I have a dry skin. I am lucky in that I don’t ever get breakouts unless I skimp on water. I have never, ever had a pimple face and I could always get away with not doing the 3 steps every night though I do moisturise every single day.
Lately, my skin has been crap. I’m sorry but there really isn’t a better word to describe it. It is itchy. It is dry. And flaky. And sore. And overly sensitive. Did I mention that it is itchy?
I know that it could very well be the winter weather, though I was wondering whether it could possibly be hormonal.
And I am not sure if I imagined myself but I am pretty sure I may have seen a wrinkle. Of course this does NOT make me happy so Botox is definitely happening in my future.
It seems like it doesn’t matter what I use for my skin. There is nothing that seems to REALLY be doing the trick.
I am currently using my Toddlers E45 cream (I use it to treat his eczema) all over my body (and on my face) as it helps with the itchy skin that I’ve been having.
Before that I was using house of Gallia products. Before that I was using Nivea products. Before that I was using Oil of Olay. Before that I was using Ponds. Before that I was using…mmm…I don’t remember.
Of course if I money was not an issue in my life then I would totally have bought Crème de la Mer.
As an aside, I got my very first credit card about 11 years ago. My very first purchase? A jar of La Mer. I LOVED it. Made my skin beautiful and gorgeous and soft and radiant and and and…
Everyone was horrified that I spent something like R900 on moisturiser at the time. My boss at the time understood it perfectly. She really got it. And she reminded me that I work damn hard so I totally deserved it.
I wish I could afford it at this point in my life. Then again, I am a different person now to the one I was then, so even if money was not a factor I probably wouldn’t buy it. It would feel like such a waste of money.
Anyway. I have no issues doing 3 steps every night if I need to. But I am very overwhelmed by all the products out there. Everyone wants me to use THEIR product.
I am wondering if I should be using an under eye crème at this stage.
I am wondering if I need to start using an anti-ageing cream.
I am wondering if I should do a cleansing mask once in a while.
I even wondered if I should try a chemical peel.
I used to do a DIY mask treatment but then one day I noticed that my mask treatment was running out. I even scolded my Tween boy who (at the time) vehemently denied that it was him. A few days later my DH called me into the bathroom. He was in the bath and I had to help him peel off MY mask treatment. No wonder his skin was looking so lovely.
I have been for a facial once before. The next day I woke up with pimples so I never, ever had one again. Eish. Imagine wasting your money like that?
So. This is what I need to know.
Are you happy with the condition of your skin? Is anyone ever happy with their skin condition?
Which product range are you using?
Are you happy with your product?
Would you recommend it?
Which “extra” products are you using (besides cleanser, toner and moisturiser)?
Are you disciplined with taking care of your skin?
Does your skin behave most of the time or are you prone to breakouts?
Please help.xxx
Ps…I am prepared to pay good money for a decent product – it is after all an investment into my looks and might save me money on Botox and things later in life. But obviously not La Mer kind of money. Only in my dreams. For now.
Pps…I know that this is meant to be a serious, grown up post but I just HAVE to share that I WON a phone over here today! What an awesome way to start Monday morning! Aren’t I just such a lucky girl???
Oh dear, I’m in big trouble. I don’t do a darn thing I should.
I wash my face with Ponds cleanser, and once a week with an exfoliator. They each cost less than R30.
I use Olay complete care (with an SPF and a moisturiser – around R100 at Clicks and lasts about 6 months) in the morning and in the evening I don’t do anything – shoot me now!
But if I shower at night, I will put a Clinique night cream on (and that’s just because I got it for free).
So vanity’s your thing? I love it!
I will obviously not be botoxing anything because of my intense hatred of needles (maybe the knitting in primary school started it?).
honestly my skin was the best ever when I was pregnant – I had the glow, fortunately – and it’s still in a much better shape now than it ever was before, even though I’m tons older.
Your comment made me laugh out loud. I guess vanity is my thing. Unfortunately I can’t really afford at this stage to suffer for beauty. You are currently doing more than me because there is currently not a single product working for me – I do know that my Creme de la Mer would have been the bomb right about now. Only thing I can use at the moment is Joel’s E45. My skin was BEAUTIFUL both pregnancies. And when I drink lots of water (which is difficult in the winter) then it also looks good. I’m thinking that the aircon/heater office environment is wreaking havoc with my skin. I’ve heard that Jhb air dries out the skin even more. Is that true?
