#10 in Skin care products
Use arrows to jump to the previous/next product
Reddit mentions of Thayers Facial Toner, Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera, Rose Petal, 12 Fl Oz
Sentiment score: 45
Reddit mentions: 98
We found 98 Reddit mentions of Thayers Facial Toner, Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera, Rose Petal, 12 Fl Oz. Here are the top ones.
or
- Soft rose fragrance, Soothing Rose Toner made with rose-petal water and proprietary Witch Hazel extract
- Un-distilled witch hazel cleanses and moisturizes, Certified organic aloe vera
- Free of alcohol, parabens and propylene glycol
- Packaging may vary
Features:
Specs:
| Color | Rose |
| Height | 6.2 Inches |
| Length | 2.4 Inches |
| Number of items | 1 |
| Release date | February 2019 |
| Size | 12 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) |
| Weight | 0.7826410301 Pounds |
| Width | 2.5 Inches |
Same, even on cloudy days.
​
I am 40 and no one believes me. Very little wrinkles. I have been taking care of my skin for years and always wear sunscreen.
In fact, I see women sunbathing with their face exposed, and I cringe.
​
Edit for routine:
Look, I take extra precautions to take care of my face from the sun. When I drive in the evenings/golden hour and the sun is hitting the lower part of my face, I always wear this to protect my nose, chin, and cheeks. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071HLFHX8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
​
But always with zinc!
​
Here is my routine:
Morning:
​
Nighttime:
https://www.samsclub.com/p/genes-vitamin-e-creme-16oz/157674
then I go to bed.
​
​
Lifestyle is also has a huge effect on your face and how well you age. Sleeping well, exercise, drinking water, eating healthy are all factors to that help maintain a youthful appearance. If you smoke, well, your skin is going to look like shit.
​
And please for the love of god, stop tanning/baking in the sun. My mother-in-law used to sunbath and tan all the time to get tanned and now she is in her 60's and her skin looks like shit. Her legs are all wrinkled af, her arms, and her back, her chest... wrinkles, so many wrinkles!
Even if you are wearing sunscreen when you sit in the sun, your skin is going to look like shit in the long run. Just stop doing it.
My mom is in her 70's and never sunbathed and took care of her skin, she looks like she is in her 60's. Sure her body looks older but not as bad as my mother in law that baked in the sun.
It looks like dishydrotic eczema, which I've had for years.
For me, if I eat a lot of bread/gluten or potatoes I can break out or it aggregates it.
I found the rubbing witch hazel into my hands before bed and about halfway through my day helps considerably.
I provided a link to the stuff I use.
I failed to keep the mascaras I went through this year... my bad... But I always use Maybelline Lash Stiletto.
What have I learned? I should really tone down my purchases of products like eyeshadow palettes and blush palettes. It takes FOREVER to get through one. And yet I have so maaany.
Left row - Powders!
E.l.f. HD setting powder
Skinfood Peach Sake Powder x2
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
L’oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Powder x5
Urban Decay Ultra Definition Pressed Powder x2
Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Powder
Top row, left to right
SETTING SPRAYS
Urban Decay All-Nighter Makeup Setting Spray
L’Oreal Infallible Makeup Setting Spray
Smashbox Primer Water x2
SUNSCREEN
Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence x3
Second row, left to right
FOUNDATIONS
L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte x2
Rimmel London, Lasting Finish Foundation x2
Giorgio Armani Luminous SIlk Foundation
Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation
Kat Von D Lock-It Concealer Creme - sample
BROW
L’Oreal Brow Stylist Plumper Brow Gel Mascara
Third row, left to right
PRIMERS
Kat Von D Lock-It Hydrating Primer
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, Jumbo size
Too Faced, Primed & Poreless
Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Primer, Apricot
Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Primer, Green
Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer
Coola, Daydream Mineral Primer
Benefit, Porefessional
Murad Invisible Perfecting Shield
Fourth row, left to right
EYE SHADOW PRIMER
Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Smashbox 24 Hour Photo Finish
Becca, Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone
Becca, Shimmering Skin Perfector in Champagne Pop
Maybelline master Hi-Light in Nude, discontinued, but still available on amazon
Fifth Row, left to right
SKINCARE
Vitamin C serum x3
Vitamin C serum
Mizon Black Snail All-in-One Cream
Mizon Snail Eye Cream
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Cream
Mizon Collagen Power Firming Eye Cream
Corsx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
Corsx AHA Whitehead Power Liquid
Corsx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Caudaline Organic Grape Water - Guys I can’t find this shit anywhere. Did it get discontinued/ replaced?
Thayer’s Witch Hazel Toner
Bottom row, left to right
LIPS
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream, Stockholm
L’Oreal Colour Riche Lip Balm, Nourishing Nude
Buxom FUll-On Lip Cream, Mudslide
Dr. Lipp Miracle Balm
Buxom Full-On Lip Cream, Rose Julep
Sure thing! I wear very little makeup myself and like to think good skincare is a way to avoid "needing" makeup since the whole idea of makeup is just to enhance what you've already got going on.
Just for your consideration, I am 27 and white with normal to oily, fair/freckled skin. I am also about to sound like I am sponsored by CeraVe. Sadly I am not, but I fully enoucourage everyone to try them as they are a very gentle, high quality, and affordable line of skincare products.
Morning Routine
Night Routine
Sorry for the novel.
TLDR: Cleaser, toner, vitamin C serum, moisturizer. Aspirin mask at night, always SPF in the day. Try CeraVe.
Edit to say holy shit, gilded for nerding out over skincare? Thank you!!
I have combination skin.
I wash my face with Cetaphil Cleanser in the morning and then I put Shiseido Matifying Moisturizer, after that I put Biore Sunscreen (I'm still new to this product, I've been trying out alot of sunscreen products because my skin has been overly sensitive and for some reason I might be allergic to sunscreen lotion T_T), before this I just use Skin79 BB Cream and an umbrella whenever I go out, after the bb cream I put on shiseido foundation and then mascara and lip gloss.
For night: I use Neutrogena make up remover wipes, and then Pond's Cleanser, Thayer's Witch Hazel Toner and then Neutrogena Moisturizer And then Shiseido Eye Cream.
I also use Pierre Cardin Peeling Gel maybe 3 times a week after cleansing my face and then I put on Neutrogena Moisturizer, Shiseido Eyecream and then finish it with a Collagen Essense Mask.
Edit:words
Wonk Jr's Ultimate Skincare
Why was I appointed to the SOMC? Well, others will tell you it was CSS, but the TRUE reason the deep state saw my necessity was because when the inevitable neoliberal renaissance happens, y'all better be pretty for it. Our most beloved leaders are often the most prettiest, have you seen Macron, Trudeau, and Obama. Hot damn, but it's not as if their skin is good by itself.
Skincare is a long-term investment. Although the initial costs are high, a well-crafted routine can lead to high returns in life. Why? Better skin gives you a renewed sense of confidence, leads to better judgement from others, and generally allows you to look better.
Skincare does not care about your gender, anyone can use the tips in this post to improve their look.
The Stuff
Here, I'm using an American approach to skincare with high usage of acids and liquids, while a more Asian approach would be with heavy amounts of cream. Check out /r/SkincareAddiction for the former and /r/AsianBeauty (or maybe not? I heard there was some drama) for the latter.
I have dry skin that is relatively acne-free, so my requirements may differ from yours. I highly recommend you read the FAQs in your subreddit of choice, this post is intended to be a tl;dr.
