Holy Grail Skin Care Products

[avery]

Since I am ever on my HG skin care product quest, I was wondering if anyone here has found theirs. Please include cleansers, cremes, toners and treatments.

In advance, I will have you know, I am already jealous. :notsure:

[Delila]

I've found a good routine that works for me, by trial and error.
I read 'The Acne Cure' by Terry Dubrow, MD, and followed its' advice and routines for the 6 week program that helps get troublesome skin under control. Basically, I used a salicylic wash (leave it on for 5 minutes, then rinse), a glycolic toner, and benzoyl peroxide as needed. (At first I used BP as a mask, applied over my face once a day, with a chilled rice pack, (cold helps the BP do its thing) for about 15 minutes, then later, when I stopped having so much trouble, used BP only to spot treat.) Lately, I find I haven't needed any BP, which suits me, since I find it very drying.

Here's Dr. Dubrow's site, if you're interested. It's kind of commercial, but I guess you can get the gist. I use products by DDF, since their products seem to be effective, and go a long way.

http://www.myacnecure.com/pages/bio.html

After I'd gotten success with that technique, I read Leslie Baumann MD's 'The Skin Type Solution.' I took her little test, and find that my skincare is pretty much in line with what she recommends for my type, though I think she recommends a gentler salicylic wash. (close enough, right? I guess I'll try the other brand once I run out.)

I like the way she suggest products for every skintype from every price range.
One bad thing is that since she's written the book, some of the products she recommends have been discontinued.
Her site is full of product recommendations, and there's also a forum.

http://www.baumannstore.com/

[TwirlyTresses]

Jojoba oil! I experiment with other things, but this is the one product I can't imagine being without ever again. I have combination skin on my face with an oil slick for a forehead and chin, and cheeks that can be dry and flaking (all at the same time). I use jojoba oil as a moisturizer and it's helped to balance it all out--no more oil slick, no more flaking. It also hasn't caused my acne to worsen. If anything, it's improved quite a bit.

[texasgal]

My only one thing as far as skin care goes that I love & will probably never change is Almay non oily eye make up remover pads.

[Tresses]

To Cleanse: Saving Face soap from The Soap Lady Oregon. (http://www.soap-lady.com/index.html)

Toner: haven't used one in some time, but I used to use a mild ACV toner with distilled water, sometimes with eos.

Moisturizer: Extra Virgin Coconut Oil all over face; Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, unrefined shea butter on lips.

Special Treatments: still working on that, but I had fun with a clay mask recipe I posted about here (http://chatter.thebeautybottle.com/showthread.php?t=32). I plan to do that again tonight, even. :grinhappy:

I spot treat pimples with tea tree and/or lavender eos.

[wonderlywroughte]

I don't have one...yet! :sweatdrop: But when I did the ocm the first time, due to some unexplainable events, my face broke out worse than EVER. What saved it was Lush's Fresh Farmacy complexion bar. Yay! :happy: I'm also currently loved coconut oil. It's great everywhere, for everything apparantly! (except on my hair. My hair hates coconut oil!)

[avery]

wonderly: See, straight coconut oil makes me breakout but my hair loves it. :happy:

[Meezer]

I have found a routine that works well for me.

I use a salicylic acid cleanser (any will do, but I adore the one that ProActiv makes-- it's not the BP cleanser that comes with the regular kit). I use either Differin Gel or RAM everynight and follow with a bit of BE Rare Minerals. In the morning, I use Benzaclin gel and let is absorb. I then follow up with Dermalogica SPF30 booster. Every now and then I sneak in Dermalogica Microfolient- makes my skin feel so soft.

The Differin/RAM and Benzaclin have made the biggest difference for me, but I have had acneic skin since I turned 19. I went through one round of Accutane when I was 21 and right around age 27... the pimples started haunting me again. With the routine above, my skin basically stays clear except for a once a month single bomb!

[SunCat]

This simple routine works the best for me. The few fine lines and wrinkles that I did have are now gone and I attribute that to this routine which I have been using for 15 months now. I also have no blackheads which I use to have on my nose, forhead and chin. I use orgainc unrefined producs.

Wash with Chagrin Valley Soap Bars - Currently using Carrot Milk and Honey with not added scent. I rotate with various soap bars.

OCM - After washing with the CV Bar of choice and while my face is still damp I apply a mixture of Jojoba Oil and Grapeseed Oil, work that into my damp skin then remove with a warm facial cloth and rinse with warm water. I don't use cold water as I don't like to shock my skin.

