A clean face

[Jani]

So one of the foundations of having good skin on your face is using a good product to clean it, and always washing your face before bed.  This doesn't mean the bar of soap you use in the shower!   I've always tried to take care of my face as it's the only one I have but over the last few years I've gotten much more serious.  The obvious reason is I want to look my best but also that as we age our skin becomes drier and prone to wrinkles.  I have vowed not to go quietly into the night, and to do what I can within reason to keep my skin looking young for as long as I can.  

 

I've been reading Real Simple magazine for some time now and one feature I like is "What we love."  There is always a page where they do quick takes on about seven make up or skin care products.  I've found some great suggestions.  What I like about it is that it's not all high priced stuff things (that they got free samples of) but its often items that are available at your local drugstore.    

 

When I started getting serious I had read about Cetaphil Daily Cleanser so I tried it and really liked it.  Being curious I later tried a CeraVe product.  I kept one in the shower and the other at the wash basin.  Bottom line for me was I didn't see a big difference in the products as they both worked well.  Other inexpensive brands are Eucerine, Aveeno, Neutrogena, St. Ives, as well as other well know names.  One point to note is to get the correct formula for your skin.  If your skin is dry don't get one for oily skin as it will dry it out more.  

 

My skin is dry, even more so in the winter when the humidity is very low up here in the Northern regions of the US.  Recently when I ran out of Cetaphil I bought a product I used years ago that I liked, Noxema Classic Clean Moisturizing Cleansing Cream.  Yes its a "cold cream" type product rather than a liquid.  It feels good on my face and does a good cleansing job.   There are versions of Noxema for different skin types also.  I think I will stick with this for a while as I love how it leaves my skin and I don't need additional moisturizer afterwards.  

 

My point is you can find a lot of great products for reasonable prices at your local drug store, department store, grocery store, etc.  The best part is they are generally inexpensive enough to try without fear of spending a lot of money.  If you like it; great!  If you're curious like me, try another when you run out.  You may find something better or you may go back to the first one.  Whatever you do, take care of your skin!

 

Lastly, for makeup removal I use baby oil and a handful of cotton puffs.  It works well, is gentle and doesn't burn the eyes.   I have Neutrogena toner which I like, but I find Witch Hazel works just as well.  You can use it to remove make up too.

 

I have found over the years that you don't have to spend a lot to get a quality product.  This is true in many product groups.  Just because its' inexpensive doesn't mean it's not good.  A lot of the "value" brands use the same ingredients as the expensive skincare products.  Don't be afraid to try things and experiment a little.  Above all, take care of your skin! 

 

Cheers,

Jani      

[tracy_j]

Thank you Jani. Good advice from your experiences.

 

Mine are very similar, in that over the years I have tried many products, and got down to some basics which work well. For eye makeup I generally use specific 'gentle' eye makeup remover with cotton puffs. For my face I only really use a gentle face cleaner once a day, rinsing with plain water at other times.  I never use ordinary soap especially on my face. It is too strong. Although I seldom bathe, I wash all over twice a day. In the morning, just with plain water and in the evening using a tea tree / with hazel foam wash (described as a face cleaner). They are not cheap cheap, but not expensive either, but I tend to buy in bulk when sold in multibuy offers.

 

The same is true with moisturizers. I use daily, all over, and use a large tub which can be bought from Superdrug here, and often on offer. They do different formulations. For face cream I use night and day. I generally see what is the best offer at the time of buying, although most day creams are only SPF 15, so I do look out for SPF 30 particularly in the summer months.

 

I use hand cream, whenever I go out, and just before bed. I also use it if I have had to wash my hands to remove garden grime or oil if working on the car.

 

One thing I do forget a little about using is lip balm. Particularly in the winter, my lips dry out and skin peels. That is why I always use lipstick when out and at least brush moisturizer over when doing my face. It has helped because my lips do not crack anymore like they used to (although it is not generally as cold in the winter here as it used to be either). It is just as important in the summer as well because of the sun.

 

Tracy

[Timber Wolf]

For my skin care, when I shower, I use a moisturizing liquid soap from Dove. I use a moisturizing face wash from dove as well. I also moisturise every day, including my face. It must work, I regularly get under aged by 10 to 15 years! I frequently moisturise my hands to keep them soft and smooth.

