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Hi,
just wanted to start off by thanking you in advance for reading this and for possibly answering and contributing to my situation.
for a few years now I have had closed comedones on my forehead - about 20-30 of them. You may also know this as 'whiteheads'.
About a month ago, I started using St Ives exfoliating wipes (which are now discontinued), and that what seemed to purge me. Some of the whiteheads turned to blackheads and large inflamed pimples that did not hurt. I then started using 2% bha liquid from Paulas choice.
This was for one week.
*note I wash my face with Neutrogena Gentle Facial cleanser before applying the AHA at night.
Now, I use %8 AHA paulas choice gel in the AM, and the BHA liquid at night.
I have been doing this for two weeks.
More pimples have formed on my forehead, and the blackheads and a few whiteheads remain.
I am wondering if I am purging and that is why these pimples are popping up everywhere..
or am I just a) exfoliating too often or b) the product is 'breaking my skin out'
thanks again in advance for your help!
You could be going through a purge of sorts, although your skin overall still looks in good shape. I'd recommend using an 8% AHA every 2-3 days instead of every day. Even 8% is still pretty strong, especially if using straight. I'd also recommend picking up a noncomedogenic moisturizer and using every day so your skin doesn't dry out and get out of balance. BHA is a good choice for open comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) but 2.5% BP would be a better choice if inflamed acne gets more frequent and problematic. Paula's Choice and Neutrogena are trusted brands so probably not the products breaking you out.
It might not hurt to visit a derm if OTC stuff isn't working. If you've had blackheads and whiteheads for a long time, a mild retinoid might really help.