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Mon Sep 25, 2006 5:28 pm  |
Thanks. I think I'll try a sample of mandelic from skincare central when I order my bioderma sunscreen& compare with my vivant sample(what's left). You're right Molly, I have tough 'bring it on' skin, but a gentler mandelic may be easier to work with when you're layering stuff-God knows since I've been back from vacation I seem to be adding products on a daily basis 
I appreciate all your help  |
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Mon Sep 25, 2006 5:31 pm |
| Agreed, Molly. I am still loving the Vivant! It is a fantastic blend. I am trying out the SkinCare Central GOW blend as a test but am still using Vivant, as well, and my success is due that absolutely. |
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Mon Sep 25, 2006 5:42 pm |
| Quote: |
| God knows since I've been back from vacation I seem to be adding products on a daily basis |
I'd noticed, you lucky thing Why not buy both and you can do a comparative half face test for us. |
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Mon Sep 25, 2006 6:37 pm |
Good idea! Like what Theresa did with pro-heal.
odd thing-the better my skin gets ( and it's improved a lot in the past 6 months) the more I want to order products because now I'm convinced that (some) actually do turn things around! I feel empowered  and broke 
P.S.  I'm supposed to be on a budget since the vacation (something about mortgages & kids education & whatnot)-but you wouldn't know it from my EDS transactions. Thank goodness I'm the one that pays the bills. |
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Mon Sep 25, 2006 6:44 pm |
| Marina, what's working for you so well just out of interest? |
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Mon Sep 25, 2006 7:04 pm |
While I was away, I used Skinmedica vit. c mainly because I really didn't want leaky, oxidized c serums while I was travelling (been there, done that!). Turns out it's a great product & didn't make me oily-mind you Greece is a dry heat unlike Montreal. Evenings it would be prevage (look, I really needed antioxidants there) & photolagen & tript (can't spell it) on top. The real wonder was the PSF cranberry eye gel. This stuff is great! I have eyelids again!
Now that I'm back, I'm still using the photolagen-the tript. will be used as needed since my skin is oilier here. I'm still using skinmedica but have since discovered the wonders of pro-heal which I like better than super serum (gasp!)
I really think there's something to the photolagen & will definitely continue using it. My skin is firmer, plumper etc. Melasma areas are fading faster than other summers.
Notice the absence of exfoliants. I'm starting back now. I think I may have been over exfoliating using active serum EVERY night. I know I have tough skin & I wasn't irritated, but my skin looked grey & dehydrated somehow-not healthy.Strange isn't it-you'e supposed to glow with exfoliants. Laying off the active serum for 6 weeks was actually a good move.
My plan is to incorporate DNA repair (on order), mandelic acid (or active serum-every OTHER night)), the new PSF microdermabrasion thingy (will order soon) & keep using photolagen. The Barrier repair from Remergent as well once I finish off my moisturizers (trying to be good  .
That PSF eye gel is really great for firming eyelids and (for once) isn't an expensive product.
As to CP products, I really would like to try them for ice-pick scars but may find it hard with all this other stuff I'm using. I may have to revisit CP's once I have my routine down. But, I think if I use mandelic in the evening I can use CP over it & then use barrier repair as a final step- photolagen will have to be pushed to a.m. Lord I need a spreadsheet. |
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Mon Sep 25, 2006 7:19 pm |
| scalawaggirl wrote: |
| Update: I ordered the 15% Mandelic from SkinCare Central and am very pleased. It does not disagree w/my skin at all and is far less irritating than the Vivant though I will continue to use it up! Better yet, it's $10 cheaper! |
Sorry if someone already said this, I didn't read through all the posts, but it's $10 cheaper than Vivant at regular price, and an additional $10 discount on top of that at checkout. So mine was $45 total, including shipping! |
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Mon Sep 25, 2006 8:13 pm |
Hey, Marina. You sound like me when I started this whole new skin care journey with all the changes to my routine! I now keep all my notes in Microsoft One Note but a spreadsheet would also be helpful to keep it all straight. 
