7 yrs, 6 mths ago

Expensive skin care – worth it or not

I love Olay, Neutrogena and Cetaphil. Some of my friends are convinced once you reach a certain age, and I have, that unless you don’t have the money you should use more expensive skin care. The product line I keep hearing about, including in doctor’s offices is Obagi as well as Cosmedix. I’ll pay the price if it is truly worth it, so what do you professional beauty mavens think? My dermatologist is a fan of NeoStrata BUT says I need not feel compelled? Curious what you 40+ women are using? Avene? Olay? NeoStrata? La Roche Posay? (all available from the pharmacy!) Or do you pay more for Obagi, Cosmedix, DNA, Skin Medica, Aspect, etc. ? Love to hear from you all, even you enviable youngsters in your twenties, which funny enough is when I had the most disposable income, ah the days of no mortgages! I’ve always thought that the best skin comes from a healthy life, lots of smiling, eating well and proper sun care. Anything topical like moisturisers and serums are limited in their efficacy and only surgery or injectables, etc., can achieve dramatic results.

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Replies

  • 3 yrs, 2 mths ago

    I think it depends on your capabilities. I always try to find cheaper analogs. Often we pay for the brand name on the package, and I don’t like that. I only buy expensive cosmetics for gifts.  

  • 3 yrs, 3 mths ago

    I use what you use and it works for me. The expensive products are mostly marketing but in saying that sometimes it is worth the investment if it works for your skin type.

    • 3 yrs, 3 mths ago

      And sometimes you can find a “”Dupe”” for the expensive stuff which works just as well.

  • 3 yrs, 3 mths ago

    I prefer Clarins because it’s good value considering it’s very effective and high quality. They have special deals online often as a bonus.

  • 3 yrs, 6 mths ago

    I think it depends on the person, the product and your budget. I don’t mind paying extra for something within reason if I think it’s worth it and I can afford it but then I’m happy with certain brands which are cheaper and still just as effective.

  • 3 yrs, 7 mths ago

    Well said, presciousia. There`s certainly a lot of that “”mambo jumbo”” that turns into that $$$. So many products and brands use the same ingredients and I personally believe lower priced products are just as effective. Marketing that claims to provide you a more “”luxe”” image and lifestyle gets you and so does society`s view on “”high end”” products. Education is key.

  • 3 yrs, 8 mths ago

    Does anyone else here watch Dr Dray on YouTube? I discovered Dr Dray, a U.S. board-certified dermatologist on YouTube last year. She provides excellent, reliable and evidence-based advice on skin care.

    She says that there is actually no need to spend a lot of money on moisturisers and skin care. By a lot of money, she means over $30 or so, depending what it is. I have used Olay morning and night for years, and still am, but now, it’s only to finish off the jars that I bought while they were half price. I am now trying to finish off the last of the Olay jars as once they are empty, I will be using QV and Cerave moisturisers exclusively, since they are excellent and recommended by Dr Dray. I already have them both QV and Cerave that I use daily, and have actually been using QV for extra hydration for over 20 years along with the Olay. I personally prefer QV over Cerave as QV is gentler on my skin and never stings, whereas Cerave can sting a bit when my skin barrier is compromised from an acid peel.

    I have found it very enlightening watching Dr Dray’s videos. If you have not come across Dr Dray before, I hope that this post helps to draw your attention to a reliable and free source of information on how to look after your skin. The number one recommendation of course is to use sun protection and sunscreen. All the best!

  • 3 yrs, 8 mths ago

    robinddy‘s post is spam, which I’ve reported on the “SERIAL SPAM MEMBER ON BH” thread. Do not click on the blue link.

    If you are responding to this thread, which was reactivated by a spammer, the original question was asked in 2016. I haven’t seen this person participate in the forums since then so she may not read your comments.

  • 3 yrs, 8 mths ago

    It depends on many things such what works for your skin, your budget and what type of ingredients you prefer.
    For some, affordable drug store products might be the holy grails and for others the pricier products might be more successful for them.
    For me I choose products that not too expensive (less than $50) because those products work for my skin.
    However there is something that needs to be said though.
    Products such as a hyaluronic acid serum you don’t need to spend $500 (AHEM Barbara Sturm) when you get the same serum different brand for $8.
    Try what works for you, start with a sample or mini size before committing to the full size especially if they are pricier brands!

  • 5 yrs, 10 mths ago

    I love this!!

  • 5 yrs, 10 mths ago

    I too have rarely used the top price high end brands, except if received as samples in a beauty Box or DJ beauty bag.

    But like others, I have had excellent results with brands like Dermalogica, Clarins, Elizabeth Arden etc. I feel this price range is worth the spend, and I time my purchases so I score GWP bags whenever possible.

    I have also found my skin adores quality natural brands, and they tend to be very fairly priced. Highly recommend Trilogy as an exceptional brand, at a very reasonable price.

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