Jade Phoenix said:

Hi Snow Queen! Thank you so much for taking all this time and effort to help people with their queries on the boards. I've been keeping your list of bad ingredients in mind when I go cosmetics shopping. I hope you have some advice for me ^^;;;

My skin is sensitive, combination to oily (oily in the T-zone and on the cheek under my eye, but quite dry in the immediate eye area, in the lower half of my cheek and around the mouth) and I've been told by estheticians examining my skin under those blue (UV?) lights and under bright lights that my entire face is dehydrated. I'm currently using Dermalogica (Ultracalming cleanser, hydrating booster, active moist, gentle exfoliant cream, and solar defense booster SPF30). While my complexion has improved a lot, my problems are: the range is horrifically expensive, it didn't completely stop acne and I still got a few blemishes, and I'm worried about using the sunscreen on my eyes for fear of clogging pores. I was also using a washcloth on the advice of my... person-who-gave-me-the-facial-and-sold-me-the-product (I have no clue if that would be the Beautician or Skincare Professional), but stopped after reading Dan's advice to not use a washcloth.

Right now, my face is quite clear of blemishes (maybe 95% clear), but the skin appears kind of dull, and the cheek area under my eyes and my forehead have barely noticeable (but they're still there) skin-colored clogged pores/skin-colored tiny bumps. I still have a lot of the product I mentioned above, minus moisturiser which I've run out of and have been trying desperately to find a cheaper replacement, but everything I look up has at least a few people panning it or saying it broke them out, and having a crazy break-out trying new products seems a lot less attractive than just sucking it up with my dull and slightly bumpy skin. Right now I'm using Clinelle's Moisture Glow (Clinelle is Dermalogica's cheaper, pharmacy/supermarket range). Do you have any advice or recommendations on this and for sunscreen?

I've also found that BP 2.5% has been pretty good with stopping acne from worsening, but I notice you don't have a spot treatment in your regime. What would you use on blemishes? I really want to try Paula's Choice BHA because you and many others have raved about this product, but I've also read on this board that BP + SA is bad news, so I'm hesitant to use BP to continue treating spots if I do start using the BHA.

Phew! Sorry about the ramble! In short: moisturiser, sunscreen, BHA/BP advice?

Any thoughts would be much appreciated, thank you!

First off, good skincare doesn't have to be expensive. Although I'm sure most estheticians honestly want their clients to have healthy skin and use effective skincare products, at the same time I think most would rather you buy good products (or products they think are good) from them rather than good products from a drugstore because commission can be a huge portion of their earnings. Many in the esthetics industry will tell you that drugstore products are inferior to the skincare lines which they sell, and although I'm sure they sincerely believe it, it isn't necessarily true. (This is the impression I've gotten from having attended an esthetician's school myself, anyway.)

I can't really recommend or advise against the use of a product without seeing the ingredients list, so my apologies.

Another thing I want to stress is that just because someone says something broke them out doesn't mean your skin will experience breakouts from that same product/treatment. In addition, many people think that breakouts happen overnight, when they really have been forming for around two weeks under the skin before becoming visible, so they might mistakenly blame something for causing breakouts. The only way for you to know what works and what doesn't on the personal level is through trial and error.

From what I understand thin skin can also appear to be dry skin under the Wood's Lamp. (Is this what you're talking about?)

Make sure you only apply moisturizer over areas of dry skin; oily skin does not need a moisturizer and unnecessary moisturization can actually create skin problems like breakouts and dullness by trapping layers of dead skin cells to the skin's surface. Plus, only moisturizing certain areas of skin saves money.

Washcloths can be overly abrasive and harbor bacteria/microbes; if you use a washcloth make sure it's clean and soft in feel.

Dan says that salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide shouldn't be used together; however, at the same time he recommends the use of alpha hydroxy acid lotions, which like salicylic acid is a chemical exfoliant. Actually, salicylic acid is considered gentler than alpha hydroxy acids because of its anti-inflammatory properties (salicylic acid is an aspirin derivative), but because most salicylic acid products are harsh and/or have too high of a pH to exfoliate myths have come into circulation stating that it is an excessively harsh ingredient or that benzoyl peroxide makes it ineffective. Benzoyl peroxide renders most prescription retinoids unstable, and many people think that retinoids are exfoliants (which they are not), so I suppose some people think that true exfoliants like salicylic acid are also ineffective when used in conjunction with benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroixde and salicylic acid both increase one's sensitivity to the sun, so I guess that could be a valid concern as to why those two ingredients shouldn't be used together, but that's what a good broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher sunscreen and smart sun habits are for.

As far as how to use salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide together, you can use both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid as often as twice daily. Salicylic acid can be used as little as once every other day (though at least once a day is probably better) and benzoyl peroxide can be used as little as once daily. As you can see, you don't have to use them both at the same time, but if you need to you can. How often you use the products depends on you (if you're having problems with irritation reduce the applications of one or both treatments, and if you feel you need more help with controlling breakouts you can increase your applications). I recommend giving most new regimens preferably two months to see results unless you're clearly having a bad reaction and not just a few new breakouts.

Spot treating is fine for the occasional inflammatory blemish, but if inflammatory acne is a problem for you consider using a benzoyl peroxide product wherever you're prone to inflammatory breakouts. 2.5% benzoyl peroxide should be fine for spot-treating; use what you've found works. Tea tree oil in 5-15% concentrations can also be used.

