet/lifestyle' has given us. That sounds archaically hopeless. There are ingredients clinically proven to have certain effects on your skin and consequently change how it looks.

i disagree with the fact that all these 'miracle' creams and technology we have in society today make genetics and diet/lifestyle almost irrelevant in determining the smoothness of your skin. Perhaps all these treatments can help lessen discolouration/pimples, etc., but they definitely can't erase them.

for example, i have a friend who since we were 16 was always stressing about her rather pimply skin. in an effort to improve her skin, she:
1) went on birth control to control her hormones/stress
2) completely eliminated all fast food/greasy dishes, even home-made
3) eliminated dairy out of her diet
She also tried out a bunch of heavy chemical creams that are specialized in the treatment of problematic skin, which only aggravated any imperfections even more.

and she STILL has the exact same skin issues, 5 years later.
i, on the other hand, go for a run 2 times a week tops, eat chinese food for dinner 3-4 times a week, eat cheese and other dairy products as i please, and am lucky enough to get at most a pimple every 2 weeks or so.

So what i'm trying to say is, yes, technology and all the treatments we have today for those with skin issues are great at lessening any acne, discolouration, etc., i really doubt anyone being treated with them have results even close to those born with good skin genetics.

 

[strawberries]

Well bothered enough to ask, look into, say hell no, and ask for another option.

I know me and a few others have already said it, but give Vitamin C serums a go! the Kiehls one is brilliant and does fade marks. I had loads of red marks and know others who have found this to work too.

a lot of dermatologists will also give you retinol cream - in the US you can buy a high strength one (dr brandt) without prescription! should also get rid of marks but stay out of the sun (not an option in Australia! )

Certainly costs not a few hundred dollars

 

[FashionHappy]

I disagree. I think technology has progressed to the point that we don't have to live with the skin 'genes and diet/lifestyle' has given us. That sounds archaically hopeless. There are ingredients clinically proven to have certain effects on your skin and consequently change how it looks.

I didn't say that technology doesn't make a difference. I was commenting on the member who said that wearing or not wearing make up was what contributed to the overall health and/or condition of our skin (in other words, it was said that if you don't wear make up, then your skin will be flawless/perfect).
I actually agree with you that technology can make a difference in our skin, but overall, I'd say that it is more likely about seeing improvements and not dynamic changes. If technology was that good, we'd all look eternally 25

 

[Miwi]

Maybe we could merge these two threads into one? http://forums.thefashionspot.com/f47/perfect-flawless-poreless-skin-how-181935-3.html

Nuxe Gentle Purifying and Clarifying Mask with 3 Roses is absolutely miraculous.
shopping.cherchons.com

I use this in combination with La Roche Possay Effaclar Duo (or Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant- but now I mostly use Effaclar Duo). I highly recommend it. It's really gentle yet effective, with great ingredients.

 

[SabrinaNicole]

I'm about to buy the PMD and thinking about doing dermarolling.

 

[nita-karoliina]

I found cliniques evwn better skin tone products really good. Especially that serum. The improved version. It has done wonders. Now i am out of it and using cliniques repairwear lazer like derum or what was the name. Fight uv damage anf aging etc.. Its ok, like other repairwear products. But i prefer even better skin tone line.


By the way, how about the drugstore products! No one really mentioned them in this thread. Any good? Tips?

Sorry or the bad spelling and everything, i am half a sleep?

 

[saann]

My skin has been crazy dry lately and it's quite sensitive so I can't use anything "natural" that has oils or perfume.

Any recommendations? So far I've been using Dermalogica but it's not enough for the dryness.

 

[lucy92]

I found cliniques evwn better skin tone products really good. Especially that serum. The improved version. It has done wonders. Now i am out of it and using cliniques repairwear lazer like derum or what was the name. Fight uv damage anf aging etc.. Its ok, like other repairwear products. But i prefer even better skin tone line.


By the way, how about the drugstore products! No one really mentioned them in this thread. Any good? Tips?

Sorry or the bad spelling and everything, i am half a sleep?

i received a sample sized product of the repairwear laser serum as a GWP and i loved it (it was half the size of a normal bottle and was supposed to last two weeks) it lasted longer. a little of that stuff goes a long way!

i am on my second large bottle even better serum. i prefer the even better spf 15 lotion to it. i dont think my skin agreed with layering the spf 15 lotion over the serum (clinique suggests doing so)

i am going back to using the even better serum at night (alternating with retin A) as soon as i finish my perricone vitamin C ester stuff.

but i dont think i will be repurchasing the serum.

