is there any face cream that actually works? Post Reply

[sparkletiger]

My impending 50th birthday is prompting to look critically at the state of my skin. It's actually not bad, years of religiously (mostly) removing makeup before bed hopefully is paying off!

But a few areas could do with a bit of smoothing out/plumping up - eyes, mouth, neck, the usual.

So after checking out some professional treatments and recoiling at the cost I'm wondering if there is a face cream that does actually make a difference. Checking out said options professionally I'm more inclined to be able to cope with some pricey serum/cream. But of course point if it's just a waste of cash.

Or those roller face things I've seen advertised, anyone tried those?

Thanks!

[maryd]

I am a complementary therapist specialising in natural face lift massage treatments and I always advise my clients that the best way to help your skin (apart from having my facial massages!) is from within. Eating foods that contain the antioxidant Vitamins A, C, E as well as minerals - particularly selenium and zinc - can help maintain good skin condition. Also ensure your diet contains essential fatty acids (I like Udo's oil and drizzle it over my food). At night it's best not to use heavy skin creams but allow your skin to breathe. I like to use Rosehip seed oil capsules or Vitamin E oil capsules at night - just pierce one capsule and apply all over face and neck, massaging in. You can use any other facial oil that you like - jojoba oil is very nice and chemically similar to the sebum in our skin. For cleansing I like to use micellar waters and during the day, use a moisturiser that has some SPF. Also don't forget to keep hydrated by drinking water. Check out my website for Natural Facelift Massage treatments and a lovely oil based Kansa Wand Facelift Massage treatment, both of which can help maintain great skin and are also incredibly relaxing.

[Jillloveshealthy]

I agree with Maryd that what you eat has a huge impact on how you look and feel. So does your outlook on life and the way you behave - your demeanour will show a lot

However, I also love to use good skincare - I must qualify myself here as I am an Independent Consultant with Arbonne International. We have over 400 different products and all follow our "Pure, safe and beneficial" ethos. I also have a weekly show on Brooklands Radio where I talk about health and interview a guest each week too.

Arbonne nutrition and skincare products support an inner outer approach to healthy living and healthy looking skin that will help you feel and look your best at any age. Great skin starts from within. When you feel good, you look good, especially when you combine exceptional nutrition and skincare.

It’s time to find a healthier self and live your best life without limits from fatigue, stress and unbalanced nutrition. If you'd like to have a chat or meet for a coffee just send me a message. I'm very happy to arrange for you to have a no obligation trial of our skincare and some free samples of our nutrition too.

I'm 60 next month and I've never felt better or more confident in my own skin!

[Emma79]

So I’ve been learning a bit about skincare whilst I PR a few brands and write expert comment for my clients. Here are a few tips that might help you:

Vitamin A creams can be really good for skin cell regeneration ditto vitamin C too. So a serum/moisturiser that contains these together is good as well as others(E & B ) which affect the skin in other ways.

Always wear at least factor 30 SPF and 50 in high heat. Ensure both UVA & B are covered in this. (Look for the +++ rating). Theoretically this should be reapplied during the day too and one should use a teaspoon to cover the face.

Facial massage and rollers/dry brushing etc are all good for cell regeneration too. I have used the tua trend machines which have given a great glow. Some prefer brushing the skin but I prefer the electromagnetic hydrocurrent of the above as I have sensitive skin.it feels like a facial after. See tinarichards.com for these.

You need two types of moisture on the face to be hydrated - including a humectant. You need to look out for key ingredients in a cream/serum like hyaluronic acid for keeping the skin plump. Don’t forget eye cream.

Exfoliate once a week, double cleanse if you don’t alteady do so and use a mask once a week too.

If you travel Regularly by plane, this can wreak havoc with your skin so be careful to minimise make-up and include moisturiser and serum as part of plane routine if not a mask also.

My favourite serum ever is epionce - it’s also lightened sun damage and pigmentation.

Hopefully that helps and info isn’t too basic. But I’m sure you look great and it’s more in your mind’s eye! If I ever need case studies for any treatments - if you’re happy to be in the press - then maybe we can do something together.

Emma x

[addled]

Does face cream work? For the manufacturer and advertiser, YES. For you, no.

[Jen66]

Only cosmetic procedures will get rid of existing wrinkles and lines. No cream will do that.

However, for preventative reasons, then anti-ageing products containing Retinol are your best bet. Have a look at The Ordinary. Their website can be a bit overwhelming so I'd recommend going into one of their shops in the first instance

[Bama]

I would like to advice everyone about being extremely careful with any retinol treatment from The Ordinary.

