Acne.org Products
Thank you for all your help Snow Queen. I think i might try out the paulas choice Salicylic acid and see if maybe i get better reults with that. Also, i think the paulas choice gel moisturizer is alright so far, i used it for the first full day today and ive never had my face stay the un-oily, normally throughout the day my face gets oily around my t-zone and nose, it stayed very nice today.
You said to try the dove sensitive skin moisturizer if i needed one that was more emoilent, i was actually wondering, would any of the other paulas choice moisturizers work just as well, specifically the HydraLight Moisture-Infusing Lotion or the Skin Recovery Moisturizer? thanks
Yeah, you could definately give the HydraLight Moisture-Infusing Lotion or Skin Recovery Moisturizer a try, and what's good about Paula's Choice is that you can order samples to determine how well you like the feel of a product before actually having to buy it.
I am interested in the Paula's Choice products, but after reviewing the ingredients of the cleansers and some other products of theirs some of the main ingredients are listed as irritants. Why are Paula's Choice products suggested, if their main ingredients are also irritants (odium Laureth Sulfate for example)?
I am looking to build a good regime based on products that do not contain harsh irritants.
Looking for some help, thanks.
Sodium lauryl sulfate is irritating when used as the primary surfectant; sodium laureth sulfate is not. Paula's Choice is one of the few brands that doesn't include the use of unnecessary skin irritants from what I've seen.
what do you think of the benefits of zinc oxide for the skin? It's been said to reduce redness, red marks and heals the skin. But from what I read, zinc oxide is actually a component in sunscreen. It helps to block those rays.
I also bought the sudocrem (main ingredient zinc oxide) to try and I applied it after AHA. Would that be okay?
what do you think of the benefits of zinc oxide for the skin? It's been said to reduce redness, red marks and heals the skin. But from what I read, zinc oxide is actually a component in sunscreen. It helps to block those rays.I also bought the sudocrem (main ingredient zinc oxide) to try and I applied it after AHA. Would that be okay?
Zinc oxide can have many different purposes in cosmetics formulations. It can be used as a broad-spectrum sunscreen, a lubricant, a thickener, to whiten a product, and to soothe irritation. It may also be able to act as an antioxidant. I doubt it will have much of an effect on red marks (even topical products that have been found to help with red marks don't work miracles; in my opinion the best healing agent is time unless you opt for expensive laser treatments), though when used as a sunscreen it prevents sun damage from prolonging the fading process of any red marks.
I would have to see a complete ingredients list before recommending or advising against any products.
Okay the ingredients are:
zinc oxide, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, benzyl cinnamate, lanolin
purified water, liquid paraffin, paraffin wax, beeswax, microcrystalline wax, sodium benzoate, linalyl acetate, propylene glycol, citric acid, butylated hydroxyanisole, sorbitan sesquioleate, lavender fragrance.
Okay the ingredients are:zinc oxide, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, benzyl cinnamate, lanolin
purified water, liquid paraffin, paraffin wax, beeswax, microcrystalline wax, sodium benzoate, linalyl acetate, propylene glycol, citric acid, butylated hydroxyanisole, sorbitan sesquioleate, lavender fragrance.
I'm guessing it should be fine for you to use, though I'm surprised a product designed for sensitized skin includes fragrance. This also looks like the kind of product that can clog pores in some people given the waxy thickeners and occlusive ingredients. Clogged pores take around a few weeks to form, so if you notice any unusual breakouts you might want to stop using this product.
Hi snowqueen. Could you tell me if these ingredients look ok? the first set goes to a cleanser. the cleansers in bar form, im not sure if that matters? I know you said somewhere it does, but the ph level is where it should be so i figured id check first. the second set is for a moisture lotion, i get really shaky when i get recommended towards a product that has that many ingredients in it, i always think the more ingredients that worse it is for your skin. Whether thats true or not i dont know, i was hoping you could tell me though. thank you for helping me out.
Sodium Tallowate, Sodium Cocoate, Water, Glycerin, Sorbitol, Stearic Acid, PPG-10 Methyl Glucose Ether, Pentasodium Penetate, Tetrasodium Etidronate, Titanium Dioxide. *May Also Contain Sodium Palm Kernilate.
Water, Petrolatum, Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Paraffinum Liquidum/Mineral Oil, Synthetic Wax, Dimethicone, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Butyrospermum Parkii/Shea Butter, Glyceryl Stearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Hexyldecanol, Hexyldecyl Laurate, Prunus Armeniaca/Apricot Kernel Oil, Coriandrum Sativum/Coriander Fruit Oil, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Ribes Nigrum/Black Currant Seed Oil, Dimethiconol, Sodium Dicocoylethylenediamine Peg-15 Sulfate, Echium Lycopsis/Echium Lycopsis Fruit Oil, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Disodium Edta, Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganne, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates Copolymer, Isobutane, Glycine Soja/Soybean Oil, Citric Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Fragrance.
