When to use 2% BHA gel when using Actives?
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free skin care · Mon Aug 23, 2010 12:09 am

I just switched to an SAS regime, which im loving, but my skin is desperately in need of the AHAs/BHAs i used to use, and i dont know where to use them in my routine.

I have Paula's Choice 2% BHA Gel,
and Alpha Hydrox 10% Enhanced Cream.

Im scared about when to use them as i dont want them to prevent teh actives in SAS LMC Serum and Twilight Cream being absorbed by my skin.

Is there anything in the PC 2% BHA Gel that should prevent me from using it BEFORE my active serum and cream?

Will all my actives be ok after using it?

Also, the Alpha Hydrox Cream?... when could i use that?

Im getting really upset b/c i REALLY need my daily BHAs and AHAs, but i also reeeeally love my new SAS actives regime - i just dont know how to pair them together.

Please help, as i just spent so much money on SAS serums/creams and im already getting acne from not using my HG BHA GEl and AHA cream. Sad

If either of my BHA/AHA products have ingredients in that would prevent my actives being absorbed can anyone pleeeease advise any other 2% BHA and 10% AHA product i could use? - and tell me *when* to use it?

I'm getting so upset about all of this. Sad

xxx

free skin care · Mon Aug 23, 2010 1:03 am

If you were happy with your skincare regime, why did you change it to the point of being stressed out and upset about it? There's so much that can be done to achieve a "happy medium." Sometimes "less" is truly "More" in so many aspects of our lives.

free skin care · Mon Aug 23, 2010 6:12 am

I was NOT completely happy with my whole regime, otherwise i would not have changed it!
I needed nourishment, actives etc for premature aging, which i was not getting from JUST using AHAs & BHAs.

I am happy with my new SAS regime, thanks, but i just desperately need to re-incorporate my BHA Gel and AHA cream to clear pores, dead cells, and prevent breakouts.

I think anyone would be upset with a face full of recurring acne after spending £100 on new skincare.

Did you have any actual advice to offer regards when to use BHA Gel/AHA cream in my regime?, as per my question - or did you just feel the need to criticise? I'm really not finding your tone particularly helpful.

free skin care · Mon Aug 23, 2010 8:52 am

MissCleo - I would put the BHA gel on before the actives from SAS. I would guess here to put the AHA cream on after the serum actives from SAS. I don't think it would be good to use the BHA or the AHA at the same time as the Twilight Cream.

free skin care · Mon Aug 23, 2010 9:13 am

Thanks so much RileyGirl, your response was really helpful (as always!) Smile

I was worried that Twilight Cream wouldnt work well with AHAs or BHAs due to its retinol content.

Seeing as i really want to use both Twilight cream AND my acids - would you suggest i use them alternate nights?
Would i still get skin benefits from using the Twilight Cream only every 2nd night?

Thanks so much for your help. xxxx

free skin care · Mon Aug 23, 2010 9:16 am

kims wrote:

If you were happy with your skincare regime, why did you change it to the point of being stressed out and upset about it? There's so much that can be done to achieve a "happy medium." Sometimes "less" is truly "More" in so many aspects of our lives.

I must agree kims I often wonder if many of the issues and problems we see people report are due to just doing too much to the skin and stressing it to the point of creating problems by trying to take care of the skin to the point of overkill??? Smile

free skin care · Mon Aug 23, 2010 9:44 am

MissCleopatra wrote:

Seeing as i really want to use both Twilight cream AND my acids - would you suggest i use them alternate nights?
Would i still get skin benefits from using the Twilight Cream only every 2nd night?

Thanks so much for your help. xxxx

You're welcome. I would definitely alternate them, and yes I think you will still get the benefit from the Twilight Cream using it every other night. Good luck!

free skin care · Mon Aug 23, 2010 11:55 am

DarkMoon wrote:

kims wrote:

If you were happy with your skincare regime, why did you change it to the point of being stressed out and upset about it? There's so much that can be done to achieve a "happy medium." Sometimes "less" is truly "More" in so many aspects of our lives.

