Question:
I've been trying to take much better care of my skin lately, but am a bit overwhelmed by the enormous number of products and lines available. At the moment I cleanse with Cetaphil and use Aveda moisturizers. They seem to work well, but perhaps there are much better products out there - I just don't know.
What do you use to cleanse and moisturize (and other other special treatements), that have worked well for you? And if you don't mind, please indicate what your skin type is like (dry, oily, combo, mature, sensitive, etc.).
Do you also do certain things like facemasks or facials on a regular basis and find that they really help?
Thanks! I could really use some help in narrowing down this category. Skincare is so tough to judge because you have to use it for a while to see if you notice a difference.

Answer:
For years I only used Freeman products, they were cheap (the mental illness we talked about ) and always worked well on my skin. One day the face-care line disappeared, about 3 years ago and I've been in limbo since. For nighttime, it has to be a foaming gel to take off my makeup, but mornings I like Juice Organics cleansing milk. I think that the Freeman line is coming back, I'm very excited! I was usingAvon's Anew night cream, and it's not that good. Heavy, greasy nothing great. I'm 33 wth combo skin, if a cream is too rich I'll get blackheads on my T-zone. If there's not enough oil, my cheeks get dry....I can't win. I went to school for this stuff, I should have a clue but I think it's trial and error. On top of everything, I have" mommy lines" developing in my forehead, (from all the raised eyebrows I give miss twinkles). Oh! and my olive skin is developing freckles (sun damage) along my cheekbones from being outside with my daughter all day. Eek, now I'm depressed. ;D I should look into the Aptiva Propoline line, they have the wash and moisturizer for sun spots.

Answer:
First off do not get sucked into the hype of many skincare ranges.
None will get rid of wrinkles,they can soften them a little.
There is no such thing as a miracle product,beauty editors are paid to say that.
You find what you enjoy using and that is the biggest thing,because it means you will continue to use and not skip things. And it will work.
Avon Anew is anti-aging and aimed at the late 30's early 40's.
That is something that used to annoy me about anti-aging products many are far too rich if you don't have dry skin. I am not sure why the cosmetic houses have this strange idea that heavier the cream the better. I have normal/dry skin which was normal/combi until recently. *And many creams just sat on top of my skin.
I do scrub and diy facials twice a week,even though I am 48 and according to the brands should only use moisturising masks. I need deep cleansing and I have a tzone still in the summer.
Kiehsls are a brand I like,simple and a wide range of products to choose from.
Philosopy The Great One scrub is expensive,but worth its weight in gold. And it will last for ages too. If you prefer a gentle scrub Origins Modern Friction is nice.
You do not need to buy from the same brand,as the sa will tell you even they mix and match brands!
Try getting samples before deciding to buy especially expensive brands. By the way Kiehls are really good sized ones.

Answer:
I have been using mostly Yves Rocher stuff for the past ten years. I used to like Body Shop products but at least here in Finland their prices went way overboard so I changed to YR. My favourite line is Bio-Calmille.

Answer:
I`m 51, have a mixed skin type, with an oily t-zone. I have never spent much money on expensive creams, but I`m always pedantic when it comes to cleansing and moisturizing
every morning and evening. The products I use are mostly Lumene, L`Oreal and Vichy.
In the morning I use a huge amount of cleansing toner on a pad, then a moisturizer (light, or more rich, depending on which foundation I use). I ALWAYS use foundation with spf!
To remove make up, I use cleansing gel /mousse/cream, plus lots of toner. Once a week I use a gentle peeling cream (avoiding the eye area) after that, and rinse with lots of luke warm water, finishing with some cold water to close the pores. After that, I use a rather rich night cream, which I gently massage all over my face, except for eye area, with small circular movements. I use to give my forehead some extra massage. Then eye cream, lip balm, and a good nights sleep!


Answer:
Musse, you're a great role model!
I'm 33, have very dry, super-sensitive skin with very energetic sebum production. I really should go for pore-cleansing facials twice a month, but only make it every four weeks. Clinique worked pretty well for a few years, but I'm now using up the last of what I've got and re-orienting. High-SPF creams are a must, either under or over moisturizer, depending on formulation. I fly a lot and am experimenting with various ways of keeping skin hydrated. Have had the best results bringing my own food, lots of fruits, vegetables and grains/lentils for protein. Some have suggested applying a heavy night cream or mask at beginning of flight; others say this clogs the pores.

Answer:
I'm super excited about my moisturizer, Ystheal+ cream. I have used it for a month now and for the first time ever I am actually starting to see a change in my skin. Not so much in the lines around my eyes, but my skin is smoother and feels more dense somehow and looks much, much healthier. The active ingredient is retinaldehyde and there are studies that shows that it works almost as good as prescription retinoids but with much less irritation.
It's not a miracle and I don't think it will make my lines dissappear, but I think it's the most effective otc "anti-ager", apart from sunscreen, you can buy.

Answer:
I wash my face twice a day with quality gentle soap, use average non-oily moisturizer, drink a lot of water, eat good food, take some quality supplements and drink nutrient dense herbal infusions like nettle, oatstraw, horsetail etc which are amazing for your skin.

Answer:
Thank you everyone for the responses! I've been asking around and am surprised how many people I know are either unhappy with their skincare routine, or just feel that there's probably something better out there they should be using or having yet discovered. I completely admit to being overwhelmed by the variety of choices available, and so really appreciate your insights.
Thanks!

Answer:
There's a book called "Don't go to the beauty counter without me" The woman who wrote it also has a web site. She's really knowlegable and impartial since she's not in the pockets of estee et al. I'd check it out. I use regenerist products and am endlessly happy with the result. Just a tip from a friend who's a make-up artist. When using foundation blend it with and spf heavy moisturizer. You'll notice an improvement in your look and your skin tone. But you may have to use a foundation a touch darker than you are used to.
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