Hi snowqueen. Could you tell me if these ingredients look ok? the first set goes to a cleanser. the cleansers in bar form, im not sure if that matters? I know you said somewhere it does, but the ph level is where it should be so i figured id check first. the second set is for a moisture lotion, i get really shaky when i get recommended towards a product that has that many ingredients in it, i always think the more ingredients that worse it is for your skin. Whether thats true or not i dont know, i was hoping you could tell me though. thank you for helping me out.
Sodium Tallowate, Sodium Cocoate, Water, Glycerin, Sorbitol, Stearic Acid, PPG-10 Methyl Glucose Ether, Pentasodium Penetate, Tetrasodium Etidronate, Titanium Dioxide. *May Also Contain Sodium Palm Kernilate.
Water, Petrolatum, Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Paraffinum Liquidum/Mineral Oil, Synthetic Wax, Dimethicone, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Butyrospermum Parkii/Shea Butter, Glyceryl Stearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Hexyldecanol, Hexyldecyl Laurate, Prunus Armeniaca/Apricot Kernel Oil, Coriandrum Sativum/Coriander Fruit Oil, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Ribes Nigrum/Black Currant Seed Oil, Dimethiconol, Sodium Dicocoylethylenediamine Peg-15 Sulfate, Echium Lycopsis/Echium Lycopsis Fruit Oil, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Disodium Edta, Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganne, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates Copolymer, Isobutane, Glycine Soja/Soybean Oil, Citric Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Fragrance.
Hi insanejoey,
The bar cleanser you mentioned contains soap, which is too harsh for the skin. Even the better bar cleansers still leave a potentially pore-clogging film on the skin due to the ingredients they contain which keep them in bar form.
The moisturizer might be OK, but the coriander oil (a skin irritant) concerns me. In addition, it contains waxy thickeners which may or may not worsen your breakouts. Clogged pores take a few weeks to form, so don't blame any unusual breakouts on this product unless you've been using it for at least a few weeks. Overall, I probably wouldn't recommend the product, but there are certainly much worse moisturizers available.
If you can, it's better to buy products with less ingredients because the fewer ingredients you put on your skin, the less likely you are to have a negative reaction. If you do have a negative reaction to something, it's easier (but usually not easy regardless) to pinpoint the offending ingredient if you use products with short ingredients lists.
allasmomma said:Hello. I've gotten a lot of helpful info from this board. Was wondering if snowqueen has an opinion on squalane. I bought a moisturizer from Body Moose called Squalane Skin Snack-yum yum face food. It contains only squalane. Will this be bothersome?Thanks!
Here's a quote from Paula Begoun's Ingredient Dictionary:
Oil derived from shark liver or from plants and sebum. It is a natural component of skin and is considered a good emollient that has antioxidant and immune-stimulating properties (Sources: Lancet Oncology, October 2000, pages 107,112; and Free Radical Research, April 2002, pages 471,477).
I can't tell you whether or not it will or won't cause breakouts for you personally, but I have heard of people blaming breakouts on squalene before. Be sure to only apply it to areas of dry skin since applying it to areas of oily skin will increase your chances of breaking out from this ingredient. Clogged pores take around a few weeks to form, so don't start blaming breakouts on squalene until you've been using the product for at least a few weeks.
Hi Snow Queen,
Thanks so much for the advice you've given me before. I ordered samples from Paula's Choice and have been trying her Balancing Moisture Gel, as well as her 1% BHA gel. I have some of her 2% as well, I may try it tomorrow depending on your feedback 
I've been applying the 1% both day and night for about a week now, but a couple of minor blackheads on my cheeks haven't cleared. I have, however, had some flaking; nothing too visible but when I smooth my moisturiser over my skin, I feel and see bits flaking off. I've also noticed an increase in small bumps on my forehead and upper cheeks, although I'm not sure if this is due to the Neutrogena UltraSheer sunscreen that I've started using as well. Is this possibly the "purging" I've heard of that's to be expected? Would you recommend moving up to 2%?
Also, I still have some of my exfoliating cream mask from Dermalogica that I was using once a week; is it overkill to use that weekly as well as the BHA day/night? The mask is AHA + BHA, apparently.
