I tried all exfoliants I could find (ontario resident and SDM addict here) and everything was irritating and not effective at all. Seriously, it's worth it just to order from Paula's Choice, the products are sooo much better, and also non irritating and no alcohol.
They always offer free shipping on sample-only orders, so you can order all sorts of different stuff to try out. One packet usually lasts 3-4 applications. Use the referral code thread to get $10 off. Also check here to get discount codes, you can usually get 15-25% off your order.
I usually try to keep my payable amount over $5, so I get 3 extra samples for free, but under $20 (after all discounts), so I'm not charged the $5 border fee.
I know this is the exact opposite of a drugstore brand, but with all the discounts, it ends up being cheaper - and it really is So MUCH BETTER!
My fav new cheap moisturizer:
The Ultra Light Advanced Fluid is comparable, I find the texture to be exactly the same. The only difference I guess is that it doesn't have Mexoryl like the LRP one does
Any hydrocolloid bandage will work. Hydrocolloid is a type of bandage not a brand. I've bought some from Shoppers, sometimes they even have the ones specifically for acne. Look in the skincare section.
For stridex I think amazon is the only place. Link Here
I use Garnier Ombrelle fluid sunscreen SPF 60. It doesn't leave a very noticeable whitecast and goes on super smooth and feels great. You can buy it at shoppers and amazon
I am prone to cystic acne and my favourite balm cleanser is Clinique's Take The Day Off. I also really like The Body Shops Sumptuous Camomile cleansing balm. These two never break me out.
However, I have tried the oil versions of both these cleansers and they both caused breakouts for me. I'm not sure what ingredient it is causing the problem, but I always seem to have better luck with balm cleansers than with oil cleansers.
I use these to remove my cleansing balm. The Clinique one does emulsify and *can* be rinsed, but I feel cleaner when I use a makeup eraser type cloth.
I always follow up with a gel cleanser.
I recently bought this Aveeno ultra calming moisturizer SPF 30 - it has both zinc and titanium oxide -- and I love it! The only thing I hate is that the pump NEVER worked. Ever. But no matter, I just open it up and squeeze it out. It's an affordable mineral sunscreen with both ingredients and it goes on like a dream. I can feel it soothing my skin!
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For TINTED mineral, I useOmbrelle tinted mineral SPF60 and I love it. It gives some light coverage and it happens to be the perfect shade of tint for me.
I know this is a skincare forum, so most people won't want to hear this, but nothing topical helped me personally. Learning about the relationship between hormones, birth control, and sebum production in this book did help me though.
I currently have the Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF50+/ PA+++ that I bought on amazon! it's the mineral version. I'm SouthEast Asian and it doesn't leave a white cast on me, just a slight initial one but it does go away after letting it sit for a few minutes. This does contain some alcohol and fragrance but it does not irritate my skin at all or dry it out (esp for me as I have dry and sensitive skin too). It is also a milky texture but does not run too much. Not waterproof I believe.
I use the Acure Radically Rejuvenating Night Cream and it’s super moisturizing while also absorbing quickly! I personally don’t have acne prone skin but the reviews say it’s great for that and prevents breakouts :)
If you don't mind not getting them individually packaged, Japanese sheet masks can be found a lot cheaper - they're sold in wipe-type dispensers. These ones on Amazon are $20 for 30 masks
Not if I use a tiny amount. I put the glycerin in one of those airless pump bottles like this and I can dispense the tiniest drop. Any more than that and it can get super sticky. And make sure to add the glycerin to the moisturizer in the palm on your hand right before applying, because glycerin mixed into just a regular bottle of moisturizer will go rancid.
I will say, I also add a couple drops of squalene oil in with this as well and the combo of the two are great for winter dryness.
There’s a super popular post on this sub singing the praises of Eucerin’s 5% urea face cream….and every rave is the absolute truth. This shit is magic during the winter months, and definitely among the most budget friendly options.
So: I too have my fair share of “soul leaving my body” expensive skincare, but for the coming winter season, one of the very best options I’ve found is Eucerin’s 5% urea moisturizer.