Moisturize - I use various oils and butters depending on what my skin needs I usually use Jojoa oil, Gapeseed oil, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter and Cocobutter. I also use aloe vera gel to moisturize my skin. I like to use pure shea butter around my eyes and mouth and on my forehead between my eyes where people tend to get that "11".

Exfoliate - I add some brown sugar to the lather on my face from the CV soap bar this works great and leaves my skin soft.

Clay Mask (I use a mask about 3 times a week) - I make my own facial mask using a mixture of French Green Clay and Kaolin Clay. Sometimes I will use just the French Green Clay as it draws oils and impurites out of my skin but it can be a bit harsh for sensative skin so I only do this when I feel I need to get some impurites out of my face. I also use the Kaolin Clay alone as it is good for all skin types and doens't pull oil out of the skin but does absorb any excess oil. I mix my masks with herbal tea using chamomile or rooibos either green or red depending on what I have brewed up at the time. I have also added a few drops of essential oils of lavender, rosemary, lemongrass and tea tree. I also like to add dried chamomile which works great as a gentle exfoliant. I mix the dried chamomile in with the dry clay then add the herbal tea as the moistening agent. I work this into my face and leave it on for about 15 minutes then rinse it off with warm water. Leaves my feeling very clean and soft.

[summer-time]

I don't know if this would work for others, but I use wipes. I find them in the baby wipes section, they work perfect for my skin.
They contain a little alcohol to clean but balanced with aloe and vit E so they are not drying at all.

[BBGrrl]

I am a dermalogica junkie. I use their cleanser, toner, moisterizer, mask, and sunscreen. I got all the samples they had and tried everything until I found the ones that work for me. This is the brand that finally made my skin clear up.

[Rain]

Neutrogena's Deep Clean Cream Cleanser is my HG facial cleanser. I started using it in January, 2001 because it fit in my suitcase better than my former HG, Noxzema. Noxzema still works for my skin but the fumes irritate my eyes these days. I never noticed them before. Deep Clean has no fumes and always leaves me with great skin. I've tried other things here and there (like OCM) but I always go back.

My other facial HG is Queen Helene's Mint Julep Masque. I've been using it about once a week for the last year or so. It's cheap and it works.

That's about it. I'm a facial product minimalist. I don't use toner. I don't use a separate exfolliant - just the washcloth I use to wash my face. I use moisturizer if I need it but I don't always need it.

[Ally]

I've been addicted to St. Ives apricot scrub for years, and one little bottle of it lasts ages with me.
Lately I've been using Noxzema deep cleaning cream on days that I don't OCM, and it makes me feel awesomely clean without needing to moisturize afterwards.

[Carina]

My Hg is my Dove bar.I only use pure aloe vera gel to keep my skin smooth and happy.

[Shermie Girl]

I love Philosophy products. :kiss: For cleansing I use Purity. No toner needed. I apply a little Hope in a Bottle on my T-Zone and jawline to clean out my Lake Superior-sized pores and control breakouts, which like to concentrate on my jawline. :pissed: I use Alpha Hydrox Alpha Hydroxy Souffle for all over exfoliation and a nice glow. My favourite moisturizer is Hope in a Jar. HIAJ Eye and Lip round out my daily routine. I exfoliate with a mechanical scrub and peel once a week and use a mask a couple of times a week.
This keeps my skin soft, smooth and gives it a nice glow. :happy:

[Amber]

Clean and Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser. The one with Benzoyl Peroxide, in the purple tube. :)

It's about the only product I've found so far that helps my acne, for some reason it works way better on my skin than regular Benzoyl Peroxide (& its also the only product in the Clean n Clear range that my skin will stand.)

Paula's Choice 2% BHA liquid is pretty cool too, it always makes my skin look nicer after I use it.

Lush's "Buffy the Backside Slayer" is really really awesome too, it leaves your skin feeling so soft and smelling like cocoa butter.

And - not a brand name - but need I mention sunscreen? I'm still looking for the perfect brand for oily skin, but UVA/UVB sunblock is the only skin product I apply religiously (and feel guilty if I miss a day!)

[Nastasska]

I've found a good routine that works for me, by trial and error.
I read 'The Acne Cure' by Terry Dubrow, MD, and followed its' advice and routines for the 6 week program that helps get troublesome skin under control. Basically, I used a salicylic wash (leave it on for 5 minutes, then rinse), a glycolic toner, and benzoyl peroxide as needed. (At first I used BP as a mask, applied over my face once a day, with a chilled rice pack, (cold helps the BP do its thing) for about 15 minutes, then later, when I stopped having so much trouble, used BP only to spot treat.) Lately, I find I haven't needed any BP, which suits me, since I find it very drying.

