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New skin care routine for a new year.

Fun50's

New Skin Care Routine-Where to start?
One of my goals for the new year is to revise my skin care routine for my sixty year old skin. I’m looking for suggestions about where to start. Is it worth a trip to the dermatologist or will they just recommend products they carry? I would like someone to help me decide what products I need for my dry and very sensitive skin and in what order should I use them. (Both for day and night.) Right now I have a drawer full of products that I buy one at a time. How do others approach finding the right products to use? Do you ask for samples before you buy them? Do you mix product lines? Where do you go for skin care advice? Thank you!

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18 replies

Latest reply was from Jessikams

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I can't speak for dermatologists in other places, but there is a wealth of online information about skincare and before speaking to professionals I like to do my own research. But if I had access to a dermatologist with a good reputation, I would definitely do that as well.

deb

Veteran

I have been watching Dr Dreys' youtube channel. She is a dermatologist in Houston and I have really changed my skin care line-up.

https://www.youtube.com/channe...../playlists

Runcarla

Veteran

Cereve products were mentioned a couple of years ago on this forum and I gave them a try. They are mid priced and available at most drugstores. My 58 year old Rosecea prone skin has responded well to this gentle product. Last month I saw a dermatologist about my Rosecea, and I am on a prescription cream. Time will tell if it changes things for me. In the interim, I use CereVe cleanser in the am and pm. At night I apply the prescription Rosecea cream. In the morning I apply the CereVe lotion. My derm 'sells' Avene and another product I can't remember, but he likes the CereVe as well and suggested I continue.

He also endorses the use of sunscreen. I've been using Aveeno Baby Sunscreen SPF 50. It is mineral based and a light application actually knocks down some of my facial redness, like a foundation, which I don't wear. This product also got the thumbs up from my dermatologist. I'm a fan of Aveno products and Johnson's Baby Lotion for skin from the neck down. Also Equate and No Name sunscreen SPF 30 or higher and usually the SPF 60 for babies. (If it is gentle enough for baby skin, it is gentle enough for me!)

I do a lot of outdoor activities, so had a skin check for cancer. No issues. Your G/P might do this for you, if you don't want to see a derm.

Otherwise, I exercise, try to eat healthy, stay hydrated, and don't smoke. My skin always looks its best after exercise!

Joy

Veteran

At 60, you should be looking at not-made-in-China natural products. Your skin will just get more sensitive as you age. I am not a fan of any dermatologist I have ever tried. Get some good referrals from happy patients first. I have gotten my best advice at natural grocers like Alfalfas. Usually there is a SA hanging around in the skin care aisle.

Gaylene

Veteran

Well, I’m 70 with just a few wrinkles starting between my eyebrows and upper lip area. Most people seem surprised when I tell them my age. My skin seems happy with my current regimen which is much the same as Carla’s.

Wash face at night with a mild cleanser such as Cetaphil or Cerave Hydrating cleanser after using Garnier Micellar Water to remove eye makeup. Follow with Cerave Facial Moisturizing Lotion (Night version) because I’m a believer in hyalyronic acid, niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) and ceramides since there is extensive, peer-reviewed research supporting these elements. All these products can be found in drugstores for a very reasonable price.

Morning is a splash of cool water, followed by a tinted moisturizer (I’m currently a fan of the mineral-based Clinique City Block Sheer 25 or Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer—sometimes mixed together) and then my sunscreen which varies by brand but is always a 100% mineral-based UVA/UVB sunscreen rated between 30-45.

PS: Oops, just realized I didn’t really answer your question. If you are undecided about how to develop a skincare regimen, you might want to start by being skeptical about claims. Do some research and see if you can find some established, peer-reviewed research to back up the usefulness of the chemical compounds ON THE SKIN in the products. Assume that much of the information you find on the internet and hear from SAs is most likely exaggerated or based on questionable data. And remember that most dermatologists will recommend a mild cleanser and good sunscreen as the critical elements. The rest is just icing on the cake.

Jane

Veteran

Is it worth going through the draw and seeing what you’ve got and like - perhaps bin / pass on what you don’t like the smell of or that feels uncomfortable on your skin - then see what you are left with?

I tend to keep my skin care to cleanser (Clarins), treatment oil (Clarins) and eye cream and moisturiser, then user a primer and a sun screen under my foundation. I use a facial scrub every couple of days. I think that is 6 products in total. My skin is sensitive and my eyes get crepey with some products.

I tend to get samples before I buy because of my skin being sensitive.

Style Fan

Veteran

I have always had very sensitive skin and often struggled with eczema. I use drugstore products that have been recommended by dermatologists that I have seen or have YouTube channels (Dr. Dray and Dr. Sam are good ones). I have never had problems with acne and I would classify my skin as normal. It tends to the dry side in the winter.
Currently, this is what I use:
Avene Antirouges Cleanser. I also use Cetaphil Cleanser for Sensitive Skin. I wash my face in the morning and at night.
Cerave Moisturiser (PM). I use this in the morning and at night.
Avene Antirouges Cream. I use this on the eczema bits day and night.
NeoStrata Eye Cream. Whichever one is on sale.
La Roche Posay Mineral Sun Screen 50

I have a prescription for really bad eczema.

Eau Thermale Avène Antirougeurs Clean Redness-Relief Refreshing Cleansing Lotion

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2

Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion - 16 oz.

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5

Eau Thermale Avène Antirougeurs Fort Relief Concentrate, 1.01 fl. oz.

