287 replies to this topic

[LionQueen]

The Diacneal would be more effective if you didn't have BP on your skin at the same time.

BP releases oxygen into your pores (this is what kills P.acnes) .... but when you use it with Diacneal, the oxygen is neutralizing some of the retinaldehyde, preventing it from being converted into retinoic acid in your skin.

Here's a quote from the article you linked to: CONCLUSION: These data show that a combination of RAL 0.1% and glycolic acid 6% may be used in association with other topical anti-acne treatments (benzoyl peroxide and topical antibiotics) with an excellent tolerance.

"used in association with" doesn't mean that you apply all the products at the same time .... it just means that you can incorporate them all into a regimen together. Whenever you combine active products in a regimen, you have to be aware of how they interact. You often have to use things in a certain order; wait a certain amount of time between products; and avoid combining certain things, such as BP and retinoids. (BP does not affect adapalene, so it is possible to have it and Differin on your face at the same time and have both products be effective.)

I would advise trying Diacneal by itself at night, and continuing with the BP in the AM. But if you are perfectly happy with your results, I suppose there's no need to change.

[Malcolm Cringe]

Thanks, LionQueen. (And wow, I can't believe THE LionQueen replied to one of my posts!)

I must have been totally misunderstanding that report. And shame on my dermatologist for saying that it was a good idea to mix those (and sulfur, he said, too). I must be getting at least some of the retinol getting through (I was pretty generous with the Diacneal) because I definitely had an initial break-out in an place that is not even in a trouble area for me. And most of the benefit I'm getting must be from the glycolic acid in the Diacneal.

I'm going to take your advice and use the BP in the morning and the Diacneal at night, starting today. That has me a bit scared, though, because the BP controlled my inflammatory break-outs quite well. But historically, I've had some pretty good skin results from a once-a-day regimen. So here goes!

One quick question, then. If I'm using the Diacneal on its own, how much should I be using? I guess I've been using one squiggly finger's worth for my whole face.

Thanks again.

Cam >B)

The Diacneal would be more effective if you didn't have BP on your skin at the same time.

BP releases oxygen into your pores (this is what kills P.acnes) .... but when you use it with Diacneal, the oxygen is neutralizing some of the retinaldehyde, preventing it from being converted into retinoic acid in your skin.

Here's a quote from the article you linked to: CONCLUSION: These data show that a combination of RAL 0.1% and glycolic acid 6% may be used in association with other topical anti-acne treatments (benzoyl peroxide and topical antibiotics) with an excellent tolerance.

"used in association with" doesn't mean that you apply all the products at the same time .... it just means that you can incorporate them all into a regimen together. Whenever you combine active products in a regimen, you have to be aware of how they interact. You often have to use things in a certain order; wait a certain amount of time between products; and avoid combining certain things, such as BP and retinoids. (BP does not affect adapalene, so it is possible to have it and Differin on your face at the same time and have both products be effective.)

I would advise trying Diacneal by itself at night, and continuing with the BP in the AM. But if you are perfectly happy with your results, I suppose there's no need to change.

[Malcolm Cringe]

I'm getting my GA from the Diacneal I'm using. You can get it at a drug store, if you're in Canada. You could get it online otherwise, I imagine.

Cam >B)

CONCLUSION: These data show that a combination of RAL 0.1% and glycolic acid 6% may be used in association with other topical anti-acne treatments (benzoyl peroxide and topical antibiotics) with an excellent tolerance.

Where can i purchase 6 percent GA?
I find 4 percent is to mild, and 10 percent is too strong

[LionQueen]

One quick question, then. If I'm using the Diacneal on its own, how much should I be using? I guess I've been using one squiggly finger's worth for my whole face.

I'm not exactly sure what that means, but it does sound like quite a lot! The directions probably say to use a "pea-sized" amount. Start with that, and if it isn't enough to cover your whole face, add another pea.

[Malcolm Cringe]

I couldn't find any directions anywhere for how much to use so I was just guessing. I guess I'll cut back a bit then, eh?

Cam >B)

One quick question, then. If I'm using the Diacneal on its own, how much should I be using? I guess I've been using one squiggly finger's worth for my whole face.

I'm not exactly sure what that means, but it does sound like quite a lot! The directions probably say to use a "pea-sized" amount. Start with that, and if it isn't enough to cover your whole face, add another pea.

[LionQueen]

Yeah, basically you want to be able to cover your whole face thinly.

