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tuesdaymarie
06-16-2013, 08:54 PM
Awesome! I guess i've got combination skin, its super tight right after i wash it and uncomfortably dry if i dont moisturize but oily mid-day. Do u think this would be good for me seeing as i've got kind of oily skin? And do u wash off makeup with anything before this? i usually use clean n clear makeup remover wipes i just like how wet they are. But i was just wondering if this is the only thing u use to wash in ur routine? Thanks a Million :D

From your description, you have dehydrated skin. Your skin should not feel tight after you wash it. That is a major sign that you are stripping it of its oils, and the reason it is getting oily by midday is because it is overcompensating for the damage you're doing somewhere along your skincare routine. Many makeup wipes are too harsh for skin, and Clean and Clear is not a particularly good line. I used to use their soaps and also felt that tightness. It got to the point where my skin was disgusting halfway through the day, and I would use blotting papers and face wash multiple times a day.

There is some debate about it, but my experience has been positive with the oil cleansing method. It helped me get out of the tight face/oily face funk that you currently have. There are better sources on oils to use than what I can relay off the top of my head, but I'm a fan of extra virgin olive oil and also mineral oil (not mixed--just depending on how my skin is). Some recommend steaming before using the oil, but that can cause broken capillaries and other problems, so I say use warm water at best. You're supposed to massage the oils in for several minutes, then rinse. Some people do a double wash and remove the oil with a mild cleanser, but others just remove it with a wash cloth.

hf487
06-18-2013, 06:34 PM
i just take a cotton ball soaked in the olive oil and clean my makeup off with that before i do the oil cleansing..even when i didn't oil cleanse i always used oil to take off eye makeup especially. works so well! i wear makeup everyday, so i oil cleanse every day..i guess if you don't wear makeup every day then you can just rinse and moisturize every other day but i do it daily! it supposed to be good for oily skin, it unclogs your pores though and lets them breath while giving your skin the great amino acids. i hear sometimes you will have a slight breakout at first until your skin gets used to it, just like i break out if i use a cleanser instead of oil now!

Wow this sounds really nice and almost relaxing lol like something you would get at a spa.... So u remove ur makeup with olive oil and also cleanse with it? Lol just trying to get this right because i think ill give it a shot! I wear makeup mon-friday and rarely saturday, sunday.
Thanks a bunch! My dermalogica just came in the mail so im going to try it but im going to try this too!

simone87
06-18-2013, 06:36 PM
yeah just wipe the makeup off with a cotton ball soaked in the oil so its clear, and then add more oil and just go to town!
tuesdaymarie, you seem to know a lot more about it than me lol, can you use retin a after oil cleansing..or do you need to use a normal cleanser for that?

hf487
06-18-2013, 06:42 PM
From your description, you have dehydrated skin. Your skin should not feel tight after you wash it. That is a major sign that you are stripping it of its oils, and the reason it is getting oily by midday is because it is overcompensating for the damage you're doing somewhere along your skincare routine. Many makeup wipes are too harsh for skin, and Clean and Clear is not a particularly good line. I used to use their soaps and also felt that tightness. It got to the point where my skin was disgusting halfway through the day, and I would use blotting papers and face wash multiple times a day.

There is some debate about it, but my experience has been positive with the oil cleansing method. It helped me get out of the tight face/oily face funk that you currently have. There are better sources on oils to use than what I can relay off the top of my head, but I'm a fan of extra virgin olive oil and also mineral oil (not mixed--just depending on how my skin is). Some recommend steaming before using the oil, but that can cause broken capillaries and other problems, so I say use warm water at best. You're supposed to massage the oils in for several minutes, then rinse. Some people do a double wash and remove the oil with a mild cleanser, but others just remove it with a wash cloth.