Honestly I can't tell if the Balancing Moisture Gel is the best for me; after reading your and Paula's advice I started only moisturising the dry areas, and my dry-skin areas seem to take pretty much anything well. It's only my T-zone that gives me most of the problems. I usually prefer a liquid texture to my moisturisers, but you've mentioned that the gel is less likely to clog pores, and her brochure lists it as their lightest moisturiser, so I'll stick with it for now I think.
Not really related to currently clogged pores - I've been a little been confused and annoyed at this blemish that I had back in early February and I stopped in its tracks with BP 2.5%. It got to the point where the white stuff (assumed it was all dead because it was much drier than liquid) started to come out when I so much as opened my mouth to brush my teeth, so I thought, well yay it's obviously ripe enough to squeeze out now. It all came out with VERY gentle pressure, and it didn't re-inflame. Instead, now it's a red mark and the skin hasn't healed over (so it's not smooth and kind of pinched), and has been like that for a month. I've heard that marks can take up to 6 months to go away, but I guess I'm confused because... wasn't it extracted under the best and least irritating conditions?? Why is it not healing over? O.o
Sorry to keep bothering you ^^; *thinks too much about these things*
Hi Snow Queen,
Thanks so much for the advice you've given me before. I ordered samples from Paula's Choice and have been trying her Balancing Moisture Gel, as well as her 1% BHA gel. I have some of her 2% as well, I may try it tomorrow depending on your feedback
Also, I still have some of my exfoliating cream mask from Dermalogica that I was using once a week; is it overkill to use that weekly as well as the BHA day/night? The mask is AHA + BHA, apparently.
Honestly I can't tell if the Balancing Moisture Gel is the best for me; after reading your and Paula's advice I started only moisturising the dry areas, and my dry-skin areas seem to take pretty much anything well. It's only my T-zone that gives me most of the problems. I usually prefer a liquid texture to my moisturisers, but you've mentioned that the gel is less likely to clog pores, and her brochure lists it as their lightest moisturiser, so I'll stick with it for now I think.
Not really related to currently clogged pores - I've been a little been confused and annoyed at this blemish that I had back in early February and I stopped in its tracks with BP 2.5%. It got to the point where the white stuff (assumed it was all dead because it was much drier than liquid) started to come out when I so much as opened my mouth to brush my teeth, so I thought, well yay it's obviously ripe enough to squeeze out now. It all came out with VERY gentle pressure, and it didn't re-inflame. Instead, now it's a red mark and the skin hasn't healed over (so it's not smooth and kind of pinched), and has been like that for a month. I've heard that marks can take up to 6 months to go away, but I guess I'm confused because... wasn't it extracted under the best and least irritating conditions?? Why is it not healing over? O.o
Sorry to keep bothering you ^^; *thinks too much about these things*
Hi JadePhoenix,
Most people on this site are probably going to get the best results from using a 2% BHA product; the 1% concentration is best to use if you're new to using well-formulated salicylic acid products and are concerned about skin sensitivity. If your skin doesn't seem to be experiencing any bothersome irritation from regular use of the 1% concentration you can then try the 2% concentration.
One thing I want to clarify is that any effective regimen takes time. I recommend trying out a new regimen for preferably two months before trying other treatment options (though I do think that you would get better results if you swithed to a 2% concentration of salicylic acid unless your skin has some obvious negative reaction). A week really isn't enough time to gauge the effectiveness of a regimen.
Minor irritation, like skin flaking, is to be expected when first using effectively formulated chemical exofliants for the first few weeks. If it is bothersome, you can reduce your applications to once daily or once every other day and then try and work your way back up to more frequent applications if need be.
Clogged pores take a few weeks to form, so if you haven't been using your sunscreen that long you can't really blame any breakouts on that product. Even when you do get new breakouts after you've been using a product for a few weeks there could have been other causative factors (like hormones, weather, etc...).
Some people do report having initial breakouts from salicylic acid because as dead skin cells are exfoliated from the skin's surface clogged pores become more visible and appear to "surface."
Blackheads can be impossible to get rid of, even if you're using an effective means of exfoliation. If you find that salicylic acid isn't doing enough to fight your blackheads once you've been using it for a while, you might want to look into microdermabrasion. Of course professional microdermabrasion will probably give you better results than at-home kits, but some at-home microdermabrasion kits are worth looking into to start with (I like Neutrogena's At-Home Microdermabrasion Kit). Never perform microdermabrasion over inflammatory breakouts, as this can further damage the skin. You'll want to avoid using other forms of exfoliation when you're doing microdermabrasion.
