I took 10 years off my face and didn't break the bank
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free skin care · Sun Jun 17, 2007 5:47 am

Here's how I did it, with thanks to this forum as well as other online forums and skincare books and scientific research articles:

Mid 40s, Caucasian, Skin Type II, began my regimin with some sallowness under the eyes, beginning signs of crows feet, brow furrows and general unevenness of skintone:

Started this regimin about 17 months ago:

AM

soapless cleanser (I alternate between Cerave, DHC cleansing oil, MUAC soapless cleansing bars)

Vitamin C (if I have the time)

– stable formulation only, I have found that most brands are useless because they are unstable by the time they reach me, the consumer. I use Skinmedica C, which is the most stable form I have found.

Broad Spectrum sunscreen –

The most important thing is to find one that protects against BOTH UVA and UVB (hard to find these in the USA)

I am currently using Anthelios brand (still have not found a holy grail, want something that is matte, not sticky and lasts a long time (doesn’t degrade quickly)

Evenings:

Soapless cleanser:
Retinoids – most effective for me: A-Ret from Shalaks, followed by tazarotene

TCA peels every 4- 6 weeks (Makeup Artists Choice brand)

Good makeup: perfectly matched foundation, an effective, high quality concealer, undereye brightener, eye makeup appropriate for my age and complexion – lip moisture and flattering blush

makeup brands I use:

for foundation - Aromaleigh Glissade: comes in many shades so you can find a perfect match, doesn't interfere as much with sunscreen.

Jane Iredale Pure Pressed - I love the flawless finish and use this when I am not so much worried about sun protection (like at night)

Concealers:

Makeup Forever Full Cover
The Balm Time Balm
NYC Concealer Stick

Brighteners:

Laura Mercier
Pure Luxe
Alima

Blush: NARS or Milani

lip moisture: that Rose salve (forget the name)

I hope this will help me avoid more aggressive and expensive procedures for at least a few years...fingers crossed!

free skin care · Sun Jun 17, 2007 6:11 am

Thanks for sharing, good info. I totally agree about the SkinMedica Vitamin C, I feel its worth the price as I know its not going to go bad on me! Its so true, a good concealer makes all the difference and no shimmery eyeshadows for me.

free skin care · Sun Jun 17, 2007 6:42 am

Hi thanks...yes, concealer has become as important to me as mascara!! LOL

Now, if I could just find a great mascara...the hunt continues....

I can wear shimmery eye shadows, but frost? no way.

BF Smile

free skin care · Sun Jun 17, 2007 7:14 am

I've found the only want to get the mascara look I want is to layer 2 different types of mascara! CoverGirl Lash Exact (lengthening) topped with CoverGirl Volume Exact (thickening), 2 tubes are about $10 total (less on sale) and I get the look I want that I didn't get with the expensive $20 + mascaras. No clump, no spider look. Or you can mix & match brands, doesn't matter, got the idea from the MUA makeup board to do this with drugstore brands.

free skin care · Sun Jun 17, 2007 9:46 am

Barefootgirl, you didn't mention any eye cream? You are not using a seperate product for the eye area?

free skin care · Sun Jun 17, 2007 10:14 am

Well, if you aren't using an eyecream and looking for a good one, I can't say enough about the Juara Sweet Black Tea Eyecream from EDS, but this board is probably tired of my talking about it.... Smile

free skin care · Sun Jun 17, 2007 4:00 pm

No, I don't use a separate eye cream because I am not sure what benefit I would get from it...

I only use moisturizers on the nights that I don't use retinoids. If my skin gets too sensitive from the retinoids, I give it a break and use Aquaphor or Cerave cream on the nights I don't use retinoids.

Have you found eye creams helpful? for anti-aging? brightening? anti-puffiness?

I am always on the lookout for new ideas!

Thanks!

free skin care · Sun Jun 17, 2007 4:24 pm

I am not sure if we actually need a product just for eye area since a lot product lines I found have very similar if not exact same ingredient lists between their face cream and eye cream, except they can charge a bit more on 1/3 of the size for the eye cream. I am guessing the eye product has to through more vigorous tests to ensure it doesn't irritates the eyes?

free skin care · Sun Jun 17, 2007 8:41 pm

I can't use my moisturizer as an eye cream, for it will definitely get into my eyes eventually and irritate them.

free skin care · Sun Jun 17, 2007 10:00 pm

Barefoot - If your Skin Type II is from the Fitzpatrick scale, mine is the same and I'm very curious about the results you've had with the TCA peel from MUAC. I've used 30% glycolic peels at home and have had just-okay results. Would like to find something that works on brown spots better. TIA for any info on you experience with the TCA...

