Can Guys Have Clear Skin TOO? Where do I start?
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Fri Sep 29, 2006 5:30 pm

Hey everyone...My name is Andrew. Nice to meet you all Very Happy

Well as you may have all guessed, I have some skin problems which pretty much my whole life. It's really a pain because it makes my self esteem low and very self conscious. Im tired of feeling like crap and being embrassed about my skin. So thats why I am here.

I recovered from a major break out from 1 year ago so there are still some light scars left. However my biggest pain is that I have very uneven skin. I have all of these little red bumps/rashes/acne? scattered throughout my face. They are really small so it's not that bad but you can totally notice it once close up. How do I get rid of them? As well of course I have a ton of black/white heads Sad

I have been doing some reading. There are a BILLION products out there to try. I read reviews on DHCC, which I plan to try.

I just want to know is there a beginner's reading guide? or something that can build me an effective routine? Anything advice would be helpful.

Thank you very much

free skin care · Fri Sep 29, 2006 6:05 pm

Welcome Andrew, we have a few guys here on the forum so you don't have to feel out of place. Plus - we're just a very large global <disfunctional at times Laughing

> family, all are welcome.

Let's start with the easy stuff. What is your skin type now? What products do you currently use? Any type of routine? Any sensitivities?

Once we have the basics the advice will pour in. Yes - there are BILLIONS of products out there. But - we have all found only a select few work for each skin type. That's where our experiance <read, mistakes/wasted $$> is to your benefit.

Again welcome. Looking forward to more posts from you.

Fri Sep 29, 2006 6:10 pm

Thanks for replying Candy, I was so scared that no one would Sad

I don't actually know what my skin type is...I would say normal? Later on during the day, I can get a little oily around my nose and forehead. So Im not sure sorry...

Right now I don't use anything and have no routine. I just wash with light soap. Never really tried any products so not sure if Im sensitive to anything.

Ha I know that didn't help too much!

free skin care · Fri Sep 29, 2006 6:15 pm

AndrewL123 wrote:

Thanks for replying Candy, I was so scared that no one would Sad

I don't actually know what my skin type is...I would say normal? Later on during the day, I can get a little oily around my nose and forehead. So Im not sure sorry...

Right now I don't use anything and have no routine. I just wash with light soap. Never really tried any products so not sure if Im sensitive to anything.

Ha I know that didn't help too much!

Someone is always going to respond. No worries.

Ok - so normal to oily? Sound fair? How old are you?

1st thing is to get you off of using soap! Makes things worse. DHCC is a great start, actually the whole line is great stuff, especially as a newbie and unsure of sensitivies or reactions.

Let's hear it ladies. Suggestions for our new friend?

free skin care · Fri Sep 29, 2006 6:50 pm

Hi, Andrew! Welcome!

I definitely agree with Candy. A no-soap cleanser is your first step. It sounds like you're not really breaking out right now, but just need to clean your pores out and treat damage from the previous outbreak? If that's the case, I think a product with glycolic acid may help you. I know there are quite a few choices out there. You could either try a glycolic peel treatment a couple of times a week (scary word, but I don't mean a major doctor's office type peel.) or use a glycolic serum or lotion. I think there are some decent drugstore brands, and I know that MD Forte makes some good products. They're a little more expensive, though.
Hopefully, someone with skin like yours will jump in here and give you some good products!

free skin care · Fri Sep 29, 2006 7:34 pm

For controlling the current acne, I highly recommend Earth to Body products (www.earthtobody.ca ) especially their Emu-Neem Soap and the Clay-Neem Treatment.

For fading the acne marks, I recommend Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel and Neutrogena Acne Mark Fading Peel.

Fri Sep 29, 2006 11:56 pm

Ok from what I gathered so far.

Im going to need:

1)MD FORTE FACIAL LOTION GLYCOLIC ACID
2)NEUTROGENA ADVANCED SOLUTIONS ACNE MARK FADING PEEL (Do I need both this and the Green Apple peel?
3)DHCC

Now I'm wondering would the Earth to Body products be good generally as well? because I wouldn't say I actually do have acne. Unless those little red dots on my face are...I can't really tell. Should I invest in this products anyway?