Here's Dr. Dubrow's site, if you're interested. It's kind of commercial, but I guess you can get the gist. I use products by DDF, since their products seem to be effective, and go a long way.

http://www.myacnecure.com/pages/bio.html

After I'd gotten success with that technique, I read Leslie Baumann MD's 'The Skin Type Solution.' I took her little test, and find that my skincare is pretty much in line with what she recommends for my type, though I think she recommends a gentler salicylic wash. (close enough, right? I guess I'll try the other brand once I run out.)

I like the way she suggest products for every skintype from every price range.
One bad thing is that since she's written the book, some of the products she recommends have been discontinued.
Her site is full of product recommendations, and there's also a forum.

http://www.baumannstore.com/

I really like the look of the Dr Dubrow products I'm going to try them:eureka:

[moonchiald]

www.betterskintoday.com (http://www.betterskintoday.com) I LOVE the chamonix esotique lotion. Yes, I am only 29 and use and anti-wrinkle cream but it has also smoothed out my skin tone and helped with blemishes. I don't get my forehead creases anymore either. My mom is the one that found the chamonix and it took 10 years off her. Really!

The only other product I use is Castor oil. At least for right now.

[jennysdreaming]

Nadinola cocoa butter cream. It works for me as an excellent moisturizer for both my body and face. Even in the warmer weather when my face tends to break out more it give it just enough moisture to soften but not make it greasy. It's also cheap as I found it in the ethnic section at Wal-mart for 99cents for a 4 oz jar. Cocoa butter is the number 2 ingredient also so it's scent is very chocolatey.

[shiningstar]

e45 cream, boring tube and funky fragrance free smell. i once burned my face on holiday in devon and i could only find this at the camp shop. after two days i had the most amazing face skin. you have to keep it cool though as it seperates. but worked well.

at the moment though i have been using garnier nutrisse day and night. they seem to be working well with my skin. i also love my st ives apricot scrub for blemish prone skin.

[Buddaphlyy]

You simply can't go wrong with a Dove Beauty Bar or Cetaphil Cleanser. Sometimes I try other stuff and it may work for a while, but I'll never stop using these.

[shiningstar]

sorry i said nutrisse, imeant nutritionist.:calm:

[device]

Not exactly Holy Grail, but I've been using an ACV/aspirin/distilled H2O toner followed by Aloe Vera gel. I sometimes apply a little Meadowfoam oil after the Aloe, if needed. In the shower, I mix aspirin+honey with H2O and use that as a scrub/mask, followed by Aloe and Meadowfoam oil.

This seems to work well for me and it is incredibly easy. The only other thing I do is use cold cream if I've been wearing eye makeup.

Now I just need something for my wrinkles...

[Dulci]

The only things I keep coming back to are Johnson & Johnson Head to Toe Babywash, and Dr. Bronner's Magic Peppermint soap.

In the winter when my face is dry, I will use the Dr. Bronner's. It seems to stimulate the rebound effect and make my face produce oil. In the summer when my face is already oily, the gentler J&J Babywash seems to help balance it.

I exfoliate with various things, baking soda, brown sugar, crushed asprin, 30% glycolic, it's all good. I do a Queen Helene Mint Julep mask when I'm in the mood.

[zub]

I used clearasil cream for spot treatment to blemishes (the white stuff in a little tube) for 10+ years straight... worked, but LOTS of drawbacks and it only worked on certain spots.

I kept using because nothing else did the trick until I found Burts Bees Blemish Stick. It works better and most blemishes are gone in 12-24hrs, but doesnt dry or irritate skin, it's clear.. and it smells yummy. It also seems to immediately reduce swelling and redness, so it is great to wear in public. too perfect (well, almost my husband doesnt like the smell, but it goes away fast.. anise scent).

[zub]

I use that when my skin gives me problems and it is great! I havent had any issues for a good long while (knock on wood)... but I agree that stuff works.

[Kitty]

I have been using Clinique's 3-step cleaning for about 3 years now and my skin loves it (consists of cleansing soap, toner, and lotion). I rarely have breakouts anymore.
I love the yellow lotion they have because I have sensitive eyes and somehow everything I put on my face gets in my eyes somehow, and this stuff never ever irritates them.
The only thing I am not satisfied with is the fine lines I'm getting around my eyes lately. I have now found that a bit of jojoba oil around the eyes really helps with this.
I have used Clinique's all about eyes in the past, and although it makes the skin very soft and smooth, i dont feel that it does anything for the wrinkes.