I found I simply could not get my head around the plan until I typed it out. Now, I can just tweak it here and there as I make little changes and keep it clear.
On another note, I live near Baltimore and my fiancé is in Montréal. We are working on me moving up there in the next 6-8 months with the visa process being laborious as it is. He knows I spend $$$ on beauty products but when he finds out the real scoop, I think he might faint.  I will have to figure out a monthly budget (gasp) of my must haves. That and my cats's special food, good lord. Perhaps, one day, we can compare skin care and bankruptcy notes over café, ein? À bientôt. |
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Mon Sep 25, 2006 8:24 pm |
 That would be wonderful! Lattes (actually café au lait) are on me. Salut! Be sure to pm me when you're coming. I'll bring my spreadsheet |
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Tue Sep 26, 2006 8:37 am |
Hi Marina,
Just repeating what others have said, which is that the Vivant and the Skincarecentral mandelics are both clean formulations. Vivant's has a greater percentage of alcohol, but SCC (skincarecentral) has some alcholol in it too to aid absorption. The other differences are that SCC's comes in a 10% strength as well as 15%, and Vivant only has 15%. Also SCC's version is cheaper. But the Vivant is a very good product as long as your skin is not sensitive to alcohol. |
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Thu Sep 28, 2006 7:37 am |
Ladies, I just want to mention a new step that I've tried for the last few days that I do right after I apply my BHA (right before Mandelic acid).
Okay, so a friend of mine on another forum mentioned that she brushes her face gently w/a toothbrush in the areas she's working on to mildly "work the product in". Well, I started this a few days ago and I can already see a difference.
I have my routine down to a fair science at this point and especially in regard to acids/CPs so was noticing that my skin was actually "remodeling" in places where the scars appeared larger than before. This seems a common phenomenon as the new skin pushes upward and eventually goes away.
Well, since I've been gently abrading the scarred areas, they are rapidly diminishing. My friend said it took about 1-2 months for the final results so I am going to anticipate about the same for truly miraculous changes! |
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Thu Sep 28, 2006 7:03 pm |
I have to jump on the Mandelic bandwagon, thanks to a WOW moment I experienced this morning. I received a sample of the 10% serum (Skincare Central) yesterday - I tried it last night & let it work overnight. I was only guessing on how much to apply, I dipped a Q-tip into the sample jar, applied all over my face (but focused on the larger clogged pores in the nose/chin areas), rubbed it all over with my fingertips, topped with the sample of C serum I also got yesterday, then went to bed.
Possibly TMI ahead.
This morning, as I toddled into the bathroom to wash my face, my nose itched just slightly - I just barely rubbed the right side of my nose absentmindedly. When I checked the mirror, what do I see but ALL the crud from my pores just sitting there. Yes, gross. But WOW! I didn't have to do ANYTHING to clear my pores - the mandelic just worked it all out, and the tiniest pressure this morning cleared them completely. I tested this on the left side, of course - a slight rub and BOOM. Clean pores. I could NOT believe it. Extraordinary.
My pores are barely noticeable, for the first time in ... decades.
As a pimple treatment, it seems to work very very well. I had one deep zit pop up yesterday morning that was looking to be a long-lasting annoyance in my life. Along with the all over treatment last night, I've spot treated twice today with the MA serum and the zit's retreating & no longer painful. I also topped it with the C serum, though, to help reduce redness. But it's the MA that's having the greater immediate impact.
I'm sold.
Sorry again for the TMI, though. *sheepish* |
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Thu Sep 28, 2006 8:19 pm |
Hi Bluebell,
The mandelic is great stuff, isn't it?
By the way, you should apply it on freshly washed skin and let it work for 30 minutes before applying anything on top. It needs to stay at it's low ph (2.5) to work and putting other products on top will change the ph. |
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Thu Sep 28, 2006 11:24 pm |
| scalawaggirl wrote: |
Hey, Tam. I apply it all over my face (2 dropper fulls). This seems to be the amount that will cover a one-month supply.
Since you have normal/dry skin, be very careful w/the mandelic. I think every other night will be okay but would also watch any other actives that you are using to avoid overkill.
