410 replies to this topic

[onefatalgoose]

I wanna try this as i heard you tell several people that you don't need moisturizer with this. Also, can i use epsom salt in lue of salt? The sea salt i have is white (i think you said that means it is processed - where can i get the correct salt if epsom salt is not going to work).

Hi Sasch12,
What brand of sea salt are you currently using? I purchase mine at a whole foods store, but you can also order a bag/container of it online if you don't have a health store near you. I use Celtic light grey sea salt. There are some sea salts that are naturally white that i believe are ok. For example, La Baleine seems like a very good pure white salt

And i believe you can use epsom salts in place of the sea salt, yes, as they are rich in magnesium which has shown to improve skin barrier function.

It's normal to feel tightness with this for the first week or two, especially after coming off of other topicals. You shouldn't ever experience any flakiness or irritation tho. Have you thought about experimenting with your own homemade cleanser before? I'm curious as to the ingredients in the organic cleanser you're using. There are many natural products that can still disrupt the acid mantle enough to cause excessive tightness.

Again, i don't even wash my face. I let water run over it and that's it. And lately i've been experimenting with sea salt baths, and just pouring the water over my face repeatedly. I've been free of acne for almost a couple years now, and using the toner and taking sea salt baths hasn't caused any negative reaction for me. In fact quite the opposite.

Basically, you're going to have to give your skin some time to adjust. Back when i was using OCM all the time, and suddenly stopped, my face had to adjust and it took a good couple weeks

[Sasch83]

I wanna try this as i heard you tell several people that you don't need moisturizer with this. Also, can i use epsom salt in lue of salt? The sea salt i have is white (i think you said that means it is processed - where can i get the correct salt if epsom salt is not going to work).

Hi Sasch12,
What brand of sea salt are you currently using? I purchase mine at a whole foods store, but you can also order a bag/container of it online if you don't have a health store near you. I use Celtic light grey sea salt. There are some sea salts that are naturally white that i believe are ok. For example, La Baleine seems like a very good pure white salt

And i believe you can use epsom salts in place of the sea salt, yes, as they are rich in magnesium which has shown to improve skin barrier function.

It's normal to feel tightness with this for the first week or two, especially after coming off of other topicals. You shouldn't ever experience any flakiness or irritation tho. Have you thought about experimenting with your own homemade cleanser before? I'm curious as to the ingredients in the organic cleanser you're using. There are many natural products that can still disrupt the acid mantle enough to cause excessive tightness.

Again, i don't even wash my face. I let water run over it and that's it. And lately i've been experimenting with sea salt baths, and just pouring the water over my face repeatedly. I've been free of acne for almost a couple years now, and using the toner and taking sea salt baths hasn't caused any negative reaction for me. In fact quite the opposite.

Basically, you're going to have to give your skin some time to adjust. Back when i was using OCM all the time, and suddenly stopped, my face had to adjust and it took a good couple weeks

Thanks OFG. I put epsom salt in lue of salt as i did not have any. There is no flakiness but definitely a noticeable tightness- doesn't last too long. So i take it i should try a week without moisturizer to see how my face adjusts.

I am battling acne both inflamed and non inflamed and an especially nasty cyst (i think) or a really inflamed pimple that is very red but has a teeny tiny white head. I have put an epsom salt paste on it hoping it comes to a head tomorrow - it really is painful and inflamed. I will not pop it as i don't want a mega infection on my hands. Any suggestions you have, i will greatly accept. Providing no severe flare ups, i will use this toner day and night w/omoisturizer and at night an epsom salt paste for 10 mins all over before i use the toner.

I haven't gotten to the point where i can just ditch my cleaner esp since i sweat a lot but i may try it once my acne calms down and this damn cyst is done and over with.

Wish me luck! I wanna be a success story so bad!

I am addressing diet but it doesn't seem to make a difference (see my sig). Feel free to make additional suggestions.

[gingergirl22]

OFG - my face feels dry after i used this toner- i don't want to use my moisturizer but i know dry skin is bad for acne. Will the dryness go away on its own. I know u suggested homemade moisturizers but aloe vera and many oils break me out.

