I’ve gotten a lot of great information since my posting: “Oprah’s Skin Care Regimen — You Can Do Better” / “Don’t Waste Your Money on Lancer Skin Care Products.” To recap, Dr. Lancer is Oprah’s Beverly Hills dermatologist and he has a skin care line that O raves about. Trust Me: You can look “radiant and glowing” without spending a fortune!
NEW INFORMATION: Detailed Regimen / Glytone Skin Care Products / Adult Acne Treatments / Post Menopausal Skin
His products are going to cost you $200.00 — a month! According to dermatologists, you can get just about the same results from over the counter (OTC) products that you can pick up at CVS, Walgreens or order on-line — all for a fraction of the cost of what O is spending. I’ve had several comments already from people using the OTC products I recommended last week and they’re already getting “glowing” results.
1. Dr. Lancer’s Polish ($50) This is his facial scrub — don’t waste your money
Use: Burt’s Bees Peach and Willowbark Deep Pore Scrub. It’s got all sorts of good things in it and it’s only $8.00. Remember, all you’re doing is removing dead skin with a facial scrub.
2. Dr. Lancer’s Extremely Clean Cleanser ($50) — don’t waste your money.
Dr. Carolyn Jacob, Chicago Dermatologist said the following:
“You need to wash your face twice a day with a cleanser that has a glycolic acid (AHA) in it. It’s best for oily to normal skin.” Here’s two products that fill the doctor’s order. They are inexpensive and they work:
Use: Alpha Hydrox Nourishing Cleanser — (about $7.00) Use this twice a day. Use: Alpha Hydox AHA Suffle . ($15.99.) You put this on after you’ve used the cleanser and before your moisturizer.
If you have dry skin: Use: CeraVe Cleanser. $9.00
3. Dr. Lancer’s Repair ($100) This is his “replenishing moisturizer”. — don’t waste your money.
Dr. Jacob recommends that you “use a daily moisturizer that has an SPF 30 or higher in it and if it has AHA in it, all the better.” I couldn’t find one with SPF 30 and AHA on the Internet, but once again, Alpha Hydrox came through but with a lower SPF of 15.
Use: Alpha Hydrox Sheer Silk Moisturizer with SPF15 (daytime) $14.99
Dr. Jacob also recommends that you use a product that contains Retinol after you wash your face at night:
Use: Alpha Hydrox Retinol ResQ (evening). $15.39
DETAILED REGIMEN
1. use the facial scrub at least once a week
2. use a facial cleanser with AHA’s in it, morning and night — or for dry skin use CeraVe Cleanser
3. use Alpha Hydrox Soufle after you cleanse your face — morning (if you’re using Alpha Hydox)
4. use a moisturizer with AHA’s and SPF 30 (if you can find one with SPF 30) — morning
5. use a product with Retinol in it after you wash your face —Alpha Hydrox Retinol ResQ — night.
I’m recommending these products because my dermatologist tells me that what’s in them, works. I think when it comes to moisturizers, I really love the Oil of Olay Regeneris Skin Care Line (buy it at Costco, it’s a lot cheaper there), but it doesn’t have all the AHA’s in it. Maybe I’ll just wear it as a treat! The Alpha Hydrox line has about everything Dr. Jacob suggested. It’s up to you and the results you want to achieve. Here’s one more great option:
GLYTONE PRODUCT LINE: If you just can’t imagine using drugstore products, try Glytone. These products are “medical grade” and you can buy them on-line or in many dermatologist’s offices. This is more expensive than what you’ll find at the drugstore, but it is amazing stuff. Glytone has just about everything you need that’s been referenced in this post — from oily/ combination skin to dealing with age spots. Educate yourself at Glytone’s Web Site — this is strong stuff. Internet search: “Glytone,Discount” and you’ll find some good deals on-line.
ADULT ACNE/ OILY SKIN:
Tomi Wall, MD — Oakland, CA Dermatologist
Dr. Wall said she is getting great results from prescribing: Atralin for Adult Acne.
www.atralingel.com
You can get it prescribed from either your dermatologist or maybe from your general practitioner.