BTW, here's a today pic w/light minerals applied, mascara, eyeshadow. Ignore the largesse of my nose but I wanted to show how my pores are looking w/makeup. Note: minerals DO NOT normally do a great job of hiding my pores, they sometimes minimize but they are normally very obvious. I've also got a tiny bit of peeling from my glycolic peel last night but that's going as expected.
This is a great improvement to what I normally have and the combo seems to also be starting to help control the oil a bit. |
Sorry for the off-topic post and possibly a stupid question, but wow are these your real eyelashes? They are beautiful. I wish I could make mine look like that...  |
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Fri Sep 29, 2006 6:00 am |
| rayofsun wrote: |
| Sorry for the off-topic post and possibly a stupid question, but wow are these your real eyelashes? They are beautiful. I wish I could make mine look like that... |
Hi, Ray. Not a stupid question at all. Yes, they are my real lashes! I posted just yesterday about this and there is a pic here showing them without any mascara on. I did curl them w/my new Tarte Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler, though, and am awaiting my Panasonic Heated Curler, as well.
http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewtopic.php?tid=16561 |
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Fri Sep 29, 2006 10:48 am |
| PocoLoco wrote: |
By the way, you should apply it on freshly washed skin and let it work for 30 minutes before applying anything on top. It needs to stay at it's low ph (2.5) to work and putting other products on top will change the ph. |
I skipped that part in my narrative - but, yes, I left it alone to work for about that long before using the C serum. |
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Sat Sep 30, 2006 11:13 am |
| marina wrote: |
P.S. I'm supposed to be on a budget since the vacation (something about mortgages & kids education & whatnot)-but you wouldn't know it from my EDS transactions. Thank goodness I'm the one that pays the bills. |
OMG!!  !! This is me!! !!
We spent the entire summer in Europe (Adriatic & Croatia) and are completely and officially broke now . And I am planning a big purchase from SkinCare Central . My husband is not gonna be happy .
Anyway, the list of stuff I want to order - Mandelic 15%, BHA 5% & 2%, and DMAE amine 4%.
I am currently using Vivant Mandelic + BHA 2% + Tretinoin 0.05% (this is like Retin A) - and cannot get my acne and black-heads under control. I used the same combo before going away on vacation (for most of the last spring) and it was working great. Now - nada !
I don't know what to think or do. So I thought I'd up my BHA to 5% and try a different Mandelic.
Any other suggestions???
BTW, I am 41, oily, acne prone skin, fair amount of discoloration, some lines and wrinkles, and a major problem with sagging eyelids. Other stuff I use - CP and Super CP, Vitamin C 25%, Emu oil, HA, Cranberry Phyto lift, Exfol serum. I think that's it.
Thanks!! |
_________________
44, oily T-zone, acne prone (PCOS) ~ Baby Q & Tanda (blue light) ~ Karin Herzog (Oxy Face, Vita-A-Kombi 2, Vitamin H, Eye cream) ~ PSF (Cramberry Eye Gel) ~ Pearl/Silk powder primer and mist ~ L2K ~ MMU |
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Sat Sep 30, 2006 12:04 pm |
Rubby, others might chime in but I'd imagine that the changes you note are likely due to having been in a different environment for some time.
I have similar skin as yours in terms of oily/breakout-prone though that is (knock on wood) a thing of the past for me now - for the most part. If I breakout now, they are intermittent, tiny and gone w/in a day or two. In fact, I normally breakout due to hormonal time and this instance, I only had one small spot that is going away now.
The one thing I do know is that the 2% BHA doesn't quite cut it for dealing w/blackheads for me so I use it 1x with 5% over for problem areas in the AM right before my mandelic and after I use a soft toothbrush to work the BHA "in" to the skin. I do this at night as well but only with the 5%. This was mentioned by another forum friend of mine and has made a world of difference for my pores. I think in a few months, I will have a smooth complexion!!!
