Acne.org Products
I've been looking at your advice Snow Queen and I feel it's been very useful for me. I've got one question and that is I am going to try Apple Cider Vinegar (there is a big post in the red marks forum about it) as my toner. I was just wondering what your opinion is on incorporating this into a simple regime. I use a cleanser, then a toner, then an exfoliant and sometimes some bp. What are your thoughts on slipping the ACV as a toner instead of my regular toner, I would just like your opinion on the matter (regardless, even if you don't really know about the usage of acv in this way) as I would find it interesting at least.
My deepest thanks for all the information you've posted on this forum.
great!
thanx
i've got one more question
since you talk about this nivea visage toner all the time, i went out and bought it
i checked the ingredients at drugstore.com, but they are different, which is what usually happens w/ products for u.s. market and products for european market
so, here is mine
Water, Glycerin, PEG-8, Panthenol, Chamomilla Recutital, Aloe Barbadensis, Polyquaternium-10, Niacinamide, Propylene Glycol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ethoxydiglycol, Trisodium EDTA, Citric acid, Potassium sorbate, Sodium benzoate, Methylparaben, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide, Propylparaben, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Geraniol, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Limonene, Cinnamyl alcohol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Hydroxycitronellal, Benzyl salicylate, Linalool, Parfum
What worries me here is the number of ingredients i cannot even pronounce, and cannot find on Paula's website, which leads to another question: which other online references do you use when checking the ingredients?
The toner looks fine to me and somewhat similar to the US version. Some ingredients, like Polyquaternium-10, don't show up in Paula's ingredients list, but do show up somewhere else on her site. Other ingredients, like geraniol, are used for fragrances. However, they are listed after some of the preservatives, so there probably isn't enough to be worried about. If your not certain about an ingredient, its identity can be discovered by performing specified internet searches. Sometimes you can't find any unbiased information about its potential to cause irritation, but if an ingredients used for fragrance, it usually is irritating. If an ingredient isn't used for fragrance, you can check and see if Paula recommends a product containing a seemingly similar or higher concentration of that ingredient. Also, sometimes ingredients have more than one name, and one of that ingredient's other names may be listed on Paula's ingredients dictionary.
and also what do you think about these cleansers? i'm having a hard time finding a good cleanser here, and all the cleansers available are not discussed either here or at paula's website
so, i was looking around and can't decide between a couple of them
which one would u choose?
here are my options:
eucerin sensitive skin line called ph5 (it's not available in the states i think), but this cleanser is meant for both body and face, so that's what concerns me
Aqua, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Sodium Myreth of sulfates, Lauryl Glucoside, Citric Acid, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor oil, PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate, Coco Glucoside, Glycol Distearate, Glycerin, Polyquaternium-10, Diammonium CIT rate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium of Salicylate, Linalool, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, alpha ISO methyl Ionone, Hexyl Cinnamal, Parfum
other eucerin options available here are:
impure skin cleansing gel:
Aqua, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Laureth of sulfates, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Salicylic Acid, Sodium of chloride
they seem to like this sodium cocoamphoacetate thingy
other cleansers that i was looking at:
nivea visage gentle facial wash
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Carbomer, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, Xanthan Gum, Lactic Acid, Urea, Sodium Benzoate, Fructose, Glycine, Inositol, Niacinamide, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Propylparaben, Benzophenone-4, Parfum (Fragrance), CI 42090 , CI 16035
and
johnson's gently exfoliating facial wash
Aqua, Glycerin, Polyethylene, Sodium Laureth sulfate, Acrylates/C10-30 alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Lauryl Glucoside, Glycol Distearate, Laureth-4, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Parfum
(i tried this one - my friend's got it, and the beads are so tiny and gentle, it's almost like they're not there)
my skin is, well, combination, i guess - slightly oily jaw line and nose, very dry around nose and mouth, normal cheeks, and forehead that tends to go from slightly oily to dry depending on it's mood. but i'm above all regarding my skin as sensitive, so what i need from a cleanser is not to dry me out or irritate
thank you!
