So which products are really worth the money?
What are the ingredients it’s worth paying for, especially as we get older?
I used Clinique for many years. A dermatologist suggested Cerave, which is inexpensive, so I used that for about a year. I also tried retin a, but after using an entire tube, I had an allergic reaction to it, twice. I’ve recently started using Caudalie, which is quite expensive. My mother has terrible wrinkles, and I’m willing to pay a fair amount for products if they will really help me.
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also tried retin a, but after using an entire tube, I had an allergic reaction to it, twice.
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did you wear it while outside?
I have used the La Roche Posay sun screen products for decades- they were using the latest , most effective suncreen ingredients years before the FDA finally approved the use of them by US brands. Wont go outside with out applying then to all exposed skin.
I LOVE La Mer- again, starting using the original cream years ago, especially on burned or irritated skin. It has seaweed and is very healing.
I have a client in the face care business so they clued me in on what products were truly well made. Consequently, I use RoC, Caudalie, and Refissa (prescription Retin-A). I was blessed with good skin genetically but I am also good about wearing sunscreen and staying out of the sun.
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wearing sunscreen and staying out of the sun.
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this ^^ is so important…as well as wearing a sun hat.
@mom2collegekids, Yes, I wore the retin-A outside, but it was winter when I had the problems, so I wasn’t upside much. Why?
I’ve tried zillions of super expensive products but none has worked with my super sensitive skin. Retin A was a disaster.
My skin looks best when I use basic Cetaphil cleanser with my Clarisonic with the gentle brush and then an oil-free moisturizer for sensitive skin. Cheap drugstore brand. I do use Roc sunscreen religiously on my very pale skin.
I’ve thrown away thousands of dollars worth of dermatologist-endorsed eye serums and other fancy products, many of which gave rise to giant welts in the shape of my fingers on my face. 
I also have very sensitive eyes prone to infection and irritation so the welts were usually accompanied by red, swollen, rheumy eyes even when I was very careful to keep the product far from my eyes.
My drugstore regimen is much cheaper with no irritation.
I am sort of tempted by the array of laser treatments available, though.
I use uber expensive Chanel face cream. I have no idea why. It simply smells nice and leaves my skin feeling luxurious and moist all day. A $300 tub from Costco lasts many months.
After doing some retinoid research, I would rather turn into a Sphinx cat than try Retin A (tretinoin/ATRA).
What works better than expensive face creams is simply staying out of the sun.
I use Shiseido products for eye, day and night creams. I also use Korean face masks often (they are $1/mask). What I do often is to get a facial and facial massage. Facial massage is good for lymphatic drainage. Drink a lot of water. It is very good for your skin.
I have used Caudalie for years and agree they have very nice products. I have switched to Rodial in the past few months and love it. I have very sensitive skin.
My daughter also has very fair, sensitive skin. The Korean skin care products are excellent. If you live near an H Mart you should check them out. Especially the snail masks.
You can get some of those Korean skin care products on Amazon now. I order my masks from Amazon.
I’ve used Origins face products for about 10 years and I get compliments on my skin all the time. I also think Cetaphil makes a great product.
Not smoking and staying out of the skin = two of the best things you can do for your skin.
BB: Are you willing to elaborate on the Retin-A? Thanks.
^^ I have the same question. I’ve never heard anything negative about it.
I’d also be interested to hear about Retin-A. I finally “bit the bullet” and went to a dermatologist for a prescription and used it for the first time yesterday! The blogger called hot and flashy has some good information about how to use it without irritation and she shows the positive impact it has had on her skin over a 3-year period. I won’t link to it, but they’re easy to find if you search for it.
I have been using Retin-A for 30 years, started in my mid 20’s as an acne treatment. Here is what I’ve learned…
You need to start low and slow. Start with the lowest concentration (.025?). Make sure you wait for a few minutes after washing your face in order to let the skin dry completely. Start by using it only once every 3 days to see how your skin reacts. I only used it in the evenings. I find the cream version much kinder than the gel based.
Slowly build up the number of days per week and if you are responding well, try increasing the strength.
It’s normal to go thru a peeling, red and somewhat irritated phase. It’s your skin finding the balance between shedding the old and building the new.
If you change climates (on vacation), when the seasons change (dry winter months, humid summer time) you will have to adjust your routine.
If you find your skin too dry and irritated you can mix the Retin-A with a gentle moisturizer (I like CeraVe) and apply it this way.
If you use it to much or at too high of a concentration you can damage your skin (yes, even after 30 years). If you notice small areas (almost like large pin pricks) that are red and maybe even a bit bloody, STOP. Give your skin a rest, let it heal and then start the process over with a lower dosage.
Find a maintenance level…once every 3-4 days works for me.
What works changes over time, with hormones, with climate and with goodness knows what else.
And, above all…always wear sunscreen.
I’ve never worn powder or a ‘base coat of spackle’ of any type. I’ll use Clinique’s Super City block (tinted physical sunblock) on occasion.
In conjunction with the Retin-A I use the Cetaphile cleanser and at the moment a number of the Olay products. I avoid using any additional products with AHA or Retin-A type ingredients. About once a week I slather on coconut oil (D and I infuse our stuff with a vanilla bean…smells incredible!) before going to bed.
I’ve been using a Nivea Q10 underage product for several years and love it. However it’s only available in Europe (the US formulation is simply not the same). It contains SPF and also somehow manages to reduce dark circles.
I get my Retin-A in Mexico (about $13/tube for the .01%). Most of my other products come from Costco - so it’s a pretty cheap routine.
I had a sample of AmorePacific Future Response Age Defense Creme. It made my wrinkle between my eyebrows disappear - it was awesome. But it was also $195 for a really small amount. Instead, I use Cetaphil age-defense products, which are fine … but not AmorePacific fine … but gosh, so much less expensive. I also use a Clarisonic brush, which makes a huge difference in my skin’s smoothness.
I have recently started using a line called Mad Hippie, which is an all organic/vegan line. I have to say thus far, my face is extremely soft and well moisturized. I need a bit more time to assess wrinkles, but am extremely happy so far and it is inexpensive.
I also have used Retin A for many, many years and really like the results. I used it every other night and just about a pea sized amount. I like Origins, Rodan + Fields and Beauty Counter products, too.