If you mean that your face feels tight after 5-10 minutes when you added it to you face then that's normal. However if it feels dry the whole day then there is something wrong.

OFG - my face feels dry after i used this toner- i don't want to use my moisturizer but i know dry skin is bad for acne. Will the dryness go away on its own. I know u suggested homemade moisturizers but aloe vera and many oils break me out.

If you mean that your face feels tight after 5-10 minutes when you added it to you face then that's normal. However if it feels dry the whole day then there is something wrong.

Well remember that for months my skin was on strong retinoids (since NOV 11). It's not unbearable tight, just feels dry.....not sure what to do - i followed the recipe exactly as posted.

The addition of a little Apple Cider Vinegar can bring the pH down a little and may provide some relief from that tight feeling. I can only handle a small amount of ACV, so I only add 4 drops to a 1/2 cup batch (I make small batches). CelloisLove mentions the use of ACV in her toner in message #123 in this thread. Just rinsing my face with plain water makes my face feel tight and the addition of green tea hasn't made it any tighter.

[Sasch83]

OFG - my face feels dry after i used this toner- i don't want to use my moisturizer but i know dry skin is bad for acne. Will the dryness go away on its own. I know u suggested homemade moisturizers but aloe vera and many oils break me out.

If you mean that your face feels tight after 5-10 minutes when you added it to you face then that's normal. However if it feels dry the whole day then there is something wrong.

OFG - my face feels dry after i used this toner- i don't want to use my moisturizer but i know dry skin is bad for acne. Will the dryness go away on its own. I know u suggested homemade moisturizers but aloe vera and many oils break me out.

If you mean that your face feels tight after 5-10 minutes when you added it to you face then that's normal. However if it feels dry the whole day then there is something wrong.

Well remember that for months my skin was on strong retinoids (since NOV 11). It's not unbearable tight, just feels dry.....not sure what to do - i followed the recipe exactly as posted.

The addition of a little Apple Cider Vinegar can bring the pH down a little and may provide some relief from that tight feeling. I can only handle a small amount of ACV, so I only add 4 drops to a 1/2 cup batch (I make small batches). CelloisLove mentions the use of ACV in her toner in message #123 in this thread. Just rinsing my face with plain water makes my face feel tight and the addition of green tea hasn't made it any tighter.

I was using ACV as a toner and while it appeared to work for a while, even diluted it seemed to only add to irritation on my skin. Thanks for the suggestion. I'm gonna try this toner as is and see what happens

[gingergirl22]

The addition of a little Apple Cider Vinegar can bring the pH down a little and may provide some relief from that tight feeling. I can only handle a small amount of ACV, so I only add 4 drops to a 1/2 cup batch (I make small batches). CelloisLove mentions the use of ACV in her toner in message #123 in this thread. Just rinsing my face with plain water makes my face feel tight and the addition of green tea hasn't made it any tighter.

I was using ACV as a toner and while it appeared to work for a while, even diluted it seemed to only add to irritation on my skin. Thanks for the suggestion. I'm gonna try this toner as is and see what happens


Some people have reported irritation with the sea salt either because they added too much salt to the recipe or that they were just sensitive to it for whatever reason. If you want to utilize the benefits of the sea salt, you could consider washing with the green tea/salt solution and rinsing, then using a green tea only toner.

Edited by gingergirl22, 09 August 2012 - 04:24 PM.

[Lilly75]

Just made another batch of this toner. I had been planning to make it with white tea to avoid the green tinge but it was cheaper for me to buy the green tea again. I'm fine with this though as the green tinge isn't really noticeable and doesn't bother me anymore. Also decided to add some ACV this time to see what it does for my skin. I'll switch back to the original recipe if it (the ACV) doesn't work out because I think the original recipe was starting to help with my acne

[Clearwaters]

What are you guys/gals using to exfoliate with while using this, if anything? Think I might give this a try minus the salt - I don't think my skin would receive that very well.

