So, on another topic, someone mentioned that adopting a skin care routine was possibly even more of a big deal to attaining a feminine appearance than HRT was in terms of skin appearance. And in another topic, I think it was Jennygirl that suggested adding coconut oil to my skin-care routine.

Well, right now, I don't have a skin care routine. At all. And I'm completely clueless when it comes to anything beauty-product-related, because I've never used any before. And, well, I'm still fighting against some skin issues... some dark pores on my nose, some slight dark skin discoloration around my mouth, and a big patch of discoloration on the right side of my face. And these things admittedly are starting to bug me now that I'm concerned with achieving a softer, more even, feminine skin texture.

So where do I even begin? What are the basics? How can I start adopting a skin care routine that can improve my skin's appearance and maybe deal with some of these problems?

Exfoliate each evening.  I use a rotating brush and Dove.  At least once a month, steam your face, followed by Biore Deep Cleaning Pore Strips.

Everyone's skin is different too. A great place to start is by going to a nice skincare store and asking for their advice. They could tell you if you're skin is dry or oily and let you know what would work for you. You wouldn't have to buy the super expensive things there either, there are always affordable options in your local pharmacy.

Personally I'm a fan of cleansing wipes over pore strips but everyone gets different results.

You should get an exfloliating brush, start giving yourself facials once a week (I use a dead sea salt mask), and start moisturizing. A good moisturizer is prob going to run you $15-$20. I am in love with all moisturizers Olay. Garnier has some good ones too.

Do you use makeup? makeup alone can be the difference between passing and not passing.

I use grapefruit salt scrub three times per week to clean my face. Then, because skin suddenly changed very much and got much drier, I am also applying daily cream-moisturiser and night creme (I went with L'Oreal). If I feel like I am in the mood, I tend to add a bit of concealer here and there.

                         http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com/

The single most effective skin care regimen...it's cheap.
Natural and clean.....makes me look 10-15.years younger.
Do it daily

Personally I feel that the most important skin care product is SUNSCREEN.  I use waterproof SPF50 every time I go out in the sun for more than 15 minutes.  All the moisturizer, clay masks and alge scrubs will be for nothing if you let the sun destroy your skin.

Additionally I like to use a retinol cream every night (ROC Deep wrinkle night cream), because there is real science behind it.  If you do use a retinol cream, only use it at night and be extra good about using sunscreen.

J.

ok.. since no one else has mentioned this I will:  find a good esthetician!  Their training is all about skin care.  I was amazed at the difference I saw using their products and following their advice vs using the store bought stuff.

What I didn't know is that the stuff you buy in the store, olay, garnier, etc.... only affects the dead skin cells on the surface.  Anything stronger you have to purchase from an esthetician.  I bought a moisturizing sunscreen from the woman I see and it's not only lasted a long time.. it really makes my skin look great!  I don't normally like sunscreen, but this stuff is wonderful.. I know put it on before I leave the house every morning.

So.. basics.. I scrub my face in the morning and evening with the clairsonic Mia.. and use their opal infuser on my eye area.  At night, after cleansing I use a needle roller on my face (not sure what you call it.. cheap roller with needles sticking out of it).  That is supposed to stimulate collagen production.  Seems to work.  Then the opal infuser on the eyes, then I alternate between a retinol based product (from the esth) and an over the counter serum I picked up from Amazon.

I'm still not a beauty queen.. but i do have great skin!!  I've also found that regular cardio workouts (I run) and a good sweat helps clean up and rejuvenate the skin as well.

Well, I have started using a moisturizing lotion as well as a clinical dark spot corrector in order to try and clear up a couple of areas of dark pigmentation on my left cheek and under my mouth...

And honestly, for some reason my skin looks worse. It looks dull for some reason, and just doesn't seem to have that same "glow" that it had a couple of months ago. Not sure if it's hormones, the fact that it's summer and I got some sun while I was at Cedar Point a few weeks ago, or the products actually making it look worse, but I still need some advice on getting that healthy radiant glow back.

Quote from: Joanna Dark on June 22, 2013, 03:24:24 PM
You should get an exfloliating brush, start giving yourself facials once a week (I use a dead sea salt mask), and start moisturizing. A good moisturizer is prob going to run you $15-$20. I am in love with all moisturizers Olay. Garnier has some good ones too.

Do you use makeup? makeup alone can be the difference between passing and not passing.

Makeup and clear skin are not a winning combo..

Quote from: Kelly the Trans-Rebel on July 11, 2013, 01:05:02 AM
Makeup and clear skin are not a winning combo..

No it's not. But it can be the difference between passing and not passing. She is looking for better appearing skin. The fastest way to achieve that is makeup.

To add to my previous post, go see a beautician, they'll be able to help with a skin care regime that is specific to your needs..

Quote from: Joanna Dark on July 14, 2013, 05:13:10 PM
No it's not. But it can be the difference between passing and not passing. She is looking for better appearing skin. The fastest way to achieve that is makeup.

It might be the fastest, it's also the worst.

This thread helped out. Thanks

I heard one should wash their face with very cold water?

Quote from: crowcrow223 on May 02, 2014, 11:43:45 AM
I heard one should wash their face with very cold water?

^that. Water is like a key to your pores; hot water unlocks, cold water locks. So you would use warm/hot water when your cleansing your face/toning and all that, and then finish up with a splash of cold water to 'lock'(close) your pores. My mum and sisters always drummed that into my head when I was growing up.

I use sunblock when I leave the house - cleanser on my face, no soap - on my body I use an unscented moisturizing soap - I try to moisturize after every wash - and I also use coconut oil a few times a week...

Just throwing this out there, but coconut oil is also fantastic when used on the scalp and in the hair.  There's evidence that it can slow the balding process and even promote better growth from a healthier scalp.  It will also give it a really shiny and healthy look in not too long a time.  I'd strongly recommend using coconut oil.  Some people can get breakouts from it if left on longer than needed, I haven't had an issue, but it can clog your pores if used incorrectly; so I guess just keep an eye on it and see how your skin reacts.  Good luck...

The hot water/cold water routine is also something I do. I also rub my face down w ice cubes twice a day. I feel it helps. I plan on getting on some kind of retanol for wrinkle/ance prevention as well...

OMG yus...coconut oil is so good for your hair(just make sure its like pure and doesn't have other oils in it otherwise it will yellow/brass blonde hair/highlights) and skin. And its so cheap too. Glad I'm not the only one using it

Match your skin type to you products, an exfoliating wash meant for oily or combo skin will wreck dry skin.  Wash religiously twice a day, and use a quality sunscreen daily also without exception even if you work in an office, and especially in the hot and sunny south and southwest.

Oh, and also, you could look into a chemical peel or derabrasion, they can do wonders. I've never had it done, but I have a few red spots on my chest and back from a couple breakouts over the years and I'm going to have it done if I transition. My face is really clear, but I still want that done as well, to tighten it a bit and promote collegen production...