None of those cleansers look likely to cause irritation to me; they all look like they would work for your skin type.
I've been looking at your advice Snow Queen and I feel it's been very useful for me. I've got one question and that is I am going to try Apple Cider Vinegar (there is a big post in the red marks forum about it) as my toner. I was just wondering what your opinion is on incorporating this into a simple regime. I use a cleanser, then a toner, then an exfoliant and sometimes some bp. What are your thoughts on slipping the ACV as a toner instead of my regular toner, I would just like your opinion on the matter (regardless, even if you don't really know about the usage of acv in this way) as I would find it interesting at least.
My deepest thanks for all the information you've posted on this forum.
You can try apple cider vinegar, but Paula lists vinegar as a potential skin irritant. I especially don't recommend it since you're using an exfoliant already.
A lot of people think apple cider vinegar is some sort of miracle treatment, but in my opinion commercial exfoliants provide much more benefit to the skin.
hi snow queen,
help! i just cancelled my thanksgiving day plans because my face is in a mess. as usual i get zits at the absolute worse times. i have 6 huge bumps on my face. ive been on dans regimen since april and though ive seen improvement i have yet to get 100% clear. im so frustrated and disappointed. i break out less than i use to but when i do i usually get quite a few at a time and they get huge and take 1 -2 weeks to go away even with me using the bp daily. it doesnt do anything to make the zits go away quicker. my breakouts are now worse than they were before and take longer to go away so im thinking about giving up on the bp and just using salicylic acid products only or maybe just some products that are not designed for acne but more so for sensitive skin.im just at my wits end. i dont know what else to do. ive tried a lot of diff products, done accutane, been on antibiotics. i just dont know what else to do. can you please advise a regimen for me. i have very sensitive oily skin. also do you think that milk, soda or chocolate can cause break outs? if ur clear of acne- how did you get clear? thanks so much
hi snow queen,
help! i just cancelled my thanksgiving day plans because my face is in a mess. as usual i get zits at the absolute worse times. i have 6 huge bumps on my face. ive been on dans regimen since april and though ive seen improvement i have yet to get 100% clear. im so frustrated and disappointed. i break out less than i use to but when i do i usually get quite a few at a time and they get huge and take 1 -2 weeks to go away even with me using the bp daily. it doesnt do anything to make the zits go away quicker. my breakouts are now worse than they were before and take longer to go away so im thinking about giving up on the bp and just using salicylic acid products only or maybe just some products that are not designed for acne but more so for sensitive skin.im just at my wits end. i dont know what else to do. ive tried a lot of diff products, done accutane, been on antibiotics. i just dont know what else to do. can you please advise a regimen for me. i have very sensitive oily skin. also do you think that milk, soda or chocolate can cause break outs? if ur clear of acne- how did you get clear? thanks so much
I'm sorry you've broken out at such a horrible time, and even sorrier to say that no over-the-counter products you use right now will likely make much difference by Thanksgiving. If you're lucky enough to get an appointment for tomorrow, you could see a dermatologist for some cortisone injections to help reduce the inflamation of the lesions within a day or two. However, judging by your user name I'm guessing you have a tan to dark complexion, and cortisone injections may cause a temporary loss of pigmentation in the areas which they are given for darker-skinned individuals. Also, individuals of any skin color can experience scarring from cortisone injections, but my understanding is that this particular side effect is rare.
If you check out Part II of the first post in this thread, I list possible over-the-counter treatment options which you can use to build your own regimen. How effective any over-the-counter regimen is depends on you personally, and you should keep in mind that some people need to involve a dermatologist's help in their regimens. I recommend trying an over-the-counter regimen built on effectively-formulated products like those I mention in Part II for a few months, and if you don't see a noticeable improvement, it may be worthwhile for you to talk to a dermatologist.
