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Keeping Skin Young

post #1 of 62
4/30/09 at 5:31pm
Thread Starter 
I've decided that I might as well start looking in to ways to keep my skin in the wonderful condition that it is now. Obviously there is moisturizer with SPF15+ , but I'm hoping for more. The issue is that there is a ton of contradicting information on the net. I figure that a forum filled with similarly vain people might be a little more helpful.

So, here is a list of specific things that I've got questions on. Note- this is about prevention, not treatment. Feel free to add stuff. The questions for each item are: Does it work? Topically? Ingested?

-Phytessence Wakame: supposedly inhibits the action of hyaluronidase, leaving more hyaluroic acid and your skin happier.

-Hyaluroic acid: it's in your skin and keeps it looking good.

-Collagen: protein in connective tissue.

-Elastin: also in connective tissue.

-Coenzyme Q10: antioxidant

-Antioxidants in general

Any others?

Thanks!
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post #2 of 62
4/30/09 at 5:36pm
I remember seeing on the news about a recommendation that moisturizer or lotion was unnecessary when sunscreen was used in it's place. So I'd recommend:

High SPF sunscreen, everyday.

Sunglasses, hats, long sleeves, etc. when outdoors

Avoid smoking, alcohol, caffeine(?)

Don't smile to avoid wrinkles
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post #3 of 62
4/30/09 at 5:40pm
Exercise.
Drink water.
Don't smoke or eat like shit.
Do yourself a favor and forget all that bullshit you posted.
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post #4 of 62
4/30/09 at 5:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by apocalypse later View Post
Exercise.
Drink water.
Don't smoke or eat like shit.
Do yourself a favor and forget all that bullshit you posted.

+1

Although using an exfoliating washcloth a few times a week apparently works well..
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post #5 of 62
4/30/09 at 7:31pm
FYI, around a year ago I tried a bunch of facial stuff (antioxidant creams etc) with the same intent, and it was a big mistake. I can't remember everything I was using, I was switching back and forth between a COQ10 cream and a Vitamin C moisturizer, emu oil, and a bunch of other stuff, and my skin just couldn't handle it. A few months later I caught a reflection of my face in bright, broad daylight and it was horrific. The skin around my eyes looked like that of a 60 year old's. Definitely not the look I was going for. The most important thing you can do is use sunscreen, every day, for the rest of your life. Nothing ages your skin more than your average, regular daily exposure to the sun.
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post #6 of 62
4/30/09 at 7:32pm
I keep on hearing good things about Retinol, but never hear about which brands or products are the best bets.
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post #7 of 62
4/30/09 at 8:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by breakdown View Post
I keep on hearing good things about Retinol, but never hear about which brands or products are the best bets.

Retin A is the thing that most dermatologist will say is prooven to work, but it requires a prescription. Retinol is a dilluted off-the-shelf substitute that may or may-not do anything.
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post #8 of 62
4/30/09 at 8:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Taxler View Post
Retin A is the thing that most dermatologist will say is prooven to work, but it requires a prescription. Retinol is a dilluted off-the-shelf substitute that may or may-not do anything.

Retin A is the winner. It's basically the only thing proven to have a wide variety of positive anti-aging effects on the skin. It's also pretty cheap and has been around for a long while. The only real negative is that getting acclimated to it can give a few weeks of redness and it makes you more sun sensitive.
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post #9 of 62
4/30/09 at 8:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by william View Post
+1

Although using an exfoliating washcloth a few times a week apparently works well..

If you exercise regularly and sweat during the process, I don't think exfoliator would be needed. I go to the gym 5-6 time a week and I do lots of cardio, after which my sweat just splashes.

I hardly use anything on my skin except for moisturiser, I have combination type skin so certain parts of my face tends to get a bit dry after a facewash. But I may start using sunscreen now, the Australian sun is pretty harsh (I don't like the smell).

I'm turning 32 this year but most people think I'm around 22-25.
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post #10 of 62
4/30/09 at 9:56pm
start today, son.

I spent 3 summers working as a lifeguard and rarely used sunblock. Im 26 now and starting to wrinkle. Im using all kinds of shit now, it doesnt help the damage thats done but might prevent or slow down future wrinkles.
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post #11 of 62
4/30/09 at 11:40pm
-Phytessence Wakame: supposedly inhibits the action of hyaluronidase, leaving more hyaluroic acid and your skin happier. I'd pass on that one. -Hyaluroic acid: it's in your skin and keeps it looking good. Used in moisturisers it keeps your skin nice and supple as it attracts water to the skin. L'oreal Derma-genesis is an affordable line that contains high concentrations of this. -Collagen: protein in connective tissue. You can't apply this topically for any effect, eat green foods like kale and spinach instead. -Elastin: also in connective tissue. See above. -Coenzyme Q10: antioxidant This is a great antioxidant but that could be said about most like green tea and Vitamin C. You can ingest these through a good diet (vitamins don't make a good substitute) and applied topically, antioxidants will prevent free radical damage caused by the sun. Antioxidants prevent oxidisation, think rust on a nail. Use an antioxidant serum underneath your sun protection during the day for full benefits. -Antioxidants in general See above. Any others? Niacinamide is a great all-rounder. Antioxidant, evens skin tone, anti-acne and anti-ageing. Try looking at the Olay Regenerist line for their night cream or serum, both excellent and widely recommended by dermatologists. If you're older than 25 you could start using a retinol product in order to stave off future skin damage, I would stick to a concentration of 0.5% for now. Try Avene or Skinceuticals. Read my blog for a few more recommendations.
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post #12 of 62
4/30/09 at 11:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Taxler View Post
Retin A is the thing that most dermatologist will say is prooven to work, but it requires a prescription. Retinol is a dilluted off-the-shelf substitute that may or may-not do anything.

Retinol is effective but it must be converted first to retinaldehyde before absorption. There are quite a few retinaldehyde products available over the counter that are clinically proven to work well including Skinceuticals, Avene and Green Cream. Neutrogena Healthy Skin is another over-the-counter recommended by dermatologists for younger skin. Prescribed retinol is far more potent and i'd only suggest that for more mature skin as it's far more harsh with lots of redness and peeling.
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post #13 of 62
5/1/09 at 12:49am
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the information! I'll definitely look in to the Niacinamide. As far as the retinol goes, I'm only 18, so I think I'll hold off for now.
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post #14 of 62
5/1/09 at 8:59am
Quote:
Originally Posted by apocalypse later View Post
Exercise.
Drink water.
Don't smoke or eat like shit.
Do yourself a favor and forget all that bullshit you posted.

signed and adding: sleep well, use only water to wash your face, shave with a razor ..
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post #15 of 62
5/1/09 at 9:09am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by coldarchon
signed and adding: sleep well, use only water to wash your face, shave with a razor ..

My skin was a mess until I started washing and moisturizing. Whether or not any of the other stuff is useful, I'd be have terrible skin if I didn't wash it regularly with a good cleanser.
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