Seth Matarasso, MD – San Francisco Dermatologist:
Patients with oily skin should try Glycolic acid (AHA) or salicylic acid (BHA) washes that help to exfoliate the skin, unplug pores, and decrease the oily feel. For adult acne, add a topical benzoyl peroxide cream daily (careful though, it can bleach your clothing and towels) and a Vitamin A cream at night (Retinol, Retinaldehyde in the active ingredients). If those don’t help after 2 months of use, consult your dermatologist (or just jump straight there since they have more powerful medications to clear your skin fast!).
POST MENOPAUSAL SKIN:
Carolyn Jacob, MD — Chicago Dermatologist “Oily peri menopausal skin does well with a glycolic or salicylic acid cleanser, a mattifying gel, and a retinol product at night. Use a rich hydrating eye cream around the delicate eye area.”
Thanks for checking out “The Go To Gay Guy.”
Note that I am not being compensated by any of the product manufacturers I’ve mentioned. I am not a physician, just a practical guy. This is the best advice I can give you — advice I’ve gotten from people who do know or from my own experiences.
(GG Tip) Print this article and tape it to the inside of your bathroom mirror or cabinet so you’ll always have it as a reference it.
THank you for the alternatives to Dr. Lancer’s skin care!
I was watching Oprah and was like ‘yes creepy dr. Lancer, I shall buy your expensive cream! My face is old.. screw the water bill”.
I’m so happy I came across your site!
BTW for us greazy gals… creamy scrubs make me feel oilier, Olay Regnerist detoxifying pore scrub may be a good polishing alternative.
Thanks Corry! (Love your name!)
What I found the creepiest is that O didn’t tell anyone how much it cost. It served him right having his site crash — if he’d told people the price, I’m sure his traffic would have declined dramatically (and would have mine!)
What’s even funnier is that if you “Google” him, I come up ahead of him!
Oh well. Thanks for visiting and commenting. Stay tuned. xo —dean—
Dean, was is the best product out there right now that you could recommend to make your eye lashes grow? Prescription or over the counter? I am finding you column extremely informative and quite enjoyable to read.
Remo, there is a product that Brooke Shields is the spokesperson for and it’s called Latisse. It really works. BUT, and this is a big BUT, DO NOT USE IT IF YOU HAVE ROSACEA in your eyes. It will make it a lot worse in that it will accelerate your lash growth and that can cause big problems with the lashes growing back into your eye. Check with your ophthalmologist or dermatologist FIRST before you start using it. Also, once you stop using it, your lashes return to where they were. It’s not cheap either. I wonder if Oprah uses it?
Thank you for the helpful suggestion. One more medical question, is there any medical or scientific proof that the ionic bracelets that are being sold are helpful in people that have fibromyalgia? Or can you recommend a Dr that deals with the pain that is caused from this illness.
I don’t know anything about those bracelets or fibromyalgia.
I’d like to thank you for this post as well because I was about to order the Lancer from Nordstroms for my mother’s day present……I have horrible, thin, sensitive skin and have tried everything and have yet to find products that I love or improve my skin. I’m going to give the ones you mentioned a try…
Side note on Remo’s question about making your eyelashes grow…I had very short lashes and started using a product I ordered from drugstore.com called Revitalash. It was about $70, still much cheaper then Latisse and I’ve been using it for over 6 months and still have some left and it has dramatically made my lashes grow and much more fuller. It did take about 1 month to see a difference after nightly use, and I still use it when I remember and they are still long and lush. Great product!
Thanks, Farrah
One more quick note on whether you should use those lash products or not—if you’ve got Irish blood in you and your eyes are always really dry, go to the ophthalmologist and get it checked out if you have rosacea. It’s treatable and you might need to make some dietary changes. Read all the warnings before you use any product.
To me, Oprah’s show just seemed to be setting her friends up before she ends her show. Bob Greene’s website costs money to join too! The whole thing seemed a little suspect to me. I was thrilled when I saw your post. Thanks!