Now, for the Mandelic, I use both the Vivant (very high marks) and the special GOW from Skincare Central - both 15% and I like them equally well except for me, since I insist on using 5% BHA, I prefer the lower alcohol content of the special GOW. Even so, I am still pushing the limits of my skin's tolerance!
I am a happy SkinBio CP user, too, and use emu/HA, CP Serum, TriReduction, Folligen, BND Cream and Exfol. Vitamin C (IS Clinical Super Serum) as well as a bunch of the PSF products including the Phyto-lift (love this! hope it's helping your sagging lids). One thing, I do use Exfol around my eyes as well as Night Eyes Premier and have been getting very nice results.
Lastly, I am wondering what cleanser you are using? This is often the thing overlooked that can cause the bulk of skin issues. I currently use the Zenbiotics line in the AM and Devita Aloe Cleanser in the PM both of which have Ph levels close to that of your skin (6.0 - skin is 5.5, I think) so they don't smash the skin barrier and they are "clean" products without nasty ingredients that are problematic and not good for your skin. I am pleased with both. |
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Sat Sep 30, 2006 12:27 pm |
| Would this be too intense for a younger skin? |
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Sat Sep 30, 2006 9:07 pm |
Can someone please give some feedback for nucelle stuff......i have a few products from the range and was wondering wheather it is worth the time and effort...
BTW I have pretty tough skin....touchwood! |
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Sat Sep 30, 2006 11:45 pm |
I am convinced to try the Mandelic Acid now.
Just a quick question, I am currently using Benzac 2.5% BP. Can I use the mandelic acid as a substitute?
Would my routine be:
1. Cleanse
2. Mandelic Acid (30 mins)
3. BHA (I have not used BHA before, should I use 2% or 5%?)
4. Emu Oil
6. HA
My skin is generally normal (yay!), with some flaky patches , and a slightly congested forehead. Benzac has helped to do away with obvious pimples.
TIA |
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Sat Sep 30, 2006 11:56 pm |
| cuppre wrote: |
I am convinced to try the Mandelic Acid now.
Just a quick question, I am currently using Benzac 2.5% BP. Can I use the mandelic acid as a substitute?
Would my routine be:
1. Cleanse
2. Mandelic Acid (30 mins)
3. BHA (I have not used BHA before, should I use 2% or 5%?)
4. Emu Oil
6. HA
My skin is generally normal (yay!), with some flaky patches , and a slightly congested forehead. Benzac has helped to do away with obvious pimples.
TIA |
Do you mind me asking your age? |
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Sun Oct 01, 2006 12:26 am |
Hi Lucinda! I am 23 and I am finally understanding my skin. Lol now I am just trying to target selective problems like blackheads, some open pores on my cheeks, flakies and those tiny lil bumps that never go away from my forehead.
Hoping BHA and mandelic acid will help. |
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Sun Oct 01, 2006 12:27 am |
Hi Lucinda
In response to your question about age above and seeing that your skin is dehydrated from your footer I would say the Vivant 15% could very well be too much for you. There's a lot of alcohol in it and it does dry the skin out. I don't recommend AHAs for younger skin anyhow because the corneal layer is already thinner than ours and your turnover should be much quicker too. You could make yourself sun-sensitive.
What are you trying to achieve with the Mandelic? Do you have congested pores? |
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Sun Oct 01, 2006 12:33 am |
Hi Molly, I think Lucinda was asking about my questions which was quoted in the post.
I am not planning to use any AHAs yet, are the products I listed above include AHA?
In terms of my aims I would like to get rid of patches of flakies, minimise my blackheads, reduce the pore size on my cheeks and get rid of tiny bumps on my forehead that never goes away and is just under the skin. I think the last is congested pores. 
| Molly wrote: |
Hi Lucinda
In response to your question about age above and seeing that your skin is dehydrated from your footer I would say the Vivant 15% could very well be too much for you. There's a lot of alcohol in it and it does dry the skin out. I don't recommend AHAs for younger skin anyhow because the corneal layer is already thinner than ours and your turnover should be much quicker too. You could make yourself sun-sensitive.
What are you trying to achieve with the Mandelic? Do you have congested pores? |
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