Any Skin Care Product that actually works plz?

maxy 414 on 09/08/2014 - 18:27

Hi fellow oz bargainers , well i am 25 m clean shave and have issues with my skin , i would describe mine as
oily
uneven
has dark spots
and is very porous

Like many i dream to have spotless skin , and i really hate pores …arghh, i don't have acne etc

And i saw some products here lately that boast to do wonders , i was actually thinking if somebody could recommend me a product based on their usage and results and if its actually worth paying more than a 100 bucks on a 100ml tube or a gel

PS : I have never used any skin care product with regularity before and just use oriflame (Swedish) toner and face-wash

Find Me A Bargain

Comments

  • Mimbula on 09/08/2014 - 18:33
    +7

    This is a good page for advice:
    http://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/

    Also, most skin products don't work, but boast through clever marketing that they do amazing things. I recommend going to see a dermatologist with your skin concerns, as there are drugs that can stop the oil and reduce the pores. All the good things that actually work require a script.

    • sparkles on 09/08/2014 - 19:15

      Holy…there are some hardcore skin issues on that subreddit.

      On topic, maybe head to Priceline and talk to the girls there. I believe that throwing money at a problem doesn't always solve it.

      Personally, I use Avene products (for dry sensitive skin) and find some of their products work wonders. They have a Oily Skin range called Cleanance (haven't used it in particular given my skin is the polar opposite) but their starter kit is on special at the moment at Chemist Warehouse $29.99:

      http://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/product.asp?id=51556&pnam…

    • moocow on 09/08/2014 - 20:07
      +2

      +100 for SkincareAddiction - read up and you'll have a better idea of what you might need. Try a few things though before going to a dermatologist (esp when you don't have acne) - oily skin is often caused by dehydration, ie your skin will produce more oil to compensate for being dry.

      Personally I just use cetaphil gentle cleanser (once a day) and clean and clear oil free moisturiser with a spot cream (twice a day)… and of course sun cream (neutrogena dry touch) to protect mah face!

      Also you can't reduce the amount or size of your pores, you can only make them more noticeable.

      • bargainbunny on 11/08/2014 - 13:09

        When your skin is balanced the oil glands wont be working so hard making them less congested. It will give the appearance of smaller pores. Pores will never disappear but you can cosmetically improve their appearance. I use Bourjois flower pot perfection translucent primer. It's around $20 a pot. I use the smallest amount and just swipe it across the areas where my pores are the largest, not over my whole face. It basically just fills in the pores and is one of the few products that does not clog them. Lots of women use primer under their makeup to give them a smoother canvas but you don't have to use it with make up.

        Estee Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizer has also worked for me in the past but is quite expensive. Worth a trial though. These things are only cosmetic though as you can only do so much with large pores.

    • eathb on 10/08/2014 - 20:53
      +1

      The problem is, a lot of their recommended products are very difficult to get in Australia.

  • Haemoglobin on 09/08/2014 - 19:57

    Hey OP, I've been using this for a few weeks.

    http://www.amazon.com/Neutrogena-Clean-Shine-Control-Daily/d…

    Good cleanser and keeps my skin from getting oily. It lasts me all day.

    Pretty cheap as well. You can get it at coles

  • [Deactivated] on 09/08/2014 - 20:27
    +2

    To keep my skin spotless, I have to stick to my routine and not slack off even for a day (otherwise I get break outs - yay for being 26 and still prone to teenager skin lol FML). I have combination skin, so it can get kinda oily but also have overly dry areas. Annoying because I need to use products that dry out my skin to prevent pimples, but also products that maintain some moisture to stop my skin from completely drying out.

    • Morning and afternoon: wash using this.
    • Before bed: use this all over face, wait til it dries, then use this on oily/pimple prone areas (Clindatech needs a script).

    Simple. 3 products. Works like freaking magic for me, but as with everything - YMMV, everyone's skin is different. I also wear very light moisturisers before going out - usually in the form of makeup 'primers' as they tend to be very light/non greasy while still moisturising.