Thanks Lori Ann,
Bob Greene’s book is nothing new. Calories in, calories out. Eat veggies and lean meat. I coulda written that! In fact, I see it every week on “The Biggest Loser”! Yeah, it’s kinda shameful how they’re preying on women and men who feel stuck. I hate that it’s damaging O’s integrity, especially at the end of her show.
Dean–
Just came across your site because, as you had mentioned, YOU were ahead of Doctor Lancer(as in what he will do to your wallet!!)! I wrote down my shopping list for all of the products that I will need to get my skin clean and glowing and can hardly wait to get started! But, as I was looking over your archives and etc.–I noticed that you (at least I couldn’t find them…but maybe I missed it somewhere in the recesses of your site??) don’t have a section on make-up??? So you get our skin all beautified and then what? You leave us hanging?!? I know that you MUST have some info or opinions on those kind of products too–can you pleeeeeeaaaasseeee share? Thank you so much for saving this single mom and teacher (so you KNOW I don’t have $ to burn) what little bit of my money is left!! You ROCK!!!
—dana
I’m working on it! I’ll let you know as soon as I find out the answer.
Thanks for much for the comments. xo —dean—
Ok I went to walgreens to look for the Alpha Hydrox products and no one in the store knew what I was talking about…Is that the actual name of the product if so were did everyone find the product?
Hey Beth,
Here in Chicago they carry it in the stores. I found it at Drugstore on Line — free shipping with orders over $25.00 and you can probably get a better deal and maybe no tax! http://www.drugstore.com/alpha-hydrox/qxb8227?aid=336064&aparam=alpha-hydrox&scinit1=alpha-hydrox
Give it a try. Let me know how it works for you. —dean—
Greetings,
Thank you so much for this much needed post. When I saw Oprah endorsing this very expensive line, I could not believe it!!!! As a woman in her late 3os, living in a youth obsessed society, I know it is so easy to be vulnerable and want to purchase the next “biggest” thing & later be left with no results & an empty wallet:( Thank you for you sensible post and helpful recommendations! Glad you pull up before Lancer in Google, oh the irony…hee hee
Hey Stephanie!
Thanks for finding me! I cracked up when I saw that you noted that I’m above Dr. Lancer on Google Search….he must hate my guts! Hey, I’m just tellin’ the truth as I know it! You can now sign up for posts I do, upper right hand corner, “subscribe”. I won’t be sending out a bunch of junk. Maybe 5 a week — if I put my nose to the grind.
Your article totally made mother’s day at our house! I was going to buy my wife the Lancer line, but it was sold out. Thank goodness it was!
I can’t believe how well the Alpha Hyrdox line stacks up to it. It has to be the best kept secret in the industry. The sales rep at Sephora was in total disbelief that there was something that had 12% AHA in it available OTC. Note: Sephora does not carry Alpha Hydrox.
I earned huge points by showing an interest in this and researching it. But as an added bonus, I’m now using the stuff, too. No way would I dared have touched Lancer’s since it is so expensive. But with this, I can get my own! Thanks!
Hey J_N,
Thanks for the comments! That stuff really does work and they’ve got a lot of products in the line. The 12% AHA is really high. If that’s not enough for you, check out the Glytone. Thanks for finding my site. —dean—
Thanks so much for this fabulous information! Like everyone else, after watching O, I got online to find the Lancer skin care. Thank goodness I found you first! :D You can also get a lot of the Alpha Hydrox products at Ulta (I got three of the four you recommended) and Amazon.com. Some of the prices on amazon are actually cheaper and you can take advantage of free shipping for $25.00 or more.
Thanks for your comments Cindy. I always check on-line first for things because I hate to “go hunting” for it in the stores and waste the time and gas it takes to find it. If there’s anything you’d like me to blog about, let me know. Thanks Again, —Dean—
Any suggestions for OTC products to use for those of us with rosacea?
