I use the Timeless brand. I really like it. I buy mine from amazon, but if you buy it straight from Timeless I read it is much fresher. Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C Plus E Ferulic Acid Serum, 1 oz. I also use their squalane oil and Matrixyl.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0036BI56G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_V58sCbC1KR14N
My routine is pretty simple.
AM & PM: - wash with Neutrogena naturals purifying facial cleanser - apply vitamin c serum (I’m on mobile so I’ll paste the link at the end) - apply Neutrogena visibly even daily moisturizer - If my skin is looking a little dull I might exfoliate with generic Walmart brand apricot face scrub
Vitamin C serum: https://www.amazon.com/Timeless-Skin-Vitamin-Ferulic-Serum/dp/B0036BI56G
This Timeless vitamin c serum ($15-$24, price fluctuates) is an almost exact dupe for more expensive ones (Paula's Choice is $48, etc.).
https://www.amazon.com/20-Vitamin-Ferulic-Acid-Serum/dp/B0036BI56G
Essential oils can always be bought cheap as fuck in bulk. On Amazon there are a few brands of argan oil for around $3.25/oz, as opposed to Josie Maran which is literally the exact same thing for $28.25/oz.
Always stay on the lookout. If something is expensive as fuck, chances are there is something with the same or similar ingredients for cheaper, especially things with very few ingredients like vitamin C serums or oils. Personally all of my skincare products (makeup remover, daily AHA, weekly AHA, vitamin C, serum, moisturizer, oil) are all under $25. I don't think I would spend more than $50 on a skincare product. That shit would either have to last forever or be liquid skin perfection in a bottle.
Hi there! Just wanted to let you know that Automod removed your comment because it contains an Amazon referral link.
Can you please edit the URL for the Timeless 20% Vitamin C so that everything from (and including) "tag=" is removed?
The URL does look a bit funny even with the "tag=" removed, so you might just want to replace it with this one:
> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0036BI56G
Lemme know when you've changed the link so I can approve your comment! (the rest of the links are fine btw, just the Timeless one needs to be edited)
Do you think i need any HA or something like that for extra hydration? Why HA with moisturizer? I was thinking of using it in a hydrating serum or is it a bad idea to use more than one serum?
I checked theordinary and found that it has all the ingredients im looking for.
Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum this? do i really need a boost in vitamin c? I saw a video about combinations and this one is suppose to boost the effects of vitamin c.
I don't think there's any Vit C in that cream! I wouldn't recommend TO Vit C, I find the creams very gritty. The Niacinamide + Zinc didn't give me any issues, however. The cream you have looks good for active acne as honey and all it's extracts (royal jelly, propolis) are anti bacterial and very moisturizing.
This serum is the correct ph and formulation for an effective L-Ascorbic Acid product. Keep in mind most of the work Vit C does is very long term and some effects won't be noticed right away. Also try and use your L-Ascorbic Acid and Niacinamide separately, like AM/PM as it can cause issues with some people.
I'm not sure if they changed the formulation recently. The Amazon link that I have doesn't show anything other than L-ascorbic acid and neither does the Timeless website. "We use a 20% concentration of L-ascorbic acid for maximum benefit."
https://www.amazon.com/Timeless-Skin-Vitamin-Ferulic-Serum/dp/B0036BI56G?th=1
> Timeless Vitamin C
I'm familiar with UVA/UVB sunlight though I don't have any kind of specific information regarding the level of protection my sunscreen currently provides. I will try to get the information from the manufactrer.
have you read the reviews @ Amazon for the Timeless Vitamin C serum? some say it's useless as it has a high pH level than they claim. might be another retailer selling on amazon? (https://www.amazon.com/Timeless-Skin-Vitamin-Ferulic-Serum/dp/B0036BI56G?th=1#customerReviews)
I will defentily read into all the ingridatines you mentioned. I've read about Niacinamide and its effects on hyperpigmentation, I hope I will benefit from it.
I've never used a moisturizing cream before, do you think I could benefit from it? I'm going to use a good sunscreen & Niacinamide\Vitamin C serum for start. I'm not going to look into retinoal or AHA before the winter. I'm currently after a delying product as some of the damage is currently undergoing (spots getting darker altough I void the sun almost completly).