 

It's a daily regimen, but it keeps me nice and soft. Moisturizing is very important!

 

Lots of love,

Timber Wolf?

[Gwen]

Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions. I have well water where I live and it's not kind to my skin or hair. Especially my hair - it turns it to straw. The face cleansing suggestions are most appreciated. I've become obsessed with my face, and in my former life would go days without even washing it - it just didn't matter. I've made a note of several of the products here and will do some shopping soon.

 

Hugs

Gwen

[Jani]

Gwen I have well water also and my hair has taken on a straw like feel to it.  But I have several water conditioners that neutralize the bad and bring the pH to a good level.   I have only recently noticed this.   I thought the change from T to E might have had some effect but a cis friend in Maine has the same condition.  Looking back I think this really started for me when I began coloring my hair.  My friend colors hers too.  Using an argon oil (aka Moroccan) may alleviate some of this.  It readily absorbs into the hair shafts so there is no greasy look or feel.  My friend gave me a sample of a coconut oil she's been using and I like it.  It also gives my hair some body that it now lacks as the strands have gotten thinner.  

 

I've been using a goat milk soap produced at a local farm for many years as a body wash and I love it.  I see that going from T to E does dry our skin out (plus aging too) so moisturizing is important.  I think once you get into a facial regimen you'll be impressed with the results. 

   

Jani 

  

[Gwen]

20 hours ago, Jani423 said:

I think once you get into a facial regimen you'll be impressed with the results.

I really appreciate this simple statement, Jani. I haven't been taking care of my feminine self for years, only months, and feel a sense of urgency, and the need to get it right. I've started washing my hair every day and love it, especially since it's getting curly after letting it grow out. I sure hope I get to keep the curls when I begin meds. Unfortunately I have a small income and don't a lot of extra money to spend on products, so the above suggestions will steer me in the right direction.

 

A new question: what about caring for nails? I stopped polishing my nails because it seems the polish and remover really dries out my nails. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Thanks!

Gwen

[Jani]

I don't keep polish on my nails for weeks on end.  My spouse wears acrylics all the time and when one falls off you can clearly see her nail is thin and weak.  So I will paint my nails for a couple weeks then go without for a while.   I don't recall any negative effects on my nails from being on E and Spiro and now just E,  if you take any steroids they may affect them.  I recently started to take a low dose of Biotin that seems to have helped with splitting.   When I mentioned it, my mother said she takes it too.  its claimed to help nails and hair.  

 

This time of year in the northern climates is hard on our bodies, between the cold temps and the dry air.  We need to do all we can to protect ourselves.  It's good that you now see the importance of this.  Like I said, you don't have to spend a lot.  Once you cut through the hype to see what a product offers you can decide if it meets your needs.  Quite often store brands are just as good as name brands.  Many times it seems they are made in the same facilities.  I know Consumer Reports has given high scores to some. 

 

Cheers,

Jani

[TessaOKC]

1 hour ago, Gwen said:

I really appreciate this simple statement, Jani. I haven't been taking care of my feminine self for years, only months, and feel a sense of urgency, and the need to get it right. I've started washing my hair every day and love it, especially since it's getting curly after letting it grow out. I sure hope I get to keep the curls when I begin meds. Unfortunately I have a small income and don't a lot of extra money to spend on products, so the above suggestions will steer me in the right direction.

 

A new question: what about caring for nails? I stopped polishing my nails because it seems the polish and remover really dries out my nails. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Thanks!

Gwen

 

Hi Gwen,

 

I actually read that washing hair every day isn't good for your hair. Gonna give it a try and see if I notice a difference, maybe every other day. Since being on E I noticed that my nails became extremely weak. They bend back so easily now (ouch) and split easy as well. Ah, the price we pay.

 

As a man I never moisturized except for my face. Like I wanted to rub cream over a hairy body (YUK !) But now I'm a maniac with the moisturizer. The bad side effect of this is, I just don't want to get dirty any more !!! I have an HVAC business and was always cutting myself on sheet metal. Now I'm such a baby and will do anything to protect my skin. Silly right??? It's like we put so much work into taking care of ourselves so I'm much more aware these days.