I can't say for sure without having seen your skin, but it sounds like your skin is a lot like how mine used to be. I didn't get that many pimples and my overall skin texture was good, but the ones I did get developed into nodules, lasted between a week and a month, and left red marks (though if your skin complexion is dark, your marks might be brown as opposed to red). Luckily I never experienced true acne scarring, but the blotchiness was bothersome enough all the same. I had been using Retin-A from the time I first started breaking out, and even though I know my skin would have been worse without it (I stopped using Retin-A for a while and my breakouts got worse, then when I started using it again they got better), my breakouts were still very upsetting. When I educated myself about good skincare and started using effectively and gently formulated products, my complexion drastically improved. I can't say for sure that well-formulated over-the-counter products alone are not enough to clear up my skin since I've never used them by themselves, but I'm pretty certain that my skin needs a combination of prescription and well-formulated over-the-counter products to stay clear.
One last thing: I completely understand why you canceled your Thansgiving plans because when my skin was broken out, I would cancel things that I had been looking forward to also. But, looking back, I know my friends and family wouldn't have thought less of me for having less-than-perfect skin, and I wonder how many good experiences I missed out on because of my insecurities.
Hi guys,
Just wanted to share my feelings with you. SInce I stumbled across Dans web site and his regime and also SNow queen and Paula's Choice web site, my skin has improved immensley. I have used a combination of what all three have said, i have used Dans regime but followed it with Snow's advice and Pauls's products and advice. I am so so happy with the results so far. I felt really guilty about not posting on here for a while because it is with all you guys help that i have seen this improvement and now my skin is better I don not want to feel like I am now neglecting the place that made things better for me. Dont know if that makes sense?
I also have had regular facials, and one thing that I think has helped me also is having a treatment called N-lite, but overall I think it is the application of the products I am using that has improved my skin. Anywya I am not leaving this place I am still going to use it on a regular basis as I have never come across a place that is so supportive and full of brilliant information.
Keep your chin up people together we will all crack this. By the way I am by no means perfect I stilll have scars and red marks but this decrease in the active acne has never been achieved before since I can remeber so hopefully it is here to stay.
Hey Snow-Queen, I am need some help.
I use differin now. I am wondering if that's the same as Retin A. I mean I read about retin A (besides help for acne) helps improve skinstructure too right? And there is something about retin and actually helping with fine lines and wrinkles>?
Is that the same stuff as Differin? 
Is retin A the same as Tretinoine creme?
I am confused 
SweetAmber said:Hey Snow-Queen, I am need some help.
I use differin now. I am wondering if that's the same as Retin A. I mean I read about retin A (besides help for acne) helps improve skinstructure too right? And there is something about retin and actually helping with fine lines and wrinkles>?
Is that the same stuff as Differin?
Is retin A the same as Tretinoine creme?
I am confused
Retin-A uses tretinoin as its active ingredient, while Differin uses adapalene as its active ingredient. Unlike tretinoin, adapalene is not derived from vitamin A, but is classified as a retinoid because it binds to retinoid receptors. Adapalene is considered less irritating than tretinoin for somewhat unknown reasons. In addition, adapalene remains stable in the presence of benzoyl peroxide, where as tretinoin does not.
Prescription retinoids in general prevent cells from clumping together to choke off pores and speed the skin's sloughing off process. Tretinoin especially has a high affinity for the gamma retinoid receptors, which are thought to play a major role in the production and development of acne. Adapalene in particular has indictated that it may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Tretinoin binds to the alpha, beta, and gamma receptors, where as adapalene only binds to the beta and gamma retinoid receptors and not the alpha. Adapalene is thought to be less irritating because it does not bind to all three receptors, but neither does tazarotene (found in Tazorac), a retinoid that is potentially very irritating.
It is my understanding that Retin-A is the only prescription retinoid that has been approved for the treatment of wrinkles/aging skin, though it is my opinion that all retinoids can potentially help to some degree.
Here is a good article that covers the subject:
[Removed link]
The_Snow_Queen said:SweetAmber said:Hey Snow-Queen, I am need some help.
