Hey look — I’m a poet and I didn’t know it!
In all seriousness, I need some hardcore lady advice. I have been having THE WORST time ever finding a face wash/skin care routine that works for me as of late. Let me give you the down low (oh yes I did just use that word) on my skin.
- oily in the summer, dry in the winter
- large pores, prone to blackheads
- very sensitive to scents and acne medications (dries it out or gives me a rash)
- breaks out occasionally, more along my chin and forehead
I have gone through so many beauty products as of late, and I am bound and determined to find something that works well for my skin.
Here are some of the products I have use on my skin that have not been stellar.
Mary Kay: While I love Mary Kay (I used to sell it!), I have a problem with a few things. One, the price tag on the four step system ($90-$100) for a three month supply. Two, it doesn’t do much for my occasional break out. I do love how the daytime and nighttime serums provide anti-aging and antioxidant protection (a girl can never start too young!), but the price tag is really what gets me.
Face Naturals: I used this in the summer, and I really really liked it. It was organic, made my skin feel great, but my break outs were still occurring. The other downside was that it didn’t provide any anti-aging protection.
Juice Beauty: Yuck. I liked this for a week, and then ended up hating the fact that I spend $40 on a skin care line that didn’t make my face feel clean and still made me break out!
Origins: I bought Origins Checks and Balances as well as one of their oil free moisturizers earlier this week, and I had really high hopes! This line is supposedly made with all natural and/or organic ingredients, so I was really excited to try it out. Um, after three days of usage, my face is red, irritated, and looks like I have some serious sunburn, not to mention a lot of itching! I’m going to go ahead and assume this product is not for me.
When I was younger, I used Clinique on my face, and as far as I remember it worked pretty well. Needless to say, I am just frustrated with the fact that I cannot find a good skin care routine as I go from the “not a lady” to “a lady” stage in my life. Does that make sense?
A reader mentioned on Twitter today that Beautypedia is a good resource for finding good skin care that’s reviewed based on science. I looked it over today but there are SO many lines out there that it became overwhelming.
Here is what I am looking for:
- $40-$50 for the entire routine (that includes moisturizer, toner, etc.)
- suitable for combination and sensitive skin
- has some sort of anti-aging and/or antioxidant element
- is good for the occasional break out
I know you all LOOOOVE your skin care lines, so have at me!
Question: What skin care line do you recommend?
{ 211 comments… read them below or add one }
I sympathize- my skin was never great, but pregnancy has REALLY notched up the ick factor- breakouts everywhere!! I’ll be interested to see the comments that you get for recommendations…
The same thing happened with my sister, and it didn’t help her that she couldn’t use acne products while pregnant!
As someone who is scraping the last of a free sample of night time moisturizer I am NOT one to give you good advice.
However, I have heard good things about that Beautypedia site. 
HA! You’re too funny.
I’ve had luck with the Aveeno products, especially the ultra calming & clear complexion. When I use a scrub 3 times a week {and cleanser on the off days} things work out pretty well. {I did start using a Boots Botanicals acne spot treatment that is working marvelously!}
Unfortunately, any acne around the chin & mouth is usually hormonal and can’t be helped. Forehead acne = hats/shampoo/sweat.
I hope your face…cools down?
Ugh, I have the worst hormonal issues which is why that probably happens!
I found Arbonne products from actually my chiropractor, who recommended it for my acne/rosacea. I’ve been using it since August, and absolutely LOVE it! I struggle with sensitive skin and breakouts, and their products have all natural ingredients. They also have other products, and I use their makeup too. Their products are a tad pricey, but if you become a preferred customer, you can get a 20% discount for anything you buy. I use the Clear Advantage Clarifying set, which comes with wash, toner, moisturizer, and acne spot treatment for $64.50. The website is http://www.arbonne.com if you want to check it out.
Arbonne products ARE great!!!!
That is pretty pricey! But they sound fantastic.
I’ve heard awesome things about Arbonne too, but it IS the price that stops you in your tracks. I might just take the plunge pretty soon!
Philosophy’s purity! It’s a cleanser + toner in one! Also, wipes away all makeup (including eye makeup) without burning. http://www.philosophy.com/skincare-cleansers/purity-made-simple-product
All of their products are great.
Well I know everyone is just going to tell you what they do but I have tried EVERYTHING no joke and this is what I’ve finally settled on. I have an Rx for Retin-A cream, the lowest % because it is strong shit. I use facewash with no medication or scents- I’ve used Neutrogena foaming face wash for years. And LOTS of oil free moisturizer because my skin is dry too and the Rentin-A makes it even more dry but it’s the ONLY thing that’s ever been able to control my acne. I will say if you pick one method you kind need to stick with it for a few months. There is a huge learning curve with Retin-A, redness and dryness, but I can not live without it now. Anyway, not trying to sound like a Dr. here, just been dealing with this my whole life. I hope you find something that works for you. I’d bet you already do this, but taking fish helps the skin too. But you need LOTS.
I’m glad you found what works for you!
Cetaphil is awesome in my opinion. I use their face wash and then at night I use acne medicine all over (I think it’s the store-brand of clearasil with 10% benzoyl peroxide) followed by cetaphil moisturizer for dry skin. I don’t know exactly how much each thing costs but I’d say $20 for 6+ months.
I’ve never used cetaphil! I’ve heard mixed reviews on it, but I’m glad it works for you!
I was going to mention Cetaphil as well. I would consider my derm my best friend, since I go to her when I am in desperate need of some help - in the form of prescriptions
but seriously, Cetaphil has worked for me especially since my skin is so sensitive. Honestly, I had seriously bad hormonal acne all over my chin and jaw line and the thing that has helped is the best is green smoothies in the AM. I swear by them.
I wish I could help but I’m kind of in the same boat. I bought the Mary Kay line just about a month ago but I am finding it to be too fussy. I don’t like a lot of steps! Maybe one or two tops for this girl….. You’ll have to be a sweetheart and let us know what you think of what you try next. I’ve considered Arborrne pretty heavily, sounds like it’s a good one.
Yeah too many steps just makes me craaanky!
Clinique is my favorite for both treatment/cleansers and cosmetics for sensitive skin. They have different versions of a lot of products, so you could use the anti-oil cream in summer and the moisturizer in winter, for example. Good luck!
Totally agree!! I love everything about their skin care and make up (doesn’t gunk up your skin!).
Worked so well for me, my husband uses the mens line too!
So many people have recomended Clinique - thinking about going back!
My esthetician told me to stay AWAY from Clinique! Not sure why exactly (I don’t buy products from her, she’s just a good friend), but I think it’s kinda like the deal with Pro-Activ in that they work but are not good for your skin long term.
I like using a mix of expensive stuff and drugstore stuff. For acne I use Jan Marini’s BioClear Lotion. It is amazing!! Pimples dry up overnight! It’s quite expensive, but I get it on eBay and only use it when needed so it lasts forever. I also use her Glycolic Cleanser for Oily Skin at night (in the morning I use Purpose). To supplement those I like Roc products for anti-aging and moisturizer!
It is always a guessing game though - good luck!!!
I use Yes to Cucumber (for sensitive skin) and sometimes Yes to Tomatoes (for oily). I have very oily skin, large pores, prone to tons of blackheads across my nose (ick) and chin (ick). The Yes to Carrots is for normal skin I believe. But I also use Cetaphil which does work well for oily and sensitive skin. I use their moisturizer when mine doesn’t work in the winter due to drying out. I also keep a bottle of their face wash in my bathroom in case I run out of Yes to Cucumber before I can use it. The Yes to Carrots line also has Yes to Blueberries which I believe is for aging, but I really don’t think you need that.
I’ve seen those products in Walgreens and have always been intrigued!
While I am lucky enough to have pretty good skin, I did finally go to a derm to figure out why my skin was dry but breaking out even though I’d always had great skin growing up. He suggested using AcneFree products… it actually has nothing to do with Acne, but its cheap and in most drug stores and looks almost like a generic brand. My skin has been excellent ever since. I also use Cetaphil face cleanser and alternate between them. I’m a fan of the Neutrogena grapefruit scrub as well….
I would DEFINITELY recommend Proactive. I had problem skin for 7 years (I’m 23) and finally gave in and ordered Proactive last year. My face is so clear now, and I never have to worry about my skin. Good luck!
I used Proactiv in college, but it was too harsh for my face!
I use Clinique and I really like it. I know it’s expensive, but I find that $50 worth of products will last me for like 6 months! That being said, I usually only use Clinique in the morning and a different combo at night. Since my makeup can be kinda heavy, I use make-up removal cloths from L’oreal and then pair it with a light, inexpensive cleanser. I find this works best for me, someone who has dry/oily skin. Also, I like clinique because they have a wide range of products to be tailored to the purchaser’s needs, ie age defense.
Anyways, I know it can be hard to figure out! Good luck!
I wish I could help you (PS I think your skin looks perfect) but I just use a bar of soap…oops! Have a great day gorgeous girl!