 

[LoveMyBoots]

By the way, how about the drugstore products! No one really mentioned them in this thread. Any good? Tips?

in the past year, i went crazy stalking this thread plus a ton of articles online after an acne/stress phase. thus far, i've only stuck with drugstore brands. if it helps anyone else to note, i have combination skin that's slightly acne-prone. i dab some Clean & Clear Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment if a pimple arises. after reading that the lifespan of a pimple is a month in an article a while back, it made total sense to me in regards to any redness, blemishes, etc. the truth is i have to just not touch/pick at it and then go through my normal cleansing routine.

it's such a pain to buy and test out new products, especially since everything is supposed to take "two to three weeks" or a "month" to see a change so i generally stick to the tried and true. aka drugstore staples.

about less than two years ago I stopped using st. ives apricot scrub b/c a friend (ten yrs older, hence I tend to take her advice) said that it's not good for the skin. worst mistake!! the truth is that it's rough for her skin—perfect for mine. a few months back, i started using it again everyday in the shower like i used to and my skin is finally the best it's been in a long time!! however i also use neutrogena's deep clean cream cleanser—every time I use it I always get a tingling feeling that I attribute to (1) the salicylic acid working it's magic on (2) my freshly scrubbed skin that's more amenable to the salicyclic acid. the two products work hand in hand

i don't know if it works for everyone. like i said, i have combination skin that's acne-prone. i'm sure some people have much more sensitive skin that scrubbing everyday isn't the best..

What it reallly came down to though is stress. my recent acne phase started at the end of summer aka august and lasted through the end of the year. mainly only on my forehead though some popped up on my chin and one or two on my cheeks. now it's spring and i've recovered after getting more sleep, reassuming the above, and resolving some big issues related to school and family. i'm wondering is it as obvious to others? i can always tell about the state of my mental health based on triggers related to my skin and diet.

 

[LoveMyBoots]

here's my favorite article i've ever found about skin care. it addresses the ingredients in products, diet variations, new clinical studies and their revealing correlations, skin types, at home remedies, etc etc.

http://www.elle.com/beauty/makeup-skin-care/the-best-tips-for-clear-skin-610447

ELLE › HAIR & BEAUTY › MAKEUP & SKIN CARE
THE BEST TIPS FOR CLEAR SKIN
From toothpaste to tretinoin, we’ve tried it all. Here, the country’s top dermatologists weigh in on what acne products really work to get a flawless complexion.
BY FIORELLA VALDESOLO DECEMBER 1, 2011


I confess: I have canceled plans because of acne—occasionally even because of one lone pimple (usually a vexing shade of eye-catching scarlet and raised enough to cast its own shadow, but still). And I am not alone in my overreaction. Something about acne manages to drive the sanest among us to extreme measures. Even with a universe of products available nowadays to address it, we still turn to a cocktail of homegrown remedies and self-surgery to try to eradicate it—such as the fashion editor friend of mine who uses Monistat cream (yes, the yeast-infection treatment) as a weekly face mask, or the street-style darling I know who admits she spot-treats with Pepto-Bismol. But why raid other drugstore aisles when there's a whole row specifically dedicated to acne?

Because we're desperate. "The conventional acne treatment for teenagers is to dry them out and get rid of the oil," says New York dermatologist Dennis Gross, MD. Although we have less sebum as we age, the oil we do have turns into a pore-clogging glue. "With adult acne, it's a problem with the oil chemistry. As hormones change, oil does too* —becoming more viscous. And as it flows through the gland and out through the pore, it gets stuck." Sometimes, products designed to strip away oil just exacerbate acne by increasing inflammation. "Plus, when skin is dry, dead cells flake off, further blocking pores that already have a problem, leading to more acne."

Rather than blasting skin topically, many derms are tinkering with the hormonal precursors that lead to breakouts. During the teen acne years (between the ages of 12 and 18), the hormone Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) peaks; it "decreases as people reach their twenties and may account for the decline in acne in many people," says NYC dermatologist Kavita Mariwalla, MD. "But at the same time there are plenty of other hormonal irregularities that cause adult acne." For example, progesterone spikes each month when we ovulate. "Progesterone, more than estrogen, resembles testosterone, and that's the one that seems to be more villainous when it comes to stimulating and driving the sebaceous glands," says dermatologist David E. Bank, MD,of Mount Kisco, New York.

