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Mon Dec 04, 2006 8:41 am |
I've started using Ice Elements in hopes of balancing my skin. For as long as I can remember my pores have been congested - you know, ya squeeze 'em and the little white stuff comes out
I'm 39, oily t-zone but dry elsewhere. I used to have gorgeous skin but I've started developing lots of blackheads and some acne
How can I really clean my pores out TIA - you all are so knowledgeable |
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Mon Dec 04, 2006 9:07 am |
Hi tsjmom! You've come to the right place! First of all, would you mind giving us a little more info? For example, how long have you been using IE, and which products are you using? And do you get the feeling they are helping un-clog your pores, or are they adding to the problem? I know what you mean about those darn congested pores--- I've been fighting em all my life! |
_________________ 27, sensitive/reactive/acne prone skin, dark brown hair, blue eyes, possibly the palest woman alive... |
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Mon Dec 04, 2006 9:19 am |
Hi manslayerliz (luv your name!). The IE pdts are helping (Been using 1 1/2 mos). Everything went downhill in Aug when I switched to a bunch of new pdts from various lines. I won't even tell my DH how much $ I wasted (I'm thinking close to $500 )
The problem w/ the clogged pores is that I squeeze them (Iknow, bad bad bad ) so I've got red marks all over my T-zone. I'm hoping if nothing's in my pores I'll stop squeezing my face. I know it's gross. |
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Mon Dec 04, 2006 9:32 am |
Hahaha, I totally feel your pain! If I sense something in one of my pores, I will squeeze my poor face into oblivion! Anyways, I'm glad to hear that you feel the IE products are helping you. If you feel good about them, def. keep using them. Something that is really helping me unclog my pores in Tazorac. My dermatologist put me on it a few months back and it has been helping, slowly, but surely. So, if you don't see the results you want within another month or so, you may want to try talking to your derm. Next we need to focus on healing your skin post-extraction so you have fewer red marks. Personally after a bunch of extractions I like to mist my face with an O2 spray (helps with the redness and speeds healing)--- I get mine fromwww.zenbiotic.com . Next it's a good idea to cover all the extracted areas in an acne serum that also helps heal the skin. I recently discovered the acne serum atwww.bestbathstore.com and I LOVE it--- I use it after all of my extractions now. You can even request a free sample! If you extracted too vigorously and the skin is majorly damaged, I would still suggest the O2 and the BBS serum, but I would also suggest adding Brave Soldier First Defense Antibacterial Spray to disinfect and also to kill some of the pain, and then lastly a dab of Brave Soldier Antiseptic Healing Ointment to keep the area from drying out so a big scab doesn't form.
Another thing that has helped me and some other members is to wear some kind of product to bed to absorb oil while you sleep. I like to use Jurlique's Rose Silk Dust or Larenim's Dust til Dawn treatment. Also, there is a DIY recipe floating around the board for "pearl paste" which also works really well because the pearl powder in it is self-adjusting. Actually our own dear carekate makes her own version of pearl paste to sell and I LOVE it--- I recently ordered a full-size bottle of it.
Hope some of this helps--- let me know if you have any more questions, and please keep us updated! |
_________________ 27, sensitive/reactive/acne prone skin, dark brown hair, blue eyes, possibly the palest woman alive... |
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Mon Dec 04, 2006 10:13 am |
mho...
for cleaning out pores,
I really don't think anything can beat a simple bha that is well formulated. |
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Mon Dec 04, 2006 10:21 am |
Hi tsjmom,
I know what you mean. I tried everything [or so it seemed] but had no success until I started using OCM. Massaging the cleansing oil into my skin ... along with steaming my face for a few minutes and then massaging again, was the only thing that helped loosen the deep seated plugs in my nose area.
Once they loosened and came out, the OCM kept them clear ... and I help it along by using a salicylic acid/glycolic acid toner [a no-sting formula] on a nightly basis.
I blame conventional liquid foundation for creating the blackheads in the first place ... that and cleansers which just didn't do what they claimed to do. I use Mineral Makeup now ... and that seems to help as well. My pores seem smaller now ... but whether that's just because they are clear or whether they've actually shrunk a bit I don't know!
I've been using OCM for 1.5 years now ... and would never return to any other sort of cleanser.