The other thing I got into last year that I feel makes a big difference is K-beauty sleep packs - basically a second, heavier moisturizer that lives on my bedside table and gets thrown on just before I turn the light out. I like Étude House’s Soon Jung line, but there are endless variations out there
<strong>Honey Foot Peeling Mask</strong> first - Peel off the dead skin every 3 months.
Daliy apply <strong>Grocerism 40% urea cream + 2% Salicylic Acid</strong> which is my skin life saver!
WORKS! Also it came with the moisturizing gel heel socks as gift, so I don't need to buy it for $6-$9 per pair.
Thick layer of 40% Urea Cream with gel heel socks on, then go to bed, healing while you sleep.
<strong>Honey Foot Peeling Mask</strong> first - Peel off the dead skin every 3 months.
Daliy apply <strong>Grocerism 40% urea cream + 2% Salicylic Acid</strong> which is my skin life saver!
WORKS! Also it came with the moisturizing gel heel socks as gift, so I don't need to buy it for $6-$9 per pair.
Thick layer of 40% Urea Cream with gel heel socks on, then go to bed, healing while you sleep.
It sounds like you might be a good candidate for double cleansing.
I am prone to cystic acne. And if I don't double cleanse on the days I wear sunscreen, I am guaranteed a breakout.
Consider adding an oil or balm cleanser to your routine. My favourites are from Clinique and The Body Shop. I like to remove my balm cleanser using one of these.
To answer your question, no, I have never used separate cleansers for different areas of my face. But I had done multi-masking.
Not a serum, but I like Neutrogena Hydro Boost gel under my moisturizer. It's really not occlusive enough for me to use without something heavier over it. I also switch up my routine in the fall to include slightly heavier, richer moisturizers for day and evening. When my skin gets really dry, I'll use something very occlusive overnight like an Aveeno eczema product. Saves my hands every winter too.
Anyone know about these 2 options on Amazon? Are they legit?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0B8TKC9XP/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=A11BUT9HQ0UP7E&psc=1
I think the CeraVe moisturizer is causing breakouts for me as well. I bought it along with the foaming cleanser and acne cleanser, and my acne has only gotten worse since I started using it.
Are these the products you meant?
Just wanna make sure I don't buy the wrong stuff
Have you incorporated strong physical exfoliation as well? I can’t recommend these exfoliating mitts enough. For lotion, dermal therapy is a great Canadian brand. They have a couple products at shoppers but the one I linked is better for kp imo. Also second using an acid based toner and finishing with regular lotion
No I haven’t been able to find it anywhere! Maybe that’s why. I had to switch to Palmers Which I actually like a lot besides the fragrance! And price is right…around $8
It’s on Amazon right now. Just bought it to confirm it is the OLD formula and it is. Seems like price has gone up $2 already since I bought it (literally 3 days ago.) But at least it’s truly the old formula. CETAPHIL Gentle Skin Cleanser 20... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GC74LL5?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Yeah it doesn't have any microbeads or anything and it's easy to wash out. I'm sure you could try any exfoliating scalp products though, there are a few on the market. I also use one of those scalp massager brushes like this to make sure I get it everywhere on my scalp. It's not needed but I it helps
Cetaphil makes a hand sanitizer but it's only available exclusively on Amazon for some reason. It's 62% ethyl alcohol/ethanol (not quite the 70% you're looking for) and fragrance-free. I found it after discovering a fragrance allergy at the end of last year and filled up smaller bottles with the product linked for portability.
I've had really bad sebacious filaments on my nose my whole adult life. Nothing worked, but I just got this stuff and it's amazing! I've been using it less than a month and they're much much less noticeable. It just keeps the pores clear of gunk.
I also messed up my skin barrier a few months ago!
This product was a god send. It is cruelty free (but does contain beeswax so not vegan)
E-Cream by Skin Essence I used it kind of like a sleeping mask and put in on before bed (it is quite thick and greasy!)
The Pacifica Ceramide line available at Shoppers (and I have seen it at Superstores as well) is fantastic. Fragrance free and my go to when my skin just needs a reset!