    Not sure about your dark spots though. Could that be dietary rather than skin care related? Modifying your diet can and will also help your skin, too. Lots of water. Avoid the sun or wear sunscreen. Limit junk food. Did I mention drink lots of water? :P

  • StrawberryCheesecake on 09/08/2014 - 23:48
    +3

    For uneven skin tone and pore reduction, personally, I found Lancome's Genifique quite good. I saw results within 7 days. I've since moved on to Lancome's Visionnaire and Estee Lauder's Night Repair.

    They are, however, fairly expensive products. I do find that you get what you pay for as a little goes a long way. I wouldn't go straight out and buy a bottle though, ask at a Myer or DJ counter for a sample and try it first. After all, everyone's skin is different and therefore a product that works for someone else may not work for you. I know friends who have used the QV and Cetaphil skin care ranges and obtained excellent results. Finding the right products for your skin can be trial and error for some time. If you don't want to go around trying numerous products, perhaps consult a dermatologist. There is, however, no magical range that works for everyone.

    As for oily skin, I've found that when you use products that are designed for oily skin, they tend to dry out your skin. To combat the issue, your skin then tries to produce more oil. Try a product for sensitive or combination skin, they seem to help with the balance.

    All the best on getting smooth skin. :)

  • maxy 414 on 10/08/2014 - 00:02

    Much Appreciated , thanks a lot guys i am on my way to perfect looking skin(hopefully) journey

    • TurkishDelight on 10/08/2014 - 00:24
      -4

      hey maxy 414…i was suffering from pimples ..which slowly turned into acne…
      i tried hella lot of creams and thing..tried all harmful products like benzoyl peroxide n all on my skin…

      i dont want any one to waste time…i found thing that actually works…u must have heard of ACNOTIN or ACCUTANE…

      dude Acnotin…is all acne people wanted…stop wasting money. on crap products…buy acnotin NOW!!!
      trust me…i was on treatment for 3 month and now i dont have a single acne on my face!!

      If u waste money on dermetologist at the end after u spend lots of money oh him (LIKE I DID) he will ask u to get ACNOTIN!
      so save $$$ and buy acnotin now….u can also buy online.

      Mod: Removed SPAM address

      and I use neutrogena sensitive skin cream and gentle neutrogena dface wash- this both are also very good. works like charm for me!

      All the best just buy acnotin dude. and u are good!

      • [Deactivated] on 10/08/2014 - 01:27
        +2

        Dude those medications are for severe acne. OP hasn't even mentioned having pimples let alone acne, so I wouldn't go suggesting a medication that should be prescribed once assessed by a dermatologist.

        Drugs like that can have some pretty nasty side effects in some people. I'd only go for them as a last resort.

        • TurkishDelight on 10/08/2014 - 07:52

          it doest do any side efeects…i had dry lips and dry skin only during treatment period …just caz it was re newing my skin…
          moisturizer and chaapstick did a trick

        • [Deactivated] on 10/08/2014 - 08:09

          @TurkishDelight: Dude. No side effects? You realise that just because YOU didn't experience side effects, that doesn't mean the drug carries no side effect risks at all. Do some googling. Here, I'll start you off:

          http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isotretinoin#Adverse_effects

          Point being that people need to talk this stuff over with a medical professional (and be monitored while taking drugs like these). Advising someone to buy it online without seeing a dermatologist first is dangerous and quite honestly stupid.

        • sparkles on 10/08/2014 - 20:32

          Yes, some of those full on acne medications can cause birth defects. I know from experience that even males have to agree not to impregnate anyone while on them. You should only get these through proper medical channels where you can be advised of the full implications and have medical supervision should you have an adverse reaction, not buying off some website. See your doctor if you have bad acne, don't consult the web.

      • [Deactivated] on 10/08/2014 - 08:13
        +3

        Wait. Now your post makes no sense… in this thread you're saying:

        trust me…i was on treatment for 3 month and now i dont have a single acne on my face!!

        If u waste money on dermetologist at the end after u spend lots of money oh him (LIKE I DID) he will ask u to get ACNOTIN!
        so save $$$ and buy acnotin now….u can also buy online.

        and yet in this thread which you posted only weeks ago… you're complaining that:

        i been to dermetologist and my doctor told to buy acnotin…

        i been researching about this medicine for while…do anyone of u have experience ?

        any suggestion? he asked me to get 20mg pills for 3 months.
        I have read it give some minor side effect …

        Have you even used it yet? Something's very dodgy about your spammy BUY THIS NOW post in this thread.

