Skincare advice before my cruise!
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free skin care · Mon Jul 24, 2006 7:01 am

I need some advice. I know when you use retinol, you should stop using it at least a week before you're going to be in the sun a lot (like my cruise). But I don't know what the rules are with AHA/BHA's. I'm currently using the following products in my routine (with some others but they don't have exfoliants so I'm not including them here):

1% BHA cleanser
12.5% AHA cream 1-2x/day
2% BHA/retinol cream 1x/day

I'm definitely cutting out the one with retinol in it, but what about the others? Do I need to stop using both of them now (since I'm 1 week out from my trip) or just the week of? Or do you think the cleanser and/or AHA is mild enough that I can use it on my trip, as long as I keep applying my Sofina sunscreen? I'm not planning to tan my face at all on this trip, but I don't want to risk any further damage since I'll be in the water/sun a lot. At the same time, these products really make my skin look it's best and I'm afraid that if I don't use them I'll be looking pretty haggard by the end of my trip. I'm so confused on what to do.

Please help! Thanks in advance!

Kelli

free skin care · Mon Jul 24, 2006 7:34 am

I didn't know you are supposed to stop using certain products prior to being in the sun a lot. Personally, I would be afraid to discontinue products that were working for me, especially since travel usually wreaks havoc with my skin. I would just continue the same routine, but make sure to apply sunscreen more frequently and make sure to clean my face thoroughly each night.
BTW--Where are you going? Oh, and have a WONDERFUL time!

free skin care · Mon Jul 24, 2006 7:48 am

Thanks Seeking~HG! We're going on the Royal Caribbean ship Rhapsody of the Seas out of Galveston/Houston. It's a 7 nighter and we leave Sunday and stop in Key West, FL, Grand Caymans and Cozumel. This is actually my second time on this exact trip, but it's so affordable (if you close enough to drive) that we're doing it again. The stops are great so I don't mind repeating them.

And yes, most will advise to discontinue retinol products at least 1 week before since they make your skin extremely sensitive to the sun. I'm just not sure how much more sensitive AHA/BHA's make you.

free skin care · Mon Jul 24, 2006 7:55 am

I just found this statement on Alpha Hydrox's website (since that's the AHA product I'm using):

Quote:

SUNBURN ALERT: Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) may increase skin's sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. While using products that contain AHAs and for a week afterwards, use sunscreen and limit sun exposure.

So I guess that answered my question. Any other opinions on BHA's? I would think the cleanser would be okay.

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