The hormonal cascade released when we're stressed is another acne agitator. "Your adrenal glands that sit right above your kidneys secrete cortisol and trigger your fight-or-flight response," says New Jersey–based Jeanine Downie, MD. "When you're stressed, your adrenal glands are secreting more cortisol, which can pack on pounds around the waist and lead to more significant amounts of hormonal acne." So stress leads to acne, which, in turn, leads to even more stress—it's a vicious cycle.

While facialists have bashed dairy for decades, clinical studies have only recently established a link between milk consumption and acne. "Milk contains testosterone precursors, which cause increased sebum production," says New York dermatologist Francesca Fusco, MD. "What's fascinating is that one study found that of all milk, skim milk has the strongest correlation with acne. We're not sure why, but some hypothesize that skim milk has less estrogen than whole milk."

And switching to organic milk won't remove your exposure: "All milk naturally contains androgens and IGF-1," Mariwalla says. "There's no such thing as hormone-free milk. Plus, milk contains sugar, a lactose, so it stimulates insulin."

Another recent study suggests that following a low glycemic index diet—that means one with less refined sugars, carbohydrates, and sugar-containing foods—may result in fewer acne outbreaks. "As the glycemic index goes up, it affects insulin production and all the hormones," Fusco says. "They are all in a delicate balance—your female hormones are in balance with your thyroid hormones, which are in balance with your insulin. When you have more in one area, it's like a domino effect on the others." Since the dietary acne provoker may vary for every person, New York dermatologist Ellen Marmur, MD, recommends keeping a food diary outlining what you eat in the days before a breakout to determine what your triggers are. "Then you start a very slow reentry, introducing one new item, like dairy, every six weeks to see what happens on the skin," says Marmur, who believes that it takes just 48 hours for what you eat to show up on your face. "So you can look back two days ago and figure out what you were eating," she says. "It may not be the same foods for you as it is for me. Personally, when I eat chocolate, I'll break out 48 hours later."

Historically, the premier hormonal mediator has always been the birth control pill, which works by replacing the hormones your ovaries are producing with synthetic varieties that won't stimulate those pesky sebaceous glands as much. But this doesn't have to be your first line of defense. Marmur points out that while the Pill may clear up acne, it can also provoke another unsightly reaction: melasma, a noticeable discoloration of the skin that she says is on par with acne in her practice as a top complexion complaint. If you do opt for the Pill, figure out an exit strategy first. "Birth control pills can be very effective. But eight or nine times out of ten, when you stop them you are right back where you started," says Bank, who's a big fan of the controversial Accutane, the prescription-only vitamin A–derived pill, because it continues to work after you stop using it. "Accutane is still, hands-down, our most effective, lasting antipimple medication," he says. "My Accutane-treated patients are among the happiest and most grateful patients." Although an Accutane prescription comes with significant FDA regulation (because of possible birth defects, patients have to agree to use two forms of birth control and undergo regular pregnancy tests during treatment and for one month after), most of the derms we interviewed believe it to be worth the trouble. Downie calls Accutane "the be-all end-all for really bad cystic acne," and Mariwalla says it is "phenomenal": "After you stop the medication, many people have a durable response for many, many years."

Gold-standard topical acne fighters such as retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid remain the solutions most frequently name-checked by our dermatologists; what's new are the streamlined formulas, delivery systems, and accompanying ingredients. "Old medications are being revived by novel combinations," says North Carolina dermatologist Zoe Draelos, MD. She cites prescriptions like Ziana, a blend of the antibiotic clindamycin and the retinoid tretinoin, and Epiduo, which contains another retinoid, adapalene, plus benzoyl peroxide.

"BenzEFoam short-contact cleanser is a great new vehicle for benzoyl peroxide," Bank says. "It's a mousse formulation that you leave on the skin for a couple of minutes and then wash off, so you don't have to keep it on all night, which can be drying." Though there has been some trepidation about benzoyl peroxide because of its ability to spike free radicals, no studies, according to Mariwalla, have shown that they are wrinkle-causing. "Actually, in the case of benzoyl peroxide, we have one of the few times when free radicals can help you," Mariwalla says. "In the skin, the peroxide part dissociates and kills the bacteria that's causing the acne, stopping the inflammatory process."

Although, as Marmur notes, it takes only two days for a pimple to crop up, you need to give any topical preventive measure 42 days to kick in. "The lifespan of a pimple is about six weeks, so that's the magic number for how long you should give a product before you give up," she says. "The biggest mistake people make, besides picking at a pimple, is giving up on products too early. It's like driving a car—you don't want to make any rapid changes."

