Acne.org Products
hey SnowQueen
- Do you know...Can a makeup product be responsible for a acne zit in 1 day? I am just wondering if that is possible
I am going to order some products of Paula's Choice, try and see if the products work for my skin. I read good stuff about it and has good reviews on makeupalley. I see you have experience with it too.
Does PC have something with 2,5% BP in it?
I (25) have little dry skin, starting fines lines i think, can be oily t-zone, with acne breakouts on chin area. some large pores. Currently using BP 5% and Differin, I can see good results but it's drying.
What can you advice me? I am really excited about the BHA, I am def going to order that!
And what do you think about mineral makeup instead of liquid Makeup?
Hey snow I been reading your tread for a few days now and never been more informed about skin products, it great to know what to buy.
I use Glacial Marine mud from Nu Skin and I really love it, just want to know what you think about this product. Also can I use it twice a week would this be ok or should I just use once a week. Heres the link to the mud Thanks [Removed link]
hey SnowQueen
- Do you know...Can a makeup product be responsible for a acne zit in 1 day? I am just wondering if that is possible
I am going to order some products of Paula's Choice, try and see if the products work for my skin. I read good stuff about it and has good reviews on makeupalley. I see you have experience with it too.
Does PC have something with 2,5% BP in it?
I (25) have little dry skin, starting fines lines i think, can be oily t-zone, with acne breakouts on chin area. some large pores. Currently using BP 5% and Differin, I can see good results but it's drying.
What can you advice me? I am really excited about the BHA, I am def going to order that!
And what do you think about mineral makeup instead of liquid Makeup?
Sometimes cosmetics can cause almost immediate breakouts if a person has a particular sensitivity to them, but my understanding is that these breakouts are somewhat rash-like. The one new zit you're describing sounds like the typical acne lesion that takes two weeks to form and would have appeared whether or not you used a new cosmetic. It's just that the cosmetic becomes the easiest suspect.
For your areas of dry skin, use a good moisturizer like Dove's Sensitive Skin Lotion, which is one of the best in the drugstore and better (and less expensive) than many of those found in the department store. It is my opinion that Differin can help improve the appearance of aging skin and lessen the appearance of pore size even though as far as I know there is no research supporting this. One of the best defenses in preventing premature aging is to wear a good broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher sunscreen, so be sure you do so regularly. You may want to switch to a 2.5% benzoyl peroxide if the 5% is to irritating (and Paula's Choice makes one called "Blemish Fighting Solution").
The salicylic acid in my case helps fight dry skin by removing flakiness and smoothing it. It definately helps fight breakouts by exfoliatinginside the pore.
I personally prefer liquid makeup to mineral makeup because I think it looks more natural, but if you prefer mineral makeup, that's fine. Just be cautioned that some mineral makeups contain ingredients like rice and cornstarch, which can worsen breakouts by encouraging bacterial growth.
nismo said:Hey snow I been reading your tread for a few days now and never been more informed about skin products, it great to know what to buy.I use Glacial Marine mud from Nu Skin and I really love it, just want to know what you think about this product. Also can I use it twice a week would this be ok or should I just use once a week. Heres the link to the mud Thanks [Removed link]
I don't see anything wrong with it. It should be fine for you to use twice a week.
The_Snow_Queen said:SweetAmber said:hey SnowQueen- Do you know...Can a makeup product be responsible for a acne zit in 1 day? I am just wondering if that is possible
I am going to order some products of Paula's Choice, try and see if the products work for my skin. I read good stuff about it and has good reviews on makeupalley. I see you have experience with it too.
Does PC have something with 2,5% BP in it?
I (25) have little dry skin, starting fines lines i think, can be oily t-zone, with acne breakouts on chin area. some large pores. Currently using BP 5% and Differin, I can see good results but it's drying.
What can you advice me? I am really excited about the BHA, I am def going to order that!
And what do you think about mineral makeup instead of liquid Makeup?