I purchased mine from Amazon Japan (reformulated version and older version)! Shipping fees are calculated at checkout but this includes the estimated duties/import fees so I didn't have to pay anything on top of those upon arrival. If I recall correctly, my shipping fee was about $20-30CAD - it's pricey but the cost of the products is lower than local stores so it kind of balances out.
https://airtable.com/shrccQkBJ5poa4zgh
It does specify that it wants you to have been a former online customer, but as long as you’ve ordered something from them online in the past, you should be good.
So I’m super sketch about ordering skincare products on Amazon, but another user vouched for this seller. So I went out on a limb and ordered it, and I can vouch for it too. It’s legit and arrived in a week!
Cerave moisturizer and cleanser are gentle but effective. For exfoliation, I recommend Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. That product alone changed my husband’s outlook on skincare. He went from no routine to a routine that puts mine to shame. There’s a 4oz mini size if you want to try it out:
Paulas Choice--SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant--Facial Exfoliant for Blackheads, Enlarged Pores, Wrinkles & Fine Lines, 4 oz Bottle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00949CTQQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_YFNBFYBDRC0654EMYA8J
Just going to echo everyone else and say that a skincare routine should have, at minimum:
• Cleanser • Exfoliation (Paula’s choice says this could be applied daily, but 3x a week is fine. It’s gentle so I have never experienced sensitivity.) • Eye cream (Cerave is an effective yet affordable option) • Moisturizer • Sunscreen
How does the CeraVe ultralight compare to the regular Cerave AM moisturizer with 30 SPF? Have you tried both?
vs
(Putting my routine in the comments to give a bit more context as well!)
Morning:
- Bulldog sensitive face wash
- Versed Dew Point moisturizer
- Ombrelle SPF 60 (this one)
Night:
- same cleanser
- TO niacinimade/zinc
- trentinoin
- LRP Cicaplast Balm
All of this stuff is working really well for me and are really accessible; 5/6 are from Shopper's, the TO product is from Sephora. One big change other than starting tretinoin was the face wash, I used to use a foaming salicylic acid one and wondered "how my face was so red" after my routine lol.
My only issues with the routine right now are that the sunscreen makes me SO shiny and I don't love having two separate moisturizers. My routine was also cruelty-free before I started adapting it for tretinoin so I'm on the look-out for one cruelty-free moisturizer that's somewhere between the Versed and LRP one (thinking about trying that new-ish one from Elf potentially). I'm also considering trying the Versed moisturizer in the evening, it's very light but I haven't gotten any irritation at all from tretinoin so I might see how that goes!
these ? https://www.amazon.ca/Boogie-Wipes-Natural-Unscented-90-Count/dp/B00MPQR47O
is it harmful to adults to use baby products?
never heard about the concept of saline salt to wipe nose? doesn't salt dry up the skin even more?
I love their cleanser and moisturizer in the tub. The moisturizer is definitely heavier and probably more of a night cream but I just use less during the day.
This is my favourite one for dry skin and cold weather. Goes on like a lotion and plays nice with my other products. You can get it cheaper if you buy from Korea but I'm happy to spend the extra couple dollars to have it as fast as prime can ship.
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0846NG51L/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_86YJQ6KQAHB7ZCPVDFXA
Hi! It has been relisted!!! It's just a bit more expensive now at $19.49 (but priced per ML its still pretty cheap compared to others)
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Heres the link!
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:)
Paula’s Choice- Paulas Choice--SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant--Facial Exfoliant for Blackheads, Enlarged Pores, Wrinkles & Fine Lines, 4 oz Bottle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00949CTQQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_1ABCBVNVBAWZJW41FGJY?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I just checked today and found it on Amazon!
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09PLW9BL7?psc=1&smid=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp
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Looks like its on sale too for $17.99. The description matches the legit manufacturer too so it should be genuine.
Not sure if they ship to Canada, but I just got a couple of 6oz. .5% ”generic” CT shampoo. Its a little lighter color than name brand, but it works. Good luck.
This sunscreen is great for dry skin. It goes on really light but a bit nourishing. I like the gel better in summer but this is my winter go to.
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0846NG51L/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_6PNFC1TVSYHEZGYB6KJ6
My favourite is Polysporin Lip Health at night. It’s cheap, feels more like a moisturizing lotion than a balm, and I really notice the results all the next day!
