118 replies to this topic

[Cthulugrrl]

oh and i have posted pix of my progress and this new breakout on my profile page. feel free to check them out and/or comment if you can help!!

[BeautifulDay]

Hey guys, it has been a long time since I posted, but I usually come on here when I'm having a problem (nothing like a foul weather friend, right? and I am definitely having problems right now.

I don't mean to alarm all you hopeful BHA users...I am still hopeful...but the word "purge" is taking on a whole new meaning for me right now. I have been in Paula's 2% BHA for just under 2 mos. At the beginning I saw improvement, then there was a purge (whiteheads), followed by improvement, then a nastier purge (papules), followed by improvement. NOW...there appears to be a third purge and it is literally the worst breakout I have ever had. I am 26 and have never had anything but clogged pores and oily skin with an occasional papule or pustule. All of a sudden I have no less than 4 giant, bright red nodules on my face and 3-4 regular zits. To be fair to Paula, I don't know if this is from the BHA or not. I have been under a lot of stress lately. But I've been stressed at other points in my life and never had acne as bad as this.

To combat it, I have started using the BP gel again on top of the BHA. I guess this is what I'm going to have to do...possibly for life, but at least until the purging is through. Has anyone had this experience on BHA and actually continued using the product? I hear about a lot of people whose skin gets worse because of BHA and then they stop using it. I am going to try to keep on going with it because i believe it MUST be helping in the end. Dan says it takes about 3 mos. for the regimen to actually work so maybe the same thing is true about BHA?

As far as the rest of my pores (the ones that aren't hideously inflamed, that is), they are SSSSLLLLOOOOWWWLLLLYYYY clearing. Just this last week, on account of the breakout, I have been slathering on the BP gel, which has made my skin peel like crazy. As the skin peels off, I am FINALLY seeing clear, poreless skin underneath. This is AWESOME, but it's just weird that while the majority of my face is looking brighter and whiter than ever, I also have these huge red bumps. I would also recommend, for those with really difficult clogs like mine, that people who are using BHA use some kind of method to rub off the dead layers of skin so you can actually see some results underneath.

I'm gonna stick with it, but if anyone has any similar experience or advice to share, it would be much appreciated....

Hey

Ok, I wanted to share something that happened to me that was similar to this. I had been faithfully using BHA for about 2 months and things were great, I hadn't had an inflamed pimple since the intial purge at the beginning. I finished my thesis project and final semester of my final year of university (most stress of my life). 2 weeks later I felt a sore spot on my chin. It had been so long that I thought 'is this a pimple? No, couldn't be' I tried to ignore it, but it got bigger over about 3 days. I was devastated because I couldn't imagine where I went wrong.

Then I clued in that 2 weeks prior I was incredibly stressed out, not sleeping normally, weird eating patterns etc. etc. because of school. Knowing that acne takes around 3 weeks to surface from the time that it began I knew what had caused it. I think I got 2 or 3 more pimples and they went away over a week or so... I thought Paula's Choice was bullet proof but I experienced a breakout from stress/disruption of healthy lifestyle.

Could there have been any disruptions to your daily life a few weeks prior to each breakout?

As a last thought, I also find that I need to exfoliate (mechanically) every few days too, even though the BHA is supposed to take care of that for you. I usually just buff my face with a washcloth when I am washing my face every 3 days. It is really the little boost that I need to get rid of dead cells.

[Cthulugrrl]

I think I am going to start trying to exfoliate with a washcloth as well, that seems like a good idea. Also, thanks for the response! Glad to know I'm not the only one going through this 2-month-hump, which definitely seems to be stress-related. Yikes, this must be some serious stress, lol. I haven't gotten any new zits in the last 2 days and the ones there are drying up, thanks to BP. I'll update again soon...

[Muffet]

BeautifulDay did you experience this only the one time and your skin has been clear since?