Core
Moisturizer: Moisturizer is the fundamental pair of skincare. If there's only one thing you get out of this post, it's that one must Moisturize. Moisturizing gets your skin plump and nice, and is overall the best thing you can do for the lowest cost that is guaranteed for good returns. All skin is different and different moisturizers work for different people, but I recommend CeraVe Mousterizing Cream; it's generally regarded as one of the best choices you can make with a high success rate.
Cleanser: Cleanser cleans your skin, and is the other half of fundamental pair of skincare. Although cleansing can be down with just water, I highly recommend you use a specialized cleanser. There are multiple types of cleansers that work differently, but I'm just going to stick to the basics. I highly CeraVe Foaming Cleanser; however, it can be a bit rough on some skin, so some people may benefit from the Hydrating Cleanser.
Sunscreen: Sunscreen is very important for skincare. As Bill Wurtz said it, the sun is a deadly laser. Exposure to the sun, no matter how minimal, can leave permanent effects on the skin such as hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) and skin cancer. A good sunscreen is always in your best interests; I recommend Paula's Choice 50 SPF. Anything under 50SPF is worthless, and anything over ~80SPF is a scam. Even if you have brown skin like myself that doesn't burn, you should still use sunscreen; in an older age, your skin will remain fresh.
Exfoliation
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin on your face, which can lead to a renewed "glow". There are two times of exfoliation: physical and chemical. Physical is highly discouraged for two main reasons: physical exfoliation is rough on the skin and can cause more problems than they fix, and they often employ microbeads which is harmful to the environment. Chemical Exfoliation is the better by a large margin, although there are some outliers.
BHA: BHAs are used to tackle Acne. BHAs penetrate deep into the skin, dissolving all the gunk that lies under the pores. There are several forms of BHAs, but Salicylic Acid is the most common. I recommend Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA. Note that if you use a BHA, you must use Sunscreen; BHAs increase sensitivity to the Sun.
AHA: AHAs help repair hyperpigmentation on the surface of the skin by tackling the top layer of the skin. I recommend Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA, an universally loved option.
Note: AHAs and BHAs are not mutually exclusive, they can be used together. Some recommend you use a BHA in the morning followed by an AHA at night. Personally, I use a BHA followed by an AHA; the BHA loosens the skin, thus increasing the efficiency of the AHA.
Aztec Face Mask: This is a personal favorite, and a good example of why Physical Exfoliation can be beneficial. Aztec Clay has amazing properties, when it comes in contact with bacteria it literally rips it apart. To make the skin mask, you want to use a 1:1 Ratio of Apple Cider Vinegar and Aztec Healing Clay. I will explain how to use this later.
Extras
Niacinamide: Niacinamide is a so-called "miracle vitamin", it benefits the skin in so many ways that its quality cannot be overstated. I reccomend The Ordinary.
Caffeine: For all the students out there or people with persistent black bags under their eyes, topical caffeine can have huge benefits in reducing their appearance. I recommend The Ordinary.
Oil: An Oil can have crazy good effects on the skin (and elsewhere), but everyone has a different type of oil that works best. It can be used to cleanse, or to add a lot of good stuff to your skin. Personally, I use Almond Oil.
Toner: Toner is a catch-all term referring to a generic item applied to the skin with some property that is beneficial. There are many toners that do many different things, but I use Thayers Witch Hazel with great success; it "tightens" the skin and provides a fresh look (and smells amazing!)
The Routine
Ideally, skincare is done in both the AM and PM. The time commitment at first can be hard, but as you settle into your routine the time commitment will decrease.
Example Routine (mine)
Note: Most of the stuff detailed requires gradual buildup. If you try everything here at once, you'll push your skin into overtime and cause acne outbreaks. Ideally, just start with a moisturizer and cleanser and work your way up in the process of ~2 - 4 weeks.
AM:
PM:
Subroutines
These are some skin-care routines I do weekly.
Weekly Clay Mask
This process takes 30 minutes and can completely refresh your skin.
Also, why this post came up late
It's approximately 50% Witch Hazel, 25% Hyaluronic Acid (1% serum), 20% Glycerin, & the remaining 5% is a dropper full of Argan Oil & 2-3 drops of Tea Tree Oil. I stick it in a little dark blue glass bottle & give it a shake before use. The percentages work well for me, but you can change it up to suit your skin. The more Glycerin you add, the more sticky it gets, so keep that in mind. Also, keep the Tea Tree oil to a bare minimum, too much it it can definitely irritate your skin. You can try adding other stuff, but this combo work well for me; hydrating & a bit anti-inflammatory. All the ingredients are finished products that can be used on their own as well.
http://www.amazon.com/Thayers-Alcohol-free-Petal-Witch-Hazel/dp/B00016XJ4M
http://www.amazon.com/Solutions-Glycerine-Vegetable-16-Fluid-Ounces/dp/B0019LWU2K
http://www.amazon.com/Original-Hyaluronic-Acid-Serum-100/dp/B003MJ7Z0O
http://www.amazon.com/Organic-Argan-Pressed-Virgin-Golden/dp/B00397SNMS
http://www.amazon.com/NOW-Foods-Tea-Tree-Oil/dp/B000ELP5KA
Rose petal witch hazel as a post-facewash toner. I have sworn by witch hazel for years and will never buy the 'regular' stuff again after having used the rose petal kind.
Not a problem. I use Thayers alcohol-free rose petal witch hazel toner with aloe vera formula. My girlfriend recommended it after I saw her put it on after getting her eyebrows done. It helps with redness. They also have an unscented version but I've grown to like the rose petal smell
 
I got mine from iHerb but it's also on Amazon
This shit right here is the bomb: Thayer's Rose Witch Hazel
I grow roses and make my own, just buy witch hazel in bulk and add tons of rose petals to it.
This is nice and doesn't break the bank...
Thayers Alcohol-free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera, 12 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00016XJ4M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_FrYHzbW05WWRM
Okay, so I think you need to build a routine based on moisture. Some products I recommend that are easily available at Target/Walmart/Amazon/drugstores:
Cleansers:
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gentle Cleansing Lotion *
Cerave Hydrating Cleanser
Toners:
Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist *
Thayers Alcohol Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner
Moisturizers:
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream *
Cerave Moisturizing Cream (aka Cerave in the tub)
Actives for texture/acne improvement:
The Ordinary Azealic Acid Suspension
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
I provided two options for each product. Note that the products with a * next to them are products I personally use and really love. The others are ones that I've seen highly recommended on this subreddit (and I also really want to try that Azealic Acid lol). I honestly think that with a simple routine like this your skin will clear right up and look really lovely, because your acne is minimal. All of these are non-comedogenic and gentle. Make sure to add only one product a week to make sure they don't break you out, and patch test on your wrist to make sure you aren't allergic to them. I hope this is helpful!
Does anyone have recommendations for a toner that's good for oily skin and <$30? I'm currently using the last of my Thayer's rose petal but would like to branch out
I'm a bit of a novice when it comes to toners so I haven't used many outside of the Thayer's and Proactiv's when I was a teen ^shudders
I have very oily sensitive skin which can be hard to deal with since you need some pretty intense astringent to deal with my oil problems. I found this on amazon and it has changed my damn life. It's suuuper nice for sensitive skin and helpful for oily skin. I also use this from Lush, I know it's expensive but it is what helps me the best.
Good luck!
If you want to try some things before visiting a dr/getting a prescription/maybe save some $$$.
What worked for me:
Switching to sensitive skin cleanser like Cetaphil. Be sure not to over-cleanse your face, and be gentle.