Does it leave a temporary tan/caramel colour 'stain' on your face? I brew my tea really strong even for drinking purposes and it has a very rich hue to it..or is this just an overnight thing?

Also, is one of the motivations behind using this tied in with acid mantle preservation? If so, I would imagine the solution would have to be dabbed/patted/spritzed on for this method to be in keeping with acid mantle preservation, as opposed to rubbed on and around with a pad...that could disrupt it..or is there something else devised to get around this? And has the ph of green tea been checked for this purpose?

I'm just super cautious before trying new things with my skin as it's so reactive, hence all the questions. They're not criticisms, I think this sounds awesome! But I need everything had been checked first before green-lighting this for myself.

Thanks!

Any takers?

[Sasch83]

I used this twice yesterday and woke up this morning with several inflamed pimples (a few under the skin ones too). No blaming this though because it could also be the epsom salt mask that i've been doing daily - maybe its irritating my skin. I have stopped the Epsom Salt. Should i continue with this? Maybe it'll help with the inflammation? OFG or anyone else, what do you think. Also, i have a cyst or really humungous pimple on my jaw. I am trying to get it to pop naturally as it is red/purplish and its making the surrounding skin painful - is it ok to do hot compresses - it seems to make the whitehead get bigger. Wil that be enough to make it drain on it's own? So discouraged right now

[onefatalgoose]

I used this twice yesterday and woke up this morning with several inflamed pimples (a few under the skin ones too). No blaming this though because it could also be the epsom salt mask that i've been doing daily - maybe its irritating my skin. I have stopped the Epsom Salt. Should i continue with this? Maybe it'll help with the inflammation? OFG or anyone else, what do you think. Also, i have a cyst or really humungous pimple on my jaw. I am trying to get it to pop naturally as it is red/purplish and its making the surrounding skin painful - is it ok to do hot compresses - it seems to make the whitehead get bigger. Wil that be enough to make it drain on it's own? So discouraged right now

When trying any new product, it's very easy to get discouraged when things pop up the next day. I think it's important to remember that unless you're having an allergic reaction, pimples take a good deal of time to form. Anywhere from a week to two weeks, and sometimes even longer for larger cysts. I'm pretty confident that this is simply bringing those pimples to the surface.

I hate the term 'purging' because it's been so abused by skin care industries. Like Murad, for example. They tell you when you're skin is having a horrible reaction to the product that you are just purging. In reality, the product is way to harsh for the skin and is causing you to breakout.

I don't feel like this is the same kind of purging as advertised by Murad and a host of others. I'd suggest not making any decision to discontinue use until you give it a couple weeks. This way you know for sure what's happening

Also Sasch (and everyone else) have you ever heard of Chia seeds? They are loaded with omega 3's and are virtually tasteless.

These would be a great anti-inflamatory food for anyone to be consuming, and the easiest way to do so is in smoothies. Just add a couple tablespoons to your smoothie and you're good to go.

I use Navitas brand from whole foods. They are sprouted, which is great because it makes it more absorbable by your body. They are also ground up finely. I'll post a picture, but I took this when i was using a mix of seeds, so it's not just Chia.

Edited by onefatalgoose, 10 August 2012 - 11:49 AM.

[Sasch83]

I used this twice yesterday and woke up this morning with several inflamed pimples (a few under the skin ones too). No blaming this though because it could also be the epsom salt mask that i've been doing daily - maybe its irritating my skin. I have stopped the Epsom Salt. Should i continue with this? Maybe it'll help with the inflammation? OFG or anyone else, what do you think. Also, i have a cyst or really humungous pimple on my jaw. I am trying to get it to pop naturally as it is red/purplish and its making the surrounding skin painful - is it ok to do hot compresses - it seems to make the whitehead get bigger. Wil that be enough to make it drain on it's own? So discouraged right now

When trying any new product, it's very easy to get discouraged when things pop up the next day. I think it's important to remember that unless you're having an allergic reaction, pimples take a good deal of time to form. Anywhere from a week to two weeks, and sometimes even longer for larger cysts. I'm pretty confident that this is simply bringing those pimples to the surface.

