633 replies to this topic

[Anni]

thanks!! your post was really helpful and i got my green cream today, yaay. BHAs on order ;]

[abner12]

Ordered my BHA on the 12th... still havent received a tracking order (now the 18th). It says it normally takes 2-3 days, but I'm not sure whats happening. I'll e-mail them tomorrow if I still havent heard anything.

[The_Snow_Queen]

Btw what is your opinion about the collagen gel? Should I keep using it?
Thank you:)

I'm honestly not sure. I was hoping Snow Queen might weigh in here.

Without knowing anything about this specific product or how it is formulated, my instinct is to say: don't use it. I've learned that with acne-prone skin, especially if you are using retinoids, less is more! If you aren't absolutely certain that a product is helping (and not clogging your pores) --- then don't take the risk.

Also, I have the impression that collagen isn't an efficient topical, though I could be wrong there.

Anyway ....... I am kinda talking through my hat here, because I don't know this product. Can you provide a list of ingredients? That would at least give us a starting point.

Anyone else have any thoughts?

I feel uncomfortable recommending the use or avoidance of a product without seeing an ingredients list. According to Paula Begoun (a cosmetics researcher) topically applied collagen "has never been shown to have a direct effect on producing or building collagen in skin." Paula says that topically applied collagen is a good waterbinding agent, which means that it helps the skin retain water, but that likely will have no impact at all in your acne.

I'm wondering if your esthetician recommended a collagen gel because MMP-1, an enzyme responsible for the destruction of collagen, is found in sebum and has been theroized as being a cause of acne. For whatever she recommended it for, it is likely a waste of time and money.

Other than that, LionQueen's pretty much said it all. There's no use layering on products when you're not even sure what those products do or what you need them for.

An ingredients list would help; at least we could check to see if there are any ingredients that might be making your breakouts worse.

[ZoeBee]

Btw what is your opinion about the collagen gel? Should I keep using it?
Thank you:)

I'm honestly not sure. I was hoping Snow Queen might weigh in here.

Without knowing anything about this specific product or how it is formulated, my instinct is to say: don't use it. I've learned that with acne-prone skin, especially if you are using retinoids, less is more! If you aren't absolutely certain that a product is helping (and not clogging your pores) --- then don't take the risk.

Also, I have the impression that collagen isn't an efficient topical, though I could be wrong there.

Anyway ....... I am kinda talking through my hat here, because I don't know this product. Can you provide a list of ingredients? That would at least give us a starting point.

Anyone else have any thoughts?

I feel uncomfortable recommending the use or avoidance of a product without seeing an ingredients list. According to Paula Begoun (a cosmetics researcher) topically applied collagen "has never been shown to have a direct effect on producing or building collagen in skin." Paula says that topically applied collagen is a good waterbinding agent, which means that it helps the skin retain water, but that likely will have no impact at all in your acne.

I'm wondering if your esthetician recommended a collagen gel because MMP-1, an enzyme responsible for the destruction of collagen, is found in sebum and has been theroized as being a cause of acne. For whatever she recommended it for, it is likely a waste of time and money.

Other than that, LionQueen's pretty much said it all. There's no use layering on products when you're not even sure what those products do or what you need them for.

An ingredients list would help; at least we could check to see if there are any ingredients that might be making your breakouts worse.

Thanks for all of your help...the whiteheads are really coming back. Everyday there are new ones appearing and it's been less than a week since I had them all removed. I'm starting to get nervous now, and wondering if this is something that I will have to deal with for the rest of my life.

LionQueen - once you got rid of most of your whiteheads, did they stop appearing soon after continue to use the treatment? In other words, once I have these ones extracted (again) if I go back to Dianceal, should they stop appearing or does it take another few months for that to happen? How successful have you been in preventing more from showing up?

Thanks again.

[LionQueen]

LionQueen - once you got rid of most of your whiteheads, did they stop appearing soon after continue to use the treatment? In other words, once I have these ones extracted (again) if I go back to Dianceal, should they stop appearing or does it take another few months for that to happen? How successful have you been in preventing more from showing up?

I've been using Green Cream for a year now ... and the whiteheads were entirely gone by the end of 12 weeks. But I knew they would come back if I quit using GC, which is one reason why I've continued with it.

I very rarely get whiteheads or blackheads any more. My pores still get congested -- that's why I use the BHAs -- but actual comedones are few and far between. Occasionally (usually while traveling) I'll get a patch of tiny bumps, but if I ignore them and continue with the topicals, they go away.

Like I said before ... for this type of acne, I think you have to pick a treatment and stick with it. Don't assume you're cured when one batch of whiteheads is gone; keep using the Diacneal (or whatever) as maintenance.

Also, if you are interested, I really recommend the Paula's Choice BHAs. I layer them under the Green Cream at night, and it turns out they actually help the retinol penetrate more deeply into the skin. I'm loving the effects.

[ZoeBee]

LionQueen - once you got rid of most of your whiteheads, did they stop appearing soon after continue to use the treatment? In other words, once I have these ones extracted (again) if I go back to Dianceal, should they stop appearing or does it take another few months for that to happen? How successful have you been in preventing more from showing up?