What I'm finding is that it's 2 steps forward and 1 step back with me. I'm been using PC 1% BHA lotion for over 3 months now and lately I've been alternating in the 2% BHA liquid a few times a week. My skin is very sensitive and I find the liquid to drying to use on a regular basis. I'm hoping my continued breakouts are due to the fact that I'm using the lower strength BHA therefore exfoliating the different layers of skin is taking longer. I also have been trying Green Cream and MaMa lotion a couple times a week and I also find that these generally bring on a breakout within a couple of days. I'm trying not to concern myself with these breakouts as they are in areas that I know have clogged pores as I could see/feel the small bumps under the skin for months before. Over all I couldn't be happier with the BHA as my skin in general looks much better. Now if I could just learn some patience LOL.

[outdoorgirl]

Muffet - I hear ya on the 2 steps forward and 1 back. I've been using the 2% BHA for about 2 months, and although my skin is better, it's still not what I've been longing for. I'm still getting inflammatory acne on my chin and I've recently had a few on my cheeks, where I usually don't break out. I think it's just the BHA working all the gunk out of my pores and that it's just a slow process. Just when I think I won't get any more big zits, I feel one or two popping up and it's so frustrating. Then I'm clear of new ones for a couple days and then another one pops up all over again. They are usually all in the same area and pop up right next the to last one too, so I guess I am just really clogged up on my chin. Hang in there and I'm sure it will start working for you...it just takes time for both of us.

[BeautifulDay]

Muffet - I hear ya on the 2 steps forward and 1 back. I've been using the 2% BHA for about 2 months, and although my skin is better, it's still not what I've been longing for. I'm still getting inflammatory acne on my chin and I've recently had a few on my cheeks, where I usually don't break out. I think it's just the BHA working all the gunk out of my pores and that it's just a slow process. Just when I think I won't get any more big zits, I feel one or two popping up and it's so frustrating. Then I'm clear of new ones for a couple days and then another one pops up all over again. They are usually all in the same area and pop up right next the to last one too, so I guess I am just really clogged up on my chin. Hang in there and I'm sure it will start working for you...it just takes time for both of us.

I will always be greatful for the improvement that I have had using BHA but it definetly is not a bullet proof thing. I still get the odd thing popping up here or there, I would say that my skin is 95% clear on a consistent basis. I think that being patient has been the hardest thing for me, while waiting to see results... but now that I have gotten great results I still sometimes wish that it could do more so that I could have skin like a baby lol! I think over the time that I have been using PC I have gotten better with accepting the progress that I have made (and it has made so much of a difference for me) but not worrying about minor things that pop up every so often.

[Polka]

bottom line, will it help severe blcackheads?

which type is better, liquid, gel etc

thanks a lot ppl!

[bluemorpho]

BeautifulDay did you experience this only the one time and your skin has been clear since?

What I'm finding is that it's 2 steps forward and 1 step back with me. I'm been using PC 1% BHA lotion for over 3 months now and lately I've been alternating in the 2% BHA liquid a few times a week. My skin is very sensitive and I find the liquid to drying to use on a regular basis. I'm hoping my continued breakouts are due to the fact that I'm using the lower strength BHA therefore exfoliating the different layers of skin is taking longer. I also have been trying Green Cream and MaMa lotion a couple times a week and I also find that these generally bring on a breakout within a couple of days. I'm trying not to concern myself with these breakouts as they are in areas that I know have clogged pores as I could see/feel the small bumps under the skin for months before. Over all I couldn't be happier with the BHA as my skin in general looks much better. Now if I could just learn some patience LOL.

i've heard that a lot of people can't tolerate green cream in conjunction with mandelic (the mama lotion has a malic/mandelic acid combo, right?). could that be why you're going 2 forward, 1 back?
i was using green cream and mandelic (vivant 15%) together which was good for me (my skin can tolerate a lot), but i think both of those plus the BHA would have been too much for my face.

you might want to PM Lion Queen and ask...i haven't seen her on the boards lately, but i bet she'll have good advice.

Muffet - I hear ya on the 2 steps forward and 1 back. I've been using the 2% BHA for about 2 months, and although my skin is better, it's still not what I've been longing for. I'm still getting inflammatory acne on my chin and I've recently had a few on my cheeks, where I usually don't break out. I think it's just the BHA working all the gunk out of my pores and that it's just a slow process. Just when I think I won't get any more big zits, I feel one or two popping up and it's so frustrating. Then I'm clear of new ones for a couple days and then another one pops up all over again. They are usually all in the same area and pop up right next the to last one too, so I guess I am just really clogged up on my chin. Hang in there and I'm sure it will start working for you...it just takes time for both of us.

i think acne on the chin is hormonal/stress related. are you guys doing other things to lessen stress? eating well, sleeping enough, etc.?