Ya u are probably right....my Routine is taking off my makeup with the clean and clear wipes which ur right could be my problem i dont use any of there skin care and havent since i was a teen but i always get the wipes because i like how wet they are unlike some of the other wipes out there that i have tried they all seem so dry and leave makeup on my face so thats the only reason i use them. Do u use the olive oil too to take off makeup? And what brand of olive oil do u use?!
Back to my routine lol..... So its the clean n clear wipes, Then philosophy wash, then sometimes i use the little wipes it came with (lately i have not)
and to end my routine i've just been putting argan oil all over my face... Its actually not much of a routine. I try to listen to my skin and when it feels dry even if im broken out ill use my argan oil. Im really wanting to try out this olive oil cleansing you guys are talking about! What about this new dermalogica line i just bought... Would it be ok to start it then a few times a week do the olive oil cleanse or is this just going to freak my skin out?! I know doing alot of different things can make it go crazy... or so thats what i have always thought. Thanks for the advice im excited to try it!

tuesdaymarie
06-18-2013, 07:49 PM
^I'm not sure how dermalogica would be with olive oil, but I watch some of Lisa Elridge's YouTube videos (famous makeup artist to celebrities), and I know she uses some of their products. If you do decide to use it, I don't think the brand is too relevant, but I read that extra virgin is the best option.

The reason I suggest dropping the wipes is because many makeup removal wipes are destructive to skin. They're rough (resulting in tiny tears) and often have irritants. Some people do okay with them, but I know I have really sensitive skin, so the oil option has been much better for me.

I use mineral oil on a cotton ball to remove my makeup before I massage my skin with either more mineral oil or olive oil. I just think it seems cleaner, since I wear sunscreen, primer, foundation, and setting powder.

If you like the dermalogica line, I would stick to just using it and a good moisturizer (assuming the line doesn't come with one? I have no idea) and seeing how your skin does with it. It has been my experience that skin likes routine, so changing to a less irritating wash and keeping up with it may help without the use of oils.

Nikki_Fox
06-19-2013, 04:30 AM
retinal is over the counter and not as strong - retin -A is prescribed and stronger

hf487
06-19-2013, 05:27 AM
I Tryed it last night for the first time, I didnt open the dermalogica yet because i want to try this first and i dont want to make it too complicated with trying to figure out when to use what lol
And i really liked the oil wash,When i first put the olive oil on my face it felt kind of wierd lol but i just went with it and massaged into my skin for a minute or so... Then put a hott rag(not scalding)
over my face to steam a little and wiped it off gently i did that 3-4 times. I really like it and i told myself im going to give it 30 days.... U ladies are so helpful!!! Im super Hopeful right now :D
is it too much to do it morning and night? Thats my plan.... Oh and i ended up getting the California olive ranch olive oil

Cherished
06-19-2013, 06:53 AM
A book called "The Clear Skin Prescription" by Nicholas Perricone really helped me with acne and blemishes. Maybe you can try it since your derm appt. isn't for awhile. It gives you a bunch of food to include and avoid in your meals. Also a side effect of the recommended diets in the book seemed to boost my immune system!
One other thing, I don't use any of his creams and things like that he sells on his website - I've read reviews on those products that said they were overpriced and not worth the expense.

Leeshalovely
06-19-2013, 07:31 AM
Acne for sure! It's a lot easier to treat acne then it is saggy wrinkly skin. Hormones change all the time so acne can eventually clear up or lessen, but wrinkles only get worse. Take care of your skin :)

tuesdaymarie
06-19-2013, 01:22 PM
I Tryed it last night for the first time, I didnt open the dermalogica yet because i want to try this first and i dont want to make it too complicated with trying to figure out when to use what lol
And i really liked the oil wash,When i first put the olive oil on my face it felt kind of wierd lol but i just went with it and massaged into my skin for a minute or so... Then put a hott rag(not scalding)
over my face to steam a little and wiped it off gently i did that 3-4 times. I really like it and i told myself im going to give it 30 days.... U ladies are so helpful!!! Im super Hopeful right now :D
is it too much to do it morning and night? Thats my plan.... Oh and i ended up getting the California olive ranch olive oil

I do it at night and then use a gentle cleanser in the morning, but I do know some people who use it 2x/day. Just listen to your skin and respond to what it seems to need.

charlie61
06-19-2013, 02:07 PM
Things I'd recommend in no particular order:

-Spironolactone (saved. my. skin.)
-Diet (healthy oils, lots of veges and greens, stay away from processed sugar, white flour, etc.)
-Cardio exercises (anything that makes you sweat)
-Only wash face 1x/day (overwashing -> oil production)
-Wash with a gentle cleanser (I use Philosophy's Purity Made Simple)
-Moisturize with a basic face lotion (I use Aveeno's Positively Radiant moisturizer)
-Apply hydrocortisone cream to swollen areas or if you have any open wounds on your face from picking
-Don't hop from product to product, as tempting as that is when you're broken out