Sometimes cosmetics can cause almost immediate breakouts if a person has a particular sensitivity to them, but my understanding is that these breakouts are somewhat rash-like. The one new zit you're describing sounds like the typical acne lesion that takes two weeks to form and would have appeared whether or not you used a new cosmetic. It's just that the cosmetic becomes the easiest suspect.
For your areas of dry skin, use a good moisturizer like Dove's Sensitive Skin Lotion, which is one of the best in the drugstore and better (and less expensive) than many of those found in the department store. It is my opinion that Differin can help improve the appearance of aging skin and lessen the appearance of pore size even though as far as I know there is no research supporting this. One of the best defenses in preventing premature aging is to wear a good broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher sunscreen, so be sure you do so regularly. You may want to switch to a 2.5% benzoyl peroxide if the 5% is to irritating (and Paula's Choice makes one called "Blemish Fighting Solution").
The salicylic acid in my case helps fight dry skin by removing flakiness and smoothing it. It definately helps fight breakouts by exfoliatinginside the pore.
I personally prefer liquid makeup to mineral makeup because I think it looks more natural, but if you prefer mineral makeup, that's fine. Just be cautioned that some mineral makeups contain ingredients like rice and cornstarch, which can worsen breakouts by encouraging bacterial growth.
Thanks for your time!
Now I can see why I could not find that Blemish Fighting Solution from PC.... it's not on her European site
[Removed link] I wonder why that is? I have to see if I can order from the other site then..huh hm? I don't understand it. I think I can't order from the her other site.
I was also looking for the BP from Dan's regiem, also 2,5 %. But they don't ship to Holland.
I have asked if they make 2,5% here in Holland but they don't, that's why I am looking for another way. And the 5% to me is overdrying 
The Dove's Sensitive Skin Lotion is not available here.
The only lotion from Dove here is "Dove Face Care 5EE Daglotion SPF 4" ingredients are:
Aqua Solvent
Glycerin Humectant
Isohexadecane Skin Conditioning Agent
C12-15 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate Skin Conditioning Agent
Ethylhexyl Salicylate UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate UV Absorber
Sorbitan Stearate Emulsifier
Stearic Acid Emulsifier
Palmitic Acid Emulsifier
Linoleic Acid Skin Conditioning Agent
Panthenol Skin Conditioning Agent
Tocopheryl Acetate Skin Conditioning Agent
Retinyl Palmitate Skin Conditioning Agent
Cholesterol Skin Conditioning Agent
Bisabolol Skin Conditioning Agent
Helianthus Annuus Skin Conditioning Agent
Ceramide 3 Skin Conditioning Agent
Ceramide 6 II Skin Conditioning Agent
Ceramide 1 Skin Conditioning Agent
Phytosphingosine Skin Conditioning Agent
Sodium PCA Humectant
Camellia Sinensis Botanicals
Vitis Vinifera Botanicals
Saccharomyces/Zinc Ferment Additive
Saccharomyces/Magnesium Ferment Additive
Sodium Lactate Humectant
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate Emulsifier
Myristyl Alcohol Emulsifier
Cetyl Alcohol Viscosity Controlling Agent
Stearyl Alcohol Viscosity Controlling Agent
Glyceryl Dilaurate Emulsifier
PEG-100 Stearate Emulsifier
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane UV Absorber
Sucrose Polystearate Emulsifier
Carbomer Viscosity Controlling Agent
Xanthan Gum Viscosity Controlling Agent
Disodium EDTA Sequestrant
Triethanolamine pH Adjuster
Parfum Fragrance
Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate Preservative
Methylparaben Preservative
Propylparaben Preservative
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone Fragrance
Benzyl Salicylate Fragrance
Butylphenyl Methylpropional Fragrance
Citronellol Fragrance
Farnesol Fragrance
Geraniol Fragrance
Hexyl Cinnamal Fragrance
Limonene Fragrance
Linalool
And it's for the day so I can't put it on my skin at night. I was thinking of ordering the PC skin balancing moisture gel. And a toner maybe (i don't know wich one) and a BHA product.