Were you using the lotion (comes in a standard-looking pump bottle) or the cream (comes in a tub, a tube, or a tub with a pump on top)? If you were using the lotion, try the cream--get a throwaway e-mail and put in information (or "information", wink wink, nudge nudge) on Cerave Canada's website for a $2 off coupon.
I have an embarrassing number of moisturizers, and so have a bunch of recommendations if you want to get deep into an Asian beauty routine…but honestly, as a daily moisturizer for the colder weather, you just can’t do better than this <$15 option: https://www.amazon.ca/EUCERIN-Replenishing-Face-Cream-Urea/dp/B00BO0B3BU
The urea + the slightly heavier/occlusive nature make it a superstar option.
Based on you saying that you don’t go out much, I’d say a simple SPF 30 moisturizer for most days (cause you’re… inside and presumably not near a window), and something like the LRP Ultrafluid / Garnier Super UV/P20 Kids for any day where you’re going to be outside for 1hr+.
And yah, reapply every 2hrs of cumulative sun exposure.
For the moisturizer (I don’t go this route so I don’t have a specific product to recommend). Just keep an eye out for the UVA symbol with a circle. Anti-aging is fundamentally about preventing UVA damage, so something to keep in mind.
Everything else is optional (e.g., moisturizer/vit a/vit c/ etc). I guess grab an oil cleanser for days that you were the “better” sunscreen. I’d recommend the MUJI one for price/performance.
Source: 20 something dude
You might like the Aveeno eczema care moisturizing cream. I find it similar to the calm and restore gel but thicker.
This is an oil rather than a balm, but I love the iUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil . My skin is very sensitive and I can’t handle strong smells(sensory issues due to ASD) and I’ll never switch!
I read this thinking it could have been me who wrote the comment. My experience is exactly the same. All those lotions etc helped reduce ingrowns somewhat, but my solution in the end had to be to stop getting waxes/shaving and trim the area instead.
I use this and it’s perfect for trimming https://www.amazon.ca/Schick-TrimStyle-Hydrating-Bikini-Trimmer/dp/B00SMIIR0W
Vanicream Moisturizing Cream (With Pump) is my favorite by far! Super inoffensive/bland (no actives), great for dry and sensitive skin. (Don't use it if you have an allergy to vaseline, though, it's used in the formula as a humectant.)
During my retinization process, I'd use three pumps of the stuff and leave my face coated, with all but the last bit rubbed in. Now that I'm adjusted, I use one and a half pumps.
Should be available at any nearby CVS if you don't want to order online. Might be at Walmart etc. too, but I haven't checked.
This baby right here You will have the best clean of your life. It’s not actually a “towel”, or a “cloth”—try it out, it’s better than any scrub I’ve ever used!
I bought theCaptainEco one from Amazon, great buy! my hair is soft and les frizzy and my husband who had eczema is doing much better. good luck!
This cosrx cleanser is really gentle and effective:
Also, since you have a damaged skin barrier, I would lay off. any harsh acne/spot treatments and us these instead:
It took me years to figure this out but these products were super effective for me (have been acne free for a year now!):
I have super sensitive skin and ha e no problems with Humane clarifying toner bha . It’s clean, vegan, no alcohol, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, paraffin, formaldehyde, mineral oil, synthetic fragrance/color, petrolatum, DEA, triclosan or GMOs. I use it twice a week and believe it has also improved my type 2 rosacea. A little goes a long way.
I personally get this one because it has the highest SPF and I typically forget to re-apply every 2 hours. That’s probably why my first bottle has already lasted me about 6 months lol. But you’ll see there are cheaper options of the same thing, I believe it is $10 less for SPF 40. It’s probably the better deal because dermatologists say your face only needs SPF 25-50, higher SPF does not necessarily equal more protection.
Hope this helps. :)
I purchased the Rael Microcrystal (microneedle) patches from Amazon (prime) they are great for cystic and hormonal acne. They contain some good acne fighting ingredients too so it's a total win win! https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07P9F3JXN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_DUK.FbMWY74KT?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Editing to say, they only come in one size of patch, but I still really like the effects they have on cystic acne compared to the regular style acne patched.