You can try replacing your Dermalogica products with some of the products which are recommended in Part II of the first post of this thread, many of which will be much less expensive and available at the drugstore. Many users on this site, including myself, love Paula's Choice BHA products. If, however, you find that after a few months of use your skin hasn't noticeably improved, you may want to explore retinoids, which can actually help normalize cell function and as a result normalize pore function. Prescription retinoid products include Retin-A (tretinoin), Differin (adapalene), and Tazorac (tazarotene); over-the-counter retinoid products include feature retinol and retinaldehyde, which are thought to have similar effects on the skin as tretinoin while at the same time being much gentler. Remember that you shouldn't expect the same results from over-the-counter treatments as you would for prescription-only treatments. Also, good retinoid products tend to be expensive. When using retinoids, I recommend allowing three months to see noticeable improvements.

By the way, here's an article you may find interesting:

[Removed link]

Snow Queen, I have a quick question involving Aloe vera gel. I've been using it on my face for almost a week now and it seems to really help the feel of my skin. It's also said to help heal redmarks and scars so I wanted to give it a try. I've been off of Accutane since January 10th, and I've been told it takes at least 6 months for your skin to get back to normal (meaning healing processes are slow ) so I'm trying to help speed up healing. I may have to go on Retin-A if I dont end up on Accutane again.

 

But anyway, there is menthol in the Aloe Vera gel, it's more of an after sun gel too (I'm guessing there's more than one type of aloe vera). Do you think this will help any with healing? Also, there is a cooling feeling from the menthol, Although I don't have much active acne, I don't want to irritate my skin.

 

thanks in advance

When it comes to fading red marks, it's difficult to say whether or not any given product can speed the process because the improvements you notice may just be resultant of the skin's own healing process. Retinoids and exfoliants are thought to speed the fading process, and cell-communicating ingredients may also. With any treatment, don't expect miracles (though I doubt aloe vera will have any effect at all on true acne scars, which are different from red marks).

If your aloe vera gel has menthol in it, don't use it. The cooling sensation is a sign of irritation and tells you that damage is taking place. If you're interested in aloe vera, why not use pure aloe vera?

Hi, sorry in advance for another list of ingredients. I recently switched moisturizers since the old one wasn't really keeping my moisturized and it balled up nastily with the BP. My new moisturizer has kept my skin moisturized, it goes on smooth and quick, etc. but after a week of use (i.e. now) I got a pretty nasty breakout. So of course I'm worried if the new moisturizer is what caused this.. Is there anything about the following ingredients that might be bad for my skin:

Aqua, propylene glycol dipelargonate, PEG-8Beeswax, glycerin, cyclomethicone, butylene glycol, hydrogenated palm/palm kernel oil PEG-6 esters, cetyl alcohol, ceteth-20, steareth- 20, nylon- 12, phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben,carbomer, sodium hydroxide.

Hey snow queen. I have a question for you real quick. I recently started a regimen which lion queen has been helping me with. I use a gentle cleanser and then apply green cream. I may add in a moisturizer if i need it but normally i dont. So far ive seen very very good results. But, i do still get breakouts here and there, specifically whiteheads. I was going to add in Paulas choice salicylic acid gel 2% to try and fight these off. I was wondering if you thought this would be good to do? Im not really sure what im trying to ask, haha, im just trying to find something else to throw in to help fight off the redness and breakouts im still getting. Im not sure if i would use an exfoliant or a disinfectant for this problem though. I read that salicylic acid is actually anti-bacterial and good as a disinfectant but im not sure if this is true. Any help you could give me would be great. Also are exfoliants like BHAs good for after acne redness? thanks a ton.

is it alright to apply benzol peroxide.......... after applying apple cider vinegar and letting it dry??

Hi, sorry in advance for another list of ingredients. I recently switched moisturizers since the old one wasn't really keeping my moisturized and it balled up nastily with the BP. My new moisturizer has kept my skin moisturized, it goes on smooth and quick, etc. but after a week of use (i.e. now) I got a pretty nasty breakout. So of course I'm worried if the new moisturizer is what caused this.. Is there anything about the following ingredients that might be bad for my skin:

 

Aqua, propylene glycol dipelargonate, PEG-8Beeswax, glycerin, cyclomethicone, butylene glycol, hydrogenated palm/palm kernel oil PEG-6 esters, cetyl alcohol, ceteth-20, steareth- 20, nylon- 12, phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben,carbomer, sodium hydroxide.

Waxy thickeners, like beeswax, can clog pores in some people. However, clogged pores take around two weeks to form, so your breakout probably started forming before you used the moisturizer. To prevent breakouts make sure you only use a moisturizer over dry areas of skin since oily skin doesn't need a moisturizer and unnecessary moisturization mixes with excess sebum and traps dead skin cells to the skin's surface.

Hey snow queen. I have a question for you real quick. I recently started a regimen which lion queen has been helping me with. I use a gentle cleanser and then apply green cream. I may add in a moisturizer if i need it but normally i dont. So far ive seen very very good results. But, i do still get breakouts here and there, specifically whiteheads. I was going to add in Paulas choice salicylic acid gel 2% to try and fight these off. I was wondering if you thought this would be good to do? Im not really sure what im trying to ask, haha, im just trying to find something else to throw in to help fight off the redness and breakouts im still getting. Im not sure if i would use an exfoliant or a disinfectant for this problem though. I read that salicylic acid is actually anti-bacterial and good as a disinfectant but im not sure if this is true. Any help you could give me would be great. Also are exfoliants like BHAs good for after acne redness? thanks a ton.