Rubbing Aloe gel all over your face - to moisturize and heal.
Staying hydrated.
Taking a multivitamin - could be lacking certain vitamins- causing an imbalance.
Consider changing your pillowcase out more often/ replacing them if they are old.
If you’re down for a few more skincare items, you can try Aztec Secret Clay Mask - Amazon mix with Apple Cider Vinegar &/or water. Try once a week.
And last but not least Rose toner- Amazon
Hope it helps :)
Items bought:
Edwin Jagger De89bl,
Blade sampler,
Toner,
Alum Block,
Shave Set,
Soap
Edit: links
I'm pre-HRT, but here's my skincare routine, with links to the exact products I use. I tried my best to define any skincare terminology. I recommend doing this before bed. Make sure to do the steps in the order listed.
Night time skincare routine
1) Exfoliate. This removes dead skin and other crud. Without exfoliating, you'd be applying skincare products on top of your layer of dead skin, which wouldn't be as effective. I use a Salux brand exfoliating cloth in the shower, lathered with Dove brand bar soap. You should only exfoliate and shave 2 to 3 times a week because it's abrasive. Other steps can be done every night. Side note: if you've never exfoliated before, I highly recommend trying it once. You will feel cleaner than you've ever felt after showering.
2) Shave. If you need to shave, now is the time to do it. If you've had laser hair removal, or simply don't have much body hair, move on to the next step. I don't have specific recommendations for shaving products. The most important thing is to use a clean razor. If you are reusing a razor, wash it with soap and hot water, and use rubbing alcohol to kill any leftover bacteria. Exfoliating before shaving can reduce razor burn because you're cleaner, and therefore less likely to get dead skin and bacteria into the "micro cuts" caused by shaving. Even if you don't cut yourself deeply enough to bleed, dragging a metal blade across your face is always slightly irritating. (Side note: I can't effing wait to get laser.) If you cut yourself shaving, you may apply some 70% rubbing alcohol, only to the cut. I've seen sources that recommend applying rubbing alcohol everywhere after shaving, to kill bacteria and therefore reduce irritation. I don't recommend this because rubbing alcohol is harsh and will dry your skin.
3) Toner. This step cleans your skin further. Similar to exfoliating, the idea is to remove as much dirt and dead skin as possible, so that the skincare products can actually absorb into your skin. I pour some Thayers brand alcohol-free, rose scented witch hazel on a cotton ball and apply to my face and neck. Another reason why the order of the steps is important: This toner contains witch hazel, which is an astringent. This means it tightens your skin. Using witch hazel after shaving may reduce irritation by causing any micro cuts to contract. Let your skin air-dry before moving on.
4) Serum. Now that you're clean, it's time for products that will actually be absorbed by your skin. There are many types of serum available. I typically use retinol, which tightens your skin and prevents wrinkles. I apply a few drops of retinol serum to my face and neck and rub it in. I wait a few moments to let the serum dry before the next step.
5) Moisturizer. Last step. This hydrates your skin and keeps you looking young. I use CeraVe moisturizing cream. It comes in a white tub with a blue label. Most nights I just apply to my face and neck. On the nights that I exfoliate, I use moisturizer on my whole body. The main reason is that it can be time consuming, so I only moisturize my whole body after exfoliating, when my skin will better absorb the moisturizer. Additionally, I use this moisturizer on my hands several times throughout the day (especially after washing my hands because soap can be drying.) This makes a significant difference in reducing dry skin, especially noticeable in the winter. If you only get one skincare product, I recommend this one.
Other important things
That's my nightly skincare routine, but wait, there's more! Any day there's a chance you'll spend time in the sun, wear sunscreen!! This is probably more important than all the other steps put together. You can apply sunscreen on top of your moisturizer, or use a moisturizer that includes SPF. Recently I've been experimenting with using this SPF moisturizer on my face every morning.
Last thing: some people think skincare is all about applying products to your skin, so they'll buy fancier and more expensive products. This is like pulling harder on one lever without realizing there are many other levers available. Diet, exercise, hydration, sleep, having fun, and avoiding stress are all important too. Drink water!! Like, drink a little more water than you think you need.
Edit: Can't believe I forgot this. Don't smoke, and don't use hard drugs. Please don't drink alcohol at your age because it can cause brain damage. When you're older, if you choose to drink, do so in moderation. I don't want to come across as "no fun allowed," but please learn from my experience. Binge drinking is not only bad for your skin, it will make you feel like complete poop the next day. Not worth it.
Edit 2: Fixed formatting, and added details.
Good luck, sis!
I highly recommend that subreddit, it has helped tremendously in dealing with my sensitive skin and irritations due to bad shaving techniques/products. As for shaving soaps I would recommend trying Mystic Water Soap's Sensitive Skin and Proraso White, I have very sensitive skin and those soaps have worked very well for me. Also for aftershaves try using Thayer's witch hazel. Hope this helps!
Do you use a toner? An extremely popular vegan, cruelty-free, soy-free and alcohol-free toner is [Thayer’s Witch-Hazel Rose Toner](Thayers Alcohol-free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera, 12 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00016XJ4M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_LfM3AbAWMQ4HZ).
I use this stuff everyday... it’s amazing and gentle. It has a PH of 5.5-6. You can use this after cleansing and before creams/serums. Target sells this toner with the spray nozzle which is also nice as a mid-day refresher or make-up primer. You can find the travel-sized toners on Amazon as well.
I also second trying Pacifica. My faves: seafoam cleanser, kale micellar water, coconut body butter, passionfruit/guava perfume! But seriously, everything is amazing!
I don't personally use it, but I think a lot of people here like [Thayer's Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner] (http://www.amazon.com/Thayers-Alcohol-free-Petal-Witch-Hazel/dp/B00016XJ4M).
Also, I noticed that you're using an AHA so you may want to think about adding a sunscreen to your routine since AHAs make you photosensitive :)
My husband uses this immediately after shaving and swears by it. It also comes with an unscented version.
Thayer's Witch Hazel toner (https://www.amazon.ca/Thayers-Alcohol-Free-Petal-Witch-Hazel/dp/B00016XJ4M). I've been using this for a couple months and it's helped a lot with my oiliness and acne. Plus it's alcohol free so it feels great on the skin. I'm not super good with ingredients so I can't speak to whether they're all natural or not, but there's a list pictured on the site.
Witch hazel
The actual glycerin I have is from Garden of Wisdom, but it should all be the same (NOW Foods on Amazon)
I've always liked this toner
You can definitely try that. This is a good starting toner if you want to try the method I'm using now. You can get cotton pads in any drug stores, but I personally prefer the Japan muji cotton pads (available on amazon) - they feel a lot nicer/softer than the typical western pads (which always feel too scratchy).
It's more like a slightly thicker water. I'm on mobile so excuse the ugly link
http://www.amazon.com/Thayers-Alcohol-free-Petal-Witch-Hazel/dp/B00016XJ4M
You can also try Tend Skin or Thayer's Witch Hazel.
I tend to use some leftover ProActiv Revitalizing Toner because it has witch hazel, aloe vera, and glycolic acid (for exfoliation).
What is the rest of your skincare routine? Exfoliating alone won't help retain moisture.
