32 replies to this topic

[dreamweaver66]

First of all, I believe that I do have a form of Rosacea, I get facial redness when going in the sun, brushing my teeth, being on the computer too long, bending over. I also have acne and very oily skin.

Every cleanser that I try causes my face to burn and itch.
I have used Euricen Redness Relief, Olay Foaming Face Wash Sensitive Skin, Dove Cool Moisture Foaming Facial Cleanser, Clinique Liquid Facial Soap for Oily Skin and Cetaphil Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin.

I used to use a cleanser from Lancome (yes very expensive) that was in a gel form (greenish in color) that I loved. It was for normal skin, never caused acne and never irritated my skin at all. They do not make it anymore.

I am sick of trying these products that are recommended for sensitive skin only to be disappointed and waste $$$.

I am trying to find something that does not burn and sting and get itchy and does not cause acne.

Is there anyone that can help. Dying down redness would be nice too, but I think I am asking too much.

Thank you everyone

[daniel9876]

First of all, I believe that I do have a form of Rosacea, I get facial redness when going in the sun, brushing my teeth, being on the computer too long, bending over. I also have acne and very oily skin.

Every cleanser that I try causes my face to burn and itch.
I have used Euricen Redness Relief, Olay Foaming Face Wash Sensitive Skin, Dove Cool Moisture Foaming Facial Cleanser, Clinique Liquid Facial Soap for Oily Skin and Cetaphil Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin.

I used to use a cleanser from Lancome (yes very expensive) that was in a gel form (greenish in color) that I loved. It was for normal skin, never caused acne and never irritated my skin at all. They do not make it anymore.

I am sick of trying these products that are recommended for sensitive skin only to be disappointed and waste $$$.

I am trying to find something that does not burn and sting and get itchy and does not cause acne.

Is there anyone that can help. Dying down redness would be nice too, but I think I am asking too much.

Thank you everyone

....it sounds like you have hyper sensitive skin which is why sensitive skin products are having that effect there still to harsh for your skin. there are few products for that level of sensitivity beucase its the more harsh chemicals that help redness (from acne and roscea) Cetaphils Gentle Skin Cleanser is meant to be ok for hyper sensitve skin (i mnot speaking from personal experience but i have seen it reconmended before and the person saying that it hard worked well for there hyper sensitive skin... its also meant to help with redness a little bit however im not sure of its avaiblility to buy and where would sell it.... but a fair few shops stock Cetaphils products

...im confused to why you bought Cetaphils normal skin facial clenser if you knew you had sensitive skin... unless they didnt stock there gental cleanser where you brought it from (http://www.cetaphil..../cleansers.aspx (you want too look at the top product which is for the sensitve skin, the second product on the list is the one for normal skin which you have tried)

[dreamweaver66]

Hi Daniel,

Thank you so much for replying. I did not think anyone was going to.

First of all, I have to tell you how I came to have this skin flare. I used Hydroquione one time well over a month ago.

I had to restort to using water only for washing for 3 weeks.

I tried to reintroduce cleansers back in and it was a no-go.

The reason I chose Cetaphil Normal to Oily Skin was because my skin is oily. I was trying to chose something appropriate for my skin so that when I re-introduced my foundation back into my skin routine, I could effectively remove it. The cetaphil in which you are referring to will not remove foundation and such. The Cetaphil for Normal to Oily Skin too is very gentle, it just removes makeup. It does have one mild detergent in it, but I have tried many water-soluble cleansers to (listed in my first post) and there are burning and itching my skin too.

Cetaphil is very popular here in the US and can be found anywhere.

Anyhoo, 1-2 months later after this bad skin reaction, I am not past even finding a cleanser I can use.

You are right, my skin is very hypersensitive right now. Good way to put it

[rcangel8082]

What else are you using in your skin care routine?

[dreamweaver66]

What else are you using in your skin care routine?

Hi,

Absolutely nothing else except water when I wash my face. No moisturizer, no sunscreen, no makeup, nothing.

I am trying to work my face back up to using something (anything) (so I decided to start with cleanser), but it cannot handle anything right now.

[looking_for_answers]

What else are you using in your skin care routine?