I must agree kims I often wonder if many of the issues and problems we see people report are due to just doing too much to the skin and stressing it to the point of creating problems by trying to take care of the skin to the point of overkill??? Smile

I dont see how 1 serum, 1 cream and an AHA/BHA is "overkill"?! Neutral

- compared to the majority of regimes i see on this forum mine is positively 'simple'!

... most certainly, for my skin, JUST an AHA/BHA was underkill.. hence why i needed to add some actives to my skincare regime, for nourishment, in the form of a serum and moisturiser. Rolling Eyes

I must also comment that what i was 'happy' with previously does not have much bearing on what i am happy with now - as we age our skin changes, and our needs change too - my skin has recently changed from being very oily to combo-oily with dehydration, dry patches, fine lines etc ... its all part of the aging process (sadly) and mine has seeemed to come upon me all at once, having changed NOTHINg in my routine - the change came AFTER i noticed my skin was dry and aging quicker than i'd like. I have to listen to my skin - and my skin was telling me that just an AHA/BHA was not enough.

My question was how to logically incorporate the acids back into my regime, as my skin sheds quickly and causes breakouts - i have no problem with my routine other than that at this point, so im not understanding the need for these comments regards over-doing it etc?

free skin care · Mon Aug 23, 2010 12:05 pm

rileygirl wrote:

MissCleopatra wrote:

Seeing as i really want to use both Twilight cream AND my acids - would you suggest i use them alternate nights?
Would i still get skin benefits from using the Twilight Cream only every 2nd night?

Thanks so much for your help. xxxx

You're welcome. I would definitely alternate them, and yes I think you will still get the benefit from the Twilight Cream using it every other night. Good luck!

You're a star - i really appreciate your helpful advice.

I'll start alternating and hopefully get the best of both worlds.

HUGS! xxxxxxxxxxxxx

free skin care · Mon Aug 23, 2010 12:19 pm

Miss Cleo,

I am sorry if my post offended in any way at all, my agreement with kims had to do with "more is less" in general and was not intended as an attack about your choice of a skin care regime. Not personal at all, and you should absolutely listen to your own skin. Very Happy

free skin care · Mon Aug 23, 2010 12:44 pm

DarkMoon wrote:

kims wrote:

If you were happy with your skincare regime, why did you change it to the point of being stressed out and upset about it? There's so much that can be done to achieve a "happy medium." Sometimes "less" is truly "More" in so many aspects of our lives.

I must agree kims I often wonder if many of the issues and problems we see people report are due to just doing too much to the skin and stressing it to the point of creating problems by trying to take care of the skin to the point of overkill??? Smile

I couldn't agree more with both of your comments.

free skin care · Mon Aug 23, 2010 1:09 pm

MissCleopatra wrote:

I dont see how 1 serum, 1 cream and an AHA/BHA is "overkill"?! Neutral

- compared to the majority of regimes i see on this forum mine is positively 'simple'!

My question was how to logically incorporate the acids back into my regime, as my skin sheds quickly and causes breakouts - i have no problem with my routine other than that at this point, so im not understanding the need for these comments regards over-doing it etc?

LOL! Perhaps it's just your enthusiasm of late with all the *other* actives you have talked about that leaves folks with the idea you might be in *overkill* mode. Laughing

For sure I was guilty of trying way more than I actually *needed* when I 1st found EDS. My weakness was *gadgets* though, until I found the DIY goodies, and then I found myself in the *I want to try/use everything at once* boat that perhaps you are in now.. Bad Grin

Back to your question (that I underlined)... I think you actually answered it yourself. If your "skin sheds quickly", you can back off with the AHA, shedding the outer layer of dead skin is what it's designed to do. (You're apparently already there!)

The BHA is meant to work on exfoliating deep in the pores, so I agree with 'Riley' that it should go on before other actives.

In any event, you could probably do well with a one day a week application of each (separate days.)

You're very young, so you have *nature* on your side in the skin turnover department. Keep your pores cleaned with the BHA, and you can probably get away with AHA on a monthly basis.