 

I use clear polish on my nails most of the time and haven't noticed any adverse reactions.

 

xoxo

Tess

[TessaOKC]

I wanted to direct my response to Gwen and Jani. Sorry.

[Jani]

The thing about washing our hair regularly is that it is highly dependent upon our physical makeup and our environment.  My hairdresser, who's been cutting my hair for a long time, recently told me when we were discussing this issue that she washes her (waist length) hair everyday.  My close friend only washes her shoulder length hair every four days.  They both have beautiful hair.  I know they both have well water.   

 

My point, it depends.  Remember that on E your scalp will be less oily.  Personally I no longer wash mine every day opting for a three day cycle.  I've invested in a good shower cap that I can tuck my hair under after getting it in a high ponytail.  In the summer I wash it more frequently if I've been doing anything physical.  In the winter less so and will even skip shampoo and just use conditioner sometimes.  That's a tip my hairdresser gave me.  

 

About nails I just read about a product Essie (my favorite) has called Treat Love & Color that is breathable.  It contains collagen that is supposed to strengthen the nail which they say promotes less peeling and breaking.  I'm going to look for it as I'm just about out of my favorite color.  

 

7 hours ago, TessaOKC said:

The bad side effect of this is, I just don't want to get dirty any more !!!

I fully understand this sentiment.  Also I have fewer "shop" clothes now and I am super careful about what I'm wearing when I'm in my shop or if I open the hood of a car.   I always wear latex gloves to protect my hands. 

 

7 hours ago, TessaOKC said:

Silly right???

Ahhh, NO.

 

Jani

  

[Gwen]

I've occasionally massaged coconut oil into my nails, but as you can imagine, it's quite messy. Though it seems to work well. I've been trying to not wash my hair everyday - some days I just spritz it with water - but I've learned to enjoy the whole process of shampooing, the smells and of course the wonderful results. I hope to invest in some more natural products, though I love the smell of my current, somewhat expensive shampoo. I really seems to affect how I feel about myself.

 

Jani, I will definitely seek out the polish.

 

I sure like this discussion

 

Gwen

[Guest]

Here are some useful tips regarding the shampoo process:

 

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/tips/a19894/mistakes-washing-your-hair/

[Jani]

Thanks Kenna.  I concur with these points.  I have always used shampoo and conditioner by the same company.  I had been using Pantene products but recently started using a Garnier Whole Blends type for its reparative points.  Also something my hairdresser told me years ago when I complained about how conditioner made my hair feel, use less!  You can always add more.  

8 hours ago, Gwen said:

I've learned to enjoy the whole process of shampooing, the smells...

Yes I love the smell of a good shampoo.  Women's products are so much nicer!  

 

Jani

[tracy_j]

7 hours ago, Jani423 said:

 

Yes I love the smell of a good shampoo.  Women's products are so much nicer!  

 

Jani

 

It's interesting you should say that Jani. One of the first things I really noticed on changing was that womens products had little or no odour, or at least very much less. Male ones were too overpowering with much more fragrance.

 

Tracy

[Jani]

That's interesting!  Maybe so but I found mainstream ones to be bland.  I recall when my hairdresser used a guys shampoo that had a strong musk smell to it.   Yuk, I told her and she never used it on me again.  I don't care for perfume scented products as they affect my breathing but I do enjoy natural smelling scents and flavors as long as they are not overpowering.    

 

Jani

[Jani]

So here is an update.

On 1/27/2018 at 9:04 PM, Jani423 said:

About nails I just read about a product Essie (my favorite) has called Treat Love & Color that is breathable.  It contains collagen that is supposed to strengthen the nail which they say promotes less peeling and breaking.

So I was finally able to find this product.  It is packaged in the same style bottles that other Essie polish come in but its in a clear plastic box.  The color selection is limited compared to their regular line but I found something that is similar to what I like.  I just applied it and so far so good.  The applicator brush is flat not round.  It went on very smoothly and it flowed nicely across the nail leaving a nice smooth finish.  I only needed one coat to get good coverage.  Thats a bonus for me!  I'll check back in later after its been on a while.