Thanks!
Skin Actives isn't sold on Amazon. Timeless is a popular alternative for folks who want L-Ascorbic Acid in a formulation similar to that of SkinCeuticals (the original patent holder for Vitamin C serum).
Cute with a tad of sexy.
But if you wanna know if there can be any improvments heres what I got. I can't tell if the shadows are doing this or not but the side of your face is a little darker. Buy a vitamin c serum, this is my favorite: https://www.amazon.com/Timeless-Skin-Vitamin-Ferulic-Serum/dp/B0036BI56G
It absorbs fast, not sticky, and I got results in a damn week. Usually people use this stuff for PIH aka acne discoloration or for anti aging, but it also smooths out the coloration of your face. Also, if you are self conscious about the slightly darker skin under your eyes, guess what this bomb ass vit c takes care of it as well. Keep it in the fridge and away from light, and it'll last maybe 3 months. If it stops smelling like nail polish and starts browning then it's starting to get bad. Stop using if it becomes golden and becomes too irritating because then its gone too bad. And you should use it anyway for anti aging. Use in mornings with sunscreen over it for photoprotection (and if you don't use sunscreen everyday on your face then you should because anti aging, I recommend Kiss My Face) AND use at nights before bed. vit c also helps prevent sun damage as well, so it works with sunscreen, AND it thickens your skin over time like retin-A.
And if you don't want to do that jazz, which I think is a mistake, then just chill anyway because you really do look cute in that pic.
EDIT: KISS MY FACE NOT MISS MY FACE
I found it here: http://www.amazon.com/20-Vitamin-Ferulic-Acid-Serum/dp/B0036BI56G?ie=UTF8&keywords=timeless%20vitamin%20c%20serum&qid=1465322473&ref_=sr_1_1_a_it&sr=8-1 but there are lots of places to get it I think. If you search this board people talk about it a lot, that's where I found out about it.
I bought OST C20 due to its high popularity here. I've also heard great things about timeless C serum which I've read is less prone to oxidizing.
Same thing happened to me with OST C20. It was way too strong for me (since it stung literally every time I applied it to my face while I had an active breakout, which was almost all the time). I stopped using vitamin C altogether for about 5 months and then decided to get a non-AB bit C serum from Amazon. It's the Timeless vitamin C 20% serum and so far it hasn't stung or oxidized like the OST C20 serum; and I've had this in my bathroom cabinet for 2 months. Might be worth a try!
I've had good luck with Timeless (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0036BI56G/ref=as_li_ss_tl?m=A1MAEIEGYR3XOR&ie=UTF8&qid=1436781346&sr=1&keywords=Timeless+vitaminc+c+serum&linkCode=sl1&linkId=8a61416ee640fc7af151c341d0c36233), but it's only $1 less of what you're buying now! 1 ounce (30mls) should last you 3-4 months if used once a day.
Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C Plus E Ferulic Acid Serum, 1 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0036BI56G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_PRGDAbRS12ZX6
Claire-ity 25% Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E, Best Organic Anti-Aging Moisturizer Serum for Face, Neck & Décolleté and Eye Treatment (1 fl. oz) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OKY87OS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_3SGDAbDW006V9
Vitamin C 1 oz Serum with Organic Hyaluronic Acid - Lighten Sun Spots, Anti Aging, Anti Wrinkle - Light and Oxygen Stable MAP Vitamin C - ASTERWOOD NATURALS - Classic Formula Bottle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GVUZODA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_8TGDAbJ419E6C
I also get my B3 through [MIZON] Good Night White Sleeping Mask 50ml (1.69 fl.oz.) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GB1E940/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_4UGDAb45GG14N
I was going to come in here and rave about Timeless so yes it is the best and not ungodly expensive!