I don't know anything about Ice Elements products, although I've read several raves about them here.
Good luck!
Mary |
_________________ Over 50, combo, OCM. Originator of Pearl Paste ... www.silkenpearl.com |
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Mon Dec 04, 2006 10:33 am |
Also a lot of people say Hauschka Cleansing Cream is a gentle way to keep pores clear. I have the exact skin problem as you. Insane pore clogging on my forehead and dry elsewhere. I am so bad about squeezing and the worst is when I'm headed to go somewhere I suddenly notice them all. I just have to remind myself the red angry aftermath looks much worse than the bumps.
And don't even get me started about the $$ thing. Ouch! But they all look so good you want to believe.
Anyway, I'm going to truly give the Hauschka line a 2 month trial, exclusively. We'll see.
Good luck, Michele |
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Mon Dec 04, 2006 10:52 am |
Hi hpjrt !
I totally agree with you about that it might be a fondation problem. Im using one from Chanel right now and im wondering if its the cause of my blackheads problem. I got a lot , even on my cheeks ! I would like to know more about your mineral makeup and the Jurlique powder. Also for the ones that are using Dr Hauschka, did you see a improvement by letting your skin "breathe" during the night ? Thank a lot. |
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Mon Dec 04, 2006 11:11 am |
Hi Mary,
What OCM, salicylic acid/glycolic acid toner do you use? I have tried many products to keep my pores clear but had not found one that worked for me yet. The salicylic acid/glycolic acid toners that I have tried stung quite a bit, so I could not use them often.
BTW, what MMU do you use? I tried a few but have not found the right one for me yet. They all seem to emphasize my pores!
Thanks. |
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Mon Dec 04, 2006 12:37 pm |
Hi loveskincare,
For OCM I use 50/50 grapeseed oil/castor oil blend ... to which I add Salicylic Acid powder [which is oil soluable]. The SA works out to about 2% so it's not too much ... and I don't even know if it's doing anything at all ...
I make my own toner ... which works out to about 8% ... but I keep the pH at around 4 which helps to make it less "stinging" ...
If you're not a DIY-er, then I'm afraid I can't recommend a commercial product. My face doesn't like most commercial products ... whether it's the emulsifiers or preservatives I don't know. I just know everything has been better since I stopped using products that have either emulsifiers and/or preservatives.
As for MMU, I make my own "primer" ... which is a blend of silk powder, pearl powder, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. I then use Physician's Formula as my foundation ... Creamy Natural is the colour I use. That said I have used and loved both CoverFX MMU powder and Pure Luxe MMU.
I find that the silk powder I use in my "primer" is great for helping to minimize lines and pores. It's also self-adjusting, so that it absorbs oil where it needs to and doesn't dry where there is no oil problems.
You could use straight silk powder as a primer and get similar results. If interested, you can get it here:
http://www.tkbtrading.com/index.php?item=315&ret=http%3A%2F%2F72.37.149.157%2Findex.php%3Fpage%3D2%26category%3D13&PHPSESSID=c62e906737ecb93b757c545592fa7024
As I say, while I mix mine with other stuff ... you wouldn't have to for a primer.
Hopefully that's been helpful.
Mary |
_________________ Over 50, combo, OCM. Originator of Pearl Paste ... www.silkenpearl.com |
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Mon Dec 04, 2006 1:08 pm |
Thanks so much Mary! Where do you get the SA and Glycolic to make your toner? Could you give me the recipe for the toner?
Do you prefer Physician's Formula MMU to CoverFX MMU and Pure Luxe MMU? Could you compare them?
Thanks again. |
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Mon Dec 04, 2006 1:27 pm |
I second OCM and mineral make-up!!! I use 60%EVOO and 40% jojoba and sometimes mix in a few drops of ylang-ylang. This might not work for everybody but my skin seems to LOVE the jojoba (at least for now ). Read the link to the full explanation of OCM if you haven't already. After years of angst and $1000's at the dermatologist, I can say this is the most effective thing I've ever done for my skin. THANKS EDS!!!My pores are almost unclogged for the first time since I was 12 (I'm 30). |
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Mon Dec 04, 2006 1:45 pm |
Hi loveskincare,
I get SA and Glycolic Acid from my friendly neighbourhood pharmacist. They just ordered the Glycolic for me ... but handed over the jar of SA ... and it was very cheap.