[icydove]

Strangely enough, water. I've had acne prone skin forever, and going water only is the only thing that has helped outside of serious dermatological help.

[Charmed1]

I have had a steady routine for 10 years; my skin really acts up if I stray. I wash with a soapless cleanser at night; in the morning I use a soothing mask. I moisturize AM and PM with Creme de la Mer:whoohoo: (I love this!!!).
I use Azelaic Acid on my nose for my pores and my blackheads.

I do have a problem area: I thought I had found my HG sunscreen BUT it caused unusual acne under the skin (I NEVER had this problem before this sunscreen).

I have rosacea and chemical sunscreens cause irritation and increased redness.

I tried a natural, non-chemical sunscreen with zinc oxide and I was really pleased at first, then BUMPS under my skin that hurt (very weird).

Since I have had a skin cancer on my nose, I seek shade and wear a floppy hat at all times. My students said it is a definite Audrey Hepburn hat (I love her!), unfortunately I am no Audrey Hepburn, but the hat is great and really blocks the sun. :cloppy:

[justgreen]

I use water only, except in the shower and then I use Dove for sensitive skin. My mother used Dove her whole life and she had oily skin until the day she died. She looked much younger than her age.

Sometimes I use a bit of Sea Breeze for sensitive skin. In the winter time, I use Oil of Olay, but this winter I think I will try using only jojoba oil and see what happens.

[Elle]

Everything I was using left my skin dry and flaky until I tried Neutrogena Deep Clean Cream Cleanser. (http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=20893&catid=21234&trx=PLST-0-SEARCH&trxp1=21234&trxp2=20893&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-SEARCH%5B/URL) It feels very moisturizing yet it's oil free. The tube says that it exfoliates which is what I was looking for yet most exfoliating products dry out my skin. Not this stuff. I'm happy with this product. :happy:

[rossjen]

I really love aloe vera as a moisturizer. It calms down redness and acne, and is just so useful for so many things. I have recently discovered the greatness that is unrefined shea butter (Mountain Rose Herbs), which I use under my eyes and on my body. In winter, I use a few drops of jojoba oil after washing,
I haven't found my holy grail cleanser yet, but I have been using natural bar soaps on my face for awhile now. I want to try a goat's milk soap.

[wavebaby]

I can't say i really have any HG skincare products, but my mainstays work well for me. I have used the clinique 3 step system for years now, I've yet to find anything better, but I am always on the lookout.

[asil]

Hi! New here but I thought I'd post my skincare
I have the whole redness in the face/uneven texture thing going on but started using BeautiControl (sucked in on one of those home spa parties, lol) and their Skin Equations for sensitive skin has worked wonders. It evened out my skin, no more bumps and the redness is really reduced.
I use the Skin Equations Cleanser, Toner and Relaxing Moisture. For off days I have a the protective services serum which really helps when I feel the redness is out of control. It's a bit pricey but when I need something more affordable I go back to my Aveeno Ultra-Calming cleanser, Nivea toner and Aveeno Ultra-Calming moisturizer.

[Mama D]

Noxzema, St. Ives Apricot Scrub, and Pond's Classic Dry Skin Cream. I love all three of these and I have gotten my husband hooked on them too.

[avery]

I have been enjoying Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm by Clinque. It looks like a solid tub of oil but it removes makeup wonderfully. I don't use it to remove eye makeup like they say you can, though. I did it once and my eyes were blurry and filmy feeling for a while afterwards. For removing everything else, however, it rocks. You simply apply it to dry skin and I then wipe everything off with a warm washcloth. I rinse after that. You don't have a greasy residue and it rinses clean. I wouldn't quite call it Holy Grail but almost. It lasts forever, too.

I have skin that is sensitive to mineral oil, petroleum and overly harsh ingredients. It's also a classic "combination" type.

[songofsunlight]

My most favorite skincare line is the holistic preparations made by Dr. Hauschka (http://www.drhauschka.com). I have used their products for seven years. I love them. :grinhappy:

Some of the things that I admire about Dr. Hauschka:

- The products are made in the foothills of the German Alps, in a garden where all plants are organic and/or biodynamic and are carefully tended, harvested and processed by hand.

- They are rhythmically processed (in a way akin to homeopathic medcines) which holds the vitality of the plants in a way unlike any other products I know. (Rudolf Hauschka invented this process and created a rosepetal extract which remained stable without any preservative for nearly 30 years!)

