If I can't use RetinA or Renova

in Over 40
Ok, so I am using products from Dianne Yvonne or PFS and everything is going well. Mild cleanser, Exfol, GHK copper, Emu oil on dry patches and sunscreen. Everything going well except the breakouts on my chin. Deep, but small (thank goodness). My MD said they were likely caused by hormone fluctuations.
RetinA and Renova make my skin miserable. They aren't so bad that I want to take major acne medication. But they are annoying and persistent.
Any suggestions for what I could use daily to keep them at bay? The rest of my skin is looking good.
RetinA and Renova make my skin miserable. They aren't so bad that I want to take major acne medication. But they are annoying and persistent.
Any suggestions for what I could use daily to keep them at bay? The rest of my skin is looking good.
Growing out my curls. White hair, fine to medium texture but a lot of it. Low to medium porosity. Botticelli curls -- 2c/3a mix. My hair loves protein.
CG since '08.
Cleanser: (Summer) Beautiful Curls Nurturing shampoo or Kathymack's soap bars
Co-wash: TJ Nourish
Protein: CJ Repair Me
Styling products: (Summer) BB Styling Mudd
Gel: (Summer) BRHG, Upper Management gel.
CG since '08.
Cleanser: (Summer) Beautiful Curls Nurturing shampoo or Kathymack's soap bars
Co-wash: TJ Nourish
Protein: CJ Repair Me
Styling products: (Summer) BB Styling Mudd
Gel: (Summer) BRHG, Upper Management gel.
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Comments
You might want to try switching from Exfol to the 2% or 5% BHA. Exfol is very mild, and maybe it's too mild to clean out and exfoliate those stubborn chin pores (I have similar troubles with my chin). Mandelic Acid is another product (it's an AHA) that might help that troubled area.
I appreciate your help. I like the other products and my sensitive skin is doing well.
Now to find a sunscreen that won't cause problems! Most of them seem to cause me to react in the sun. I am hoping the new Anthelios will help.
CG since '08.
Cleanser: (Summer) Beautiful Curls Nurturing shampoo or Kathymack's soap bars
Co-wash: TJ Nourish
Protein: CJ Repair Me
Styling products: (Summer) BB Styling Mudd
Gel: (Summer) BRHG, Upper Management gel.
CG since '08.
Cleanser: (Summer) Beautiful Curls Nurturing shampoo or Kathymack's soap bars
Co-wash: TJ Nourish
Protein: CJ Repair Me
Styling products: (Summer) BB Styling Mudd
Gel: (Summer) BRHG, Upper Management gel.
Wow...that has gone up a lot since I last bought it. I think I paid $50 about a year ago. It's good stuff though, and since I only use it for spot application, it lasts me a long time (over a year apparently).
Gardenofwisdom.com sells a comparable strength version for $45.50 for 1 oz.
I tried putting no Emu oil on my chin, but find I get flaky and dry there if I go without. I wonder if there are supplements I could take to help even out my hormones.
This is all so annoying. The rest of my face looks and feels good! And I can feel the darn things under my skin days before they show. I didn't have this much trouble when I was a teenager.
CG since '08.
Cleanser: (Summer) Beautiful Curls Nurturing shampoo or Kathymack's soap bars
Co-wash: TJ Nourish
Protein: CJ Repair Me
Styling products: (Summer) BB Styling Mudd
Gel: (Summer) BRHG, Upper Management gel.
I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul. (Invictus - William Ernest Henley)
Just think I used to worry 'bout things like that,
Used to worry 'bout rich and skinny, 'til I wound up poor and fat,
Nowadays I kind of worry where my mind's been at,
Just think I used to worry 'bout things like that. (Delbert McClinton - I Used to Worry from Never Been Rocked Enough)
http://public.fotki.com/notty6
When I get to be 'Queen of the World', I will absolish WIND!!!:queen:
I tried Differin the past and had too much peeling and irritation. I have rosacea, even though it is under control right now, and many meds for acne really bother my skin. It drives me crazy that I am getting these deep pimples since I am really pretty careful about my skincare.
I wonder if there are vitamins or supplements I should try to even out the hormones? Anyone have success?
CG since '08.
Cleanser: (Summer) Beautiful Curls Nurturing shampoo or Kathymack's soap bars
Co-wash: TJ Nourish
Protein: CJ Repair Me
Styling products: (Summer) BB Styling Mudd
Gel: (Summer) BRHG, Upper Management gel.
My dermatologist suggested Retin A for me, but I'm worried it will make my skin too dry. I tried AHA, and it seemed to make the problem worse. I don't know if it was just coincidence, but I'm scared to put it on my skin again.
I've looked into supplements, and actually ordered some chasteberry. Now I'm scared to take it. I want my face to clear up, but I'm worried about messing with my hormone levels. One web site warns that women with hormone-sensitive conditions, such as breast cancer, should not take it. What if I have a tumor, don't know it, and taking this supplement would be "feeding" it?
Surely these breakouts will stop after menopause. I feel utterly ridiculous to have acne at my age (46). For me, the possibility of having clearer skin is a reason to look forward to menopause.
I'm interested in learning more about the products mentioned in your op, but I'm having no luck googling the names of the products listed in your post.
