Skin & Skin Care Products - Beauty Questions Answered

Aging Gracefully..

beautydetective — Wed, 18 May 2011 01:04:12 -0400

Where are those days gone where one used to age gracefully.

What on earth is going on these days. I myself use creams and scrubs ...but in moderation so cannot understand the need for botox and god only know what other things celebraties do.

Which ingredients other than Hydroquione works against sun spots?

Kat44 — Fri, 28 May 2010 15:18:03 -0400

I have sun spots in my face. Not very bad, but light brown and red spots. I also have pigment scars from my Keratosis Pilaris on my arms.

I know Hydroquione is the most effective way to go, but I live in Europe, where Hydroquione has been banned. Which other ingredients can be used to treat sunspots? And can you recommend any products in particular?

How do you wear a Moisturizer and a Sunscreen on your face at the same time?

PersianBeauty — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:35:03 -0400

I have a Neutrogena Daily Moisturizer for Combination Skin and a Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock spf 30+.

Which one do I apply first? How long do I have to wait to apply the next one?

What AHA/BHA products do you use?

nlaplante — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 03:17:03 -0400

I'm trying to find a new product to start using containing an aha, bha or glycolic acid for exfoliation on my face and those annoying bumps on the back of my arms. I don't really want to spend hours comparing all the choices in the drugstore so...What do you use? How does it work for you, how often do you use it, and all that jazz? Also please include your skin type!

Oily, flaky skin

darkeyes — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 15:16:28 -0400

I have very oily skin but when I apply foundation, my skin looks so flaky. I don't think my skin is dry because it doesn't feel tight after I wash it. When I don't have any foundation on my face it does not look flaky..it looks oily. I'm not sure if my skin is just dehydrated? In the AM I was my face, apply sunscreen, and then liquid foundation. In the PM I wash my face and always apply a moisturizing gel. Every other night I also apply 0.04% of Retin A Micro. Every week I do a mask that has glycolic acid, lactic acid, etc and I also have a clay mask. I don't think any of this is so drying that it can be causing this degree of flaking skin. I was on accutane about 2 yrs ago..not sure if this is a lingering effect? Can you advise how I can get rid of these flakes?

Miracle Water - hope or hype?

Teapot — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 20:33:28 -0400

Is SKII (SK2) Facial Treatment Essence with Pitera (a P&G expensive product) a real Miracle Water as they claim? Some friends of mine swear by it but the ingredient list seems not so impressive to me while the pricetag does. ^^ Can I expect Miracle from it? And what is an equivalent product I can find in the drugstore?

Acne questions

darkeyes — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 11:40:41 -0400

Hi,

I am looking for an alternative to benzoyl peroxide. I need something to apply during the day that kills acne bacteria but does not dry or irritate the skin like BP. Any suggestions? I would prefer not to use antiobiotics either.

Also, my regimen includes retin a micro at night. Do you think it is ok to use some physical exfoliation from time to time. I feel like the retin a micro brings up stuff and only physical exfoliation can remove it from my face. But I also do not want to over exfoliate my skin.

Thank you.

Topical niacinamide versus topical niacin

sarahf — Thu, 06 May 2010 20:23:25 -0400

I wrote this as a "Dear Paula" question, but having received no reply yet, thought I'd see if anyone here can clarify the issue. Paula Begoun, whose site I find very useful, wrote an unfavorable review of La Roche Posay Rosaliac anti-redness moisturizer (which I've never used). http://www.cosmeticscop.com/product_review.aspx?pid=2520&tid=314&product=La+Roche-Posay+Rosaliac+Skin+Perfecting+Anti-Redness+Moisturizer&filter=itemtype%3acontent One of her comments about the product was, "...niacinamide is derived from niacin, which, although it can be beneficial, has the potential to cause facial flushingnot what someone with reddened skin needs." I have rosacea, and niacinamide is in a lot of products that I use, including prescription Metrogel. A Wikipedia article on niacinamide clarifies its distinction from niacin by stating that unlike niacin, niacinamide "...has not been shown to produce the flushing, itching, and burning sensations of the skin." So which is it? Does niacinamide have the potential to cause flushing, or not?

A powerful solution for your skin problems

nickyvade — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 02:11:00 -0500

A powerful solution for your skin problems

a.) Works to clear blemishes and acne on all skin types
b.) Fights wrinkles and rejuvenates the skin
c.) Removes impurities from blood
d.) 100% safe and dermatologist endorsed formulation

http://www.nickypage.notlong.com

Good Luck!

Nicky

Can Kiehl’s Rare Earth Facial Mask Remove Toxins?

LeftBrain — Wed, 18 May 2011 02:05:36 -0400

Product Girl has a point…If you have not tried the Rare Earth skincare line yet, this is a great time to try it. As a gal with oily skin who is not a fan of her pores, this product line targets them to pull all the toxins and gunk out of your pores. What’s not [...]

