(Part 2) Top products from r/30PlusSkinCare

For your melasma , I would use a sunblock, most of the time that is caused by sun exposure so you don't want to undo whatever treatment for them you are doing.

For sunblock I would explore the Asian brands which designed to be cosmetically elegant and even if you buy them online, they aren't usually too expensive. A really popular brand is Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence. It can be purchased on Amazon. Another brand , Canmake gets really good reviews here on Reddit for being moisturizing and working well under makeup. It is moisturizing as well so during the day you probably won't need a separate moisturizer .

I would skin the brightening face washes and invest in face washes which will be gentle and non-drying. Facewashes aren't on the skin long enough IMO to really help.

Just depending how bad your melasma is , it just may not be able to correct using OTC products. It may need laser treatment but a few things you can try which is known to help is hydroquinone and 20% glycolic acid ( you will want to build up tolerance to 20% ).

I would also add vitamin C serum for skin brightening .

For a moisturizer , I love La Roche-Posay double repair. It has Niacinamide which has anti-aging benefits and it's very moisturizing. If you DO use the glycolic acid peels you will want something like this that can help restore your moisture barrier.

Your shampoo could be the cause. I would definitely start using an aha and or bha product. I would use a gentle cleanser like vanicream Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser with Pump Dispenser | Fragrance, Gluten and Sulfate Free | For Sensitive Skin | 8 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QY1XZ4W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_dq1CDbWX75558 then a good toner like MIZON Aha & Bha Daily Clean Toner, 5.07 Fluid Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LUU42NU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_bo1CDb3KXNJ4A there is also a different selection on this mizon toner for a aha serum. I haven't tried it but I am planning on buying it. I really love Cosrx products. I use the COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, 100ml https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073P6ZQ4V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Vw1CDb8W7WA27 a lot because it uses a different form of salicylic acid which great for sensitive skin, plus this is moisturizing.

Edit I would also recommend Jason dandruff shampoo Jason Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo 12 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FGDIAS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_WB1CDbSVRBM37 it has the bha salicylic acid and sulfer which help exfolites your scalp. If you do have fungal acne or are having a reaction to your shampoo this is a good choice. I have been dealing with a dry scalp and then it turns into dandruff, after 4 uses my scalp looks so much better

ACK, not the St. Ives. Those walnut shells are variably shaped and can really scratch the skin. St. Ives is generally hated. If she uses an acid exfoliants, she should not use a physical exfoliant anyway. This is the one I was talking about., but again, you should choose one or the other, NOT both. I'd go with a chemical exfoliant, like the lactic acids below, because they can't leave microabrasians.

I'd recommend the Ordinary one if you are looking for a budget option, rather than a random, no name brand. If you want a more luxurious options Sunday Riley Good Genes is a good option. You can probably get the ordinary in Canada for less directly from them, not amazon.

Yes, the hydro boost is great. If her skin isn't super dry, it should work well for her.

Again, I'd go with a more known brand than a private label unknown for a night cream. She can use the hydro boost at night too, but if she needs more moisture (I do, personally), you might need something a little heavier. It's hard for me to recommend a night cream without knowing your budget or her skin type.

I picked up a MUCH better routine so day-to-day it’s better than when I was younger, but I have some residual sun spots that I want to zap off in the near future. My frown lines also started to settle, so hiiiii forehead Botox (zero ragrets).

Here’s my routine:

*****

AM

Moisturize:

Paula’s Choice SKIN RECOVERY Replenishing Moisturizer http://www.paulaschoice.com/skin-recovery-replenishing-moisturizer/186.html?cgid=category-moisturizers#start=5

Sunscreen:

EltaMD UV Facial Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000PHRIYE/ref=mp_s_a_1_4_a_it/130-7876967-3039938?ie=UTF8&qid=1511363261&sr=8-4&keywords=elta+md+sunscreen&dpPl=1&dpID=317QwX2tu3L&ref=plSrch