[Muffet]

i've heard that a lot of people can't tolerate green cream in conjunction with mandelic (the mama lotion has a malic/mandelic acid combo, right?). could that be why you're going 2 forward, 1 back?
i was using green cream and mandelic (vivant 15%) together which was good for me (my skin can tolerate a lot), but i think both of those plus the BHA would have been too much for my face.

you might want to PM Lion Queen and ask...i haven't seen her on the boards lately, but i bet she'll have good advice.

Hi bluemorpho, thanks for responding to my post. To answer your question I don't use green cream and mandelic together. What I've been doing is in the morning I use either BHA 1% lotion or BHA 2% liquid (depending on how sensitive my skin is feeling), followed by moisturizer and sunscreen. Then in the evening I've been using the 1% lotion and then a couple times a week I'll put on the green cream, again depending on how senstive my skin is feeling. I only use the mandelic acid as a spot treater on the nights that I'm not using green cream. I've only tried putting mandelic all over my face twice, and although my face tolerated it, my skin felt super sensitive the next day.

What I meant by 2 steps forward and 1 step back is that my skin starts clearing to the point where I don't have any active pimples and I think finally!....then wham. I definitely see improvement in my skin since the day I started with the BHA's, I just think that because my skin can't tolerate the higher doses of the products on a regular basis it's just going to take a little longer for all the junk clogged in my pores to work it's way to the top. As I said in my original post I need to learn patience but alas I wanted results yesterday and appartently so does outdoorgirl LOL.

On another note I've just received the BHA 2% lotion and I'm going to try using this instead of the 2% liquid as I find the liquid a little to strong for me.

[eisley]

Will Paula's BHA work at all for my skin type?

I have fairly sensitive, combination skin. I get a few skin colored bumps on my forehead, around 5-7 red bumps on my chin and side of face/jawline, and some clogged pores on my nose area.

My skin isn't terrible, but overall it is a bit discolored and uneven from previous acne.

Thanks!!

[blarhggggr]

sorry to bring back a semi-dead thread..
To anyone using BHA or knows quite a bit about BHA:
During the purging stage, is it ok to use remedies to get rid of the inflamed acne faster? Such as a mask or BP? Would it do anything to the BHA, or be bad for the skin?

Thanks

[Fiyero]

sorry to bring back a semi-dead thread..
To anyone using BHA or knows quite a bit about BHA:
During the purging stage, is it ok to use remedies to get rid of the inflamed acne faster? Such as a mask or BP? Would it do anything to the BHA, or be bad for the skin?

Thanks

Yes, it is ok to use BP while using BHA. In fact, I've read BHA's help the BP absorb into the skin better. as long as you're skin isn't overly irritated, then it's okay. If you have to use BP, I suggest you only use it to spot treat and not over your entire face

[alexander_ju]

I used 1 % Bha Paula Choice, and her 5 % extra strength blemish lotion. Is it normal that all the bumpy zits and bleakhead stark to breakout , freak me out alittle bit, but some part of the skin look smoother. if any one experiencing the same thing?

[alexander_ju]

I have sudden break out four month ago, and before my skin has been consistently clear then one day i start to apply sunscreen and my worst breakout started from there, has been trying numerous products, wasted so much money, i tried Whole range of lab series, Biotherm homme, Aesop, Loccitane. they do not get rid of my increasingly bad treated acne and infact make it worst. I am really frustrated the sunscreen such as the clinique city block, shiseido for baby skin, Bioterm Homme spf 50 creates more zits more breakout etc.

The I saw Paula choice review, I ordered all her range, matt sunscreen, toner, cleanser, moisturizer carbon mask , BP, BHA 1 ％&2 %， AHA, etc.

