Newbie who really needs help...HF, skincare...I'm so lost.
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Fri Jan 27, 2012 5:47 pm

Please help an overwhelmed newbie or at least point me in the right direction. To give a little background. I am 29-years-old and already starting to notice some significant signs of aging. I'm a single mother, recently divorced (well I guess not so recent as it was four years ago), and full-time student. I have a lot of stressors in my life even more so than the things I've mentioned. I try to practice positive thinking and eat well but I know I could definitely use some improvement. I am on a budget but with it being income tax season, I do believe there are a few things I should invest in which would give me long-term benefits and I won't make any apologies for it. In the long run these things will be worth more to me anyway than a whirlwind trip to the spa.

I suppose I should get to my query. I have been reading threads on here and taking notes (yes literally--it's a wealth of information, but here I stand lost in my notes and conflicted about what to do.

I would like to invest in a high frequency device. I've been reading through the threads and I've seen the one by Palacia given some great reviews. I also noticed that their electrodes cost an arm and a leg (at least on my income) So I guess my first concern is, is there a place that provides the electrodes at a reasonable price and would you mind sharing that information? Also how long do these electrodes typically last.

I have also seen the violet ray on ebay at a very decent price and I've seen it said on here that the oscillation is not very strong, but the Ukranian sellers offer two versions and they are marketing one as the "stronger" version and they offer several electrodes at a great price...what you would pay for just two electrodes with the Palacia version. So here is my question about that. Is there anyone who brought the one on ebay and is satisfied with it, and who also believes it to be safe? Sometimes I wonder about these products which come from oversees and ambiguous informaton is given...I worry whether or not I'm getting the legitimate thing. I don't want to be exposed to harmful UV rays that are sold under the guise of being the helpful D'arvosonal (sp?) device from the 1800's. That said, again I have no problem with getting the Palacia, just want to know that I can afford to get more electrodes reasonably once the originals have run their course.

I am starting to have some sagging in my face and since having my daughter--majorly in my breast too (I cannot afford a breastlift right now Sad

) and I'm sure some of it comes from stress, but my dad's side of the family ages fast, like the face and jowls just drop once they hit 26. I would like to invest in a Lightstim as well, but I have no qualms with that because I don't have to replace anything from what I've been told...

Serums...what are the best serums to use with these products? and can anyone recommend a routine. I am not trying to bother and yes I do promise I did read the threads, but these threads go deep and between studying, working and so forth. I barely get a chance to breathe, so I'll read the threads until I fall asleep, still not finding out what I want to find. Please feel free to offer advice and tips, supplements, skincare lines ect. I need all the help I can get. I look forward to hearing from someone soon.

Just for reference. I have very oily, some what breakout prone skin, some deep lines, particularly number 11's, deep horizontal under brown bones and above the nose, some sagging and skin discoloration. I don't even know what skincare line to go for---I was looking into the copper peptide line because I heard it was great for oily and blemish prone skin but again I don't know how to use it---I think I almost need a tutor for this stuff lol--you know a regimen.

I am lost, but I need to start doing something. By the way, I do own a dermawand...Its for maybe travel or a quick touch up, but I don't know I feel like if I use it too much, my skin gets dependent on it for looking good and again, not sure what serums to use with it, ect.

Please excuse the long post and I thank you wonderful ladies and gentlemen in advance.

free skin care · Fri Jan 27, 2012 7:25 pm

hi
Welcome
I did not read your whole thread, sorry, read most. Lots of people use and like the Tua Viso or Tua Trend for face. It helps do similar things as facial exercises...which lots of people do here.

If you are on a budget, you might look into facial exercises or flex effect first. You can google them if u dont want to go through threads here.

Lots of people use vitamin c serum (do it yourself threads here) and some use retinol. Sunscreen is a no brainer.

I use copper peptides..and retinol but not daily, and like lots of things, you will get some people who like them, some who dont.

I have a lightstim i rarely use but others swear by it. I am new to the Tua Trend and like the feel of it on my face. Best thing is to start with a few small things and not try too much all at once.
good luck

Sat Jan 28, 2012 1:34 pm

skincarecat wrote:

hi
Welcome
I did not read your whole thread, sorry, read most. Lots of people use and like the Tua Viso or Tua Trend for face. It helps do similar things as facial exercises...which lots of people do here.

