re-clogging of skin - using MD Formulations???
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free skin care · Wed Oct 18, 2006 1:01 am

Please please please can anyone help. I am now into the 4th week of using MD Formulations and although I can see some improvement (my skin tone looks clearer) my pores still seem to be clogging. Infact, there seems to be lots of new little bumps. I am currently using
MD Formulations Facial Cleanser with glycolic acid
Facial Lotion continous renewal
Antioxident Serum
Occassionally, I have also used the clearing complex (which everytime I use breaks me out even more).
I had my first glycolic peel (30%)at a salon last week and will be going for the second one today. I will be asking the facialist what she thinks - she did advise me that my skin might get worse before it gets better, but what I have noticed is that it did seem to settle down after the first peel and then all of a sudden it seems to have broken out again. I am wondering if the products are maybe too strong. I was reading about PH in skincare, and wondered whether this could be the problem (the regiem I use is at a PH of 3.8 ). Does anyone think I should maybe try the sensitive skin formula which is a PH of 4 or more? Or do you think I am being impaitent and need to give it more time? I just can't stand the clogging. Please help. Thank you.

free skin care · Wed Oct 18, 2006 2:45 am

I am wondering if the products are actually drying the surface of your skin and or causing the pores to close up which is causing your skin to produce more sebum which is leading to the bumps because it cannot drain out.
This is only my opinion but if it were me, I would be discontinuing use of the products as I never persevere with products that cause any type of skin eruption. There are so many other wonderful products that do not have this effect on the skin.

free skin care · Wed Oct 18, 2006 3:19 am

Dear bushy,

Thanks for your reply.

I do hope this is not the case Sad

. Everything I use seems to cause the same problems Sad

. It's costing me a fortune. Any recommedations for the products that don't have this effect Exclamation

. Would appreciate your response.

free skin care · Wed Oct 18, 2006 4:14 am

Ya, if you are getting clogged pores and/or breakouts 4 weeks into the routine, then the line is not doing its job. Ever since I was 16, the words of a beautician for a modelling agency stuck in my head - along the lines of "if you have been using something for a month or more and your skin still has problems, then it is time to change products".

Try and find something that is specificially listed as Non-Comedogenic (will not clog pores) and/or silicone free.

free skin care · Wed Oct 18, 2006 6:18 am

I think you may want to stop using it for while. If your skin improves after you stop, then you know it is not right for you.

free skin care · Wed Oct 18, 2006 7:46 am

I am not absolutly certain what you should do but I think that bushy is right when she says that you are overdrying your skin and that is causing your clogged pores. I have the same problems with my skin and cannot use AHAs on a regular basis because of this.

I am not 100% certain that acids would cause purging but if they did it would result in actual pimples and not clogged pores. Since you are also complaining about clogged pores and not just breakouts I would tend to think that it is not purging.

I am going through very similar and don't have any easy answers. Take a look at page 8 of the Vivant Mandelic Acid post in the review forum if you want to read about my problems and what I am trying to do. http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=15496&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=175

The 3.8 pH of the MDFormulations is actually on the high side of the range that AHAs should be in to be effective. So I am not sure that the pH is a big problem. But these products do contain a high percentage of glycolic acid. I wouldn't be surprised that the Clearing Complex is causing problems since it is very high in alcohol which is also drying.

Let me know what you think. It really does sound like you are overdrying and maybe also irritating your skin which is making things worse.

free skin care · Wed Oct 18, 2006 8:03 am

Sharon --

1. Are you using all of these products both AM and PM?

2. Do you wear makeup? Sunscreen?

Marla

free skin care · Wed Oct 18, 2006 8:21 am

So I took a quick look at the MD F products (I've never used them). Here are just a few thoughts:

1. Yes, glycolic acid is not for everyone. I love glycolic and it's essential for keeping my pores clean, but I need to be careful about resultant dry skin/flakey skin as it can cause breakouts. If this happens, I use a gentle exfoliant (I use a soft warm washcloth and use GENTLE circular motion). I do not follow with any type of acid product to avoid irritation.