I follow all her five step skin care routine, start with 1 % BHA together with her BP , sometimes at night I used AHA but mostly use BHA, this is my 10 days since i used her product, I have switched to 2 % BHA with BP applied to pimple area

Initially my skin suddenly look smoother over night, then...... THE NIGHT MARE CAME, I have big big pimple with puss coming out like 4 on my chin 4 on my fore head, I am extremely discouraging, but still i dunt want to give up now. I am using even more stronger BHA 2% , there are still big pimple keep coming up . the one tht has exploded left red marks and possibly scar. other part of the skin look smoother, brighter , kind of funny u have one side which is really smooth like baby then another site big bumpy and all black heads resurface .

I will keep continue using them, will let you know my progress. stupid acne I am really sick of them, I never knew it can cause so much problem and so hard to treat.

can the scar go away? anyone tht is on the same boat like me.

[Hello!]

I have sudden break out four month ago, and before my skin has been consistently clear then one day i start to apply sunscreen and my worst breakout started from there, has been trying numerous products, wasted so much money, i tried Whole range of lab series, Biotherm homme, Aesop, Loccitane. they do not get rid of my increasingly bad treated acne and infact make it worst. I am really frustrated the sunscreen such as the clinique city block, shiseido for baby skin, Bioterm Homme spf 50 creates more zits more breakout etc.

The I saw Paula choice review, I ordered all her range, matt sunscreen, toner, cleanser, moisturizer carbon mask , BP, BHA 1 ％&2 %， AHA, etc.

I follow all her five step skin care routine, start with 1 % BHA together with her BP , sometimes at night I used AHA but mostly use BHA, this is my 10 days since i used her product, I have switched to 2 % BHA with BP applied to pimple area

Initially my skin suddenly look smoother over night, then...... THE NIGHT MARE CAME, I have big big pimple with puss coming out like 4 on my chin 4 on my fore head, I am extremely discouraging, but still i dunt want to give up now. I am using even more stronger BHA 2% , there are still big pimple keep coming up . the one tht has exploded left red marks and possibly scar. other part of the skin look smoother, brighter , kind of funny u have one side which is really smooth like baby then another site big bumpy and all black heads resurface .

I will keep continue using them, will let you know my progress. stupid acne I am really sick of them, I never knew it can cause so much problem and so hard to treat.

can the scar go away? anyone tht is on the same boat like me.

It sounds like you're doing way too much to your skin. This may be why you're breaking out so consistently. Your post makes it sound as if you're switching products too quickly to give your skin a chance. Some products can takes months before you see the "final result". No product is going to work immediately and perfectly. The more you use and the faster you switch products to find "the magic pill", the worse your skin may get, as it never gets a chance to settle. Using too many products too quickly can put it in a state of constant irritation.

You need to treat your skin and body like a baby. You say you've ordered her entire range (7 products...!) and started using them all... This could really be overkill. Take it easy, don't freak out, and be gentle to your skin. You might be surprised at how much better this can be.

Scars don't go away, that's why they're called scars. It might just be a deep red mark, which can indeed heal. Just give it time and be patient. Less is more sometimes.

[kamran]

this was useful

[eyecandi]

just wanted to add that "Purging" is when the active ingredient in a product causes bumps that were already there like papules and closed comedones to come to the surface and form a head. After all the purging process your skin should stay clear. If you get another breakout shortly after and getting pimples in spots where you never had them before then its the product breaking you out and you should stop using it and find something else.

[ackneesux]

hello, I've been following this board for a while now since I started getting acne recently. I'm a 28 year old male, who had perfect skin my whole life up until the last couple years when I started breaking out like crazy. I'm thinking of adding some PC products into my regimen: the balancing cleanser, and 2% BHA Liquid.

I was wondering, since the cleanser is already pH balancing, is there any need to use a toner before applying the BHA? My understanding of using a toner is to bring the pH level of the skin back down to prepare it for the acidic BHA. I've noticed that there are quite a few people on this board who, in their regimen, are using a balancing cleanser, and still using a balancing toner before the BHA exfoliating step. Is using the toner just overkill, or does it server some other purpose besides pH balancing?

Thanks in advance.

[uglies]

just wanted to add that "Purging" is when the active ingredient in a product causes bumps that were already there like papules and closed comedones to come to the surface and form a head. After all the purging process your skin should stay clear. If you get another breakout shortly after and getting pimples in spots where you never had them before then its the product breaking you out and you should stop using it and find something else.

bumping to quote THIS.