As well, after purchasing all of these, whats the order that I should use the products in?

Thanks again

free skin care · Sat Sep 30, 2006 12:15 am

AndrewL123 wrote:

Ok from what I gathered so far.

Im going to need:

1)MD FORTE FACIAL LOTION GLYCOLIC ACID
2)NEUTROGENA ADVANCED SOLUTIONS ACNE MARK FADING PEEL (Do I need both this and the Green Apple peel?
3)DHCC

Now I'm wondering would the Earth to Body products be good generally as well? because I wouldn't say I actually do have acne. Unless those little red dots on my face are...I can't really tell. Should I invest in this products anyway?

As well, after purchasing all of these, whats the order that I should use the products in?

Thanks again

Hi Andrew! Welcome to the forum, I recommend searching through the old posts, I've spent so much time doing that in the past month and I've learned so much Smile

You've probably figured it out already, but Yes, you can have great skin and be a male Wink

It seems like those three things up there are a little glycolic acid heavy, I don't know if you really need them all, especially just starting out. And I also think you definitely need a moisturizer, to help balance your skin out. For a moisturizer I think that jojoba, emu, squaline, olive or rosehip oil would be best. Don't worry, putting a little oil on your face will not cause acne, having dry skin is worse. Also, from the things you listed above I think you could get away with just the DHCC, Juice Beauty Peel or the psf pumpking peel (both 12 times per week, i do either one every other day, it depends on what your skin can handle), and a toner made up of apple cider vinegar and water. That toner will help with any acne/blocked pores. The peels listed above are for exfoliating your skin, they will help with the red bumps you described. You don't need them both, you can get the green apple peel at sephora and the psf peel here. When I use the DHCC it leaves a film on my skin that I do not like, so I ollow with a gentle cleanser. Since you will be using acids and since you are interested in keeping your skin nice, you should definitely invest in a photo-stable sunscreen with a high level of protection. Since you asked, here's an example of the order one would use these products:
AM
Dr. H's Cleansing Cream
ACV/Water Toner
Jojoba or emu/rosehip/squaline/olive
sunscreen

PM
Gentle Cleanser
Juice beauty or PSF Peel 1-3 times per week
ACV/Water toner
one of the oils listed above

Also, if you have congested skin, I highly recommend Dr. H's clay mask! It's amazing for quickly decongesting pores.
good luck!
(and stop using the soap!!!!) Wink

free skin care · Sun Oct 01, 2006 6:24 am

You can also do an asprin mask once or twice a week. I feel it brightens my skin and gives me a glow.

Before you decide to take the plunge and buy the new products, remember to try samples first if possible (perhaps from Sephora?).

Also, you can call EDS and the girls there are always willing to help and gives great product suggestions.

Sun Oct 01, 2006 8:05 am

Andrew,

I'm a guy as well and am in quite a similar boat as you. But I'm quite sure I've spent more money on products that don't work for me then anyone. I have moderate acne + oily skin. As for the JB Green Apple peel and the Neutrogena Acne fading peel they are completely useless. I spent a bunch of money on them and they were just a complete waste. I would suggest getting samples of different products before purchasing them. I'm quite sure others might disagree but this is my personal opinion from experience.

Here is what I recommend:

Ditch the JB and Neutrogena Fading Peel( they may be good for you once your acne is over to help heal the scars and what not)
Go with the PSF Acne Mud Mask
Good cleanser: B.Kamins Hydrating Acne Wash
Get the Decleor Ylang Ylang Oil (daytime + Night Balm)
Decleor Aroma Purete Matt Finish Skin Fluid

This is a list to start off with. I'm also not a big fan of toners. I have tried a few serums vit c + JB blemish Serums and they did not work either.

