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Tue Sep 27, 2011 8:48 pm  |
Hi there,
I'm pretty new here. I havn't posted much as Im still new to all this skincare, but certainly not very young in age (37) LOL
I have recently (1 week) stopped using my proactiv 3 step skincare routine. I was finding that using AHAs and retinol, as well as proactiv, on my skin it was just too "stripping". However I relied on proactiv for 4 years, so the stripping has been going on for a while. Im really scared though that my breakouts will come back now that Ive stopped it. However I dont know where to start with a new skincare routine and I need HELP PLEASE!!I have combo skin, prone to breakouts and now quite reactive and sensitive due to proactiv etc, but I dont think its overly sensitive. I also have some uneven skintone.
Do I need to spend lots of money on good products? So far Ive been thinking of Jan marini products and thats only because she gets pretty good reviews? I've also read good things on Avene products which are not so expensive. I also curently use skinceuticals C serum and retinol 1% (the latter Ive put on hold for a while).I went to see a skincare lady and she tried to sell me some DR Aspect products, but Ive never heard of these products before. Her advice wasnt that helpful and it will probably be in about a months time before I can see another specialist.
So in the meantime does anyone have any suggestions on what I can try, and if theses products are any good?. Also if people use AHAs and Retinol and Vitamin C serums daily how do you fit them into your routine and when and what order do you apply them?
I appreciate any advice. |
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Tue Sep 27, 2011 11:48 pm |
I use Retin-A Micro 0.04%, AHA, and Vitamin C serum in my skincare routine.
I've been using AHA for a few years, and I used to alternate AHA with BHA every night. Until I started using RAM 3 weeks ago, I stopped using BHA and alternated nights with AHA and RAM.
However, I'm noticing a little peeling, which is a common side effect of RAM. So I think I�m going to cut down AHA to once a week for now until my skin builds up the tolerance for the RAM.
I also use Vitamin C serum every night after toner. On RAM nights, I wait 20-30 mins after applying Vit C before I apply the RAM.
I don't use Proactiv, so I can't comment on whether if that is stripping your skin. I also have combo skin, extremely sensitive, and acne prone. In the past, I could not use AHA every night as my skin would peel. Are you using AHA every night?
Also, acids such as AHA and BHA cannot be used with Retinoids as Retinoids are deactivated by AHAs and BHAs. It's best to alternate your AHA and Retinol usage, either use one in the morning underneath sunscreen and the other at night, or alternate nights.
I personally don't think you need to spend a lot of money on good products. Having a good chemical exfoliant such as Retin-A/AHA/BHA is crucial, and you can find very reasonably priced products. Antioxidants are important as well, they tend to be a little more expensive but if stored properly, they last a long time as you only need 2-3 drops on your face everyday. Also, it's very important to use UVA-UVB sunscreen everyday and these are very affordable. |
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Wed Sep 28, 2011 2:16 am |
Oh thank you so much,
You've given me some great information. So basically I have SC Retinol 1% and I have the SC 20% Vit C and I also have a Alpha-h renewal cream that has 10% glycolic acid (ph3.8?)Since I stopped proactiv Ive just been using an avene cleanser ( i think the one for acne skin, its a green bottle) and I also have some dermalogica gentle cleanser too. I also have an Ultraceuticals hydrating moisturiser and avene one too which I alternate. I have a bit of everything and want to use it up before I buy or try a specific range.
So ,if I use my Retinol with Vit C in the evenings and alternate every other night with my AHA then that shouldnt be too much ...I think.
After all the Retinol and AHAs and proactiv use I must admit my skin didnt peel or get too dry (just dehydrated though). Normally I have very tough skin, but I think a combination of all the exfoliation and proactiv it has thinne out. So I think If I use VitC/Retinol every other night that may be better..and alternate with my renewal cream (AHA) .But it would be nice to use Vit C daily to help strengthen my skin. Im presuming you cant use it with AHAs??? Im also a bit worried about using Vit C (oxidation) and AHAs during the day? What do you think? |
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Wed Sep 28, 2011 7:05 pm |
Not sure if anyone is going to reade this but upon looking into Jan Marini products I notice she has a 5 step layering system that includes putting Vit C, AHA/BHA and retinol. Does this not go against the deactivating eachother theory? I also noticed some other products from other brands contain Retinol and AHAs or Vit C and AHAs (I think Skinceuticals from memory).
Any experts can clarify this for a skincare novice? I would really aprreciate it. Also any experiences with jan marini products I would love to hear them .
Thanks |
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Wed Sep 28, 2011 7:45 pm |
I've used Jan Marini products off and on for years and had excellent results with them. I have used her 5 step layering system....bioglycolic cleanser, c-esta, peptide, bioglycolic cream, and transformation cream. My skin loved this system and it sounds similar to yours. I had very good anti-aging results as well as just dewy, youthful, refined looking skin. I am a product junkie, so I constantly am trying new products from different lines, but I always migrate back to my Jan Marini products.