Timeless Vitamin C Serum - https://www.amazon.com/Timeless-Skin-Vitamin-Ferulic-Serum/dp/B0036BI56G/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1470623581&sr=1-1&keywords=timeless+c+serum
(This serum works better than the Paula's Choice serum, according to a website I follow that tested them against each other: http://www.hotandflashy50.com/vitamin-c-serum-comparison-timeless-paulas-choice-css/)
I can't speak for any other guy, but the one in my life has used the Aveeno Positively Radiant Moisturizer SPF 30 for years and likes it because it is not shiny. Otherwise, a sunscreen that is mineral-based will provide longer lasting sun protection. Unless you are in the sun for more than 2 hours a day, you should be able to get through the workday without reapplying a regular sunscreen. If you wanted to be extra careful, using one with zinc in it would give you longer-lasting protection. CeraVe AM is one that's easy to find. They can look a little whitish on the skin, though, so a lot of people don't like them. (I wear EltaMD UV Clear or EltaMD UV Daily -- they are zinc based, a little pricier than drugstore but I like how they wear and they dry basically clear.) You can find them on Amazon, too.
Since you asked about "piling" stuff -- basically, apply things in order of thickness/heaviness, from most watery to thickest texture. Otherwise, lighter-weight products will get blocked from absorbing by heavier ones. So serums go first, then moisturizers. Apply serums everywhere on your face that you would apply moisturizer. You only need a few drops of serum -- rub it around, basically everywhere but eyelids. Then apply the moisturizer all over, too.
If you are using a separate sunscreen, the sunscreen should always be the LAST skincare applied, since other stuff might remove it or mess with it. But that's pretty involved. You can find a moisturizer with sunscreen easily, so no need to complicate things with a separate sunscreen step.
> https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036BI56G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Amazon is known to have counterfeits as well though. I love your list though!
Second all of this. I started using a Vitamin C serum at this age and several years later am grateful I started when I did. There are some inexpensive, highly rated products on Amazon for around $20.
I use https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036BI56G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
and am very happy with it. HTH!
If you don't want to research I would recommend Curology. It's a 20USD a month prescription that comes with someone with some sort of medical-related degree to act as a dermatologist. Mine's a PA, and no where near qualified to be dermatologists, but for this purpose I find it's good enough. You upload photos of your skin and fill out a quick survey of your goals and you receive a 1 oz/30mL topical prescription with their recommended ingredients for you (e.g. mine's azelaic acid/clindamycin/niacinamide to target PIH and acne) that you apply once a day at night and usually follow up with a moisturiser. Because Curology is technically a prescription, you will also have access to tretinoin, which is one of the most studied retinoids for addressing anti-aging issues and can't be bought OTC in the US. If you want to add anything on top of your prescription, like a Vitamin C serum, you can also talk that over with your derm and they can recommend you products and talk about what to look for or tell you it's unnecessary. If 20USD a month is too expensive for you, then you can sign up for one month, receive the prescription topical treatment, and then cancel your subscription until you run out and then start the trial again when you need more product. The downside of this is that you won't have access to your dermatologist when your subscription isn't active.
If you're not interested in Curology, then to answer your questions
Simple and cheap:
AM
CeraVe cleanser from Target. Choose whichever you think is appropriate and use a $2.00 coupon.
Vitamin C serum -- this probably won't do much to fade your marks. It wlll help protect your already blemished skin from further sun damage. Timeless is a safe, inexpensive choice. The Ordinary has some choices but some find the formulas too irritating.
Sunscreen everyday, not just when you think you're going out. You might want to try something like CeraVe AM Moisturizing Lotion that that includes sun protection (print 2 coupons). Use it every morning then add an extra sunscreen after 2 hours of sun exposure.
PM
You can get everything but the Vitamin C serum from Target. The easiest thing to do is to write down the prices at Target.com and Amazon then ask for a price match to either one when you check out at the store. You can do that in the regular checkout line or at guest services desk. You can still use manufacturer's coupons when you price match.
Extras you can think about:
If you think you need a exfoliant, try Paula's Choice standard 2% BHA. You can get the trial (aka travel size) for less than $10 (no shipping this week). That should last for at least three weeks and you can get samples of other versions for little or nothing to see what suits you. There's a travel size of the AHA available too. You may end up using an exfoliant from somewhere else but the trial and sample sizes give you an inexpensive starting point.