 

Cheers, Jani

[TessaOKC]

Jani,

 

Just re-read your original post and apparently missed the witch hazel trick the first time. I'm looking forward to giving that a try. I'll never forget the first make-up removal cream I tried. It was in a commercially huge jar. I scooped it out and started rubbing it in and I could smell the petroleum product in it, then my eyes started burning !!! It worked but my poor eyes paid the price!!!

 

Thanks again for starting this post. Lots of great responses with really useful information!!!

[Jani]

Actually the Noxema cleanser works well to remove makeup too.  I rarely wear mascara so I can't vouch for that.  I use Baby Oil when I do since it is gentle. 

 

Jani   

[Lizzie McTrucker]

Great topic! Clean skin is a wonderful thing to have, especially if you're wearing makeup on a regular basis. 

Of course, I have a few suggestions of my own.

 

I have tried a variety of makeup removers from drug stores of places like Walmart. While I've given a few makeup remover wipes a try, I always seem to go back to the generic Walmart ones. They're relatively inexpensive and do a decent job if you're in a pinch or in a hurry, although how well they work on long-lasting or waterproof eye makeup is still up for debate.

 

That being said, another product I really enjoy, which can be used for makeup remover or a general face cleanser is Pond's Cucumber Cleanser. It's kind of like Noxeema/cold cream but with a more pleasant smell. Slather it on, then take a wet wash cloth to wipe off.

 

Another product I just tried out that I'm really in love with, which can also be used as a general cleanser but it's great for removing makeup, AND long-wear and waterproof make up is Micellar Water. I use these with Q-Tips Beauty Rounds, which I find work way way better than cotton ba.lls (trying to avoid the word filter changing that to 'testicles')

 

And then for a general face wash, I'm enjoying Clean & Clear Night Relaxing deep cleaning face wash. They have a day time one with an orangey scent but I kind of like this night time with the lavender scent. 

 

...and of course, once your face is clean and dried off, don't forget to put on a little bit of moisturizer, dearies! 

[Jani]

Hey Lizzie!  How have you been?  We have heard from you for some time.  

 

Thanks for the tips.  Yes I have read about Pond's and heard it's good.  About Micellar Water, I'm glad you brought it up because I don't know anyone that's tried it and have wondered how effective it really is.  The name, ...Water, doesn't sound like an effective product.  Now I know!   Q-Tips Rounds are great too.  

 

I still remember your recommendation for makeup brushes which was a partial genesis for this post since we need to share any information that we have.  A great tip!

 

So here's another tip.  I had a coupon for L'Oreal Age Perfect Day Cream, the one with the rosy color.  After reading up on it I thought this might just be the ticket to keeping the wrinkles at bay and to further soften my skin.  This is not a cheap product (>$20.) so while I was shopping at Walmart I saw they had a similar product under their Equate beauty line called Age Control, Day Cream for Mature Skin.  It says it compares to the L'Oreal product.  Now I cringe at the thought of using a product for "mature skin" but I guess I have to be honest given my numerical age.  I always compare ingredients in generic type products and this one compared favorably, except for the rosy glow.  At around $12 I figured I would take a chance.  I've used this for three weeks now and I really like it.  Its not greasy feeling and it absorbs well.  My skin is looking nicer too, especially around my eyes.  

 

Cheers,

Jani      

[Lizzie McTrucker]

Wonderful, Jani! I'm glad that worked out well for you. 

 

Micellar Water looks very much like water and has a consistency like water. Left alone, it will actually separate into it's two main components so you have to give it a good shake (with the cap on) before soaking a cotton pad with it.

 

Also, for anyone reading and curious, there are a lot of different face masks out there on the market. People will try to tell you that you should use one 4 times a week. That's a lot of face masks!! If you keep your face clean and use a moisturizer that doesn't clog your pores (it shouldn't! if it does you need a different one), you really don't need to use a face mask except once in a while or if you have some sudden problem areas like redness or breakouts. 

 

A decent moisturizer, and a decent face cleanser, and a decent makeup remover will all help to keep your skin looking nice, clear, and soft.   (and a good laser/electrolysis tech who doesn't murder your skin, but that's another thread)