I have another question (sorry if I ask a lot of questions 
); When I put BP and differin on at night, is it wise to put a moisterizer over it? 
Thanks and have a nice weekend Snow Queen!
SweetAmber said:Thanks for your time!Now I can see why I could not find that Blemish Fighting Solution from PC.... it's not on her European site
[Removed link] I wonder why that is? I have to see if I can order from the other site then..huh hm? I don't understand it. I think I can't order from the her other site.
I was also looking for the BP from Dan's regiem, also 2,5 %. But they don't ship to Holland.
I have asked if they make 2,5% here in Holland but they don't, that's why I am looking for another way. And the 5% to me is overdrying
The Dove's Sensitive Skin Lotion is not available here.
The only lotion from Dove here is "Dove Face Care 5EE Daglotion SPF 4" ingredients are:
Aqua Solvent
Glycerin Humectant
Isohexadecane Skin Conditioning Agent
C12-15 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate Skin Conditioning Agent
Ethylhexyl Salicylate UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate UV Absorber
Sorbitan Stearate Emulsifier
Stearic Acid Emulsifier
Palmitic Acid Emulsifier
Linoleic Acid Skin Conditioning Agent
Panthenol Skin Conditioning Agent
Tocopheryl Acetate Skin Conditioning Agent
Retinyl Palmitate Skin Conditioning Agent
Cholesterol Skin Conditioning Agent
Bisabolol Skin Conditioning Agent
Helianthus Annuus Skin Conditioning Agent
Ceramide 3 Skin Conditioning Agent
Ceramide 6 II Skin Conditioning Agent
Ceramide 1 Skin Conditioning Agent
Phytosphingosine Skin Conditioning Agent
Sodium PCA Humectant
Camellia Sinensis Botanicals
Vitis Vinifera Botanicals
Saccharomyces/Zinc Ferment Additive
Saccharomyces/Magnesium Ferment Additive
Sodium Lactate Humectant
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate Emulsifier
Myristyl Alcohol Emulsifier
Cetyl Alcohol Viscosity Controlling Agent
Stearyl Alcohol Viscosity Controlling Agent
Glyceryl Dilaurate Emulsifier
PEG-100 Stearate Emulsifier
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane UV Absorber
Sucrose Polystearate Emulsifier
Carbomer Viscosity Controlling Agent
Xanthan Gum Viscosity Controlling Agent
Disodium EDTA Sequestrant
Triethanolamine pH Adjuster
Parfum Fragrance
Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate Preservative
Methylparaben Preservative
Propylparaben Preservative
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone Fragrance
Benzyl Salicylate Fragrance
Butylphenyl Methylpropional Fragrance
Citronellol Fragrance
Farnesol Fragrance
Geraniol Fragrance
Hexyl Cinnamal Fragrance
Limonene Fragrance
Linalool
And it's for the day so I can't put it on my skin at night. I was thinking of ordering the PC skin balancing moisture gel. And a toner maybe (i don't know wich one) and a BHA product.
I have another question (sorry if I ask a lot of questions
Thanks and have a nice weekend Snow Queen!
That's too bad about the Blemish Fighting Solution not being available in Europe, and the CSR Gel not shipping to Holland. You might have already seen this, but here's a quote from the Paula's Choice website explaining why the Blemish Fighting Solution is not sold in Europe:
The active ingredient in Paula's Choice Blemish Fighting Solutions is benzoyl peroxide. Under European Union Cosmetics Regulations products containing this ingredient are considered to be over-the-counter drugs and must be formally registered as such. As a consequence, products containing benzoyl peroxide may be bought at the pharmacy or the chemist, without a doctor's prescription being required, but they cannot be sold by a cosmetic company. For this reason Paula's Choice Blemish Fighting Solutions are not available in the European Union.