My doctor tells me not to get anything that will irritate it. I’d say go to your derm. I’ve seen sites that sell stuff (mainly cortisone creams — which you don’t want to keep putting on your rosacia because it will thin your skin). How’s your diet? Stay away from, and don’t hate me: alcohol, chocolate, spicy food and coffee. You hate me. It’s a tough diet to adhere to but it does help the symptoms. I read the other day that Black Rice is a new “super food” and that it helps with auto-immune issues. You might give it a try. Whole Foods or on-line.
Thanks for visiting. You can get my posts as I add them by subscribing. The box in the upper right-hand corner of each page. —Dean—
Hi Dean,
I am not sure if I consider Oprah’s 20 Years younger team a scam. I think she put together a team of people she trusted and made a difference in the lives of a lot of people. If you can afford Lancer Rx products it is great, but it is import to know that there are choices. I enjoyed the show and learned a lot and of course heard a lot of the same old same. I think Glytone is a wonderful alternative to Lancer products, you can read my post about it. Thanks for sharing!
I don’t think Dr. Lancer’s stuff is a scam. I’m sure it works but I don’t think it works any better than many of the things you can find at your local drug store. Thanks for posting and keep coming back! —dean—
Dean,
Is there any product you can use to reduce the bags under the eye and the extra skin over the eyelids?
Thanks
Hey Richard,
I don’t know of one, though I’ve read that putting frozen bags of green tea on your bags might help? Most likely though, you have inflammation from something you’re allergic to. It could be dust, dust mites, mold, dairy — those are usually the big ones. You might try cutting dairy out of your diet for a week and see what happens. Most adults develop an allergy to dairy as we age. The next week, cut out all gluten and see if you get some results that way. The upper lids, there’s not a whole lot you can do about that without surgical help. Do you live in Chicago or close-by? I’ve got an amazing ophthalmologist who’s also a plastic surgeon who is one of the best in the world right here at Illinois Masonic. Robert Weiss, he’s listed in my “Gay Gay Approved” tab. I’m not exaggerating. BE CAREFUL when you choose a surgeon to fix your eyes. They get screwed up all the time. Dr. Weiss fixes mistakes from other surgeons all the time. Hope this helps. Keep coming back. —Dean—
Richard , you could try going gluteen free for a week. If this dark circles and bags go awat you will then know you have a gluteen allergy without having a test. I had the same issue and it worked for me. However the gluteen free diet is the hard part. Not much to choose from. Hope was this of some help.
Hello Dean,
I want to thank you for all your information! It has been truly helpful.
I have one question though, I have brown spots on my face that I received after pregancy. Would the Alpha Hydrox regiment help or is there something else that I can use to eliminate the dreadful spots?
Thank you for your help!
LeAnn
Hey LeAnn,
I checked out Alpha Hydrox online and here’s the product that’s used for brown spots:
http://www.drugstore.com/alpha-hydrox-spot-light-targeted-skin-lightener/qxp161629
Also, Glytone has a “fading cream”. Here’s the reviews on it:
http://reviews.skinstore.com/7554/10347/glytone-fading-lotion/reviews.htm
I hope this helps, keep coming back. If you’d like me to write another post on something that interests you, let me know. Thanks, Dean
Thank you Dean!
I just started to read your blogs. I love them!
Take care,
LeAnn
LeAnn,
Thank you for the kind words. If there’s anything you want me to blog about, let me know. Thanks for the comments and keep coming back! —dean—
Dean,
I Googled alternatives to Lancer and there you were…and I am so grateful! I wouldn’t even dream of spending that kind of money on skin care…particularly since I am not Oprah and do not have that kind of money to spend. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I am going to bookmark you and keep checking in on what you have to say about things.
~ Stacie ~
Hey Stacie! Thanks for the comments. If there’s something else you’d like me to blog about, let me know. You can “subscribe” to the blog in the upper right-hand corner or each page and then you’ll get my posts as I write them. You won’t be bombarded, promise! Thanks Again, —Dean—
I ended up getting all of the Alpha Hydrox products (cleanser, Souffle, Silk Moisturizer and Retinol Res Q) from drugstore.com for $43.48 total, including shipping…I was able to buy the Burt’s Bees Scrub at Wal-Mart for about $7…so all for about $50…Score! I’ve been using the products for a couple of weeks now and so far, I like the products and I think I see a difference. Thanks again! You Rock!