If I’m putting on makeup, I try to use a primer to protect my skin and give me a lil glow:

COVER FX Illuminating Primer https://m.sephora.com/product/illuminating-primer-P392107?icid2=skugrid

PM

Wash off makeup:

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B017PCGABI/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1511363325&sr=8-3&keywords=garnier+micellar+water&dpPl=1&dpID=415AdUVVeSL&ref=plSrch

Treat spots:

Paula’s Choice RESIST BHA 9 Treatment http://www.paulaschoice.com/resist-bha-9-treatment/773.html

Nightly AHA:

Alpha Skin Care Intensive Renewal Serum, 14% Glycolic AHA https://www.amazon.com/Alpha-Skin-Care-fragrance-free-paraben-free/dp/B01BW71W4W

If I’m breaking out:

SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant http://www.paulaschoice.com/skin-perfecting-2pct-bha-lotion-exfoliant/205.html

Otherwise:

Paula’s Choice SKIN RECOVERY Replenishing Moisturizer http://www.paulaschoice.com/skin-recovery-replenishing-moisturizer/186.html?cgid=category-moisturizers#start=5

The occasional OCM:

Johnson's Baby Oil With Shea & Cocoa Butter https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00WEBVM5U/ref=mp_s_a_1_14_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1511364971&sr=8-14&keywords=Johnson%27s+Baby

If you have dry/sensitive skin and live in dry climate, I would suggest to only rinse your face with cold water in the morning.

In your morning routine, I would apply the Cosrx essence after Klairs toner. The oil would prevent the essence from absorption. In the winter (AM) I would also add a barrier repairing element (Stratia Liquid Gold, CeraVE PM lotion [4% niacinimide], or Dr. Jart Ceramide products) to maintain the moisture in the dry indoor/outdoor climate.

Consider Laneige skin cream for extra moisture in the winter AM.

In the PM routine, again, I would apply the Cosrx essence right after Klairs toner. I don't have sensitive skin so all of the TO retinol in squalane is very gentle on my face. I have since moved on to A313 a French OTC Vitamin A pommade. This pommade is very occlusive so you may not need to use the Cicaplast Baume unless your skin is very irritated. After this tube I'm considering moving onto tretinoin. If you are interested in A313 then read this post by TheSkincareEdit.

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For a stand alone SPF I love my EltaMD UV Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 45. It's a physical UV filter so my eyes aren't irritated even if I get up close to the lower lash. It uses nano zinc oxide as a filter, so there will be some white cast but it subsides after 5-10 minutes (I don't mind it). You can use it on your arms as well and it is very hydrating.

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If you are concerned with anti-aging treatment then you cannot neglect the eyes. I use ColorScience Total Eye 3-in-1 (I would shop a better price than Amazon). I would apply Dr. Brenner L-Ascorbic up to my lash line and use an eye SPF to prevent pigmentation around my eyes. TO caffeine and ECGC serum is really good for puffy eyes - one drop for both eyes. TO also has argireline which tightens the skin (been described as botox in a bottle). This is on my wishlist to try next. Niod Fractionated eye contour concentrated is a good product for your eye. Copper peptide is also good for anti-aging. TO has it in the new Buffet formula or the NIOD Copper Amino Isolate. The copper peptide, supposedly, keeps your skin in a state of repair. See review here.

Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Milk - It doesn't make my skin feel tight and I haven't experienced any build-up yet, which is a huge problem with my skin and using some cleansers without exfoliation. I use micellar water after this if I'm using foundation because it doesn't get everything by itself, but for morning and non-makeup use, it's perfect. I rinse it off with water but it says you can also just wipe it off.

Heritage Store Rosewater - THIS SHIT RIGHT HERE. I don't care if it's a placebo effect, it feels wonderful on my skin, it smells magnificent, and it doesn't make me break out. I use it under Cerave Daily Moisturizing Lotion, which has hyaluronic acid, and together they moisturize my skin much better than with the lotion alone. (Pretty sure I've been drying my skin out by not moistening my skin first XD)

Cosmetic cornstarch - Brah. If your sunscreen and/or makeup leaves you looking like an oil slick, get this. It's super cheap ($1.50!!!) and is the main ingredient in a lot of makeup setter powders anyway. (I also tried the rice powder but it made my foundation weirdly patchy.)