[Removed link]
I was looking at Proactiv's Repairing Lotion, the only other suitable 2.5% benzoyl peroxide product which comes to mind, but I don't think Proactiv ships to Holland either. My advice to you is to order off of Ebay or go to your local pharmacy and look for 2.5% benzoyl peroxide products. You could also try using tea tree oil as a disinfectant in 5-15% concentrations. Derma E Tea Tree and Antiseptic Cream is the only tea tree oil product I know of which contains enough tea tree oil to be effective in a gentle solution, so if you can't order that you will have to buy pure tea tree oil and dilute it with your moisturizer.
The Dove lotion you mention above would be OK, but it only has an SPF 4, which is unacceptable for daytime use. Besides, you're not looking for a daytime moisturizer. You could try Paula's Choice Skin-Balancing Moisture Gel, but the Completely Non-Greasy Moisturizing Lotion is more emollient and therefore may be better and fighting dryness. As far as toners go, I like the Skin Balancing Toner; it's the best one in my opinion for skin experiencing breakouts. If you're going to get a BHA product, the 2% BHA Liquid is my favorite, and the 2% BHA Gel is nice too.
You can use a moisturizer after using benzoyl peroxide and Differin- just so long as you don't put the moisturizer on beforehand. Putting a moisturizer on beforehand would hinder the penetration of your medications.
Thanks for the reply Snow Queen.
I want to get a good body wash without skin irritants and harsh chemicals in it, what would you recommend. I really like Eucerin Baby Aquaphor Gentle Wash because I would be able to use it on my body and face but could not find any around my neighborhood, I went to all the stores walmart, foodland, longs drug and several others and none had them in stock 
. Could you recommend several just in case they don't have them. It was a pain going to 5 different stores. I really can't buy online because where I live there is a shipping surcharge, which is rediculasly(sp?) high and prefer to shop locally.
Also would shampoo cause any facial skin irritation. If so, what are good shampoo that don't have any skin irritants. Thanks
Unfortunately finding body washes without skin irritants is easier said than done, since almost every body wash contains fragrance (and usually a lot). The companies making these body washes know that consumers often times buy cleansers just because of the way they smell, and take this into account when developing new cleansers.
I was looking at some body washes [Removed link], but even the ones labeled "fragrance-free" contain some sort of fragrant extract. The only "adult" body wash free from fragrance and known skin irritants was Jason Natural Cosmetics Fragrance Free Satin Shower Body Wash, a product I've never seen at the drugstore (although my local Ralphs does carry some Jason Natural Cosmetics products).
So then I decided to look at "baby" washes, and almost all of these contained fragrance as well. The only truly fragrance-free baby wash, other than Eucerin's, was Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief Creamy Wash, Fragrance Free (and according to the ingredients on Drugstore.com, it is, unlike Aveeno's "fragrance-free" adult body washes). Aveeno products are more likely to be found in stores, so that's good.
I'm pretty certain that Clinique offers fragrance-free body washes, but I've never seen ingredients lists for any of them so can't say that they truly are fragrance free or don't contain other skin irritants.
Another Acne.org user told me that Eucerin's Baby Aquaphor Gentle Wash can be found at Rite Aid.
Shampoos, face washes, and body washes are formulated very similarly and I have used face wash for body wash, shampoo for face wash, shampoo for body wash, body wash for face wash, etc.... The reason why body washes and shampoos are more likely to be irritating than face washes is because they almost always contain more fragrance. As was said about body washes, finding a fragrance-free/irritant-free shampoo is easier said than done; in fact, it's even harder than finding a fragrance-free/irritant-free body wash.
The only fragrance-free/irritant-free shampoos that was available on [Removed link](and probably not at any drugstore near you) is: Earth Science Shampoo For All Hair Types, Fragrance-Free.
Your right, I always bought soaps and shampoos that smell great and never imagined that it was irritating my skin. Snow Queen your a life saver and very smart.
I might be able to get some Eucerin Baby Aquaphor Gentle Wash from Ebay 
. Would it be O.K to use it as a bodywash, face wash and shampoo?