Hey! Whatever works, right?
I totally know what you are talking about! I feel like I am past the teenage acne stage, but still not ready for ‘lady’ products.
I just recently started a completely natural skin care regime. It sounds super hippy, but honestly my skin hasn’t looked/felt so good in a looong time.
Cleanser: baking soda mixed with water
Toner: ACV mixed with water
Moisturizer/makeup remover: coconut oil!
I know that sounds soo crazy, but it actually works! I was extremely scared to put oil on my face, but it makes it soo soft without making it oily.
Feel free to message me if you want more details! Also the best part is the price tag!
I am going to agree with this one! having gone through skin care training and with many years of running spas with ALL kinds of product choices, simple is best!
I also use coconut oil as moisturizer - works wonders! acv + water is a great toner. I use cetaphil cleanser ($6 at any grocery store?) a lot, and I’m sure the baking soda/water is good - in fact I am going to try that tonight, sounds like a nice exfoliant!
I hope you find something that helps!
That sounds amazing actually!
I 2nd the baking soda! In the morning I wash with Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser (NOT the gentle cleanser…that one hardly feels like it cleans my skin) and in the evening I use Cetaphil with some baking soda mixed in. The baking soda gently exfoliates and I feel like it helps completely remove my Bare Minerals. I currently use Oil of Olay Total Effects for Sensitive Skin moisturizer but I am intrigued by the coconut oil so I think I will be trying that!
Hey chelsey! I agree coconut oil is a great night-time moisturiser. I have oily, acne prone skin and it works really well. I alternate between using that and a homemade moisturiser. I also make my own face wash cream (emulsified almond and jojoba oil, water, essential oils etc) which honestly works really well- its gentle enough to be used as a eye makeup remover too! if you are interested i definitely recommend giving it a go- its not as hard as it first seems! I definitely think it helped my acne more than any store-bought stuff, and its also really economical, only a couple of dollars (at the most) for a bottle. i recommend the book ‘Pure Plant Skincare’ if anyone’s interested
Oh, and 3rd for the baking soda- its an awesome exfoliator too!
I have had the same troubles finding the right products on my skin…but I just purchased the seaweed skin care kit from the body shop and I love it. If you have one near you I would suggest going in and talking to them. They were extremely helpful. I have also heard good things about their Vitamin E line.
http://www.thebodyshop-usa.com/skin-care/skin-care-kits/seaweed-skin-care-starter-kit.aspx
You are not going to like the price tag on this ($119 for the Mia) but the Clarisonic does WONDERS for the skin! My mom and friends all swear that in 2 weeks they saw noticeable differences. I’m going to bite the bullet and buy one myself as my skin as been looking a little mehhh lately with all this winter chill. I’ve never heard a bad review of this little miracle worker!
Yiiiiiikes!!!!
I was going to recommend this too actually.. I have the Clarisonic Pro which comes with 5 brush heads, including one for your body (love the for breakouts I get due to my sweaty sports bra!). It’s an investment in itself, but it could help less fancy skin care products really work for you.
I use Dermalogica (love special cleansing gel which removes my eye make-up!), and sometimes Image. I might also recommend that at some point you have a consult with a skin care specialist who can make sure that your routine is right for you. Not using toner/over exfoliating/not exfoliating/etc could be throwing you off
I have the Olay Pro X, it’s like a Clarisonic but it’s only 30 bucks. I LOVE IT! I used to have really dry skin and I needed to exfoliate a lot. Now I just use my Pro X in the shower with Phisoderm Anti-Blemish gel facial wash. Then I use Cetaphil frangrance free moisturizer. For the first time I’m not getting ANY zits unless I don’t use my face wash, if I miss it a couple days I start getting little whiteheads so I know that stuff really works. And the combination of the Pro X brush and the super thick Cetaphil moisturizer keep my face from getting dry and flakey.
Kara I LOVE Dermologica!
I get a pretty cheap/generic exfoliating cleanser from Target and moisturizer from Target as well that has SPF (one of the best, anti-aging things you can do for your skin!)
Total cost is definitely under $10 and it’s been working for years!
Agree with the SpF comments on being the best anti-aging product around! But Chels, I think you wrote this post for me to reply to!! I’m a licensed estheticain only because I had the exact same skin issues you’re (claining to be) having
And after trying every product known to man that was both for oily/acne prone AND gentle enough for sensitive…well there was no happy ground there, so I took it to the medical level, got prescribed everything under the sun from birth control (for a then sixteen yr old who was NOT in need of BC!) as well as some antibiotics mixed w/ cetephil and other simple cleansers…needless to say the antibiotics are what ended up causing internal issues (=candida aka yeast infection of the intestines !)
You sound like youre dealing with issues I have dealt with before discovering all of this! My fellow esthetician and i swear by BOTH our
of course!
leading me to discover my food sensitivities,(corn/dairy/processed grains), and of
recent my PCOS…but also what gave me the passion for the natural approach to getting glowing skin! And for my career and newly opened organic salon/spa!
Anyway…to make it short
completely organic professional lines (Lotus Moon and John Masters!) Both are highly effective and completely safe…since ^)% of what we touch to our skin is
absorbed directly into our bloodstream,what we feed our skin with is as important as what we feed our bodies with! The LM line is more active and a little pricier for that..but also tends to irritate the really sensitive type! So I lean towards the John Masters…for cleansing/toning/moisturizing/fighting off free-radicals/healing…and I use our LM line toner when I get a major blemish that won’t heal up..like sometimes on my back after running . anyway here’s what I use and LOVE:
JM Cleanser for oily/blemish-prone
JM active toner OR LM Tonic Active
JM Vitamin C nourishing oil (am) JM blemish/oil control oil (pm)
Then I use our one-hundred % pure line (which is another great option and lower priced) vanilla-coffee bean eye cream and the thirty-SPF moisturizer.
Sorry my number keys aren’t working…check out our Facebook page (Eartha Naturals) or message me for better info! I really think you’d be happy with any of these lines…they would run anywhere from $twentfive-ninety for a system depending on which products you went with. The beauty is because theyreall natural/completely toxin free they can be mixed and matched..the price difference comes in because of potentcy based on concentration. Another great resource in the environmental Working Group Website (www.cosmeticsafetydatabase.com) or
Google skin deep…it rates beauty products on effectiveness and toxicity!
Also consider if your breakouts are generally following a diet change. The mouth area is actually linked to diet rather than hormones/cycles…the jaw is linked to that. But foods containing growth hormones/antibiotics/steriod can trigger brwakouts..as well as sugar. I know you avoid dairy, but sometimes soy can trick your body into reacting as it would to a hormone laden food.
Also, getting a facial whenever the seasons change is another great routine to try..because of the conditions directly effecting our skin as well as our internal response to things, we need to up our water intake this time of year! And summer
Hope this helps!! Either way, you’re gorgeous just the way you are!
I recommend trying Paula’s Choice (http://www.paulaschoice.com/). She has a book called “Don’t go to the cosmetics counter without me”, where she reviews every product on the market from cheap to expensive from haircare to skincare to makeup. My mom always used to use it and then eventually started using her product line. She got me into it and I love it! There are options for every type of skin. If you go to her website, you can “shop by concern” and even mix and match what you like. Her products are scent free, too!
Thanks!
Clinique! It took me forever to find the perfect face washing stuff, and I finally found it with Clinique. Okay, so it may be a little over $50 for the initial cost, but it’s soooo worth it, and it lasts a long time. I have combination skin like yours and Clinique works great. I love that it’s all fragrance free. If you go to their counter, just ask about the 3 step face cleansing!
You’re yet again another person who has recommended Clinique!
I have the SAME skin as you except for the sensitivity. I only get the occasional pimple or two so I don’t use “Acne” face wash or anything because it dries me out too.
I use Burts Bees products for my face: Face wash, toner, day lotion with SPF 15, and night cream for wrinkle prevention (I’m 25 BTW)
I use nothing but Neutrogena products on my skin (powder, liquid foundation, bronzer) because I think it keeps me from getting pimples. I use burts bees on my lips!
Thanks Michelle!
I have really sensitive skin that breaks out so I totally understand what you’re going through. I used the Clinique 3-step system for awhile - I really like the gel moisturizer for in the summer and then the regular one for the winter (the classic yellow kind of both!) - but I had a lot of problems with the toner & face wash being too much for my sensitive skin. I’m using Philosophy’s Purity facewash right now, but when it runs out I’ll start using Cetaphil’s face wash - both are really gentle, but Cetaphil is way cheaper. I started having lots of problems with breakouts again, so I went back to my dermatologist. When I was younger I used to use Differin cream for my breakouts, but now he has me using the lowest % of the Retin-A cream - I’m assuming it’s because Retin-A helps with anti-aging too
Retin-A can make you breakout slightly more at first because it purges your skin, but it wasn’t too bad in my case. I’m supposed to use it every day, but my skin gets way too dry if I do - so what I do instead is use the Retin-A cream for about 3 or so days then the 4th day (or whenever I’m getting dry) I use the Cetaphil moisturizing cream that comes in a jar. I use the Kiehl’s avocado eye treatment around my eyes and it doesn’t sting or burn like other ones I’ve used - I love it. I hope that helps!