~Stacie~
what is the best cream to use on your neck and chest area
Hey Debbie,
Thanks for visiting! Now is where I will reference Dr. Lancer! He said that you should use the same products you use on your face on your neck and upper chest. It makes sense, especially if you’re going to be using the products with AHA in them. Come back! -Dean-
Thanks for the comments about Alpha Hydrox products. I noticed several of them have “paraben” related ingredients….what do you know about the recommendations not to use products with “…paraben” in them on your skin?
I LOVE your blogs! THE BEST PERIOD.
Dean, found your blog when searching for info on Lancer Skin Care. Thanks so much for the great advice, got all recommended products from drugstore.com for less than $70. Score!
Hey Kim,
Let me know how that works for you. Your comment made my day! Come back soon. Dean
Love the blog! Looking forward to trying the alpha hydrox or glytone line of skin care products….still not sure which would work better for me…I’m 53 years old with fair Irish skin that is in pretty good shape…but there is always room for improvement and starting a regular skin care routine should do the trick. Thank God I didn’t buy the Lancer products!! I would not have been able to continue purchasing them and would be back
Question: Is there any value to using those facial scrubbing brushes for cleansing or are they bacteria magnets like the loofahs etc?
Rosie, You’ll get a lot of bang for you buck if you use those products. I personally don’t like those brushes/scrubbers…they do feel/smell like they are growing something, no matter how much soap you but on it. They might work great for some people, but I’m with you, no thanks. Keep coming back and thanks for your comments. Dean
Hi there… I haven’t read through all the comments, but I haven’t seen anything regarding eyes. I am only 34 and have awful wrinkles under my eyes. Eye creams cost a small fortune… do you have a recommendation?
Try some alpha hydox products. It will make them look smoother. Use sunscreen, wear a hat and a bandana. It works….
I went to a few site to buy Lancer’s products but hesitated based on pricing. I got to this site, read and ordered the products.. Burt’s Bee scrub is FABULOUS!!! ~~I’ve used it a week and my skin is glowing. I’m waiting for my other products and will let you know how it goes…
THANK YOU for this site…
Hey CP! Just wait until you get that alpha hydrox on your face. You’ll really start glowing then. Glad my post was of service to you. If you want me to post on something else, let me know. Keep glowing! Dean
I’m ismpresed! You’ve managed the almost impossible.
HI Dean!
Thank you so much for this blog! I had taped the Oprah show about looking 20 years younger and watched it a few weeks ago totally enraptured about how to turn back the clock just a bit. You see my birthday was coming up, June 18th, and I was having a hard time coming to grips that I was turning 39. The last year in my 30’s! UGH!
Oprah’s show lifted my spirits. So after seeing how much the products cost, though really not THAT surprised, I was discouraged again. So I decided that there has got to be something out there that I could afford that might help me a little bit. Low and behold I found your blog!
I am a cheap New Englander living in SoCal so I am accustomed to bargain hunting. So I quickly started searching for the Alpha Hydrox line and Burts Bee’s hoping to find them even cheaper than what you mentioned! Ta DA! I did it! I was able to buy all 5 products for under $50 and that’s including tax/shipping & handling! I’ve been using the products for almost a week now and I LOVE them! I can feel the tingling but there’s no burning or any side affects for me to be concerned with. Also, I have normal to dry skin (your dermatologist friend said she recommends them for primarily normal to oily skin)and the products are great with my skin!
Thank you so much again! And if you want to know how I found the products so cheap let me know. I just didn’t want to post/spam your blog (Even though I would get nothing out of mentioning the website).
