Newbie in Need of Advice! :)
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Mon Jan 21, 2013 5:42 am

Hello everyone! I joined the site today and hoping you guys could give me some advice.

I am 22 and have always kept my skincare very simple and natural (I make my own facemasks etc)

Anyway, I've been researching a lot and want to start introducing serums and spf more into my routine, especially since I recently started on Retin-A. I am also undergoing facial laser hair removal but I have breaks with Retin-A when I am due.. I've been on Retin-A for about 3 weeks now and use it at 0.01% (as that's the only one we have in the UK and my GP gave it to me as I have a lot of small flat facial warts on my face).

My routine:
Morning
- OCM
- Jojoba oil on face
- An SPF moisturiser (it's a random one but I need to get a new one - any recommendations of what I should be using? - I feel this is too less and need to be doing more as I've never used serums or sunscreen

Night
- Use almond oil to remove makeup
- Wash with 'simple' gel wash or use exfoliater once/twice a week (queen helene mint julep)
- Apply retin-Aa
- Body shop vitamin E under eye cream

Sometimes if I am home during the day, I'll put shea butter on my face or sleep with it if not using Retin-A as makes the dryness go away.

My skin is fairly normal but I have the tiny warts (quite a lot under eyebrows/cheeks) and marks left from acne.. I get spots during the time of month which are usually on my cheeks.
Right now skin is more dry as it is winter and using retin-A.

Now I want to start following a better routine, having serums and other products that could help my skin. Please could you help amend my routine and when etc I should incorporate the different products. Also any product recommendations? I've heard of DDF being quite good and shiseido.

Thank you so much, hope you can help.

xxx

free skin care · Mon Jan 21, 2013 6:18 am

What is your skin type? what serums you looking for? how is shea butter on your face?

Mon Jan 21, 2013 6:22 am

Skin type: Combination as I get a few dry patches but normal in other places

Serums I have no idea, I've never used them in my life but I want to start just to prevent lines etc, brighten skin etc

Shea butter is quite good, I use it when I feel very dry and it works amazingly, my skin comes out super soft (unrefined shea butter)

free skin care · Mon Jan 21, 2013 6:50 am

maybe a ha serum? i am using gow ha serum but they kind of dry my face even more.

i am also on the hunt for brighetening. tons of things i want to do.

i wish to use a diy vit c but first i must solve my hydration probs 1st

does shea butter leave a sticky film on your face? i find it does. does not help with hydration i still see lines

free skin care · Mon Jan 21, 2013 7:15 am

It is great that you are already starting with vitamin A. At your age, I would just add a good C serum. You DIY or Skin Actives makes a great version that you mix up yourself (to ensure freshness).

Between A and C you will have plenty of exfoliation.

Shea Butter can clog pores, so beware of that.

hope that helps, welcome!

Mon Jan 21, 2013 7:18 am

I'm so glad I joined, you guys are so helpful Smile

erg - can you recommend me a good C serum. Also any high SPF recommendations? I am about NC35 so don't want something that leaves a white cast.

free skin care · Mon Jan 21, 2013 7:21 am

jawaher29,
Skin Actives vitamin C serum.
http://www.skinactives.com/Vitamin-C-Serum-Ascorbic-Acid-L.html

I like that this is inexpensive and you mix it yourself to ensure freshness. Personally, I can not tolerate this version of C (I need an oil based serum) - but this one has gotten a "thumbs up" from many members.

Sunscreen: someone else is going to have to jump in on that one! Smile

Mon Jan 21, 2013 7:23 am

Thanks, I am in the uK and this is a US website... Also, when do you apply serum? Day or night? And after or before suncreen and moisturiser

free skin care · Mon Jan 21, 2013 7:25 am

Skin Actives does have a UK site, I just don't have that url handy. You can do a google search for it.

You can apply serum day or night. Apply before sunscreen or creams/oils.

free skin care · Mon Jan 21, 2013 7:32 am

For the tiny warts, have you asked your dermatologist about TCA peels? I believe (someone correct me if I am wrong) that it's what many doctors used to use for wart removal.

Mon Jan 21, 2013 7:46 am

I'm fed up of these warts but staying away from things like that although I've never heard of TCA peels... what are they?
I had liquid nitrogen done and some went away but ended up getting others in other places so I am just taking zinc etc to boost my immune system

free skin care · Mon Jan 21, 2013 8:57 am

TCA stands for trichloroacetic acid. It's a pretty strong acid peel which was/is also used in doctor's offices for warts, although I think most have moved on to using lasers or other methods of treating warts.

TCA comes in strengths from 12% to 25% - I have never seen the solution for sale online in strengths higher than that but you sure wouldn't need it stronger. I would not recommend the 20-25% to anyone, although I did a series of peels using 20% over 6 months. I did 6 peels - and was shocked by the burn every time. That's why I say, ask your doctor about it.

If you do try it, use 12% at first, and use it just on the problem areas. I haven't done any full face peels in a while and don't want to - they're just too uncomfortable. I use 20% only for spot peeling now - it demolished the crusty skin on my elbows!

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