Cleanser: Neutrogena Oil-Free Grapefruit cleanser http://www.neutrogena.com/product/mobile/cleansers/daily+cleansers/oil-free+acne+wash+pink+grapefruit+facial+cleanser.do
Toner: Dr. Thayer's Alcohol Free Witch Hazel - Rose Petal. My friends and I, all with different skin types and sensitivities, love it. We buy in bulk and distribute to each other. Thayers Alcohol-free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera ~ 12 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00016XJ4M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_VMJuyb6Z4TN06
Moisturizer: A friend of mine gave me a spa gift pack from their trip to Iceland a few years ago. It mostly sat in my cabinet untouched until recently, when I started using the moisturizer on a whim. It has, by far, been the most effective product I have used on my skin that has retained moisture and reduced my acne. I will continue to use it until I find something comparable and more cost effective. http://shop-usa.bluelagoon.com/products/moisturizing-cream
The effect that moisturizer had on my skin has completely changed the way I take care of my skin and what I look for in product ingredients.
Ultimately, your skincare routine should be catered to you and your skin. Keep an eye on ingredients and introduce new products slowly—giving yourself 1-2 weeks between introing or removing products from your routine before moving on to the next one. Give your skin time.
Hi, first off. I recommend checking out /r/SkincareAddiction. They know a lot about the ins and outs of products. But here's my little bit of wisdom; as someone (F23) who has been struggling with hormonal acne these past few months, I noticed the biggest increase in my skin appearance when I changed my diet. I started this elimination diet called Whole30 just over 2 weeks ago and have seen dramatic improvements in my skin this past week. You may not need to go on a 30 day cleanse, but I recommend cleaning up your diet as much as you can and then re-introducing certain foods to see if it triggers a breakout. Maybe try giving up things like dairy and sugar, and then bring them back after a few weeks to see if they may be throwing your hormones out of whack (because no doubt, your acne is a hormonal issue). Some bits about makeup and products; I stopped using a primer (Benefits POREfessional) and liquid foundation (Urban Decay Naked foundation). I don't know if these products were clogging my pores, but I feel better taking a break from them. I started to just use a set of Bare Minerals powders instead. I also use a micellar water to take my makeup off. Garnier SkinActive Micellar water (pink cap) works great, followed by a cleanser (CeraVe), toner (Thayers Witchhazel), and moisturizer (YesToCarrots Daily Moisturizer) -- this is my pm routine, as it involves makeup removal. In the morning, I use the cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and follow up with EltaMd SPF 46 sunscreen. This sunscreen is specifically made to reduce current redness from past/present acne and protect you from the sun. You need to wear it everyday. Hope this all helps! And good luck. Having bad skin can really take a toll on your self-esteem, but just remember that it's never permanent!
Edit: added links
Thayers witch hazel with rose water love this stuff
Thayer's is what I use. I think you can get it at health stores, too! I also use it occasionally throughout the day if I am feeling greasy when I am not wearing makeup around the house but don't want to dry out my face by washing.
I've been using Thayer's Rose Petal Witch Hazel quite recently as a pre-makeup application toner and it's been doing a great job with keeping my skin more balanced, which then keeps my foundation in place. I'm obsessed with this stuff.
P.S. Keeping an eye out for future answers in this particular thread. I've had the worst luck with primers and setting sprays, so I'm curious to see what others have to recommend.
I think your skin may be reacting to over exfoliation, hence the new spots. You mentioned that your skin was clearer without the AHA. Try using Stridex once every 3 days, and see if new ones stop forming. I would be gentle with your skin. (I speak from experience--I was using too much Differin a few days ago and had two very large cystic spots form on my cheeks. Plus my face was burning whenever I put anything on it, like Cerave PM...after I stopped using Differin for 2 days, my face would no longer burn when I moisturized. I will only be using Differin once a week now.)
Since you're in a desert/dry climate, first and foremost focus on keeping your skin moisturized. Your moisture barrier needs to repair before you introduce actives to it. It could be breaking out because its so irritated. Here's a link on Reddit about the importance of maintaining a healthy moisture barrier!
If your skin is oily/dehydrated (my skin type), focus on layering light layers of hydration. After you wash your face, gently pat dry with a clean towel, and apply a hydrating toner like Thayer's Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel and following up with a hyaluronic acid moisturizing toner/lotion/serum. Hada Labo products are very popular amongst the /r/AsianBeauty community. The hyaluronic acid will help draw moisture to your skin. More on the science of HA here.
I do want to state that as always, your mileage may vary (YMMV) with these products. But since we have similar breakouts, I do think irritation and lack of proper hydration may be at the root of your breakouts. Patch test the products above to see if you react to them. Good luck!
I also recommend Thayer's Rose Petal Witch Hazel.
I recently started using The Thayer's witch hazel toner and I'm about to get another one (also because the price went down on Amazon). It really has made a huge difference for me.
This is the one I use.
All right guys, so I'm constantly tweaking my skincare routine and would love some input. I'm currently 25 and only really started taking good care of my skin when I was about 21. For the most part I'm fairly happy with where my skin is at now. I have very fair, slightly sensitive skin (redhead) that tends to be mostly balanced, combination/oily with occasional dry patches. I rarely deal with blemishes these days other than a few blackheads and occasional cystic acne near my chin. The current issue I'm dealing with is how to properly use vitamins C and A in my routine so that I can reap the most benefits/use the best products while not overdoing it, or layering products unnecessarily. My current AM routine consists of (in order) a cleanser, typically Alpha Hydrox Foaming Face Wash, toner, Amara Organics 20% Vitamin C Serum since the water here is very harsh, TruSkin Vitamin C Cream, and a higher SPF sunscreen, typically Elta MD SPF 45. My PM routine consists of a cleanser, normally something different than what I used in the morning as I find that overusing the same cleanser can strip my skin. I follow with toner, Amara Organics Vitamin C Serum again, Amara Organics Retinol Serum 2.5%, and [First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream] (http://www.sephora.com/ultra-repair-cream-intense-hydration-P248407?skuId=1217744&amp;icid2=products%20grid:p248407). I occasionally use a physical exfoliator, and am not currently using any eye-specific products as I'm prone to developing milia if a product is too creamy and I don't like the tacky feeling of a lot of eye gels. I live in Florida, so with my fair complexion I'm constantly trying to be proactive about preventing sun damage, while also delaying the appearance of damage that has already been done. That's why I really want to make sure I'm using the best Vitamin C product during the day. I know that the active in both my day serum and cream is SAP, but I've read that MAP is more effective at boosting collagen production, yet I have a difficult time finding products that utilize this form of Vitamin C. Also, I've noticed recently that 2.5% retinol (the product lists retinol, not retinyl palimate) seems to be A LOT compared with other OTC products on the market, and I really don't want to be overdoing it with this one, especially since I don't have any wrinkles yet, just a few fine lines that seem to come and go. Also, the issue of increased photosensitivity makes me nervous. I recently read some literature that addressed the concern that too much topical vitamin A could lead to toxicity, and I already have a diet rich in A vitamin. It might be worth noting that I haven't changed my routine considerably in the last few years, other than switching out retinol products as they became available/unavailable. Occasionally I will change some product out for another, but normally for something very similar (i.e. one vitamin c cream for another).
So, very long story short (sorry, guys), if you could recommend a Vitamin C serum or moisturizer, and a night time retinol product appropriate for my age and skin (preferably something with a lower active concentration), I would me much appreciative. The lighter consistency the better, as I do layer several products every day and I don't like the feeling of heavy build up on my skin. If you happen to notice anything else that you think I'm doing wrong, please let me know.
Have you tried using witch hazel for in-grown hairs? I'm a male and I use it for my face and other places and it is incredible and helping stop in-growns. I've already told a lot of people about it and they all swear by it and thank me profusely.