Sincerely,
Kara
Hey Kara! Thanks so much for the update. I’m so glad that the products are working for you. Yes, please let me know where you got the products for such a bargain. Keep glowing! Dean
Hi Dean, Sorry it took me sooooo long to get back to you. I used the website http://www.beso.com It’s a shopping site where you search for a product and it shows you all the differnt sites that sells the products so you can compare the prices. Beso lets you refine your search to products that are on sale and /or have free shipping. I ended up buying all of the products your dermatologist recommended, after beso.com helped me find the lowest prices from drugstore.com and dermstore.com for around $40.
Also just so you know, Neoteric Cosmetics (The makeres of Alpha Hydrox) right now is having a sale of 1/2 off all of their 2nd line products. So all the products you put on your face after you wash it is 50% off through March. ( The 3rd step of moisturizers are not on sale.) I was just able to purchase The Nourishing Face Wash, Eye and lip cream, 12% AHA, Retinol lotion, and the Oxygynated Moisturizer all for $41 and it came with free shipping! Thanks again!
UPDATE: Back on Mother’s Day, I got my wife the core products Dean recommended here. We each went to the dermatologist this week (it’s been a few years). She was very impressed that we were using AHA and was actually familiar with the Alpha Hydrox brand and gave it a huge thumbs up. She’s glad to see an affordable product on the market. She said to keep using it but be sure to use sunscreen after the AHA. Dr. Mah in Vancouver, WA, you rock!
J_N: Thank you for coming back and sharing. I’m so glad this has worked for you. Your derm is 100% right about sunscreen — gotta have on everyday, especially if you don’t want wrinkles. Thanks Again, Dean
hi Dean
I started purchasing my budget friendly products! Got the burt’s bees…..and will got the alpha hydrox products tomorrow. Is the retinol resQ to be used as a night cream? or do I have to put on night cream after that?
on another note…I made fantastic eye makeup remover with olive oil, water and johnson and johnson baby shampoo.I put a third of each in a bottle and added some lavender essential oil for scent. IT is amazing!!
that looks like an incredible makeup remover recipe!
Hi Dean~
I use Arbonne and really do love it. However, it is also very very expensive. I especially love the night cream. It is very thick, rich and hydrating for my dry, fair skin. Could you give me an alternative?
So happy I ran across your site.
Thanks!
Terri
Hi Dean, Interesting posts about the Lancer products. Have you ever tried any of the Paula’s Choice skincare? (she’s the Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me author) I love her exfoliants that include AHA. She skimps on the packaging, putting the emphasis on the ingredients instead.
Hey Dean,
I just watched the rerun of The Op’s ‘Buy Dr. Lancer’s Stuff’ show. So, I’m on line and here you are…even mo’ bettah! Thanks for all the great info and cheaper alternatives. I appreciate this streamlined, updated article.
Question: When you reviewed the above products did you screen for ones that are ‘fragrance free’?
I have allergies to perfumes and it’s frustrating that a lot of basic skin care products have strong fragrances. I was about to order all of your cool recommendations but am having trouble finding lists of ingredients. Are they ‘safe’?
Thanks again.
Hey Janet! Thanks for your comments. I didn’t do any research about the products being “fragrance free” but if you buy them at Target or Walgreens/CVS you can always return them if they don’t suit you. Are they safe? i dunno! I would hope that they are! I’ve used them and no problems. Thanks for subscribing! Dean
Hey “Doctor” Dean,
Thanks so much for posting…..I too was about to shell out the big bucks. I am going to try your product line up! THANKS! and hey, I subscribed to you! ; )
Hey Paula! “Doctor” in quotes is right! I don’t give out any advice that I don’t know something about. Been working on my skin issues /anti aging for many years. Have some of the best doctors in Chicago advising me. I’ll tell ya what I know, but it is really up the person seeking advice to find out for themselves. I just try to point them in the right direction. I’m a “Professional Cat Herder” after all! Thanks for your comments. —Dean
PS: Drugstore.com appears to be having a sale on Alpha Hydrox products as we speak. 20% off … Woohoooo!
Good answer! Thanks Janet for the comment. Keep coming back. —Dean
Hi Dean,
I am a skincare NUT! I love reading about nutrition and SPF and moisturizers. However, I notice there are usually more posts for acne-related, oily skin problems than for dry, sensitive or combo skin. I’m also wondering if it matters how early you start using AHA’s and if using anti aging ingredients too early can lead to a tolerance later on. So I actually have a few questions for you.