Salicylic acid does have anti-inflammatory properties due to its relationship with aspirin, which can help soothe redness or at the very least help calm the irritation which is inevetably caused by exfoliation. It also acts as a lipid-soluble exfoliant (so it can penetrate into the pore as well as exfoliate the skin's surface). In addition, salicylic acid does exhibit some antimicrobial properties as you've already read, though is best-known as an exfoliant. All of this can help fight against breakouts.

Paula's Choice salicylic acid products are the best I've seen, and many users on the site find them to be effective while not being overly harsh. Most salicylic acid products on the market have too high of a pH (over 4) to act as effective exfoliants, contain unnecessary skin irritants like SD alcohol 40 (making the treatment potentially very irritating), or both.

Anyway, retinoids and salicylic acid can be very complementary to each other; retinoids help normalize cell function and subsequently pore function, while salicylic acid exfoliates debris from the skin's surface and inside the pores. Some people might not be able to use the two treatments together, but if you need to you can use them at the same time. Salicylic acid can be used as often as twice daily and as little as once every other day (though you'll probably find that you need it at least once daily), so you can start off using it once a day when you aren't about to use the retinoid (which reminds me, if you do decide that you want to use the two treatments together apply the 2% BHA Gel first followed by Green Cream). If you experience too much irritation reduce your applications and try gradually increasing your applications again if you should feel the need to (many people notice irritation from a new treatment like salicylic acid during the first few weeks of use until the skin has had time to adapt).

You only need a disinfectant (once or twice daily) if you have inflammatory acne, and it sounds like you probably do since you're complaining of redness (though that redness could just be caused by irritation alone). Since salicylic acid is antimicrobial you can try using it alone, and if after a month or two you really don't notice much improvement you can use a disinfectant like 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. I don't recommend using a benzoyl peroxide with retinoids (with the exception of adaplene, which is found in prescription-only Differin) because benzoyl peroxide renders them unstable, so if you do get a benzoyl peroxide product don't use it when you apply Green Cream. Benzoyl peroxide can be used with salicylic acid (see my response to JadePhoenix's post above); you would apply Paula's 2% BHA Gel prior to the benzoyl peroxide. If you do use benzoyl peroxide, start off with those products containing lesser concentrations to reduce your irritation. One more thing; many people find that benzoyl peroxide causes redness; if redness is still a problem for you after you've been using it for a few weeks look into using tea tree oil in a 5-15% concentration, which may be gentler. You might have to make a tea tree oil mixture if you can't find a good tea tree oil product.

is it alright to apply benzol peroxide.......... after applying apple cider vinegar and letting it dry??

Apple cider vinegar can be very irritating, so I don't recommend using it with benzoyl peroxide. (Actually, I really don't recommend using it at all since the effects people claim they obtain from it can be gotten from other less-irritating products.)

Waxy thickeners, like beeswax, can clog pores in some people. However, clogged pores take around two weeks to form, so your breakout probably started forming before you used the moisturizer. To prevent breakouts make sure you only use a moisturizer over dry areas of skin since oily skin doesn't need a moisturizer and unnecessary moisturization mixes with excess sebum and traps dead skin cells to the skin's surface.

Thanks! And yeah, I'm aware of the two week thing, but I can't help my paranoia.

i built up my own little regime. please tell me how you feel. i did incorporate a lot of paula's choice products because i quite enjoyed the samples that i ordered and some of the other drugstore products you reccommended are not sold near me. however, here is my regime i am beginning as soon as my paulas choice products arrive in 3-7 days,

morning:

-wash face with lukewarm water and with Paulas Choice skin balancing cleanser on a baby's hairbrush (to gently exfoliate and slough away any dead skin cells)

-tone with nivea visage moisturizing toner ( i tried this and i found that it feels so pure and clean. a great scent as well)

-exfoliate+disinfect with Paula's Choice 2% BHA gel (that stuff makes my skin feel so smooth and comfortable, it's amazing)

-apply a neutrogena or clinique spf 25 sunscreen (i have both. which do you find is better?)

late afternoon: (when i get home)

-splash face with lukewarm water (to remove some of my foundation+concealer, and just get rid of that general oiliness)

night:

-cleanse with paulas choice skin balancing cleanser and lukewarm water on the baby hairbrush

-tone with nivea visage

-apply paulas choice 2% bh gel

-moisturize with paulas choice skin balancing moisturizer

i am also beginning to take the hair, skin and nails formula which contains a lot of vitamin e as well as biotin, i'm mostly taking it for the shininess it adds to my hair, but if it actually helps my skin, that's a bonus. i am also beginning to take fish oil capsules for Omega 3's, as i'm taking the plunge into veganism and will lack the proper omega 3's. the reason i mention this is because i hear fish oil as well as biotin is great for your skin.