free skin care · Mon Jun 18, 2007 4:42 am

you are right on about skinmedicas Vitc I have tried all the brands and this one is the best hands down.I buy it on ebay in sample packs:then I put a tiny hole with a pin in it and squeeze it out-it lasts longer that way. Their TNS Recovery complex is great and has helped to keep crows feet away,I am 53 and I think their products have helped me a lot to stay looking young.

free skin care · Mon Jun 18, 2007 7:15 am

Barefootgirl, just interested in your retin a followed by taz. Does this make you peel more, or is it just more effective? thanks

free skin care · Mon Jun 18, 2007 4:48 pm

I thought taz WAS retin A, just a very strong one,thats what my dr. said.

free skin care · Mon Jun 18, 2007 7:18 pm

Barefootgirl, more information about the TCA peels, please! Were you v. peely and red? What percentage did you use? Can you go into some more detail, please? Razz

free skin care · Mon Jun 18, 2007 7:43 pm

I cannot be more agreed with Barefoot by using peeling. To me, this is the fastest and most effective way (non injection and non surgical method) to tighten skin and generally improve skin condition. No doubt, result is "take years off one's look". Actually, after all these years searching, buying and trying many many kinds of anti aging products, really none has really work until I found out about "Peeling".

I started out with Perfect Complexion peeling products. I devised for myself treatment routine : every month into the week of my period, I will do peeling. I will not use any other skincare, creams, actives, sunshield or the like. cleaning with mild cleanser, no lotion, no toner and not too much outdoors.
My observations is, my skin is kind o' very tight and a bit dry in the week of peeling. But I dont know why my face generally looks very uplifted ,tightened and younger. The weeks following I will be using IS cLINICAL PRODUCTS AND vIT c to nourish my skin.

I seem to find the way to treat my skin. I am only into the 3rd month of doing the above routine but cannot be more pleased.

free skin care · Mon Jun 18, 2007 7:48 pm

Barefootgirl wrote:

No, I don't use a separate eye cream because I am not sure what benefit I would get from it...

I only use moisturizers on the nights that I don't use retinoids. If my skin gets too sensitive from the retinoids, I give it a break and use Aquaphor or Cerave cream on the nights I don't use retinoids.

Have you found eye creams helpful? for anti-aging? brightening? anti-puffiness?

I am always on the lookout for new ideas!

Thanks!

How can I forgot to mention about my fav Perfect Complexion HA SOYLIFT. Barefoot, I suggest the soylift for spot treat-eyes,furrows, NB lines. Do compress method.
The other eye creams I have tried out lately and quite impress is Chantecaille Anti stress repair concentrate.

free skin care · Tue Jun 19, 2007 5:22 am

Jax wrote:

Barefoot - If your Skin Type II is from the Fitzpatrick scale, mine is the same and I'm very curious about the results you've had with the TCA peel from MUAC. I've used 30% glycolic peels at home and have had just-okay results. Would like to find something that works on brown spots better. TIA for any info on you experience with the TCA...

Jax what is the Fitzpatrick scale and where do I find it?

Thanks,

free skin care · Tue Jun 19, 2007 8:38 am

Thanks for sharing... I think I will try this! Smile

Barefootgirl wrote:

Here's how I did it, with thanks to this forum as well as other online forums and skincare books and scientific research articles:

Mid 40s, Caucasian, Skin Type II, began my regimin with some sallowness under the eyes, beginning signs of crows feet, brow furrows and general unevenness of skintone:

Started this regimin about 17 months ago:

AM

soapless cleanser (I alternate between Cerave, DHC cleansing oil, MUAC soapless cleansing bars)

Vitamin C (if I have the time)

– stable formulation only, I have found that most brands are useless because they are unstable by the time they reach me, the consumer. I use Skinmedica C, which is the most stable form I have found.

Broad Spectrum sunscreen –

The most important thing is to find one that protects against BOTH UVA and UVB (hard to find these in the USA)

I am currently using Anthelios brand (still have not found a holy grail, want something that is matte, not sticky and lasts a long time (doesn’t degrade quickly)

Evenings:

Soapless cleanser:
Retinoids – most effective for me: A-Ret from Shalaks, followed by tazarotene

TCA peels every 4- 6 weeks (Makeup Artists Choice brand)

Good makeup: perfectly matched foundation, an effective, high quality concealer, undereye brightener, eye makeup appropriate for my age and complexion – lip moisture and flattering blush

makeup brands I use:

for foundation - Aromaleigh Glissade: comes in many shades so you can find a perfect match, doesn't interfere as much with sunscreen.