1) How important would you say it is to use a serum at night?
2) Is there anything you recommend for sunspots, granted you use SPF religiously and wear hats to the point of your friends’ ridicule? (L.A. sun is ridiculous!) I also heard that sunspots can show up during your 30’s years after your sun exposure even if you stop exposing yourself daily! I have read a lot about hydroquinone and arbutin and it seems that you should definitely choose something that doesn’t irritate your skin, but do you have any ideas? At Sephora they tend to recommend Ole Henriksen’s serum or Caudalie’s Vinoperfect line, but maybe there’s something cheaper/medical grade out there.
3) Do you have any recommendations for age preventing eye cream?
I have tried Olay Regenerist the night cream, and know that it does contain niacinamide as its main selling point, which I have heard can help even out the skin tone. Also aware that peptides are commonly used for anti aging purposes, and wonder what you think of using them rather than just a protecting and/or exfoliating moisturizer.
One thing I’ll share: My ethnicity is mixed Jewish (very pale) and Korean (my mom gets a bit of color) so I have frequented a bunch of Asian stores and do try some Korean face products here and there which probably affect my skin differently because I have that pale pinkish freckly skin! There’s a range of less expensive stuff to the more expensive stuff like the popular whitening Kose line. But, if you either: like to use a makeup removing wipe to take stuff off before cleansing; or get lazy sometimes at the end of the night and just don’t make it to the sink (it happens!) is if you can get to one of those Asian supermarkets (or a Korean one) pick up some of the REALLY CHEAP $2 face wipe packages! I have tried many of the ones from CVS for makeup remover, as well as the Neutrogena which positively burn my skin. Those are at their cheapest still over $6 a pop but these Korean ones are far better at being non irritating AND cleansing as well as super super cheap. Did I mention super cheap? :) I also fly a lot, and it’s great to have something you can carry on the plane and whip out quick before you land so if your ride comes to greet you, you look refreshed! ;)
Hey Liz! WOW…you must have had some coffee before posting!
1. I think the serum is great to use, as long as you’re using the other products too. Make sure you use a product with retinol in it at night if you can tolerate it as well as a cleanser with AHA’s in before you apply the retinol. I personally like the serum — whether they work or not — because the make my skin feel so good. I think it’s a personal preference; if it makes your skin feel great and you’re not having any adverse reactions to it, why not use it. I’d shop around for something inexpensive that suits you — the Oil of Olay products are highly recommended and they’re really trying to corner the market with their lower prices and products that are proven to work.
2.If you’ve got “sunspots” the chances are you have Melasma. It’s a discoloration on the face which occurs from sun exposure and hormonal changes. It’s an excessive amount of melanin in your skin It usually shows up in women in their 2nd or 3rd trimesters of pregnancy, can be caused by birth control pills and/or hormone replacement regimens. SUNSCREEN is your key to prevent getting it. SUNSCREEN! If you’ve got it— hydroquinone is recommended. It comes in Triluma (http://triluma.com/Default.aspx) — by prescription and Remergent (OTC – on line)— they both lighten skin. Retinoids and azelic acid work as well. There are a lot of things you can do. PCA peels and microdermabrasion are helpful too.
3. If you can tolerate an eye cream with AHA’s in it, you’ll get great results. Suncreen and staying out of the sun is your best bet for preventing eye wrinkles.
Make up remover wipes— I’ve heard that the Kirkland brand of makeup remover pads are amazing. They’re a lot cheaper than the name-brand products and if it says “Kirkland” on it, it is always “top of the line”.
You can get those really small spray cans of Evian water to keep your face refreshed on the plane. Hope this helps! Keep coming back, Dean
Thanks Dean! I’m going to try the AHA eye cream that you recommended and hope I can tolerate it!
The sunspots seem genetic – both my parents have freckles, even my mom who tans instead of burns!