2. I'm assuming that you're using the Cont Renewal Lotion and follow with the Antiox Serum. Be sure to wait about 30 mins before applying the Antiox Serum.

3. You may need more moisture than the Antiox Serum provides. I rarely use commercial moisturizers as they usually clog -- I use a mixture of HA (hyaluronic acid) and emu oil. Both can be purchased at dianna yvonne or skincarecentral. I use this only in the evenings. During the day I use a tinted moisturizer with SPF.

4. If you wear makeup, I'm wondering if the MDF cleanser isn't removing all of it? That can definitely give you clogged pores. You may need to either switch your PM cleanser or use the MDF and follow up with a gentle washcloth.

5. If I were you, I would scale back and use the Cont Renewal lotion every other night, then gradually build up to every night.

HTH
Marla

free skin care · Wed Oct 18, 2006 9:21 am

Thank you all very much for your kind responses. This afternoon I went for my second glycolic peel and went through all of my questions with my facialist. She advised me that what I am experiencing is very normal. She explained that the clearing complex would indeed cause me to breakout, and indeed even cause some more congestion. She thinks that I am also worrying about it all too much. I have had no redness, or soreness, which might be a sign that things are too harsh and she also believes that what I am using is perfectly suitable for my skintype. She is aware that I am not buying the products from her salon, so I do believe that she is being genuine.

If you saw me, you would probably wonder what on earth I keep complaining about my skin for, because it actually is not all that bad. I think I am just so desperate for totally clear skin, that when things are not looking as wonderful as I would like them to, I start worrying and panicking.

So, after all that, I am going to continue with this and hope that in a few months time (if I can last that long using these products) I will see dramatic improvements. Once again, thank you all.

free skin care · Wed Oct 18, 2006 9:27 am

Please keep us updated. I am really interested to see how this works out for you!

It sounds like you are doing a peel series. Will you be doing all 30% peels or will they be increasing the strength of the peels as you go along? Also, how often are you getting the peels and how many will be in the series? I know I have alot of questions but I am thinking of going back to peels myself and am trying to decide what would be the best way to do it since I will be doing them myself. TIA

free skin care · Wed Oct 18, 2006 10:11 am

Thanks for showing an interest, I will certainly keep you updated.

I am having a course of 6 MD Formulations 30% peels, once a week. I don't think the strength will be increased, just the amount of time it is left on. The first one was 8 minutes, the one I had today was 10 minutes. Next week will be 12 minutes until maximum time of 20 minutes.

The first peel made my face feel like it was on fire Shock

(so I wasn't looking forward to the one today), but actually, the one I had today, didn't feel anywhere near as bad as the first one.

Will fill you in next week. Thanks Smile

TheresaL wrote:

Please keep us updated. I am really interested to see how this works out for you!

It sounds like you are doing a peel series. Will you be doing all 30% peels or will they be increasing the strength of the peels as you go along? Also, how often are you getting the peels and how many will be in the series? I know I have alot of questions but I am thinking of going back to peels myself and am trying to decide what would be the best way to do it since I will be doing them myself. TIA

free skin care · Wed Oct 18, 2006 10:23 am

sharons123 any idea what the pH of the 30% peels is? Judging by the amount of time that they are leaving the acid on your skin I would say that the pH can't be very low. When I was getting my Glyderm peels I started with 30% and they only left it on for 2 or 3 minutes!

free skin care · Wed Oct 18, 2006 10:27 am

No, sorry ThearsaL, I don't know the PH. I will find out next week though.

free skin care · Wed Oct 18, 2006 11:35 am

My tuppence...or should that be 2 cents...or 2 Canadian cents...

