Are high-end skin products worth it? (toner, head, tone, drugstore)

[kgordeeva]

I've always had pretty good skin, so I've never spent a lot money on products. I mostly shop drugstore... I use an Acure facewash and E.L.F. moisturizer. I recently got some discoloration on my forehead from the sun, so I've been using a Vitamin C serum from Josie Moran, which costs $66.

Is there really such a difference between drugstore and high-end skin products? What is the most you would spend?

[allenk893]

So far it's been a dud for me. I've tried several over the years and found they work no better or worse than my cheapie go-tos.

[STL74]

Some of them are and some of them aren’t and a lot of what works depends on your own skin. I’ve tried some cheaper stuff that didn’t work well for me (but works fine for others). I use mostly Skinceuticals skincare, so I’m willing to spend quite a lot on my skin.

[fleetiebelle]

Personally I wouldn't spend a lot of money on cleansers or toners because they don't really stay on your skin that much. But for serums or other treatments, those can be worth the splurge. I have a mix of Cetaphil and Neutrogena alongside Drunk Elephant and Fresh. There's also some good stuff at a low price point from The Ordinary and Inkey List.

[Navyshow]

I use tretinoin 1%. I asked my father (pharmacist) about it and he told me it absolutely did work (and my dad was a sceptic about many things) and have been using it for many years. I also once used in combination with Obagi skincare a number of years ago and micro dermabrasion (really liked that process).

With a Good RX coupon you can get a .45 gram tube for about 95.00. Lasts 3 months if used lavishly like me or probably 6 months if used properly.

I might suggest a laser treatment for your forehead discoloration.

Facewashes simply remove substances from your skin. I would not spend a lot of money on them.

[RamenAddict]

I’m a fan of the Josie Maran stuff. I use the argan oil and the facial moisturizer with SPF. I haven’t had as good luck with the OTC moisturizers with SPF and use Josie in the summer and Paula’s choice in the winter as they have formulations that don’t break me out. I mainly stick with those two brands, and Paula’s Choice really isn’t super expensive when compared to drugstore brands like Cerave.

I do stick to Cerave and OTC brands for cleansers and also get some other serums from the Ordinary. The price for that is quite good and I like the quality. I think it’s largely going to depend on you and your skin.

[kgordeeva]

Originally Posted by Navyshow

I use tretinoin 1%. I asked my father (pharmacist) about it and he told me it absolutely did work (and my dad was a sceptic about many things) and have been using it for many years. I also once used in combination with Obagi skincare a number of years ago and micro dermabrasion (really liked that process).

With a Good RX coupon you can get a .45 gram tube for about 95.00. Lasts 3 months if used lavishly like me or probably 6 months if used properly.

I might suggest a laser treatment for your forehead discoloration.

Facewashes simply remove substances from your skin. I would not spend a lot of money on them.

Yeah, I've heard of laser treatments for melasma. The problem is you usually have to get multiple treatments , which can get expensive. I hope I see some results from the Josie Maran vitamin C serum soon...

[Mikala43]

Originally Posted by Navyshow

I use tretinoin 1%. I asked my father (pharmacist) about it and he told me it absolutely did work (and my dad was a sceptic about many things) and have been using it for many years. I also once used in combination with Obagi skincare a number of years ago and micro dermabrasion (really liked that process).

With a Good RX coupon you can get a .45 gram tube for about 95.00. Lasts 3 months if used lavishly like me or probably 6 months if used properly.

I might suggest a laser treatment for your forehead discoloration.

Facewashes simply remove substances from your skin. I would not spend a lot of money on them.

Me too, Retin A since my 30s. I have almost no wrinkles, but at 55 there is some sagging, it's just like my face got tired and dropped a quarter inch. Nothing I know helps with that, it's just part of the process.

I use it in conjunctions with a bunch of things, glycolic, marine hylauronics, niaminicide, vitamin C, a bunch of stuff, but I purchase from The Ordinary. Most dermatologists I spoke speak highly of their products (contain a good version of what is advertised on the label, in the amounts shown), and they are very inexpensive, without all the additives.

I also have found that I love Trader Joe's toiletries, something I never would have tried myself, but tried at my sisters and was totally surprised.

So basically the only high end thing that I think is worth it is the Retin A (the generic I can't spell).

[RamenAddict]

Originally Posted by kgordeeva

Yeah, I've heard of laser treatments for melasma. The problem is you usually have to get multiple treatments , which can get expensive. I hope I see some results from the Josie Maran vitamin C serum soon...

I have been using Paula’s choice retinol with vitamin C. It seems to help. I have a big blob on my forehead that is less visible. I use it about every other day.

[Thundarr457]

My wife uses and swears by the Obagi Medical. I have noticed the difference as well. She has tried others and nothing else compares. Its pricey but worth it depending on your skin.