Just my 2 cents.

free skin care · Sun Oct 01, 2006 1:12 pm

It would help if you knew what your red bumps were? Do you still have acne if they are not that. I am just wondering because you said they are really tiny, and I know someone that has them on her arms and chest, from sun exsposure I think. They are as big as freckles but they are red. Anyway, I have the psf acne mud treatment and I like it, but its very drying, so make sure you use a moisurizer like dealated said. I have never tried jb green apple peel, so I can't comment on that. The decloer ylang ylang oil and matte finish face fluid I have and have used. You just pat a couple drops of the oil onto your skin, then follow it with the matte finish skin fluid. Its supposed to help with oilyness and shinies. I do not use it anymore though, but I do think that it works. You have to use it everyday though, you can't just use it once. I have uneven skin like you, and I have started using copper peptides, with help from Molly Wink

and if you want to see a glow, and a different tone to your skin, I suggest that. It really has made a difference in my skin in just the few weeks I have been using them.
Oh, and for your blackheads and whiteheads, I would say maybe you should try Mandelic acid. Scalawa girl has pictures on here of how it cleaned her pores out, maybe it would work for you? I'm not very good at giving out advice but I do have almost a whole bottle of ylang ylang oil, their is barely anything missing, and a half bottle of matte finish face fluid if you want to try them for free. I know how it is to waste money on hundred of different products. It really sucks really.

Sun Oct 01, 2006 2:06 pm

Thanks for all the quick replies everyone!!

I'll definitely will keep reading and learning whats good for my skin and not.

I didn't realize it was such a pain choosing the correct products to use. So much choice, but so little money Laughing

Dealated: Thanks for putting everything together for me. You made things so much more clear and simple now that I actually know the order on how to use the products.

Mud, I appreciate you taking the time and letting me know what has worked for you. However, I don't actually have acne anymore. I think it was just a HUGE hormone thing that went away now. Im just looking now to repair and prevent it from happening again. Would any of those be good for "regular" use?

Razinkane, haha ya I think it would help to if I knew what the red bumps were. I KNOW they are not big freckles though Wink

If I ever find a digital camera, I'll post some pictures up. WOW I must say the generosity and kindness on this forum is insane. You offering me products that you spent your hard earned money on for free...Im speechless.

Im guessing after reading a little more and getting a better feel for the whole thing, I'll actually go buy some of the recommended products and see what happens.

Thanks again! I swear, if I ever get totally cleared up. Dinner is on me =D NO BS! Very Happy

free skin care · Sun Oct 01, 2006 3:06 pm

I'm not mud2005 but the yes, those products would be okay for regular use. You can use the psf acne mud mask atleast twice a week, more if your really oily but it can dry your skin out. I think it helps control breakout, I could be wrong, and it helps get rid or exiting ones. The b kamins cleanser you use everyday. You shouldn't be using soap anyway. And the decloer ylang ylang oil and balm and the matt finish face fluid you can use everyday, although I don't know if you use the balm everynight. It helps eliminate the oilys, "deep cleans and brightens congested complexions." (I took that off the essential day spa skin care store. If you want to read all of it go to the essential day spa and skin care store)I would say if you are looking to "repair" or fade your old acne marks, maybe you could try the neutrgena acne fading mask. You can usually find it at your local pharmacy or what not, and its about 14.99, whereas the jb peel cost a little bit more, but I think the jb peel would be better at evening out skin tone, but I don't know I have never tried it.
ps. I didnt mean I thought they were freckles Laughing

I was just saying I think I have seen them before, and that they are as small as freckles? or smaller, actually.
Anyway, if you want the decloer just pm me. I will be glad to get it out of my cabinet and make room for something new Laughing

free skin care · Sun Oct 01, 2006 7:58 pm

I've gotten really great results from the Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel for fading damage from past acne. As for smaller bumps and clogged pores, you may want to consider seeing a dermatologist. Mine prescribed me Tazorac, and it has been clearing up those small bumps and clogged pores like nothing else!

Wed Oct 04, 2006 4:33 pm

Thanks for all your replies everyone.

I pretty much have everything I need. Im gonna start using the products mentioned and keep you gusy updated.