Anyway.
I find the big thing for me with clogged pores is whther my make up is removed properly. A gel or lotion cleanser doesn't cut it. I need something oil based then followed with something else to make sure nothing from the oil based cleanser (unless it is Eve Lom in which case it used to get everything off in one stage and not need anything else..but that's another story).

A big thing that leads to congestion is over drying. Is your skin getting enough moisture after all your glcolics(preferably from something that doesn't clog pores). PTR hydrating lotion works briliant for me at night but the clarifying lotion leaves it too dry (though both contain 10% glycolic)

free skin care · Wed Oct 18, 2006 12:16 pm

Actually, I have also been using Dermalogica Pre-cleanse at night, to take off my makeup before using MD Facial Cleanser. This pre-cleanse does wash off, and is also reommended for Acne prone/clogged pores. So I have absolutely no sense of dryness. I am using the MD Hydrating Serum moisturiser, and this also feels nice and light as well as hydrating. I also use JI mineral makeup. I just think I need to give it all a bit more time, but thank you for your contribution.

free skin care · Thu Oct 19, 2006 1:38 am

Last night, it occurred to me, that something that some of you have mentioned, and is probably a huge factor in my problem, is "overdrying". I reassessed what I have been doing and upon reflection, I feel that this is a very valid point. I have on occassion, during the 4 weeks of using MD Formulations, used the gel cleanser and also I switched from the serum to the gel lotion moisturiser. This may have been what set off the upset - not moisturising enough. So, now this has been pointed out to me, I intend to use the following religiously.

AM
Facial Cleanser with glygolic acid
Facial Lotion - continious renewal lotion
Moisture Defense Antidoxiant Serum
Total Protector 30

PM
Facial Cleanser with glygolic acid
Clearing Complex - every other night until next peel, continious renewal on nights not using clearing complex
Moisture Defense Antidoxiant Serum

This is the routine I intend to follow, and will see how things go. If my skin still does not seem to be unclogging, I will speak to my facialist and see whether she suggests using another moisturiser at night.

In the meantime, thanks to all. Will keep you posted.

free skin care · Sun Oct 22, 2006 3:15 am

I am totally clueless when it comes to sunscreens, but have been using MD Formulations Total Protector 30 since using this skincare line for the past month. If you read this article, it tells you that zinc oxide (which seems to be the main ingredient in this sunscreen) can be pore clogging. Does anyone know of a sunscreen that contains Avobenzone (also called Parsol), or even a moisturiser with built in sunscreen, or something that is less pore clogging? I am wondering whether this is contributing to my clogged pores. Also, because I already have a colour, I am wondering whether I need to have such a high factor (especially here in the UK Exclamation

). Would appreciate any feedback. Thanks.

Spf or sun ptotection factor, is the amount of increased protection a sunscreen provides. If you are like most people, you will begin burning after 15 minutes without protection. An SPF helps protect against sunburn, and does not “stop” the tanning process completely!!! It’s the burning that you want to omit, that is what causes skin damage! it’s not the tan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Determine your protected sunning time by multiplying the SPF number by the amount of time it normally takes you to show signs of burning if unprotected.

For example: Spf 8: 8 x 15 = 2 hours of increased protection.

Spf 15: 15 x 15 = 3 3/4 hours protection.

If you burn in 5 minutes (usually very sensitive skin) with an spf 15: 15 x 5 = l h 15 increased protection.

Most common sunscreen ingredients are: titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and avobenzone (also called parsol 1789) and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane.

Avobenzone (also called Parsol) is less pore clogging than titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, but some people do experience irritation (rash or little red bumps) from avobenzone. Titanium Dioxide and Zinc oxide are natural products but can be more pore clogging as they sit on the skin’s surface and deflect back the UV rays, rather than absorbing into the dead layer of the epidermis.

A combination of Avobenzone and titanium dioxide or zinc oxide may be less clogging then td or zinc alone for some people. But in the end they all block the pores to a certain degree because of there texture.

