Hello, everybody.

I read most of the posts here and some didnt use any acne cream in their regimens.

But, Delna and some others insisted that we should use acne cream (such as neutrogena on spot 2.5%).

I would like to know how to determine whether I should use an acne cream or not?

May I know most of you use acne cream or not in your daily regimen?

Hope to hear you all, please, any suggestion or recommendation is welcome.

I used to use dans BP but it made my skin so dry and irritated. Now i only use ACV and i wash it off in morning but leave it on at night. I also use a moisturizer in the morning with SPF. i want to try the baking soda mask but im afraid because my skin is really sensitive. so im going to wait till i have a few days of not really doing anything that way if its bad i can stop and let me skin calm back down.

You should use a acne cream maybe if you have really bad acne. For me, my skin is just red and irritated looking. might depend on the person but you could try it a few different ways and see what works for you.

hope that helps

I used to use dans BP but it made my skin so dry and irritated. Now i only use ACV and i wash it off in morning but leave it on at night. I also use a moisturizer in the morning with SPF. i want to try the baking soda mask but im afraid because my skin is really sensitive. so im going to wait till i have a few days of not really doing anything that way if its bad i can stop and let me skin calm back down.

You should use a acne cream maybe if you have really bad acne. For me, my skin is just red and irritated looking. might depend on the person but you could try it a few different ways and see what works for you.

hope that helps

 

All_business, thanks you very much for your reply. Thanks a lot! For your information, I didnt have a bad acne,

I have 2 or 3 pimples on my face at a time but have many shallow red scars. That's why I dont know should I use

acne cream or not. I worried acne cream will cause break out.

Some says that I must use acne cream for this regimen but i read that some skip this step.

All_Business, do you mean that if I didnt have bad acne, I dont need to use acne cream? Please give your opinions,

please.

Thank you

Delna, I am going to try this! In fact, I'm going to bike to the supermarket today and buy what you recommended. I'm really hoping this works, but if not, it's not like it would be the first thing that didn't. Still, it sounds so promising!

I'll be sure to give an update!

I've been using this method for 3 days. It improves my skin, but not much. My redspots are getting lighter. I'm not sure if its the Baking Soda and Vinegar that cause some of my recent pimple. I mean before using this method, i have two active pimple, but after starting this regime, i got another one. The thing is its getting smaller really quickly. I notice after putting on Baking soda and vinegar cuz my pores to be seen so easily. Feel like just a quick stroke w/ blackhead's remover i can take out every thing in the pores lolz. I'm not sure if i'll continue w/ baking soda, cuz it irritates my skin so bad .. may i'll use less.

only thing the baking soda did was cleared my face and made is clean and it seemed whiter for some reason after i patted my face dry with a towel

Sorry if this questions has already been asked, but i couldnt be bothered to look through every post for this topic. Can this regime be used in the long term? I mean if you follow these steps for a long time, will there be any bad side effects to your skin? Im guessing no1 has already used this regime long enough to know for sure, but if anyone might have an answer, plz let me know...thanx

First off, Delna your the best. Well anyways can you list all the stuff I need for this process? Like what to add (lemon juice you said) and stuff like that, how much do I add, etc. Thanks so much I want my red marks to be gone by the time I go on spring break. Once again, thank you.

Hey, do you think just using a gentle cleanser and the egg mask would help fade my red marks?

Im on tane and have been clear for a month but the redmarks have showed no signs of fading.....

how long should i wait before trying this? I just stopped retin-a micro. thanks!

also, do you apply the bp on your entire face or just the prone areas?

oh, and one more thing. i work out pretty much every day...what do you recommend i do after a work out? Would washing again with soap be too much? The thing is that I put styling crap in my hair and I sweat a lot.

handsbella- I was using the ACV method this way wash let dry, apply ACV, let dry, rinse, then add moisturizer. Well my skin I donAaat think liked this. Even though it made my skin lighter an \d less irritated it made me get pimples on either side of my nose where I had never gotten them before. Im not sure if that ever happened to anyone else? So then I started to apply some BP because the stuff dries my skin out really fast and I knew would make the pimples go away which it did. So now what IAaam doing is

AAWash with purpose gentle cleansing, let dry

AAApply ACV let dry, then wash off

AAThen apply a small amount of PB

AAAnd then moisturize with some green cream

Seams to be working alright. I have to say that I think I have more rosacea then true acne because its really only on one side of my face and my nose. I did some searching online and people with rosacea have high alkaline skin and should try to have skin around 5.5 because thatAaas natural for human skin. Then web site said that you can get litmus paper to test your skins PH level. Also it gave a really good recipe to make a toner. Which I will list below. Hope that helps answer your question.

And for the guy that works out if you break out a good sweat that will actually help protect your skin and open your pores up. I would just wash with cold water or cool off your body and then go home and do what ever you normally do before you go to bed. And make sure that while you are working out you, DRINK WATER!