        • TurkishDelight on 10/08/2014 - 15:34
          -3

          are you cia agent or something?

      • airzone on 10/08/2014 - 23:28

        This is a prescription only medicine. Your "advice" is dangerous.

        • TurkishDelight on 16/08/2014 - 11:50

          acnotin isnt dangerous lol i tried it….

          its not a poison guys…just a medicine

    • [Deactivated] on 10/08/2014 - 01:33

      Good luck, OP. Whatever products you end up trying, I reckon the key is consistency in your regimen. Ie. wash your face twice a day, or three times if you find you need to. Slacking off one day is easy when you're either busy or come home really late tired (or after a big night out lol) but you notice the negative results pretty quickly - at least I do.

      So are all your pores visually obvious? Have you ever picked at your face or squeezed whiteheads/blackheads? Cos if you do - stop. That can make pores stay open pretty much permanently. The less you touch your face (not including washes obviously), the better your skin will be :) And don't stress if your pores don't eventually shrink back down… everyone has different skin, yours might just naturally like to breathe better :)

  • Luminary on 10/08/2014 - 03:42
    +1

    I'm looking to invest in a Clarisonic Skin Care Brush as it seems to have a lot of positive reviews. (Would be good to hear if anyone in the OzBargain community has personally used it and think if it's worth the money).

    Drinking lots of water really helps clear up your skin. I also sometimes do hot yoga which makes you sweat a ton and my skin always feels a lot better. If you think about it the sweat pushes all the gunk out of your skin. Also I always make sure I rinse my face with cold water after a hot shower to close my pores along with using a toner.

    • mparf on 10/08/2014 - 18:30

      I bought it when it first came out on the market. I found it really great for the first few weeks, but then it started killing my skin. It became dry and flakey, so if you have sensitive skin, I'd suggest skipping it, and using something like organic muslin cloths to scrub with.

      • Luminary on 10/08/2014 - 23:11

        Ohh hm, I don't really have sensitive skin. Would you recommend it if skin is not so sensitive? How regularly were you using it?

        • mparf on 11/08/2014 - 17:13

          I was using it about 3 times a week. Definitely a better item for non-sensitive skin!! If you have oily skin this would probably be a godsend!

    • anastasiastarz on 10/09/2014 - 02:55

      Better to go for a cheaper version, I'm using the Olay one and it's about the same.

  • FrugalBugger on 10/08/2014 - 08:24

    I go to the Sanctum factory at Billy Nudgel and buy direct from the manufacturer. If you can't get there, than try your local health food store for Sanctum products. They are really good, and reasonably priced.

    I use the body scrub to cleanse my face every day, it is gentle. http://www.sanctumaustralia.com/body-buff/ At the factory it is only about $11 (in a different label but same stuff)

    Remember, skin reflects what you eat. Healthy food and lifestyle gives good skin. Stay away from chemicals, and artificial flavours, and your skin will start to glow.

  • juventino on 10/08/2014 - 08:41

    The first thing to do is to see a dermatologist to accurately diagnose your skin problems.

    No point asking people what they use because their skins will be different to yours. Different brand will have different composition to treat varying level of dryness or oilyness.

    Some swears by Accutane. If you follow suit, you might turn your face into looking like pizza.

  • Squirrel on 10/08/2014 - 09:30

    Just cetaphil, wash, moisturise and use sunscreen……get a proper diagnosis before you pay a kings ransome for anything else.

  • brilliantthings on 10/08/2014 - 10:28
    +1

    Most expensive skin products contain Benzoyl Peroxide. It's the chemical that does all the work. You can buy a cream with only this ingredient for about $10-15 at the chemist. Start with 5% strength. Put it on at night, wash it off an hour later. If all goes ok for a couple of nights, don't wash if off until the morning and do this for a couple of weeks. Good stuff.