I use differin now. I am wondering if that's the same as Retin A. I mean I read about retin A (besides help for acne) helps improve skinstructure too right? And there is something about retin and actually helping with fine lines and wrinkles>?
Is that the same stuff as Differin?
Is retin A the same as Tretinoine creme?
I am confused
Retin-A uses tretinoin as its active ingredient, while Differin uses adapalene as its active ingredient. Unlike tretinoin, adapalene is not derived from vitamin A, but is classified as a retinoid because it binds to retinoid receptors. Adapalene is considered less irritating than tretinoin for somewhat unknown reasons. In addition, adapalene remains stable in the presence of benzoyl peroxide, where as tretinoin does not.
Prescription retinoids in general prevent cells from clumping together to choke off pores and speed the skin's sloughing off process. Tretinoin especially has a high affinity for the gamma retinoid receptors, which are thought to play a major role in the production and development of acne. Adapalene in particular has indictated that it may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Tretinoin binds to the alpha, beta, and gamma receptors, where as adapalene only binds to the beta and gamma retinoid receptors and not the alpha. Adapalene is thought to be less irritating because it does not bind to all three receptors, but neither does tazarotene (found in Tazorac), a retinoid that is potentially very irritating.
It is my understanding that Retin-A is the only prescription retinoid that has been approved for the treatment of wrinkles/aging skin, though it is my opinion that all retinoids can potentially help to some degree.
Here is a good article that covers the subject:
[Removed link]
wow that goes deep, thanks for the answer.
The article is interesting 
Snow Queen,
You've done your homework. I need some help. I'm 42 and still have mild acne and my rosacea is becoming a problem. My skin is very oily around my nose and pretty oily on my chin and forehead. My cheeks are dry and the hairline by my ears is not very oily, but does breakout in the hair follicles (usually just underskin whiteheads). I get some cysts periodically, but mostly just regulation, red, pustules mostly around nose, chin or forehead. I also get some acne on my chest and back. My back is just periodic, but my chest is frequent. It is oily, too. I try to treat it like an extension of my face, but that is hard. I also wash and condition my hair first, so that I can wash the residue off of my face, neck and back afterwards. I have to use shampoos and conditioners that help straighten my hair as I live in high humidity. (They are particularly bad, I know). I also use mineral makeup without bismuth, and just ordered some Everyday Minerals. I am going to see a dermatologist about my rosacea, but know that they don't always prescribe the best products or regimen.
What is your opinion of the following things:
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Foaming Cleanser I kind of like this one for nighttime.
Water, Potassium Stearate, Glycerin, PEG-8, Propylene Glycol, Potassium Myristate, Potassium Laurate, Stearic Acid, Beeswax, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG 100 Stearate, Fragrance
Clean and Clear Oxygenating Fizzing Cleanser (It's kind of like Edge shaving cream) For morning.
Water, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Methyl Perfluorobutyl ether, Methyl Perfluoroisobutyl ether, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexyl Isononanoate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Chrondrus crispus (Carrageenan), Dimethicone PEG 7 Phosphate, Fragrance, Sodium Cocamidopropyl pg-dimonium chloride phosphate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Benzophenone 4, Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Copper Gluconate, Blue 1 (I don't recognize a thing in this but water...)
Aspirin masks - is this okay for rosacea? I've read good things.
Shea Butter - does is clog pores or not? I have read both. I like to use it around my eyes, but would like to use it sparingly on my dry cheeks if it is okay.
Shea Butter Soaps like Pre de Provence? These are all 100% vegetable oil soaps. I like the milk and shea butter bar.
Aloe Vera Gel - I used to wear this under my makeup years ago. It seemed to help soothe my skin and keep it oil-free at the same time. Are there better products for this purpose?
I'm at a complete loss on moisturizers. Do you suggest the Nivea Visage Toner for that? Or a combination of that and the Neutrogena Dry Touch Sunscreen? I don't like to add to my oil.