I tried the Retinol 1% and for the first time in my life I had a dramatically bad reaction: it triggered a couple of large acne nodules - never had spots in my life before - which scared permanently my skin, it triggered a strong peeling on the entire face, it caused inflammation/redness to the skin and most of all light sensitivity (every time there was sunshine I used to get a swollen and red face). The light sensitivity lasted a couple of months. I couldn't go to work for an entire week because I was so swollen that it would have been embarrassing.
After about one year, I got finally my normal face back - apart from the scars which I am worried will remain forever.

I wrote them, and they simply replied that on the package it is stated that you might need to build skin resistance .... oh thank you for that!
I had actually followed the instructions and used just one small drop on alternate days, just in the evening, and I always use SPF cream (50) daytime.

So, please be careful, because some of their products are extremely strong and might have very negative effects!

Sorry for this post, but I truly wanted to share my (bad) experience.

[Emma79]

I would like to advice everyone about being extremely careful with any retinol treatment from The Ordinary.

I tried the Retinol 1% and for the first time in my life I had a dramatically bad reaction: it triggered a couple of large acne nodules - never had spots in my life before - which scared permanently my skin, it triggered a strong peeling on the entire face, it caused inflammation/redness to the skin and most of all light sensitivity (every time there was sunshine I used to get a swollen and red face). The light sensitivity lasted a couple of months. I couldn't go to work for an entire week because I was so swollen that it would have been embarrassing.
After about one year, I got finally my normal face back - apart from the scars which I am worried will remain forever.

I wrote them, and they simply replied that on the package it is stated that you might need to build skin resistance .... oh thank you for that!
I had actually followed the instructions and used just one small drop on alternate days, just in the evening, and I always use SPF cream (50) daytime.

So, please be careful, because some of their products are extremely strong and might have very negative effects!

Sorry for this post, but I truly wanted to share my (bad) experience.

Sorry to hear about your bad experience. It’s good words of advice as I think some media have gone a bit OTT on recommending retinol products. They should really all be available on prescription only from dermatologists who check if it’s right for your skin.

Do hope you’re ok now and glad to hear you’re using the SPF 50 - hope that helps protect your skin.

[silviahm]

I would like to say that it is totally unfair to expect a cream to do so much.

A good face cream, especially a night cream, along with a really good routine and s good diet can make a huge difference.

I’ve just turned 51 and I am told I look much younger. This difference has only come about in recent years as I have learnt so much about the beauty industry since joining MyShowcase. I will happily meet you and let you try a few options and alternatives and teach you how best to look after yourself.

Silvia

[Kate14]

I've been using this LIquid Gold Rose stuff from M&S since Christmas and it really makes a difference - it stings a bit but I definitely look glowy the next morning: http://www.marksandspencer.com/liquid-g ... /p60162156

Otherwise, the things that make the most difference for me are drinking tonnes of water and staying away from the booze, sadly!

[silviahm]

If it stings I would be concerned about what it is actually doing. Lots of remedies give you results but over time can do damage like use haemorrhoid creamnaroind the eyes - yes your eyes look better but you are damaging the cells underneath

[Jillloveshealthy]

Yes stinging is not necessarily good. Personally I prefer stuff without the harmful chemicals and that's what attracted me to Arbonne - results driven, award winning and without the petroleum based ingredients, parabens, SLS, animal products and bi-products etc.

[foodeditorjo]

I am 57 but often pass for 10-20 years younger, due to my skin! While it is in many ways genetic, I do believe in using good-quality face creams. I work with a health, beauty and wellness journalist and her site thisistheantidote.com features some lovely products. I personally prefer not to put a load of chemicals on to my face so prefer to use natural brands that still have effective active ingredients. Some of these are great, e.g. La Spiezia, Evolve, French Girl oil, Mauli, etc etc. Sanoflore is another great new brand and there are others like Romilly Wilde. It's well worth checking these out. I am a bit intermittent with my regime, but try to exfoliate twice a week with Murad exfoliating cream, then I use a good eye cream and spritz my face with Evolve Facial Mist. Finish with serum or moisturiser. I also swear by night creams and micellar water!

[foodeditorjo]

Personally I wouldn't touch Arbonne with a bargepole. Awful quality, pyramid selling and the agents make a fortune, which means that the quality of the product has to be compromised somewhere along the line. Just my opinion though!

[SW12Pops]

A friend swears by Cien at Aldi - reckons it's like Creme De Mer?

Googled it and found this.

I've NO idea if it's any good

http://missamyrach.com/cien-skincare-review-lidl