I hate the term 'purging' because it's been so abused by skin care industries. Like Murad, for example. They tell you when you're skin is having a horrible reaction to the product that you are just purging. In reality, the product is way to harsh for the skin and is causing you to breakout.

I don't feel like this is the same kind of purging as advertised by Murad and a host of others. I'd suggest not making any decision to discontinue use until you give it a couple weeks. This way you know for sure what's happening

Also Sasch (and everyone else) have you ever heard of Chia seeds? They are loaded with omega 3's and are virtually tasteless.

These would be a great anti-inflamatory food for anyone to be consuming, and the easiest way to do so is in smoothies. Just add a couple tablespoons to your smoothie and you're good to go.

I use Navitas brand from whole foods. They are sprouted, which is great because it makes it more absorbable by your body. They are also ground up finely. I'll post a picture, but I took this when i was using a mix of seeds, so it's not just Chia.

I get what you're saying but the level of acne that has arrived is disturbing. This also dried out my skin (since i am not using moisturizer). I have started using your toner so in your opinion, should i continue? Are there any adverse effects (i followed your recipe but added epsom salt instead of celtic salt). Hoping this calms down the inflammation and helps clear up these underground and micro pimples. Now in terms of the cyst, what can do i - the white head has disappeared after i did the hot compress but it is still inflamed - did i just make it worse or should i continue?

[gingergirl22]

Sasch12 - How about only trying this on a small patch instead of all over your face? Also, many of us are using this toner all by itself without cleansers, so it could be that other aspects of your regimen may be interacting with the green tea. Also, at what step of your regimen are you using the green tea? It would make sense to add some green tea to your ACV mixture.

I had a stubborn blemish this week (not sure if it is a cyst) and by applying the green tea solution to it constantly during the day has helped it subside.

Also, what was your goal with the Epsom Salt masks?

What are you guys/gals using to exfoliate with while using this, if anything? Think I might give this a try minus the salt - I don't think my skin would receive that very well.

Does it leave a temporary tan/caramel colour 'stain' on your face? I brew my tea really strong even for drinking purposes and it has a very rich hue to it..or is this just an overnight thing?

Also, is one of the motivations behind using this tied in with acid mantle preservation? If so, I would imagine the solution would have to be dabbed/patted/spritzed on for this method to be in keeping with acid mantle preservation, as opposed to rubbed on and around with a pad...that could disrupt it..or is there something else devised to get around this? And has the ph of green tea been checked for this purpose?

I'm just super cautious before trying new things with my skin as it's so reactive, hence all the questions. They're not criticisms, I think this sounds awesome! But I need everything had been checked first before green-lighting this for myself.

Thanks!

Any takers?

I just dab it on or press my Bamboo towl against my skin. I don't rub.
I use a combination of loose organic white and green tea and it is a light brownish color. I really don't notice a hue after I apply it.
I checked the pH of distilled water (6.0), then again after I added the tea and salt and it was unchanged. This is why I add a few drops of ACV to bring down the pH a little. Lemon will work too. It doesn't take much - just a drop per 1/4 cup to bring the pH down from 6.0 to 5.5.

[Sasch83]

GingerGirl, my goal was to draw out the impurities in my skin (i have a lot of underground pimples) and have them start to heal.....backfired on me as i got cysts so...... I cleanse with an organic cleanser, tone and i'm trying this no moisturizer thing to see if my skin adjusts. I am having such a hard time finding a moisturizer that doesn't break me out - i am very sensitive and i wanted to try something natural but oils and me don't agree and aloe gave me a skin reaction.

I already used it all over and except for the tightness i don't think i'm allergic or anything. I just think maybe the epsom salt was too irritating/drying (ala cyst). And the fact that i am off my topicals....i think my skin is just freaking out....it doesn't diminish the fact that i feel so unattractive and that the cyst is lumpy and is extremely red. I don't know what to do anymore with my acne.

