Skin Care Amateur needs help . . .
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skin Care and Makeup Forum

Sat Jun 02, 2007 11:44 am Quote

Hi,
I'm new to the forum. I've been reading all of these posts about so different products and strategies and I am totally overwhelmed. I am not even sure what different products are supposed to be doing or how many I should be using, so I thought I would ask you guys what I should be doing and what I need in terms of creams, serums, treatments, and vitamins. I am 27, with mild to medium melasma on my forehead and lip that has not responded to pretty much anything (TCA peels, retin-A, Cosmalen), lots of freckles and sun damage all over my face, and I'm starting to get some mild lines. As of right now, I use DDF brightening cleanser, Neutrogena 55 Helio sunscreen, take prenatal vitamins, and a DDF eye cream; alas, my skin just never looks great! Anyways, I'd really appreciate any tips or ideas you guys have; what does someone my age need to be doing? Thank you!

enjoys freebies · Sat Jun 02, 2007 3:00 pm Quote

Hi there

I think the first thing to remember is be realistic about your aims (unless you really do have a bottomless purse) and also that your skin is probably not as bad as you think it is. what one person may see as a problem another may not. For example I never actually thought I had melanasma until some one very kindly pointed out that I did. Either way it hasn't got worse and I have a pretty basic regimen now.

If you want to even your skintone, then vit C serums are good. The cellularskinRx one is very good and stable and a good price. PSF also do one which lots of people rate highly. Keep on with the sunblock and give it time. Sun damage takes a while to get and much longer to get rid of so have patience grasshopper!

Liz Cool

enjoys freebies · Sat Jun 02, 2007 3:25 pm Quote

Well the first thing is to stay out of the sun. No matter what SPF block you are using, if you are going to be in the sun extensively, it's not going to help. When I was your age, or actually even younger, my dermatologist would tell me, if you see sun on one side of the street, cross over and walk on the other side. Now that I have kids, I can't help but play with them in the sun, but in addition to sunblock, I have a huge hat and huge sunglasses and I limit the in-the-sun time to 10 minutes at a go. Then I go in the shade for 10 minutes and maybe back out for another 10.

I also drink 3 litres of water a day. I think 2 litres is a must. Remember good skin starts from within.

Good luck! Wink

enjoys freebies · Sat Jun 02, 2007 3:45 pm Quote

Just adding onto what Sakana said, it is possible that all the peels, retins and cosmelan have actually made matters worse. Yo are perhaps more prone to sun damage now so avoiding the sun maybe a good idea. I would avoid heavy peels in future, just a bit of gentle exfoliation to lift off dead skin.

enjoys freebies · Sat Jun 02, 2007 4:10 pm Quote

You might want to consult with a dermatologist to identify your problems first before just buying random stuff to try out. Like, do you still break out? trying to treat scars doesn't deal with the problem if you still break out. Is the discolouration from the sun or other internal problems? If you can stay out of the sun, I think AHA and PHA products will be helpful in eliminating acne, acne scars and colourations, and fine lines. You need to find a line that suits you.

enjoys freebies · Sat Jun 02, 2007 4:15 pm Quote

Wait, just read that you are taking pre-natal vitamins. Are you pregnant? You need to be really careful if you are. I wouldn't start anything dramatic.

If you are not pregnant, I would say a course of IPL would be very effective for your freckles. Like a course of 6 treatments, spaced 3 weeks apart each. Would help with the fine lines too.

Sun Jun 03, 2007 12:13 pm Quote

Actually, I am not pregnant. I am taking the prenatals to help my hair grow. I've also been reading about taking zinc, sulfur, and Ester- C for the pigment. I have never had acne and almost never even have blackheads. More than anything (aside from the ever-maddening pigment), I just feel like my skin looks like old. Thanks for all your input!

enjoys freebies · Sun Oct 25, 2009 7:43 pm Quote

lapcas wrote:

Actually, I am not pregnant. I am taking the prenatals to help my hair grow. I've also been reading about taking zinc, sulfur, and Ester- C for the pigment. I have never had acne and almost never even have blackheads. More than anything (aside from the ever-maddening pigment), I just feel like my skin looks like old. Thanks for all your input!

The formula in prenatal vitamins contains extra iron, etc that is not needed if you are not pregnant. Hair seems to grow faster if you are pregnant.

Many people have had good success with Biotin vitamins. It is a B vitamin. Do a board search here and also on makeupalley.com (hair board). It is reported that it does help; but it does make all your hair everywhere grow faster. (So you might be shaving more.)

Automatic Message

If this is your first visit to the EDS Forums please take the time to register. Registration is required for you to post on the forums. Registration will also give you the ability to track messages of interest, send private messages to other users, participate in Gift Certificates draws and enjoy automatic discounts for shopping at our online store. Registration is free and takes just a few seconds to complete.

Click Here to join our community.

If you are already a registered member on the forums, please login to gain full access to the site.