I want to wait a few months for any inflammatory acne to clear, and for my closed comedones and blackheads to loosen up a little, before i get extractions done. Inflammatory acne isn't really my problem, however i have TONS of closed comedones and blackheads. Will the extractions get rid of any closed comedones and blackheads?

thanks for your help. =)

Hi. I was reading over your good products to use section and im sorda looking for new products. I have good ones, gentle cleanser and a gentle moisturizer, but i have to order them over the internet and its a hassle sometimes, id rather drive to a store and just pick them up. So i read under the toner section that Biotherm has a good one out. I was wondering what you think about their other products, specifically the Biosensitive Softening Foaming Cleansing Water and also Biosensitive Soothing Balancing Gel-Cream Moisturizer? I posted the links below, it took me awhile to find a website that listed the ingredients, since most dont, including the Biotherm website, but i finally came through with one. Thank you very much for helping me out

Cleanser - [Removed link]

Moisturizer - [Removed link]

i am also beginning to take the hair, skin and nails formula which contains a lot of vitamin e as well as biotin, i'm mostly taking it for the shininess it adds to my hair, but if it actually helps my skin, that's a bonus. i am also beginning to take fish oil capsules for Omega 3's, as i'm taking the plunge into veganism and will lack the proper omega 3's. the reason i mention this is because i hear fish oil as well as biotin is great for your skin.

 

I want to wait a few months for any inflammatory acne to clear, and for my closed comedones and blackheads to loosen up a little, before i get extractions done. Inflammatory acne isn't really my problem, however i have TONS of closed comedones and blackheads. Will the extractions get rid of any closed comedones and blackheads?

 

 

thanks for your help. =)

Not to point out the obvious or anything, but fish oil caps are NOT vegan. For a vegan source of Omega 3, you can eat flax seeds (make sure you grind the seeds first otherwise they will not be digested-- try a clean coffee grinder, that works well. Also, flax seeds/oil are highly unstable, so buy small quantities and keep it in the fridge.) or flax oil or walnuts. There are also VegCaps available from Health From the Sun if you prefer a capsule to take. I don't know how much you know about veganism, so I won't insult your intelligence, but if you need to know more, or want some support or resources, please PM me! I am always happy to talk about it!

Also, be sure your Hair, Skin and Nails formula does not contain iodine (usually in the form of kelp) as excess iodine is processed by the body through the skin resulting in more acne! I know it seems counterintuitive that a suppliment that is supposed to be for your skin does not help, but it is true for many formulas.

In addition, I know that The Snow Queen knows more about this stuff than I do, but if you have inflammatory acne, BP will really help to kill the p acnes bacteria which is what starts it all, so you might want to consider adding that into your routine somewhere, unless you are allergic, of course. This will also help to calm down any IB you might get.

I hope my suggestions are helpful to you-- I am a vegan who recently got my acne under control, so good luck to you! Again, PM me if you have any other questions.

xo

Hi Snow Queen

I've just skimmed through your thread, and WOW, you really know your stuff. Anyway, I'm a 15 year old girl and I have mostly red mosquito like bumps and whitheads. I want to know if my routine below is good enough:

Cleanse: Purpose cleansing gel

Exfoliate:Paula's choice 2% BHA

Medicate:Paula's choice blemish fighting solutions 2.5 bp

Moisturize/protect:Neutrogena Active Breathable Sunblocks /Dove lotion

I'd like to know if a toner is necessary or helpful. If so,after what product do I use it? Which is better the Nivea or the Paula's choice toner?

Lastly I'd like to know how much time to wait between using each product.

Thanks

i am also beginning to take the hair, skin and nails formula which contains a lot of vitamin e as well as biotin, i'm mostly taking it for the shininess it adds to my hair, but if it actually helps my skin, that's a bonus. i am also beginning to take fish oil capsules for Omega 3's, as i'm taking the plunge into veganism and will lack the proper omega 3's. the reason i mention this is because i hear fish oil as well as biotin is great for your skin.

 

I want to wait a few months for any inflammatory acne to clear, and for my closed comedones and blackheads to loosen up a little, before i get extractions done. Inflammatory acne isn't really my problem, however i have TONS of closed comedones and blackheads. Will the extractions get rid of any closed comedones and blackheads?

 

 

thanks for your help. =)

 

Not to point out the obvious or anything, but fish oil caps are NOT vegan. For a vegan source of Omega 3, you can eat flax seeds (make sure you grind the seeds first otherwise they will not be digested-- try a clean coffee grinder, that works well. Also, flax seeds/oil are highly unstable, so buy small quantities and keep it in the fridge.) or flax oil or walnuts. There are also VegCaps available from Health From the Sun if you prefer a capsule to take. I don't know how much you know about veganism, so I won't insult your intelligence, but if you need to know more, or want some support or resources, please PM me! I am always happy to talk about it!

 

Also, be sure your Hair, Skin and Nails formula does not contain iodine (usually in the form of kelp) as excess iodine is processed by the body through the skin resulting in more acne! I know it seems counterintuitive that a suppliment that is supposed to be for your skin does not help, but it is true for many formulas.

 

In addition, I know that The Snow Queen knows more about this stuff than I do, but if you have inflammatory acne, BP will really help to kill the p acnes bacteria which is what starts it all, so you might want to consider adding that into your routine somewhere, unless you are allergic, of course. This will also help to calm down any IB you might get.

 

I hope my suggestions are helpful to you-- I am a vegan who recently got my acne under control, so good luck to you! Again, PM me if you have any other questions.