I’m not at home to give specific names but I had a very hard time finding a face lotion that didn’t dry out my skin. Got a sample from the body shop and LOVED it. Take a look at their site. When I get home I can tell you what the specific names of the products are but I love them. Avon I also find has great facial products.
Thanks Debbie!
Ok lady I use tea tree skin clearing facial wash, seaweed mattifying day cream and vitamin e moisture cream (my favorite) my hormones are kind of going crazy now due to my gaining and this stuff has kept my skin pretty much in control. The vitamin e cream is my favorite because it is so smooth and doesn’t make my face feel oily. I also use a overnight spot treatment by Avon that I love!
I try to stay as natural as possible to avoid irritation/breakouts. I love Clarins the best but it might push your budget slightly in terms of the $50 max tho if it’s on sale maybe not! Other good ones are Kiss My Face - they’re available at drugstores and are really gentle good cleansers! I use these and I’m also prone to breakouts but this brand doesn’t bother me! Good luck!
I love Mario Badescu buffering lotion, as I think it was what ended up saving my skin. I also use the old school Noxema in the blue tub.
I also really like the Lush face care line. I’ve used, and loved, Grease Lightning, Dark Angel and Ocean Salt face scrub. I’d recommend looking up their products, as they are affordable and more on the natural side.
Looooove Lush products!!!
I’m going to second the Lush recommendation. I use their Aqua Marina cleanser and Celestial moisturizer (during the day - at night I use coconut oil). I have ridiculously sensitive skin, and at 33 years old this is literally the first product I’ve ever found that didn’t leave me looking severely sunburned (just like you describe above!) by day 3. I’ve been using it for a few months and highly recommend it.
I would suggested neutrogean products or clean and clear. Also I had a bad ance breakout in college due to stress and the shampoo I was using. I found a place that does facials and free consultations( I am drawing a blank on what you call the those who specialize in this) but I went for a free consultation and brought the products I was using and they suggested better producqts to try. That really helped me!
Noxzema face wash and oil of olay daily moisturizer never fail me!
I’ve been using Aveda and Desert Essence products for EVA. Desert Essence facial cleanser, Aveda hair products, Clinique moisturizer, and Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10. Magic right there.
And your skin is gorgeous!
I only ever use Cetaphil products. They are hypoallergenic and gentle on my oh-so-sensitive skin. I don’t wear make-up (don’t believe in it and it screws up my skin), so the facial cleanser once a day and moisturizer once a day is all I need.
Good luck!
Thanks! I’ve heard Cetaphil is really gentle.
And just because I’m uber nosy, why don’t you believe in makeup?
Well, and forgive me for my use of soapbox, it seems so unfair. I think women (and men) should feel and be considered beautiful for the way they look naturally. But, mostly, I just don’t like how makeup feels on my face and don’t want to spend money on it. Plus, it’s unhealthy for me.
Having said all that, I still pull my stash out for special occasions. And I always pay for it later.
Good for you!
I know exactly how you feel! I have extremely sensitive // combination skin, and am breakout prone. I actually tried the organic line you were using over the summer, but I kept breaking out a lot. I have found that mixing beauty lines works best for me. I really like Origins, but HATE the checks and balances line!! It made my skin very irritated and flaky.
I use Neutrogena face wash (I rotate between a couple kinds). Then I use Origins “A Perfect World- White Tea Skin Guardian” (new obsession—please check it out!) followed by Clinique’s moisture surge (I usually only use this in the Winter). For a toner I use Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Oil for sensitive skin.
I also use Origin’s “Clear Improvement” charcoal mask, and am COMPLETELY inlove with it. I have large pores that are prone to blackheads (nose area, below lips, and around eyebrows, but this product seriously helps me. My pores are MUCH cleaner and my face feels ridiculously smooth. For spot treatments I use Origin’s “Super Spot Remover,” a little goes a very long way.
Hope this helps! Good luck!
Thanks for the feedback about Origins!
I have sensitive skin that gets really dry in the winter and greasy in the summer, too. I haven’t found a perfect routine but I am totally sold on my moisturizer, which I’ve been using for years now. Kiehls Sodium PCA oil free moisturizer. It works really, really well and is well absorbed so it doesn’t feel heavy or oily on my skin ever.
I love love love Sprout Wellness! Though I highly recommend the cleanser, toner and cream combo, it can be expensive if bought for regular price. I usually wait for a special deal through one of the eco-friendly online stores (i.e Loving Eco). In all honesty, the Sprout Wellness cream is my savior, and this is coming from a girl who has dry skin all year round! You can probably do without the rest of the line - just rinse you face with water and/or follow the oil cleansing method (great for removing makeup and cleansing clogged pores), and apply the cream.
When you decide, could you please post about it? I am always on a look out for skincare product for dry skin and it would be great to learn from others with similar skin concerns!
Arbonne is amazing!!! Yes it is a bit pricey but worth every penny and if you host a party you get free stuff
I have also recently tried the Alba line and really like that too. Good luck in finding something that works, it is a hard thing to find.
Thanks, Corrina!
Cetaphil is an awesome gentle cleanser and moisturizer, definitely try it!
And I also love the Burt’s Bees skincare line, it’s all natural and absolutely amazing
I was just going to suggest both of them!! I love Cetaphil
Thanks Kiersten!
Cetaphil ( or the cheap target or walmart versions) all the way! I was told the more you do to your skin, the worse it will get, so this is super gentle. I have very sensitive skin, and have loved my skin since using this. No more redness, inflammation, bumps, dry spots!
I’m interested in the answer to this as well!! I’m in the same place!
Looks like the winners right now are:
Cetaphil
Clinique
Arbonne
I use the Target house bran of Clean & Clear bursting beads + clinique moisturizer
I like Avon. They have a special line just for Winter skin. I have similar issues as you and love this stuff and it’s not that expensive. They have a great zit cream that can be used as a spot treatment or your whole forehead. Not that I’ve done that.
I hope you find one that works for you.
It sounds like you have the same skin as me! I myself over the years have tried multiple skin cares and all my searching landed me to see an esthetician at a family owned spa that literally changed my life. The lady that still does my facials today is almost 60 and she looks like she’s 40 NO LIE! Great Skin! So does all her family. They use the the Pevonia Botanica line and it’s amazing! I have been using it for 10 years and switched different Pevonia products based on my skin changing as I have gotten older. I know use the Pevonia Teen line which is for teens (but also a lot of adults use it as well with the same skin as you described) Whatever you do, don’t use clinique!! I have heard many of stories with clinique from my facialist. Here is a link: http://www.pevonia.com/pevonia-spa-teen-all-skin-types-cleanser.html I use the Spa-Teen Blemished Cleanser at night as an exfoliant. The Spa teen all skin types cleanser in the morning. They also have a blemish stick and moisturizer. You may have to work on it a bit and use the exfoliant every other day if your skin gets dry or add more moisturizer, etc. Everybody skin is different but hope this helps! The whole line of Pevonia is amazing!! You can also check out to see if they have a spa that does the products near your home. They also give out free samples there.
That’s so interesting you say not to use clinique!!! I have had a bunch of people say they love it. Do you know why your facialist tells you not to?
The cleansers are made out of soap… and the toners are made from alcohol both REALLY dry the skin out. Most people end up with dry and itchy skin from using this. My facialist has to do facials on all the clinique girls all the time because they are always running to her about skin problems because they don’t want to stop using their products! Don’t take my word for it. I would google about it =) Good luck on finding something you love
My skin is oily but peels (so I just say it’s sensitivie, but who really knows), with large pores, blackheads, and “bumpies”
for facewash, Cerave is my obsesion. I HATE the smell of cetaphil, and never feel like i get clean from it. Cerave has no smell, and feels rich but not heavy. You can usually find them at CVS (OTC). Their moisturizing cream is an AMAZING lotion (good for undereyes, body, etc). And i recentlly started using their day cream with SPF.
For those “extra” products, and to help with the bumpies and pores, I swear by Dr. Brandy Microdermabrasion cream. It’s expensive - $75. But lasts a minimum of a year bc you need to use very little. And i use it 1-2/week.
Also that I love (though I used less of it these days bc ive been getting professional peels from the dr) - Dr. Dennis Gross alpha-beta daily facial peel. Also around $75. I recommend spending the extra few dollars and getting the travel version, bc then you can use it 1-2/week (as opposed to every day like recommendeD), and then you dont have to worry about the other peels drying out
.
I hate those stupid bumpies!
I have to second the CeraVe rec! The stuff is amazzzzing and I don’t like Cetaphil much either. It’s the ceramides in CeraVe (if you want to get scientific) that make it so wonderful-not heavy at all, but definitely keeps you moisturized. It’s like it adapts to the weather, too, adding moisture during the dry winter months and backing off in hot, humid summertime.
