Advice?
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skin Care and Makeup Forum

Sun Jun 24, 2012 3:46 pm

Hello,
I am a 27 year old female with combination oily dry skin. I have never had pimple acne, but have ALWAYS had blackheads that never seem to go away. I came across this forum months ago, and have tried to really be diligent about my skin care routine, so I wanted to share what I'm currently doing because it's not enough, & I need help!
About a year ago I started doing at home chemical peels, I tried salicyllic (spelled wrong) acid, Alpha-Beta hydroxy, and mandeleic acid peels. They were wonderful! Helped my pores big time. But I wanted to try something that was daily, so I started using Retin-A .05% in February. This is a rx from my DR. I use it religiously every night, I wait the 30 minutes after washing my skin before applying. To cleanse, I use the OCM. About 20% castor oil, 60% olive oil, & 20% grape seed oil.
At first I felt like these two methods were helping, but I think I've reached a plateau. I take a daily multi-vitamin, fish oil, and B-vitamins. I eat a clean diet, fruit & veggies daily so I'm 99% sure it's nothing to do with my diet. I am considering upping the strength of my retin-A, but not sure if that's even going to help.
Couple of questions:
Can anyone tell me if it's okay to do chemical peels while doing retin-A? I would assume no, but never hurts to ask.
Can anyone tell me how to reduce some of the skin flaking with retin A? My skin tolerates the medication now, I've adjusted to it, my skin doesn't get irritated but it does lightly peel ever so often, and it's really hard to apply any makeup.
I'm wondering if the gel retin a would be better for my skin?
I appreciate any help,
thanks!!

free skin care · Sun Jun 24, 2012 3:59 pm

What other products are you using, aside from OCM and Retin-A? Have you tried switching the oils you use in your OCM blend to cut out as much oleic acid as possible? And adding an emulsifier to ensure every trace of the oil is removed easily? Are you still using drying acid peels?

Flaking is a part of irritation, I would not increase the strength if you still have this. Perhaps the best way to limit that is to use the correct amount of product (pea size), not use any other irritant products/ ingredients/ techniques/ gadgets, use moisturisers that strengthen the skin barrier so it can best hold water and exfoliate efficiently naturally.

Sun Jun 24, 2012 4:26 pm

Firefox-

for my skin care, that is all that I am using right now. No chemical peels, etc. I use grape-seed oil or argan oil as my moisturizer.
For my makeup-I use Tarte brand Smooth operator SPF 20 tinted moisturizer as my SPF/foundation. I swear it clogs my pores, but it's not supposed to.
Then I wear eye makeup, but nothing else on the face.
Can you suggest a better combo for OCM? I mean-rather than olive oil/grape-seed oil? What the heck is an emulsifier? I would gladly try this, please explain.
I appreciate all the advise I can get!

free skin care · Sun Jun 24, 2012 6:36 pm

lizzip85 wrote:

Firefox-

for my skin care, that is all that I am using right now. No chemical peels, etc. I use grape-seed oil or argan oil as my moisturizer.
For my makeup-I use Tarte brand Smooth operator SPF 20 tinted moisturizer as my SPF/foundation. I swear it clogs my pores, but it's not supposed to.
Then I wear eye makeup, but nothing else on the face.
Can you suggest a better combo for OCM? I mean-rather than olive oil/grape-seed oil? What the heck is an emulsifier? I would gladly try this, please explain.
I appreciate all the advise I can get!

So are you using the OCM twice a day? That could perhaps be too much massage or wiping with the cloth (exfoliation) for your skin. Are you getting every last trace of oil off your skin and are you still feeling plugs come out? An emulsifier is a compound that mixes oil with water, one of the polysorbates is usually used with the OCM. http://stores.skinessentialactives.com/-strse-Emulsifiers/Categories.bok

Really SPF20 is not enough for daily use especially not when you are using Retin-A which is a photosensitiser. You may well not be applying enough of a tinted moisturiser to get the full SPF anyway. IMO switch to a sunscreen of SPF30+ and ideally zinc only for the bacteriostatic effect. Your tinted moisturiser is heavy on the silicones, they can clog pores in susceptible individuals so that is a possible trigger. As far as moisturising ingredients it contains glycerin (a humectant) but little else.

Both argan and olive oil are rich in oleic acid. Is a simple grapeseed and castor oil combination too astringent for your skin, since you have those available? For moisturising ideally you'd use a combination of lipids and humectants not just an oil - this generally hydrates the skin better and IME helps the oil absorb. If you only want an oil you might try olive squalane (NOT squalene = highly comedogenic) or borage oil for the GLA which is anti-inflammatory.

I misread what you said about peels in your first post, sorry. Embarassed

Yes you can use peels alongside Retin-A but you must discontinue use of R-A for a period both before and after the peel. How long afterwards depends on the type and depth of peel. Also be aware that R-A can make skin more sensitive to the acid, so you would be safest to use a weaker peel than you are used to at least initially.

free skin care · Sun Jun 24, 2012 6:58 pm

I understand the idea behind OCM, but I just can't put it on my face. I did attempt a couple of times, but the feel of oil was intolerable for me.

Alpha Hydrox makes a cleanser you might look into, and Paul's Choice offers good products for acne issues. Nothing works for everyone, but with PC you can order samples and give them a try.

free skin care · Sun Jun 24, 2012 8:44 pm

Lizzip85 retin A everyday is a bit much. It would not be a good idea to increase the strength. I have acne prone skin. I use OCM. Mine is 30% castor and 70% grape seed oil. I have oily skin though. Try just rinsing your face with warm (never hot) water in the morning rather than using the OCM. It is a deep cleansing and there is no need to do that twice a day. You very well may be over cleansing; which can cause more breakouts. I agree with Firefox. An emulsifier is necessary to use with OCM so the solution rinses off the skin. In the meantime you could use some kind of gentle toner afterwards to remove the oil that isn't being rinsed off. Try 10% apple cider vinegar and 90% distilled water. This will help restore the naturally acidic PH of the skin as well.

Automatic Message

If this is your first visit to the EDS Forums please take the time to register. Registration is required for you to post on the forums. Registration will also give you the ability to track messages of interest, send private messages to other users, participate in Gift Certificates draws and enjoy automatic discounts for shopping at our online store. Registration is free and takes just a few seconds to complete.

Click Here to join our community.

If you are already a registered member on the forums, please login to gain full access to the site.