  • Shadow54 on 10/08/2014 - 12:12

    For oily skin try cleaning with a natural product called Witch Hazel on a cotton ball. This stuff cleans gently and is also mildly astingent. Your chemist will have it.

  • jacknthebeanstalk on 10/08/2014 - 12:15
    +1

    I've posted on /r/skincareaddiction and my post is now one of the most up-voted posts of all time.

    I'm a male around your age with similar skin problems.

    This is what works best for me.

    Every morning: Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser. After using that, I'll dry my face and apply Galderma BP. Start off with 2.5% and once you've used a full tube, move onto 5%.

    You might want to apply moisteriser after all that.

    More importantly, you want your diet in check. Make sure you have a healthy diet and exercise regularly.

  • ChickenAdobo on 10/08/2014 - 13:19

    I used Moo Goo products. Even Shampoo & Conditioner. I haven't subject my skin to steroids cream abuse so the natural cream from Moo Goo has been effective. My dandruff is kept under control and flaky skin are things of the past. Couldn't be happier.

    www.moogoo.com.au

  • ozbargaincheapo on 10/08/2014 - 15:35
    +1

    you could give Paulas Choice a shot http://www.paulaschoice.com.au/! Her products are rated quite highly on: makeupalley.com.
    and in particular, this stuff does wonders on large pores/oily skin: http://www.makeupalley.com/product/showreview.asp/ItemId=10964/Skin-Perfecting-2-BHA-Lotion-Exfoliant/Paula-s-Choice/Treatments-(Face)
    :)

    • bargainbunny on 11/08/2014 - 12:35

      They offer trial packs at great prices so well worth a go.

  • Mysterious on 10/08/2014 - 17:46
    • Try a no dairy diet
    • Try a low wheat diet
    • Cut out all greasy and fast food
    • Change pillowcase every two days

    I use a product from Guinot, it's expensive though, but it's helped quite a bit.

  • ms_caz on 10/08/2014 - 18:21

    Australian company Mirenesse have lovely skin care products. I use their dry skin products but they also have a product for open pores/oily skin etc www.mirenesse.com.au

    They often have samples available for free although you do need to pay postage which kind of defeats the purpose, but it would be worth investigating to see what they do for you.

  • [Deactivated] on 10/08/2014 - 22:34

    I use a cleansing brush (Clarisonic) and that has really improved my complexion by reducing my black/whiteheads and the size of my pores. But that's probably too much work for a guy. I don't think the right cream is the solution, the problem is how you cleanse and clean your face.

    (1) Get an exfoliating scrub, like St Ives Apricot scrub for $11 from Woolies
    (2) Use one of these whitehead extractors for your face. $4.80 at priceline
    (3) Get some witch hazel astringent to close your pores, $10 at priceline
    (4) Put on your moisturiser of choice (for oily skin)

    • Darkpulsar on 11/08/2014 - 00:47

      DO NOT USE the St Ives Apricot scrub. The walnut pieces create micro tears in your skin which can get infected. Also please do not extract your whiteheads unless you know exactly what you're doing. Popping can often make it far worse if you do it too early or don't properly disinfect it.

      As others have said SCA is a brilliant place to get info. Start with the FAQ. Also check out /r/ausskincare for deals and a local product guide.

      • 1Dollar on 11/08/2014 - 00:53

        I agree with darkpulsar not to use the whitehead extractors, it will often lead damage and scar your skin. Do you think skin professionals are able to remove blackheads with an whitehead extractor?

        • [Deactivated] on 11/08/2014 - 21:21

          I guess it really depends on your skin. Over 1500 girls have reviewed the St Ives scrub on makeupalley, and the general consensus is positive (4 out of 5).
          http://www.makeupalley.com/product/showreview.asp/ItemId=598…

          I've been using those extractors and St Ives for years, and my complexion is quite good (very smooth and fair). Those extractors get rid of the whiteheads on my nose, and my nose always look clean after that. Obviously I don't press it like a maniac which leaves scars. I press very gently. I use witch hazel after to clean and disinfect the extractor.