My derm also has me on Ziana, a topical treatment that I apply all over my face a couple times a week. She calls it a multivitamin for the face. Might be worth a shot?
I’ve got nothing for you, because I’ve been searching myself for the past 4 years relentlessly since my skin decided to act up when it never had before. I’m interested to hear what everyone says.
Have you thought about changing when you use your stuff? I used to do the usual three steps twice a day- in the morning and before bed. But my skin started protesting, and after trying lots of different things, I found that washing my face just once a day before bed was what I needed.
My skin needs to be washed twice a day - otherwise it gets too oily! That’s great advice though, I hope someone else sees it and puts it to use!
i agree with this too!! i’ve read many places that there is no NEED to wash your face in the morning as long as you take your make-up off and wash your face thoroughly at night - in the morning just use some water and your hands! i’ve switched to doing this & for someone who has very problem prone and sensitive skin i’m surprised it works wonders.
My skin sounds very similar to yours! I just started using an “oil cleansing” system.
It’s cheap (2.48 for castor oil and 10 bucks for a bottle of olive oil that’ll last 3 mos). It’s difficult to explain but super easy: http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com/
I’ve used it for two weeks and my skin is already much, much better!
If Clinique worked for you when you were younger (and had wayyyy more varying levels of hormones) I suggest you try it again. It’s all I use and have since middle school. I have tried a few other brands and ended up w/ break outs, etc, etc,.. As soon as I went back to Cliniques 3-step program all my problems cleared. I seriously have not had a zit since college (when I tried a new brand).
Believe it or not, I have many more hormonal problems now that I’m 24 than when I was 12!!
I would encourage you to try a different cleanser and continue with the Origins moisturizer for a bit. I LOVE Origins but have not found a cleanser that works for me from them. Checks and Balances was way too harsh for my skin. Try Purpose cleanser. Under $5 and you can pick up from target/walmart. My dermatologist recommended it YEARS ago. Very gentle on the skin, but cleans WELL! Give the moisturizer a try from Origins…I would be surprised if you don’t love it! Two of my favorite moisturizers are the Perfect World and Youthtopia. Also love the Plantscription serum. Good luck! PS…they are great about giving samples and taking returns if you are unhappy with the product!
I’ll keep using the origins moisturizer and see if it was just the cleanser that screwed with my skin - thanks!
Growing up I had a tremendous amount of trouble finding the right skin care products. I also have the same issues as you now, oily in the summer and dry in the winter. When I found Clinique, I thought I’d give it a try and it has never let me down since! It’s in your price range and it lasts a really, really long time. I use the acne system they have but the 3 step system they’re known for is good as well.
I love Origins. Hated Cheeks&Balance…switched to A Perfect World. LOVE it. I also love their charcoal mask for the heavy breakouts and in the summer. Night a mins lotion is great also.
You’re the second person that has said that about Checks & Balances
I can’t be of too much help- I’m a tried & true Mary Kay fan, although if my mom weren’t a consultant and getting it for me at wholesale, I probably wouldn’t shell out the $$ either. A friend of mine had similar issues and she swears by Cetaphil! Maybe give that a shot?
ha! I used it when I got it at wholesale too!
I have very sensitive skin and can break out on a dime. When my skin was really bad I used Jan Marani products and loved them, however they bleached my towels and I wanted to go a more natural route. I started using Desert Essence products and loved them too. However I am always striving to go more natural and am currently using a Pine Tar olive bar (http://www.amazon.com/Medicinal-Pine-Tar-Olive-Bar/dp/B004L1U86A/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1325639918&sr=8-15) and jojoba oil for moisturizer. I was really unsure of this, but after 3 weeks, my skin feels great and healthier than ever! Good luck! I hope you find your right product for your skin, I know how hard it can be!
Thanks! I just added it to my amazon wish list so I can check it out later!
I lov, love Skin Prohpecy Skin Care line. You can call or email them and they will help guide you to the perfect products for your skin! A little goes along way, and sveral of my clients have been hooked on it! http://skinprophecy.com/
I’m a big fan of just Neutrogena and Oil of Olay, but my best friends swear by the Proactive process….
Blah - proactive was way too much for my skin! I looked like a tomato from the redness!
UGH, am I right there with you or what!
Although I read, now granted, in my case having PCOS that apparently my intake of sugar affects how I break out…and the tendency to get break out on my chin/jaw line. UGGGHH, it’s worse now than at 16!
Will you compile your findings from this post?
I will compile my findings for everyone! When I get back from Florida I’m going to make a decision and keep everyone updated.
I have hormonal issues as well, and my face has been breaking out from sugar that I have been eating over the holidays. Suuucks.
No product recommendations but a suggestion about the location of your breakouts. I find when I’m talking on the phone lots I breakout on my chin area. When I disinfect my phone on a regular basis, my chin breakouts got remarkably better. As for forehead breakouts, do you use any hair products? Those could be impacting your skin. For a while I kept breaking out after I started using a new hair product. It turns out that I was applying my hair product, then moisturizing my face which clogged my pores. When I switched up the order, my skin cleared up.
Great tip - thanks Melissa!
Hello! I just found your blog via Pinterest and was interested because you had a vegan recipe on here. You might have more, but I’ve just started reading your posts. I, too, am having horrible skin care reactions and the products that once worked for me no longer work. I just bought Proactive and we will see how that works, but I really want to try the skin care from Acne.org. I don’t know if you’ve checked out their line, but the website has really great information on skin care and acne as well. I hope my recommendation helps and if you haven’t yet tried Proactive, I can let you know how it starts to work for me. We seem to have the same type of skin.
I look forward to reading more of your posts.
Kristy
Woohoo! So glad you found me - and yes, most of my recipes are vegan!
I have used proactive in the past, but it did not work well with my skin. It dried it out and irritated it beyond belief. However, my best friend has reeeaaallly sensitive skin and she swears by it!
I love Origins Checks & Balances, but since I’ve been in college and paying for my own skin care products, I’ve switched to Cetaphil- it’s 10 bucks for a huge bottle at Target and very gentle on my sensitive skin. I splurge on moisturizers though, because I want a good SPF + anti-aging as well. I use “A Perfect World SPF 25″ from Origins and it works great!
Is Cetaphil a heavy cleanser or is it pretty light?
It’s pretty light- it’s definitely not too creamy or heavy at all. I second (or third?) the readers above who recommend the charcoal mask from Origins- I love the feeling after I use it! I don’t use it too often because my skin is pretty sensitive, but it’s great.
I’ve used both Cetaphil cleansers and moisturizers and I found that the cetaphil cleanser is very light and great for sensitive skin, but the moisturizer is rich and heavy and causes some greasyness. Which is ok, if you are going to only put it on at night and washing it off in the morning. But its not good for wearing during the day or under makeup.
I’ve been using Aveeno products since college & really like them. (I have sensitive skin, too!) However, I still do breakout sometimes!
I’m a big fan of clean/green/eco products, and I pretty much use a mixture of things suggested to me by my good friend (her website is http://www.erinschrode.com)
she has an awesome beauty book (free pdf) that has great recommendations for all things cosmetics! http://www.erinschrode.com/Beauty_Book.html
Chelsey, I did a video on this. Skincare is tough but this is what I use in the winter. http://www.soitriedthis.com/so-i-tried-a-winter-skincare-routine-for-dry-skin-and-love-it
let me know!
I have almost the exact same skin issues as you, and the only brand I have ever found that actually works is Dermalogica. I use the Special Cleansing Gel and Active Moist Moisturizer in the morning and at night and it has cleared up any breakouts I used to get. They also have an anti-aging line and tons of specialty products. My only gripe is that it is VERY expensive, definitely out of your $50 range. This is the one thing I allow myself to splurge on because it’s the only product I’ve found that works for my skin. I just ask for it on my birthday and Christmas and try to stock up so I don’t have to spend my own money.
Believe it or not, the Husband used to use Dermalogica. They have an acne gel that I loved stealing when he used it!
Im a Mary Kay girl…lol I can’t use anything else. I found the cleansing bar does better for my breakouts than the liquid was though. I am a consultant so the price isnt bad though.
I sure did love those consultant prices!
I recently purchased a clarisonic and I am in love. My skin feels incredible. I go to a dermatologist and I hardly use any of those product anymore. Its pricey but mine came with 2 skin care brushes, a case, a small bottle of purity by philosophy, and the system which is the Mia 2. It has a two year warranty as well.
My skin is also super sensitive (I can’t even wear Bandaids!). I use a Norwex cloth to wash my face - no soap or cleanser is needed. If I feel like I need something extra, which is only about once a month or so, I go for the Clinique Acne Solutions Cleansing Foam. When I breakout, which isn’t often, I “spot treat” with Clinique Acne Solutions Spot Clearing Gel. They’ve worked wonders, and I barely have to use them anymore. Hope it helps!
This is what I use, Lancome Mousse Radiance Foam cleanser $30. The bottle will last you a long time.