 

xo

 

thank you for your help.

unfortunately, i think i have a slight allergic reaction to benzoyl peroxide. i have used it before and my fce got bright red for weeks and began to peel. i gave it a month then gave up and put nothing but water on my face for a week and it was fine.

i don't know much about veganism. i researched it, but apparently there's still a lot to learn. if i have any questions, i will definitley PM you. thanks for your help! =)

i built up my own little regime. please tell me how you feel. i did incorporate a lot of paula's choice products because i quite enjoyed the samples that i ordered and some of the other drugstore products you reccommended are not sold near me. however, here is my regime i am beginning as soon as my paulas choice products arrive in 3-7 days,

 

morning:

-wash face with lukewarm water and with Paulas Choice skin balancing cleanser on a baby's hairbrush (to gently exfoliate and slough away any dead skin cells)

-tone with nivea visage moisturizing toner ( i tried this and i found that it feels so pure and clean. a great scent as well)

-exfoliate+disinfect with Paula's Choice 2% BHA gel (that stuff makes my skin feel so smooth and comfortable, it's amazing)

-apply a neutrogena or clinique spf 25 sunscreen (i have both. which do you find is better?)

 

late afternoon: (when i get home)

-splash face with lukewarm water (to remove some of my foundation+concealer, and just get rid of that general oiliness)

 

night:

-cleanse with paulas choice skin balancing cleanser and lukewarm water on the baby hairbrush

-tone with nivea visage

-apply paulas choice 2% bh gel

-moisturize with paulas choice skin balancing moisturizer

 

i am also beginning to take the hair, skin and nails formula which contains a lot of vitamin e as well as biotin, i'm mostly taking it for the shininess it adds to my hair, but if it actually helps my skin, that's a bonus. i am also beginning to take fish oil capsules for Omega 3's, as i'm taking the plunge into veganism and will lack the proper omega 3's. the reason i mention this is because i hear fish oil as well as biotin is great for your skin.

 

I want to wait a few months for any inflammatory acne to clear, and for my closed comedones and blackheads to loosen up a little, before i get extractions done. Inflammatory acne isn't really my problem, however i have TONS of closed comedones and blackheads. Will the extractions get rid of any closed comedones and blackheads?

 

 

 

thanks for your help. =)

Your regimen looks pretty good so far; the only thing I see that you might want to do differently is your use of the baby's hairbrush in conjunction with the Paula's Choice 2% BHA Gel. You should only use one exfoliant at a time.

Both Clinique and Neutrogena make good sunscreens; which specific Neutrogena sunscreen are you using?

I really don't know that much about the relationship between diet and acne, but I don't doubt that a certain diet can help some people. Anyway, so long as you don't overuse the supplements it couldn't hurt.

Extractions can be beneficial in the short term (provided the person doing them knows when to quit and doesn't use too much pressure), but unless you've gotten your acne under control and just need to get rid of some remaining comedones you'll have to keep getting them done. Also, be careful when going to an esthetician; they will most likely expect you to purchase expensive and overrated products.

JonasBrothers said:

Hi. I was reading over your good products to use section and im sorda looking for new products. I have good ones, gentle cleanser and a gentle moisturizer, but i have to order them over the internet and its a hassle sometimes, id rather drive to a store and just pick them up. So i read under the toner section that Biotherm has a good one out. I was wondering what you think about their other products, specifically the Biosensitive Softening Foaming Cleansing Water and also Biosensitive Soothing Balancing Gel-Cream Moisturizer? I posted the links below, it took me awhile to find a website that listed the ingredients, since most dont, including the Biotherm website, but i finally came through with one. Thank you very much for helping me out

Cleanser - [Removed link]

Moisturizer - [Removed link]

The cleanser looks good, but the moisturizer contains coriander, a fragrant irritant. If it weren't for that it would be fine.

i am also beginning to take the hair, skin and nails formula which contains a lot of vitamin e as well as biotin, i'm mostly taking it for the shininess it adds to my hair, but if it actually helps my skin, that's a bonus. i am also beginning to take fish oil capsules for Omega 3's, as i'm taking the plunge into veganism and will lack the proper omega 3's. the reason i mention this is because i hear fish oil as well as biotin is great for your skin.

 

I want to wait a few months for any inflammatory acne to clear, and for my closed comedones and blackheads to loosen up a little, before i get extractions done. Inflammatory acne isn't really my problem, however i have TONS of closed comedones and blackheads. Will the extractions get rid of any closed comedones and blackheads?

 

 

thanks for your help. =)

 

Not to point out the obvious or anything, but fish oil caps are NOT vegan. For a vegan source of Omega 3, you can eat flax seeds (make sure you grind the seeds first otherwise they will not be digested-- try a clean coffee grinder, that works well. Also, flax seeds/oil are highly unstable, so buy small quantities and keep it in the fridge.) or flax oil or walnuts. There are also VegCaps available from Health From the Sun if you prefer a capsule to take. I don't know how much you know about veganism, so I won't insult your intelligence, but if you need to know more, or want some support or resources, please PM me! I am always happy to talk about it!

 

Also, be sure your Hair, Skin and Nails formula does not contain iodine (usually in the form of kelp) as excess iodine is processed by the body through the skin resulting in more acne! I know it seems counterintuitive that a suppliment that is supposed to be for your skin does not help, but it is true for many formulas.

 

In addition, I know that The Snow Queen knows more about this stuff than I do, but if you have inflammatory acne, BP will really help to kill the p acnes bacteria which is what starts it all, so you might want to consider adding that into your routine somewhere, unless you are allergic, of course. This will also help to calm down any IB you might get.