Hi,

Absolutely nothing else except water when I wash my face. No moisturizer, no sunscreen, no makeup, nothing.

I am trying to work my face back up to using something (anything) (so I decided to start with cleanser), but it cannot handle anything right now.

Hi dreamweaver,

I think I can help you!

I, too, have developed extremely sensitive skin (redness, burning, breakouts, itching, swelling...and hives!), and I recently visited a dermatologist recommended by a coworker with similarly irritable skin. The very basic and "gentle" products I was using (and have used for years) seemed to be causing more and more discomfort, so the doc recommended a cleanser by La Roche-Posay called Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cream. And while it hasn't completely cleared my irritation or breakouts, I must say that it's the only cleanser I've used in the past couple of years that hasn't left my face red after washing--an improvement I no longer thought possible. (In case you're wondering, I've tried Cetaphil, a variety of Neutrogena cleansers, Clean & Clear for Sensitive Skin...you name it.) My skin feels cleaner and healthier and more balanced overall, and moisturizer is no longer an absolute necessity as it was before. Toleriane is not cheap (~$22 a tube), but a tiny amount goes a long way, and starting my day without a bright red face has been well worth it. I hope that you will try it and be equally pleased! Best of luck to you.

[crazygamar]

I would just like to recommend either the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser or the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser.

I think right now, you need to keep it as simple as humanly possible, use a very gentle cleanser and I would say use a moisturizer too, I would think that would help soothe and repair the irritated skin.

The CeraVe cleanser is very hydrating and its very gentle. Their moisturizer is also very gentle and sinks in very well so it wont cause anymore oiliness than you already have.

As for cetaphil, the one for oily skin is good, but its still not as gentle as the gentle skin one by them. That would be the best choice by cetaphil at this moment for you. They also have a new moisturizer, daily advance that would may be good to use, its meant for sensitive skin and helps to replenish lipids.

The La roche posay one mentioned may also a good choice. I used to use nothing but la roche posay. The toleriane line is meant for very reactive skin. However, I would be cautious with their toleriane purifying foaming cream as it is a soap based cleanser, which in my opinion isnt good for reactive skin at all.

I would avoid anything with fragrance because that could irritate you worse.

Overall be VERY gentle when applying anything. Barely touch your skin when cleansing it and when applying a moisturizer pat it on very gently, do not rub it on because that will irritate more. Hopefully that helped a little bit at least.

[dreamweaver66]

Hi
Looking for Answers
and
Crazygamar

Thank you very much for your responses It has been helpful.

Looking for Answers:

I know what you mean about fragrance. When I tried the Neutrogena Foaming Cleanser (recommended for sensitive skin) the fragrance (smell) in it literally made me feel ill.

The La Roche-Posay called Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cream sounds like a great cleanser and something that I will have to look into later. Where can you get it? I am trying right now just to find something that is a little cheaper because I do not want to spend alot of $$ for it not to work as I have already spent too much.

The CeraVe Moisturizer sounds great. Have you found that it breaks you out or you feel more oily? I know where to get that. It is pretty available.

Thanks again!!!


Hi Crazygamar:

This am very happy to say that ths AM, I tried the Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser and "no itching, burning or redness occurred". WOW!!!! So that is a cleanser that will work in the AM. My daughter happened to have a bottle in her cabinet, so I tried it!!

I still need something for the PM that removes makeup and sunscreen, that is going to be tough. I like to wear sunscreen (or I did until my skin had this reaction) to protect my face.

I haven't got as far as wearing moisturizer, makeup or sunscreen yet, but I am happy to find this AM cleanser.

I will have to check about the CeraVe Cleanser and see it it approriately removes sunscreen and makeup for the PM. The CeraVe Moisturizer is pretty creamy, will it break me out?? Also it would have to be a PM moisturizer because there is no sunscreen in it.

You are very correct, I need to work on repairing my skin. I have always had easily irritated skin.

Thank you so much for helping me find an AM cleanser


Thank you both!!! One step towards progress has been made

[kc01cxt]

Have you tried Aveeno??

[rcangel8082]

I would try the Cetaphil at night (I think it removes makeup) since it worked so well for you this morning. Do a test run by applying some eye makeup and see if the cleanser will wash it off.