Do NOT go on hormonal birth control just to clear up your acne. Spironolactone will treat hormonal acne.

tuesdaymarie
06-19-2013, 02:17 PM
^I was told that I had to be on birth control to take Spironolactone. Even though I was, my dermatologist at the time (I've since stopped going to him because he never did anything useful) told me that because I'm a female of childbearing age, he still wouldn't prescribe it to me since the "proper practice" is to treat me as though I am "pre-pregnant." I told him I don't want children and my partner is getting a vasectomy this fall, and he still didn't care.

/rant. Anyway, did you get prescribed by a dermatologist or someone else? I was so angry with mine for spending multiple appointments just saying "Oh, well, why don't we just see how you are in a few months..." that I stopped going entirely. The one time they did do something for MINOR breakouts, they prescribed me something with an antibiotic I'm allergic to and ended up giving me a body-wide reaction for months.

charlie61
06-19-2013, 08:50 PM
^I was told that I had to be on birth control to take Spironolactone. Even though I was, my dermatologist at the time (I've since stopped going to him because he never did anything useful) told me that because I'm a female of childbearing age, he still wouldn't prescribe it to me since the "proper practice" is to treat me as though I am "pre-pregnant." I told him I don't want children and my partner is getting a vasectomy this fall, and he still didn't care.

/rant. Anyway, did you get prescribed by a dermatologist or someone else? I was so angry with mine for spending multiple appointments just saying "Oh, well, why don't we just see how you are in a few months..." that I stopped going entirely. The one time they did do something for MINOR breakouts, they prescribed me something with an antibiotic I'm allergic to and ended up giving me a body-wide reaction for months.

Huh. That's weird. My doc didn't tell me anything like that. And I've been hormonal-birth-control free for years now. I've been taking 50 mg of Spironolactone daily for the last three or four years.

This thread (http://www.healthboards.com/boards/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/757238-doc-says-no-spiro-without-birth-control.html) theorizes that it's because Spiro can make your cycles irregular, and birth control pills help regulate cycles. I dunno though...I've had a regular cycle for the entire time I've been on Spiro.

I got the prescription from my primary care physician. I told her I'd read great things about using Spiro to treat acne, she left the room to do a bit of research, and agreed to put me on it. I had to go in to get my blood drawn about 6 months later to make sure the Spiro wasn't upping my potassium levels to unhealthy levels (it wasn't). And since then, I've been continuously taking it.

One of the things I told my PCP is that I used to pick at my face. Prior to going on Spiro, I was stuck in a vicious cycle of popping zits, which would cause more acne to spring up, which would cause me to pick more... Yeah, it got reaaaallly ugly. I was one of those people who would stick to the shadows during high school because I was so ashamed by my skin. Anyway, one of the things I needed to quit the terrible habit was to stop the cycle of acne. I was trying to quit picking and needed Spiro's help to balance out my androgens. I'm not sure if I needed to tell her that to get the Rx, but I'm sure it helped.

Now I get compliments on my skin all of the time. Which is insane...because even just a few years ago, my skin looked fucking terrible in normal lighting. I'd skip weeks of work at the club due to my skin. I'd lie to boyfriends to get out of dates that I really wanted to go on, just because I was so embarrassed by my skin. ::shudders:: I am so thankful I found Spironolactone! It changed my life in a huge way. No more waking up wondering how many new zits I'll have that day, no more spending hours in front of the mirror digging at pimples that aren't even there... Whew!

tuesdaymarie
06-19-2013, 09:00 PM
I was told it was because it can cause major birth deformities. But, like I said, my dermatologist was very useless and seemed determined to label me as a soon-to-be baby-maker. Also, did you primarily have hormonal acne? They also said that mine wasn't the "right kind" of breakout. But, uh, spiro is an anti-androgen and all acne can be caused by testosterone, so... Yeah, I think that guy was just an idiot. My skin used to be AWFUL. Now it's at the stage where my derm said "Oh it's not perfect, but it's not bad enough to do anything about." K, then why am I paying you..?

charlie61
06-19-2013, 09:08 PM
I was told it was because it can cause major birth deformities. But, like I said, my dermatologist was very useless and seemed determined to label me as a soon-to-be baby-maker. Also, did you primarily have hormonal acne? They also said that mine wasn't the "right kind" of breakout. But, uh, spiro is an anti-androgen and all acne can be caused by testosterone, so... Yeah, I think that guy was just an idiot. My skin used to be AWFUL. Now it's at the stage where my derm said "Oh it's not perfect, but it's not bad enough to do anything about." K, then why am I paying you..?