Remember the lesser the spf in your cream or lotion the less chances your skin will react!! for example an spf 8 in your cream will give you minimal to no skin irritations or pore clogging!!! So it comes down to choose what works or is best for your skin or what you feel more comfortable with!

spf 2 blocks: 50%
spf 8 blocks: 86%
spf 15 blocks: 92%
spf 30 blocks: 96%

Spf 8-15: Is sufficient to give your skin ideal protection against the harmful effects of light for normal exposure to the sun like at home, at the office, in the city, day to day errands,. but the more sun you are exposed to (an entire day at the beach, for instance) the higher the SPF should be to give your skin optimal protection.

Sunscreen: Is usually a cream or lotion. It is a chemical protective product works by absorbing a minimal amount of the uv rays and filtering them. Many people have allergic reactions to the chemicals in sunscreen seen as a rash…

Sunblock: Is usually an opaque cream or paste. Provides a physical block that functions by reflecting rays. sunblocks contain natural minerals. Sunblock protects you by reflecting the uv rays before they penetrate your skin. Makeup with spf in it do not offer enough protection against the sun you are better to skip those entirely and splurge on a good moisturizer with sunscreen or a sunblock.

One should never go to bed with sunscreen on your face, not to mention all the chemicals that will sit there causing irritation and blocking your pores. At night your skin heals and renews itself taking in nutrients from the air and your treatment creams. The skin’s optimal renewal action takes place between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. this is a time to nourish the skin not block the pores…… Please wash off your sunscreens as soon as you can.

Again I stress my view on spfs use - apply them when you need them do not abuse there use…… they are meant to be used when you are outside….

When you need protection from the sun especially during summer time, or whenever you are out in the open, for day to day use in the summer while doing errands, in and out of the home/car all day then an SPF 8 to 15 is sufficient… You can apply 30 when you will be outside for a longer period of time. In my opinion high spf lotions are not to be used daily all year round if you are not working outside or if you will be inside most of the day…..

If you really feel the need to wear a cream with spf daily stick with the ones that have a low spf… like an spf 8 and use an spf of 30 on areas (spot treat) where you need extra protection such as discolorations spots….. In my opinion if you are inside most of the day you do not need a cream with an spf in it!!!

Best protection is to wear a hat whenever possible and stay out of the sun during the peak hours of 10/11 a.m. - 3/4 p.m.

Note: If you have pigmentation spots (discoloration) and are worried about them you can spot treat them with an spf 15-30 if you wish!!! instead of putting an high spf all over the face.

Did you know that Vitamin C,Shea Butter, Aloe Vera, Carrot Oil and Vitamin E help support the skin’s natural defences against uva/uvb! Vitamin E protects the cells against the adverse effect of free radicals, it protects skin during sun exposure!

Many studies have shown that antioxidants may be a very important strategy for preventing skin cancer.!

Aloe Vera was used 1000s of years ago as an essential protection against the rays of the sun.!

If you will be spending time out in the sun please always apply a sun block/sunscreen over your serums or creams containg vitamin A or C.!!!!!!!!!!

My tips for this summer!!

- First time you go out in the sun, go for no longer then 30 minutes - fairer skin less time and find a shade place you can go too after the initial 30 minutes then increase gradually through the summer always protecting the skin!

- Go out between the times of 9-11 am and after 3-4 p.m.

- Prepare the skin properly and treat the skin after being out in the sun!

To prepare the skin properly apply your moisturiser under your sunscreen or sunblock, the layers help to protect the skin! After your time in the sun wash off your sunscreen or sunblock and apply a moisturiser or product designed for after sun!!

Please try and stay away from tanning beds, in my opinion they are not safe for your skin!

free skin care · Sun Oct 22, 2006 6:06 am

Ignore, have replied on another thread.

free skin care · Thu Oct 26, 2006 4:30 am

Please ignore the sunscreen post. Have posted as a new topic.