[dreamweaver66]

I would try the Cetaphil at night (I think it removes makeup) since it worked so well for you this morning. Do a test run by applying some eye makeup and see if the cleanser will wash it off.

Hi Rcangel: I tried a test patch on my forehead (which is not as sensitive) this morning with sunscreen and foundation and put on a little mascara with the Gentle Cetaphil and it does not effectively remove makeup. My washcloth showed the results.

Have you tried Aveeno??

Hi Kc01cxt:

The Aveeno Calming Cleanser has feverfew in it which can irritate skin. It will also not remove makeup effectively.

I am trying now to check into their other cleansers to see if their are good for removing makeup and gentle.

Thanks for the suggestion

[ohtokyovogue]

Ive tried everything to from non expensive to expensive my 2 favs are purpose its like a gel its reallllly nice! very gentel [you can get it at the grocery store, walmart, walgreens, target...etc.] and philosphys purity [you can get this at sephora or online]

[daniel9876]

well an efective way to remove make is too either buy make up remover... however im guessing there to harsh for your skin at the moment... or you could use the baby oil method, this is simply using baby oil to remove your make up it is extremly gently as its designed for babys, removes make up real well (also makes your skin soft which is a major place for girls that suffer from acne) and is not expensive, then you would be free to use which ever clenser you found didnt irritate your skin but didnt get all your makeup off

[dreamweaver66]

Ive tried everything to from non expensive to expensive my 2 favs are purpose its like a gel its reallllly nice! very gentel [you can get it at the grocery store, walmart, walgreens, target...etc.] and philosphys purity [you can get this at sephora or online]

Hi!!

Just checked on purpose and it seems to remove makeup well, I will try this tonite and see what happens.

My daughter seems to be the hoarder of all things, so she has a lot in her cabinet, including the Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Cleanser which proved good as an AM cleanser.

Here are some others that I am checking out that remove makeup (I have not purchased yet, just researched a little):

Neutrogena One Step Gentle Cleanser (but contains fragrance) (will have to open the bottle and smell). claims say it is HTF too.

Euricen Gentle Hydrating Cleanser (but might be a little hesitatant to try because of how the redness relief made my skin burnl)

Boots Skin Brightening Deep Cleansing Gel. I think this might be my first try if I have to restort to buying).

Alpha Hydrox Foaming Face Wash OR Alpha Hydrox Nourishing Cleanser (not sure because they are both not recommended for super oily skin).

We shall see.

Hey, I want to thank everyone for trying to help I haven't gotten this much support in a long time. I have a long way to go to find out what works for me (which includes sunscreen and moisturizer).

Hey anybody want some free cleansers, I have a few!!!!

[dreamweaver66]

well an efective way to remove make is too either buy make up remover... however im guessing there to harsh for your skin at the moment... or you could use the baby oil method, this is simply using baby oil to remove your make up it is extremly gently as its designed for babys, removes make up real well (also makes your skin soft which is a major place for girls that suffer from acne) and is not expensive, then you would be free to use which ever clenser you found didnt irritate your skin but didnt get all your makeup off

Baby Oil sounds generally reasonable, but it does contain mineral oil. I know that mineral oil is non-com, but you still need to make sure that you remove it from your skin thoroughly or it will leave a film. I am not sure that the Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser has the ability to do that and I do not want to use a harsh washcloth to try to remove the oil.

Thank you Daniel I might give this a try too!!

[rcangel8082]

I really like Purpose...I use it all the time and it takes all my makeup off and doesn't irritate my eyes. I would start there.

[dreamweaver66]

I really like Purpose...I use it all the time and it takes all my makeup off and doesn't irritate my eyes. I would start there.

Getting ready to try Purpose here in a bit.....wish me luck!!!!

Oh, "Warning About the Boots I Mentioned" - Do not purchase. Sodium Chloride is listed as like the 5th ingredient in this, very prone for clogging pores!! I made the stupid mistake of purchasing today, then brought home and read ingredients for myself. I am returning all of this crap to the stores and getting my $$$ back. Too bad too, cause the Boots looked really good except for that one ingredient and a little Sodium Laureth Sulfate (which does not bother me).

[crazygamar]

Thats Awesome!!!!!!