And Olay green toner, drugstore $5 bucks.
Those two products are the only thing that over the past 10 yrs I can say really work for me. When I try to go el cheapo and dont buy the lancome, my skin is a wreck.
Just wait til you get pregnant, un-pregnant, and your hormones change as you age. My skin has been worse in my 30s than it was when I was 17! It.sucks.
Thanks for the encouragement - ha!!!!
You’ve had lots of advice, & I’m so far down the line you may never see this, but….About a year ago, my son was having major trouble with break outs on his face - to the point I was worried about scarring. Not even the Rx from his dr. worked — only irritated his skin. We have a shop in our town that sells all natural soaps and lotions. I was in there and told the woman who owns it (and makes the soaps) about his dilemma. She recommended her teatree oil soap, along with a product called Prosacea to be applied to break out spots. Within 2 weeks he was clear! I would assume you could then follow up with whatever moisturizer worked for you. Her website is allgoodthingshandmade.com . She’s a wealth of knowledge, and may be able to suggest a moisturizer to help your particular skin type. Good luck!
I especially wanted to reply to this because I read every comment!!!!
I really want to get into a product that is more natural and gentle, so this sounds right up my alley! Thanks so much Judy!
I had ehhh skin until I started using Philosphy’s Purity. My face cleared up within a weak and I’ve been basically blemish free for a few years (it even worked during transitioning off birth control, which I was nervous would cause breakouts). It might be a little strong as far as cleansers, but paired with a good moisturizer it’s awesome.
I recently changed over to Merle Norman. I even wear some of the make-up and really like it. I have normal to oily skin. Stinkin T-zone! My mom uses it and has for years….she has the best skin. Good luck!
I have very similar skin to you and I am addicted to the Obagi line. I know this is outside of your budget but it is worth every penny. I think the products last for a long time so the price works itself out in the end. My pores look amazing and I no longer have dry flaky skin during the winter. With large pores you should definately use the oily line.
I use the Daniel Kern line of products, after my skin freaked out a few years ago due to hormones/work stress, but I don’t think you necessarily need to use that brand. I’d recommend trying a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser (like Cetaphil or Neutrogena), a good exfoliator (I love St. Ives Apricot Scrub - once a day), and I really like the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Moisturizer with SPF for the day. At night, I use jojoba oil, which is super moisturizing and doesn’t clog my pores. And I also use the Daniel Kern benzyl peroxide to prevent breakouts. It’s much less strong than most drugstore brands so it doesn’t dry out my skin.
Figuring out what does and doesn’t work is such a frustrating process. I tried so many products (Murad, Philosophy, Juice, etc) before settling on this routine.
Thanks Amanda! It’s nice to hear from people who have had the same issues!
So, I used to have very acne prone skin, lots of breakouts, now as I get older its combination, especially in the winter. Those dry spots! Then they turn into sits.
I have recently discovered 2 face washes that have worked, neostrata gel cleanser, and philosophy’s pure cleanser. Also key for me was less washing, twice a day max. It’s like my hair, less cleaning the better!
I wash my face in the morning (most always) and at night (always to get the makeup off!). Ugh, those dry spots in the winter drive me crazy!!!
I struggle with my skin as well but I think I’ve finally got it under control. I do not recommend anything with mineral oil, glycerine or alcohol. It sounds like while you have troubled skin - it’s also a bit sensitive.
I’m sad that you didn’t enjoy the Origins products. I worked there for years and had the best skin EVER using their products. Checks and Balances is a face wash for oily skin. I definitely would not have recommended that for you, especially this time of year. They have softer washes that you may like. I use their “Never a Dull Moment” face wash in the evening to get off the grim and makeup. In the mornings I use a wash from Lush - “Angels on Bare Skin.” I find that Lush’s products work wonders on my skin. It could be because they are pretty natural so if you tend to have sensitive skin - this is the way to go. Some of their products may be a bit pricey but I will tell you that they LAST a long time. You don’t need to use a lot of any of their products. a little goes a long way.
Just be careful with the highly commercialized lines. They may appear to work but over time, you may be doing more harm than good.
I’m interested in hearing what you end up going with. Keep us posted on the results!
Thanks so much for all your advice and what I should steer clear of! Apparently the woman who was working with me was not as knowledgeable as you!
I use philosophy purity made simple cleanser at night, there microdelivery exfoliator in the morning and the clear day retinol treatment for my acne and acne scarring…I have pretty tempermental skin and this has been working fantastic for me. If you want more details just email me andi will help you out with whatever!
It looks like your getting lots of great advice!! -
Iif i could recommend ONE thing for you to at least try once - it would be baby wash. Straight Johnsons baby wash (yes, in the yellow bottle) It’s soo gentle and works AMAZING at taking make up off - plus, you can really rub your eye make up off and NO TEARS!
ha I use this and clinique moisturizer and honestly works better than proactive ever did for me :S
I also get dry skin and sometimes a rash with some face products. Turns out that I have a mild allergy to benzyl peroxide, which is found in some cleansers. So, I stick to facial cleansers that are mild and use salicylic acid as the active ingredient. I actually really love St. Ives apricot cleanser, which is totally random because I only tried it because my husband’s family uses it. I love that it exfoliates and cleanses at the same time. For moisturizer I use Lancome Renergie Lift Volumetry. It’s a bit pricey. But it’s TOTALLY worth it. I love how it makes my skin feel. No more redness, rash or dry skin for me! Good luck in finding what works best for you.
This is going to sound crazy, but my skin has always been really prone to breakouts. Then after I had the babe, I started washing my skin with dial hand soap (gold kind in a pump) and cetaphil lotion (because it’s what I use on the babe’s sweet little body) - and my skin is better than it’s EVER been.
Liquid Dial soap and reallly moisture rich lotion. That’s my advice.
Agree with the SpF comments on being the best anti-aging product around! But Chels, I think you wrote this post for me to reply to!! I’m a licensed estheticain only because I had the exact same skin issues you’re
(claining to be) having And after trying every product known to man that was both for oily/acne prone AND gentle enough for sensitive…well there was no happy ground there, so I took it to the medical level, got prescribed everything under the sun from birth control (for a then sixteen yr old who was NOT in need of BC!) as well as some antibiotics mixed w/ cetephil and other simple cleansers…needless to say the antibiotics are what ended up causing internal issues (=candida aka yeast infection of the intestines !) leading me to discover my food sensitivities,(corn/dairy/processed grains), and of recent my PCOS…but also what gave me the passion for the natural approach to getting glowing skin! And for my career and newly opened organic salon/spa!
Anyway…to make it short You sound like youre dealing with issues I have dealt with before discovering all of this! My fellow esthetician and i swear by BOTH our completely organic professional lines (Lotus Moon and John Masters!) Both are highly effective and completely safe…since ^)% of what we touch to our skin is absorbed directly into our bloodstream,what we feed our skin with is as important as what we feed our bodies with! The LM line is more active and a little pricier for that..but also tends to irritate the really sensitive type! So I lean towards the John Masters…for cleansing/toning/moisturizing/fighting off free-radicals/healing…and I use our LM line toner when I get a major blemish that won’t heal up..like sometimes on my back after running . anyway here’s what I use and LOVE: JM Cleanser for oily/blemish-prone JM active toner OR LM Tonic Active JM Vitamin C nourishing oil (am) JM blemish/oil control oil (pm) Then I use our one-hundred % pure line (which is another great option and lower priced) vanilla-coffee bean eye cream and the thirty-SPF moisturizer. Sorry my number keys aren’t working…check out our Facebook page (Eartha Naturals) or message me for better info! I really think you’d be happy with any of these lines… they would run anywhere from $twentfive-ninety for a system depending on which products you went with. The beauty is because theyreall natural/completely toxin free they can be mixed and matched..the price difference comes in because of potentcy based on concentration. Another great resource in the environmental Working Group Website (www.cosmeticsafetydatabase.com) or Google skin deep…it rates beauty products on effectiveness and toxicity! Also consider if your breakouts are generally following a diet change. The mouth area is actually linked to diet rather than hormones/cycles…the jaw is linked to that. But foods containing growth hormones/antibiotics/steriod can trigger brwakouts..as well as sugar. I know you avoid dairy, but sometimes soy can trick your body into reacting as it would to a hormone laden food. Also, getting a facial whenever the seasons change is another great routine to try..because of the conditions directly effecting our skin as well as our internal response
to things, we need to up our water intake this time of year! And summer of course! Hope this helps!! Either way, you’re gorgeous just the way you are!
I have had the exact same problems as you have, ever since I was young enough to notice what my skin looked like. I am 29 now. I have tried every product out there, from proactiv, to natural products, to a bit more expensive products like Clinique. Nothing has worked. My family doc gave me a prescription a few years ago but it was just a stronger version of over the counter meds and it irritated my face more than anything.