I appreciate your steering me in the right direction on a cleanser and moisturizer. I think I have already decided on BP and SA products from your posts.
Thanks!
Melly
hi snow queen,
i decided to leave my skin alone and just wash with a gentle cleanser and apply and oil control lotion before applying make up only. it seemed to have been the answer to my prayers. my face cleared up really fast- all the big pimples i had are gone. However- i seem to be allergic to one of the products ( dammit- i have the worst luck in the world when it comes to my skin!!!) i have a lot of little tiny itchy bumps all over my face and neck. they are really small so you cant really see them but when i wash my face i can feel them and my face is itchy. please tell me which one you think maybe causing the irritation. thanks a lot
mac green gel cleanser-sodium laureth sulfate, tea lauryl sulfate,glycerin,cocamidopropyl betaine,peg 120 methyl glucose dioleate, cocamide mea, cucumis sativus(cucumber fruit extract)laminaria saccharina, octylsalicylate,hydroxpropyl methylcellulose, ppg-5 ceteth-20,sodium chloride benzophenone-4,methylchloroisothiazolinone, citric acid,fragrance,bht,trisodium hedta,phenoxyethanol,methylparaben,propylparaben,blue1, yellow 5
mac oil control lotion cyclopentasiloxane,dimethicone,isocetyl alcohol,polysorbate 40, acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer, isohexadecane, pyrus malus (apple fruit extract),mimosa tenuiflora bark extract, tocopheryl acetate,sodium hyaluronate,hydrogenated lecithin,arginine, butylene glycol, maltodextrin,quaternium-22,polysorbate 80,sodium citrate,ceramide 3, citric acid, linoleic acid,quaternium-22,polysorbate 80,sodium citrate,ceramide 3 citric acid,linoleic acid, fragrance,phenoxyethanol, sodium dehydroacetate, methylparaben
hi snow queen,
i decided to leave my skin alone and just wash with a gentle cleanser and apply and oil control lotion before applying make up only. it seemed to have been the answer to my prayers. my face cleared up really fast- all the big pimples i had are gone. However- i seem to be allergic to one of the products ( dammit- i have the worst luck in the world when it comes to my skin!!!) i have a lot of little tiny itchy bumps all over my face and neck. they are really small so you cant really see them but when i wash my face i can feel them and my face is itchy. please tell me which one you think maybe causing the irritation. thanks a lot
mac green gel cleanser-sodium laureth sulfate, tea lauryl sulfate,glycerin,cocamidopropyl betaine,peg 120 methyl glucose dioleate, cocamide mea, cucumis sativus(cucumber fruit extract)laminaria saccharina, octylsalicylate,hydroxpropyl methylcellulose, ppg-5 ceteth-20,sodium chloride benzophenone-4,methylchloroisothiazolinone, citric acid,fragrance,bht,trisodium hedta,phenoxyethanol,methylparaben,propylparaben,blue1, yellow 5
mac oil control lotion cyclopentasiloxane,dimethicone,isocetyl alcohol,polysorbate 40, acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer, isohexadecane, pyrus malus (apple fruit extract),mimosa tenuiflora bark extract, tocopheryl acetate,sodium hyaluronate,hydrogenated lecithin,arginine, butylene glycol, maltodextrin,quaternium-22,polysorbate 80,sodium citrate,ceramide 3, citric acid, linoleic acid,quaternium-22,polysorbate 80,sodium citrate,ceramide 3 citric acid,linoleic acid, fragrance,phenoxyethanol, sodium dehydroacetate, methylparaben
TEA lauryl sulfate is closely related to sodium lauryl sulfate, an irritating surfectant. There is no research that determines TEA lauryl sulfate to be irritating, but given its relationship to sodium lauryl sulfate you may wish to avoid it. However, TEA lauryl sulfate is not listed as the primary surfectant in your cleanser, but it is still fairly high up on the ingredients list.