Hope this helps! Best of luck to you! |
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LB |
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Wed Sep 28, 2011 9:27 pm |
Dr Aspect products are very good - natural ingredients and chirally correct.
The company that distributes them is Aspect Technology and they only represent high quality skincare products like: Cosmedix, Results Rx, Societe, etc - these are all professional grade products. http://www.advancedskintechnology.com.au/shop/aspect-dr/12
I have used one of their cleansers which is quite good for a deep clean with an enzyme action and they have a great product called Redless 21 which I have also used and it was FANTASTIC - very healing and regenerative...  |
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Wed Sep 28, 2011 9:28 pm |
oooh, some info from the website:
Aspect Dr is a protected brand, not available in department stores or online.
The comprehensive Aspect Dr range of products is:
•Formulated with the highest concentrations of pure naturally-derived botanicals and high octane cosmeceutical correctives.
•Formulated with certified organic non-genetically modified ingredients wherever possible.
•Chirally correct and optically pure actives for maximum clinical results without unnecessary irritation or trauma.
•Free of propylene glycol.
•Free of mineral oils
•Free of parabens and other harsh preservative systems.
•Free of artificial fragrances.
•Free of animal derived ingredients.
•Never tested on animals only people |
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Thu Sep 29, 2011 3:48 pm |
TY Glamcat and Loribar for the advice/suggestions.
I so get what you mean about being a product junkie. I've used so many skincare products in the past and really its only been the last 3-4 years that I stuck with proactiv. But I wish I hadn't for so long. The Jan Marini line looks good, but it wont be a while before I can afford a brand like this. Shes quite expensive in Australia (where I am from).But Ive read so many good reviews on most of her products.
But the info on Aspect Dr looks great too. I mean its got some good stuff in it. I actually have tried other chirally correct products such as results RX and cosmedix. But it was like 7 years ago and at the time it didnt really help with my acne/breakouts  But I never really used it for anti aging, now Im older and I dont get so many breakouts (fingers xst)maybe these types of products will work. I mean my skin and hormone levels etc have really changed in the last couple years. Im not sure if any 35+ women have experienced this at all? Plus Ive had two kids.
Anyways during my next visit to my beautician I may ask more about Aspect products. Its unfortunate that the link you provided doesn't have an extensive ingredient list. But its the best link Ive found on these products so TY so much
I went and bought some avene products till I get to go to my next visit. I had the cleanser already, now I have the clearance K and the Ystheal lotion .Plus I still have my SC Vit C. Hopefully they will be good as Ive read some good reviews on them too. They dont have a long ingredient list and not sure if its a good or bad thing LOL
But they'll get me through till my next beautician visit. Anyone had experience with Avene products compared to more expensive brands.? |
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Fri Sep 30, 2011 7:22 pm |
Hi dionie 
Hope my info helped a little Dr Aspect is a very good brand and if your therapist recommends them for your skin condition I would give them a go. Maybe you could ask her to put some samples in little sample pots first before investing in the full size products.
I tried Proactive in my early 30's and I wished that I hadnt! lol It did clear my skin up in the first month but then it just dried my skin up and made it very sensitive and reactive and then it stopped working on zits altogether
If you're still having problems with the occassional zit I wouldn't worry too much - I used to worry excessively about this type of thing lol  but then I realized it's just my body reacting to hormonal fluctations. Anyhoo I would suggest giving Retin-A a try for zits and overall skin improvement if you havent already given it a go - but start very slowly and only use as directed - with Retin-A more is NOT better! |
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Fri Sep 30, 2011 7:33 pm |
ooops, I should have added (but I get side-tracked once the page starts jumping when I've typed a certain amount! lol) - that taking some Vitex (Chaste Tree) tablets could help -- google it to see if it's right for you. I take Vitex and it really helps to keep my skin clear - when I run out or forget to take it I start getting zits
Vitex helps to balance estrogen and progesterone. |
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Fri Sep 30, 2011 9:32 pm |
Thanks so much for the info. I will definitely look into Vitex and Retin A. But I suppose I would need a prescription for the latter.
Theres a website called dermidicacomau, sorry cant post it as a link. It has some extra info on ingredients for dr aspect products. Ive never been to this website before so cannot vouch for who they are, so I used it purely for info. The more I read about this product range the more I like it.
They use a lana blue ingredient for a "retinol response", but I dont know much about this ingredient and if its any good. They also use Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate & SYN®-AKE in their Vit C. I suppose its good for people who havnt benefited from LAA, but I havnt been using it (LAA)long enough to know just yet. Im not sure how long before you you see vit C benefits?
Anyways my post is jumping too now so I better stop LOL |
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Sat Oct 01, 2011 2:18 am |
Yes definitely a prescription for the Retin-A - which would be a good thing because your doctor can tell you the best and safest way to use it for your condition.
