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Mon Sep 18, 2006 10:43 am  |
I was using Green Cream earlier in the summer but stopped because I was not seeing effects, do not have the extra 30 minutes to wait, and am not so worried with wrinkles.
I started using CP serum a few weeks back (4 drops water + 4 drops CP serum; every other night), but stopped when I noticed the problem with my pores. Since other people reported that the copper can accumulate in the pores and look like blackheads, I stopped because I want to resolve whatever is going on with my blackheads before adding the CP serum back in. ACTUALLY, I was hoping that the CP serum was the culprit. Since my pores look steadily more plugged, I don't think that CP serum was the problem...but I still don't want to add it back until I figure out what is going on with my pores.
I also want to start spot treating some age spots and freckles with Kojic acid/wildberry serum or Markey's Light-n-bright serum that contains kojic+wildberry+arbutin.
Since I started reading skincare forums, I am becoming addicted to trying new products. I'm trying to be patient and figure out what works best for me, but...I really think my pores should be getting better, not worse.
priscilla |
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Mon Sep 18, 2006 10:56 am |
Hi, PocoLoco!
Yes to the AKN spray! Kathleen suggested it and shipped it out last week. I am looking forward to trying it. I really don't want to go without sunscreen because the freckles/age spots are what I want to tackle next with Kojic/Wildberry serum or Arbutin. Garden of Wisdom has a serum that has all three so maybe I will try it.
The other things I ordered from Kathleen are some samples of the 10% lactic acid and fruit acid peels. I'm wondering if these might help with the surface exfoliation. The mandelic and SA are drawing up stuff from deep within the pores to the surface. Maybe the peel will help to get rid of the surface stuff.
At the same time, I will be grateful for any other suggestions. |
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Mon Sep 18, 2006 11:46 am |
| my sushi secret wrote: |
| I had a problem with pores being blocked even though my skin was clearing up after I was using Mario Badescu products for a couple months, it turns out there was way too much alcohol in some of the stuff and it was over drying my skin before it could get rid of all the dirt. I had microderms done but what really helped was finding new products that weren't so harsh; what do you use in addition to the Mandelic and SA? |
my sushi secret I am beginning to think that at least part of my clogged pores problem has to do with my skin being dehydrated (mostly due to environment and somewhat due to products). How exactly does this cause clogged pores though? You say over drying your skin before you can get rid of all the dirt, please elaborate. I am not doubting you if anything I agree with you but I am not sure exactly how one causes the other. TIA |
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Mon Sep 18, 2006 11:50 am |
Hi Theresa, I am following you around the forum. 
Would it be possible that dehydrated skin causes the skin to overproduce sebum, in an attempt to rebuild the skin barrier? Maybe this is causing the clogged pores? Gets back to the theory that you shouldn't use harsh or stripping cleansers (or ones with too high of ph), because it negatively impacts the skin barrier and then the skin overcompensates by producing too much sebum. |
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Mon Sep 18, 2006 1:00 pm |
PocoLoco I thought that I was following you around the forum. 
I could see how overproducing sebum could lead to clogged pores. I wonder if having dead/dry skin laying around adds to the problem then. Sort of traps all that extra oil in the pores? |
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Mon Sep 18, 2006 1:09 pm |
Oh! I just thought of something. Have you tried jojoba oil? That is wonderful for keeping sebum regulated and pores in shape. I highly recommend you give it a shot if you haven't already.  |
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Mon Sep 18, 2006 1:29 pm |
I haven't tried Jojoba oil. I've been using emu oil (mixed with hyaluronic acid) to moisturize. Is jojoba oil better?
Also, what is a good source of "clean" jojoba oil?
thanks for the suggestion!
priscilla |
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Mon Sep 18, 2006 1:51 pm |
| Priscilla wrote: |
I haven't tried Jojoba oil. I've been using emu oil (mixed with hyaluronic acid) to moisturize. Is jojoba oil better?
Also, what is a good source of "clean" jojoba oil?
thanks for the suggestion!
priscilla |
For pores directly, jojoba is definitely better. I have read/been told that jojoba is the oil closest to your own sebum, so it tricks the skin into thinking it has enough and stops overproducing it. It's also very moisturizing and I would recommend trying it at night for a while. You can use it during the daytime too, although it's usually a bit too oily for some. I actually mix it with other moisturizers in the daytime and that keeps it matte enough for me.