Good luck!!
my skin isn’t a serious case, compared to how bad some people have it, so I should be thankful for that, but it’s something that bothers me and makes me self conscious. Anyway one of my new years resolutions was to finally go see a dermatologist. We have health care with my husbands job, but even if the appointments and whatever treatments they recommend are not covered, I am forking over the money. Enough is enough and I am ready to fix this problem. Fingers crossed that I can finally solve this problem. I was able to make an appointment without even having to be referred from my family doc and I am going in a couple weeks. If you do find anything that works, please do share
Not sure why this got submitted twice! Sorry! Computers! Also, sorry for writing an entire book! Just really passionate about it!
Forgot to mention that straight up tea tree oil is great on breakouts…its potent! Another safe essential oil for the skin is lavender which I use on a lot of my sensitive/acneic clients and its AWESOME before bed since its relaxing! Your hubby won’t mind the smell either…as he might tea tree. If you choose to try either, make sure you’re getting pure oils, not blened.. like NOW brand. I mix tea tree oil into my day time moisturizer sometimes
no dairy (which you already do) + neutrogena grapefruit scrub (daily) + pangea organics facial moisturiser (for oily skin). and my skin is perfect and elizabethan.
knock on wood. it was a former MESS. and good luck although your skin looks fabulous in the photographs. x
I too am in constant search of the perfect skin care routine. I’ve been using The Body Shop Seaweed Cleansing Wash as of late, and really like it. I’ve also been using Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture forever because it’s simple and reliable. Good luck!
I LOVE Origins Checks and Balances. Weird that it made your skin all red (I’ll take yours if you’re just gonna trash it!). Maybe your skin irritation is unrelated to your face wash and more stress, weird schedule changes, dry winter air, etc?
I know this comment does not help you at all haha
If they won’t let me return it, consider it yours!
I swear by St. Ives Apricot scrub. I use the one with acne medication in it, and even though it’s a drug store brand, it is seriously the best face wash I’ve ever used!
I use and love Alba Acnedote as well as all of the Say yes to Cucumber products. Acnedote is a little more harsh but my skins felt great after about a week of using it. The “say yes” products feel great and natural and smell good. I’m a HUGE fan of their face wipe/makeup remover cloths.
Hey there! I’ve had major skin troubles too. I get really dry skin in the winter so I had to find something to solve those dry patches. I have sensitive skin and have discovered Aveda skin products to work wonders! They are made with plant essences and natural ingredients. Might be something to try! Hope I helped.
I have used Pevonia, and I loved it. More recently I’ve been using Korres Milk Proteins 3-in-1 cleanser, and the Korres Yogurt Cream Mosturizer. It’s gentle, removes makeup and tones. The Milk Proteins and Yogurt Cream Mosturizer help to reduce redness. Both last a long time. At night I like to use Boscia Oil-Free Nightly Hydration, and once or twice a week the Boscia Smoothing Facial Polish. The Boscia products are pricey, but since they are used sparingly, I feel like they are worth the investment. The Korres products are about $5o total. You can get them at Ulta or Sephora. For drugstore cleansers/mosturizers, I like Aveeno cleansers and Oil of Olay Mosturizer NOT the Beauty Fluid.
You should try purpose bar soap. It’s only like 5 bucks and it’s kept my skin clearer then any other product. I tried proactiv, murad, clinique, and some ointment stuff from the dermatologist, but nothing worked as well at purpose! Then with that I just use cetaphil because my skin can get super dry sometimes. Simple, cheap, and easy.
Oh my gosh, I can definitely relate! I feel like I’m constantly searching for the perfect skin product and regime. As soon as I find one that I think I love, something changes and it doesn’t work anymore. So frustrating! It sounds like our skin types are verrry similar.
I just recently bought a Clarisonic “Mia”. I’m not going to lie, buying the actual handheld moisturizer brush is a little pricey- but, you only have to buy that part once. It’s absolutely AMAZING. It’s like having a facial every single night. It cleans my face while also stimulating the skin. Not to mention, it feels sooo good. And I haven’t had any negative side effects.
There are tons of reviews and whatnot online. I definitely recommend it!
Skin care is my nemesis. I used Clinique for almost 10 years, loved it. Until one day I woke up looking like a lobster, and three months later we figured out I am allergic to avobenzone and octisalate, 2 primary ingredients in American sunscreen…Quite inconvenient, let me tell you. The brand I have had the most luck with since is Caudalie. A bit pricey, but at Sephora I got a trial kit which had a couple of full size bottles. I still have some, after using it essentially daily for about 8 months. My favorite part is the cleansing water, you just wipe it onto your face similar to a toner, but as a cleaner. It removes make up, including water proof mascara. Super simple. There is also some all natural sunscreen in there. Oh, and the best part, it’s made from grapes leftover in the winemaking process
Yesterday I started the oil method for a trial period. I am trying to make my family a little more eco-friendly this year. We shall see how this goes….
I have the most simple skin care routine but fortunately it works for me (TOUCHWOOD)! I use a basic face wash from Nivea and a Garnier moisturiser after…and I know it’s a sin but I sometimes sleep with makeup on…whooops!
Hi Chelsey - I’ve been reading your blog for a while now, and just wanted to say how much I enjoy it!
As far as skincare goes, the one line I would recommend is ‘Dr. Hauschka’ - I scrolled through the comments and don’t think anyone else has suggested it yet. It’s European but you can definitely buy it in Canada and the US; I believe it was available at Sephora and if they no longer carry it you can order it through http://www.saffronrouge.com (incidentally, they carry only 100% natural, all-organic lines so you can also browse through and find another product/brand that you prefer — you also get 3 samples with every order!).
It’s somewhat pricey but it’s the most gentle product I’ve ever used. There are a few steps (cleansing milk, exfoliator, toner, then a moisturizer in the a.m., followed by cleansing milk & toner in p.m.) but it’s based on the premise and (1) you should provide your skin with moisture so it DOESN’T produce extra oil, and (2) that you let your skin ‘breathe’ at night by not applying any product while you sleep. The exfoliator is quite soft, too - almost like a clay.
Anyway, hope this helps! Even if its beyond your price range you can talk to someone at Saffron Rouge about a more optimal brand. I’ve had similar issues with skin irritation at anything - just yesterday I tried to use a generic moisturizer on my nose because it’s red & raw from my cold, and it basically felt like it was on fire. Now I’m terrified to use the cream on my body lol
Have you tried Image skincare products? I went and had one micro dermabrasion session done and began using the facial wash and daily moisturiser 6 months ago and I haven’t looked back since. My skin sounds like it was exactly the same as yours. The products have glycolic acid in them so penetrate the skin rather than just treating the surface.
Have you heard of/ tried Dermlogica?? I heard they are really good and reasonably priced. I have really sensitive skin that tends to be a combination of oily (in my T-zone) and dry. Mary Kay actually does work for me though I agree it does have a lot of “steps.” I do use some salon stuff that I get around where I am if you would like me to send you something to try? I especially like this seaweed cleanser/moisterizer/everything that I get from a salon near me
OXY CLINICAL!!! I SWEAR by it!! Also, my friend who has had acne and redness/dryness & oily skin her whole life tried every thing, she was even prescribed to acne medications and had to get blood word because they were THAT strong, and of course they didn’t work. She found Oxy Clinical and loves it! She reccomended it to me ( we have to totay different types of skin) and it works just as great! You get a set of 3 (face wash, hydrated and clearing treatment) it’s only about $25 and you can get it at any drug store! I highly reccomended it!! Good luck!(:
I have been using DHC since college and love it. It is a company out of Japan. A lot of their products are olive oil based. Love their olive virgin oil moisturizer. Also it is kind of nice you get a catalog every month with free samples in it, plus 4 free samples with every order.
My skin is like a teenager’s…I don’t get just the little breakouts, but also the larger painful ones. I have tried all kinds of brands-Neutrogena, Clean and Clear, Cetaphil, Proactive, etc. and have even been on a prescription for the acne but nothing really worked consistently.
My skin cleared up so much when I started using astringent on a cotton ball after I washed my face. I also use astringent before I apply makeup in the morning, too. It makes your skin a little dry, so you may need to add a moisturizer, but it really works well! Plus it’s cheap-I just buy the Target brand of it.
Hi Chelsea,
I have found that the stuff with chemicals in it is harsher i.e. clean and clear. One product that works really well for me is dessert essence (you can find it at whole foods). The price is not to expensive and it seems to work really well and isn’t too harsh.
Hope this helps!!
Melissa
I have sensitive skin that breaks out when it gets dehydrated, which is brought on by forced heat in the winter, drinking alcohol or drinking coffee. So, I use a humidifier in my bedroom, the Weleda sensitive line ( Almond cleanser and moisturizing lotion) and take an Omega 3,6,7,9 product called Plus Kenko by Minami Nutrition. Every time we use something new on our skin it takes 2 weeks gor the skin to adjust and calm down. So I’d start with something that is not activating and let it be. For exfoliation, a clean wash cloth 2-3 times per wk to remove the cleanser may be enough. Good luck!