If you are on a budget, you might look into facial exercises or flex effect first. You can google them if u dont want to go through threads here.

Lots of people use vitamin c serum (do it yourself threads here) and some use retinol. Sunscreen is a no brainer.

I use copper peptides..and retinol but not daily, and like lots of things, you will get some people who like them, some who dont.

I have a lightstim i rarely use but others swear by it. I am new to the Tua Trend and like the feel of it on my face. Best thing is to start with a few small things and not try too much all at once.
good luck

Thanks for giving me a sort of quick rundown of the most popular items on the forum. I know you didn't get a chance to read the whole post, but even though I am on a budget typically year round, I was saying since it is income tax season I will splurge on a few items for myself. I mean, I work very hard and I deserve it. I even ordered some exercise equipment because I don't workout a stitch. I definitely need to start taking better care of my skin and I know I will never make time to go to the spa or aesthetician because I won't be able to keep it up.

When I buy things they typically last me a long time, this is another reason why I wanting to know of anyone's success with the Ebay Violet Ray machines from the Ukraine and a couple of other queries.

I use a sunscreen right now, It's the neutrogena dry touch spf 100, and I use a prescription retinol cream (tretinoin 0.25%). However I'm thinking of ordering a stronger dosage from all day chemist since the 0.25% isn't doing much for me any more. Even though I'm starting to show the signs of aging, my skin is very thick and sturdy and seems to want something stronger.

Thanks for your prompt reply and I have looked in the Tua Viso, face exercises and flex effect. While I can get the other things now, I hope to invest in that come late spring. It sounds like an absolute must have for jaw sag.

I'm on my way now to check out the vitamin C serums .

L.B. Smile

free skin care · Sun Jan 29, 2012 4:56 pm

I found this thread via your other one on peels: I also have mild atopic eczema/ contact dermatitis. I am a decade older than you with the first signs of ageing, work in lifestyle healthcare, have been a mature student, am very susceptible to stress tho only have a cat not a child! Laughing

To date the things that have had the most striking effect on my skin are
- stop fighting or abusing my skin (use proven healing/ repairing/ hydrating skincare ingredients)
- stop using any products containing sulphate surfactants (in shampoo, face wash, shower gel, toothpaste, hand wash)
- clean up diet (without major expense or time input!) and add proven supplements.

My skin is now less oily, less flaky, 'plumper', my lines are less visible and my eczema almost gone, even tho I have not yet introduced any of the topical 'big guns'. Next steps are an Anti-ageing LightStim (LEDs have the most supporting research), gentler alternatives to Retin-A (= retinoic acid) and gentler alternatives to the regular vitamin C serums (= ascorbic acid). As you know, skin ages faster when under stress. Sad

So IMO it is counter-productive to focus on aggressive/ stressful/ destructive ingredients and techniques before you have given your skin the tools it needs to maintain hydration and building blocks for repair and regeneration. I wonder if part of the reason your skin has thickened is that healthy cells are being sacrificed to bolster the stratus corneum, in order to protect your skin from dehydration, from the elements and from your current regime? Did your dermatologist recommend the Retin-A?

IMO you might consider switching from your current chemical sunscreen to a physical one based on zinc oxide; this is much gentler on the skin and more convenient if you want to add in serums. As you probably know, chemical sunscreens need to be layered on first or after long wait times, physical ones go on last leaving your anti-ageing actives free access to your skin. A serum you might consider DIYing is DragoN's KinNiaNag - this gets rave reviews, is based on solid research, is beneficial for sensitive, ageing AND oily/ acne-prone skins. Not sure if the recipe is here on EDS, but you will find it on the Skincaretalk forum. You also might consider facial exercise to address the muscle foundation or root cause of jowling, rather than two gadgets and actives which work on the skin itself.