[tikvica]

no,there are no directions with diacneal as how much to use
i use a lot, since the beginning, and haven't found that it makes my skin red or sensitive.
i use probably a full "squiggly" finger for my whole face and neck sides
i'll make a photo of how much i use tomorrow, if it's of any help to you

[Malcolm Cringe]

Oh thanks. I don't think you need to go to all that trouble. I imagine that the squiggly line is pretty similar to the one that Dan illustrates for the DKR with Neutrogena On the Spot.

Cam >B)

no,there are no directions with diacneal as how much to use
i use a lot, since the beginning, and haven't found that it makes my skin red or sensitive.
i use probably a full "squiggly" finger for my whole face and neck sides
i'll make a photo of how much i use tomorrow, if it's of any help to you

[tikvica]

well, actually it's not that squiggly
a bit less than that, then

[Malcolm Cringe]

OK so last night was my first night of using Diacneal without BP. When I dispensed the whole squiggly finger onto my hand and rubbed it in, I felt like I didn't have enough. But when I put the rest on in parts, dotting it on the areas of my face then rubbing it in, it worked much better. Using it full strength didn't yield any adverse reactions. But I did need to put on some moisturizer afterward to make my face feel normal.

This morning, I put on the full amount of BP, one thick finger, to make sure that all the p. acnes nasties were getting smothered and murdered like they should be.

Cam >B)

[Malcolm Cringe]

I'm noticing that I'm getting more small, shaving-related spots recently. I also noticed that I shave at night and put the Diacneal on top of freshly shaved skin. I'm not sure why my skin is reacting like it is, but I think I'll start shaving in the morning and putting BP on top of that freshly shaved skin.

Or maybe I'll stop shaving altogether and move to the Ozarks.

Cam >B)

[tikvica]

or maybe think about trimming before you decide to change your habitat?

[Malcolm Cringe]

Thanks for the suggestion. I already trim. The shaving-related spots I'm getting are just at the edge of my beard where I have to shave, or I end up looking like a mountain man.

Cam >B)

or maybe think about trimming before you decide to change your habitat?

[Malcolm Cringe]

Since I've been using the Diacneal on its own, I've noticed that I need to use quite a bit of it (more than I've been previously recommended) just to get it to cover my face. It just dries out too quickly and doesn't spread easily enough. So tonight, I mixed a few drops of jojoba in with it, and the recommended amount went on like a dream. Does anyone see any problems with that? I can't see jojoba badly interacting with the Diacneal or preventing it from absorbing. I've been using jojoba before my BP for months.

A plus is that I don't need to apply any moisturizer after the Diacneal. My skin feels "normal" without it when I use the jojoba.

Anyone? Bueller?

Cam >B)

[tikvica]

is your skin overdried? that may be the reason why it's absorbing like crazy.
btw, how much diacneal do you use after all? i've never had problems with my amount, even when my skin is at its driest
oh, and i also do part by part of my face, i think it helps with the amount

[LionQueen]

oh, and i also do part by part of my face, i think it helps with the amount

That's a good idea.

By mixing Diacneal with jojoba, you are buffering the effects of the Diacneal on your skin. This is fine if you are trying to prevent irritation, but not a good idea if you want to use the product to full effect.

[Malcolm Cringe]

My skin isn't dry at all so I don't think that it's absorbing right away. I just find the consistency of the Diacneal not very conducive to spreading well.

I do it part by part on my face as well, using a little pea-sized amount each on my forehead, cheeks, nose, jaw, and chin. But even still, it dries out before I can spread it around to each full area. My face isn't even the least bit irritated by that amount (five pea-sized drops), but I really have to pull on my skin to spread it around. If I add even just a drop of jojoba, I spread it very easily over my whole face and even my neck.

I don't want to lose any effect of the Diacneal, but I don't want to pull at my face, either. I think I'll compromise a little buffering for a lot of pulling. Alternatively, is there something I could mix the Diacneal with to make it easier to spread?

Thanks for the input!

Cam >B)

oh, and i also do part by part of my face, i think it helps with the amount

That's a good idea.

By mixing Diacneal with jojoba, you are buffering the effects of the Diacneal on your skin. This is fine if you are trying to prevent irritation, but not a good idea if you want to use the product to full effect.

[LionQueen]

Does it work if you add a drop of water instead of a drop of oil?

[Malcolm Cringe]

That's genius! I'll try that.

Thanks!

Cam >B)

Does it work if you add a drop of water instead of a drop of oil?

[Malcolm Cringe]

Adding a drop of water to the Diacneal to help it spread worked like a dream. Thanks, LionQueen.

And so far, I haven't had any unusual spots from using BP only once a day. I'm crossing my fingers.

Cam >B)