I been also looking at Nivea for Men Sensitive Extra Gentle Face Wash and seemed like a very good product which you also recommended to another member. Would it be better to buy Eucerin Baby Aquaphor Gentle Wash for the body and use Nivea for the face because it is enriched with Chamomile and Vitamin E, I don't know what they do but sounds health or it doesn't really matter and I'm over analyzing this. Your help is greatly appreciated
Your right, I always bought soaps and shampoos that smell great and never imagined that it was irritating my skin. Snow Queen your a life saver and very smart.
I might be able to get some Eucerin Baby Aquaphor Gentle Wash from Ebay
I been also looking at Nivea for Men Sensitive Extra Gentle Face Wash and seemed like a very good product which you also recommended to another member. Would it be better to buy Eucerin Baby Aquaphor Gentle Wash for the body and use Nivea for the face because it is enriched with Chamomile and Vitamin E, I don't know what they do but sounds health or it doesn't really matter and I'm over analyzing this. Your help is greatly appreciated
You can use Eucerin Baby Aquaphor Gentle Wash as a body wash, face wash, and shampoo (although sometimes cleansers don't feel thick enough for use in the hair, but the consistancy of the product woudln't harm you). The Nivea for Men Sensitive Extra Gentle Face wash, even though it has citamin E and chamomile, isn't necessarily better for you than the Eucerin because those beneficial ingredients aren't in contact with the skin long enough to make much difference since they get washed away. The only reason why you might prefer the Nivea to the Eucerin is because it could feel softer on the face.
Thanks for the compliments!
The_Snow_Queen said:SweetAmber said:Thanks for your time!Now I can see why I could not find that Blemish Fighting Solution from PC.... it's not on her European site
[Removed link] I wonder why that is? I have to see if I can order from the other site then..huh hm? I don't understand it. I think I can't order from the her other site.
I was also looking for the BP from Dan's regiem, also 2,5 %. But they don't ship to Holland.
I have asked if they make 2,5% here in Holland but they don't, that's why I am looking for another way. And the 5% to me is overdrying
The Dove's Sensitive Skin Lotion is not available here.
The only lotion from Dove here is "Dove Face Care 5EE Daglotion SPF 4" ingredients are:
Aqua Solvent
Glycerin Humectant
Isohexadecane Skin Conditioning Agent
C12-15 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate Skin Conditioning Agent
Ethylhexyl Salicylate UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate UV Absorber
Sorbitan Stearate Emulsifier
Stearic Acid Emulsifier
Palmitic Acid Emulsifier
Linoleic Acid Skin Conditioning Agent
Panthenol Skin Conditioning Agent
Tocopheryl Acetate Skin Conditioning Agent
Retinyl Palmitate Skin Conditioning Agent
Cholesterol Skin Conditioning Agent
Bisabolol Skin Conditioning Agent
Helianthus Annuus Skin Conditioning Agent
Ceramide 3 Skin Conditioning Agent
Ceramide 6 II Skin Conditioning Agent
Ceramide 1 Skin Conditioning Agent
Phytosphingosine Skin Conditioning Agent
Sodium PCA Humectant
Camellia Sinensis Botanicals
Vitis Vinifera Botanicals
Saccharomyces/Zinc Ferment Additive
Saccharomyces/Magnesium Ferment Additive
Sodium Lactate Humectant
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate Emulsifier
Myristyl Alcohol Emulsifier
Cetyl Alcohol Viscosity Controlling Agent
Stearyl Alcohol Viscosity Controlling Agent
Glyceryl Dilaurate Emulsifier
PEG-100 Stearate Emulsifier
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane UV Absorber
Sucrose Polystearate Emulsifier
Carbomer Viscosity Controlling Agent
Xanthan Gum Viscosity Controlling Agent
Disodium EDTA Sequestrant
Triethanolamine pH Adjuster
Parfum Fragrance
Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate Preservative
Methylparaben Preservative
Propylparaben Preservative
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone Fragrance
Benzyl Salicylate Fragrance
Butylphenyl Methylpropional Fragrance
Citronellol Fragrance
Farnesol Fragrance
Geraniol Fragrance
Hexyl Cinnamal Fragrance
Limonene Fragrance
Linalool
And it's for the day so I can't put it on my skin at night. I was thinking of ordering the PC skin balancing moisture gel. And a toner maybe (i don't know wich one) and a BHA product.
