On 8/20/2016 at 2:31 AM, heykerry said:

So my acne is pretty bad and I simply cannot consider going lighter on the makeup per Dan's suggestion because sheer make up will not cover anything--- I used to use Paula's Choice clear system which includes a salicycid acid exfoliant that I applied with a cotton ball after washing my face with my hands and then using a clarisonic--- these steps were insuring that I removed all my makeup but they were not GENTLE so I know I need to stop them....

I just started the regimen and the gentle washing of my face alone is not enough for me to remove my make-up. Is there a gentle product that anyone recommends for removing make up? Also: in the evening after I wash my face my skin is flaky and dry so I did really love the step of exfoliating with the cotton ball before applying bp--- it felt like it freshened and readied my face for the bp application. Does using that step negate the whole regimen? Should I just get over it and leave the dead skin on my face and apply bp and moisturizer over it? Do you exfoliate at all?

For makeup if you wear foundation, you should definitely use some form of cleansing oil or balm to remove everything. Regular cleanser won't cut it. I wouldn't say use any regular organic oil (coconut oil, olive oil, etc) because it's a hit or miss for most people. You need to use ACTUAL cleansing oil product. DHC cleansing oil is very good; unscented; does not leave oily feeling; takes everything off. Clinique cleansing balm is also very good; unscented; no oily feeling either. Both are very gentle, usually after I use one of them, my makeup is completely off. You can choose to follow up with a different cleanser or just proceed to toner.

As for using the SA exfoliate, it won't negate the regimen. Paula's choice actually recommend it, that's why they have acne kit consisting of cleanser, salicilyic acid 2%, and benzoyl peroxide treatment.

My advice would be to skip the exfoliating step. This will just do more harm than good especially when you are just starting the regimen. Stick to the cleanse, treat and moisturize steps for now.

If you wear make-up, then use an oil to remove it. I love jojoba oil for this. I just smother the cotton pad with the oil and make sure to coat my whole face. For stubborn eye makeup let the jojoba oil sit there for a few minutes to break it all down. Once this is done, you can use your gentle cleanser.

Do not add in any extra steps for the meantime. Make sure you are clear before incorporating new elements and do this one product at a time to make sure if you break out you will know which product caused it.

On 8/19/2016 at 0:31 PM, heykerry said:

So my acne is pretty bad and I simply cannot consider going lighter on the makeup per Dan's suggestion because sheer make up will not cover anything--- I used to use Paula's Choice clear system which includes a salicycid acid exfoliant that I applied with a cotton ball after washing my face with my hands and then using a clarisonic--- these steps were insuring that I removed all my makeup but they were not GENTLE so I know I need to stop them....

I just started the regimen and the gentle washing of my face alone is not enough for me to remove my make-up. Is there a gentle product that anyone recommends for removing make up? Also: in the evening after I wash my face my skin is flaky and dry so I did really love the step of exfoliating with the cotton ball before applying bp--- it felt like it freshened and readied my face for the bp application. Does using that step negate the whole regimen? Should I just get over it and leave the dead skin on my face and apply bp and moisturizer over it? Do you exfoliate at all?

don't exfoliant I used the paula'paula's choice clear system with increasing the bp each week. My skin broke out in hives and the texture of my skin was terrible. I still can't recover though I've slowly started the treatment.