Anyhoo, that's MHO Very Happy

free skin care · Mon Aug 23, 2010 4:56 pm

DarkMoon wrote:

Miss Cleo,

I am sorry if my post offended in any way at all, my agreement with kims had to do with "more is less" in general and was not intended as an attack about your choice of a skin care regime. Not personal at all, and you should absolutely listen to your own skin. Very Happy

Thanks DarkMoon - im still smarting from Dr.Hannah's constant criticism of every post/question i made last week, so i guess i could be a bit over sensitive still and misconstrue comments that can be taken more than one way.

I really appreciate you clarifying and im sorry if i was over-defensive.
It's so hard to judge people's 'tone' on forums sometimes.. sorry if i misunderstood. xxx

free skin care · Mon Aug 23, 2010 5:09 pm

Kassy_A wrote:

MissCleopatra wrote:

I dont see how 1 serum, 1 cream and an AHA/BHA is "overkill"?! Neutral

- compared to the majority of regimes i see on this forum mine is positively 'simple'!

My question was how to logically incorporate the acids back into my regime, as my skin sheds quickly and causes breakouts - i have no problem with my routine other than that at this point, so im not understanding the need for these comments regards over-doing it etc?

LOL! Perhaps it's just your enthusiasm of late with all the *other* actives you have talked about that leaves folks with the idea you might be in *overkill* mode. Laughing

For sure I was guilty of trying way more than I actually *needed* when I 1st found EDS. My weakness was *gadgets* though, until I found the DIY goodies, and then I found myself in the *I want to try/use everything at once* boat that perhaps you are in now.. Bad Grin

Back to your question (that I underlined)... I think you actually answered it yourself. If your "skin sheds quickly", you can back off with the AHA, shedding the outer layer of dead skin is what it's designed to do. (You're apparently already there!)

The BHA is meant to work on exfoliating deep in the pores, so I agree with 'Riley' that it should go on before other actives.

In any event, you could probably do well with a one day a week application of each (separate days.)

You're very young, so you have *nature* on your side in the skin turnover department. Keep your pores cleaned with the BHA, and you can probably get away with AHA on a monthly basis.

Anyhoo, that's MHO Very Happy

Thanks Kassy - altho i think i made a mistake with my choice of words - what i meant was that my skin needs exfoliating daily due to a very fast buildup of dead skin cells. It's like it tries to shed, but doesnt actually go anywhere, other than inside my pores and littering the surface of mu skin. Im not sure of a technical term or a better way of describing this, im sorry. Perhaps i gave the wrong impression.

LOL, regards my rapid interest in heaps of actives on the forum... i never intended to use a load of them all at once, lol.
It is a new interest of mine and im simply trying to learn as much as i can, as quickly as i can.
Im exploring all the alternatives i find, and trying to learn about which actives are beneficial for my skin complaints.. what groups of actives work together... how they work... what makes them NOT work ... etc.
I dont just buy and try every active or every product i enquire about - im researching and trying to make sensible, informed decisions of what to try AFTER i've gained enough knowledge and personal reviews.
I dont have money to waste on trying all the great actives that im learning about, so i have to look into things a bit deeper, hence my forum questions. It takes me a LOT of research before i make a purchase, im not just jumping in blindly.
When i gain interest in something i find i want to learn as much as i can - as quickly as possible... but that doesnt mean im not cautious about what i actually decide to use in the end. I want to try a couple of products, see how they go, and if i dont like them i have plenty of info gathered to make a sensible choice of what to try next.
So far i have only purchased the ingredients for your C, E, Ferulic serum (which i will likely use on my fiance), and a simple SAS regime of 1 serum and 1 cream, day and night.