I’ve been having the worst forehead acne (I’m kind of like a rainbow…it starts at one ear then curves up by my hairline all the way over to the other ear…what a treat!), and I think it’s ever since I went off the pill. I am looking forward to other recommendations of people (only read a few before I scrolled down
) because I could really use a solution, too!
I ditto the recommendations for Neutrogena, Cetaphil, and especially Paula’s Choice. Even if you don’t buy Paula’s Choice, she is a great resource to find out ingredients that are irritating, drying, unnecessary, etc and you can make sure you stay away from those ingredients in other products.
Dairy and sugar causes skin breakouts and sensitivity! Just cut them out for a week or 2 and watch how your skin changes
It worked for me INSTANTLY!
Chelsey! I strongly recommend L Bri Pure and Natural. I’ve tried a million different brands and this one cleared up all my problems! Plus it’s very affordable
Chelsey! Trust me when I say I understand your skin issues. I have uber dry skin. No exaggeration. I’ve had eczema my entire life and my skin is like a desert even though I lotion like crazy. I have super sensitive skin and have found that the Shiseido Cleansing Foam works wonders! http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P173660&categoryId=B70 Super gentle so it doesn’t irritate my skin. Give it a try! Sephora has a great return policy too in case you are allergic or it just doesn’t give well with your skin. Good luck!
I used to try so many different products and combinations. I was on prescription acne medication in my late teens, early twenties, and nothing ever seemed to work for me until I stopped my crazy routines! My dermatologist looked at everything I was using and said, okay you should just stop everything , and use dove soap. I thought she was nuts. But now I use:
1. Unscented Dove Soap.
2. Neutrogena Oil Free SPF mosturizer by Day
3. Neutrogen Oil Free/ Sans SPF by Night.
And drink as much water as I can.
Whether my hormones have regulated, or whether this just finally worked for me, I will never know, but limiting products has finally left me with nice skin.
I’ve also struggled with adult acne. I’ve tried countless OTC systems and prescriptions, but none worked well. I recently found a treatment combination that works pretty darn well, though. Neutrogena Oil Free Grapefruit Acne Wash and an rx cream called Finacea.
I use the Aveeno Calming Moisturizer. It works great and isn’t oily. For the acne I use Burts Bees Acne Wash. They have an exfoliating one as well that I use twice a week for blackheads. I am beginning to like it the best of everything I’ve tried. If my skin gets really dry in mid winter I switch to the Aveeno Calming Facial Cleanser. I tried the Yes to Tomatoes and it just irritated my skin more and made it break out more.
this might not be helpful at all, but since I am a vegan, my skin is glowing and I never have any problems with breakouts.
Also when I consumed only certified organic dairy products, my skin got a lot better.
Other than that, I can only highly recommend the brand “Lavera” (from Germany, but their products are available in the US, too).
My skin is super sensitive and I am highly allergic to a lot of ingredients, and Lavera is just fabulous for me.
I have super sensitive, oily skin that has such stubborn acne. I’ve even taken accutane once, but after pregnancies the acne all came back. My acne has been around my mouth and chin - which is usually hormonal. I’ve decided to take an all natural approach. I did not want to do accutane again or keep taking antibiotics. I started using Aubrey Organics for combination skin/oily. Ditched the mouthwash and changed to an all natural shampoo - it’s been working great. Aubrey is also inexpensive about $7 for each solution at my local health food store. I am loving their AHA face lotion.
my skin went through the roof wen i turned vegan (and still cant understand eating so healthy and clean made it horrible but w.e) and i tried everything idc how much id spend i want my acne to go away and my skin was so oily that nothin dried it out and i just had a hormonal imbalance that wasnt gettin fixed and i found dermalogica (i used tha acne line just bc it was only thing that didnt give me a really rashy red face) and it worked great but didnt quite clear up my face good and it wasnt to expensive, then i hadda just go to the dermatologist who id no throw any product at me wich he did a few times til we finally found a topical cream thats working great for aging skin and my acne has cleared (some scars but takes time) and i just use cetaphil wich ive always hated bc it didnt really feel as if it was cleaning my face but idc the results are great my skins not blowin up red from the stuff and not dryin out from the wash…. id try a derm tho its not as enviormentally great i guess but i just no i went through everything and anything for a year and it stunkk.,. good luck tho!!
Hi Chelsey,
I’ve been reading your blog for a little while and finally decided to comment. I too was a Mary Kay consultant (and just wrote three blog entries about why I did it, why I got out, and the lessons I learned over http://www.theurbanretrofit.wordpress.com if you want to check it out). Anyway, I didn’t read all the comments above, so hopefully I’m not repeating what someone else wrote. I still love Mary Kay products, but now that I’m not a consultant I don’t get the 50% discount… BUT, I found that if you go to amazon.com, you can get the miracle set close to the consultant price. It’s much cheaper than paying the full retail price that you’d pay directly to a consultant. Also, if you are feeling up for it, you could check craigslist.org to see if any Mary Kay consultants are having a blow-out sale to get rid of their inventory. Living in Dallas, there are a ton of women who are selling off their products on Craigslist, but I don’t know how it will be in your neck of the woods. Good luck! -Kim
i use cetaphil religiously, an oil-free moisturizer like purpose or cetaphil, and retin-a from the dermatologist. it closes your pores and prevents wrinkles.
I switched to Lush, mostly because there’s a store right beside my house, but it’s actually really nice stuff.
Cleanser = Coalface
Toner = Breath of Fresh Air
Moisturizer = Vanishing Cream in the summer & Gorgeous in the winter
I find their staff is pretty good at making suggestions if you tell them what kind of skin you have.
My skin sounds very similar to yours- it’s sensitive, can be oily and can have breakouts. I have fallen in love with The Body Shop products! I use the tea tree line but they have several different lines of products you can choose from depending on your skin type. It is natural, been very good for my sensitive skin, effective, I just love love love these products! And, there are often Groupon’s for The Body Shop (thats when I stock up) and they also often do great deals like 3 for $30 and BOGO and other kinds of deals so it makes the products (that range from $11-20 per product) reasonable.
Here is a link to a little guide that asks you questions then gives you their reccomendation. I however just chose a line that fit me and purchased the products in that line I wanted (the tea tree line)
http://thebodyshop.com/_en/_ww/beauty-lounge/skin-care-regime-guide.aspx
Good luck!
I hope you can figure something out that works for you! I don’t actually have a skin care routine. I slather on moisturizer morning and night, but that’s it.
Chelsey,
I have uuuuuber sensitive skin and have been around the block a few times too. I found that using a very gentle cleanser like aveeno positively radiant works great. Also, an oil based cleanser works well, especially in the winter. Don’t be afraid to use oil on your skin as well. Everyone always uses oil free everything which only makes your face compensate for a lack of oil, causing it to be even more oily. For your moisturizer just use a natural oil like argon oil or rosehip oil (major natural anti-aging benefits in this one!) It can be used as a moisturizer as well as on your eye are area. It may take a week or so for your skin to adjust but your skin should be looking better in no time. Best of luck!
I went on acutane and although that has significantly made my skin improve I continue to have pretty consistent breakouts. I recently read that coconut oil is really good to use on your skin. It also said that it helps with acne. I just started using it so I can’t tell yet if it works but I hope that gives you an idea of something to look into. Also my dermatologist told me that I had been over-washing my face and using too many harsh acne products so she suggested I instead use a gentle face wash once a day and use moisturizer.
I, too, have struggled. I have done tons of research.
I do like Paula’s Choice products, but they’re a little pricey. I do use her tinted moisturizer.
I had some success with Carley’s Clear and Smooth:www.clearandsmoothskin.com/
but the most successful line for me has been Daniel Kern. I LOVE it. http://www.danielkern.com/
Hope this helps….
BTW, I don’t do whole Daniel Kern line, I just get the wash and treatment.
Sounds like we suffer the same probs. I switched to Ole Henriksen’s line and LOVE it. I have not even had any “that-time-of-the-month” breakouts for the last few months.
Oh, and it’s all natural, no yucky chemicals.
Mario Badescu products are amazing!!!! I would check them out. They are definitely affordable & work.
NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash. Also, Boscia Preservative Free Oil-free Daily Hydration SPF 15, Recharging Night Moisture, and Clear Complexion Mask. Good luck on your skin care product search!
I used to get really bad breakouts but amazingly it became much better after I had children. Strange. I used to use the Murad system. My skin is really sensitive too and it worked well.
I have tried products from every department store line as well as all the home shopping channels! I discovered Pala Begoun, who reviews skin care lines and make up. She has been on some of the talk shows onTV. Her site is …cosmeticscop. com. You can sign up for free for her Beautipedia, which is all her reviews by product name. She adds new reviews as products come out. She has developed her own line of products, too, which are fragrance free, and very affordably priced. She lists all thecingredients, too, which iI like. Customer support will recommend products from her line for you. They have super fast shipping and the return policy is no hassle. I have been using her products exclusively for the last 5 years, and my skin has never looked better. Plus, I am saving a lot of money! Whenever I am tempted to try a new product, I check out her reviews, and most of the time, realize I don’t need to add anything to the skin care routine I am using. She also sells samples of her products, too. She has products in her line for all skin types. With all the products out there, you might want to check out her reviews to see what brand might be right for you if you opt not to try her products. Good luck!!
