Recommendations for skincare?

[SamF]

Hello everyone, I've been pondering the past few days that it's odd that I make such an effort taking care of my skin when shaving, but don't really give it anywhere near as much thought when I don't, and I though that as it's coming up to Christmas, why not use it to get some skincare stuff.

I'm in the UK, so any recommendations need to be available over here. Also, I don't want stuff that's massively expensive, although they'll this time be a present, I want to be able to afford to buy them as need be myself. My skin is pretty sensitive, I used to get some pretty bad eczema on my face and don't want that re-appearing. It's still a bit dry on my cheeks and brow, but is a bit oily, though not massively so on my forehead and nose, so I want something that's pretty balanced in terms of how it treats my skin. I also have a persistent problem of blackheads on my nose that I'd like to get rid of. What will I need then? A face wash and moisturiser are a given, I take it I'll need some sort of exfoliator as well? Perhaps a nice soap/wash/gel to use in the shower as well. Will I need a toner or anything like that? Also a shampoo recommendation would be welcomed too, I have a really irritable, dry scalp that I can't seem to shift.

For reference, here are the current shaving products I'm using: Proraso sensitive pre shave cream/TOBS pre shave oil. Cella/TOBS Jermyn St cream/Proraso Cream (mostly Cella) and TOBS Jermyn Street Aftershave (love the scent of this, it's great).

Ooh, also, save me making another thread elsewhere, I'm considering a boar brush to go along with my EJ BB, particularly as I find myself gravitating toward heavy Cella use. I've heard good stuff about the Omega 49, confirmation on that being a good choice before I make up my mind?

I realise I can look for this stuff myself, but I'm finding myself feeling much more lost finding regular skincare products that I'll spend my money on than I did with shaving stuff, where there seems to be more of a widespread consensus on a solid initial set up for those finding their way (e.g. 34C, EJ BB, Cella/Proraso, blade sampler) Any help is much appreciated guys, thanks

 

[celestino]

If you want the best product for your skin, get some good (organic) unrefined shea butter. It is the best moisturizer you will find, in my opinion!
For a good boar, the Omegas are quite good, but the Semogues are better; the 830, SOC, 1305 are very nice brushes. Good luck.

 

[SamF]

Thank you. I'll have a look into that Shea butter and grab myself a Semogue. The SOC looks very tempting!

Do you have any recommendations on face wash/exfoliator? Or even where I should be looking to get some decent stuff?

 

[Hippie Kai Yay]

Hmm... I would suggest a very mild cleanser for a, well, cleanser. Can't really suggest much, but a lot of us U.S. folk use Cetaphil. I'm about to start using Nancy Boy's cleanser. Anything without SLS or parabens is a give in, but depending on your face's oil production, stick to mild cleansers. Moisturizers should be on the more natural side if you can, since you are soaking it into your body. Finding a good moisturizer will be tough, as a cleanser just needs to be pretty gentle, so your moisturizer needs to fit you, otherwise it'll be too much (oily skin type) or you'll have to constantly reapply (dry skin). Shea butter, like celestino said, is pretty natural and moisturizing, along with coconut oil, and vitamin E. Remember: give your skin cleaning regime 6 weeks of constant use to make sure it's working, then slowly change the products you use, one at a time, 6 weeks at a time. Tough, but you find out what works and what doesn't.

For an exfoliation, I would try to only use one once a week, and use it in place of your cleanser during the evening, if I might suggest. That way you don't overwork your face and it'll be at night when you can repair itself. Just be careful and use a very, very fine grain scrub for facial use. Bull Dog perhaps or a natural one made with shells and fruits?

As for shampoo, I would suggest good old Head and Shoulders, if they sell it over the pond I use it every four days and a beer shampoo on the alternative 4 days. Kinda like the Olympics, if you need an example.

Yet again, I agree with celestino: Semogue is a fine brush company and I own their SOC. I constantly keep my silvertips in the shadows because the SOC is still soft yet stiff for a superb shave.

 

[mistercitizen]

Especially since you're in the UK.... I'd recommend Simple Skincare products. They are not expensive and I would imagine very widely available where you are. They are all pretty much unfragranced.... so that's good for sensitive skin. They have a moisturizing fash wash, a smoothing face scrub, and a refreshing face wash gel.... all unscented and work very well IMO. I also like their facial moisturizers. They have a couple different kinds. One is a light hydrating moisturizer and the other is a deep replenishing moisturizer. They also have a line that is geared specifically toward men.... but I have not seen anything from that line in a B&M store here in the states. The basic Simple line of products is geared toward women, but the first rule I learned about skincare products is to not let the gender thing stop you from trying out a product. Unless the packaging is pink.... then stay away .