I'll be 51 in the fall and am still breaking out, sometimes like a teenager. :evil: Although I do go thru spells where I stay pretty clear with the routine I use. I'm in one of those spells now. My face is actually looking pretty good <crosses fingers and toes>. I'm not sure I think menopause will help. I hear stories to the contrary. :-?
ETA: products in original post: dianayvonne.com and psfskincare.com
I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul. (Invictus - William Ernest Henley)
Just think I used to worry 'bout things like that,
Used to worry 'bout rich and skinny, 'til I wound up poor and fat,
Nowadays I kind of worry where my mind's been at,
Just think I used to worry 'bout things like that. (Delbert McClinton - I Used to Worry from Never Been Rocked Enough)
No silicones/no sulfates since March 2008
I have never tried Retin-A or Renova; just mentioning the Retrinal as another possible option, since it didn't irritate my skin.
Type: 3b/3c (i), below shoulder length.
CO wash: A-O GPB LYY, Desert Essence Coconut, Oribe Silverati
Leave-ins: Curl Junkie Beauti-Curls, KCKT, cno overnight
Styling: BRHG, MGA Sculpting Gel, A-O Mandarin Magic Gel, LOTD AVG, LALSG, CJ Pattern Pusha
DT: Curl Junkie Deep Fix, Briogeo Don't Despair Repair!
Now it has been a few years since I tried it.
CG since '08.
Cleanser: (Summer) Beautiful Curls Nurturing shampoo or Kathymack's soap bars
Co-wash: TJ Nourish
Protein: CJ Repair Me
Styling products: (Summer) BB Styling Mudd
Gel: (Summer) BRHG, Upper Management gel.
Type: 3b/3c (i), below shoulder length.
CO wash: A-O GPB LYY, Desert Essence Coconut, Oribe Silverati
Leave-ins: Curl Junkie Beauti-Curls, KCKT, cno overnight
Styling: BRHG, MGA Sculpting Gel, A-O Mandarin Magic Gel, LOTD AVG, LALSG, CJ Pattern Pusha
DT: Curl Junkie Deep Fix, Briogeo Don't Despair Repair!
I've had recurring hormonal Chin Zits for over 20 years now, and the thing that has worked most consistently is Neutrogena's 2% salicylic acid products.
I found out about them from Paula Begoun's books -- and she's all scientific about the ph-balance, etc., apparently lots of them won't work, etc. The Neutrogena one met her standard.
Unfortunately, they change the formulas periodically -- the current incarnation is called "Oil Free Acne Stress Control 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment." Pretty cheap, from any drugstore.
Don't know for sure if it still cuts the ph-balance mustard, according to Paula, but it seems to work for me! I only use it on the chin, and I've never had problems (my skin is pretty sensitive, too -- benzoyl peroxide is evil to me).
I've gone from having breakouts every few weeks, or even once a month, to having them only 2-3 times per year.
Hope that helps!
Wurly and proud!
Modified CG since 2008.
If you have leftover Azelex you no longer use for anything else, it makes a good ingrown hair treatment. Of course, most people aren't going to pay 100$/oz or whatever for ingrown hair treatment, but if you have it laying around anyway, why not.
first, if your blemishes are the deep type and peri-menopausal many times (and for me) oral meds are the the only thing that will clear them up(oral antibiotic...)aha, bha, retin-a, glycolics,and prescription meds can only go so deep and will help with the comedones, papules and pustules, but do very little for deep blemishes. there is a supplement i used from dermadoctor.dot.com(for the life of me i cant remember the name of it) that did help, but was costly(30 to 60 monthly). you could try that if you dont want to be put on a prescription.
second, as for the retin-a, i had problems with that at first also for many months, until i tried this method. a low dose to start, and then only once a week.when your skin adjusts, 2x... it takes a long time to move to daily, if ever. 3 to 4 x a week for many is plenty.
also, and this is what helped the most, put a non active moisturizer on first. wait 20 min to a half hour then put the retin-a on. (i use emu oil as it helps the retin-a from penetrating to quickly, if you put the retin-a on first then the emu, it will do the opposite)
i hope this helps some:) sam
Since I have been more careful about using simple, active products from SkinBiology or Dianne Yvonne or PSF, I have reduced the number and size of my hormonal outbreaks. And the minor aging issues I was having have improved.
I use serums rather than creams and use Emu or Squalane for moisture. I bought some pure Titanium dioxide and mix it into my oil when I am out in the sun. (I also use a wide brimmed hat and avoid peak sun)
I think if I can continue to have success with these products, I won't need RetinA. I just remember how irritated my skin was the last time I used RetinA, so if I can avoid it, I am going to.
CG since '08.
Cleanser: (Summer) Beautiful Curls Nurturing shampoo or Kathymack's soap bars
Co-wash: TJ Nourish
Protein: CJ Repair Me
Styling products: (Summer) BB Styling Mudd
Gel: (Summer) BRHG, Upper Management gel.
Its really hormones - I had GREAT success with the Differen in my 30s, when my cell turnover strated to diminish. If you cant tolerate the Renova, try that.
But, FYI - you can use the Renova every other day; have you tried that? ALso, I assume you know not to apply it for 20-30 minutes after washing? And that you can apply moisturizer over it after 20 minutes?
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