Oops! Typo! Paula Begoun. Her products are called Paula’s Choice. I don’t know if. This was mentioned above because I didn’t read all the comments!!!
Personally, I use Aveeno products and occasionally have used Aveda products. I like both and actually prefer the quality of Aveda over Aveeno, but Aveeno is cheaper (by a little, not a lot) and easier to find. But no matter what you use , make sure you are regularly using a light moisturiser as that could easily cause the breakouts you are describing.
I know you tried Origins and it didnt work for you, but I LOVE them! I have very sensitive and dry skin and Origins is the only line I’ve been able to find that works. I have never tried the Checks and Balances as it would dry my skin out, but the best cleanser hands down is their Dr. Weil Mega Mushroom cleanser. Its made for sensitive skin and works wonders. It’s completely gentle and will not dry your skin out. My mom has oily skin and uses it, so it seems to work for all skin types. It does not foam at all, but clears the makeup and cleans the skin very well. In addition to that, I use their Make a Difference face cream….which is awesome for dry skin especially in the winter and once a week I use their Modern Friction to exfoliate.
I know their products can be expensive, but if you go to the store and ask for samples of the products to try out, they will always give you some to try. Or if you do buy the product and it doesnt work for you, they have a good return policy.
Also this is my first time commenting on your blog….yes I’m one of the silent creeper readers
I love your GF recipes and also live in this lovely windy city! Good luck with your skin product search!
I love it when creepers come out of the shadows
Thanks for your advice, Holly - and thanks for reading!
Clinique’s clarifying lotion is helping me a lot lately. I like it.
Also, I swear my skin is better when I eat tons of almond butter. Not that I need an excuse to do that.
BeautiControl. It’s like Mary Kay but more focused on skincare and less on make-up..
I too am a long-time reader and am finally commenting. It sounds like we have veeery similar skin, and as someone living in Minneapolis, I understand how windy/cold winters and then hot/sweaty summers can make your skin totally freak out. I finally found a combo that works for me, its Desert Essence tea tree and chamomile (I don’t have the bottle in front of me…so if I’m spelling that incorrectly don’t judge). I bought it at my local co-op and its all natural and awesome. The liquid is pretty watery, but it totally cleans my face and doesn’t irriate it. Its amazing. And around $8 and it lasts forever. I also switched to their tea tree and cham. lotion and those two things are all I use. I just threw away my Clinique toner because I never use that anymore either. I’ll occassionaly mist my face with some rose water toner, but that’s truly it. It’s pretty cheap and I finally don’t battle random zits anymore.
A) I love your blog.
B) I’ve never posted on your site, but I feel the need to now. Eliminate all products and wash with soap and water. I have VERY sensitive skin + a gluten intolerance + a host of other intolerances, and I am prone to breakouts. I was dying to find something that worked for me after I started breaking out with my Oil of Olay. My boyfriend suggested bar soap. It’s WONDERFUL, cheap, not aggravating. My skin is MUCH BETTER with just soap. Try it!
I have similar skin to yours, and the ONLY moisturizer I can use is the one by Bobbi Brown. It is a bit expensive, but is amazing and lasts for quite some time. I also use her face wash. I was having a problem with my skin, and then I realized it was my concealer. I had been using a MAC concealer - bad bad bad, it was clay based - oops. So check your make up out too!
I feel your pain!
I don’t think you need to spend a fortune for good skin care. Some of the products available at the drugstore and/or Ulta are excellent. However, I will echo the rec for the Clarisonic Mia. The initial investment is a bit steep, but it does great things for your skin.
Cerave is an excellent moisturizer, and I highly recommend it. Cetaphil is a nice cleanser for the morning, but it doesn’t remove makeup so I hesitate to recommend it for evening if you wear makeup. A gentle exfoliator would be beneficial for your skin type. I like glycolic acid, and Alpha Hydrox makes some nice products. I also love the glycolic serum from http://www.makeupartistschoice.com (not affiliated in any way). I like to layer argan oil (Josie Maran or makeup artists’ choice) over the glycolic serum.
And finally, a good sunscreen is really important! Oil of Olay formulations are very good and easily available. I also like La Roche Posay.
I’ve been to multiple dermatologists in my teen years with combo/oily acne prone and sensitive skin, and here’s the best I’ve found:
Winter: Cerave for lotion day and night (time-release moisturization, so your skin’s always balanced! Can find this at Target, Walgreens, etc.)
Summer: Oil of Olay oil-free moisturizer for sensitive skin.
For organic cleansers, I’m trying “Yes to Tomatoes” cleanser and it’s been great! Still in search of a great organic makeup remover, though olive oil and coconut oil are always mentioned.
A few last minute ideas: I’ve heard great things about apple cider vinegar and green tea for skin health! Also, my derm recommended facials for me, which ended my bout of bad skin altogether. Let us know if you find your “holy grail” skin routine!
It seems like we have a few of the same skin isses. Bare minerals foaming face wash is mild, removes make up really well and doesn’t dry my skin out. It’s about $20 and lasts forever (like a year). I do not have a moisturizer I love for winter. In the summer I like clinique moisturizing gel since my skin is oily. Bare minerals gives samples of their skin line if you want to try before you buy
I have very similar issues….check out Crunchy Betty online - she has wonderful, all natural ways of caring for your skin (oil cleansing method, raw honey, baking soda, apple cider vinegar are some of the things she uses)…i too have gotten tired of trying all kinds of store products only to have them make my face dry, break out, more oily or rashy. The natural stuff has been a wonderful (and cheap!) change.
Crunchy Betty also has an ebook specific to oily and acne-prone skin that was really helpful to me.
Hope this helps
You know, I was going to recommend Origins. As for the cleanser, since your face has a split personality, and consdering the weather is a bit dry - it’s only natural to think that Checks and Balances would dry your skin out. I recommend trying Clean Energy (it’s a milky based cleanser, and I do use C&B during the Summer months) or A Perfect World cleanser.
PS: since your skin is sensitive, snag a sample of Modern Friction and use on wet skin.
Mario Badescu will send you the BEST set of free samples(in little jars too!) for free. They don’t hassel you and I never get spammed by them. You have to fill out a thing about your skin, then they recommend stuff and ask you to buy it. Just skip that part, and later they will email you to ask if you would like the samples. I love their products! The chick over at Door 16 did an extensive review about Mario Badescu, you might google her blog where she wrote it.
Best of luck!
Hi! My skin has been acting up lately too, stinks! But using clean and clear oil free cleanser, gold bond moisturizer with vit a and c, and Retinol cream (I got mine on amazon) has really been helping. I also had a few indented scars and they are almost all the way better!–thanks to the retinol cream and time. Unfortunately, my acne is mainly hormonal so theres not much I can do about the occasional breakout, and I’m still trying to get completely rid of scars from picking at them here and there–but these products are definitely helping. Have you seen a dermatologist?
Vichy is the only thing that works for me skin. I do not use the cream though. I use the facewash and use a marykay moisturizer. I have always had issues (breakouts) with my skin but vichy has totally cleaned them up! Around 20$ a bottle, but you really do not need much so it can last.
I’ve never commented on your blog before, but your skin sounds very similar to mine! I only saw one other person comment on this, but I recently switched to the Bare Minerals skin products. Amazing! My skin has never been better. Also, I am a bit obsessive about sunscreen, so I also use Neutrogena Free and Clear (no fragrance) liquid sunscreen. It’s a teeny tiny white bottle that costs like $12, but it lasts forever and you only need a couple drops. I mix it in my palm with the Bare Minerals moisturizer before I put it on my face.
Good luck!
I first have to say….REALLY? You think you are going to find something great with anti aging for around $50? Wow. Have you been to a counters lately? The price tag is typically $200+ for anything age-fighting! Even at Target Oil of Olay’s age effects moisturizer alone is about $40!! That being said Mary Kay did just release a brand new Botanical Effects line that is amazing. It doesn’t claim to be anti-aging but it does have anti oxidants and natural elements that are healthy for the skin. This is a more holistic approach to skincare. And….you could always sign up for Mary Kay again to get the Miracle Set for $45!!
I just thought I would throw in my 2 cents, as I just randomly come across this post. Mary Kay has come out with a Botanical Effects line for price conscious users who have sensitive skin. Have you ever tried the Blemish control toner? Acne Treatment Gel? I would use that in combo with Formula 3 in Botanical Effects.
This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger.
I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your great post. Also, I have shared your website in my social networks!
Hello,
I am now a Mary Kay Consultant it seems to me you love the product but hate the price.Now,It seems to me that you need to try the new Clear Proof acne Solutions.It helps with acne,oil,etc and its $45 . If you have any questions,comments,or concerns, feel free to email me !
Sincerly,
Asia H.
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