I recommend using a non-alcohol one like Thayer's. It's easy to use, just put it on a cotton ball/round and apply it after shaving.
Yeah, definitely look for a new cleanser, you don't really need a "oil control" cleanser, they tend to be pretty drying for most people, and as you've noticed, don't do much to actually control oil.
As far as a toner goes, if you like using one, go ahead, but try to find one that doesn't contain alcohol. Thayers is usually a pretty popular brand because it's alcohol free.
Otherwise you can check out the beginner's routine for more recommendations.
Buy mine off Amazon if that helps
witch hazel
You might wanna skip out on the Musgo at first. You don't really need it, and while it can help soften your beard and moisturize your face it is kinda a luxury. If you really want a pre-shave soap you can pick up a $2 bar of glycerine soap at CVS or Walmart that will work just as well. Something like THIS would work fine.
The Omega brush & Proraso are fine to start out with, but if you want to save a bit more money you could start out with a Van Der Hagen Premium Shave Set. This will get you a decent soap, brush & bowl for $10 or less (Walmart sells these for $8). The VDH puck is also very easy to lather which makes starting out a bit easier. Once you use it up you can start ordering - samplers or switch to Proraso if you want.
The blade sampler pack & Merkur 180 looks good. Personally I have never gotten a good shave out of my Edwin Jagger DE89 which has the same head as the DE86, however the EJ DE8x series are pretty highly recommended here on WE. My Merkur razor on the other hand (1904) gives me very gentle shaves. I would actually recommend the Merkur Classic instead of the 180, just because you probably don't need a longer handle, and it is easier to pay attention to maintaining the proper shave angle with a shorter razor. But the choice is yours. :)
Alum can be useful, but personally I find Witch Hazel to be more soothing which is important when you are starting out. If you go with a Witch Hazel look for one with the lowest alcohol content you can find. I use a cheap dollar store brand (Swan) that is 86% Witch Hazel to 14% alcohol and it works really nice. Thayers Witch Hazel is well regarded but a bit more pricey.
As far as aftershave.. again this is personal preference. If you have an aftershave that you are currently using that you like I would recommend you keep that for a while. Personally I like Nivea for Men Post Shave Balm, as it is very soothing and lightly moisturizes my face (I use is all over my face).
In any case, good luck with DE shaving and keep in mind it is a skill that takes a little while to learn. Don't be discouraged if your first shave doesn't live up to the hype. :)
I'm barely stepping into Asian Beauty, and I'm trying to make a wishlist. I was hoping I could get some general recommendations.
Currently, I wash with Cetaphil (non-foaming), tone with Rosewater Witch Hazel, and moisturize with Innisfree Green Tea Balancing Lotion.
I do the same routine every morning and night.
In addition to the stuff in my flair, I have a few problem areas that break out (around mouth, hairline, T-zone, around nose) and stubborn blackheads on my nose. I get really bad dry patches on the apples of my cheeks.
EDIT: it might also be worthwhile to note that I am a teenager with a small budget because I am in school still. My AM and PM routine are the same with the above products in the order in which I listed them.
I like a lighter moisturizer in the morning and I'll use Thayer's Witch Hazel Toner after I splash my face with water.
You might want to pick up Aztec Healing Clay. Maybe stop by Sally's Beauty Supply for Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque.
I've got dehydrated oily skin prone to acne, FYI.
This serum has been working great for my acne scars and frown lines, or if you don't trust it, just straight up Vitamin E oil is good for my skin as well. I also use the Biore Aqua Riche sunscreen which is perfect for my oily skin. I also found this toner to work much better with my skin than the Kate Somerville one. I now only use the KS one when I have a breakout.
I would recommend to talk to your doctor about prescription accutane and to look into possibly going on a carb free/low carb diet for a while just to see what it does.
I've done both and for the first time I have amazing skin since I was 18 (I'm 36F). Also try this to treat breakouts overnight: Smile's PRID Drawing Salve, Natural Homeopathic Topical Pain and Irritation Reliever... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GKN36W/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_lq9szb9MSSMV1
And this after you wash your face every day: Thayers Alcohol-free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera, 12 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00016XJ4M/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_nr9szbZZWSJGK
Lastly, DO NOT dry your face with the same towel you use for the rest of your body!
Here are my suggestions:
AM Cleanse: [La Roche Posay Toleriane DermoCleanse](https://www.amazon.com/Roche-Posay-Toleriane-Cleanser-Sensitive-Glycerin/dp/B000IOBEG20 or, my favorite Glossier Milky Jelly
Hydrating Toner: Thayer's Rose Petal
serum: The Ordinary makes awesome serums and explain a lot in the description boxes
moisturizer: Neutrogena HydroBoost Gel Cream
SPF Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid
Oil/Balm Jojoba Oil, this one's currently unavailable, but any will do.
Micellar Water Garnier Micellar Water
Tougher Cleanser I prefer Cerave SA Wash because I always feel like I need a bit more oomph. Avoid foamy stuff, they'll dry out too much.
chemical exfoliant I like The Ordinary Glycolic Toner but I'm dry. The Generic of these Salicylic Acid (BHA) pads work better if you're oily.
This is the one I use. I just put it into a spray bottle and spray my face in the mornings.
I would switch the witch hazel to Thayer's Alcohol-Free. It's lovely and very gentle!
The witch hazel you got has a high alcohol content. I would be weary about using it in general, but especially in conjunction with a tea tree oil product, which can also be very drying. Just some things to consider as you move along on this skincare journey :)
I have pale, easily enflamed, combo-leaning-oily skin. I am a fan of Thayer's Alcohol-free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera!: https://www.amazon.com/Thayers-Alcohol-free-Petal-Witch-Hazel/dp/B00016XJ4M
So my skin is very dry and acne generally appears on my chin and edges of my cheeks and chin it also appears on my shoulders. My diet is non existent as I pretty much don’t eat but when I do it’s generally something I can make quick in my dorm like oatmeal or a meat and cheese sandwich. I really ought to change my pillowcase more as I do it every few months. I’m 17 and I am currently using theyers facial toner for treating my face. I use it after I shower which is twice a day (right when I wake up and after I finish running) and I occasionally use this cucumber face moisturizer probably about once a week.
Awesome. Thanks so much. So I'd be set to if I get a kit like this?
Amazon has this brush, this razor, and this soap on package deal.
This toner
and this alum block
Does that look like a good start, and am I missing anything?
MARIO BADESCU! Seriously. They have a consultant service and they can recommend products via email. They have a buffering lotion that is for spot treatment of cystic pimples. For other kinds of pimples, they have the drying lotion. Honestly, I think washing your face with some gentle cleansers and moisturizing! Which sounds ridiculous. Olive oil or jojoba oil at night. The more you moisturize your skin, the less your skin will need to produce it. As for your pores, I think using a toner like alcohol free witch hazel amazon it and doing bi weekly acid peels amazon again will help clear up and reduce the appearance of your pores. Just start researching products. Try a regimen and stick with it for a while.
Get some witch hazel, preferably any of the Thayer's alcohol-free varieties. I like both Lavender and Rose Petal. It will really help with the irritation. Also a good alum block like Bloc Osma will help.
My post-shave technique is rinse with warm water, rub alum block over shaved areas, let dry a minute while I tidy up, rinse with cool water, splash a small amount of witch hazel in palm, rub over face, let dry, then apply aftershave balm/splash of choice.