Just to update you all on my 3rd peel. I had this done yesterday (13 minutes). Since my last post, things have definately been improving. Have followed the routine that I intended to do and since using more moisturiser, I don't seem to be getting as much clogging. I also think that my skin is begining to get used to using the clearing complex - I think I may have been using too much previously.

I have also stopped using Dermalogica Pre-cleanse and MD Sunscreen. (Don't feel I need to use pre-cleanse, as MD Cleanser seems to be enough to take off JI MMU, and sunscreen seems to be a bit too thick).

I have found the perfect shade of JI Mineral Makeup and so after cleansing and using continuous renewal then moisturiser, I find that the JI Mineral Makeup seems to offer enough protection for the cooler weather for me.

I must say, this skincare line has actually been the best thing that I have ever used. (After some trial and error). I have hardly had any whiteheads and the overall tone and texture of my skin is so much better. Will report back after next weeks peel.

By the way, sorry ThearsaL, I forgot to ask about the PH, will definately do so next time.

free skin care · Thu Oct 26, 2006 4:40 am

GREAT news Sharon!

Marla

free skin care · Thu Oct 26, 2006 7:29 am

Thanks for the update! I am glad that your "plan" is working.

Is there any one thing that you are doing that you think is helping the most with keeping your pores from clogging or do you think that it is a combination of things? Also, this may sound like a silly question but do you actually experience peeling in the days following your peels? TIA

free skin care · Thu Oct 26, 2006 7:48 am

Hi TheresaL,

Do you know, I really don't know. I think it was a case of me not using enough moisturiser, but also, I may have been using too much of the clearing complex.

When I was first told how to use this skincare line, the owner of the salon, said to use a tiny bit of moisturiser. Well, one persons idea of tiny is very different to anothers, and I think that I just wasn't using enough. My skin never actually felt really dry or tight, and I always get scared of too much moisturiser. I always think, moisturiser equals whiteheads, equals clogging.

At the moment, things are actually begining to surface (and the urge to pick is awful - picking is my thing).

When I saw my faciliast yesterday, I explained about the moisturiser and she said that maybe I hadn't been using enough but that she didn't think that was really the issue. So I think it could still be a combination of things. She did say that it takes time. I do believe that my skin is getting used to this skincare and it is now begining to work.

One very funny thing - I happened to mention to the facialist that my husband had said he too could see an improvement in my skin (but not £200 worth). Bless him, he did afterall pay for me to have the peels. You know what men are like.

As to the question of peeling, I only actually peeled after the first one. There were some patches on my face that got dry, but they peeled off and healed by the time I had the second peel.

TheresaL wrote:

Thanks for the update! I am glad that your "plan" is working.

Is there any one thing that you are doing that you think is helping the most with keeping your pores from clogging or do you think that it is a combination of things? Also, this may sound like a silly question but do you actually experience peeling in the days following your peels? TIA

free skin care · Thu Oct 26, 2006 8:22 am

TheresaL,
I have just phoned my facialist and she said the PH is around about 3.5. HTH

free skin care · Thu Oct 26, 2006 4:05 pm

Thanks for checking. At that pH I can see how they are able to leave it on your skin for so long compared to some other peels.

free skin care · Thu Nov 02, 2006 8:19 am

Well, I've just had my 4th peel, but this has been a particularly bad week, due to that time of the month. I have had some pretty bad breakouts which started to get me down. When I spoke to the facialist today, she did reasure me that this is all part of the process and that I really do need to stick at the regime. The clearing complex is the thing that gets me. I keep thinking that it's adding to the problem of more breakouts, but apparently this is right. By using this product, it is bringing everything to the surface (which is not a pretty sight) but my facialist assures me that this is why you need to have the course of 6 as this is the most beneficial for bringing everything up. Fingers crossed that after week six, hopefully breakouts will start to become less frequent. On the plus side, my complextion does look clearer, more even toned and smoother (apart from some spots). Will let you know more after next week.

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