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La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

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8

Molly Mac

Veteran

If you have specific skin care issues such as a Rosacea, than a dermatologist is very helpful. For issues like dryness and general sensitivity, than a good esthetician can be invaluable. I have dry skin and rosacea, so I use products that help with redness and inflammation as well as a moisturizer. This means a combination of prescription and over the counter products. I like Paula's Choice products as they are natural, work well, and fairly inexpensive.
Also, diet makes a huge difference. Any foods that have inflammatory properties, like sugar, play havoc with my skin.

bj1111

Veteran

labmuffin.com

she is a chemical engineer who has an interest in the science of skin care. she will discuss her literature reviews and post references.

overall, i believe in actives like trenitoin (retinol if you don't want a prescription), vitamin c, vitamin b, vitamin e, hyaluronic acid containing potions with the active ingredient in the top. cerave is great. i use a mix of korean and us products.

sunscreen and staying out of the sun. my people have a fear of tanning. prevents cancer and wrinkles.

JuniperGreen

Veteran

I'm in favor of visiting a derm just to get a skin cancer check; it's easy and quick and can literally be a lifesaver! Most derms will recommend CeraVe these days for dry skin - but they also might be able to suggest other options or treatments if you want something with more oomph.

As for trying out products, I think it's wise to buy just one or two at a time, so you can give them time to see how your skin reacts and if it's worth continuing/buying again. I definitely mix product lines and rather than ask for samples, I read online reviews and see what others' experiences are. Stores like Ulta and Sephora have good return policies so I'm not too worried about the investment. A few of my favorite brands:

Peter Thomas Roth (specifically the Water Drench Hyaluronic Acid Serum)
Caudalie (everything smells so good and feels luxurious)
First Aid Beauty (Ultra Repair Cream is a good deep moisturizer)
Dermalogica (Great offering by skin types, and I like their SPF which can be added to my other moisturizers)
Weleda (their Skin Food is a VERY intense thick moisturizer and great for dry hands - for face I like the Calendula Nourishing Face Cream meant for babies, or the Iris Hydrating Day Cream)

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

YES. It's worth a trip to the Dermie. That's where I would start.

Lieselotte Kander

(website)

I am planning to get some laser treatments as I have used many skin care products but no much effect.

Anonymous

If you go to a dermatologist, check to see if it is a cosmetic dermatology practice or a general dermatology. You could start with a consultation before you commit to anything. Sometimes a chemical peel and a good otc moisturizer may be all you need.

But I ditto Deb, watch Dr. Drey's youtube channel. I have had facials, glycolic acid peels and have used Skinceutical products which have immensely helped my skin. Late last year, however, I developed a skin reaction to many of the products I previously used with no problem (especially on my eyelid). I followed Dr. Drey's advice on what to avoid and what to use and my skin and eyelid are back to normal. I now am using Cerave PM lotion morning and night, trying to avoid anything with fragrance as she says it is a major cause of skin irritation.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Check out Angie at Hot and Flashy on YouTube or her blog - she's got great skincare videos and printable routines to adapt to your own situation. skincareAddiction on Reddit also has a good basic routine in their sidebar but they tend to deal with a younger person's needs. Start with a gentle cleanser (I like cerave) and a sunscreen every day. Then add an oil cleanser in the evenings esp if you wear makeup. Gentle acids for exfoliation can be a good idea, as can vitamin C and peptides. Then look into Retinol products if you want. Sunscreen and Retin-A are the only things that are proven to slow down skin aging.

Fun50's

Thanks for all the ideas and advice. I’m going to start by doing some more research online and watch some You Tube videos. I like the idea of trying one or two products at a time and seeing how my skin reacts. It seems that Cerave products are well liked and worth a try on my sensitive skin, along with others that were mentioned. Sunscreen is part of my routine but I tend to forget about it during the winter in Seattle.

Gigi

Veteran

Skincare can be really daunting! I mix lines. I like my products to be as natural as possible, but I am also willing to use something with more chemicals if it will be more effective (e.g., vitamin C...it's tough to get it to really penetrate the skin, so you might need something with more technology behind it).

My solution for navigating skincare was to go to a couple of estheticians for a free consult (most have complimentary consults) to see what they recommended. I use a retinol cream and a vitamin C serum from one of the esthetician's lines. I figure that they know what works and can recommend something for me that won't be useless. I figure they'd lose all their clients if their creams didn't do anything!

For the rest of my skincare, which would be the basics--cleansers and moisturizers--I just do my own thing. I go to the natural foods store and get samples of different lines and then decide what I want to buy. I use a mixture of Dr. Hauschka and Evan Healy skincare for my basics. I also supplement these with some stuff of my own, like almond oil from the cupboard mixed with some essential oils.

My esthetician told me that you want to spend your money on good serums and treatment creams, such as vitamin C and retinol. For cleansers and moisturizers, you can skimp and use something cheaper.

People have already mentioned some good YouTube channels. I personally find Dr. Dray a little overzealous about some things. Not all dermatologists agree on everything. I have been watching Dr. Davin Lim's channel. He is a cosmetic dermatologist in Australia. He is very entertaining but gives lots of info too.

wendy

I use prescription trenitoin (RetinA), consume creatine and fish oil every morning, and use Neutrogena Hydro Boost products. My skin is dry, senstive, and I suffer with eczema.

Am planning on CO2 lasering this year.

ETA: Sunscreen is a must.

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

I would absolutely, definitely, YES see a dermatologist. There are SO many little “problems” with aging skin that they can fix right there in the office, super quick. For example laser treatment of burst capillaries, “burning off” or “freezing off” skin tags or keratoses, etc. I try to do it every few years and always feel so much better coming out of the appointment.

As for skin care regimens, I’ve never gotten a super clear answer though. Each dermatologist recommends different strategies!