Yip, dry skin is terrible!
I suck at a skin routine. I really and truly suck at it! I wipe my face every night in the bath with the wet wash cloth and whatever soap is currently still on it. Now and then I might scrub it with an exfoliator, and think right! I Am going to look after my face better! But that usually only lasts that one night.
I’ll put some cream on my face, if and when I remember, and then also if there is any cream nearby…
I might just probably regret this one day, but for now, it’s as the rest of the things I’m s’posed to be doing: I can’t actually be bothered :/
LOL…I think that most if not all Mommies are guilty of this. The only reason why I TRY to maintain some sort of routine (and even now this is not going well) is because I want to look younger than I am. For example, when I am 54 then I want to look 32. Can you imagine that???
You know what? If it works for you then by all means, go with it. The only thing that I would recommend is that you at least use a sunscreen.
And btw…don’t you sell TBT? Please try that face routine (you should try all the products – it will make you a better sales lady) and let me know what it’s like?
Ok, so as a qualified beauty therapist, with 7 years work experience in the industry which included indepth training and almost ALL the large cosmetic ranges and working for an extended period for Clarins… here is my rather shocking opinion…….
It doesn’t matter if you use a R900 cream of a R50 cream, what matters is that you look after your skin and not what you spend on it.
I used Clarins, Jeanne Gattinue and RVB for many many years and my skin is just as good today, if not better after years of using Nivea and Body Shop products.
I few years ago I took a moral decision to not use any cosmetics (hair, body, bath, face) products that are tested on animals. While vanity may be my thing, cruelty is most definitely not and I could not justify the cruelty that went hand in hand with so many of the lotions and potions that are available on the market.
I’ve been using the Body Shop products for about 2 years now and I love them, if I can’t get to a Body Shop, then I use Nivea (also cruelty free). I use the Anti Aging range from Body Shop which is wonderful, they also have a Vit E range which is perfect for a dry skin, you should give it a try. Really wonderful but was too oily for my naturally oily skin. Their products are well priced, between R100 – R150 and if you have a loyalty card, there are all kinds of extra goodies to go with.
From your mid 30′s, you should be cleansing and toning twice a day and using a day and night cream. In addition, you should also be using an eye cream and exfoliating and masking once a week.
I’m not sure vanity is my thing but I don’t believe there is an excuse for not caring for oneself, so perhaps that does make me vain?
Sharon, you are a star. Thank you so much for this comment! I have been thinking about the Body Shop(my friend swears by them) and there happens to be one very close to where I live! And I am soooo glad that I don’t have to spend megabucks on this. I did like the Nivea range when I was using it so maybe I’ll even go back to that. I can’t believe that there are STILL products on the shelves that have been tested on animals? Goodness me, that just sounds sooooo backward! Tell me, are there specific ingredients that I need to look for in the products?
I have been using Annique products for close on 10 years and am happy with them. Their prices are good and they have specials every month. I have a very sensitive skin – to the extend that Clinique gave me a rash. Afriend then suggested Annique becuase it is really hypo allergic. (and full of Rooibos that I love). I also have a very dry skin – I use their Hydra 3 moisturizer for the day – it is vrilliant and the Creme de Nuit for the night. I also use some of their anti aging stuff. I would really recommend them – buy the stuff nit by bit. First month, th emoisturizer, and then one item a month. Look out for specials like buy the wash and get the toner for free etc.
See now, THIS is why Iove reading blogs! When things that are happening to me (except winning a phone!) is happening to other people too!!
My skin is drrryyyy! And it makes me look old if it is not nourished. 2 weeks ago, I was ecstatic to learn that my beautician has started gentle cream peels! Yay! A prerequisite is that I have to use the product (Env.iron) for a period of 14 weeks first. Well, I have and I noticed a difference to my skin within TWO days! Before that, I was using L’Oreal’s Dermagenesis range – which I loved too, I just was not pedantic enough to use it twice a day.
I HATE cream cleansers and I use the ponds foaming facial wash for sensitive skins and I use a L’Oreal toner. Once these are finished, I will gradually move up to the full range of En.viron products. I have been using an eye cream for years.