One other question: Have you ever heard of products that claim to “thicken” the layers of your skin (thus helping it be less prone to wrinkles etc) such as Rexaline (like this one http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P258255) ?
I will check out those Kirkland wipes too! Look forward to it and thanks!
Hi Dean!
Just got my AHA’s yesterday. I started using St. Ives since I couldn’t find the Burt Bee’s at my WM. I’m wondering if I can still put on my regular primer and foundation on top of the AHA skin care regimen?
thanks for ur great site!
I think you can. Try it, if it works, great! If it doesn’t, stop doing it! Thanks for visiting TGTGG! Dean (that’s the best advice I can give you!)
What moisturizer is recommended for post-menopausal dry skin? CeraVe?
Yes or I really like Etla MD UV Daily Moisturizer, SPF 40 also. Thanks for visiting TGTGG! Dean
Fabulous website, Dean! Thanks for all the great skincare info, and I’m so glad to see you talking about rosacea. I had it for years without knowing (didn’t know to wear my sunscreen EVERY day) but its since subsided (so have hope). I’m sure San Francisco area fog is helping too. ;) I’ll have to come back to explore other topics you’ve got here – very cool!
Thanks Rebecca for visiting my blog. Let you friends know? Come back soon! Dean
My Alpha Hydrox order came in (yay!) and I just realized that I did not order PM moisturizer- just the retinol res-q. Do we need a PM moisturizer too?
My sister is waiting to see how this turns out on me before she buys. Thanks for posting your alternatives!
Actually found your blog after the “O” show w/Dr.Lancers products. I am now using some of the AphaHydrox products (toner and retinol) since I ran out of my usual products. Also added CeraVe as a basic moisturizer. Will add the Burt’s Bees scrub when I’m out of my present scrub too. Thanks for the advice.
What does your dermatologist say about firming skin creams? I’ve used Revision Necktifirm and Prescribed Solutions Body of Knowledge – on my neck and jaw area. But I’m afraid that gravity is taking over. Anything out there that really works besides a facelift? Would really appreciate your and your dermatologist’s opinions!!!
Thanks again for your alternative products list.
Hi Jan,
Thanks for the comments. There are some alternatives to a facelift. There are a number of lasers and other machines that will help and you can get some amazing results using them.
DOT laser / Titan laser / Thermage / Genesis laser. Check all of them out on the Internet before you make an appointment. The cost can run into the thousands.
I’d look for a cosmetic dermatologist for this. Hope this helps.
PS: DO NOT EVER have a “thread lift”, under any circumstances. Dean
Can anyone tell me which line is better….Glytone or Alpha hydroxide? Thanks!
Dean,
Thanks for all the good information! I am going to order the Alpha Hydrox products. Have you ever heard of a skin are line called Avene? I have been using Retrinal by Avene. I like it and it wasn’t too expensive, about $42. I am wondering how it compares to the Alpha product?
Thanks!
Jennifer from Florida
please recomment a facial sunscreen
What are your thoughts on this product line for anti-aging?
AQUA GLYCOLIC
http://www.crownlaboratoriesstore.com/shop/cart/74315/items/0/return/ag/dept/ag/line/Facial
Dean,
I have very bad roscea, including in my eyes. I noticed on one of your posts that you suggested making dietary changes to improve the condition. Would you please mention what the changes should be. I have been taking antibiotics for over 5 months and I am afraid of the long term effects. The medicine has helped to control the Roscea. Although, it has not completely rid my skin of the condition. Appreciate your advice.
I’m disappointed, Neoteric cosmetics aka Alpha Skin Care don’t sell/sent to Greece their products.
Do you still currently stand by this list of products? I bought Dr. Lancer line and I love it. However it is way to expensive. I cant afford to keep buying it. What I like is that its 3 steps. I like minimal work but optimal results. I’m 45. Can you reccomend the things I would need without buying the whole store? My skin is combination. Dryer in areas in the winter. What are your thoughts on the Pacifica skin care line? I prefer cruelty free and I have sensative skin. Please let me know your thoughts.
Thank you,
Amelia