Any beauticians out there?

Well, I didn't want your post to go unanswered, although I haven't a clue, sorry, Luckylegs, so I'm posting to bump it.

I do usually wear some makeup but haven't bothered since lockdown and can't say that my skin is better or worse.

If the discolouration is due to age spots (sorry) then I found a Clarins product excellent for fading those.
It's Super Restorative Day Cream but it is rather expensive.
I would recommend always using a facial sun cream in the summer months too.

Well I’m a beauty therapist. I’d love to answer but I’ve had a couple of glasses of wine so my advice may be subject to a lack of professionalism.

If one wants to have fabulous skin then you should start early.
No smoking or sun for starters.

IMO you need to cleanse, tone*, moisturise and protect.
The extras are eye and neck cream, serums, exfoliators and masks.
So- cleanse twice a day
Tone * if, like me you use a facial soap then rinse. I use a flannel which also exfoliates.
If you are using an extra then the serum comes next. Moisturise then protect against UV and pollution in the atmosphere.
A moisturiser with sun protection is a good idea, a foundation with sun protection is better.
After many more years in the trade I’m a bit of a cynic,

As we age the turn over of our shin cells slows so we get a build up of dead skin cells. This means that light doesn’t bounce back off our skin so we look less radiant.
Using a glycolic or salicylic product helps to slough off the dead skin cells which, in my opinion gives a fresher look.

Hope that helps but the most important thing is a good basic regime and protection.

That’s skin, not shin!

I was just starting to examine my shins Pamela!
They need waxing.

I realise I’ve left it late and I’ve always sunbathed. However, I would like to improve a bit if I can. So I’ll just carry on like I’ve started and not bother with retinol as well? Or is retinol better than hyaluronic acid and vitamin C? I think I’ve got too bogged down with all these things.

Maybe you’re saying, forget it, it’s too late now. Just use the sun factor all the time and it will get worse anyway as you get older!?

Pamela can I ask what do you think of Micellar water? And Aloe Vera gel?
Thanks

Skin cells form beneath the surface and flake off. Using moisturiser has no long term benefit, scientific fact.

It may make your skin feel less dry, smoother and more comfortable, though, so use it if you want to.

Sun protection has proven benefits so a high factor sun cream or block, reapplied regularly, is your best bet. Don't sit in the sun, stay in the shade or use a parasol.

Foundation with a high SPF is useful too - although it can settle in lines and wrinkles, making you look older!

Retinol can increase collagen production but use with care (perhaps start with a little a little, and overnight) as it can also irritate your skin.

Hyaluronic acid supplements, taken daily, can reduce skin dryness after about a month of regular use.

(Ask a scientist, not a beautician.)

(dammit, a little - not a little a little - must proofread.)

Drinking enough water was the tip given me by my Sister, she used to work for Clarins . We both have good skin , but that is down to good genes from Mum
As already said , one moisturiser is as good as the next , I am using Lidl’s rich body cream , smells nice and feels lovely , not sticky

(Ask a scientist, not a beautician.)
That’s rather dismissive, Hetty58.
Why can’t a beautician be knowledgeable about the science behind the products they advocate?

Can you point me in the direction of a long-term, randomised controlled study that supports your claim that using moisturiser has no long-term benefit?

Jane, aloe Vera has a well proven track record when it comes to calming sensitive skin. I would use it after trauma such as facial waxing.

I have no experience of Micellar water but I believe that after using it for cleansing it should be removed.
The beauty industry has to keep coming up with new ways to sell us stuff. I suspect this is one of them but if you like it then use it.

Look at the wording on all products. Although a cream may contain, for example a certain vitamin that is good for the skin, it doesn’t always follow that the incredibly tiny amount that is contained in the potion/lotion is going to be effective.

Thanks Jane, I’ve been a beauty therapist for 47years so I do like to.think I have picked up a bit of knowledge.

Sorry lucky legs no I didn’t mean forget it. You can still prevent any further damage and if your skin feels better then of course you should carry on. I do.
I think you should use one extra product on your skin for 4-6 months and then alternate it with a different treatment. Don’t throw everything at it at once.

Hi Lucky legs,

The BBC did a show with scientists to test out anti ageing products. It was a fantastic show as it really did show what is a waste of time and money and what actually is proven to work. The show isn’t up on the player any more but here is a link to the main ‘takeaway’ points from it! X

www.getthegloss.com/news/the-truth-about-looking-good-the-show-s-key-takeaways

Science is part of a good beauty therapy course; several aspects of science not just chemistry.

I saw that years ago, it was an excellent programme.

The only thing that I can say is that over the years, in my experience, the women that have looked after their skin seem to have aged better that those who don’t.
By that I only mean that they clean, moisturise and protect. Using products that they like whatever the cost.
It also has a lot to do with diet. If what you put in has good nutritional value your whole body benefits. That includes fat.

Callistamon , I was amazed at what I had to learn and disappointed ?
I thought I was going into a glamorous industry where I only had to waft around and look gorgeous!

Genetics play a large part.

I also think that not being too thin helps too.
"It's either your face or your figure" is true.
I do not mean that being over-weight or obese is a good thing before anyone criticises that but being under-weight is not good health wise either.

But that is a choice only you can make.

Pamela I'm sure you managed to look gorgeous too!

Get onto look fabulous forever on YouTube with Tricia Cusden - very good guidance

Sorry I can't help. I'm 71 and I've always used the. Cheapest moisturizers. £3 from Asda or as yesterday £2 from Lidl.
Dove soap morning and night using face flannel to exfoliate. Cheap moisturiser morning and night. Skin looks grand.

I often wonder if it’s the way we use the products that matter just as much as which products we use. By this I mean taking our time when cleansing, making sure our skin is really clean and then really taking the time to massage in a night cream, the same when applying moisturiser. I know when I do take the extra couple of minutes when putting on moisturiser to massage It into my face and go down my neck with it It feels great. It can help to ease out any tension you may be holding in your jaw too. I use The Ordinary serum which isn’t expensive has hyaluronic acid in it which I find very good

I would suggest you have a look at Deciem The Ordinary range. Its quite reasonably priced and you can get a regime from them.

theordinary.deciem.com/

I've never used night cream - should I?

My skin seems ok, not too wrinkled for my age!!