Read more about Kiehls rare earth facial mask

Oil Cleansing Method- Anyone tried? Success getting rid of congestion?

bugabo0o — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 18:59:34 -0500

Oil Cleansing Method- Anyone tried? Success getting rid of congestion? Blackheads?
http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com/

Want to Have Perfect Skins???

cindy66 — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 01:22:41 -0400

Hydration is a kind of important factor that can keep our skins stay young. And the proteins of the silk pillowcase can hydrate our skins as well. Compared with these cotton beddings, silk bedding sets aren’t the same as the cotton that can dry up the moisture from our skins.
Usually, we like to use some protective creams before sleeping. But they are easy to be absorbed by these cotton beddings. Instead, silk bedding can help us keep our skins hydrated. In particular, silk pillowcases are perfect choice for our skins, which can keep us from being dry and thus reduce wrinkles.
100% silk sheets or silk pillowcases will form natural moisture and ensure our skins to breathe. So, we are surely to have a beauty sleep.

what is the best way to get rid of sun spots and wrinkles on the chest?

dianekap — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 10:40:54 -0400

i went to a dermatoligist and he sprayed my chest with some freezing device. it took forever to eal and now its blotchy any ideas

Wondering if there is a cheaper version.

JamiSings — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 11:38:39 -0400

Yesterday my folks and I went to Downtown Disney for a few hours. Mom loves aprons so when we spotted a kiosk that sells them we got some - they did free personalization so while waiting for that we went into Sephora. I was just going to buy some lipstick for fun - it's purple and sparkly, sometimes I like to wear stuff like that.

Now some of you know I've been seeking a solution for my dry, grey elbows. I've tried everything - lotions, exfoliating with all sorts of different instruments including a pot scrubber, bleaching creams, lemons, body butters, recently I even applied some of that liquid that's meant for softening calleses - a solution of 17% salicylic acid - thinking I could force the skin to peel off. All I got was itchy elbows. Well, I asked one of the sales people what she recommended. She showed me the product she uses to prevent ingrown hairs on her legs. DERMAdoctor's KP Duty scrub. She let me try it in the store and the elbow I did it on is no longer grey.

I went ahead and bought it, but you know, it's $44 for 16 ounces. Since the paperwork inside said it's "patent pending" I can't help but think that there must be someone who puts out something like it for cheaper.

Here's the ingredients.

Aqua (water, duh! Why can't they just say "water"?), Polyethylene, Glycolic Acid, Ammonium Glycolate, Sorbitol, Hexyl Laurate, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Latic Acid, Dimethicone, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract, Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Algae Extract, Azelaic Acid, Dehydroxanthan Gum, Methylparaben, Prophylparaben.

Whew. Trying to make sure I spelled all those correctly was hard. (And according to my browser's spell check I misspelled half of them. LOL)

I'm sure another product wouldn't have the exact same ingredients, but either more or one or two fewer. Just would be nice to be able to get something for half the price or less at WalMart rather than have to go to Sephora every single time. Course, with 16 oz if I use it sparingly it should last me awhile, right?

Pure, Raw African Black Soap

chicabeau — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:17:53 -0400

Just how does this soap contribute to skincare? Does it help to aid skin problems as efficiently as people claim? Is it worth all that ranting and raving about?

Acne and Anti-Aging Products

Janismars — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 12:39:01 -0400

Hi I have a couple of questions that I am looking for advice on. I am 38 and have mild acne. I am looking for advice on what anti-aging products I can use along with an an acne treatment system such as Murad or Proactive. I think I want something with peptides (?). There is so much out there that I get confused and am not sure what to buy. Has anyone had sucess with a combination?
Thank you!

Help me find this product

darkeyes — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:54:15 -0400

Ok, instead of finding Waldo, I'm trying to find a specific product. I am looking for a primer that has zinc oxide sunscreen, oil free, has oil control properties, and doesn't cause breakouts. Does anyone know of such a wonderful product and can speak from experience with it? I have extremely oily skin and I am looking for a primer to put under my foundation. I want the primer to have a good sunscreen so I don't have to have an additional step of applying sunscreen.

Thanks for your help!

Philosopy vs. Skin Care Products

mbhiatt — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:37:09 -0500

I am 41 years old and have been blessed with smooth clear skin my entire line. My skin is dry and see a few wrinkles and would like to keep them as few as possible. Does anyone know which skinline is better?

Nuskin Galvanic Spa

SharonJR — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 06:33:59 -0500

Can you give me any information you might have on the Nuskin Galvanic Spa? I've been approached about using/selling this product and as an esthetician I can't support a product if it doesn't work. I couldn't find much research outside the company site. Any info you might have would be great.

Thanks so much, Sharon

SanRe Organic Skinfood

+Natali+ — Fri, 28 May 2010 05:46:37 -0400

Nice stuff they have!

What are your thoughts about using green skin care products?

beautydetective — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 21:23:06 -0400

Are they as effective as your regular cosmetics. Anyone tried it yet.

Do you agree with me about cleansing?