I've heard of Accutane causing major birth defects...did your doc get Accutane mixed up with Spironolactone?

I'm on such a low dose (I've stayed at 50 mg, which is the smallest dose, for the whole time I've been on it), that I can't imagine it causing a problem. I mean, I'd definitely go off of Spiro if I wanted to have a child, but then I'd also go off of loaded cheese pizzas...ya know?

I found a thread about this: http://www.soulcysters.net/showthread.php/331792-Spironolactone-during-pregnancy

In response to a woman's post who just found out that she's pregnant and didn't stop taking Spiro beforehand: "Spironolactone is Category C, which you want to avoid if you can but it's not like you were taking Accutane, where birth defects are an almost certainty and birth control is required. "

So my read of that is that it's a good idea to stop taking Spiro pre-pregnancy, but that it's okay to take otherwise. I'm wondering if this doctor just wants to be reassured that you are using some form of birth control (charting, condoms, IUD, whatevsies). Doctors get can get very weird when faced with women who aren't taking birth control pills.

charlie61
06-19-2013, 09:11 PM
I was told it was because it can cause major birth deformities. But, like I said, my dermatologist was very useless and seemed determined to label me as a soon-to-be baby-maker. Also, did you primarily have hormonal acne? They also said that mine wasn't the "right kind" of breakout. But, uh, spiro is an anti-androgen and all acne can be caused by testosterone, so... Yeah, I think that guy was just an idiot. My skin used to be AWFUL. Now it's at the stage where my derm said "Oh it's not perfect, but it's not bad enough to do anything about." K, then why am I paying you..?

Here's a more empirical resource on this: http://www.drugs.com/pregnancy/spironolactone.html

They gave it to rats "at the maximum human dose" while the rats were pregnant and noticed a feminization of male parts and some endocrine issues.

My interpretation...try to avoid snorting massive amounts of Spiro while you're pregnant. Otherwise you'll be fine.

:P

charlie61
06-19-2013, 09:18 PM
Also, did you primarily have hormonal acne? They also said that mine wasn't the "right kind" of breakout. But, uh, spiro is an anti-androgen and all acne can be caused by testosterone, so... Yeah, I think that guy was just an idiot. My skin used to be AWFUL. Now it's at the stage where my derm said "Oh it's not perfect, but it's not bad enough to do anything about." K, then why am I paying you..?

To answer part #2 of your question...yes, I had mostly hormonal acne. By the time I went into the doctor, I had tried everything aside from medication to see what was affecting my skin and to make sure that nothing else was causing my acne. I went off of birth control (and endured a solid few months of terrible skin as a result, but got through it), cleaned up my diet completely, nailed down my skin-care routine, and started doing cardio regularly. After doing those things, I could predictably watch my skin go from good to very poor during my cycle. Which helped me see which acne was hormonal and which was caused by other factors.

So by the time I went into the doctor, I was like "I have done X, Y, and Z to try to clear my acne, and those things have helped, but not enough. If I don't get rid of my acne, I will continue destroying my face and won't ever be able to leave the house again. I have researched the shit out of Spironolactone, and it looks like a great option for someone who doesn't have acne that's bad enough to warrant Accutane, but is bad enough that it's negatively affecting my life in a major way. Help me."

Some women find that 50 mg isn't enough to clear their acne completely and choose to up their dosages over time. Like I said, I've never done that. I probably could and would probably have even more perfect skin if I were to do that (at 50 mg, I notice a slight negative change in my skin around the time of my period, but certainly nothing bad enough where I'd consider increasing my dose).

tuesdaymarie
06-19-2013, 09:20 PM
Thanks--this was very helpful. I will definitely be trying to find another (better) doctor to discuss this with.

charlie61
06-19-2013, 09:22 PM
Thanks--this was very helpful. I will definitely be trying to find another (better) doctor to discuss this with.