I have another question (sorry if I ask a lot of questions
Thanks and have a nice weekend Snow Queen!
That's too bad about the Blemish Fighting Solution not being available in Europe, and the CSR Gel not shipping to Holland. You might have already seen this, but here's a quote from the Paula's Choice website explaining why the Blemish Fighting Solution is not sold in Europe:
The active ingredient in Paula's Choice Blemish Fighting Solutions is benzoyl peroxide. Under European Union Cosmetics Regulations products containing this ingredient are considered to be over-the-counter drugs and must be formally registered as such. As a consequence, products containing benzoyl peroxide may be bought at the pharmacy or the chemist, without a doctor's prescription being required, but they cannot be sold by a cosmetic company. For this reason Paula's Choice Blemish Fighting Solutions are not available in the European Union.
[Removed link]
I was looking at Proactiv's Repairing Lotion, the only other suitable 2.5% benzoyl peroxide product which comes to mind, but I don't think Proactiv ships to Holland either. My advice to you is to order off of Ebay or go to your local pharmacy and look for 2.5% benzoyl peroxide products. You could also try using tea tree oil as a disinfectant in 5-15% concentrations. Derma E Tea Tree and Antiseptic Cream is the only tea tree oil product I know of which contains enough tea tree oil to be effective in a gentle solution, so if you can't order that you will have to buy pure tea tree oil and dilute it with your moisturizer.
The Dove lotion you mention above would be OK, but it only has an SPF 4, which is unacceptable for daytime use. Besides, you're not looking for a daytime moisturizer. You could try Paula's Choice Skin-Balancing Moisture Gel, but the Completely Non-Greasy Moisturizing Lotion is more emollient and therefore may be better and fighting dryness. As far as toners go, I like the Skin Balancing Toner; it's the best one in my opinion for skin experiencing breakouts. If you're going to get a BHA product, the 2% BHA Liquid is my favorite, and the 2% BHA Gel is nice too.
You can use a moisturizer after using benzoyl peroxide and Differin- just so long as you don't put the moisturizer on beforehand. Putting a moisturizer on beforehand would hinder the penetration of your medications.
Thanks for your advice Snow!
I actually had not read that quote...... that explains a lot. I have to find another way. 
cya
Does anyone use Arbonne products? They are supposed to be natural, and I've noticed a lot of improvement in my skins clarity/texture, but not breakouts...
Do you have a specific Arbonne product in mind (that you could also list the ingredients for if possible)?
* Bi-Hydria Complex
* Blue Copper
* Zinc
* Papain
* Alpha Hydroxy Acids
* Lysate Extract
* Thermal Fusion Technology
* Phospholipids
Does anyone use Arbonne products? They are supposed to be natural, and I've noticed a lot of improvement in my skins clarity/texture, but not breakouts...
Do you have a specific Arbonne product in mind (that you could also list the ingredients for if possible)?
* Bi-Hydria Complex
* Blue Copper
* Zinc
* Papain
* Alpha Hydroxy Acids
* Lysate Extract
* Thermal Fusion Technology
* Phospholipids
Are you sure that's the complete ingredients list? I can't tell you what the Bi-Hydria Complex is or the Thermal Fusion Technology, but I can tell you that papain, an ingredient used as an exfoliant in cosmetics despite the fact that it can be very irritating and has very little research showing it to be an effective exfoliant (and only when used in a pure concentration), I don't know the pH of the product so can't tell you whether or not the alpha hydroxy acids will act as exfoliants and won't be able to even with a complete ingredients list, but I can tell you that there are a lot more pH-correct alpha hydroxy acid products than there are salicylic acid products. Other than that, it looks like the product contains anti-irritants, antioxidants, lipids, and ingredients whose benefits for the skin are not known. Paula Begoun, cosmetics researcher and author of The Beauty Bible whose advice I usually follow, gives many Arbonne products poor reviews, either because they don't uphold promises, contain skin irritants, or both.