As far as cleanliness goes, I just buy mine from Whole Foods or any other health food place (Vitamin Shoppe) and just make sure it says 100% pure on the label. Mine is the Dessert Essence brand but there are many to choose from. Let us know how it works for you! |
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Mon Sep 18, 2006 2:03 pm |
TAMgirl99,
I will definitely try it...although I may dilute the jojoba oil with HA to help with the greasiness. I almost out of Ultra Emu oil so the timing is right to try it.
I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks!
priscilla |
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Mon Sep 18, 2006 2:07 pm |
| Priscilla wrote: |
TAMgirl99,
I will definitely try it...although I may dilute the jojoba oil with HA to help with the greasiness. I almost out of Ultra Emu oil so the timing is right to try it.
I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks!
priscilla |
I definitely wouldn't dilute it at night, just to make sure you get the full benefits. I don't think you will feel that you need to either. It absorbs well and I think it actually absorbs better than emu. It is probably my favorite oil so far (over several kinds of emu, and camellia). Good luck! |
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Mon Sep 18, 2006 2:29 pm |
| TAMgirl99 wrote: |
| Oh! I just thought of something. Have you tried jojoba oil? That is wonderful for keeping sebum regulated and pores in shape. I highly recommend you give it a shot if you haven't already. |
I have never tried jojoba oil! I think I might give it a try though. I have camelia oil but have only used that a few times and for me at least the emu oil thing is just too yucky. 
Do you think that jojoba oil by itself would be hydrating enough. I know you told Priscilla not to dilute it with HA but if I need more hydration would it be okay to put HA on first then the jojoba oil? |
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Mon Sep 18, 2006 4:29 pm |
| TheresaL wrote: |
I have never tried jojoba oil! I think I might give it a try though. I have camelia oil but have only used that a few times and for me at least the emu oil thing is just too yucky.
Do you think that jojoba oil by itself would be hydrating enough. I know you told Priscilla not to dilute it with HA but if I need more hydration would it be okay to put HA on first then the jojoba oil? |
Jojoba on me is very moisturizing and I have normal to dry skin so the HA would be completely optional. I actually had problems with camellia clogging my pores (have NO idea why) so I finally gave up on it. I think I'll use wendy's suggestion of using it on the ends of my hair to help the split ends. Emu seems nice enough but it's a bit thick to me and so I prefer jojoba. Besides jojoba keeps my skin and pores clear. HTH! |
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Mon Sep 18, 2006 4:37 pm |
| Thanks TAMgirl99! I think I will try the jojoba and from what you said about clogged pores use the camelia for something else! |
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Mon Sep 18, 2006 4:48 pm |
My understanding is Jojoba's actually a 'gum'. I don't think you'll find it very moisturising in any absorbing, plumping kind of sense - I didn't. I found it good to use as a seal during the day to keep the goodness in and buffer against my sunscreen without overstimulating my own oil production though.
BTW Theresa, while we're in the vicinity, does the mama lotion do anything for you? You don't really say and I'm wondering. |
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Mon Sep 18, 2006 5:04 pm |
| TAMgirl99 wrote: |
| Besides jojoba keeps my skin and pores clear. HTH! |
Wow, I didn't know jojoba oil is that good! Is it really non-comedonic (I heard that about emu oil)? I am definitely doing to try it tonight. How do you girls use it? After, with or without HA? Do you apply it somewhat like Decleors Ylang Ylang Oil? TIA |
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Mon Sep 18, 2006 5:06 pm |
jojoba oil sounds great except for the "gumminess" sounds like it might plug pores???? this sounds BAD...so i guess that i am misinterpreting what "gum" means.
my problem pores have me paranoid about these things!
priscilla |
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Mon Sep 18, 2006 5:11 pm |
Priscilla, it's categorised as a gum, but it's actually light and oily. It does as Tamgirl says closely mimic sebum so it is good to minimise your own oil production.
You rub a couple of drops between your fingers and pat it all over. I've never used Ylang Ylang, but I understand it's the same principle; fighting oil with oil. |
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Mon Sep 18, 2006 5:31 pm |
| Molly wrote: |
My understanding is Jojoba's actually a 'gum'. I don't think you'll find it very moisturising in any absorbing, plumping kind of sense - I didn't. I found it good to use as a seal during the day to keep the goodness in and buffer against my sunscreen without overstimulating my own oil production though.
BTW Theresa, while we're in the vicinity, does the mama lotion do anything for you? You don't really say and I'm wondering. |
I was thinking that the jojoba would not be moisturizing enough especially in my very low humidity environment. I may have to use HA also.