Another thing that might be helpful if salicylic acid by itself isn't enough is the use of retinoids (you can try over-the-counter options, like Green Cream, or prescription-only options, such as Retin-A Micro). Retinoids work from the dermis to normalize cell function and production, which positively impacts pore function. You can still use salicylic acid with retinoids; in fact I find them to be complimentary to each other.
Dermalogica really isn't my favorite brand, and from what I understand most of their exfoliants aren't very good. Dermalogica products tend to feautre problematic concentrations of unnecessary skin irritants, as well. I would have to see the ingredients list prior to recommending the use of or advising against any given product, though. You can use a mask with salicylic acid products, but I wouldn't use one that featured a chemical exfoliant at the same time.
Usually neither gels or liquid products are likely to clog pores because they don't contain potentially pore-clogging waxy thickeners.
Red marks can happen whether or not you extract the contents of a blemish. Not to scare you, but I've had red marks that lasted for years. I'm guessing that if you don't usually have long-lasting red marks this won't take too long (well, by my standards anyway since mine did last so long) to fade.
Hey snow queen. I have a question about the salicylic acid product ive been using. Its by a company called La Roche Posay, i love their products and they are one of the very few if not only company that i truly trust. When i say that, i mean they dont throw products around to make money like Neutrogena and they have the best customer service ever. But i wanted to check with you and ask your opinion on the formulation of their Salicylic acid product.
Here is a list of the ingredients
Water, DI-C12-13 Alkyl Malate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Propylene Glycol, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, PEG-4 Dilaurate, PEG-4 Laurate, Zinc PCA, Sodium Hydroxide, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Iodoproponyl Butylcarbamate, PEG-4, Fragrance
Ive used it before and it is the only salicylic acid lotion that didnt dry me out or irritate my skin. I didnt see results with it though, but then again i dont know if i used it right. When i was done cleansing i would throw that on and then throw on retinol directly after, within 10 seconds. Sometimes i would put retinol on first and then the SA. During the day i would apply it and normally that was my moisurizer, but the days i used one i also applied that directly after. My esthetician never told me to put a 30 minute wait period in there. Actually she didnt tell me anything, ive figured everything out from you and lion queen.
I just read your threads about poorly formulated salicylic acid products and i wanted to know what you thought of it. The only thing that bothered me was the ph of 5.5. I'll post a website below with pointers on the product so you can read them if you would like. But im not positive if that is the true ph of the product. That is a seperate website that sells their stuff, but none of the other retailer websites list a ph. So it may or may not be correct. Also the website says results within 3 days which i know isnt true. So they may spruce up the info to make a sale, but the main reason i picked that website to link is because it talks about the LHA they put in the product.
[Removed link]
Thank you for checking that out for me, let me know what you think and i'll go from there with my decision of using it or not.
Hi JadePhoenix,
Most people on this site are probably going to get the best results from using a 2% BHA product; the 1% concentration is best to use if you're new to using well-formulated salicylic acid products and are concerned about skin sensitivity. If your skin doesn't seem to be experiencing any bothersome irritation from regular use of the 1% concentration you can then try the 2% concentration.
One thing I want to clarify is that any effective regimen takes time. I recommend trying out a new regimen for preferably two months before trying other treatment options (though I do think that you would get better results if you swithed to a 2% concentration of salicylic acid unless your skin has some obvious negative reaction). A week really isn't enough time to gauge the effectiveness of a regimen.
Minor irritation, like skin flaking, is to be expected when first using effectively formulated chemical exofliants for the first few weeks. If it is bothersome, you can reduce your applications to once daily or once every other day and then try and work your way back up to more frequent applications if need be.
Clogged pores take a few weeks to form, so if you haven't been using your sunscreen that long you can't really blame any breakouts on that product. Even when you do get new breakouts after you've been using a product for a few weeks there could have been other causative factors (like hormones, weather, etc...).
Some people do report having initial breakouts from salicylic acid because as dead skin cells are exfoliated from the skin's surface clogged pores become more visible and appear to "surface."
Blackheads can be impossible to get rid of, even if you're using an effective means of exfoliation. If you find that salicylic acid isn't doing enough to fight your blackheads once you've been using it for a while, you might want to look into microdermabrasion. Of course professional microdermabrasion will probably give you better results than at-home kits, but some at-home microdermabrasion kits are worth looking into to start with (I like Neutrogena's At-Home Microdermabrasion Kit). Never perform microdermabrasion over inflammatory breakouts, as this can further damage the skin. You'll want to avoid using other forms of exfoliation when you're doing microdermabrasion.