Also prioritise your diet if at all possible: stress causes chronic inflammation which is ageing but this can be halted or reversed with an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich diet. The body is not only stressed by life events - smoking, over or underweight, poor diet, lack of sleep, being sedentary or over exercising also put the body into a state of stress. Whilst exercise is highly beneficial for mental and physical wellbeing, it also increases your body's needs for every nutrient. Unfortunately where nutrients are in short supply, repair and regeneration of the skin can take a back seat! Let me know if you want any information on nutrition or fitness, I am one of those strange people who actually love their job! Embarassed

Mon Jan 30, 2012 12:35 am

Firefox7275 wrote:

I found this thread via your other one on peels: I also have mild atopic eczema/ contact dermatitis. I am a decade older than you with the first signs of ageing, work in lifestyle healthcare, have been a mature student, am very susceptible to stress tho only have a cat not a child! Laughing

To date the things that have had the most striking effect on my skin are
- stop fighting or abusing my skin (use proven healing/ repairing/ hydrating skincare ingredients)
- stop using any products containing sulphate surfactants (in shampoo, face wash, shower gel, toothpaste, hand wash)
- clean up diet (without major expense or time input!) and add proven supplements.

My skin is now less oily, less flaky, 'plumper', my lines are less visible and my eczema almost gone, even tho I have not yet introduced any of the topical 'big guns'. Next steps are an Anti-ageing LightStim (LEDs have the most supporting research), gentler alternatives to Retin-A (= retinoic acid) and gentler alternatives to the regular vitamin C serums (= ascorbic acid). As you know, skin ages faster when under stress. Sad

So IMO it is counter-productive to focus on aggressive/ stressful/ destructive ingredients and techniques before you have given your skin the tools it needs to maintain hydration and building blocks for repair and regeneration. I wonder if part of the reason your skin has thickened is that healthy cells are being sacrificed to bolster the stratus corneum, in order to protect your skin from dehydration, from the elements and from your current regime? Did your dermatologist recommend the Retin-A?

IMO you might consider switching from your current chemical sunscreen to a physical one based on zinc oxide; this is much gentler on the skin and more convenient if you want to add in serums. As you probably know, chemical sunscreens need to be layered on first or after long wait times, physical ones go on last leaving your anti-ageing actives free access to your skin. A serum you might consider DIYing is DragoN's KinNiaNag - this gets rave reviews, is based on solid research, is beneficial for sensitive, ageing AND oily/ acne-prone skins. Not sure if the recipe is here on EDS, but you will find it on the Skincaretalk forum. You also might consider facial exercise to address the muscle foundation or root cause of jowling, rather than two gadgets and actives which work on the skin itself.

Also prioritise your diet if at all possible: stress causes chronic inflammation which is ageing but this can be halted or reversed with an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich diet. The body is not only stressed by life events - smoking, over or underweight, poor diet, lack of sleep, being sedentary or over exercising also put the body into a state of stress. Whilst exercise is highly beneficial for mental and physical wellbeing, it also increases your body's needs for every nutrient. Unfortunately where nutrients are in short supply, repair and regeneration of the skin can take a back seat! Let me know if you want any information on nutrition or fitness, I am one of those strange people who actually love their job! Embarassed

Thank you so much for your reply! Very, very informative. You definitely pointed out some things that I could improve upon. When it all comes down to it, I do want my skin to look great, but I want the healthy radiance to come from within as well--I know that will deliver the most permanent and visible results.

I need to be in good health and maintain decent energy levels for my daughter's sake (she's only 3). I do suffer from chronic fatigue and a couple of other issues that I have no doubt are made worse by not having a proper whole-foods type diet. Concerning the weight issue....yes, I could stand to lose some weight (I was once told I had a sluggish thyroid, but since then it has never been mentioned again?). Cliche I know, but seriously I never lost the weight after having my daughter.

All that said, I would love to hear your tips on fitness and increasing antioxidant intake, ect. Also, have you any suggestions on a good physical sunscreen, and can they be used on the extremities as well?

Thanks again. Surprised

Mon Jan 30, 2012 12:50 am

Firefox7275 wrote:

I found this thread via your other one on peels: I also have mild atopic eczema/ contact dermatitis. I am a decade older than you with the first signs of ageing, work in lifestyle healthcare, have been a mature student, am very susceptible to stress tho only have a cat not a child! Laughing

To date the things that have had the most striking effect on my skin are
- stop fighting or abusing my skin (use proven healing/ repairing/ hydrating skincare ingredients)
- stop using any products containing sulphate surfactants (in shampoo, face wash, shower gel, toothpaste, hand wash)
- clean up diet (without major expense or time input!) and add proven supplements.