I tried diet

supplements

accutane

retinoids

doing nothing

using spa stuff


And i'm still suffering. i break out everyday too....its out of control and i feel like there will never be an end in sight.....sigh. At this point though, my main priority is getting rid of the cyst and redness (i would take my run of the mill pimples of this anyday)


How long before you saw results with this and what was your acne like?

I just want to find a routine that i can stick to and let the supplements do its thing

[gingergirl22]

sasch12,
I use Epsom Salts topically as a stress reliever/relaxant (magnesium oil alternative), but not on my face. I know some on this site have claimed they cured their acne using Epsom Salts...

I no longer have to wash my face since I started using the green tea toner. I saw immediate results in the health of my skin using the green tea. I am at the point where I wouldn't dream of not using it twice a day. For me, it's essential. I only have occassional active acne but have large pores, some scarring, and some clogged pores. Recently I started using a 1% salicylic acid toner and a yogurt mask a few times a week to address these issues.
Earlier in this thread I posted links to studies that showed how topical use of a 2% green tea lotion is as effective as Benzoyl Peroxide, that it helps protect against sun damage, and helps skin cells regenerate.

Why not try green tea on just a section of your face and see how it responds?

Unfortunately, I'm not sure it is possible to find a routine that we can stick with, as it seems like everyone has the problem of their skin adapting to a routine so we end up having to switch it around a bit, and sometimes a lot. It's frustrating.

Edited by gingergirl22, 11 August 2012 - 01:31 PM.

[gingergirl22]

So I've been using this for just over a month now and it's completely cured my acne. Before this I was using the regimine for 4 months and a chemical cleanser + mosturizer for about 6 months before that. I was getting on average about 6 pimples a week that would each last a few days. When I started doing the regimine pimples became less common after a while but it made the red marks so much worse and it made my skin super red, flakey, scaley textured, it would often leave a residue on my face and it was really time consuming compared to this.

I've only had a couple small pimples since starting this and they were all on my upper lip or chin after not shaving for a while, plus they disapeared really quickly. Red marks have been gradually fading and I've been adding 1/8 tsp of lemon juice to the original recipe now for about a week and it's making them fade even quicker. I've only used loose tea and since I hear the teabags can negativley effect the PH you probably should too. I apply it with cotton balls, I dip one in so it's soaked and then use one for each side of my face, one for my forehead and one for my chin and nose.

The only side effect is I'm getting a few blackheads which I never used to get, which is probably just because I stopped using a chemical cleanser. You can only see them up close though and I haven't tried anything to get rid of them yet, they'll probably be super easy to get rid of. Also since I have super pale skin it leaves a greenish residue (which looks kind of like a tan) which is a problem when I use it in the mornings but I'm going to switch to white tea the next time I run out.

More people need to try this rather than going for all the extreme methods like BP and accutane the second they get acne. It worked brilliantly for me and it seems like it's worked for everyone else in this thread who followed the instructions properly. I'd love to get updates from everyone who posted earlier in this thread about their good results.

And guess what? I've made zero changes to my diet, in fact as I type this I'm eating a massive double cheeseburger. I do keep a paper towel with me though to make sure not of the oil from it goes on my face.

My diet basically consists of:

Oats
Juice
Frozen burgers on a white bun, sometimes with cheese
Frozen salmon
Scrambled eggs in sesame oil
White rice
Peanuts (though I stopped eating these recently)
Corn & potato chips
Random frozen junk food
Avocado

I'm also eating calorie surpluses since I'm trying to bulk up. So if anything my diet has gotten worse as far as the ideal acne diet goes. Not saying diet doesn't matter, it's obviously huge for some people, just that changing your diet might not even be nessecary with this toner. I do take a cheap multivitamin which I already did before and just a few days ago I started supplementing more vitamin D so I can get up to 4000 IU per day. I also do intense sprint exercises for about 15 minutes every morning before I shower which I remember reading is good for acne.

I'm probably gonna stop using this forum now which is why I made sure to post every single detail here. I'll still check in on this thread to see if other people have the same success as me though. I think I'll still try to change my diet so I can get perfect skin but I'm not in a rush to do that unless I stop making progress. Onefatalgoose is truly a legend, you've really changed my life for the better by sharing this. Cheers.

