So it's week 14 and I expected things would be different, like that I wouldn't still be adjusting to the bp & that my skin wouldn't be an absolute messy/flaky horrible thing rn or that I would still be getting break outs, although I am barely on month 1 of my new birth control so I'm not too worried about the break outs just cause I know of the initial break out. Anyways my main concern is just how red & dry my skin are. Omg i have never had my skin this dry & this is not my first time using bp, like I used to use 5% prescribed, no moisturizer afterwards either. I've tried the AHA and yes it's gotten rid of some flakiness but there's a red scab that's close to my eye area that has only gotten more dry and scabby & I feel like I'm experiencing that around more areas of my face. It's week 3 on that, maybe 4. I'm only using it 2-3 times a week & literally a pea size that I mix into my moisturizer at night. I've started using Argan oil during the day & it's brought some relief. Alright, so maybe 3 months ago my skin was definitely looking way worse but this horrible dryness, I can't with it anymore. So my reason for this long rant, has anyone else experienced this? I know to give it time blah blah blah, but honestly I'm ready to switch to Paula's choice line because I've read their bp is much more gentle, unfortunately they're out of that line right now so I'll stick it out for a little bit longer. For now, has anyone had success with Paula's choice before? Probably need a quick background on my skin lol, just your typical "have had acne since a very young age, have tried just about everything besides accurate, am currently 22, oh and I hate my acne" I'm just so frustrated right now & need some reassurance ):
Hello!
Can I ask what moisturizer you are using? Sometimes I find(depending on the season) the Acne.org moisturizer isn't enough to fully hydrate my skin. I use two different moisturizers just to make sure my skin gets really really really moisturized at night. I just don't use it during the day cause its too heavy.
Also a tip before applying BP, use some moisturizer around your eyes. This way you give your eye area some good space so BP doesn't get anywhere near it.
@nicmic62I was using FAB ultra repair face moisturizer but they're out of it at the moment, so I'm using FAB oil free face moisturizer for sensitive skin. I stopped using the drk moisturizer cus it was leaving this really weird tint in my skin and I didn't think it was moisturizing enough either. But I will definitely look into doing that little trick under my eye cus yah, the bp is very drying
I haven't tried any FAB moisturizer but Cerave has been a really good daily moisturizer for me. And then Cetaphil moisturizer is what I use at night. It is extremely thick but it leaves me which much softer skin when I wake up. Apply the Cetaphil 30 mins before you go to bed cause it takes a while really absorb. Again, these are something that works for me, test out other moisturizer (and check their ingredients) to see what really works to help your skin out.
@nicmic62
I've tried cerave & it made me break out ): I use cetaphil with spf in the morning but I tried using the cetaphil lotion at night and it clogged my pores. Also the glycerin burned my face. So complicated ): lol
The under eye trick is EVERYTHING. If i don't do that my eyes are a horrible swollen mess. I've been on the regimen for 9 months and around the time you are out right now i was feeling the same way, hadn't over come the dry skin or redness. I'm worried your moisturizers are moisturizing enough. Just because they're thick doesn't always mean they're hydrating and able to penetrate the skin effectively. I have the FAB moisturizer and at least for me personally it didn't hydrate enough, what solved my issue was the acne.org moisturizer 2-3 pumps (as much as you need don't feel limited) and jojoba oil. You may look ridiculous in the evening with all that on your face but think of it as a mask and it will soak in. Good luck! I wanted to quit but stuck it out and it ended up working sorry you're experiencing this though
21 hours ago, jennymai said:@nicmic62
I've tried cerave & it made me break out ): I use cetaphil with spf in the morning but I tried using the cetaphil lotion at night and it clogged my pores. Also the glycerin burned my face. So complicated ): lol
Try something by lush. Maybe Magical Moringa. It's good!
@oyinkan98@487378_1443953433I just bought the belif Aqua bomb & put it on last night. Omgg that stuff is amazing, so hydrating! A lil pricey but worth. I really didn't like the cetaphil one, it was too thick, that clogged my pores so bad. I like fab but maybe just for the morning
2 hours ago, jennymai said:@oyinkan98@487378_1443953433I just bought the belif Aqua bomb & put it on last night. Omgg that stuff is amazing, so hydrating! A lil pricey but worth. I really didn't like the cetaphil one, it was too thick, that clogged my pores so bad. I like fab but maybe just for the morning
Yup. Anything by lush. Moisturizer, cleanser or face mask is my go to.
On 3/4/2016 at 10:51 AM, nicmic62 said:I haven't tried any FAB moisturizer but Cerave has been a really good daily moisturizer for me. And then Cetaphil moisturizer is what I use at night. It is extremely thick but it leaves me which much softer skin when I wake up. Apply the Cetaphil 30 mins before you go to bed cause it takes a while really absorb. Again, these are something that works for me, test out other moisturizer (and check their ingredients) to see what really works to help your skin out.
I prefer cetaphil oil control spf 30 during the day because it provides great protection from the sun, and mixes well with benzol peroxide. Yes its a little thick, but thats what you need to protect yourself from the sun. The "sticky" look is usually gone after 15 minutes.
Im using AHA at night, and just ordered some jojoba oil for the first time.
I feel u so much girl!! the bp killed my skin when i was using a pea sized amount of it in the morning every day or every other day, and the burning/dryness/pain NEVER let up throughout the three weeks I used it. I can't believe u lasted 14 weeks I heard some really good things about paula's choice bp treatment, so u could always try ordering a sample (which is like 6 bucks and free shipping) to test it. I actually just made a switch to tea tree oil, which worked fantastic for me but it's only been a couple weeks so I'm hesitant to recommend it when I don't know how it'll work out long term. I have pics and instructions on how to use it here in the second post of this topic http://www.acne.org/messageboard/topic/356710-the-experiment-weaning-off-spironolactone
sorry im too lazy to just retype it lol. good luck and remember bp doesn't work for everyone. don't force yourself to use it if it's making ur skin horrible!
@driftingI actually got so fed up last night that I ordered Paula's choice bp lol. I wanna try the clear system but they're sold out rn & I don't wanna jump to the whole thing when my skin is so dry. So I'll just try the bp & add bha later. I'm not too sure if I want to try tea tree oil just cus I kno that it works for sum but it doesn't work for many others. But I really hope it works for u because nothing feels better than finding that holy grail product!
@Chloe123yas I've actually been using Josie maran Argan oil & I love it. I use in the morning & does not leave my skin looking shiny, just more dewy & bright. I want to look into serums too but I'm going to wait til my skin calms down from the adjustment period on this new bc