My skin is now less oily, less flaky, 'plumper', my lines are less visible and my eczema almost gone, even tho I have not yet introduced any of the topical 'big guns'. Next steps are an Anti-ageing LightStim (LEDs have the most supporting research), gentler alternatives to Retin-A (= retinoic acid) and gentler alternatives to the regular vitamin C serums (= ascorbic acid). As you know, skin ages faster when under stress. Sad

So IMO it is counter-productive to focus on aggressive/ stressful/ destructive ingredients and techniques before you have given your skin the tools it needs to maintain hydration and building blocks for repair and regeneration. I wonder if part of the reason your skin has thickened is that healthy cells are being sacrificed to bolster the stratus corneum, in order to protect your skin from dehydration, from the elements and from your current regime? Did your dermatologist recommend the Retin-A?

IMO you might consider switching from your current chemical sunscreen to a physical one based on zinc oxide; this is much gentler on the skin and more convenient if you want to add in serums. As you probably know, chemical sunscreens need to be layered on first or after long wait times, physical ones go on last leaving your anti-ageing actives free access to your skin. A serum you might consider DIYing is DragoN's KinNiaNag - this gets rave reviews, is based on solid research, is beneficial for sensitive, ageing AND oily/ acne-prone skins. Not sure if the recipe is here on EDS, but you will find it on the Skincaretalk forum. You also might consider facial exercise to address the muscle foundation or root cause of jowling, rather than two gadgets and actives which work on the skin itself.

Also prioritise your diet if at all possible: stress causes chronic inflammation which is ageing but this can be halted or reversed with an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich diet. The body is not only stressed by life events - smoking, over or underweight, poor diet, lack of sleep, being sedentary or over exercising also put the body into a state of stress. Whilst exercise is highly beneficial for mental and physical wellbeing, it also increases your body's needs for every nutrient. Unfortunately where nutrients are in short supply, repair and regeneration of the skin can take a back seat! Let me know if you want any information on nutrition or fitness, I am one of those strange people who actually love their job! Embarassed

I forgot to add, I don't have a dermatologist. I don't even have a family practitioner. It was either go to school now to further my education and have a more stable future (which means monthly tuition payments for me) or have a personal health insurance policy--unfortunately the health insurance policy took a backseat to school, which I hope to be finished with in 8 months here. Fortunately I have been able to afford insurance for my daughter, so that's a plus.

The Retin-A was prescribed to me by a physician's assistant who gave me a pre-screening physical to get into my program. I casually mentioned to him that I was having some skin issues, mostly of the ingrown hair variety and he said the Retin-A would help, so he gave me a running prescription for it until August of this year. It has helped me out, don't get me wrong, but I do think I need something stronger because as I stated in another post, my skin is tough.

free skin care · Mon Jan 30, 2012 9:15 am

Nanaki1125 wrote:

I forgot to add, I don't have a dermatologist. I don't even have a family practitioner. It was either go to school now to further my education and have a more stable future (which means monthly tuition payments for me) or have a personal health insurance policy--unfortunately the health insurance policy took a backseat to school, which I hope to be finished with in 8 months here. Fortunately I have been able to afford insurance for my daughter, so that's a plus.

The Retin-A was prescribed to me by a physician's assistant who gave me a pre-screening physical to get into my program. I casually mentioned to him that I was having some skin issues, mostly of the ingrown hair variety and he said the Retin-A would help, so he gave me a running prescription for it until August of this year. It has helped me out, don't get me wrong, but I do think I need something stronger because as I stated in another post, my skin is tough.

Just because your skin is thickened doesn't mean it is not sensitive/ reactive, as I said "I wonder if part of the reason your skin has thickened is that healthy cells are being sacrificed to bolster the stratus corneum, in order to protect your skin from dehydration, from the elements and from your current regime?" That is only an educated guess of course.

Not a problem not having a dermatologist as there is plenty you can do for yourself, really just wanted to know who advised you to use an aggressive treatment without addressing your lifelong skin complaints. A lactic acid lotion can really help with ingrown hairs - you can purchase Amlactin but a simple DIY is much cheaper http://www.skincaretalk.com/t/9849/sheep-look-lactic-lotion
An alternative is a good 10%+ urea cream, again hydration with gentle exfoliation. For ingrowns on the face or other sensitive areas, start with only 5% urea or lactic acid. I also needed to change my hair removal method, waxing was awful for me and shaving not ideal either, I *think* due to the harsh exfoliation that each cause. I now epilate which is a huge improvement, no chemicals and cheap! Very Happy

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