Help me select some products

[Maveri9720]

Hi all. I just found this site and am extremely pleased with what I have read so far. I am in some desperate need of advice and help.

I'm 28 and really could use some advice on quality skin care products. I have combo - oily skin and have been breaking out pretty bad lately.

I have been mixing and matching things from the drugstore and supermarket, but would like to get away from that and get some quality products that will help me out and clear my skin up.

I have read as much as I can today, but there isn't a clear answer as to what I should get. It feels like every thread I read, people are recommending something different and it's frustrating to try and narrow down such a broad field. I understand there are ALOT of products out there and not one product will work for everyone, so that's why I could use some advice. I want to stop wasting my money on worthless products that don't do anything for me, except try my patience.

I'm looking for a good cleanser, exfoliator, moisturizer, toner and MU cleaner (if the cleanser can't handle it).

I saw Dermalogica here and there, but there are quite a few mixed reviews and I would rather not spend loads of money on a product that has mixed reviews. I don't mind spending money on proven, quality products that work.

Please help me!

Thanks.

 

[Kathy]

I've read/heard good things about Murad's Acne kit. The line is pretty pricey though. They do sell a starter kit that's not quite as expensive which would give you a chance to try the products. If you sign up as a member with this site they'll send emails giving you 10 or 20% discounts as well! hth

Murad Acne Complex Kit Skincare Product at SkinStore.com

 

[Maveri9720]

Thanks. I'll look into them.

Anyone else?

 

[katnahat]

I use to have acne breakouts all the time. My skin was transformed by Mineral Makeup. It is the best. You may want to look into it on the Mineral Makeup Forum. Tons of information over there to get you started with the sampling process.

I have been using the same cleansing/moisturizing products since March (except Emu Oil - used for one week) without any problems. I know that some things don't work for everyone, but maybe something in my list can help you out. I use the following products and do not breakout from them.

• L'Oreal Eye Makeup Remover
• Facial Cleanser: Aveeno Foaming Cleanser (with Salicylic Acid)
• Neutogena Visibly Firm Eye Cream (AWESOME STUFF!!!!)
• Day Moisturizer: Nivea Q10 Advanced Wrinkle Reducer (Very moisturizing, MAY be doing something for my lines, not sure yet.)
• Night Moisturizer: Emu Oil (VERY, VERY moisturizing. Suppose to be good for reducing lines and fading acne scars)
• Face Mask: Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask - Use once a week on full face (The BEST stuff EVER! Helps my oily skin. Reduces pore size temporarily. Use as a spot treatment at night for pimples. Totally sucks the oil away! Beware if you have dry spots. Moisturize well after use.)
• L'Oreal ReFinish Micro-dermabrasion Kit - Use twice a month (Helps to take off the ruff skin and reduce facial lines. Makes skin soft as silk after use.)

That is everything I use. I'm very happy with these products. My skin looks pretty good considering all the breakouts and scars from those breakouts over the years. They BEST thing is NONE of these products break me out. That, of course, is the number one thing for me.
I don't know if any of this stuff is "for you". Maybe it will help you out though.

 

[Maveri9720]

Thanks Kat. I will definitely look into your suggestions. Thanks for taking the time to post everything you use, I appreciate it.

 

[Kathy]

You might also try checking out the sticky on Acne tips at the top of the Skin Care Forum. It's long, but there is alot of good information in there.

 

[kaylin_marie]

Proactive?? I don't know what everyone else here's opinions are on it, but a lot of my friends use it and it works wonders for them. You don't have to have super bad acne to use it. Some of my girlfriends use it who only had small breakouts. I'm pretty sure the whole system comes with everything you are looking for. And always wear makeup that is skin-friendly. I wear mineral m/u as well and it keeps my skin clearer than other formulas I've tried, although I don't usually have any problems with breakouts. I do see less of the occasional zit than I did before.

 

[magosienne]

here's my list of fave products if that can help :

Cleanser : Alep soap my fave(my skin is a lot less oily than before, i buy it in an organic shop),

or Neutrogena Visibly Clear(i like the 2in1), they also sell a face scrub, but i find it may be too harsh for sensitive skins.

Face scrub : Neutrogena Clear Pore.

Face mask : green clay, sometimes mixed with white (usually sold in organic shops, and cheap too as you only need a little each time).

or Decleor (Aroma Pureté) instant purifying mask.

Face moisturizer : La Roche Posay Effaclar(mattifying moisturizer), La Roche Posay Hydraphase (this one is for dehydrated normal to combo skins and does wonders for my skin). i also used Hyséac from Bioderma, if you can find this brand, the whole range of products for oily/combo skins is pretty good, especially the toner.

Toner : just thermal water ! (Evian)

also try mineral foundation, and don't forget to wear sunscreen.

woops, forgot to mention :

tea tree oil, used as a spot treatment (of course mixed in a vegetable oil as it's harsh). you can find it at the body shop. i don't like much the smell, but it really works.

 

[monniej]

hi maveri9720 and welcome to mut. i have oily acne prone skin as well and i've used both drugstore and high end products so i'll tell you i like so far:

high end - i love dermalogica products! they have become my hg products. i use:

1. special cleansing gel cleanser

2. daily microfoliant exfoliator - this is for hyperpigmentation problems like the dark marks left by blemishes.

3. medicated clearing gel - as a night cream to combat acne breakouts

drugstore -

1. aveeno clear complexion foaming cleanser

2. stridex pads for sensitive skin

3. aveeno skin brightening moisturizer w/spf 15

the underlying theme in most of these products is salicylic acid, a bha which works great to clear up oily skin (well, at least my oily skin). i know this is a lot to take in, but hopefully it gives you a good start. please continue to post and let us know which products you choose! good luck!

 

[jewele]

I am 29 years old and my skin has been breaking out since I turned 22. Within the past year I have completely changed my skin care routine. I was using MAC, but now I get mine from the drugstore.

Nuetrogena (or store generic) makeup remover towelettes.

Cetaphil cleanser

Garnier Nutrioniste SPF 15 lotion, and without SPF for night. (this stuff is great, hasn't

broken me out at all and

my skin has become more

even toned)

If my skin is extra dry I use coconut oil (great also, please go try it. It's a $1 at rite-aid)

Queen Helene Oatmeal and Honey face scrub

Everyday Minerals Makeup( has made such a positive effect on my skin in the last year)

I have been using these products for almost a year and my skin has never been better. Which is awesome because I am also saving so much money getting drugstore stuff.

 

[AngelaGM]

I use Queen Helene Oatmeal and Honey Scrub.

 

[SierraWren]

I really like Dermalogica products a lot...Actually, over the past 5/6 years, my breakouts have nearly stopped and I now use their products for dryer skin, but here is a list of those I used when my skin was much more acne prone,as well as now.

Special cleansing gel cleanser

Active moist Moisturizer(still use)--helps stop excess oil production but also a terrific moisturizer

Skin Prep Scrub Exfoliator(still use sometimes):exfoliant great for All skin types

Gentle Cream Exfoliant--a cleanser for dryer skin

Intensive eye repair--best eye cream I've ever used

Dermal Clay Cleanser--5 years ago used this for my acne and still use for occasional breakouts; it's amazing.

I don't like their eye makeup remover much--just not worth the price, imo.

Also,I've never cared for the masques I've tried.

 

[purpleRain]

What helped me is to use not to many products. I just start washing my face with only water in the morning and I use Vichy cleanser in the evening.

For a tonic I use Lush tea tree water, great for breakouts too!

I don't use a moisturizer in the evening all the time, just let it be fo while.