Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Obagi Vitamin C serum (expensive) plus good old Cerave cream (cheap).

Also agree with the rec upthread to use differin.

Do you use Obagi professional grade vit C serum (20%) or the clarifying vit C serum (10%)?

I use the 10% strength after washing my face in the morning. I only use it once a day.

Anonymous wrote:The Obagi Vitamin C serum (expensive) plus good old Cerave cream (cheap).

Also agree with the rec upthread to use differin.

Do you use Obagi professional grade vit C serum (20%) or the clarifying vit C serum (10%)?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Obagi Vitamin C serum (expensive) plus good old Cerave cream (cheap).

Also agree with the rec upthread to use differin.

DP here. Why do you use the Obagi vit C, but Cerave cream? I always wonder what prompts someone to feel that one expensive is worth it, but another product is not (for example, I know many people who use expensive mascara but cheap eyeliner, or expensive shampoo but a cheap leave in product). Trying to learn bc I tend to be all drugstore products, but would like to upgrade at least some but not sure where to focus my dollars.

Vitamin C degrades quickly. My dermatologist told me that the Obagi Vitamin C serum was worth the splurge bc the formula had effective Vitamin C. OTH, she said there are effective gentle moisturizers at every price point. Hence the cheap Cerave.

Thank you to you, and the PP below you, for explaining your thoughts on this!

Another vote for skinceuticals Vit C- I use it in the AM then any moisturizer and then an SPF 30.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Obagi Vitamin C serum (expensive) plus good old Cerave cream (cheap).

Also agree with the rec upthread to use differin.

DP here. Why do you use the Obagi vit C, but Cerave cream? I always wonder what prompts someone to feel that one expensive is worth it, but another product is not (for example, I know many people who use expensive mascara but cheap eyeliner, or expensive shampoo but a cheap leave in product). Trying to learn bc I tend to be all drugstore products, but would like to upgrade at least some but not sure where to focus my dollars.

So I am always interested in this as well, and I used to think that most upscale products are a scam. As I’ve experimented more I don’t always think that’s the case. But I think it depends on the product, and exactly what you are looking for - like a basic moisturizer, for example, there’s no real reason to pay a ton, unless there’s some ingredient or texture you are after, like a speciific peptide or growth factor complex etc. (That’s just an example.) You just need to know what you want.

And you mention mascara - from what I can tell, and I do a lot of research, drugstore mascaras are generally considered better or comparable to high end, and are often created by the same companies. Same with eyeliners. But! A high end blush or bronzer or powder is likely to blend more nicely, in my opinion.

Back to skincare - I do think some of the high end serums, masks, products have better results. But certainly not all of them- some just have a nice fragrance and a lot of them just have nice packaging or marketing. I think the best way to choose is to decide what ingredients or properties are important to you and go from there.

You have to sort through a lot of crap, but a lot of the Instagram dermatologists are good. As long as they aren’t talking about a product that sponsored them.

And on moisturizers- La Roche Posay Cicaplast has done absolute wonders for my skin!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Obagi Vitamin C serum (expensive) plus good old Cerave cream (cheap).

Also agree with the rec upthread to use differin.

DP here. Why do you use the Obagi vit C, but Cerave cream? I always wonder what prompts someone to feel that one expensive is worth it, but another product is not (for example, I know many people who use expensive mascara but cheap eyeliner, or expensive shampoo but a cheap leave in product). Trying to learn bc I tend to be all drugstore products, but would like to upgrade at least some but not sure where to focus my dollars.

Vitamin C degrades quickly. My dermatologist told me that the Obagi Vitamin C serum was worth the splurge bc the formula had effective Vitamin C. OTH, she said there are effective gentle moisturizers at every price point. Hence the cheap Cerave.

I’m 47 and am currently loving the boots no 7 menopause line

https://www.walmart.com/search?q=no%207%20menopause%20skin%20care&typeahead=no%207%20menopause&wmlspartner=wlpa&expiryTime=1744677744350&c=mWebSmartBanner&vtcWeb=UwuA3yVPllI3w4P9FuE3d0

Anonymous wrote:The Obagi Vitamin C serum (expensive) plus good old Cerave cream (cheap).

Also agree with the rec upthread to use differin.

DP here. Why do you use the Obagi vit C, but Cerave cream? I always wonder what prompts someone to feel that one expensive is worth it, but another product is not (for example, I know many people who use expensive mascara but cheap eyeliner, or expensive shampoo but a cheap leave in product). Trying to learn bc I tend to be all drugstore products, but would like to upgrade at least some but not sure where to focus my dollars.

The Obagi Vitamin C serum (expensive) plus good old Cerave cream (cheap).

Also agree with the rec upthread to use differin.

Anonymous wrote:Oh dear, serums are a gimmick. Y skin is amazing because I use Tretinoin, occasional hydroquinone, anmild moisturizer (vanicream or hydro boost). No serums or vitamins or oil required. Dermatologist approved.

Wonderful that works for you! My derm - who I do not purchase products from but who does prescribe my tret - likes that I use the Skinceuticals vit c serum. Imagine that different things work for different people and different derms think different regimens are good - craaayzee!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I started using the vitamin C and hyaluronic acid from SkinCeuticals and it seriously changed my skin. Very expensive though.

+1 Me too with the Skinceuticals vit c. When I started I sort of hoped it would be a whole lot of nothing because it's so expensive - but it made a real difference.

You need a good moisturizer, too. If you have $ to try things out, start ordering good moisturizers one at a time and see if your skin likes them. Use the good quality samples you get with your other purchases, too. You'll spend a fortune until you get the one your skin loves - but then you'll have it.

My combo/sensitive 51 year old skin LOVES Obagi Hydrate.

Talk to your derm about getting a tretinoin prescription, too. Start with a very very mild formulation.

PP, do you only use the Obagi in the evening after tret, or do you use it in the morning under sunscreen and make up, too? I tried a sample of this and liked it but found it thick for everyday use. But wondering if I should re-try.

I use it morning and evening - but I like that it's thick. I sometimes use one that's even thicker, even (the la roche posay cicaplast). Might not be the right moisturizer for you!

Oh dear, serums are a gimmick. Y skin is amazing because I use Tretinoin, occasional hydroquinone, anmild moisturizer (vanicream or hydro boost). No serums or vitamins or oil required. Dermatologist approved.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I started using the vitamin C and hyaluronic acid from SkinCeuticals and it seriously changed my skin. Very expensive though.

+1 Me too with the Skinceuticals vit c. When I started I sort of hoped it would be a whole lot of nothing because it's so expensive - but it made a real difference.

You need a good moisturizer, too. If you have $ to try things out, start ordering good moisturizers one at a time and see if your skin likes them. Use the good quality samples you get with your other purchases, too. You'll spend a fortune until you get the one your skin loves - but then you'll have it.

My combo/sensitive 51 year old skin LOVES Obagi Hydrate.

Talk to your derm about getting a tretinoin prescription, too. Start with a very very mild formulation.

PP, do you only use the Obagi in the evening after tret, or do you use it in the morning under sunscreen and make up, too? I tried a sample of this and liked it but found it thick for everyday use. But wondering if I should re-try.

Anonymous wrote:I started using tretinoin a couple of years ago which caused dry flaky skin for me at first. I discovered squalane oil and it was a game changer. I use it everyday and it's inexpensive too so win win.

+1 I was going to say this!

OP here. Thank you all for taking time and giving me some names of the brands and tips. I'm ready to start trying your mentioned products.