Toner

1 cup distilled water

1 heaping tablespoon dried green tea leaves

1 heaping tablespoon dried chamomile flowers

1 tablespoon rose hydrosol

1 tablespoon aloe vera gel

3 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

3 teaspoon lemon juice (optional addition for oily skin)

Heat distilled water until boiling. Remove from heat and add green tea and chamomile. Steep for 15 minutes and strain out plant material. Add rose hydrosol, aloe vera and vinegar (and lemon juice, if using) and stir well. Pour into a clean bottle and label. Shake well to ensure the mix. Store in refrigerator for best results and use within 3 weeks.

Apply the toner with a soft cotton pad, but do not rub the skin. Rather, saturate the pad and pat the toner over the face and neck area. Do not pat skin dry. If you sense the aroma of the cider vinegar, don't worry. It disappears quickly. Apple cider vinegar is the best natural ingredient to ensure optimal pH balance for the skin. Avoid eye area when using this toner. You skin is now ready for moisturizing.

This basically add together everything that you guys talk about and combines them slightly different.

the place where I received this never says anything about washing this off after? or applying any acne cream I might try it the way they suggest. Because I really think that acne creams are to harsh for my skin.

Im going to give it a try to night. First I need to see if I can find all the stuff .........rose hydrosol?

Ok. i just went to the supermarket and brought some products. however, im not sure if what i brought is correct. I couldnt find any apple cider vinegar, so i got just 'cider vinegar'. is this ok? also, they said there is no such thing called 'baking soda' only 'bicarbonate of soda', so i got that. is this ok as well? please someone let me no cuz i dont want to start this regime unless i know im using the right products...

thanks

cider vinegar will work and i have no idea what the heck bicarbonate of soda is but you might really want to do some internet searching before you apply that to your face.

just done my research and have found that baking soda and bicarbonate of soda are the same thing. actually bicarbonate of soda is its proper name.

-well there you go I just learned something new.

ok well im going to through a little update in here.

I was wondering with the people that are using ACV are you using any acne cream after. And if not did you break out for a little while before the ACV really started to work. The reason I ask is because before I start BP I really didnAaat have any zits but my face was red then I started using BP and my face got redder but still not zits. Then I used just ACV and got these crater looking things on either side of my nose. So for the past few days I have been using the ACV then the BP and I always moisturize after any of those. Well today it feels like I just stepped out of a tanning booth and I look about the same. The BP just has to go but im working if my face will get used to the ACV or if I should increase the ratio. Right now im using 1:5 (ACV: water) I was going to make it 1:3 and through in some lemon. Well any ones thoughts would be great.

Is the egg white mask really necessary? it just seems like so much work EVERYDAY. not only that but i dont think my mum will be too happy with me watsing 7 eggs per week on my face..lol.. cant i just use the baking soda and ACV?

I read throuh 20 pages or so but i still dont understand some problems.

When applying baking soda with water must there be a ratio??? 1:5??

I've read that you have wet hands and then apply BP to that and then rub onto face?

Is this right? Can putting too much BP is bad?

The egg whitemask Well i have 1 table spoon of egg white then how much lemon do i mix it with? Im scared of putting too much lemon as my skin is sensitive. Just one hard squeeze?

Im kinda confused at the moment anyone care to go into detail? I'd really appreciate it!!!

Hey Yonder1, Ive been trying this process for about a week so far. I have seen only minimal results, but I still am hoping. I mix some baking soda (not alot at all) with water so that I make a paste with them. I dont think it matters how much you use, as long as it it a paste (not too dry, not too wet) You dont want the paste to have too much water, rather more baking soda.

For the egg mask, I just take all of the egg white from the egg, then do about 2-3 squeezes of the lemon, not really hard squeezes but NOT TOO MUCH, probabaly about 5-8 drops of the lemon juice. It all depends, but I still havnt seen much results. For the vinegar I started off with a 1:8 vinegar-water ratio. Now I am probabaly going to swtich to a 1:4 which might help my skin. This is what I have been t rying so far, but Im still hoping for the best! The bad thing about this process is that it takes while, and you have to be very patient.

1.Has anyone with red marks for a year + have success with this? Is this a temporary or a permanent fix?

2. Is it ok if I cleanse with Cetraphil soap bar?

3. For baking soda paste, around how much baking soda do I use? (if u could tell me in table spoon or cups or some measurement it be an awesome help!) how much water for the paste (how many drops??)

4. After the baking soda paste done how long u massage it for?

5. It says use 1:8 apple cider vinegar and then work to 1:1... so like first week do 1:8, second 1:7, etc.??

6. How much apple cider vinegar and water do you use (tablespoon measurment would help me)

7. On evening step it says cleanse face using baking soda and acv, so how much baking soda do I pour and how much ACV do I put in it? And I just use baking soda not baking soda paste? Someone plz explain that step for me.