Serums: There are some other fading products you can experiment with such a Azeliac Acid or Alpha Arbutin from The Ordinary but quite frankly, if you're dealing with old acne marks, I'd recommend you go straight to niacinamide with glucosamine. If you want to supplement the Olay moisturizer, there are serums like Paula's Choice Niacinamide Booster (pricey) or Skinlex (inexpensve with not much of a track record) that you could use in the morning.
Yes. It's the one in yellow bottle.
20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum 1 oz. https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0036BI56G/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_33Q77G429YW4YPM11NQR
No worries & thank you for the reply! Is this the correct product?
https://www.amazon.com/Timeless-Skin-Care-20-Vitamin/dp/B0036BI56G
​
I definitely will be starting to incorporate some sunscreen in my life. I also greatly appreciate the specific product recommendation, and the advice on how to use it.
Should I change my moisturizer and cleanser? I mean they both get the job done, but do you think there could be actual improvement from long term usage of different products? I don't want to just be impulsively buying stuff.
In particular, I was kind of eyeing the Hada Lobo cleanser. Also, it seems like most of the people here swear by CeraVe Moisturizing Cream tub.
Do you think there's a real advantage to cleansing and moisturizing twice a day? I only do it at night at the moment, and I realize now I may have been making an obvious mistake.
Sorry for all the questions! Thanks in advance.
Can I just add a couple of drops of neem oil to my moisturizer at night? I ordered some from amazon after a glowing endorsement and it should be here any day but I wasn't sure how to use it other than spot treatment. How does everyone else use it?
AM
Timeless Vitamin C Serum (20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid)
PM
Is it this one from amazon
Thanks! Looks like it’s on amazon and is affordable, which is great. Is this the right one?
Hi there! As a start, I'd probably stop using Dr. Bronner's Soap. It's very alkaline with a pH of 8.9, too stripping for the skin. Skin is naturally a little acidic (4.6 - 6.0 pH), and clinical studies have shown that acne proliferates in an alkaline environment, plus continued use of an alkaline cleanser will actually make your skin increasingly more alkaline over time so it's best to use a cleanser with a slightly acidic pH (ideal is 5.5 pH).
Def search this subreddit for silicone-free to see what else you can find but here's a starter list of products (4 years old). A silicone free primer you could try is Too Faced Hangover.
The tamanu oil might be a little high in the oleic acid % (~40%) so it could be potentially comedogenic. Check this site for other acne-safe oils.
As for VitC, it is def quite confusing. VitC, in the LAA form, is quite temperamental. It's ascorbic acid already so it doesn't need to convert but its unstable, requires a low pH to work and needs a 15-20% concentration. It can also be irritating. It oxidizes quickly from water, light, air and heat so smart chemists developed derivative forms which while are more stable and tolerated, must convert to ascorbic acid (SAP, MAP, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (ATIP), etc.). There are limited studies on derivatives' efficacy (ability to penetrate, convert to ascorbic acid, etc). The latest derivative, ATIP, has shown to be well tolerated, shelf-stable and penetrate deeper and faster than LAA (7% concentration) so could be a winner for you. Here are some affordable options: LAA form: Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C Plus E Ferulic Acid Serum ($15.50). It's formula is similar to the gold-standard, SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic ($166); SAP product: Mad Hippe VitC Serum; MAP product: The Ordinary Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10% ($10); ATIP: Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F ($17.80). I can't speak to the nursing friendly aspect but I hope this helps as a starting point!
Its on sale for $15 on Amazon
Deciem has a range of products that aren't quite makeup, but sorta are: http://deciem.com/category/skincare/finishers (Find them on Facebook to ask them the differences if you're confused.)
Also grab a Vitamin C serum. I've been using Vitamin C daily now and my complexion is a lot brighter and even. I've had people ask if I'm wearing makeup. I hear really good things about Timeless though I use Indeed's C24. (Indeed also has a blurring product too.)
And of course, top everything off with sunscreen.
1) Vitamin C serum.