 

I hope my suggestions are helpful to you-- I am a vegan who recently got my acne under control, so good luck to you! Again, PM me if you have any other questions.

Thanks for the response, and yeah, fish oil isn't vegan, lol.

i am also beginning to take the hair, skin and nails formula which contains a lot of vitamin e as well as biotin, i'm mostly taking it for the shininess it adds to my hair, but if it actually helps my skin, that's a bonus. i am also beginning to take fish oil capsules for Omega 3's, as i'm taking the plunge into veganism and will lack the proper omega 3's. the reason i mention this is because i hear fish oil as well as biotin is great for your skin.

 

I want to wait a few months for any inflammatory acne to clear, and for my closed comedones and blackheads to loosen up a little, before i get extractions done. Inflammatory acne isn't really my problem, however i have TONS of closed comedones and blackheads. Will the extractions get rid of any closed comedones and blackheads?

 

 

thanks for your help. =)

 

Not to point out the obvious or anything, but fish oil caps are NOT vegan. For a vegan source of Omega 3, you can eat flax seeds (make sure you grind the seeds first otherwise they will not be digested-- try a clean coffee grinder, that works well. Also, flax seeds/oil are highly unstable, so buy small quantities and keep it in the fridge.) or flax oil or walnuts. There are also VegCaps available from Health From the Sun if you prefer a capsule to take. I don't know how much you know about veganism, so I won't insult your intelligence, but if you need to know more, or want some support or resources, please PM me! I am always happy to talk about it!

 

Also, be sure your Hair, Skin and Nails formula does not contain iodine (usually in the form of kelp) as excess iodine is processed by the body through the skin resulting in more acne! I know it seems counterintuitive that a suppliment that is supposed to be for your skin does not help, but it is true for many formulas.

 

In addition, I know that The Snow Queen knows more about this stuff than I do, but if you have inflammatory acne, BP will really help to kill the p acnes bacteria which is what starts it all, so you might want to consider adding that into your routine somewhere, unless you are allergic, of course. This will also help to calm down any IB you might get.

 

I hope my suggestions are helpful to you-- I am a vegan who recently got my acne under control, so good luck to you! Again, PM me if you have any other questions.

 

xo

 

 

 

thank you for your help.

unfortunately, i think i have a slight allergic reaction to benzoyl peroxide. i have used it before and my fce got bright red for weeks and began to peel. i gave it a month then gave up and put nothing but water on my face for a week and it was fine.

 

i don't know much about veganism. i researched it, but apparently there's still a lot to learn. if i have any questions, i will definitley PM you. thanks for your help! =)

 

Since you think you're allergic to benzoyl peroxide, have you considered tea tree oil? If salicylic acid isn't enough to help control any inflammatory acne, why not look into using tea tree oil in a 5-15% concentration? It's really hard to find good leave-on tea tree oil products in a high enough concentration which don't contain any unnecessary irritants, so you might have to dilute pure tea tree oil yourself.

i built up my own little regime. please tell me how you feel. i did incorporate a lot of paula's choice products because i quite enjoyed the samples that i ordered and some of the other drugstore products you reccommended are not sold near me. however, here is my regime i am beginning as soon as my paulas choice products arrive in 3-7 days,

 

morning:

-wash face with lukewarm water and with Paulas Choice skin balancing cleanser on a baby's hairbrush (to gently exfoliate and slough away any dead skin cells)

-tone with nivea visage moisturizing toner ( i tried this and i found that it feels so pure and clean. a great scent as well)

-exfoliate+disinfect with Paula's Choice 2% BHA gel (that stuff makes my skin feel so smooth and comfortable, it's amazing)

-apply a neutrogena or clinique spf 25 sunscreen (i have both. which do you find is better?)

 

late afternoon: (when i get home)

-splash face with lukewarm water (to remove some of my foundation+concealer, and just get rid of that general oiliness)

 

night:

-cleanse with paulas choice skin balancing cleanser and lukewarm water on the baby hairbrush

-tone with nivea visage

-apply paulas choice 2% bh gel

-moisturize with paulas choice skin balancing moisturizer

 

i am also beginning to take the hair, skin and nails formula which contains a lot of vitamin e as well as biotin, i'm mostly taking it for the shininess it adds to my hair, but if it actually helps my skin, that's a bonus. i am also beginning to take fish oil capsules for Omega 3's, as i'm taking the plunge into veganism and will lack the proper omega 3's. the reason i mention this is because i hear fish oil as well as biotin is great for your skin.

 

I want to wait a few months for any inflammatory acne to clear, and for my closed comedones and blackheads to loosen up a little, before i get extractions done. Inflammatory acne isn't really my problem, however i have TONS of closed comedones and blackheads. Will the extractions get rid of any closed comedones and blackheads?

 

 

 

thanks for your help. =)

 

Your regimen looks pretty good so far; the only thing I see that you might want to do differently is your use of the baby's hairbrush in conjunction with the Paula's Choice 2% BHA Gel. You should only use one exfoliant at a time.

 

Both Clinique and Neutrogena make good sunscreens; which specific Neutrogena sunscreen are you using?

 

I really don't know that much about the relationship between diet and acne, but I don't doubt that a certain diet can help some people. Anyway, so long as you don't overuse the supplements it couldn't hurt.