8. What is ACV- I mean what product

9. Do you all do the egg-white + lemon mask everyday???

10. I got only a few pimples, would it be ok for me to go from the apple cider vinegar to moisturiser?

I really want to try this and not screw up! THANK YOU FOR HELP!

thanks JJred im hoping to buy some acv and baking soda soon.

Is it ok just to use egg white without lemon???

The effects not as good?

Hey so do u think i can do it like all evening i dont have enough time in the morning so like in evening go:

cleanse - baking soda - vinegar - protein mask - BP ?

How can I incorporate this regimine with Jessfoliation? I really like jessfoliation, but it doesn't fade the red marks away all that fast. All i have left on my face are a bunch of red marks, and this, i hope, will be the solution to that! Thanks!

Your tips seem really useful. i am taking a printout ,n will follow these steps frm 2omorrow. i will update u my results.

thanks

I gather a SUMMARY here, please read through b4 posting new quesitons

1) cleanse with a mild cleanser for sensitive skin.

2) exfoliate

avoid all scrubs..no matter how mild they claim to be. but how do we exfoliate, do u ask??? oh thats easy...and DIRT CHEAP too!!! 2 WORDS- BAKING SODA! (yes it's the one we use for cooking, cleaning and what not)

The PROPORTION: don't sweat over it, put baking sode in a bowl, add water until it becomes a paste, leave it on for about 5-10 mins

3) tone to balance pH

now that baking soda is basic in nature..something acidic is needed to balance the ph. ANSWER? APPLE CIDER VINEGAR!

ACV recommended for skin is the same one thats used for cooking. u can get these at any retailers or supermarkets

use a 1:8 (vinegar:water) solution first and then gradually increase to 1:1 ..never apply it neat. BALANCED pH = BEAUTIFUL SKIN! wash off after 10 mins. dont leave it on. Again that's 1 VINEGAR to 8 WATER (increase when your skin gets used to it) It would be red & tingling in the first time (normal if it keeps being red after a few days then you should add more water (your skin might be too sensitive) and YES regular white vinegar will work as well.

4) apply ur acne cream..i use the Proactiv BP lotion. i use the amt Dan suggests for beginners...( edit: i switched to Neutrogena on-the-spot now). U can use ANY acne cream which suits ur skin. Dont skip this step. Some people skip this and result in more breakout, you have to continue using BP if you have active acne, DO NOT SKIP

5) Moisturise with SPF containing moisturiser. I use Cetaphil and it does not break me out. Look for the words sensitive skin, hypoallergenic & non-comedogenic WITH SUN PROTECTION FACTOR when u buy any moisturiser.

And for those who apply make-up, use non-acnegenic products containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. they r good for the skin too!

evening..

6) cleanse ur face ..( use baking soda and acv only once a day..morning or evening as ur preference)

7) apply a mild protein mask...

1 tablespoon of egg-white whipped up + a squeeze of lemon (dont put too much). smooth it over ur face..avoid eye area... wash off in 10 minutes....

WHITE WHITE WHITE PART ONLY - crack the egg open BEFORE COOKING IT, take the WHITE part only

- add fresh lemon (YES LIME IS FINE, Lemon juice is also fine) - Some people experience breakout with this mask, some think it's the greatest thing in the world, it all depends on your skin. TEST FIRST!

(Delna) nothing can beat fresh eggs for the mask but if u do not have a choice..the 100% egg whites is just fine. But if u have to use it within 7 days, the best thing wd be to use a little everyday for cooking. eg: if u make scrambled eggs for breakfast everyday..u wont waste it + its good for u + its good for ur skin used both internally and externally. if u do not like eggs..then im afraid u have to buy fresh ones for ur mask..fresh ones will stay longer and u can just separate the eggwhite from the yolk for ur mask. u can store the rest of the eggwhite in the refrigerator for subsequent uses

8) Apply ur acne cream before bed.

SOME ADDITIONAL TIPS FROM DELNA

- every skin is different so will react different to different treatments. Please do a patch test before you use any regimen all over your face. Eg: on the side of your neck before doing it all over your face

- you can also try the BS (baking soda) and ACV (apple cider vinegar) in the morning and egg mask in the evening. If your skin gets too dry with BS, use it every other day or every 2 days...whatever works for your skin. Even if you chose not to do the BS, do the cleansing in the morning with a good cleanser and use sunscreen. White vinegar is also fine but ACV has more anti-oxidants.

- Delna uses the mask whenever she makes eggs !!! just keep a little eggwhite aside for the face

face!! She do the b.soda wash every other day now as the climate is turning cold and skin tends to get dry. She uses the ACV everyday.