As for the recipe, I have to look that one up ... I'll PM you with it.
Now ... I loved CoverFX AND Pure Luxe. The downside of CoverFX was that it wasn't quite the right shade for me. Pure Luxe is fabulous, but since I'm in Canada, it takes a long time to get to me. I can get Physician's Formula at Walmart ... so it's easier.
CoverFX now has a loose mineral foundation I think, but I've only used the pressed powder formula. It's quite expensive compared to Physician's Formula ... about $36 Canadian. Pure Luxe really is lovely ... and if you're in the U.S. then it doesn't take nearly so long to get to you.
As much as I love Pure Luxe, however, it's a little difficult to select a colour that's reproduced on the Web ... and here too is a plus for Physician's Formula ... I could see the colour of the powder ... and lucked into the right shade first try.
Hi Bunny7475,
Glad that OCM is working for you too. You're lucky ... you found it when you were 30 ... I didn't find it until I was 54! However, just to prove that it's never too late ... my skin hasn't looked this good since I was about 12 too!
HTH
Mary |
_________________ Over 50, combo, OCM. Originator of Pearl Paste ... www.silkenpearl.com |
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Mon Dec 04, 2006 2:34 pm |
Thanks so much Mary! I am also in Canada so ordering from Pure Luxe would be as difficult for me as it is for you. I looked up CoverFX, the loose mineral has Bismuth which many people seem to have problems with.
When you use OCM, do you wash after with a cleanser or just water? |
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Mon Dec 04, 2006 2:56 pm |
Hi loveskincare,
I use only OCM. If you follow the directions properly [found here at EDS in various threads] then there is no need to use another cleanser at all.
Just make sure that you use a washcloth ... [I use a fresh one each time ... and once a week I wash all my washcloths in hot water and bleach] ... and you should be able to get all traces of the oil off ... and your face will feel wonderful!
The next best thing I've tried is Burt's Bees Orange Essence Cleanser. I don't like it as much as my own oil mix ... but it works well.
Good luck
Mary
ps ... check out the bigger Walmarts ... you should be able to find Physician's Formula there. Fortunately, the pressed powder version of CoverFX doesn't have bismuth. |
_________________ Over 50, combo, OCM. Originator of Pearl Paste ... www.silkenpearl.com |
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Mon Dec 04, 2006 3:35 pm |
WOW You all are fast and informative (and friendly ) I'm going to try a BHA I think. I "want" to try OCM but am afraid I used PSF 02 spray but it didn't feel like it did anything. I keep reading all the great reviews on O2 so maybe I'll try the zenbiotic one manslayerliz recommended.
I just want to streamline my regimen, using as many natural/gentle pdts as possible, and not break the bank. I'm not asking too much now am I |
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Mon Dec 04, 2006 3:42 pm |
I too recently started the OCM and after a few questions to the helpful ladies here and reading some older posts I was able to work out some issues I was having. I love it! I made the mistake of using too much oil at first but I think I've finally worked it all out. Try it, I think you'll love it as well.
Kimberly |
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Mon Dec 04, 2006 3:44 pm |
Hi tsjmom,
I'm not quite sure I understand why you'd be afraid of OCM ... but I will admit that there is an ideology adjustment that has to be made in terms of using OCM ... or any other oil-based cleaner.
We've had advertisements tell us forever that in order to control oily skin, we need to strip it with very harsh chemicals. The truth is that when you strip your skin [dry it out] your "oil" glands just work all that harder to produce more oil ... because that's what they do. They exist to produce a certain amount of oil ... if you have oily skin, your glands are producing too much oil ... but when you strip your skin, those same glands say "Well obviously we didn't make enough!" In short ... stripping your skin sends an emergency message to your oil-producing glands ... "More oil! MORE OIL!"
If, however, you use an oil based cleaner, not only does it clear away the excess oil on top of your skin ... but it leaves the skin clean but not stripped ... and your oil-producing glands won't get that emergency message.
In time, in fact, you'll find that your once oily skin is no longer so oily. Mine became much closer to "normal" after using OCM consistenty.
You do have to get your brain around that, however ... and that's not an easy concept to accept ... when we've been so brainwashed for so long.