The classic one is Skinceuticals CE Ferulic but there are cheaper versions around that give you nearly all the benefits that Skinceuticals has (Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C Plus E Ferulic Acid Serum or Cosmetics Solutions CE Ferulic Combination Treatment are more affordable options). Other ingredients to look for is niacinamide, green tea, resveratrol, hyaluronic acid -- you need to make sure your skin is well hydrated and has ingredients that fight off free radical damage.
https://www.amazon.com/Timeless-Skin-Vitamin-Ferulic-Serum/dp/B0036BI56G
2) Heliocare.
There is also a supplement called Heliocare that has Polypodium leucotomos fern in it that has been shown to protect your skin from the free radical damage that you get from sun exposure (you still need to wear sunscreen though).
https://www.amazon.com/Heliocare-Oral-Capsules-60-capsules/dp/B001E25USU
3) UV film on your car.
It sounds like you spend a lot of time outdoors and I'm not sure how much of that is spent driving but just in case you do drive quite a bit, it might be worth getting UV film on the drivers side window and on the windshield. I got mine done at a local shop that does tinting for cars.
sounds like this product but more expensive https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0036BI56G/ review https://fiftyshadesofsnail.com/2017/01/04/vitamin-c-serum-101-timeless-vitamin-c-serum-review/
Replying to you again because I realize nothing was particular so I'll redo this for you.
Vit A serum that I'm using right now
I also use a very high quality cotton cloth for my face got like 5 of them or something...totally didn't steal these from an expensive ass Miami hotel.
Edit: general everywhere moisturizer for post shower lightweight quick stuff
i use this one as of the first of this month and i like it. it is reportedly more stable than the C20. smells like bum though before it absorbs.
Yeah, this is the one that is suggested pretty often.
not strictly AB or available on amazon, but this is very cost-effective ($20 including the shipping) and contains a lot of AB anti-aging star ingredients like green tea, centella, peptides, MAP (non-pH-dependent vit C), and niacinamide. it gets bonkers good reviews on makeupalley.
for an amazon-available vit c for age spots, people rave about the $16-25 timeless one, which is pH-dependent and has to be kept in the fridge to slow oxidization.
This is the one I got. It's not too much more than the OST one.
I just ordered this 20% vitamin C + E ferulic acid serum.
Would this be too strong for a beginner?
I've just researched the top 4 ingredients and all those are pregnancy safe.
In the past couple days I've been putting together a routine to help fix my mom's sun damage on her arms, so here's what I've found!
Vitamin C serum. Expensive, but plenty of carefully-done research shows that it's really one of the best things to help repair photodamage. We decided on this one because it's fairly cheap, and it's got Vitamin E and ferulic acid, both of which increase stability and effectiveness of L-Ascorbic Acid (this form of Vitamin C). So look for those three ingredients all together! Also, keep it in the fridge if at all possible!
Glycolic Acid. Haven't bought this yet, but I'll probably get this Alpha Hydrox lotion since it's pretty cheap and seems to be effective. If you don't have issues with sensitive skin and/or have a bit more to spend, maybe this would work? Be careful, though, the higher concentration/lower pH could be irritating, so if you get that second one then I'd suggest using it once every two or three days and working up from there.
Niacinamide. Take a look at the before and after linked in this comment - pretty impressive, right?? I couldn't find a precisely labeled 5% niacinamide product, but we got the next best thing: this lotion which has 4% niacinamide. I'm guessing it won't be noticeably less effective than the one in the study. :)
Optional: Urea lotion/cream. It's supposed to help skin cell turnover, so I'm guessing it would work synergistically with the glycolic acid exfoliation? Not sure, though. I'm going to get one for my mom anyway - I know Eucerin has quite a few excellent urea products, so this should be fairly easy to find if you're interested.
That's a lot of exfoliation, so also make sure you're soothing and protecting your skin with something like zinc cream or Vaseline regularly! Also, yes, SUNSCREEN. Lots of it. White cast shouldn't matter if it's on your body, so I'd suggest a physical sunscreen with lots of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Those are proven to block UVA rays, which are what cause damage, whereas lots of chemical sunscreen agents are not as effective for UVA protection!
Hope this helps! Good luck on your journey :D