As far as picking goes, it's hard to resist the lure of the magnifying mirror, that evil contraption that turns every pore into a crater. But while it may appear that your clogged pores number in the thousands, many of those little dots, particularly on the nose, are entirely normal hair follicles. Resist the urge to squeeze; leave extractions to the professionals. "If you have a well-trained medical aesthetician working under the auspice of a derm, they can use acne extractors or microneedles to actually get in there for the more difficult whiteheads," says Neil Sadick, MD, who shares his Park Avenue office space in New York with facialist Luzinete Ripardo, famed for her incredibly thorough ("almost OCD," says one fan) pore cleanses. (And for emergency spot reduction, the best cure is a shot of cortisone from the doc.)

But the most major advancement may come thanks to gene research, such as that done at P&G's Miami Valley laboratory in Ohio. A team of researchers led by Rosemarie Osborne, PhD, recently developed an innovative combination of a topical antimicrobial (sodium dehydroacetate) and vitamin B (niacinamide) that was shown, in double-blind independent clinical studies, to reduce sebum production significantly (both can be found in the new Olay Pro-X Clear line). What next? "The biggest genomics breakthrough relative to acne is understanding why some of us get acne and others don't," Osborne says. "This type of research will lead to more customized solutions for acne-prone skin in the near future." For longtime acne sufferers, that sounds akin to a quantum leap—one that just may help ensure that we never have to turn to toothpaste as a skin care treatment again.

Popular Off-Label Options

Advil: "An [oral] ibuprofen can help with red, inflamed pimples but not whiteheads or blackheads," Fusco says.

Aspirin: "It's a salicylate," Mariwalla says, "so you can make a little paste of it and apply to a pimple."

Benadryl: According to Fusco, "Benadryl can be beneficial for only one subset of acne: acne rosacea."

Hibiclens: This antibacterial all-purpose cleanser is "good for folliculitis*—infection of the follicles that looks like acne," Mariwalla says. "But it's too drying for the face."

Monistat: "For people who have little tiny pimples that are often a form of yeast, not typical bacterial acne, Monistat is actually good," Marmur says. "No matter what, it won't hurt you—it will just function as a moisturizer."

Pepto-Bismol: "The main active ingredient in Pepto is bismuth subsalicylate," Mariwalla says. "While some people think that the benzoic acid, an inactive ingredient, will make red marks fade away, the results are iffy."

 

[pantaloend]

about less than two years ago I stopped using st. ives apricot scrub b/c a friend (ten yrs older, hence I tend to take her advice) said that it's not good for the skin. worst mistake!! the truth is that it's rough for her skin—perfect for mine.

That says it all! That's why I never really pay attention to the brands that models or actresses with perfect skin say they use. It's probably good for them but I might get a bad reaction. I bought a serum by Nuxe once and got acne - while I usually only have a few spots but nothing as bad as after Nuxe.

My skin is ok and has always been "just ok" since I am 20. I am now 24 and I have the same skin - some spots, some redness. Nothing that can't be covered with a bit of foundation (but my dream is to stop needing the foundation), but still too much to feel confortable without makeup.

I have tried everything - even actually stopping makeup for 2 months but I saw no difference. I live in a big, polluted city, but spending 3 months in the countryside has made no difference either So I just stick to my routine. I have tried to change it too, but I feel it's still the best, because if I change it, my skin gets very dry.

So what I do (and really, my skin isn't flawless, but it's still ok),

morning - rinse with warm water, then cold water (I read that tip from a Korean actress! it helps closing the pores), then put a bit of sunscreen, then moisterizer (I like changing brand, currently it's Avene.)

evening - massage with oil; it removes the dirt and makeup if I wear makeup that day. I usually use jojoba or grape seeds oil. Then rinse with warm water, then cleanse with a foaming gel or with organic soap. I like changing brands, but Weleda is one of my favourite. Then rince with warm, then cold water; then dry and put a drop of oil to nourish my skin, then a good moisterizer.

 

[TommyGirl]

nita-karoliina: I see you are from Finland, too, so I recommend Cliniderm by Aco of drugstore labels. I absolutely love their foaming cleansing water and 2 in 1 Peeling & Mask. I also received a sample of Vichy`s moisturizer (can`t remember the name, but it was specially made for winter skin) and it felt really good used at the coldest time of the year

 

[dauphine]

I cut way back on dairy and I feel a million times better, my skin and my stomach and everything. I still eat a lot of yogurt though because there is less lactose in it and I'm really lactose intolerant, I just used to be in denial about it.