However, if you're looking for an inexpensive and very effective way of cleansing your skin ... OCM is definitely the way to go. It costs just pennies a month ...
Mary |
_________________ Over 50, combo, OCM. Originator of Pearl Paste ... www.silkenpearl.com |
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Mon Dec 04, 2006 5:03 pm |
hpjrt, whit cleansing oil you said you used ? Because I really like your reflection on " maybe keeping oily skin a bit oily is better "
Its like the Decleor YY , everybody seem to like that oil !Thats weird ...oily products on oily skin ! Hey, but you know what ? Im willing to try anything to have a better skin |
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Tue Dec 05, 2006 12:07 am |
A lot of reccomendations...I think I want to try all of them |
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Tue Dec 05, 2006 9:55 am |
Hi Katya,
I make my own cleansing oil. I mix up a batch of 50% grapeseed oil and 50% castor oil. I keep it in a decorative ceramic soap dispenser ... and just a couple of pumps of oil is all I need to clean my face and neck.
There are other combinations and it's really personal preference as to what combination and proportion you use. Someone else here said that they used a mix of jojoba and castor oil.
There should be quite a lot about the theory behind and how to use OCM in the FAQ section at the top of the page.
Good luck
Mary |
_________________ Over 50, combo, OCM. Originator of Pearl Paste ... www.silkenpearl.com |
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Tue Dec 05, 2006 9:56 am |
Can I ask...what is OCM? I see many posts on it, but haven't been able to figure out what it actually is or who makes it. Thanks! |
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Tue Dec 05, 2006 9:59 am |
i used to suffer from cloged/congested pores but I've been using Dr. Hauschka skincare line and it really helps with unclogging pores. I would suggest trying it out... either the Jurlique cleansing cream or the Dr. Haushcka cleansing cream (both contain almonds and natural ingredients) Also if you have really oily skin, don't put on anything on your face at night when you sleep and also try going to a sauna or steamroom once or twice a week so the heat will open up your pores and detoxify your skin.. it really does wonders for my skin |
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Tue Dec 05, 2006 3:36 pm |
Hi Seaera,
OCM stands for Oil Cleansing Method. There are several threads about this method of cleansing ... and there are several of us who have used this method long-term ... with astounding results. Others have tried it and found it doesn't work for them.
Look in the FAQ thread near the top of the forum ... and it should explain the whole thing to you ... at least in general terms.
Hi BCgirl
I'm one of those people for whom the Dr. Hauschka cleansing cream didn't work well. I think my skin just doesn't like almond oil or something! [Which is very odd since I ADORE almonds!]
You have to find the philosophy and products that work for you ... and it doesn't matter whether or not it works for anyone else. We all bring a myriad of individual aspects to the table in terms of skin care. I really don't believe that there is any one product or line of products that works absolutely for everyone.
As for oily skinned people not wearing anything on their face when they sleep ... I disagree. I wear a Silk/Pearl powder on my face at night ... and feel that it's gone a long way in keeping blemishes and flareups down to a bare minimum. I think that oily skinned people are more susceptible to bacteria from pillow cases etc [even when you wash your bedding weekly with hot water and bleach] ... and this has certainly been borne out from my experience.
The OCM helped to normalize my skin ... and the Silk/Pearl powder has helped to keep it clear.
Just my thoughts.
Mary |
_________________ Over 50, combo, OCM. Originator of Pearl Paste ... www.silkenpearl.com |
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Wed Dec 06, 2006 4:36 am |
Going to chirp in here since you are talking about OCM.
Love OCM (and share love with friends ) and for those of you who haven't tried but contemplate trying it I suggest you determine what you want to address using your cleanser. If it is to take off make-up any type of oil will do. But depending on the skin type the oils you use and the ratio will vary. I have combo/dry skin and I use Sweet Almond Oil and Castor oil (2:1). But some of the other lovely ladies here use jojoba or extra virgin olive oil or grapeseed. The properties of some of these other oils are discussed by CareKate http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=5981&start=419
Actually since there are a few OCM users here already, does anyone have recommendations for dry-ish skin that is still prone to break-outs? I don't want to use EVO as I have read that some people do break out from it, but my cheeks are having rough patches and still flake at times. Would like something to help with that. |
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