any suggestions to improve how your skin looks???

[Larisa]

I've got combination skin, and no matter what product I've tried I still breakout, or my skin gets dry and flaky. ;3; I've tried biore, ponds, neutragena for sensitive skin, but to no avail still no results. I'd love to be able to find a regiment that will improve how my skin looks, keep breakouts to a minimum, refine pores, help with the puffies under the eye? I don't get the time to do my make up everyday since i'm chasing about my very active 10 month old so if we go out I don't want to look a train wreck. I would greatly appreciate if anyone could help me out.

[Ellie Retrophilia]

As someone who experiences what you've experienced (mine is more on the oily side) I've found that avoiding products that have oil in the ingredients list helps. Also avoid any product with alcohol in it. The alcohol is drying and the oil will only contribute to the oiliness in your skin and can cause breakouts. Also look for products that say "non-comedogenic" on the back label. ALOT of lotions tend to have oils in them, those can cause more breakouts. Trying the above is a start but like a lot of folks have said: visit the dermatologist. They can even prescribe something that'll work or recommend some less expensive but reliable products to try.

[Annie Mae]

I have combination skin...oily in my t-zone and drier in my cheek area. If I overcleanse, I break out as my skin kicks into overdrive to combat what I'm stripping off. If I undercleanse I break out because I haven't removed makeup efficiently and I end up with clogged pores.

You know what has caused my skin to do a total 180? Cold cream and witch hazel. I used to spend oodles of money on the latest skincare line. I spent gobs of money on Chanel, Proactiv, Skyn Iceland, etc. only to find that Jergens (or Ponds) and good ol Thayer's witch hazel keeps me clear, so clear I don't need an additional blemish treatment.

Not only that, I'm excited because it's a truly vintage routine (I'm a Golden Era enthusiast) and I know a bunch of ol' ladies who look fantastic for their age and this is all they've used. I go the extra step and use sunscreen as well as Boots No. 7 Restore and Renew serum for anti-aging, but I will never go back to spending lots of money on several products for my skin. It's crazy!

Some gals tissue the cold cream off, or wash it off with a cloth. To save my washcloths, I tissue off the majority of it then use a warm wet cloth to get the rest off. My skin is moisturized, but not to the point of overly so. I use the witch hazel as a toner to remove the last traces of makeup and to combat oilies and blemishes. Witch hazel keeps puffiness at bay. Viola, I'm done.

Sometimes simple is better! I belong to a skincare forum where some of the women put 18 different products on their faces...I'm not exaggerating...and that's just in the AM!

[Kristy C]

^^^^^
Cold cream is GREAT for dry climates, especially. I live in AZ and my skin gets so dry during the winters here that washing it (even with a hydrating cleanser) dries it out so bad, I use cold cream instead. I remember my great grandmother using Pond's when I was a kid, and learned over on the Fedora Lounge that it's still pretty popular especially amongst us "enthusiasts" of many times past!

The witch hazel is great too. I find that most astringents are too harsh and toners are kind of a waste of money because they are designed to do exactly what the witch hazel does. I like to keep it in my fridge during the summer months, put some on a cotton ball, stick that in the freezer for a few seconds, then it feels soooo good on the face.

This winter has been very wet, so my skin hasn't freaked out too bad this time around. I might take a jar to use in Vegas next week though, between the smoke in the casinos and the dry air out there, I usually find myself moisturizing up a storm and my skin just sucks it up, then feels dry a few hours later under my makeup.....I need a little extra TLC!

[Annie Mae]

I'm in AZ as well! I'm in N. AZ, but I used to live in Tucson (I still belong to my ol burlesque troupe in Tucson). I can't believe how much my skin freaked out when I moved here back in 2003 from MI. And I learned about the vintage cold cream/witch hazel routine from the FL. I can't believe something so simple could be so effective for me. I want to go the extra step and implement anti-aging and I always wear sunscreen...but I cannot speak highly enough of Ponds/Jergens (either works) and witch hazel!

Christi Invicta said:

^^^^^
Cold cream is GREAT for dry climates, especially. I live in AZ and my skin gets so dry during the winters here that washing it (even with a hydrating cleanser) dries it out so bad, I use cold cream instead. I remember my great grandmother using Pond's when I was a kid, and learned over on the Fedora Lounge that it's still pretty popular especially amongst us "enthusiasts" of many times past!

The witch hazel is great too. I find that most astringents are too harsh and toners are kind of a waste of money because they are designed to do exactly what the witch hazel does. I like to keep it in my fridge during the summer months, put some on a cotton ball, stick that in the freezer for a few seconds, then it feels soooo good on the face.

This winter has been very wet, so my skin hasn't freaked out too bad this time around. I might take a jar to use in Vegas next week though, between the smoke in the casinos and the dry air out there, I usually find myself moisturizing up a storm and my skin just sucks it up, then feels dry a few hours later under my makeup.....I need a little extra TLC!

[CocoaMama]

I have three words for you: African Black Soap. I'm telling you - and I don't give out praise like this easily - it's amazing. It's completely all natural, makes your skin amazingly soft and smooth, you can use it all over, even as shampoo - just FANTASTIC. All you need to do is be sure to use a good moisturizer afterwards, as it cleans off everything and your skin may feel a bit tight. I bought mine from coastalscents.com for 8 bucks plus shipping. It's looks a little...off-putting, but once you get used to it, it's fabulous. Head on over and check out the reviews, espeially the youtube one...I have my entire family and my in-laws using it!