I've been using Green Cream for a year now ... and the whiteheads were entirely gone by the end of 12 weeks. But I knew they would come back if I quit using GC, which is one reason why I've continued with it.

I very rarely get whiteheads or blackheads any more. My pores still get congested -- that's why I use the BHAs -- but actual comedones are few and far between. Occasionally (usually while traveling) I'll get a patch of tiny bumps, but if I ignore them and continue with the topicals, they go away.

Like I said before ... for this type of acne, I think you have to pick a treatment and stick with it. Don't assume you're cured when one batch of whiteheads is gone; keep using the Diacneal (or whatever) as maintenance.

Also, if you are interested, I really recommend the Paula's Choice BHAs. I layer them under the Green Cream at night, and it turns out they actually help the retinol penetrate more deeply into the skin. I'm loving the effects.

Thank you, I really appreciate all of the help you've given me in trying to figure this thing out. I will get the new ones removed and begin using the Diacneal immediately after. Or should I wait until I return from Cuba? I guess if I start using Diacneal in Cuba I should really make sure I use it only in the evenings since I think I'm supposed to stay out of the sun when using this.

I will also buy the Paula's Choice as soon as I get back. I want to be rid of these FOREVER, it has really taken it's toll on me.

[LionQueen]

Thank you, I really appreciate all of the help you've given me in trying to figure this thing out. I will get the new ones removed and begin using the Diacneal immediately after. Or should I wait until I return from Cuba? I guess if I start using Diacneal in Cuba I should really make sure I use it only in the evenings since I think I'm supposed to stay out of the sun when using this.

I would go back on the Diacneal immediately. Use it at night ... wear your sunscreen during the day ... and have a wonderful trip.

[ZoeBee]

Thank you, I really appreciate all of the help you've given me in trying to figure this thing out. I will get the new ones removed and begin using the Diacneal immediately after. Or should I wait until I return from Cuba? I guess if I start using Diacneal in Cuba I should really make sure I use it only in the evenings since I think I'm supposed to stay out of the sun when using this.

I would go back on the Diacneal immediately. Use it at night ... wear your sunscreen during the day ... and have a wonderful trip.

Thank you.
Last question: What is the exact product from Paula's Choice that you are using (or the one you would recommend I use)? And do you use it all over your face or just the affected areas? Also is there any purging in result of using this product? Do you use it morning and night? I guess I should apply it under the Diacneal as well?

Thanks again.

[LionQueen]

Last question: What is the exact product from Paula's Choice that you are using (or the one you would recommend I use)? And do you use it all over your face or just the affected areas? Also is there any purging in result of using this product? Do you use it morning and night? I guess I should apply it under the Diacneal as well?

I use the Paula's Choice 2% BHA gel. I believe Snow Queen prefers the 2% BHA liquid. You might go for some samples before committing to a full-size product. There are also 1% BHA products for sensitive skin, but I didn't find them very effective.

I did get some small pimples on my nose and chin in the first couple of weeks on this product, and that could have been due to purging ... the BHAs do exfoliate deep inside the pores. But it wasn't a bad breakout and didn't last long. I'm super-clear right now.

I apply the BHAs right after cleansing at night, wait 30 minutes, then apply Green Cream.

I think Snow Queen uses the liquid twice a day? check her regimen in her signature ....

[ZoeBee]

Last question: What is the exact product from Paula's Choice that you are using (or the one you would recommend I use)? And do you use it all over your face or just the affected areas? Also is there any purging in result of using this product? Do you use it morning and night? I guess I should apply it under the Diacneal as well?

I use the Paula's Choice 2% BHA gel. I believe Snow Queen prefers the 2% BHA liquid. You might go for some samples before committing to a full-size product. There are also 1% BHA products for sensitive skin, but I didn't find them very effective.

I did get some small pimples on my nose and chin in the first couple of weeks on this product, and that could have been due to purging ... the BHAs do exfoliate deep inside the pores. But it wasn't a bad breakout and didn't last long. I'm super-clear right now.

I apply the BHAs right after cleansing at night, wait 30 minutes, then apply Green Cream.

I think Snow Queen uses the liquid twice a day? check her regimen in her signature ....

Thanks AGAIN:)

[dannyg]

My blackheads are everywhere. On my nose now I am getting little dents in my skin, where blackheads have been removed. Thing is the skin on my nose is really thin, sensitive and easily dried. So part of me wants to keep away from these acids. Will a low Retin-A or diluted lemon juice make my skin more sensitive and how can I combat this? What about Apple Cider Vinegar?

[LionQueen]

My blackheads are everywhere. On my nose now I am getting little dents in my skin, where blackheads have been removed. Thing is the skin on my nose is really thin, sensitive and easily dried. So part of me wants to keep away from these acids. Will a low Retin-A or diluted lemon juice make my skin more sensitive and how can I combat this? What about Apple Cider Vinegar?

Lemon juice = citric acid
ACV = ascorbic acid
Retin A = retinoic acid

So you see, it's hard to keep away from acids.