Somersby — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:31:00 -0500

After extensive testing and reading i would say that i am fairly well read on skincare. I, pratically know close to everything. Yet there is one step in my routine that differs from all others and all the tips from Paula Begoun and such. Cleansing.
I'm a guy. I don't wear make-up. I have really sensitive skin but neither blackheads nor blemishes. Why whould i use a cleanser? I mean, i exfoliate three times a week (sugar in oliveoil-scrub or Paulas Choice BHA-products), why should i need addtional cleansing every day? I mean, that just seems to aggrevate my acid mantel. Sometimes people forget that water actually cleanses the skin (suprise suprise). My routin:

Morning and night: Cleans with water
Morning and night: Moisturize. Right now, i use a unscented lotion based on sheabutter and aloe vera. Preferrably containing SPF with UVA-protection.
Night/Three times a week: Paula Begoun AHA/BHA-gel or homemade sugarscrub.

Any inputs? Am i the only one who doesn't need a cleanser? Or is just that i dont use makeup? :)

Do home body wraps really work to tighten skin?

jadawilkinson — Wed, 25 May 2011 17:57:26 -0400

Has anyone tried the body wrap treatments for tightening skin you do yoirself at home?

OIL in place of regular moisturizer/using too much/argan oil!

lalaland — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 10:50:40 -0400

I keep reading that using too much lotion clogs pores. It makes sense - the excess lotion that can't absorb into your skin stays on your face and clogs pores. I get that. And people also say that one way to make sure you're not using too much is to see whether or not you can blot off any excess, and if you can, you used too much.

My question is: for people, like me, who recently began using a blend of natural oils instead of regular face moisturizer, how do you know if you're applying too much? I gently rub it into my skin, but there's always that bit of oil I can feel still on my face - it's not overly greasy, but I can definitely feel it. I just don't want to be thinking I'm doing a good thing for my skin only to be clogging my pores.

Regarding argan oil: I've read reviews for the Josie Maran argan oil and even people with oily, acne-prone skin (my skin type) rave about it. But Beauty Brains says that while it can definitely benefit the skin, the oleic acid it contains is highly comedogenic. That would mean it clogs pores and causes zits. Two COMPLETELY different views!! I really wanted to switch to argan oil because I hear it absorbs well and I can actually wear it under makeup without feeling/looking like an oil slick.

And lastly, is the Josie Maran argan oil any different from argan oil I can buy on the cheap? Has anyone had any experiences with any other argan oil brands?

note: I know some of you would suggest switching to a lighter lotion or gel formula, but the reason I'm using my oil is for the affordable antioxidants!

sunscreen?

Vihxen — Sat, 07 May 2011 12:18:21 -0400

I am wondering exactly when you should apply sunscreen. Should it go on after you wash your skin and should you wear it under or over moisturizer? And what about wearing it under makup and how do you reapply every two hours if you have makup on? Also can anyone recommend a good sunscreen for the face?

Is Eating Donkey Skin Good For Your Complexion?

LeftBrain — Thu, 12 May 2011 02:01:42 -0400

Vivawoman writes…[Donkey skin] is reported to have great anti-aging effects, namely increasing elasticity of the skin, improving skin tone, preventing wrinkles and even eradicating pigmented spots. The Left Brain responds: Sarah Bellum found this story about eating donkey skin on Vivawoman’s blog. Can this possibly be true? Donkey dermatology The product that Vivawoman is referring to [...]

Read more about Donkey Skin for your skin

Wrinkle Creams: How To Tell Which Ones Really Work

LeftBrain — Sun, 08 May 2011 02:01:05 -0400

Beautie15 asks…What is your go-to anti-aging/wrinkle product? I do some work with StriVectin and I love to hear feedback from anyone who has tried it or are thinking about trying it to help reduce the appearance of lines on your face. I’ve been trying the new StriVectin-SD for about 5 weeks now and my face [...]

Read more about Wrinkle Creams

Why Does Water Make Skin Wrinkly?

LeftBrain — Fri, 06 May 2011 02:01:58 -0400

Bennie wants to know…Why does my skin get all pruney and wrinkly after I soak in the bathtub? The Left Brain responds: Believe it or not, scientists have only recently discovered how skin can absorb enough water to turn wrinkly without dissolving and falling off your bones (which would leave a nasty bathtub ring!) Water [...]

Read More about Wrinkly Skin

self-tanner for non-Caucasians?!

nlaplante — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 14:05:09 -0400

I am of Middle Eastern descent; pale enough to need self-tanner, but I do have a yellow undertone to my skin. I've tried some self-tanners that come highly recommended but they either make me orange or, well, like a Caucasian with a tan. I love my skin color, and I'm trying to find a tanner that works with it, not against it. Has anyone found one that works with the yellow undertone? And even if you have my problem, please put the ones you've tried so I know what to avoid!

My most recent mishaps were with L'oreal sublime glow daily moisturizer and Bain de Solei Radiance Eternelle.

Does Hyaluronic acid work topically for anti-aging?

beautyGuy — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 10:09:11 -0400

Can this acid really be effective in anti-aging topical products? What about in supplements...can it have an effect on skin if taken in a supplement? Have there been any studies showing that it can truly be harnessed and used effectively to rejuvenenate the skin?