  • bargainbunny on 11/08/2014 - 12:33

    I am currently using a Clarins system with similar issues to yours and it's working for me. I highly recommend you try before you buy. Go into your local Myer or David Jones, for a free consult at Clarins (they have a good selection for men) or even Clinique if you prefer. They will give you a selection of decent sized samples and if you like the samples they both offer good sized trial packs.

    I find you need around a month to see if a product really works for you. A trial pack will give you more than enough time. Samples and trials really are your best way to go otherwise you'll end up with tonnes of expensive products that don't work. I also find reviews just aren't enough, I've bought so many things because they worked for others only to be let down. A skin consult will really help tailor something to your needs. Speaking from experience! :) Good luck.

  • snoopgrl on 11/08/2014 - 13:48

    I feel you. I have had oily skin my whole life. The good thing is, it keeps you looking longer. The bad thing is, well, it's oily.
    I used to use expensive stuff and get facials once a month. If I could afford it, I would still do facials because they really clean out your pores perfectly.
    For my daily routine though, I started using this all natural brand and it's really helped balance out my skin. I use the face wash and then the tea tree pads and then moisturizer all by the same brand. I even bought the night cream and a few essential oils: aragon oil and rosehip to use as well. It seems strange to put oil on oily skin but I found that if I don't use moisturizer or oil, then my skin produces even more oil. The insanity. Anyway.
    Here's where I get my stuff: http://www.vitamingrocer.com.au/Thoroughly-Clean-Face-Wash-O…

    I got all those desert essence products: face wash, teatree oil pads, moisterizer, and night cream for less than $100. They're all natural and they actually work. Plus vitamin groccer offers free shipping for orders over $25. It's really helped my skin.
    I would never switch back to expensive skincare brands after having used this and seeing how well it worked. Now, I just splash out more on makeup. All the best!

    • [Deactivated] on 11/08/2014 - 21:22

      yup agreed! oily skin is much better. you do look younger!

  • FiDad on 11/08/2014 - 20:25

    Grow a Beard

  • Savvymum on 12/08/2014 - 02:16
    -1

    No one has suggested pro activ? Definitely worth a try. Always a change in your diet sounds like a must - your skin usually reflects what you are putting into your body and something is obviously not agreeing with you

    • earths_pacifist on 12/08/2014 - 14:12
      +1

      Will not touch proactive. I know a number of people, my sister included, who had awful side effects.

      My sister thought it was fantastic at first but then 7 months of using her face broke out into a rash, pimples and she refused to go to school because she was too embarrassed plus it was very painful. 4 weeks before she could go back and now has more scarring on her face. And she is not the only person I know that it happened to.

    • Sage on 12/08/2014 - 14:31

      it stinks and is overpriced. diet doesn't affect acne.
      no one listen to Savvymum.

      • mparf on 12/08/2014 - 19:45

        Plus as soon as you're off it it makes your skin break back out, worse than before.
        The point of Proactiv is that it's designed to have you continuously buying it forever.

    • [Deactivated] on 15/08/2014 - 00:37

      Proactiv is terrible for my combination skin. Step 2 and 3 dried my face out. Didn't really help either.

      • sparkles on 16/08/2014 - 12:43

        Proactiv is full of peroxide and acids. If it doesn't agree with you, you will know it quickly.

  • pitufon on 12/08/2014 - 08:09

    Go to a place called Kit (http://www.kitcosmetics.com.au). Ask for sample of all their skin care range for men and try them out. They are the friendliest bunch over there. Even if you decide to buy something and don't like it after a few days of use, you can return it. I use a cream which is about $35 a pop, but lasts quiet a while and it is awesome. Can't remember what it's called from the top of my head.

    You can try their bigger store Mecca, but I think Kit will do just fine.

  • shine on 16/08/2014 - 13:53

    I HAVE THE SAME annoyance about the pimple!!

  • adamren on 11/09/2014 - 23:15

    Ciencia8. Bit pricey though but Australian made and works. Everything else might be cheap but waste of money.

    SKINN by Dmitri James from TVSN is another option. Good value.

  • mariadalton on 20/03/2015 - 07:43

    Monsia for sure! <3

  • Chik5555 on 25/03/2015 - 19:28

    Paula's choic
    Less of the sparkly advertising and packaging and more effective products for a decent price, frequent sales

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