Another thing that might be helpful if salicylic acid by itself isn't enough is the use of retinoids (you can try over-the-counter options, like Green Cream, or prescription-only options, such as Retin-A Micro). Retinoids work from the dermis to normalize cell function and production, which positively impacts pore function. You can still use salicylic acid with retinoids; in fact I find them to be complimentary to each other.
Dermalogica really isn't my favorite brand, and from what I understand most of their exfoliants aren't very good. Dermalogica products tend to feautre problematic concentrations of unnecessary skin irritants, as well. I would have to see the ingredients list prior to recommending the use of or advising against any given product, though. You can use a mask with salicylic acid products, but I wouldn't use one that featured a chemical exfoliant at the same time.
Usually neither gels or liquid products are likely to clog pores because they don't contain potentially pore-clogging waxy thickeners.
Red marks can happen whether or not you extract the contents of a blemish. Not to scare you, but I've had red marks that lasted for years. I'm guessing that if you don't usually have long-lasting red marks this won't take too long (well, by my standards anyway since mine did last so long) to fade.
Hi Snow Queen,
Thanks for the recommendation, I think I'll go with the 2% gel. I started using it this morning and there was minor sensitivity but it seemed fine after that.
*sheepish grin* Yeah, I only realised how short a time I'd been using these products for while I was writing up the post. It feels like years; I'm horribly impatient. I'll try to persevere
About the red marks, thanks for informing me they can take a while to go away. I was wondering if I'd done something wrong or if it wasn't completely cleared or something! The microdermabrasion sounds a tad expensive, considering my blackheads are quite small and I don't have many. Thanks for the suggestion though, I had never heard about it before this. Why can't blackheads just be simple to remove? :S *mutter*
I'm trying my darndest to stay away from Dermalogica, but it's so tempting because my skin tone became quite a bit better on their regimen that people kept commenting about it. Their staggering prices keep me away, though. 
I've heard a lot of negative reviews online, but it's a favourite amongst my IRL acquaintances and it seemed to improve my skin tone at least (and quite immediately) so I don't really know what to make of it. I did have a facial from them right before I started using their products though, so maybe that factors into it. Do you recommend regular facials, by the way? Like once a month or once every two months.
Thanks for the note about the gel/liquid form. I like the 2% gel so far, but notice you have the liquid in your regimen. Can you apply that with your fingers? Or do you have to use the spray or a cotton ball/pad? I'd prefer if I could use my fingers as I'm worried about the cotton pad irritating my skin (in which case I should probably find another brand of cotton pad...? *laughs*)
I'm putting together a shopping cart at Paula's, and just have a couple more questions, if you don't mind. ^^;; If I'm only going to moisturise the dry/normal areas of my face, and these areas appear relatively insensitive to which moisturiser I use, would it still be beneficial to switch to Paula's Skin Balancing Moisture Gel or HydraLight Moisture-Infusing Lotion? (I find it confusing that she has multiple products for the same skin type, I can't decide which to use!) Lastly, what are your thoughts on toners and/or hydrating serums? Even though my T-zone is oily, it's dehydrated and there are fine lines on the skin. Would one of Paula's toners suffice to give hydration to those areas of the skin, or would you recommend something specifically for hydrating?
Come to think of it, might Dermalogica's hydrating booster/serum be responsible for improved skin tone, if dehydrated skin was a problem? Now I'm just rambling!
Thanks again for taking the time and effort to respond to these posts.
poisonxlove said:Hey snow queen. I have a question about the salicylic acid product ive been using. Its by a company called La Roche Posay, i love their products and they are one of the very few if not only company that i truly trust. When i say that, i mean they dont throw products around to make money like Neutrogena and they have the best customer service ever. But i wanted to check with you and ask your opinion on the formulation of their Salicylic acid product.
Here is a list of the ingredients
Water, DI-C12-13 Alkyl Malate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Propylene Glycol, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, PEG-4 Dilaurate, PEG-4 Laurate, Zinc PCA, Sodium Hydroxide, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Iodoproponyl Butylcarbamate, PEG-4, Fragrance
Ive used it before and it is the only salicylic acid lotion that didnt dry me out or irritate my skin. I didnt see results with it though, but then again i dont know if i used it right. When i was done cleansing i would throw that on and then throw on retinol directly after, within 10 seconds. Sometimes i would put retinol on first and then the SA. During the day i would apply it and normally that was my moisurizer, but the days i used one i also applied that directly after. My esthetician never told me to put a 30 minute wait period in there. Actually she didnt tell me anything, ive figured everything out from you and lion queen.