Im glad cetaphil worked for you and you liked it. I know what its like to have skin that just doesnt want to work with you, so when you find something that finally does work it makes you feel a lot better.

As for the CeraVe, im not sure if the cleanser would remove makeup. Its just as gentle as the cetaphil so Im sorda thinking it wont. The cerave moisturizer, theres a cream and a lotion, I use the lotion. I dont think it breaks me out, really its hard to tell because I break out consistently no matter what I do, haha, but if you go to drugstore.com and read the reviews about 50%+ of the reviews said they were recommended this lotion by their dermatologist for their acne prone skin. In my opinion I dont think its pore clogging at all. Plus, that lotion has ceramides and some other ingredients that help repair the skin barrier, which I believe would be very beneficial.

Thanks for posting in my topic to It makes me feel more at ease to know im not the only one battling this. Bad skin really sucks, but I just keep telling myself if I stay gentle and treat my skin good, eventually it will be the way I want. Lets hope thats true, haha.

Good luck with everything!!!! I hope you find some more good products and your skin gets better

[dreamweaver66]

Thats Awesome!!!!!!

Im glad cetaphil worked for you and you liked it. I know what its like to have skin that just doesnt want to work with you, so when you find something that finally does work it makes you feel a lot better.

As for the CeraVe, im not sure if the cleanser would remove makeup. Its just as gentle as the cetaphil so Im sorda thinking it wont. The cerave moisturizer, theres a cream and a lotion, I use the lotion. I dont think it breaks me out, really its hard to tell because I break out consistently no matter what I do, haha, but if you go to drugstore.com and read the reviews about 50%+ of the reviews said they were recommended this lotion by their dermatologist for their acne prone skin. In my opinion I dont think its pore clogging at all. Plus, that lotion has ceramides and some other ingredients that help repair the skin barrier, which I believe would be very beneficial.

Thanks for posting in my topic to It makes me feel more at ease to know im not the only one battling this. Bad skin really sucks, but I just keep telling myself if I stay gentle and treat my skin good, eventually it will be the way I want. Lets hope thats true, haha.

Good luck with everything!!!! I hope you find some more good products and your skin gets better

Thanks Crazygamar:

I am also glad there is someone else out there like me. (But I am definately NOT GLAD we have this problem).

Well I have some bad news about the Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser (while I really admit that it is extremely gentle), I do not believe it is the ultimate AM cleanser for me. It has been leaving my skin extremely oil so I do not think it is effective enough to remove what it needs to. I have extremely oily skin.

Darn it, I am about ready to give up!!

I do not recommend these two products to anyone with sensitive skin: Clinique Mild Soap or Boots Bonitcals Deep Cleansing Foam. They both contain Sodium Chloride very close to the top of the list. Pure Table Salt, very acnegenic and irritating. Also do not use Clinique Oily Skin Soap, it has a ton of menthol in it.

I am trying to help people while trying to help myself. Although my choices are getting pretty thin.
Have a few more to try.

I truly am about really to call it quits and just use something that is actually good for sensitive/oily skin and just let my skin burn like "He__" until it gets used to it. I certainly have enough in my cabinet to handle that situation. Ex: Euricen Redness Relief and Cetaphil Normal/Oily Skin.

On another note, I certainly have learned some that are really irritating on my skin and also some common skin care ingredients that are very acnegic and irritating.

So maybe it is just back to the burning, itching, redface cleansers until my skin adapts.

Feeling very sad now

[rcangel8082]

I really like Purpose...I use it all the time and it takes all my makeup off and doesn't irritate my eyes. I would start there.

Getting ready to try Purpose here in a bit.....wish me luck!!!!

Oh, "Warning About the Boots I Mentioned" - Do not purchase. Sodium Chloride is listed as like the 5th ingredient in this, very prone for clogging pores!! I made the stupid mistake of purchasing today, then brought home and read ingredients for myself. I am returning all of this crap to the stores and getting my $$$ back. Too bad too, cause the Boots looked really good except for that one ingredient and a little Sodium Laureth Sulfate (which does not bother me).

How did it go with purpose? I use it AM and PM...but I don't think my skin is quite as sensitive as yours.