I'd suspect the toner first since it has denatured alcohol in it - especially if you're using it twice a day. You might be drying out your skin pretty badly with that toner, causing the opposite thing you want to happen - increased oil production to compensate because you stripped your skin of all its natural oils.
Might I suggest something like Thayer's Witch Hazel Toner without Alcohol? http://www.amazon.com/Thayers-Petal-Witch-Hazel-Alcohol-Free/dp/B00016XJ4M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1396807629&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=thayers+witch+hazel
Toners are used to minimize the appearance of pores, and are usually of made from super harsh ingredients like alcohol. The witch hazel tightens the pores and smooths the skin without being harsh and drying. It is a natural toner. The rose petal ingredient moisturizes, and the aloe soothes/decreases redness. This is what I use, if you're interested in it. It is my favorite part of my routine! :) It smells great too
Going to try this stuff Thayers Alcohol-free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera ~ 12 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00016XJ4M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_7QWAybG52RFW3
An electric one? I don't quite follow. None of the safety razors are electric in nature. In terms of difficulty, the rule of thumb seems to be, shaving the first week, you should spend about 30 minutes, and as time moves on, skill improves, you can cut it down to 5-10 minutes.
This hobby costs as much as you want it to cost. It'll be a high up front cost since you need to purchase the razor, but to participate in this hobby, all you really need is 1.The safety razor 2.The blades. The safety razor can range from a few dollars if you buy a vintage razor 70+ years old and clean it up yourself, a cheap $10-15 chinese razor, or a $20-40 Edwin Jaeger, Merkur, or Parkur razor. It's recommended to buy a MULTI-BLADE pack, because every razor blade brand will work differently for each individual. It is up to you to experiment with the dozen + brands available to find which blade is best suited for you. However, given that you'll suck at shaving starting off, that's also a bit hard to tell. My only recommendation should you choose to get a multi blade pack is to USE FEATHER BLADES LAST. They're the sharpest brand. If you want to get into the whole hobby, with the brush, the soaps, the after shave, etc, It'll run somewhere around $100. If you're cheap like me, a razor + multi blade pack would run you somewhere around $50. I haven't invested in a brush + bowl + etc yet, (again I'm pretty cheap), but I buy Coconut oil in this big tub to shave with. It's much cheaper than the tiny bottles of pre-shave oil you can buy, and works well as a hair/skin moisturizer/cooking oil as well. I also use witchhazel as an aftershave, I personally use the cheaper $5 Dickinson brand, but many seem to prefer $10 Thayer.
That said, It's more about preparation/skill to get a good shave than the money you throw at the hobby. It's a hobby meant to save money overtime while being healthier for your skin and being environmentally friendly. Many however, get sucked into starting a whole collection of razors, products, and the like and spend hundreds. Whereas others try to go cheap like me, or ULTRA cheap (Some people try to get 10+ shaves out of the same 5 cent razor blade, when they should be getting somewhere around 3-6 shaves). It is up to you.
I'm a beautiful person, but I could be far more beautiful if I weren't still getting breakouts in my fraggin 30s, so I want to try this on my disobedient faceflesh.
I don't think medical advice from reddit is always the best idea, it sounds like retinization which is a common thing when people start using retinoids on skin that isn't used to harsher chemicals. Stop using retinoids on your junk and it should go away. In the meantime keep washing everything away in the shower(no soap) and moisturizing morning and evening.
Next time you shave badly I would recommend a witch hazel toner which will help with irritation.
example
I have lots of acne scars on my face, my routine:
-Desert Essence Face Wash (I use this to shave my face after taking a shower) + General cleanser, first thing I use on my face of course.
-Thayers, after cleanser.
-CeraVe Moisturizer
-Jojoba Oil Golden Organic 100% Pure
-Coppertone UltraGuard Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30, if it's sunny obviously.
Thoughts?
Witch Hazel is the ingredient: it's a natural plant extract. You can get it at the drugstore, but unscented witch hazel smells a bit funky to some, so I would recommend one of the Thayer's varieties which smells quite pleasant, and also includes aloe vera and vitamin E for extra moisturizing.
If I sound like an infomercial for W_E, it's only because of how pleased I am with DE shaving since making the switch. It's transformed a painful chore into a hobby I enjoy. And if nothing else, you can save a ton of money: the blades I use are currently selling for 11 cents apiece on Amazon and they last about a week (4-5 shaves each). I spent $11 on two years worth of blades - how much did you spend on cartridges?
I hope I can recommend multiple things?
Skincare = Cerave Moisturizer, Thayer's Witch Hazel (rose petal smells sooo good!)
Eyes= Sigma Paris Palette - Limited Edition
Lashes = Too Faced Lashgasam
Lips = Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lip Colour Lipstick - Rouge Byzantin
Bronzer = Too Faced Chocolate Soleil
Hand Cream - Ahava Dermud Intensive Hand Cream
Foot Repair - Foot Repair by Earth Therapeutics I love how this feels! It's minty and refreshing! You can find it at Target.
Thayers has a nice selection of scented witch hazels that work great post-shave, although it's on the aftershave side and not really a strong enough to compare to a cologne or EDT. I'm quite fond of the rose petal.
Hi /r/AB!
I'm a guy with almost no experience with skincare. My mother recommended me a routine with mostly non-AB products to help with my acne, but I want your guys' input on how I can improve it considering I have no idea what the stuff actually does.
AM and PM routine is the same
I have a few questions. First, I know the word toner can mean many different things. How does the one I use compare to something like the Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion?
Next, what should I add/change to my routine? It isn't quite giving the results I want and I don't know where to start. I'm thinking about trying the previously mentioned Gokujyun Lotion or a different moisturizer as the one I'm using doesn't feel hydrating enough. Thanks!
I get this kind, which smells really nice and has the added bonus of no alcohol (less harsh to skin): http://www.amazon.com/Thayer-Witch-Hazel-Vitamin-Pental/dp/B00016XJ4M/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1346375535&amp;sr=1-1
There are other kinds of scented witch hazel you can get, if by chance you don't want to smell like roses...
Awww man! I've been using one (this one to be exact) for several months now, and I haven't noticed that much of a difference in pores and only a slight difference in redness. :/
Potentially! It’s pretty similar to a facial toner. I get this stuff from Amazon: Thayers Alcohol-free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera, 12 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00016XJ4M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_6qiQAbJ6E8KGD. Also works great on the face.
I've tried benozyl peroxide, salicylic acid, oral medication, etc. but what worked for me was a gentle face cleanser like Cetaphil and a toner like Thayers. Also make sure to wash your pillow cover often.
If your acne is genetically related like mine then exercising and diet won't really make your acne any better (but still have a healthy lifestyle).
Over-washing your face will make your acne even worse because it dries out your skin which makes your body create more oil leading to more acne.
I would only recommend Accutane as a last resort because of it's many side effects.
Amazon has it :)
They have different fragrances and a fragrance-free one too.
I'm sorry for your tragic loss. I am always available through reddit if you ever need an ear to vent to. The person was doing what they loved and you have to remember that!
Straw This is the highest item on my Keto list that I added today after hearing about it. I am currently trying my hardest to lose weight and I am sickened with the taste of the well water here in the house that I do NOT drink the water. This little device though kind of a commodity looking thing it seems to be legit and lasts for over 200 gallons of water!! I don't think I could drink that in my lifetime and would probably last me one. I am hurting my kidneys and body because I do not consume water and I eat my diet foods. If not the straw I wouldn't mind bottled water sent to me. Sort my priorities.My mother just bought me a Brita filtered water bottle out of no where!Witch hazel While my face isn't to broken out, everyone around me keeps raving about how I should try witch hazel with rose water to clear up my chin and nose of blackheads. I really don't get out of the house much myself, so I thought I would kindly ask here.