Like you, I’ve had the HONOUR of using Creme de la Mer – a friend worked as assistant to beauty editor at Fair .Lady mag, so she always brought us goodies. She knew how desperately I wanted to try it, so she got me a tub. It was the best thing I have EVER put on my face! EEEver!! It is so not overrated and I dearly wish that I could afford it – because we both know that it really only does last 1 month, whereas my other creams last for almost 2.
I love (and agree with what) Sharon has to say – now I’m just left wondering whether En.viron is cruelty free?!?
oopsy – I meant 14 DAYS not 14 WEEKS!!!
AAAAND I will will will be looking into botox!!!! Travs cousin is a plastic surgeon so I am hoping for a “family deal”
*cheeky*
Oh my goodness…finally someone who gets my obsession with La Mer! One day, my friend. We are so going to have to buy shares in that place. Am going to find out about gentle cream peels. Not sure if environ is animal-friendly but the very clever and oh so lovely Sharon just mailed me this link where you can check that type of thing:
http://www.vegansa.com/
I used Clinique forever – since I was 18. but last year I just couldn’t justify the prices anymore, so I took to using the Rooibos range which is available at our local pharmacy. It seems fine, but not wow. When I saw my beautician last week she said that i should be using a product that caters for my type of skin, ie combination. Rooibos doesn’t have these options. So i’m now going to finish my tubes and then go to Environ as it is especially for our climate. MY SIL uses it and swears by it.
And as a trained beautician myself, i echo sharon’s comment. It is about using the products regularly and the 3 step every day. No excuses. And lots of water. And as we get older you do need to start using eye cream and a day and night cream. And also exfoliate at least once a week.
And i’m not too fussed about wrinkles to be honest. Part of growing old gracefully maybe (not that you aren’t!)
My skin is hellishly dry in winter and both DH and I use the Dove Body Cream – have you tried that? It seems to help for us.
My skin is very dry…and my wallet is almost as dry.(smile). I use Garnier pump action facial wash. I have to have pump action otherwise I wont use it….and I use Justine Tissue Oil as a moisturiser…
Good luck
I have recently switched from LOreal to Regime A. I only use their daycream, nightcream and cleanser and I can honestly say I will never go back. Its about a R900 outlay for all three products but they last up to 2-3 months so totally worth it. I stick to basics, but wouldnt say no to a little Restylane in a few years…..
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My mom told me from when I was a little girl that I should cleanse, tone and moisturise every day, but I never did. I wish I had but its too late now. I don’t battle with pimples, like you that was never a real issue for me, and I use sunblock all the time, but I have a lot of wrinkles!
I almost always sleep on my side or my stomach, which will squish your face every time, and I spend a lot of time squinting in the sun thanks to extremely light-sensitive blue eyes!
I am 50 and have a sensitive skin. I have probably been blessed with good genes….and I stay out of the sun. I used Placecol the Platinum range for the older skin for years and then in March this year I developed an allergy and started getting dry crusty patched beneath my eyes. I then switched to Lancome…that costs the earth. I was however fortunate that Dischem decided to discontinue their Lancome products at 40% reduction. I bought enough stock to last me at least a year. I would never consider botox….I love the fact that my face has character and movement…a friend went for botox and the stiffness of her skin was scary!!!! I started using eye cream when I turned 40 and I use the anti-aging range of Lancome at the moment. I love how it makes me face feel…it glows;-)
xx
Oooh, I remember way back when I didn’t blink to spend R1200 on a moisturiser. Now I could almost buy our groceries for a month with that! If I had time I would totally spend some of it on looking after my skin, but I really just don’t. All I manage to do is to slap some whatever looks like creme or moisturiser on it straight after bath time…sometimes it’s Galia (got it as a gift), sometimes it’s body butter (stands in close proximity to where I hang the towel), sometimes it’s Nicola’s baby aquaeous creme (because I had to much on my hands while I was greasing her up after a bath). I think I get away with it because I don’t have time to wear make-up either, and I have strong skin to begin with. Hopefully at some point things will settle into a routine where I have 5 minutes to myself now and then to moisturise my face…but I doubt I’ll ever use such expensive cream again even when it happens.
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