I just read your threads about poorly formulated salicylic acid products and i wanted to know what you thought of it. The only thing that bothered me was the ph of 5.5. I'll post a website below with pointers on the product so you can read them if you would like. But im not positive if that is the true ph of the product. That is a seperate website that sells their stuff, but none of the other retailer websites list a ph. So it may or may not be correct. Also the website says results within 3 days which i know isnt true. So they may spruce up the info to make a sale, but the main reason i picked that website to link is because it talks about the LHA they put in the product.
[Removed link]
Thank you for checking that out for me, let me know what you think and i'll go from there with my decision of using it or not.
The salicylic acid product you posted is better than many on the market in the sense that it is gentler, but if it does have a pH of 5.5 it won't act as an exfoliant. I apologize that I can't verify whether or not that is its true pH just from its ingredients list, but I'm guessing that it's probably too high since a good portion of salicylic acid products do have too high of a pH to exfoliate.
To be sure you're using a product that is effectively formulated, try one of these (which most likely be less expensive for you than la Roche's salicylic acid product, too):
Bare Vitamins Skin Rever-Upper (if it really has a pH of 3.8, as the company claimed in an e-mail)
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Defense Face Lotion
Olay Total Effects Anti-Aging Anti-Blemish Daily Moisturizer
Paula's Choice 1% or 2% Beta Hydroxy Acid products*
Serious Skin Care Clarifying Treatment
I usually recommend that salicylic acid products be applied prior to retinoids, but it depends on the consistancies of the products you're using (products with lighter consistancies should usually be applied first to get the best product penetration).
It's not necessary to wait thirty minutes prior to applying a salicylic acid product. Products having a pH of neutral or lower are not found to negatively impact salicylic acid's effectiveness, as is mentioned in this question and answer article (though the initial question does not specifically have to do with whether or not a waiting period is necessary when using salicylic acid products with other skincare products):
[Removed link]
I'm trying my darndest to stay away from Dermalogica, but it's so tempting because my skin tone became quite a bit better on their regimen that people kept commenting about it. Their staggering prices keep me away, though.
Thanks for the note about the gel/liquid form. I like the 2% gel so far, but notice you have the liquid in your regimen. Can you apply that with your fingers? Or do you have to use the spray or a cotton ball/pad? I'd prefer if I could use my fingers as I'm worried about the cotton pad irritating my skin (in which case I should probably find another brand of cotton pad...? *laughs*)
I'm putting together a shopping cart at Paula's, and just have a couple more questions, if you don't mind. ^^;; If I'm only going to moisturise the dry/normal areas of my face, and these areas appear relatively insensitive to which moisturiser I use, would it still be beneficial to switch to Paula's Skin Balancing Moisture Gel or HydraLight Moisture-Infusing Lotion? (I find it confusing that she has multiple products for the same skin type, I can't decide which to use!) Lastly, what are your thoughts on toners and/or hydrating serums? Even though my T-zone is oily, it's dehydrated and there are fine lines on the skin. Would one of Paula's toners suffice to give hydration to those areas of the skin, or would you recommend something specifically for hydrating?
Thanks again for taking the time and effort to respond to these posts.
Your skin's apparant improvement while using Dermalogica products was probably coincidence, especially if you noticed such quick results (not that you can't ever notice quick results from a regimen, I just am a firm believer that most good at-home regimens take time to make a longterm noticeable improvement in the skin). It is also possible that whatever you were using before Dermalogica was worse and/or more irritating, which could also account for the improvement in your skin's appearance. You could also have been using Dermalogica at a time when your stress levels were lower, the time of year was better for your skin, etc.... If Dermalogica was so wonderful, think as to why you stopped using them, other than their high prices. Maybe some of your skin concerns that had initially improved while you were using the product line came back?
If you do get regular facials, that can be fine, but I really wouldn't recommend them to anyone. Despite what many people think any benefits tend to be shortterm (like those obtained from extractions) and many can be replicated from proper at-home skincare. Sometimes the esthetician can even make your skin worse by being overly aggressive and using irritating products/treatments. If you were getting chemical peels or microdermabrasion and your skin seemed to be improving, than I would recommend you maintain those treatments, but otherwise you don't really need to go in to get facials.
You can apply the 2% BHA Liquid with your fingers (I do), but this can be messy, which is why many people prefer using the gel.
You might want to try samples of the two moisturizers and see which one works better for you. Toners can be enough hydration for oily skin types; if you experience any uncomfortable tightness you'd probably be safest with applying a gel moisturizer. It's OK to experiment and find what works best for you.