Your oil control lotion contains mimosa tenuiflora bark, an ingredient with conflicting studies as to whether or not it's toxic to the skin.
Both products contain fragrance, which can be a problem even in small amounts for some people.
Snow Queen,
You've done your homework. I need some help. I'm 42 and still have mild acne and my rosacea is becoming a problem. My skin is very oily around my nose and pretty oily on my chin and forehead. My cheeks are dry and the hairline by my ears is not very oily, but does breakout in the hair follicles (usually just underskin whiteheads). I get some cysts periodically, but mostly just regulation, red, pustules mostly around nose, chin or forehead. I also get some acne on my chest and back. My back is just periodic, but my chest is frequent. It is oily, too. I try to treat it like an extension of my face, but that is hard. I also wash and condition my hair first, so that I can wash the residue off of my face, neck and back afterwards. I have to use shampoos and conditioners that help straighten my hair as I live in high humidity. (They are particularly bad, I know). I also use mineral makeup without bismuth, and just ordered some Everyday Minerals. I am going to see a dermatologist about my rosacea, but know that they don't always prescribe the best products or regimen.
What is your opinion of the following things:
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Foaming Cleanser I kind of like this one for nighttime.
Water, Potassium Stearate, Glycerin, PEG-8, Propylene Glycol, Potassium Myristate, Potassium Laurate, Stearic Acid, Beeswax, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG 100 Stearate, Fragrance
Clean and Clear Oxygenating Fizzing Cleanser (It's kind of like Edge shaving cream) For morning.
Water, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Methyl Perfluorobutyl ether, Methyl Perfluoroisobutyl ether, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexyl Isononanoate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Chrondrus crispus (Carrageenan), Dimethicone PEG 7 Phosphate, Fragrance, Sodium Cocamidopropyl pg-dimonium chloride phosphate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Benzophenone 4, Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Copper Gluconate, Blue 1 (I don't recognize a thing in this but water...)
Aspirin masks - is this okay for rosacea? I've read good things.
Shea Butter - does is clog pores or not? I have read both. I like to use it around my eyes, but would like to use it sparingly on my dry cheeks if it is okay.
Shea Butter Soaps like Pre de Provence? These are all 100% vegetable oil soaps. I like the milk and shea butter bar.
Aloe Vera Gel - I used to wear this under my makeup years ago. It seemed to help soothe my skin and keep it oil-free at the same time. Are there better products for this purpose?
I'm at a complete loss on moisturizers. Do you suggest the Nivea Visage Toner for that? Or a combination of that and the Neutrogena Dry Touch Sunscreen? I don't like to add to my oil.
I appreciate your steering me in the right direction on a cleanser and moisturizer. I think I have already decided on BP and SA products from your posts.
Thanks!
Melly
The cleansers you mentioned are probably OK, but given your rosacea you would be better off with a fragrance-free cleanser like Eucerin Redness Relief's or Clinique's Mild Facial Liquid Soap (which doesn't really contain soap).
Bar soaps in any form should ideally be avoided because they all contain harsh cleansing agents and leave a potentially pore-clogging residue on the skin. The soaps you mentioned are most likely contain high concentrations of emollients/lipids to help reduce the irritation caused by these harsh cleansing agents, but depositing more of these emollients on the skin can worsen the risk of clogged pores already associated with bar soaps. Also, bar cleansers tend to have alkaline pH's, which encorages bacterial growth on the skin.
I am not a chemist, but it is my opinion that the aspirin mask only serves as an anti-inflammatory treatment on the skin. This can help acne and the irrtiation associated with it, but don't expect miracles. It only acts as an exfoliant when the aspirin isn't completely dissolved and you scrub these aspirin particles over your face while rinsing. A well-formulated salicylic acid product like the one I use would be a much better option for exfoliating your face.
It is hard to say what will and won't clog pores because different things are problems for different people. Shea butter is a good natural moisturizing factor, but nothing special. Aloe vera can soothe the skin, but I still prefer a well-formulated moisturizer to it any day. If you like these things I don't see why you couldn't try them, they just wouldn't be my choice.