-NSFW-
The last item I would enjoy and like is a NSFW one, but I don't know how you'd feel about sending something like that. If you are okay and I happen to be honored with your generosity disregard below.
-NSFW ends-
I would appreciate the following if you were unsure about NSFW items: Teeth whitening & micron pens!
EDIT: Had to edit due to an unexpected gift.
I want to add these ( 1 2 ) to my routine and I was just wondering where in my routine would be best.
AM:
PM:
Thanks!
Your welcome, for reference that S.W. Toner is pretty expensive, if you end up liking it, I recommend you purchase the separate ingredients in bulk and make it yourself, it's much much cheaper and just as effective. Here is a list of ingredients and where to buy them as well as the recipe.
S.W. Basics Toner - 4 oz: https://www.target.com/p/s-w-basics-toner-4-oz/-/A-16542536
Below is the Recipe for the S.W. Basics Toner I created using Organic ingredients: The Oils will last years, and so will the Vinegar, the only thing that will run out slightly faster but not by much is the Thayers witch hazel. These will last years, so a good investment to make IMO.
1.1/3 cup of filtered Water
2.1/3 Cup Braggs Organic Vinegar
3.1/3 Cup of Thayer's Witch Hazel
4.5 Drops of Clarysage Essential Oil
5.5 Drops of Australian Sandalwood Essential Oil
6.5 Drops of Geranium Essential Oil
7.Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, 32 Ounce- Walmart
8.Thayers Alcohol-free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera, 12 oz: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00016XJ4M/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I2ZGGYP0XIWIG0&amp;colid=2EOREM4IKN1LU
9.Miracle Botanicals Premium Bulgarian Clary Sage Essential Oil : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NYM05WO/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I1YIRXAVQ10JHG&amp;colid=2EOREM4IKN1LU&amp;th=1
10.Miracle Botanicals Premium Egyptian Geranium Essential Oil : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NYMR6XU/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=IN8D0M7C3C23I&amp;colid=2EOREM4IKN1LU&amp;th=1
Miracle Botanicals Organic Australian Sandalwood Essential Oil : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NBAV4LA/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I1MXNNG9BNT4VS&amp;colid=2EOREM4IKN1LU&amp;th=1
Hey bro, coming from someone with a similar complexion as yours.
How many months are you in? Can you avoid the sun as much as possible? Apply sunscreen day/night. Moisturize often.
I've been using [this aloe Vera toner](Thayers Alcohol-free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera, 12 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00016XJ4M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_FdoBzb31HG2G7) it's been so clutch for redness.
Don't pick, despite any urges. Drink water.
Hope this helps.
I recommend you add Thayers Witch Hazel, use this after you wash your face. It has good reviews. It cleanses and moisturizes skin. Its alcohol free and has Aloe Vera. It does have a soft rose fragrance. Even adding a benzoyl peroxide cream to put all over your face to help kill the acne causing bacteria could be beneficial. The vitamin C I would do at night I would put that on before the moisturizer and let it soak in for a bit then moisturize.
Another thing you could try are sulfur masks, it looks like you have cysts to a certain extent. Sulfur masks helped my cystic acne and blackheads whiteheads etc. If your skin isn't sensitive I'd recommend you try it. Use it once or twice a week. Acne free has a sulfur mask.
https://www.amazon.com/Thayers-Alcohol-free-Petal-Witch-Hazel/dp/B00016XJ4M
https://www.amazon.com/Acnefree-Therapeutic-Sulfur-Mask-Ounce/dp/B003K75SDY
Here's a link on Amazon for the witch hazel and sulfur mask.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Thayers%C2%AE-Petal-Witch-Alcohol-Organic/dp/B00016XJ4M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1412202797&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=thayer%27s+witch+hazel
If you'd like to see less redness and overall more even skin tone I recommend this toner. I've only been using it two days and it has already slightly reduced my redness. It's also alcohol free so it shouldn't be a problem for your dry skin. I got this toner off a recommendation from my best friend who also struggles with pretty intense redness and has been using Thayer's Witch Hazel for a few months now and has seen fantastic results at reducing redness and evening out skin tone.
If I wore makeup that day I remove it with Garnier Micellar Water. After that a quick face wash with CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser and swipe on some Thayers Witch Hazel Toner (I use the rose one). Then a small amount of CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion (at night) or Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer (SPF 15 for the day) and I'm done!
Oooo after getting engaged, I was finally motivated to "treat" myself to a skincare routine. Honestly the two biggest things have been lotion (CeraVe) and sunscreen (Watery Essence). The routine starts at "night" in my mind:
Then in the morning ...
I recently purchased:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001V9SXXU/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;smid=A2QOXDNDKR686Q
http://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Foaming-Facial-Cleanser-Ounce/dp/B003YMJJSK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1415597239&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=cerave+foaming
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00016XJ4M/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;smid=A2TEADBMFV252D
I have combination skin: A dry forehead and chin, normal cheeks, and oily nose. My cheeks are nice, smooth with no blemishes, but I noticed that my forehead was becoming insanely dry, and was starting to look "aged". The texture was very bad, rough. Kinda like this, although to a lesser degree : http://www.ibt11.ch/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/skin-care-tips-for-guys.jpg . Soo, I bought all these products. I start with the foaming cleanser, then the witch hazel, and then the moisturizing cream. OMG. I have only been doing this routine for the past 5 days, and I see such an improvement. My forehead has much better tone, and is matching the rest of my skin now. It is really softening up, and all the creases have softened. I'm pretty amazed and happy :)
I know it's not a Lush product but this is great. They also have it at Target.
Thayers Alcohol-free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera, 12 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00016XJ4M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_SI-gzbA3HT6B3
I use this brand. It works great for me and sensitive skin, there are several scents that all smell great, and its vegan. They usually have it at Target too for about the same price.
Also works good on my legs and underarms to keep then smooth, cool the burn, and help prevent bumps.
I'm not too sure about that, you'd need to search that up cause I use premade products (Thayer Rose Water Witch Hazel)
Well everything is all up to how you feel about your skin. If everything is working for you, stick to your guns, if you notice sebum and break outs get a BHA, if you notice hyper pigmentation pick up an AHA.
You should do some more searching through the sub and studying your skin in the mirror before making any purchases.
Hi there. So I would start really simple - cleanser, toner, moisturizer in the AM and PM. I can recommend you some products since I also have oily acne-prone skin, but the unfortunate reality is that what works for some people doesn't work for others. You're probably going to have to experiment with it yourself. Also most of the products I use aren't available in the US (German brand).
A couple of pointers when it comes to ingredients in those products:
- avoid anything with silicones (they usually end in -cone on the ingredient list)
- avoid non-fatty alcohols (usually it just says alcohol or alcohol denat. or ethanol in the ingredient lists). They're gonna be really drying.
- fatty alcohols (like cetyl alcohol) are good though
- avoid perfum (can irritate skin - sometimes it's hard to avoid though and personally it's not high on my priority list)
- since you have some acne and oily skin I would avoid oils and comedogenic ingredients such as coconut derivatives and butters
Since you don't have a lot of experience with skincare yet, I would keep it simple at first - if your skin doesn't clear up you might want to use a product with salicylic acid or other acne-fighting ingredients at some point, but as I said I would ease into it by just using a simple routine first.