In case you're still around...
It's so great to hear how successful this toner has been for you! What kind of tea did you use and how many times a day did you apply the toner?

[Clearwaters]

Thanks gingergirl. I think I'm going to make this with white tea instead. Perhaps add rooibos even. And I found a small spray bottle that I'll use for application.

[Sasch83]

sasch12,
I use Epsom Salts topically as a stress reliever/relaxant (magnesium oil alternative), but not on my face. I know some on this site have claimed they cured their acne using Epsom Salts...

I no longer have to wash my face since I started using the green tea toner. I saw immediate results in the health of my skin using the green tea. I am at the point where I wouldn't dream of not using it twice a day. For me, it's essential. I only have occassional active acne but have large pores, some scarring, and some clogged pores. Recently I started using a 1% salicylic acid toner and a yogurt mask a few times a week to address these issues.
Earlier in this thread I posted links to studies that showed how topical use of a 2% green tea lotion is as effective as Benzoyl Peroxide, that it helps protect against sun damage, and helps skin cells regenerate.

Why not try green tea on just a section of your face and see how it responds?

Unfortunately, I'm not sure it is possible to find a routine that we can stick with, as it seems like everyone has the problem of their skin adapting to a routine so we end up having to switch it around a bit, and sometimes a lot. It's frustrating.

So true.....i have been using this a few days and completely stopped the epsom salt masks and those little red bumps on my jaw line are going away (so maybe it WAS irritation). I am experimenting with washing with water only in am and my cleanser in pm. The issue with this toner is my face feels dry afterwords - not painfully so but it is dry. OFG recommended waiting a week to see how my skin adapts. I think moisturizers are making my acne worse and the more natural ones (jojoba, aloe) also make my acne worse. what's a girl to do. BTW, i am still breaking out and i don't expect this to stop it but at least it has simplified my routine.

[johnathon]

this is making me break out i dont know why. im using berts bees all natural cleanser followed by this using my hands every morning and before i go to bed. i noticed i was breaking out so i added a sea salt and apple cider vinegar mask for 10 min to help but its about the same. what do i do? ive been drinking green tea citrus by lipton and i dont drink dairy or anything except at school which is low fat chocolate milk and disgusting.

[ManFeelings]

You're applying this toner with your hands? I say don't. I haven't touched my face since I started using this which might partly be why it worked so well. Plus make sure it doesn't all just drip off your face.

How long have you been using this and what were you using before?

This might have something to do with the PH level since gingergirl posted earlier about it being kind of high and that was with loose tea and apparently the bleached teabags can make it go even higher. So definitely use loose tea, take it out of the teabags first and then add about 1/8 tsp of lemon juice.

[johnathon]

i used x out before this. ive been using this for 2 weeks or so and was told to use my hands instead of cotton balls. i add acv to bring down the ph. i think it was 1/4 a teaspoon or something. i just use the regular green tea bags. 16 and let them boil.

[Lilly75]

i used x out before this. ive been using this for 2 weeks or so and was told to use my hands instead of cotton balls. i add acv to bring down the ph. i think it was 1/4 a teaspoon or something. i just use the regular green tea bags. 16 and let them boil.

It's a quarter teaspoon of sea salt and if you want to add ACV then it's a few drops. Have you tried just the green tea and sea salt? How did that go? Maybe even the small amount of ACV is too much for your skin

Also - have you ever used that burts bees cleanser before and if so, did you have any reaction/break outs then? Because if you've just started that cleanser at the same time as starting this toner it'll be hard to tell which one is 'causing' the breakout.

I don't know anything about the burts bees cleansers but maybe you should check the ingredients in it - often things marketed as 'natural' etc still have chemicals or preservatives that may not be the best for our skin.

If you've stopped consuming dairy apart from at school, you way as well give it up there too right? just in case that's enough to bring on any break out

And I think it would be fine to use your hands to apply the toner, provided they are clean and you are being gentle when you apply it to your face.

Hope it works out for you