LOL, i think the science of skincare is one of the most interesting subjects i've become interested in - theres so much to learn and i plan on finding out as much as i can, for the future health of my skin. xxxxxx

free skin care · Mon Aug 23, 2010 5:12 pm

No problem Miss Cleo, I more than understand. I find as you say it's common for things to be taken entirely differently than what was intended with the written word! I will never hesitate to attempt to clarify as I don't like offending anyone. I appreciate very much your understanding and taking the time to post! All good! Very Happy

free skin care · Mon Aug 23, 2010 5:38 pm

MissCleopatra wrote:

Kassy_A wrote:

MissCleopatra wrote:

I dont see how 1 serum, 1 cream and an AHA/BHA is "overkill"?! Neutral

- compared to the majority of regimes i see on this forum mine is positively 'simple'!

My question was how to logically incorporate the acids back into my regime, as my skin sheds quickly and causes breakouts - i have no problem with my routine other than that at this point, so im not understanding the need for these comments regards over-doing it etc?

LOL! Perhaps it's just your enthusiasm of late with all the *other* actives you have talked about that leaves folks with the idea you might be in *overkill* mode. Laughing

For sure I was guilty of trying way more than I actually *needed* when I 1st found EDS. My weakness was *gadgets* though, until I found the DIY goodies, and then I found myself in the *I want to try/use everything at once* boat that perhaps you are in now.. Bad Grin

Back to your question (that I underlined)... I think you actually answered it yourself. If your "skin sheds quickly", you can back off with the AHA, shedding the outer layer of dead skin is what it's designed to do. (You're apparently already there!)

The BHA is meant to work on exfoliating deep in the pores, so I agree with 'Riley' that it should go on before other actives.

In any event, you could probably do well with a one day a week application of each (separate days.)

You're very young, so you have *nature* on your side in the skin turnover department. Keep your pores cleaned with the BHA, and you can probably get away with AHA on a monthly basis.

Anyhoo, that's MHO Very Happy

Thanks Kassy - altho i think i made a mistake with my choice of words - what i meant was that my skin needs exfoliating daily due to a very fast buildup of dead skin cells. It's like it tries to shed, but doesnt actually go anywhere, other than inside my pores and littering the surface of mu skin. Im not sure of a technical term or a better way of describing this, im sorry. Perhaps i gave the wrong impression.

LOL, regards my rapid interest in heaps of actives on the forum... i never intended to use a load of them all at once, lol.
It is a new interest of mine and im simply trying to learn as much as i can, as quickly as i can.
Im exploring all the alternatives i find, and trying to learn about which actives are beneficial for my skin complaints.. what groups of actives work together... how they work... what makes them NOT work ... etc.
I dont just buy and try every active or every product i enquire about - im researching and trying to make sensible, informed decisions of what to try AFTER i've gained enough knowledge and personal reviews.
I dont have money to waste on trying all the great actives that im learning about, so i have to look into things a bit deeper, hence my forum questions. It takes me a LOT of research before i make a purchase, im not just jumping in blindly.
When i gain interest in something i find i want to learn as much as i can - as quickly as possible... but that doesnt mean im not cautious about what i actually decide to use in the end. I want to try a couple of products, see how they go, and if i dont like them i have plenty of info gathered to make a sensible choice of what to try next.
So far i have only purchased the ingredients for your C, E, Ferulic serum (which i will likely use on my fiance), and a simple SAS regime of 1 serum and 1 cream, day and night.

LOL, i think the science of skincare is one of the most interesting subjects i've become interested in - theres so much to learn and i plan on finding out as much as i can, for the future health of my skin. xxxxxx

Pheeeew, I hear ya... Very Happy

free skin care · Mon Aug 23, 2010 6:20 pm

Ditto that I hear you....it is interesting. Fun when your stuff is working too. Have got a major DIY bug these days...*sigh*

Tue Aug 24, 2010 6:18 am

Thanks。

free skin care · Tue Aug 24, 2010 3:20 pm

LOL Kassy. I did go onnnn a bit there - jus hate people getting the wrong end of the stick, ya know?! Rolling Eyes

free skin care · Thu Aug 26, 2010 5:17 pm

Not sure if you've tried using retin a (or tazorac). It's the best thing you can do to prevent aging skin (apart from sunscreen)and it would help with breakouts too.

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