You could use a toner like Nivea's and no moisturizer, but you mentioned you have dry skin on your cheeks, so I would recommend you spot-moisturize there with a fragrance-free moisturizer like Dove's Sensitive Skin Lotion or Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Moisture Gel. Everyone needs a sunscreen during the day to promote healthy skin, and especially rosacea sufferers because sun damage has been linked to the condition. I recommend physical sunscreens for you, which are gentler than synthetic sunscreens. Clinique's Daily Face Protector with SPF 15 would be a good option. It has a matte finish and is slightly tinted.
Some dermatologists recommend the use of salicylic acid products for rosacea sufferers, others don't. Personally, I find them to be beneficial to the skin when well-formulated, and think part of the reason why dermatologists don't recommend them to those with sensitive rosacea-prone skin is because so many of them are harsh and irritating.
Milk of magnesia like Phillips Milk of Magnesia in Original can be used to help temporarily absorb oil from the skin.
It definately sounds like you need to see a dermatologist about your skin problems; I don't think over-the-counter treatments will improve your skin to your satisfaction. Given the cysts you experience and your problems with oily skin, he may even discuss Accutane with you, which can be used to not only successfully treat acne, but rosacea as well. Most doctors don't want to prescribe Accutane without trying other treatments first, though.
what is the difference between various retinoids?
i'm using diacneal, whose active ingredient is retinaldehyde 0.1%
how does this compare to let's say retin-a or something else from that group?
The most obvious difference is that Diacneal is non-prescription, while Retin-A is prescription-only. Also, Diacneal contains 6.4% glycolic acid, whereas Retin-A does not contain any chemical exfoliants. Presuming Dianeal is formulated at an effective pH, the inclusion of glycolic acid increases the penetration of retinaldehyde, though you can use an exfoliant prior to applying Retin-A to increase its penetration as well. I do not know specifics, but it is my understanding that retinol and retinaldehyde can act similarly to tretinoin (found in Retin-A). There seems to be conflicting research and opinions on how effective non-prescription retinoids are in comparison with prescription retinoids and on how high of a concentration is needed to be effective in over-the-counter retinoid products. More research needs to be done before conclusions should be made. What can be said in the meantime is that over-the-counter retinoid products seem to be considerably less-irritating than Retin-A and are worth a try if Retin-A is too irritating for you or if you don't want to mess with a prescription.
hey
was just wondering why you dont recommend neutrogena on the spot bp- ive had some issues with it and recently stopped using it. does it contain irritants or something? also, on another thread i saw where you said aveeno ultra calming was ok but the main ingredient in that is feverfew. i just saw that this was an irritant- didnt know that. ive been using a few days now and i must say so far i love it
hey
was just wondering why you dont recommend neutrogena on the spot bp- ive had some issues with it and recently stopped using it. does it contain irritants or something? also, on another thread i saw where you said aveeno ultra calming was ok but the main ingredient in that is feverfew. i just saw that this was an irritant- didnt know that. ive been using a few days now and i must say so far i love it
To answer your question about the Neutrogena benzoyl peroxide product, it contains bentonite (an absorbent often found in masks), which might make it too drying. Paula Begoun recommends it though, and I usually follow her advice, but I didn't recommend it personally because of that ingredient.
I used to recommend the Aveeno Ultra-Calming Face Wash before I knew that feverfew was an irritant. It probably would be OK to use because the cleansing agent in the cleanser is mild and the feverfew would not be in contact with the skin for a significant length of time, but just to be sure I stopped recommending it.
so i can use differen and BP at the same time?
My dermatologist told me retinoids and benzol peroxide should NEVER be mixed...
Your dermatologist probably said that retinoids and benzoyl peroxide should never be mixed because most of them do not remain stable in the presence of benzoyl peroxide, but adapalene (the active ingredient in Differin) does, as I explain in the first post to this thread. If your dermatologist said that benzoyl peroxide and Differin specifically should never be used together, it would seem to me that he most likely thinks the combination is too irritating, but many dermatologists don't.