I really like this Neutrogena retinol moisturizer: http://www.amazon.com/Neutrogena-Ageless-Intensives-Wrinkle-Moisture/dp/B001OMI9AQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1452197532&sr=1-3&keywords=neutrogena+night+retinol+moisturizer although I've been using retinol serums I discovered on Amazon as well. Another poster mentioned the Instanatural brand and I've been experiementing with that and like it. Roc makes a good one, too: http://www.amazon.com/RoC-Retinol-Correxion-Wrinkle-Night/dp/B00027DMI8/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1452197584&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=rocnight+retinol+moisturizer

Also vitamin C serums are great. Instead of Vaseline on your face maybe consider Coconut oil. That stuff is da bomb.

I like multi-angle rollers better than straight rollers.

• Akaishi Double Roller
  
  
• Dr. Jart+ Liftra Shaper
  
  
• NuFACE Mini Facial Toning Device (bonus: has micro currents to increase circulation and enhance skin firmness. con: requires charger.) - it's my favorite facial tool!
  
  
• ReFa Carat Roller (bonus: has micro currents to increase circulation and enhance skin firmness. does not require charger. it has tiny solar panel to generate micro currents. con: expensive and it's not as strong as NuFACE.)

If the scent of ferulic acid wasn't a migraine trigger, I'd use the Timeless serum. Their products are amazing. Since I want LAA 20% without ferulic acid, the best I've found so far is the NuFountain L-AA Serum.

For summer my main concern is SPF; in winter my concern is dryness.

• Winter: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Face Lotion, SPF 15
  
• Summer Indoors: Olay Regenerist Regenerating Face Lotion With Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50
  
• Summer Outdoors: Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+ / PA++++
  
• Year-round on top of the sunscreen: Mineral Fusion Brush-On Sun Defense, SPF 30

I wear an epically huge wide brimmed visor, which covers my ears, most of my scalp and allows for a pony tail. Similar to these.

WORTH IT!!

This stuff is great too! Abundantly Herbal Calendula 4 Ounces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00016XJ8S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_1oAWCbK6J1PXY

I donno if it’s been suggested here before....

I highly recommend a book by Chizu Saeke that came out a few years ago.

It’s a quick, non-preachy or alarmist read that keeps things simple with a focus on how the Japanese culture prioritizes moisture to combat aging and why it works and how to do it well.

Japanese skin care is pretty simple and not necessarily costly. I highly recommend the book to anyone who pays attention to their skin.

No pushing of products or procedures either. No pressure to spend on luxury or trends. No requirement to buy Asian products only.

https://www.amazon.com/Japanese-Skincare-Revolution-Have-Beautiful/dp/1568364067

Amlactin (right out of the shower) + the exfoliating glove below used in the shower (THIS IS KEY!) has completely fixed my arms, which were atrocious when I started.

https://www.amazon.com/Carbon-Beauty-Exfoliating-Hammam-Glove/dp/B001P76O6G/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=KAE+glove&qid=1569989672&s=beauty&sr=1-1

Also quit picking at it, if you're doing that. :)

An eye cream with retinol/Retin A can help prevent further sagging, such as

SANA Nameraka Isoflavone Wrinkle Eye Cream

RoC Retinol Correxion Anti-Aging Eye Cream Treatment for Wrinkles, Crows Feet, Dark Circles, and Puffiness

it's on amazon https://www.amazon.com/Weleda-Skin-Food-2-5-Ounce-x/dp/B000ORV3NC

and also i believe target is beginning to sell it

There's also a laundry additive that's supposed to make any clothes act the same. I haven't tried it though, so I can't speak to its efficacy.