Yay. :)

Let me know if you have any other questions about Spiro. I've been pretty vocal about it in other threads on here, but I'm happy to repeat the info. A number of people on SW have started taking Spiro on my recommendation, and all (to my knowledge) were very happy with the results.

charlie61
06-19-2013, 09:25 PM
Ugh, I hate it when I have so many posts in a row. I'm not trying to take over this thread, I swear! Just one last resource to mention...

http://www.acne.org/spironolactone-reviews/305/page1.html

Even if you aren't interested in Spiro, use this site to look up reviews of other treatments. They have reviews on everything from topical application of lemon juice to Accutane.

http://www.acne.org/reviews/

hf487
06-20-2013, 06:36 PM
Acne for sure! It's a lot easier to treat acne then it is saggy wrinkly skin. Hormones change all the time so acne can eventually clear up or lessen, but wrinkles only get worse. Take care of your skin :)

I think u are so right about this! When u put it like that.... it's a no brainer! And ive completely ruled out tanning all together never again! Its been about 4 months now for me....

hf487
06-20-2013, 07:12 PM
I'm on my second day of the oil cleansing and im really liking it! My skin is looking brighter, more even and hydrated and so far no break-outs (not yet) im sure they'll come but its ok!
I really like it though so far i know its soon but we will see.... I've been doing it in the shower and its relaxing!!! i follow up with neutrogena (i think is what im using)
sensitive skin moisturizer, its pretty basic.

hf487
06-26-2013, 05:47 PM
One week or so and im REALLY liking it :D I just dont want to say it too soon lol It hasnt been long enough to see what its going to do! But Only three bumps on my cheeks popped up BUT not in the usual area around my chin/mouth that i hate which are usually painful and cystic. So that's a BIG plus! My skin feels sooo much more comfortable as far as moisture and i really think this is going to be the answer to my acne issues that i've had for so long! Im Super hopeful that im going to continue getting results and my BF has even noticed :D
Thank you ladies soooo Much for sharing ur secrets! If i continue clearing up i owe u one big time!! :D

bacardi14
06-29-2013, 10:45 PM
I have the same kind of skin, and the main thing that has helped me is Retin A. It's great for the deep painful cysts that occur in hormonal acne. I also take Ortho tri cyclen birth control, and was prescribed spironolactone to go with it. The spironolactone is helpful for hormonal acne no doubt, but I personally don't take it because the Retin A alone is like a miracle drug for me anyway. The tanning helps acne because UV light kills bacteria which contribute to acne. The spironolactone is usually prescribed with BC pills because that's what the treatment guidelines recommend since the evidence for spironolactone helping acne comes from situations where it's used with BC, however the androgen blocking mechanism of Spiro. technically makes it useful if used alone as well. The BC pills do have an additive effect on decreasing the effects of androgens in the body though, so it's possible that you will get better results if using both. I highlyyy suggest Retin A however. The generic can still be a little "expensive" if you don't have insurance (I do but its not covered by my plan) so I pay 75 dollars for 45 grams but it lasts for over a year. Its wayyy less than you will spend messing with over the counter products that prob. won't work as well. I used to spend almost 300 dollars on the brand retin A micro, but in my opinion its not worth it. The micro is supposedly less irritating due to "time release" micro sponges, but it cakes up super nasty when you rub it in, and I dont personally notice a difference in irritation. I actually find the generic Retin A cream to be less irritating because it is a cream versus a gel. The generic also comes in a gel, so be sure to specify which one you want with your doctor (cream is better for non-teenager skin in my opinion BC it's less drying). Which brings me to my other point... a lot of times dry skin makes acne wayyy worse, so dont be afraid of moisturizing and using a cream product versus a gel. Oily skin really can be good for wrinkles and acne. Taking a multi-vitamin also does help. I dont remember exactly how it helps the skin w regard to acne, but it's not a myth, there is a medical basis for it.

hf487
07-10-2013, 04:57 PM
on my third week i believe! :D And i think the Verdict is in! I LOVE OIL CLEANsING!
and i think its what my skin has needed all along! its Softer, More hydated and seriously almost NO breakouts!
Just the scars i had before hand!!! Im so happy!!! I get a pimple here and there but they go away quickly and are
not full on, The whole side of my face break-outs! And no Cystic acne literally since i started! Thank u girls so so Much!
If i could just do something with these scars i think i might finally be able to say, I like my skin! Luckily my base covers my scars!

