I use alpha hydroxy purchased at Sally's beauty supply. It's as good as the high end and I use oil of olay moisturzer before bed time, apply to a wet face. One can easily get carried away with all of the applications. I use Andrea eye wipes, they come in a small round jar and they're circular eye pads that take of every trace of eye make up in a single swoop. I use a buff puff to scrub my face and a non allergenic skin cleanser like cerave. I never use soap on my face. Mom taught me that lol.

First, make an appointment with a dermatologist- even if it is for months from now. Have them examine all of your skin for problematic moles, cancers etc. Then go in once a year for a recheck. Health is more important than beauty, believe me. My dermatologist caught a mole that was precancerous! so now it is a non issue. Sunscreen use will go a long way to keeping wrinkles away. Once you are a patient you can ask about skin care products.
Once I stopped having breakouts in my early 20s- I started using moisterizer every day and that made a big difference. I don't think it matters what brand you use.

heading out the door quick...

I called pretty much every dermatologist in this area (when I say this area I mean a couple hour radius all around my house) and none were accepting new patients. I don't see how I'm going to get in anywhere. I'm also covered under two different insurance companies. (again, when I called it was about a mole)

I'm sure the simple answer would be to find one far away . . .

Both my parents had skin cancer removed from their face last year and since then I've been very observant of my own skin.

Shee, I wouldn't use those strong acid products on your young healthy skin. They actually make skin *more sun sensitive, so you may end up with damage down the road. A soft baby's washcloth is a nice gentle way to exfoliate at your age. If your skin can tolerate moisturizers, they're good to use for protection and rejuvenation in dry areas. Otherwise, I'd just let your skin breathe and do its thing; and not load it up with foreign substances to process. As far as cleaning, Neutrogena's liquid Facial Wash is a simple, mild, and gentle cleaner. Cindy Crawford also has a great face wash, which doesn't even need to be rinsed.

I would follow the manufacturer's instructions for time between applications, as they will mix and combine. They know their products and how to use them optimally.

The best thing you can do for your skin is from the inside -- a healthy low-fat diet rich in fruits & veggies. And exercise. Fish is also great for your skin. These days, however, fish gets more complicated with all the pollutants. And, of course, limited sun exposure to avoid UV damage.

Squirrel - "I wouldn't use those strong acid products on your young healthy skin. They actually make skin *more sun sensitive, so you may end up with damage down the road"

Ahh.. no! But what if I use sunscreen? Well that takes away the feeling you get when applying the products. You know, the warm fuzzy feeling that it's doing something wonderful for you. :) Ha, am I the only one that feels that way?

I hit the later 20s this past summer and I'm starting to see fine lines that weren't there before. (Also gray hairs) Only a few, and I'm probably the only one that sees them, but of course I'm not thrilled. I really did abuse my skin with the sun most of my life. Even used tanning beds quite often in my later teens years. *sigh*. I know the damage I've already done will show up later but I want to do the best I can. I didn't think me using the AHA stuff would be bad as long as I followed their directions. My skin isn't bothered by them at all.

There's no set time between applications listed in the instructions. It just says to "follow with"....

I agree eating right, water, and exercise are very important and I've been doing much better with all three. I do think in the past year or so my skin texture has been a little different and not in a good way. May have had a lot to do with my poor eating habits, lack of vitamins and exercise at that time.

Shee, good advice from Squirrel! Don't put too much stock in all those 'magic' products.

Saw this article about Twiggy's photoshopped face this morning.

Here is a link that might be useful: truth in advertisting?

We women are really sold a bill of goods, and most of us buy into it. I know I certainly have for many, many years. When I think of how much money I invested (wasted) in products that promised one thing and delivered very little to absolutely nothing, well -- it's rather depressing, so I opt not to think about it. ;-)

I agree with the Squirrel. Our skin really "needs" very little in the way of packaged products. Not everyone "needs" moisturizer. My skin is still so oily and doesn't require supplemental moisture, even though I'm well into my 40s -- at an age when the cosmetic industry insists that a woman's skin is dry as an old raisin and in desperate need of their merchandise.

there are products available by prescription that can help repair the damage done by the sun. Renova cream I think is the name I used. Only thing is it can cause depression in some people- guess who that happened to probably cause it was doing wonders for my skin.( was in my late 40s btw)
Shee I understand about the access to care- it is bad in some areas of our state too. Your Primary care can take a look at suspicious areas until you can find a derm. I would call around every couple of months to see if you can get in anywhere. cant hurt.
And I think at your age you only need moisterizer!

Natal - Oh, I know. IMO Photoshopping like that shouldn't even be allowed. I always say anyone can be beautiful with the help of a makeup artist, hair extensions, spray tan, fake eyelashes, airbrushing, etc. :)

So far I haven't spent a bunch of money on any product in general. I know most have big price tags with empty promises. I am a sucker for infomercials though so I have to stay away. lol My last purchase years ago was the bun and thigh roller! Nuff said.