Your skin's apparant improvement while using Dermalogica products was probably coincidence, especially if you noticed such quick results (not that you can't ever notice quick results from a regimen, I just am a firm believer that most good at-home regimens take time to make a longterm noticeable improvement in the skin). It is also possible that whatever you were using before Dermalogica was worse and/or more irritating, which could also account for the improvement in your skin's appearance. You could also have been using Dermalogica at a time when your stress levels were lower, the time of year was better for your skin, etc.... If Dermalogica was so wonderful, think as to why you stopped using them, other than their high prices. Maybe some of your skin concerns that had initially improved while you were using the product line came back?
If you do get regular facials, that can be fine, but I really wouldn't recommend them to anyone. Despite what many people think any benefits tend to be shortterm (like those obtained from extractions) and many can be replicated from proper at-home skincare. Sometimes the esthetician can even make your skin worse by being overly aggressive and using irritating products/treatments. If you were getting chemical peels or microdermabrasion and your skin seemed to be improving, than I would recommend you maintain those treatments, but otherwise you don't really need to go in to get facials.
You can apply the 2% BHA Liquid with your fingers (I do), but this can be messy, which is why many people prefer using the gel.
You might want to try samples of the two moisturizers and see which one works better for you. Toners can be enough hydration for oily skin types; if you experience any uncomfortable tightness you'd probably be safest with applying a gel moisturizer. It's OK to experiment and find what works best for you.
Hi Snow Queen,
I hope I don't sound like I'm getting argumentative over Dermalogica's merits. ^^; I'm determined not to go back hehe. It's mostly the crazy price that deters me, and though it improved my skin tone/complexion, it didn't stop inflamatory acne, and didn't really stop whiteheads. So... improvements seen, but not enough to justify paying like a thousand dollars a year! You made a really good point about having used worse products before trying theirs; like a lot of people I bought into the whole harsher-products-for-acne idea, and was probably using very irritating stuff (like manual scrubs with peach grit!) instead of being gentle with my skin.
I agree with estheticians sometimes being too aggressive. I've only had two facials, but when they do extractions they squeeze SO hard it makes my eyes tear up. Definitely sounds like a no-no to do to your skin.
Thanks for letting me know about the BHA Liquid. Definitely something to consider! I like lightweight products and it sounds like it'd feel lighter than the gel.
By trying the samples of the moisturisers, do you mean the way it feels/texture rather than its effectiveness? I think in an earlier post you said that was what samples were for and that it takes a while to see results, but I'm a little unclear.
By trying the samples of the moisturisers, do you mean the way it feels/texture rather than its effectiveness? I think in an earlier post you said that was what samples were for and that it takes a while to see results, but I'm a little unclear.
Yes, that's exactly what I mean (although with moisturizers you would get a good idea as to whether or not you needed something more/less emolient fairly quickly; I was most likely referring specifically to Paula's BHA products when I said that it takes a while to see results). Samples are really meant to see whether or not the product causes any unusual reactions, determine if it has a good consistancy, etc.... When ordering samples of two different moisturizers you would be able to compare them and determine which one you like better, at least where the initial application and feel is concerned.
Dear Snowqueen, I have some questions about sunscreen
- there are 2 kinds of sunscreen right? mineral based and chemical? Can you please explain what the difference is between these filters and I would like to know whats best for your skin to use now that the summer is comming.
- Is it the right thing to first put on moisturizer and on top sunscreen or can I use sunscreen alone?
I'm trying my darndest to stay away from Dermalogica, but it's so tempting because my skin tone became quite a bit better on their regimen that people kept commenting about it. Their staggering prices keep me away, though.
Thanks for the note about the gel/liquid form. I like the 2% gel so far, but notice you have the liquid in your regimen. Can you apply that with your fingers? Or do you have to use the spray or a cotton ball/pad? I'd prefer if I could use my fingers as I'm worried about the cotton pad irritating my skin (in which case I should probably find another brand of cotton pad...? *laughs*)
I'm putting together a shopping cart at Paula's, and just have a couple more questions, if you don't mind. ^^;; If I'm only going to moisturise the dry/normal areas of my face, and these areas appear relatively insensitive to which moisturiser I use, would it still be beneficial to switch to Paula's Skin Balancing Moisture Gel or HydraLight Moisture-Infusing Lotion? (I find it confusing that she has multiple products for the same skin type, I can't decide which to use!) Lastly, what are your thoughts on toners and/or hydrating serums? Even though my T-zone is oily, it's dehydrated and there are fine lines on the skin. Would one of Paula's toners suffice to give hydration to those areas of the skin, or would you recommend something specifically for hydrating?
Thanks again for taking the time and effort to respond to these posts.