I will concur with the other guys on the boar brush even though I've never tried one. But, I have a Semogue 830 brush and SOC boar brush on the way to me as I type. Semogues have the best reputation as far as boars go from what I can see.

Ben

 

[Qhead]

I think Molton Brown is a UK brand. I've been using their Ultra Light Bai Ji Hydrator as an ASB - don't really know what that means, but I like it! It's pricey but it is rich without leaving a greasy feeling. My face seems softer, which makes for better shaves. Just like other products skincare moisturizers and ASB are very YMMV and based on your skin condition. I just stumbled on Molton after trying many products and I'm sticking with it and GFT Skin Food. They have a complete line of cleansers, etc. so maybe you could check them out? Good luck!

 

[TriSlim]

Although not really a present, try the Oil Cleansing Method. I am not sure if the OCM is eczema friendly.

Gift ideas:
I recently started using Neutrogena's Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle cream (both day and night). I am not really concerned about wrinkles just yet, but I figure taking better care of my skin today will payoff in the long term. Both of these Neutrogena creams keep my face properly balanced and moisturized.

A couple days ago I started using Neutrogena's microdermabrasion system. Too soon for me to report, but I am liking it so far. My skins/complexion seems to have a little more depth/color and is definitely softer.

Have you tried any of the Razorock after shave waxes? These are fantastic in the dry winters and offer all day protection.

TriSlim

 

[SamF]

Thanks for all the help guys. I've ordered myself some Shea Butter, a Semogue SOC, and some cold pressed castor oil to try the OCM.

 

[shavemaster77]

Just wondering what kind of base is the aftershave? Like is a balm styled base or traditional alchol?

 

[stryker4526]

If you decide to go the traditional cleanser route after trying oil cleansing, I would stress that you should certainly NOT avoid products with parabens and other preservatives, as they keep nasty microbes like bacteria and mold in check.
SLS is another thing that is often hyped up as being dangerous without any proof, but it can be an irritant if you have sensitive skin.

 

[Eastman]

I have very dry skin on my face and use jack black dry erase. I love the stuff. It has completly cleared my face of dryness and redness.

 

[Talal]

i recommend this company, they offer amazing natural handmade products based out of the UK. their aftershave is literally some of the best stuff ever... read the ingrediants .. there is a massive thread about it on the AS forum..

also their other products are nothing short of fantastic...

 

[shavemaster77]

I recommend either Game Day or Skinmedica. Both are extremely well made, high-end brands. I previously only used Skinmedica but recently have been switching over to Game Day due to their insane looking bottles and cooling, soothing formulas. It is also a bit cheaper but just as high quality and doesn't quite have as many offerings as skinmedica. Check out www.skinmedica.com and www.gamedaymens.com.

 

[Jonsgirl]

Ok, i'm about to blow your mind with my flower child voodoo but hear me out, this will work. First off, if you're struggling with eczema and sensitive skin the best cleanser is --honey. Yes, honey. But you need what's called "raw honey" which means it hasn't been filtered and filled with sugar, its straight from the bees' behind (or wherever) and it contains strong effective antibacterial properties and serves as a terrific gentle, all-natural, moisturizing cleanser. Second, if you want to tone (you certainly don't have to) you'll want to wait until the eczema has cleared, your first priority should be to moisturize and treat the dryness before adding extra steps. Next thing, you need a great moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated while it heals, I would recommend vegetable glycerin, it has high moisture content and its gentle. If you can get your hands on some black walnut extract, its unmatched for its success in relieving the pesky eczema itch, you can find both of these at any health food store. Mix them together when you moisturize to create a powerful anti-eczema cocktail.

As far as blackheads go, watch this video- its from a professional makeup artist based in the UK and it talks all about how to treat and prevent blackheads.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rs1PHQZu5q8

Hope that helps, best of luck!

 

[stryker4526]

Well your "flower child voodoo" at least has some basis in reality and proven facts.
Some of it is just kooky nonsense, so kudos.

 

[xplode196]

I like Cerave lotion, better than the lubriderm advanced therapy I've been using. A bit pricey though.

I like using the Clean & Clear Blackhead exfoliating scrub for...exfoliating!

 

[mehere]

Simple Skin products are being carried by Walmart in the US - they just started in late November in the US