 

Extractions can be beneficial in the short term (provided the person doing them knows when to quit and doesn't use too much pressure), but unless you've gotten your acne under control and just need to get rid of some remaining comedones you'll have to keep getting them done. Also, be careful when going to an esthetician; they will most likely expect you to purchase expensive and overrated products.

 

thanks for your reply! in response, i have little inflammatory acne. a couple tiny pimple here and there, but it's closed comedones and blackheads that are my problem, so i should be okay. and thinking about it, fish oil capsules are obviously not vegan. hahaha.

First off, good skincare doesn't have to be expensive. Although I'm sure most estheticians honestly want their clients to have healthy skin and use effective skincare products, at the same time I think most would rather you buy good products (or products they think are good) from them rather than good products from a drugstore because commission can be a huge portion of their earnings. Many in the esthetics industry will tell you that drugstore products are inferior to the skincare lines which they sell, and although I'm sure they sincerely believe it, it isn't necessarily true. (This is the impression I've gotten from having attended an esthetician's school myself, anyway.)

Thanks, I keep thinking that good skincare is definitely affordable and doesn't have to be crazy-priced. Yeah, I want to get skincare advice from someone who can examine my skin, but all these estheticians are affiliated with one cosmetic brand or another and I feel they're biased; yet it feels like too minor a problem (oh no, less than perfect skin?? get thee to the ER!) to bother a dermatologist about.

I can't really recommend or advise against the use of a product without seeing the ingredients list, so my apologies.

That's okay, sorry for not providing an ingredients list - I don't have the original packaging anymore.

From what I understand thin skin can also appear to be dry skin under the Wood's Lamp. (Is this what you're talking about?)

I honestly have no idea. The "face-mapping" thing had this black cloak to cover the top and back of my head, and there were purplish lights directed at my face, and in a mirror in front of me I could see that my face had light blue coloring. The esthetician said the light blue coloring signalled dehydrated skin - another esthetician just used a big bright white light and said the same thing about dehydration.

Make sure you only apply moisturizer over areas of dry skin; oily skin does not need a moisturizer and unnecessary moisturization can actually create skin problems like breakouts and dullness by trapping layers of dead skin cells to the skin's surface. Plus, only moisturizing certain areas of skin saves money.

What if, after leaving the oilier parts of the skin unmoisturised after cleansing, it starts to feel just a teensy bit tight? Is it okay to leave it like that? I've also noticed that there's still a lot of oil production in the high cheek area near my nose when I don't moisturise there, and there are very very fine lines even in the oily areas.

------

Thanks so much for all the other advice! It was very informative and gave me some new ideas. I'm definitely keen on trying Paula's BHA products and will order some samples to see if that helps make my skin look less dull. Do you know if she still does free samples? Or will they just direct you to order the samples online?

If you don't mind me being even more dumb about skincare, would you mind telling me *how* soft a washcloth should be? My washcloths don't even have tags on them to say what they're made of but I THINK they're cotton.

From what I understand thin skin can also appear to be dry skin under the Wood's Lamp. (Is this what you're talking about?)

 

I honestly have no idea. The "face-mapping" thing had this black cloak to cover the top and back of my head, and there were purplish lights directed at my face, and in a mirror in front of me I could see that my face had light blue coloring. The esthetician said the light blue coloring signalled dehydrated skin - another esthetician just used a big bright white light and said the same thing about dehydration.

I was gone the day we used the Wood's Lamp in class , but I think that's what you're talking about. The instructor said that both dehydrated skin and thin skin could appear blue.

Make sure you only apply moisturizer over areas of dry skin; oily skin does not need a moisturizer and unnecessary moisturization can actually create skin problems like breakouts and dullness by trapping layers of dead skin cells to the skin's surface. Plus, only moisturizing certain areas of skin saves money.

What if, after leaving the oilier parts of the skin unmoisturised after cleansing, it starts to feel just a teensy bit tight? Is it okay to leave it like that? I've also noticed that there's still a lot of oil production in the high cheek area near my nose when I don't moisturise there, and there are very very fine lines even in the oily areas.

I suggest trying a good toner, which can add some hydration, or you could also use a gel moisturizer, which are better for oily skin than lotion or cream moisturizers. I know Paula makes a gel moisturizer (inexpensive ones are kinda hard to find in drugstores); you could get a sample of it.

Thanks so much for all the other advice! It was very informative and gave me some new ideas. I'm definitely keen on trying Paula's BHA products and will order some samples to see if that helps make my skin look less dull. Do you know if she still does free samples? Or will they just direct you to order the samples online?

Unfortunately samples must be purchased now; Paula doesn't include them with each order or allow customers to request them for free from customer service anymore. They're really inexpensive, though I kind of like how it was before better.

If you don't mind me being even more dumb about skincare, would you mind telling me *how* soft a washcloth should be? My washcloths don't even have tags on them to say what they're made of but I THINK they're cotton.

If the washcloth feels scratchy and/or rough, don't use it on your face. Try and keep your pressure light when using the washcloth.

I Googled the Wood's Lamp (which is what I should have done to begin with, sorry ) and it does sound like what the esthetician used! Thin skin is... bad, right? How would you tell the difference?

I suggest trying a good toner, which can add some hydration, or you could also use a gel moisturizer, which are better for oily skin than lotion or cream moisturizers. I know Paula makes a gel moisturizer (inexpensive ones are kinda hard to find in drugstores); you could get a sample of it.