Tsepmet1
07-10-2013, 05:24 PM
I use retin a and get chemical peels for my scars, and they're almost completely gone! :)

ava$
07-10-2013, 05:29 PM
I have the worst dark spots on my face! They are from old acne and I get chemical peels, wear sunscreen/retin a and even do redlight therapy. I recently got on a new birth control that has stopped my breakouts so I shouldnt get new ones but shit nothing works, my med spa pple say I need to get a lazer treatment called a full fraxel and that is most likely the only thing that will work :(( I have been trying to get rid of this so long. wtf. I mean when I wear make up or have a spray tan u cannot tell I have all these spots but I know they are there w o that shit and it sucks. Any one else have this problem? Anything work for u?

Tsepmet1
07-10-2013, 05:32 PM
I don't know about dark spots, but I had red spots and small "ice pick" scars that the chemical peels have almost cleared up.

Have you spoken to a derm?

simone87
07-10-2013, 11:24 PM
im glad it worked out for you!! unfortunately im starting to break out major, so i switched to cerave. im hoping it wasn't the oil because i've been doing it for months and months!

tuesdaymarie
07-17-2013, 11:40 PM
im glad it worked out for you!! unfortunately im starting to break out major, so i switched to cerave. im hoping it wasn't the oil because i've been doing it for months and months!

Have you been rinsing the oil off with warm water? A lot of people report that they get breakouts when they rinse with cold water. Just a thought. I've been using mineral oil for a while now and haven't had breakouts related to it so far.

Babybuns
07-18-2013, 07:14 AM
acne is worse. i have adult acne. what i am currently doing for the past few weeks is something called the "caveman regimine" where you pretty much only splash your face with water once a day or not at all. i was pretty much really irritated and dry and breaking out from washing my face twice a day so i did this for about two weeks and noticed my skin looking better with the occasional SMALL pimples that fill with pus to pop them within the same day usually. now i am adding in a little mild face wash only at night and every other day usually. the oils on my skin do get me greasy but they are good for your skin better tahn another moisturizer bc they always broke me out no matter what....also-try not to touch your face. i use strivectin on my wrinkles every other day and it doesnt break me out.

simone87
07-18-2013, 10:27 AM
Have you been rinsing the oil off with warm water? A lot of people report that they get breakouts when they rinse with cold water. Just a thought. I've been using mineral oil for a while now and haven't had breakouts related to it so far.

i actually probably use water that's too hot, but idk why im breaking out so bad!! its awful, i've been using tretenoin too and it's still red and lots of weird little cysts that pop easily but leave red marks..i think im going to a dermo asap, i have no idea what's going on :(

charlie61
07-18-2013, 11:39 AM
i actually probably use water that's too hot, but idk why im breaking out so bad!! its awful, i've been using tretenoin too and it's still red and lots of weird little cysts that pop easily but leave red marks..i think im going to a dermo asap, i have no idea what's going on :(

Sounds like your skin is irritated - it's getting too much attention from you. You'd probably benefit from Babybuns' "caveman regimen" described above. Your skin needs a break! The Retin-A will just irritate your skin further...I'd lay off of that for a bit.

Everyone has different skin; what works for one person could break someone else out! Don't give up hope.

simone87
07-18-2013, 01:24 PM
^ could i use moisturizer after just rinsing my face off? cause i have super dry skin, and i've been moisturizing everyday since i was 18 or 19 lol, but maybe ill try that for awhile, just leaving my skin alone.. i also just realized my period is coming on, even though its a bit late, that may have something to do with it as well

apryll11
07-18-2013, 02:20 PM
O' lords. Which is worse? Iam currently battling them both. I do at home micro dermabrastion and the derma roller. Sometimes I switch the dermabrastion for a lactic acid peel and I use the oil cleasing method to wash my face.
After all the scrubing, poking ( or is the derma roller more of a stabbing?)and burning my skin is to scared to do anything but be pretty.