Kisses,
~CM~

[Annie Mae]

CM...you aren't the first to mention this! My interest is piqued...off to research this soap!!!

CocoaMama said:

I have three words for you: African Black Soap. I'm telling you - and I don't give out praise like this easily - it's amazing. It's completely all natural, makes your skin amazingly soft and smooth, you can use it all over, even as shampoo - just FANTASTIC. All you need to do is be sure to use a good moisturizer afterwards, as it cleans off everything and your skin may feel a bit tight. I bought mine from coastalscents.com for 8 bucks plus shipping. It's looks a little...off-putting, but once you get used to it, it's fabulous. Head on over and check out the reviews, espeially the youtube one...I have my entire family and my in-laws using it!

Kisses,
~CM~

[CocoaMama]

I hope you love it as much as I do!!

~CM~

Annie Mae said:

CM...you aren't the first to mention this! My interest is piqued...off to research this soap!!!

CocoaMama said:

I have three words for you: African Black Soap. I'm telling you - and I don't give out praise like this easily - it's amazing. It's completely all natural, makes your skin amazingly soft and smooth, you can use it all over, even as shampoo - just FANTASTIC. All you need to do is be sure to use a good moisturizer afterwards, as it cleans off everything and your skin may feel a bit tight. I bought mine from coastalscents.com for 8 bucks plus shipping. It's looks a little...off-putting, but once you get used to it, it's fabulous. Head on over and check out the reviews, espeially the youtube one...I have my entire family and my in-laws using it!

Kisses,
~CM~

[Melia deMure {★}]

I have combination skin too, and I've found that the best things that work for me are oil-free, alcohol-free, and for sensitive skin. And a good moisturizer is important, it really helps balance my skin out, plus, it's a better foundation for makeup.

My favorites are all drugstore brands (except my peel) and easy to find:
Olay Foaming Face Wash for Sensitive Skin
Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner
Olay Complete SPF 30 Defense Daily UV Moisturizer - Sensitive Skin
Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment (it has 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide like Proactiv, so it's not too drying)
Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel - Sensitive Skin (I use it every other week or so, it seems to help)

[Sally_Cyanide]

Hello there, your skin sounds a lot like mine. Some days it's too dry, other days it's too oily grrs, it makes me crazy! I actually have several foundations to battle the problem - revelon's colourstay in oily/combination is very good for those days when it's greasy and I use mineral foundation on an everday basis as it doesn't irritate my skin. I use Bourjois foaming cleanser (ideal for sensitive and dry skin) as it contains rose water and it works very well at keeping the break-outs to a minimum. Harsh acne cleansers only end up doing more damage! Perhaps you could ask your doctor to get you to see a dermatologist? I used to have major bad acne until I went and got some excellent treatment :) I hope this helped x

[Hannah La Rouge]

I have combination skin too and brand products like neutragena do nothing. Coca butter like palmers are great for all over the body no matter what your skin is that day. They all help improve skin and theres one for pregnant women to tighten skin and hide stretch marks and its doing great on my body!! Im not sure if theres such thing as the body shop in the US but there tea tree products for your face helps it.

Theres a mask and you use twice a week for 10 minutes and helps dry out the skin for the spots and a blackhead face wash with with natural seeds and help get rid of anything of the face where you mainly concentrated on. These are all natural products and are against animal testing. Ive used this when i was in school and kept me looking young and back on it now as it works perfectly.

The best foundation to use to help your skin is Giorgrio Armani. Its £32 over here but they have 4 types and you can build it up without looking like a hooker. I use luminous skin as it helps give a natural look. Best bit is that the make up is so light on your face, doesn't feel like your wearing it.

[Miss Liz E. Borden {★}]

I've been using the clinique 3 step system for almost six years and it's done wonders. Before this I was using biore until it seems they changed the product line. Clinique also offers an acne line as well. As I've been using this my skin is soft, clean, and happy. I rarely wear foundation make up or similar items. I usually wash my face add some extra moisturizer (in addition to the regular moisturizer) and out the door I go. I have combination dry/sensitive skin. Clinique offers the 3 step in four skin preferences. The clinique prices may seem a little steep but this works for me so I don't mind. Of course everybody has different skin so if your skin is really a bother you might wish to check with a dermatologist before starting any regimen to prevent further irritation.

[Bunny Bailey]

Oh I'm so happy to see this post just now. I'm going to write an article on this topic soon. FORGET all the b*******! Such skin concerns are not to be addressed from the perspective of this product or that one, what my grandma used to do, or any of the million other bad approaches. It's about YOU and what your skin is trying to tell you with your specific symptoms. You want to solve the problem for good, you must identify the root causes & most doctors then approach it from a whole body perspective - and dermatologists are not likely going to help you do that.

Visit the following two websites and plan to consult with a naturopath (do your homework) after you've gone through all of that information and I'm betting you will gain an understanding and "control" of your skin like you've never imagined. Good luck & feel free to message me personally at [e-mail]!

http://www.highonhealth.org
www.stoppickingonme.com