The MaMa lotion has helped with my clogged pores a little but after 6 weeks has not solved the problem by any means. I think that part of the problem is that I have been using it only once every 6 or 7 days. I would like to use it more often but since I use it in the morning I feel that I have to rinse it off before I apply my C serum since it has ingredients that would keep the C from penetrating. I dislike having to wash my face twice a day the way it is and don't want to have to add a third washing (even if it is just with water) more than once a week or so. I can't use the MaMa at night because of my Differin. So I don't think that I have really given it a chance. For these reasons I am going to try the Mandelic from SkinCare Central and the Vivant (I have my doubts about the Vivant because of the alcohol content). I really would like to work up to using the Mandelic everyother day and see what benefits I experience then. My skin has tolerated the MaMa once a week very well-it doesn't even sting when I apply it anymore and I am curious to see if it will tolerate the other mandelic acid products with more frequent application. |
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Mon Sep 18, 2006 6:55 pm |
Sorry, I meant wax - that was pre-caffeine. I believe it is a little plumping because it stops water loss though not because it's actually absorbing and plumping if you get my drift.
I'll check the links out later, thanks. |
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Tue Sep 19, 2006 7:27 am |
| TAMgirl99 wrote: |
I think the key is to use it in conjunction with a good exfoliant (which Priscilla has already got down!  since a few reported whiteheads when using it).
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Thanks for all the links.
The part about whiteheads scares me since this is my main problem right now and I don't have a good exfoliant that I am using (I am working on this part). Maybe I should work out the exfoliating part first and then add the jojoba oil?? |
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Tue Sep 19, 2006 10:56 am |
| TheresaL wrote: |
Thanks for all the links.
The part about whiteheads scares me since this is my main problem right now and I don't have a good exfoliant that I am using (I am working on this part). Maybe I should work out the exfoliating part first and then add the jojoba oil?? |
If whiteheads are your main problem then you definitely need to work out the exfoliating part first! |
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Tue Sep 19, 2006 5:21 pm |
| Ninetynine wrote: |
Hi Scalawaggirl
You mention that you use diluted cp serum. What percentage/type of cp are using?
You using skin bio's cp serum? |
Yep, SB's CP serum currently diluted 5 drops CP/3 drops water each night. I skipped applying my BHA a few nights (didn't have time to wait 30 minutes) and noticed the blackheads were more numerous so I'm back on my regular schedule.
| Priscilla wrote: |
Scalawag Girl, your skin is looking beautiful!
I myself am in need of some help. I've been using the Vivant Mandelic acid for over a month. I see things being brought up to the surface, but they are not going away. My pores look MUCH bigger now and have visible gunk in them that wasn't nearly as visible before. Now that the gunk has been drawn up, I need to remove it but don't know how. An extractor? (I've never used one before.) Should I be doing lactic acid or fruit acid peels to help the process? (Stupid questions, but I would be more stupid not to ask!)
Many thanks for your help and many congratulations on how great your skin looks!
priscilla |
Thanks, Priscilla.  I see that there were quite a few replies regarding the potential issues regarding your clogged pores. I've noticed that, like you, the gunk comes to the surface and needs help moving along. I feel that a manual exfoliation helps with this as the BHA works well but not completely on its own. So, I use a microfiber cloth in the AM (with no cleanser), Clarisonic brush in the PM and also Epidermix II once a week or so. I just picked up Diana Yvonne's fruit acid for a stronger exfoliant as the glycolic peel I was using was a bit irritating. |
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Tue Sep 19, 2006 5:28 pm |
Scalawaggirl,
Where do you get microfiber cloth?
And what is Epidermix II?
I get the feeling that I'm going to be buying more products soon....
In terms of manual exfoliants, are there any "clean" manual exfoliants? i.e., I used to use St.Ives apricot scrub, but it has SLS. does anyone know of something comparable that doesn't have nasties in it?
thanks!
priscilla |
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Tue Sep 19, 2006 6:00 pm |
Some use Epidermx over on the SCB so I guess it's not unclean. Here's a recent discussion about it.
http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=15622
PSF have just introduced one too and that's bound to be clean.
Epidermx is far superior to those kind of scrubs because it uses special crystals (Conundrum, is it - sp?  ) which are the same as used for more serious microdermabrasion treatments you get in salons. It's debateable, but the kind of grains you get in St Ives products and similar are not necessarily very good for the skin.
It gives your skin the loveliest finish.
HTH Molly |
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