For cleanser I would recommend first only using it at night. Only use it in the morning if you feel overly greasy, you don't want to strip your skin too much. Some cleanser recommendations from the wiki (any of these should work fine for your skin):
Some toner recommendations (apply with a cotton pad after cleansing):
Moisturizer recommendations (important! Do not skip even if you have oily skin!) - I would try to avoid creams since those are more suitable for normal or dry skin):
You might also want to incorporate sunscreen at some point (apply after moisturizer or instead of moisturizer in the morning), but honestly I haven't found one that I'm 100% happy with yet, it can be tough when you have oily and acne-prone skin. This one from the wiki seems good though: CeraVe Ultra Light Moisturizer + SPF 30
Hope this helps to start. The wiki and just lurking here can teach you a whole bunch. Just remember your skin type and what your skin problems are when looking for new products.
Yeah I think that's the same one I have, I use this one I got on Amazon.
I know, I felt so betrayed when I realized it was the cause of my recent skin troubles. I had big dreams for that sunblock ; n ;
At night I use Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream as a moisturizer, and although it does the trick, it's a bit heavy for me so it doesn't completely sink in. When I wake up, I wash my hands thoroughly and splash my face with water a few times. The first couple of splashes I really feel the residue of the moisturizer on my face, but it rinses off pretty well with another go or two. My face still feels moisturized after this step, which it never did after morning cleansing with any product. I'm new to the world of vitamin C, so when I remember to do so, I squeeze a pump or two on my face while it's still wet from washing and let it dry. Then I go over my face with witch hazel on a cotton round. It may not be an AB product, but anything I may have missed with my hands gets picked up on the pad, plus the witch hazel helps calm any inflammation around my breakouts, so I'd say it's helped me! Just make sure you choose an alcohol-free brand like Thayers.
Do you have a local co-op/whole foods grocery? If so, try checking there. Also, is this the listing you saw on Amazon? The VitaminShoppe has it for sale for $8.26 + $0.99 shipping. Pretty much what I spend on it at my local co-op.
• Fresh Rose Floral Toner
• Fresh Sugar Lychee Rollerball
• First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
I'm going to return the toner for this and the rollerball because the scent doesn't last at all, but it smells SO good.
Cleanser: http://m.sephora.com/checks-balances-frothy-face-wash-P297516?skuId=1375682
Exfoliant: http://m.sephora.com/exfoliating-scrub-P122718?skuId=579490
Serum: http://www.amazon.com/AVALON-ORGANICS-CoQ10-Wrinkle-Defense/dp/B00005LBRX
Toner: http://www.amazon.com/Thayer-Witch-Toner-Rose-Alc-Fr-liquid/dp/B00016XJ4M
Mask (to use with true ACV): http://www.amazon.com/Aztec-Secret-Indian-Healing-Cleansing/dp/B0014P8L9W
Hope this helps!
After years and year and years of struggling with my skin, I have FINALLY found the perfect routine for me.
In the morning:
At night:
I also try to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Yep! I'm not sure if it's an essence or more of just the smell though (because we all know how horrible the best things for your skin smell). I personally like the lemon one.
I usually like mixing it a little with honey and using it as a mask. I find that the more natural the product, the better the results.
I've gotten bottles from Walgreens & Target before. I've been using it a LONG time, even before seeing this subreddit. I know you can also order it on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Thayers-Alcohol-free-Petal-Witch-Hazel/dp/B00016XJ4M
edit* but i would think any alcohol-free, glycerin toner would serve the same function
I use this afterwards and it seems to help quite a bit.
You can shave in the AM or PM, I do either depending on when I want to do it. Every couple to few days I shave.
If you have product on your face, rinse it off before shaving. Ideally you'd cleanse first, but you can get away with rinsing your face with your hands and water.
After that, put on your shaving cream and let it stay on for a minute or two to soften your beard.
Then shave with the grain or cross grain. You probably know best how to do it by now, but usually if you shave against the grain, the hair will be cut to below the skin and will cause ingrown hairs, bumps, or acne when it grows back up and out.
Then rinse everything off with cold water to close your pores and shaven areas.
Now you use your cleanser and continue with your routine. I'd suggest not putting exfoliants after shaving since it may irritate your freshly shaven skin, but you should apply moisturizer to shaven areas too.
If you happen to have problems with ingrown hairs, razor burn, etc. from shaving, apply witch hazel on shaven areas immediately after shaving. Seriously, it really does keep razor burn, redness, irritation, everything like that from happening.
E: forgot you included showering. I would put showering at the very beginning before your routine. I also would cleanse in the shower, which I do. On days I shave, I shave right before showering, some shave in the shower, it's up to you. But definitely shower before anything when organizing your routine, and again, you can cleanse in the shower to make life easier, just keep it as the last thing when showering.
Maybe you could use some Thayers Witch Hazel to mix with, but I'm not sure how that would work or if it would clump up or if it's the best course of action. I can say though, that I would be much more gentler than using ACV.
This one from Thayer’s is really great! It does have witch hazel, but the formula is mild enough that it still works really well for me.
Try this one
I would recommend the following:
Avoid skin-clogging makeup as much as possible (bronzer, concealer, primer, etc.). I don't use any of this - no BB creams, no CC creams, no foundation, nothing. Keep the skin unclogged, is the goal. Use something that has salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to wash your face, 1-2 times a day (morning and night) because that will actually kill the acne-causing bacteria. Then use non-comedogenic face moisturizer - I like Clinique's Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief and use either Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF50+ or Banana Boat Kids spf 50 (it's a physical sunscreen not got a lot of oily sunblock ingredients). You have to moisturize and gotta make sure you protect your skin from wrinkles and cancer!
After showering, I put Thayer's Witch Hazel (the rose petal kind but I don't think it matters which "flavor" you choose) on. Just a thin layer applied with a cotton ball. It's essentially another cleaner. Then I wait for it to dry and add the same Clinique moisturizer and then, to get rid of pigmentation, you will need a cream with retinol to stimulate growth of new and fresher skin cells. I recommend using it at night, before you apply the moisturizer so it will penetrate the skin. I use Alpha SkinCare Deep Wrinkle Repair from Ulta.
Be gentle with your skin - don't wash it too hard and pat it dry and use warm water, not too cold or hot. Once a week, make a gelatin pore cleaning mask (recipe here but there's a billion out there you can use) and use a clay mask as well to drain your pores of oil after you've yanked any gross globs out.
This is going to take time, of course. And make sure that your pillows you sleep on are clean (wash pillowcase once a week) and that you don't let your hair brush against your face (oils can get on your skin and clog it).
I've done this for 12 years and that's how I've kept my skin essentially completely blemish free (occasional pimples, small, once every few months?)
The goal is to keep skin clean and moisturize it just enough. It's not very complex, to be honest. I don't ever listen to anecdotal crap about why some products work better than others. I look at the ingredients list and then read studies to see why it might work. Sure, if you're just looking for moisturizing, fine, rely on anecdotal stuff and weak evidence, but for things where you really want to see results like less wrinkles or fewer pimples, ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and retinol are very important.
*ETA: when applying ANYTHING to your face, make sure you wash your hands first!!! No point to use these wonderful products if the tool applying them is dirty. And then it gets the product as well as your face dirty. Clean hands, clean towels to dry your hands and face! Wash the towels a minimum of once a week. Don't have to use a lot of soap to launder the towels - bc that can be irritating - but needs to be clean.