I personally tried these two to great success.
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01AHFRNNE/
I also tried the Hyperbiotics Pro-15 that's recommended on SimpleSkinScience and although it works for me, it is not easily available in Canada for cheap.
Note OP but I take bovine collagen (this one: https://www.amazon.ca/Organika-Enhanced-Collagen-500-grams/dp/B01MZ1FC46) and add it to my coffee as well. If you have a Costco near you its $50 for 1kg and will occasionally go on sale for $40 for 1 kg. Ive gone through at least 6 so far. I prefer the powder cause I only want the collagen and the collagen pills contain a bunch of other stuff in addition to it. A nice bonus to taking collagen for skin is that you experience less discomfort in your joints. I use to run fairly often so when I go for periods without the collagen I notice a difference in my knees.
You can buy compressed sheet masks like this one. I purchased mine from Miniso. I add an essence or toner to hydrate the mask or put one in the package of a sheet mask I have already used to soak up the remaining serum.
This is the clear version which I use, and find there’s no white cast as a white guy. There’s also the tinted version but I can’t speak about that one :)
Okay, will do. Interestingly enough this site said it preferred PM but then again, I am using a peptide.
>I like the neutrogena hydro boost if you want to try one.
That's great to know, is it overpriced here on Amazon?
Well I'm a late 20's male so I'm really just hoping to have nice skin and prevent wrinkles in the future. I have slightly dry skin (no redness) but the skincare routine has made that better. I guess a few other questions I had were:
1) What do yo apply on your body to make it soft? I usually jut use Neutrogena Rainbath Sesame Body Oil
2) Do you recommend any supplements you'd recommend I add?
3) I also have slightly dark circles under my eyes (due to lack of sleep), not sure if anything helps.
Not an insurance answer, but here's something to try:
I have a keloid scar on my palm from having a glass shatter on me while washing dishes. I was told by a dermatologist that placing a silicone bandage for a year in addition to daily 5-minute massages can greatly help. The silicone bandages are quite pricey, but you can wash and reuse most of them.
These are the bandages I bought (Amazon). I cut these in half and placed them on my palm for a while (not a whole year) and I think it did help lessen the appearance of it.
I'm on tret right now too, and the winter shift is really drying out my skin so my criteria for a sunscreen has been a moisturizing one. I recommend the Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish SPF 50+/PA+++, it's less than $20 on Amazon and available for Prime shipping*.* I'd used it throughout the summer and loved it but am now trying out the Tony Moly Watery Sun Essence from SokoGlam (expensive shipping costs to Canada, sadly), and I've also found it very moisturizing.
If you search "sunprise" on Amazon.ca, you'll also find one that's "Mild Watery Light" instead of "Mild Airy Finish", the difference is that the airy is supposed to have a matte finish and the watery does not. I did not find the matte finish of the Airy drying but others may disagree. The "Watery" is cheaper but a longer shipping time.
Could’ve bought this instead of the L’Occitane Almond Shower oil I just purchased few days ago urgh could’ve saved some money lol :( but I heard and seen a lot of good reviews about this.
You vacant get it from here: NEW Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Tinted Face BB Cream SPF 50, 3 Ounce | Rich/Deep | Broad Spectrum | Water Resistant | Vegan | Antioxidant Rich | A70887 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YZRFH5C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fab_aLsHFb858BS7R
I got my at Shopper, or you can get on Amazon Canada
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cream for Sensitive Skin, 4.22 Fl Oz https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B000IOBETE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_zv7wFbQ3Y6C6C
I bought this one from Amazon and it was authentic.
I got mine from the US Amazon site - the specific one I ordered isn't on anymore but I did a quick search and found this.
not as scrubby but amazing all the same DHC face wash powder ( https://www.amazon.ca/DHC-22465-Face-Wash-Powder/dp/B00AY9O9ZO/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3JOI9POEIJOTT&keywords=dhc+face+wash+powder&qid=1559055729&s=gateway&sprefix=dhc+pow%2Caps%2C393&sr=8-3 ) I love me some powder face washes. lots if great ones from Korea (toosowong enzyme cleaner!) that are easy to get.