- The quality of the products is unsurpassed. They have been meticulously formulated and are crafted to help to balance and heal skin that is out of balance. I initially tried the line because my skin seemed dull and was prone to both dryness and rosacea. Now I think that my skin is quite healthy looking: it is no longer dry nor do I have the bouts with rosacea that I once did. I now often receive compliments on my skin. Although it is far from flawless, it seems to have a glow about it.

- Dr. Hauschka takes seriously their social responsibility: they use superlative growing methods and fair trade ingredients; they create biodynamic farming opportunities and cooperative initiatives around the world, etc. The company itself is a non-profit foundation.

In the USA, the products are somewhat pricey (comparable to department store products, though less than many of the more expensive lines). They are sold at natural foods stores and cooperatives. One of the reasons that I went to work for our neighborhood co-op was that it carried the Dr. Hauschka line and I could learn more about them there. I am now the buyer for the products and fairly knowledgeable about them. If anyone has questions, I may be able to answer them (in another thread.)

I believe that this line is worth consideration. They have helped to transform my skin for the better. And yet... the best skin care of all is to eat well, drink pure water and breathe clear air, walk in natural light and listen to the sounds of the world; to cultivate goodness and gratitude for the blessings you have. This is better for the whole person than anything that money can buy.

Celuriel


* * * * *

Celuriel's Grotto (http://pages.villagephotos.com/page.asp?page_id=750)
... hidden behind a flowing stream.

[curls2grow]

Here's my current product faves, but I think some changes will be made in the next month or so -- I feel a 'speriment twitch coming on:


Cleanser: Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel.

Toner: Dickenson's Witch Hazel.

Moisturizer: A bunch of them, alternating days. No real faves right now, but Kiehl's Abyssine Cream has been a repeat buy.

Special Treatments: Bare Escentuals Rare Minerals

Spot Treatment: BE Rare Minerals, Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion.

[Elyce]

Cleanse:
Coconut oil or aloe vera gel (walnut oil and apricot oil are faves, too)

Moisturize:
EL Advanced Night Repair serum (day)
EL Idealist
Creme de la Mer (winter)
EL Resilience Lift Extreme (summer)
BE Rare Minerals (overnight)
Creme de la Mer eye balm (night)
MAC Rapid Response Eye cream (day)

Other:
Zia Papaya Enzyme Peel (weekly in winter; monthly in summer)
(www.zianaturals.com (http://www.zianaturals.com))
BE Mineral make-up for sunscreen
wondercloth face cloth (www.wondercloth.com (http://www.wondercloth.com))
Almay Non-Oily eye makeup remover pads


The same routine for many years. I am very happy with it. I have one tiny wrinkle near one corner of my mouth and that's it. Not bad for nearly 50.

[texasgal]

My holy grails skin care wise are:

Almay non oily eye make up remover pads
Mary Kay microdermabrasion
Mary Kay eyecream
Jojoba Oil
MAC cleanse off oil

[golden_gal]

I'm the type who loves switching brands, so I don't really know if I've found my HG. I always assume that there's something better that what I'm currently using.

Whenever I consider repurchasing something, it's usually a HG (at least I think so). So far, I have one definite HG: Oxy10. It's a 10% benzoyl peroxide acne treatment.

I'm considering repurchasing Biore Brightwhite Relaxing Nightcare Essence. It's a gel and smells wonderful. It turned my flaky and oily dull skin into a glowing skin in two weeks. I can actually feel a difference if I don't use for a day. I actually bought this on impulse and am surprised that it worked so well.

However, my ultimate beauty trick is to sleep 8 hours a day, avoid stress and drink plenty of water. My skin is always better during holidays...

[kimberlily]

Honestly, I'm still searching for my HG. Having said that, I do like Kara Vita products (one of my best friends is a consultant) but once I run out, I won't be buying again because it is so expensive and I'm not a rich woman!

I'm curious about azelaic acid though... I really need to get rid of my blackheads.

[Rini]

I use the OCM (with Castor Oil and EVOO). If I happen to get a pimple, I put aspirin or TT EO on it. I love to use Jojoba Oil for my skin and hair and also EVOO (for skin and hair).

I also like to use mineral makeup sometimes.

I don't like using anything commercially prepared these days. Just doesn't agree with my skin or my way of thinking.

GREAT topic!!! I loved reading the responses :)

[citymorningblue]

Lush Coalface is definitely my holy grail cleanser. It leaves my temperamental teenaged face smooth, balanced and acne-free. :D