Are you sure that's the complete ingredients list? I can't tell you what the Bi-Hydria Complex is or the Thermal Fusion Technology, but I can tell you that papain, an ingredient used as an exfoliant in cosmetics despite the fact that it can be very irritating and has very little research showing it to be an effective exfoliant (and only when used in a pure concentration), I don't know the pH of the product so can't tell you whether or not the alpha hydroxy acids will act as exfoliants and won't be able to even with a complete ingredients list, but I can tell you that there are a lot more pH-correct alpha hydroxy acid products than there are salicylic acid products. Other than that, it looks like the product contains anti-irritants, antioxidants, lipids, and ingredients whose benefits for the skin are not known. Paula Begoun, cosmetics researcher and author of The Beauty Bible whose advice I usually follow, gives many Arbonne products poor reviews, either because they don't uphold promises, contain skin irritants, or both.
it's not a full list, i threw away the box. but thank you!
do you know where i can find her reviews of arbonne? i'm thinking that i'm noticing a difference from what i am using, but it may just be because i think its helping...
Are you sure that's the complete ingredients list? I can't tell you what the Bi-Hydria Complex is or the Thermal Fusion Technology, but I can tell you that papain, an ingredient used as an exfoliant in cosmetics despite the fact that it can be very irritating and has very little research showing it to be an effective exfoliant (and only when used in a pure concentration), I don't know the pH of the product so can't tell you whether or not the alpha hydroxy acids will act as exfoliants and won't be able to even with a complete ingredients list, but I can tell you that there are a lot more pH-correct alpha hydroxy acid products than there are salicylic acid products. Other than that, it looks like the product contains anti-irritants, antioxidants, lipids, and ingredients whose benefits for the skin are not known. Paula Begoun, cosmetics researcher and author of The Beauty Bible whose advice I usually follow, gives many Arbonne products poor reviews, either because they don't uphold promises, contain skin irritants, or both.
it's not a full list, i threw away the box. but thank you!
do you know where i can find her reviews of arbonne? i'm thinking that i'm noticing a difference from what i am using, but it may just be because i think its helping...
If you go to the bookstore and find Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me Arbonne reviews should be in there. You don't even have to buy the book, you could just look up the information you want to know. I don't have that book so I can't tell you that your product is in there or not for sure, but it probably is because Paula does reveiw Arbonne products, and the few Arbonne product reviews which can be found on her website are negative.
do you know if theres anything wrong using a cleanser containing .25% triclosan as an active ingredient? before applying benzaclin or is it too harsh?
As far as I know there is no research supporting the effectiveness of triclosan as a disinfectant for acne. There are also concerns about whether or not bacteria can become resistant to it, and if triclosan is even effective as a disinfectant at all when used in cleansers and liquid hand soaps. Medicated cleansers are generally ineffective for disinfecting because the active ingredient is not on the skin long enough to have any real effect, and if you let the cleanser sit on the skin in hopes of allowing the active ingredient time to work, you're also giving the surfectants in the cleanser enough time to irritate the skin.
Some people have reported sensitivity to triclosan; though it's hard to say if that sensitivity was caused by that or an inactive ingredient.
The Benzaclin by itself should be effective as a disinfectant. If it's not, ask your doctor about other disinfectant options.
Snow...
I have the Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Defense Face Lotion as well as BP and differin.
Any suggestions for applications ( day and night)?
Right now I am on something like this.
Wash
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Defense Face Lotion
BP
moisturizer/spf
Wash
differin
BP
moisturizer as needed
I have had a perscription for differin for nearly a year - and have had little to no success with it. Always have been applying at night, then bp, then moisturizer. Time to try a new retinoid if the doc lets me?
Snow...
I have the Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Defense Face Lotion as well as BP and differin.