Thanks! I'll keep the gel and toner thing in mind.

Unfortunately samples must be purchased now; Paula doesn't include them with each order or allow customers to request them for free from customer service anymore. They're really inexpensive, though I kind of like how it was before better.

Ahhh okay. No biggie, thanks. I just ordered a couple of samples each for the 1% BHA gel, 2% BHA gel, and the balancing moisturiser; I've heard that you only need to use a little and they last a bit?

If the washcloth feels scratchy and/or rough, don't use it on your face. Try and keep your pressure light when using the washcloth.

Thanks!

Hi Snow Queen

 

I've just skimmed through your thread, and WOW, you really know your stuff. Anyway, I'm a 15 year old girl and I have mostly red mosquito like bumps and whitheads. I want to know if my routine below is good enough:

 

Cleanse: Purpose cleansing gel

Exfoliate:Paula's choice 2% BHA

Medicate:Paula's choice blemish fighting solutions 2.5 bp

Moisturize/protect:Neutrogena Active Breathable Sunblocks /Dove lotion

 

I'd like to know if a toner is necessary or helpful. If so,after what product do I use it? Which is better the Nivea or the Paula's choice toner?

 

Lastly I'd like to know how much time to wait between using each product.

 

Thanks

Did you overlook my question- or did I ask really n00bish obvious questions? If it's the latter, I'm sorry. *hands head*

Don't pay A150

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Acne Light Therapy

(As seen on UK TV - This Morning, Recomended by Doctor!!)

Normally treated with medication, a revolutionary new device has been clinically proven to treat all types of acne in children and adults.

Description

Medibeam is a hand held device which uses light therapy (Phototherapy) to treat acne. It emits a low power red light, which does not emit heat and does not hurt or burn the skin. Phototherapy, the use of light for healing, has been a field of vigorous research for over 40 years. During the last few years, accelerated research by NASA has confirmed phototherapy as an effective treatment across a range of conditions. Phototherapy activates cell metabolism and supports cell regeneration. Acne is caused by hormones overstimulating glands in the skin, leading to blocked pores and infection. Phototherapy has been clinically proven to reduce the bacteria which cause infection and stimulate the natural repair mechanism of the skin.

Medibeam can be used on any area where acne occurs and is simply placed against the area you wish to treat. Recommended treatment is 1-2 times a day, 6 minutes on each area. The device is lightweight and portable and can be used anytime, anywhere.

Medibeam can be used safely alongside topical and oral acne medication and has no clinical side effects.It has been awarded the CE mark for the treatment of acne. The CE mark ensures a product meets all the essential requirements of European health, safety and environmental legislation.

A clinical study conducted by Dr Earon Gideon at the Dermatology clinic, Dana Medical Centre, clearly demonstrated the effect of Medibeam. Patients in the study all suffered from Acne Vulgaris with comedones and pustules on the face and a feeling of inflammation. After 6 weeks of treatment the following results were recorded:

20% complete recovery

50% almost complete recovery

20% considerable improvement

mark24 said:

medibeam, this is one of the things ive been pinning my hopes on, just payed 150 for one.

basically its a home phototherepy kit (it emits a red light) its supposed to be quite good and although relatively new, it has had some good reviews

has anyone got one?

does anyone know amything at all about them?

hope its not more money down the drain

try this link to there website -

[Removed link]

Ahhhhhh.....So, SnowQueen...You ARE an esthetician?? Or you're in school for it now? I thought you must have some kind of training and a real passion for skin for all the research and info I've seen you post.

I would like to say to all that there ARE estheticians out there who will recommend inexpensive over the counter products to clients should they be unable to purchase the more expensive products they may carry. The thing is, when you choose to work with a particular skin care company (hopefully because you have researched all others TO DEATH and found this particular line to be the best for you and your clients) a good company provides extensive training. You get to know your products inside and out and the best way to use them for different skin types and conditions. So many feel MOST comfortable recommending these products. Although I believe professionals in this field SHOULD make every effort to learn about ALL options (including drugstore brands) for their clients it is hard to keep up with all that is out there. We don't have access to the ph levels of all these drugstore products and the percentages of their active ingredients the way we do with the product line we choose to carry, and you know that can be even more important than just looking at the ingredient list. I have a Paula's 'Don't go to the..." on my shelf to help with that somewhat but even she can't keep up with ALL the companies and reformulations out there.

There are good professional products and there are bad just like with drugstore products. I make every effort to give my clients all their options. And if I tell a client a particular drugstore product is no good, it's because I do have access to not only the ingredient list, but these ph levels, percentages of ingredients, as well as the proof on their skin that this product is not working for them.

Just so you all know that not all estheticians are greedy salespeople and that there are many reasons aside from a commission why one may recommend a pro product over drugstore skin care.

Regardless of the brand of products....The best thing an esty can help you do with your breakouts is first: Determine the cause of the breakout...it's different causes or combinations of causes for different people whether it be emotional or physical stress, hormones, poor product choice, harsh skin care, on and on... MOST people just don't know enough to determine this by themselves. Second: Once you understand WHY you're breaking out, you can then determine the correct treatment and prevention plan. They can also determine when it is a good idea to refine the plan. You're skin is not the same every day, week, month, season...things change and it must be treated accordingly.