Seriously, I'd try the Paula's Choice BHAs if I were you. I haven't found the 2% gel to be drying at all, and it is super effective. Get some samples and see which one you like best .... maybe the lotion formulation would be a better one for you.

[dannyg]

Thanks!

[StrLight]

i was talking to someone from live support at getthatglow.com and they said it will cost $5.25 to ship to england...shame i bought it from paula's choice eu but next time!

[Anni]

should one expect any improvement if we're only using the 1-2 week green cream samples? =/

and I'm a tad bit confused again... we CAN use the BHAs with BP, right? but not green cream + BP? (at the same time) because BP keeps my inflammation down better/faster than the retinoid... but then I have nothing to keep the bumps from appearing, lol. I only ordered GC samples enough for 2-3 weeks, but I have a huge bottle of BHA 2% coming! I don't need BOTH to stay on your regime/reccomendations, right? GC is so expensive and I don't know if it's working because I only have enough for such a short period of time, lol... @_@

also! (haha, sorry for all the questions!) how do you know if your skin is purging? my skin looks worse than usual actually... and I've only been on GC 3% for three days... is it because of the lack of BP or the GC? (I didn't think 3% would affect my skin that much!)

[abner12]

I got my BHA gel today... it was a nice surprise considering I didnt get an e-mail with a tracking number. I'll use it tonight and keep you guys updated. Sounds like Paulas Choice has very good history with customers. I have a question though, do the results of BHA's take effect quicker than retinols or about the same? I'm using BHA's to clear up some clogged pores.

[thatsbooty]

thanks alot for the help lion queen and mellow. After hearing about how strong it is i'm starting to doubt it but i guees i'll try it for a while.

I'm going to use a oil free cleanser my mom has
and then apply the mandelic acid and then wait

I guess this would be okay if not i'll change to paulas choice gels because people seem to be sayig good things about it

[LionQueen]

should one expect any improvement if we're only using the 1-2 week green cream samples? =/

and I'm a tad bit confused again... we CAN use the BHAs with BP, right? but not green cream + BP? (at the same time) because BP keeps my inflammation down better/faster than the retinoid... but then I have nothing to keep the bumps from appearing, lol. I only ordered GC samples enough for 2-3 weeks, but I have a huge bottle of BHA 2% coming! I don't need BOTH to stay on your regime/reccomendations, right? GC is so expensive and I don't know if it's working because I only have enough for such a short period of time, lol... @_@

also! (haha, sorry for all the questions!) how do you know if your skin is purging? my skin looks worse than usual actually... and I've only been on GC 3% for three days... is it because of the lack of BP or the GC? (I didn't think 3% would affect my skin that much!)

GC is a long-term product. The samples are really just so you can see how sensitive your skin is to it, and which level you should start with. You might see some improved skin tone after a week or two, but it wouldn't start purging your skin that fast.

You can use BP in the AMs, GC at night -- but not both on your skin at the same time.

BHAs can be layered under BP. To get the full benefit of the BHAs, wait as long as you can (30 minutes ideally) before putting the BP over it.

If GC is going to bust your budget, try just using the BHAs with BP for a couple months and see how you do.

[The_Snow_Queen]

should one expect any improvement if we're only using the 1-2 week green cream samples? =/

and I'm a tad bit confused again... we CAN use the BHAs with BP, right? but not green cream + BP? (at the same time) because BP keeps my inflammation down better/faster than the retinoid... but then I have nothing to keep the bumps from appearing, lol. I only ordered GC samples enough for 2-3 weeks, but I have a huge bottle of BHA 2% coming! I don't need BOTH to stay on your regime/reccomendations, right? GC is so expensive and I don't know if it's working because I only have enough for such a short period of time, lol... @_@

also! (haha, sorry for all the questions!) how do you know if your skin is purging? my skin looks worse than usual actually... and I've only been on GC 3% for three days... is it because of the lack of BP or the GC? (I didn't think 3% would affect my skin that much!)

I don't want to say you won't see any improvement using a one-two week supply of Green Cream, but don't expect to. I recommend trying retinoids for at least three months (unless you obviously have a bad reaction and not just a few new breakouts) to see a noticeable improvement. Product samples are often more of use in determining how compatable a product is with your skin rather than seeing how well a product will work for you.

Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can be used together, though my position is slightly controversial. If you're interested I'll explain more. You can use salicylic acid with either treatment as often as twice daily, though you may want to use it only once a day or once every other day until your skin gets used to it. How often you use it ultimately depends on your skin's specific needs.

Concerning your question about whether or not retinol remains stable in the presence of benzoyl peroxide, I do not know whether it does for certain or not. However, I would advise not using retinol with benzoyl peroxide because it is a retinoid and some retinoids do not remain stable in the presence of benzoyl peroxide.

LionQueen knows more about purging than I do, so I'll leave your last question to her.

EDIT: Oh, LionQueen beat me to it!

[LionQueen]

I have a question though, do the results of BHA's take effect quicker than retinols or about the same? I'm using BHA's to clear up some clogged pores.

Hmmmm, I am not exactly sure here. I didn't start using BHAs until the worst of my problems were over. The general rule of thumb is to give any new regimen at least 6 weeks before you start assessing results.