Any suggestions for applications ( day and night)?
Right now I am on something like this.
Wash
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Defense Face Lotion
BP
moisturizer/spf
Wash
differin
BP
moisturizer as needed
I have had a perscription for differin for nearly a year - and have had little to no success with it. Always have been applying at night, then bp, then moisturizer. Time to try a new retinoid if the doc lets me?
You can apply your Neutrogena product as often as twice daily and as little as once every other day, though I recommend applying it at least once daily. If you experience irritation, reduce your applications. If you're not getting good results, increase your applications. Also, make sure you're not using bar soap to cleanse your face with, since they almost always have alkaline pH's (which can interfere with the effectiveness of chemical exfoliants and other pH-sensitive products).
If you've been using Differin with little, if any, success for almost a year, it's time to go to the doctor and get a new prescription retinoid. I wouldn't expect you to have any difficulty in obtaining one. I especially recommend Retin-A Micro, which is gentler than original Retin-A formulations due to its controlled release of tretinoin. You'll probably be started off with the 0.04% concentration, and if need be work your way up to the 0.1% concentration. The biggest drawback is that you will not be able to use benzoyl peroxide after you apply Retin-A because unlike adapalene (used in Differin), tretinoin does not remain stable in the presence of benzoyl peroxide. However, you can still apply benzoyl peroxide each day, since disinfectants can be used effectively as little as once daily.
Thanks for your suggestions. I will make another appointment with my derm soon after xmas - hopefully get on something that works a bit better for me.
About the order of application. In the morning after washing, should the SA go on before the BP? At night I will be using differing, which I have read is ok with BP, but what about SA? If it is alright to use the 3 together, what order should the be applied?
Thanks for your suggestions. I will make another appointment with my derm soon after xmas - hopefully get on something that works a bit better for me.
About the order of application. In the morning after washing, should the SA go on before the BP? At night I will be using differing, which I have read is ok with BP, but what about SA? If it is alright to use the 3 together, what order should the be applied?
It depends which benzoyl peroxide product you're using. In most cases products with the lightest consistancy should be applied first, so lotions should be applied before creams, gels before lotions, liquids before gels. This helps improve product penetration. I personally prefer to use salicylic acid before benzoyl peroxide because salicylic acid helps improve the pentration of benzoyl peroxide, but since your salicylic acid product is in lotion form and as a result contains some of the emollient ingredients that can hinder product penetration, it may be better to apply your benzoyl peroxide product first (assuming it's in gel form). If your benzoyl peroxide product is in lotion form, apply the salicylic acid first.
Dermatologists disagree on whether or not salicylic is fine to use in conjuntion with prescription retinoids like Differin and benzoyl peroxide products. I personally feel it is, provided gentle and effective salicylic acid products are used. It is my opinion that the dermatologist who feel that salicylic acid is too harsh for use in conjunction with prescription retinoids are thinking of the majority of salicylic acid products which contain high concentrations of skin irritants. Your Neutrogena product is not one of these harsh salicylic acid treatments. Since Differin is in gel form, apply the Neutrogena after Differin and benzoyl peroxide (assuming your benzoyl peroxide is in gel form; if it is in lotion form, apply the Neutrogena first).
Hi SnowQueen! This is a great thread you've started, and it shows that you've done the research. I'm a Paula fan myself, and used to use SA at her suggestion and had great results. Anyway I'm clear now using lifestyle changes (diet/sleep/exercise/etc.) and I've kind of fallin off the topical stuff, but I'd like to improve my regimen, just to help my skin stay healthy and age better.
I have a gentle cleanser and would like to incorporate one of the gentle scrubs you mentioned, such as the Aveeno Skin Brightening, Dove Essential Nutrients or Nivea for Men. My question: Should I alternate between my gentle cleanser and the scrub each day (ie. Monday Cleanser, Tuesday Scrub) or Cleanse then use the scrub each day. Thanks bunches!
Secondly, how important do you really think toners are? I don't use one, and heard they weren't necessary... just curious:)