Jane Iredale Pure Pressed - I love the flawless finish and use this when I am not so much worried about sun protection (like at night)

Concealers:

Makeup Forever Full Cover
The Balm Time Balm
NYC Concealer Stick

Brighteners:

Laura Mercier
Pure Luxe
Alima

Blush: NARS or Milani

lip moisture: that Rose salve (forget the name)

I hope this will help me avoid more aggressive and expensive procedures for at least a few years...fingers crossed!

free skin care · Thu Jun 28, 2007 9:01 am

<<Barefootgirl, more information about the TCA peels, please! Were you v. peely and red? What percentage did you use? Can you go into some more detail, please?

I worked my way up from 8/12% to 15/18%. I am not going to go any higher out of fear of the dreaded TCA "hot spots" - areas where the TCA penetrates too deeply. Instead, if I need more action, I'll add another layer - or - use a different acid as the first layer - like lactic acid perhaps.

I wasn't red, but my skin turned to leather and then peeled for several days. If you go to some plastic surgery sites, you will see photos of what the skin looks like after a light peel.

Hope this helps, BF

free skin care · Thu Jun 28, 2007 9:53 am

How much is SKINMEDICA Vitamin C?
What does it do to your skin???
Thanks.

CrazyForClooney wrote:

Thanks for sharing, good info. I totally agree about the SkinMedica Vitamin C, I feel its worth the price as I know its not going to go bad on me! Its so true, a good concealer makes all the difference and no shimmery eyeshadows for me.

free skin care · Thu Jun 28, 2007 9:57 am

What type of peeling product you are using?
Let me know because I would like to try it.
Thanks! Smile

skinmelon wrote:

I cannot be more agreed with Barefoot by using peeling. To me, this is the fastest and most effective way (non injection and non surgical method) to tighten skin and generally improve skin condition. No doubt, result is "take years off one's look". Actually, after all these years searching, buying and trying many many kinds of anti aging products, really none has really work until I found out about "Peeling".

I started out with Perfect Complexion peeling products. I devised for myself treatment routine : every month into the week of my period, I will do peeling. I will not use any other skincare, creams, actives, sunshield or the like. cleaning with mild cleanser, no lotion, no toner and not too much outdoors.
My observations is, my skin is kind o' very tight and a bit dry in the week of peeling. But I dont know why my face generally looks very uplifted ,tightened and younger. The weeks following I will be using IS cLINICAL PRODUCTS AND vIT c to nourish my skin.

I seem to find the way to treat my skin. I am only into the 3rd month of doing the above routine but cannot be more pleased.

free skin care · Thu Jun 28, 2007 11:52 am

Congrats, Barefootgirl. Your post is inspirational. Very Happy

I like that your routine is quite simple. Mine is rather complicated, so when I'm done with my products, I may try your routine. Thanks for letting us know about skinmedica C.

free skin care · Thu Jun 28, 2007 12:27 pm

Skin medica vit c is 119 on the EDS forum! Thats for 1 oz. This is what I do: go to ebay and punch in skinmedica Vit C.There will be numerous sellers there.Go to "buy it Now"sellers and you can buy like 20 sample packs for under 30. Thats 2 ounces! I use each individual pack very sparingly...usually I will punch a tiny hole in one side so I can take out a small amount and not waste it.It only costs me about 15 pr mo doing it this way.

free skin care · Thu Jun 28, 2007 1:48 pm

athena123 wrote:

Jax wrote:

Barefoot - If your Skin Type II is from the Fitzpatrick scale, mine is the same and I'm very curious about the results you've had with the TCA peel from MUAC. I've used 30% glycolic peels at home and have had just-okay results. Would like to find something that works on brown spots better. TIA for any info on you experience with the TCA...

Jax what is the Fitzpatrick scale and where do I find it?

Thanks,

athena123 -- Here's a good way to figure your type on the Fitzpatrick scale: http://www.reflectionscenter.com/skin_type.htm

free skin care · Thu Jun 28, 2007 3:22 pm

lucyluc wrote:

Skin medica vit c is 119 on the EDS forum! Thats for 1 oz. This is what I do: go to ebay and punch in skinmedica Vit C.There will be numerous sellers there.Go to "buy it Now"sellers and you can buy like 20 sample packs for under 30. Thats 2 ounces! I use each individual pack very sparingly...usually I will punch a tiny hole in one side so I can take out a small amount and not waste it.It only costs me about 15 pr mo doing it this way.

Thanks, Lucyluc, for the great tip. Very Happy

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