Your skin's apparant improvement while using Dermalogica products was probably coincidence, especially if you noticed such quick results (not that you can't ever notice quick results from a regimen, I just am a firm believer that most good at-home regimens take time to make a longterm noticeable improvement in the skin). It is also possible that whatever you were using before Dermalogica was worse and/or more irritating, which could also account for the improvement in your skin's appearance. You could also have been using Dermalogica at a time when your stress levels were lower, the time of year was better for your skin, etc.... If Dermalogica was so wonderful, think as to why you stopped using them, other than their high prices. Maybe some of your skin concerns that had initially improved while you were using the product line came back?
If you do get regular facials, that can be fine, but I really wouldn't recommend them to anyone. Despite what many people think any benefits tend to be shortterm (like those obtained from extractions) and many can be replicated from proper at-home skincare. Sometimes the esthetician can even make your skin worse by being overly aggressive and using irritating products/treatments. If you were getting chemical peels or microdermabrasion and your skin seemed to be improving, than I would recommend you maintain those treatments, but otherwise you don't really need to go in to get facials.
You can apply the 2% BHA Liquid with your fingers (I do), but this can be messy, which is why many people prefer using the gel.
You might want to try samples of the two moisturizers and see which one works better for you. Toners can be enough hydration for oily skin types; if you experience any uncomfortable tightness you'd probably be safest with applying a gel moisturizer. It's OK to experiment and find what works best for you.
SnowQueen,
This thread is a great resource and I appreciate the effort you put in trying to help the people who seek your advice. However, I have to disagree with your comments about estheticians. It is true, as with any profession, there are good ones, and ones not so good. Good (most) estheticians know better than to be overly aggressive and use products too harsh for an individual....much more so than the average person does. You are right when you say home care is key (and most estheticians stress this)....but it is important to remember that there are sooooo many people out there that don't know what good home care is, let alone the difference between a breakout and irritation. There are many more people out there who could use guidance in these areas than there are those in here that have found your thread. And an esthetician or doc has the advantage of seeing and feeling what's actually going on with someone's skin. Microdermabrasion and chemical peels can be nice additions to some peoples skin care routines but they are not the sole purpose for seeking an esthetician, neither are extractions. I believe the area they can be of most importance is in accurately assessing the current condition of the skin and determining the best approach and products to correct any problems....regular facials can be very important in the beginning in order to monitor the progress and address any additonal concerns that may arise as the skin is brought back to a healthy condition. Is it necessary to go every week or two or every month forever? No. There is a point when you need only go for 'maintenance' depending on what it is you are trying to accomplish. But, in the beginnning, it can be important. And skin care routines may need to be altered at any given time as your skin does not behave the same way forever. It's important to educate people as to the best way to care for their skin, as you are trying to do here. There are many more people who bounce from product to product or script to script, looking for that 'one' thing that will put an end to their probelms (and with all the ads that make it seem possible, I don't blame them) than who study and research and learn all they can to be able to know what's happening and why, and how to fix it. That's where a good esthetician or doc can help. They know a heck of a lot more than the average person has time to learn about how to care for different types and conditions, and can cut years off the time people spend suffering and bouncing around trying to do it themselves.
Do you think, if once you get your license and if you choose to practice, that the best you could do for people is pop some zits or do a peel or micro once in a while? I don't. I think a lot of people here find your information and advice very helpful and I think you could do even more sharing that in the real world with the added benefit of being able to see, feel, and monitor what exactly people are dealing with and helping them learn how to care for their skin for life.
Hi SnowQueen. I am not using one of your recommended BP products. Could you tell me if anything here sets off any alarms in this product I am using?
water,cyclomethicone, ethoxydiglycol, propylene glycol, glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate, cetearyl alcohol, dimethicone, panthenol, allantoin, carbomer, ceteareth-20, xanthan gum, triethanolamine, diazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, propylparaben, fragrance
Also, I ordered the PC 2% BHA lotion this week but I am thinking that I should have ordered the liquid since I plan to still use the BP lotion. Any thoughts on this? I am thinking BP lotion and BHA lotion is alot of lotion product to put on my face and I still have to use a moisturizer on top of that.
Thank you so much for this thread. It was very informative and I originally came here with LionQueen's referral to find out about the Purpose Bar Soap I was using but after reading this I now know that I need to switch that to the Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash. She also referred me to this thread because I was looking for an OTC retinol for wrinkles that was compatable with acne prone skin and I found your list for that too. So BONUS! I dont know what I would do without you and LionQueen (the skin guru's). Thanks again! Lorrie