I just have one questions. Do we still need to apply sunscreen in the winter? As well what would be a good sunscreen you guys recommend?

free skin care · Wed Oct 04, 2006 4:54 pm

Hi Andrew, I'm a male model so I pretty much have to keep my skin in perfect condition. I'm very prone to acne. Here is my current routine:

DDF glycolic 7% wash
Vivier Kine-C serum
Neutrogena healthy skin SPF 15

Pretty simple routine, seems to work for me. I occasionally get intense pulse light done by the dermatologist and always avoid the sun. I use mineral makeup when I'm being photographed. Generally I also find that drinking water and avoiding too much dairy and sugar keep me from breaking out, alltho the glycolic tends to control my acne and unevenness. By the way, never pop a pimple or squeeze a blackhead, 90% of the time this leads to deeper infection and scarring.

Thu Oct 05, 2006 5:36 pm

Thanks for the heads up Daniel.

I have been searching and trying to read up on the following products: AHA, BHA, and Vit C serum. I was wondering if anyone has any good links about what the following is good for so I can learn =D

Fri Oct 06, 2006 2:45 pm

Just wondering if brand matters for jojoba and rosehip oil? There are some that are so cheap and others up to $40 for 20mL!! Whats the difference?

free skin care · Fri Oct 06, 2006 4:37 pm

AndrewL123 wrote:

Just wondering if brand matters for jojoba and rosehip oil? There are some that are so cheap and others up to $40 for 20mL!! Whats the difference?

just look for something cold pressed and maybe even organic. those types are probably more $. Also, there are a lot of good links in this forum with discussions about the best aha/bha products and c serums, you can find them by using the "search" button in the top right corner of the forum pages. HTH Smile

free skin care · Tue Oct 10, 2006 12:01 pm

Hi there,

Highly recommend Decleor Aroma Purete mask once or twice per week and the Decleor Matte skin finish fluid as a moisturiser. Cheaper would be earth to body clay and neem mask but I use this to spot treat as personally it is too strong and drying for me.

For marks and scars I think Decleor Prolagene is a great skin healer and you can use this with the Ylang ylang oil.

Some people here recommend mandelic acid for decongesting pores though I am about to try it soon and will post if i think it is worth it.

I think that Juice Beauty green apple peel is not that great, nor the blemish serum. I have not had any dramatic results with those and the peel is a bit scary for me (even though i use the sensitive formulation).

The product that has worked most dramatically on my red blemish battle scars and skin in general is IS Clinical Active Serum with Hydracool but you may not want to irritate active acne with this.

Dont buy too much stuff at once though. It takes patience to find what might work really well for you. Make a list and try and get samples where possible.

Good luck!

free skin care · Tue Oct 10, 2006 4:01 pm

Hi Andrew,

I know that you have received several replies already, but if you can stand for one more...

I really believe in the Ice Elements skin care line. My son has teen acne and has had fabulous results with the Ice Elements acne serum along with other products in the line.

It is a natural based line with really great concentrated ingredients... You may want to concider checking out the Ice Elements website and message board to see if the products interest you.

You may also want to consider spa or at home microdermabrasion to assist with any past scarring, etc.

Whatever products that you choose, I wish you the best!
Bosoxy.

free skin care · Thu Oct 12, 2006 3:49 pm

Can anyone state what this means?
Thanks, Kim

free skin care · Tue Nov 21, 2006 8:51 pm

AndrewL123 wrote:

Thanks for all your replies everyone.

I pretty much have everything I need. Im gonna start using the products mentioned and keep you gusy updated.

I just have one questions. Do we still need to apply sunscreen in the winter? As well what would be a good sunscreen you guys recommend?

this is an older post, but if you're still around andrew, the answer is you should wear sunscreen all year round. it is especially important if you plan on using any products with acids in it (the juice beauty peel has acids), since your skin will be more photosensitive. and to remove sunscreen, i highly recommend an oil cleanser since improper removal of sunscreen can cause clogged pores and more spots.

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