The appealing thing to me was that brand isn't pricey and I've heard AHA is good for your skin and dermatolgists recommend it? Since I bought all that I'll finish using it but I guess I've always figured in my mind a little wrinkle cream or serum can't hurt. An example that comes to mind often..Poor DH doesn't have much hair left on top of his head. At one point, he was using Nioxin products. I found it interesting that they have different steps to their line. System 1 is for fine, natural, normal to thin looking hair. System 2 is for fine, natural, NOTICEABLY thinning hair. There's probably reasons but I can't wrap my head around why you wouldn't just jump to system 2 if you were having this issue. Same goes with face products. Olay has a bunch of different systems. When I considered trying some of theirs it recommended the total effects. My mind wondered why I couldn't just buy something for skin that was already wrinkled thinking it would help more. Again, that may not be the case and I haven't done any real digging around but that's how I look at it.

Jen - My t zone gets pretty darn oily so I also couldn't figure out why I was always hearing moisturize. Even oil free doesn't make sense to me really.

Cooper - I figured you'd get what I was saying since you're not far away. There's not that many in the state. Even the ones I was 1st hoping to get into were a good hour away.

I'm honestly a little leary of putting chemicals on my face in general and I think part of me doesn't want to know what's in them. This includes sunblock even though I've been using that on my face. The food we eat, the air we breathe..

I know that was windy but I'm feeling blabbery tonight. I really should be wrapping presents!

Long long ago, I used to have an oily T zone but the rest of my skin was drier. So I used moisterizer on the dry parts and nothing on the oilier. Eventually my skin got drier all over, and I started moisterizing daily. I have been using clinique daily moisterizer for years. For a long time I used the whole three step process. Lately I have cheaped out and use cetaphil daily moisterizer . My dermatologist recommeded it. She knows I am not going for the $$$ stuff she offers. Go wrap some presents!

I'm almost sixty and still have oily skin in spots. I always wash my face with Dove soap and use Burt's Bees Primrose night cream, that's it.

When I was in my 20's and 30's and 40's I use to buy all that expensive crap. The eye cream the neck cream the ear cream (just kidding) and fell prey to all of it, but no more.

Like AJ I would like to have some of my $$$$$$$$ back.

.....Jane

I'll disagree a bit by saying that I don't think it's too early to start taking care of your skin. I think the main thing for you is sunscreen. Make it a habit, sun or not. That alone has made a huge difference in my skin.

I am in my 40's. I've always had normal to dry skin. I have always moisturized. I have never used soap on my face either. Years ago cetaphil was recommended to me. It's very gentle, doesn't *strip* your skin. I use it to take my mascara off - works great.

I too used to use the 3 step clinique program, but it proved too strong and drying for me. I don't need a toner. I do believe in a good eye creme. Now I use a product that has glycolic acid in it - a mild strength - and I have really seen a difference in my skin. I am blessed by heredity (I guess) to not have alot of lines, but I think the glycolic acid has made my skin brighter, something about the texture, well it just looks better. I have TERRIBLY dry heels and use a foot creme with the glycolic acid. You shouldn't need an exfoliater if you are using alpha or glycolic acid, they do that naturally, and at a faster rate. Because of that, they do make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

I use a few good products, but don't spend $$$. My biggest problems now are chapped lips and the dry heels!

tina

Cooper - Well, I never got around to wrapping. DH was watching football and I like to watch or listen to Christmas stuff while doing it. :) Anyhow, while I was slathering all that stuff on my face last night I realized I didn't comment about the Renova cream! I'm assuming you had to stop using it. What's in it that can cause that?

Cetaphil and Neutrogena seems to be two products that are listed often for cleansers if you don't want to spend a bunch of money. I was looking at the backs of ingredients (not sure why because I don't know what they are) but saw one of them had the word hydrogenated on the back. ?? I thought anything hydrogenated was bad. Just curious about that.

Ha, I'm trying to figure out how you guys are getting your eye makeup off without soap. I've used makeup remover that took the eyeshadow and even the mascara (as long as it wasn't waterproof) but then I still have eyeliner.

I guess with layering products they should at least by dry before you add another if there are no specific instructions.

Thanks for the thoughts! Off to wrap! :)

Here's a suggestion. Why not visit a Merle Norman Cosmetic store? Of course they'll sell you their products but I've always heard they're good and over the years I've met many women who use them and the texture in their skin (plus well groomed makeup) is stunning.

If you use the toner, I'd only use it in the T zone.

Also, dermatologist sell some skin care so they'll try to sell you that too.

Can't believe I forgot -- drink water, water, water! That and a good diet will do wonders for your skin's texture and appearance. Also, I've always used moisturizer around my eyes and on my lips, as they aren't oily areas and it just seemed to be what was needed, especially when applying foundation around the eye area. I *have read that the heavier ones can weigh/pull the delicate eye skin down, though. Vaseline is great for lips; under a lip color or just by itself.

I would add that, if your skin gets dry or dry enough in Winter, protecting it from cold and wind with a moisturizer would also be a good idea.

Linked is the Neutrogena product I like. It does dissolve eye makeup, gets the face nice and clean, and is gentle.

Here is a link that might be useful: Neutrogena Liquid Face Wash

Shee...regarding not being able to get an appointment with a dermatologist; contact your primary care physician's office and have them get you an appointment with the specialist.

ML

" I thought anything hydrogenated was bad. Just curious about that. "

Only if you eat it. Avoid things to eat that have been hydrogenated.

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Those Dove models were photo-shopped too.

Here is a link that might be useful: Dove