I don't believe that dermatologists always know what's best, either, just because they went to medical school. If they did, all the products dermatologists make and endorse would be fantastic.
hey snowqueen im 15 and i just started using benzaclin today for my mild/moderate acne, however i read in the comments on it that it starts to loose effectiveness eventually...like after a year or w/e. is this true for you?
I haven't been using Benzaclin for more than a few months and haven't experienced a reduction in the product's effectiveness.
Benzaclin contains two active ingredients: a 5% concentration of benzoyl peroxide and a 1% concentration of clindamycin, both disinfectants. Benzoyl peroxide can be found over-the-counter in 2.5%, 5%, and 10% concentrations (though in Canada I know 10% benzoyl peroxide is prescription-only), and clindamycin is found in prescription-only products. Benzaclin has been found to be more effective than both clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide alone. Bacteria do not become resistant to benzoyl peroxide, but they can become resistant to clindamycin, which is probably why people reported that Benzaclin loses some of its effectiveness in as little as a year. If after using Benzaclin for a while you feel that it is not working for you as well as it once was, you may prefer switching over to a less-expensive 5% benzoyl peroxide product and/or consulting your dermatologist about long-term treatment options like prescription retinoids, which help prevent clogged pores from forming in the first place.
hey snowqueen im 15 and i just started using benzaclin today for my mild/moderate acne, however i read in the comments on it that it starts to loose effectiveness eventually...like after a year or w/e. is this true for you?
I haven't been using Benzaclin for more than a few months and haven't experienced a reduction in the product's effectiveness.
Benzaclin contains two active ingredients: a 5% concentration of benzoyl peroxide and a 1% concentration of clindamycin, both disinfectants. Benzoyl peroxide can be found over-the-counter in 2.5%, 5%, and 10% concentrations (though in Canada I know 10% benzoyl peroxide is prescription-only), and clindamycin is found in prescription-only products. Benzaclin has been found to be more effective than both clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide alone. Bacteria do not become resistant to benzoyl peroxide, but they can become resistant to clindamycin, which is probably why people reported that Benzaclin loses some of its effectiveness in as little as a year. If after using Benzaclin for a while you feel that it is not working for you as well as it once was, you may prefer switching over to a less-expensive 5% benzoyl peroxide product and/or consulting your dermatologist about long-term treatment options like prescription retinoids, which help prevent clogged pores from forming in the first place.
so i guess that doesn't mean that the bacteria WILL become resistant to clindamycin, there just a pretty high chance it will
Part I: Avoiding Harmful Products
When Buying Products
Don't Buy Cleansers That:
1. Contain harsh surfectants like sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate.
my facial wash i use contains a ingredient called 'sodium laureth sulfate'...do you think this is the same ingredient as you mentioned above, but just another name for it? or is it a totally different ingredient?.
thanks.
Part I: Avoiding Harmful Products
When Buying Products
Don't Buy Cleansers That:
1. Contain harsh surfectants like sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate.
my facial wash i use contains a ingredient called 'sodium laureth sulfate'...do you think this is the same ingredient as you mentioned above, but just another name for it? or is it a totally different ingredient?.
thanks.
Sodium laureth sulfate is considered a gentle surfectant; it's not the same thing as sodium lauryl sulfate, though they sound near-identical, so I understand your confusion. Many of the cleansers I recommend in this thread contain sodium laureth sulfate.
Another ingredient sounding similar to sodium lauryl sulfate is TEA lauryl sufate. There is no research regarding this surfectant's gentleness on the skin, but since it is so similar to sodium lauryl sulfate, I recommend avoiding it whenever possible.
According to Wikipedia, another name for sodium lauryl sulfate is sodium dodecyl sulfate, though I have never seen it labeled as such on any product.