- MASK: don't do more than once/day: it won't make your skin clear faster simply because there is a limit to which your skin sheds its dead cells and renews itself. It has a defense mechanism of its own

- -DOES ACV MAKE YOUR FACE WHITER?

NO, NO and NO!!!! It will fade your scars thus making your skin look lighter and brighter!! Dont worry, you are not going to look like a ghost!!

- HOW LONG SHOULD THE EGG MASK BE LEFT ON?

For as long as it takes to dry on your skin. As soon as you feel it is dry, wash off. Keeping it for 1-4 hrs will do your more harm than good. For gosh's sakes, let your skin breathe!!

- HOW MANY TIMES CAN I DO THIS REGIMEN??

ONCE A DAY ONLY!! I REPEAT..please dont do it more than once a day! Clean it, pamper it and leave it alone. Too much of anything is bad! If your skin feels dry even after you moisturise, you should be less consistent. Do it every other day or every 2 days...find out how your skin works best and make your own skin schedule. If your skin does not feel right one day, dont aggrevate it by any regimen. Leave it alone and then resume when it is normal again.

- VINEGAR SMELLS...YUCK!!

For all those who have extra sensitive noses....please wash off ACV soon after it dries. It will take only 2-3 mins for it to dry. Like i said before, leaving it on without washing is not going to do you more good.

- CAN I USE THIS WHILE ON ACCUTANE?? OR WHILE RECOVERING FROM ACCUTANE?

ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! YOUR DOCTOR IS THE ONE WHO SHOULD GIVE YOU THE GREEN SIGNAL.... NOT ME, NOT ANYONE IN THIS FORUM.

- CAN I USE THE EGG-WHITE ALONE??

Sure you can!! Whatever works for you!! You neednt follow this regimen to the 'T'....

- IS THIS REGIMEN CAUSING MY WHITE OR RED BUMPS??

Chances are that its not. You acne is an inner problem. It is because your pores are clogged with extra oil that is produced by your over-active sebaceous glands. And many factors can aggrevate it..like unhealthy greasy foods, not drinking enough water, being constipated, etc ..to name a few. But if you really think this regimen is causing your bumps, then it is time to stop and move on to something else. This may not work for everybody.

- CAN I SKIP THE BAKING SODA STEP?

the idea is to balance the pH of ur skin. B.soda is basic and vinegar acidic. So using them together creates a perfect envt for healthy skin. but everyone is different and what works for some may not work for others. if u r skeptical abt b.soda, and if u r finding good results with ACV alone, then no need to change. but if u do want to try it out, do a test patch first. if u like the feel of it, u can do the whole face

- what about about mixing antibiotic topical treatments like clindamycin with this regimen of urs...as a relacement for the acne cream? ? ?

If clindamycin is not causing any peeling, dryness or irritation on ur skin, then i dont see any reason why u shdnt do this treatment along with it. But please do a test patch first..just to be on the safe side. Also use a very weak solution of acv at first. If u have peeling or dryness, then acv might irritate ur skin further. Be sure to moisturise well with SPF containing moisturiser after applying any acne medication.

- I have more spots using BS & ACV??

B.soda does bring out the whiteheads and blackheads that u already have from under the skin, when u first start using it. when i first started using b.soda, i had to steam my face and take out the blocked pores often. But now, my skin is so clean i dont have blocked pores or whiteheads or blackheads. Also, in some ppl vinegar can irritate the skin to bring out some spots the first time..which is precisely why i insist that u have to dilute, dilute, dilute it as much as possible the first time and gradually increase the concentration as ur skin gets used to it. But since its a natural AHA, its good for ur skin and will not harm it. u have nothing to worry. But if u r breaking out even after 2 weeks, then this regimen is not for u. Cd be that u r allergic to b.soda or vinegar. as of now, just be gentle when using the b.soda paste..dont scrub hard..dilute ur acv into a very very weak solution...use ur acne cream and sunscreen and dont forget the mask. u shd attempt to press out ur whiteheads when they r ready, there is no other way to take them out. steam ur face and press gently with fingertips covered with a soft towel..if they dont come out..dont force them.

Delna,

hi... im 21 y/o filipino, male. I'm a new member here. when i was browsing on the internet about acne then i open your site and i read the articles and it caught my attention and i think it's effetive because of so many replies that is succesful.

i try your regimen for 2 days and i notice there is a little bit changes... i just want to ask if my anti-acne gel is right? the name is adapelene .1%. i had also red marks on my back i want to ask how will i apply your regimen on my back?

my mom wants to ask to if you know any regmen to remove the freckles on her face? just asking....

another question how many weeks before the red marks gone? can i mix baking soda with water when i take a bath and how much will i put?

FYI:

I just want to share this because baking soda can be use in bleaching so while brushing your teeth you can add baking soda while brushing your teeth and it can whitens your teeth too.

thanks a lot!!!

ciao