Although you can buy it on the internet from All Day Chemist without a prescription but the shipping is about $25 but with that shipping cost you could purchase quite a number of things as the prices are VERY cheap
With the Vitex just really research it before taking it - it helps to balance progesterone to estrogen because people in our age group often have imbalances of progesterone to estrogen - ie. progesterone levels are lower than they should be and estrogen levels are probably slightly too high -- this is called 'estrogen dominance' and there is a lot of information regarding it on the internet. I've been the best source of help to myself in regard to this as doctors, endocrinologists, gynaecologists havent been a great deal of help and have usually just wanted to put me on the Pill - I tried that (several different ones) and all it did was make everything like 500% worse! lol and seeing all of those specialists was just expensive and got me nowhere! |
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Sat Oct 01, 2011 5:07 pm |
I'll have to look up some good drs. I got no idea who to go and see in relation to my skin, so maybe I should do some research.
Its so amazing that all these drs and specialists couldnt help you. Thats aweful and its unfortunate that so many people have things going on that they cant help them with. I truly believe in the power of nature and I may go and see my naturopath and ask about vitex etc.
Ive tried a couple different versions of the pill too (not as many as you) but my body cant handle it and it makes things worse for me. So Ive chosen not to take it. Ever since I had kids I just feel so much hormanal imbalance, so your suggestions have given me great stuff to consider. TY
Thankyou so much for your advice. Its so appreciated! Ill keep you posted in regards to the aspect dr products. It wont be for another 2 weeks before I see the lady who'll help me out with it.
TY |
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Sun Oct 02, 2011 7:07 am |
Another thing I find is that my skin and hormones are a lot more balanced when I take Vitamin B5 (which helps to regulate the adrenals (reduce stress) and therefore hormones, it also helps to regulate oil production) & L-Carnitine. L-Carnitine helps promote fat metabolism for use as energy.
I take a bunch of supplements so I dont want to go confusing you too much here if you're not really taking any. Magnesium and B6 (taken together - in fact most Magnesium formulations have B6 added as it is required for Magnesium to be metabolised) is also really good for balancing hormones especially excess estrogen.
I cant take the Pill either as it just totally messes me up - just cant take it at all - and really when hormones are imbalanced it makes no sense adding further hormones, albeit synthetic ones! That's just the first reach for thing doctors go for.
Many women find after having children that their hormones and skin are a mess! What doctors dont often tell you is that most women of child-bearing age have small fibroids in their uterus - and all of the hormones of pregnancy trigger them to grow and this really messes up our hormones often triggering adult acne! doctors know this but dont tell you because they like to keep you on the merry-go-round because the health system makes more money out of you that way!
Did you notice siginficant changes to your periods post-children? If so I would see your OBGYN and ask if there is any possibility that you may have fibroids - these nasty things can cause all sorts of havoc - I know because it ended up that all of my problems were being caused by this tiny little fibroid that was the size of a marble! I spent 7 years trying to work out what the hell was going on -- then a doctor put me on antibiotics which really messed up my liver and within 7 weeks of being on them I went from having a very flat stomach to looking 6 months pregnant - this fibroid that no one even knew was there, triggered to grow due to my liver being messed up, throwing my hormones into further chaos. This was almost a blessing in disguise if you can call going thru complete and utter hell a blessing! lol But finally we knew what was causing my hormone and skin issues!
Then the doctors finally started telling me the truth - "Oh most women (up to 80%) who have had children have small fibroids grow due to all of the hormones/growth hormones!" This was after I'd spent years suffering and spending thousands of dollars on doctors/specialists, medications, blood tests, damage to my marriage and social life, etc, etc...
You may not have fibroids at all - just putting it out there as a possibility... ps: I hate that jumping page thing so much! lol |
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Sun Oct 02, 2011 3:43 pm |
OMG Glamcat. Can't believe you had to go though all that! My periods are still pretty regular but I have to admit they "feel" alot worse. That is I get really bad PMT during most cycles. Before kids I never even knew what PMT was. You know those tampon commercials where women are running along the beach, feeling great?! Yeah that was me!LOL. Now I truly get what women have been complaining about all this time...sadly.
You know the other thing is that I went through IVF with my kids, my uterus was pretty good pre kids, no fibroids etc. But I'm really keen to go see my gyneacologist now just to see if kids and IVF have really stuffed me up. Okay Im soo motivated to go get some vitamins and herbs for now. Thankyou so much for your story. I cant believe up to 80% women can suffer from this. NO ONE had told me that. Ugh!!
So how did you remove the fibroids you had ? Do you feel its all under control now? Do you use a particular skincare range?
TY |
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Sun Oct 02, 2011 5:55 pm |
I was exactly like you!!! amazing! before having my daughter 10 years ago I seriously thought PMS was a myth and women used it as an excuse to be bitchy! lol I too had those periods like on the tampon ads! hahaha... carefree and simple, running on a beach! lmao...
Then BAM out of nowhere when my daughter was 18 months old I was thrust into hormonal hell - for the first time in my life I actually had to watch my weight (I'd been thin all my life), I really had to amp up the exercise too - and the PMS and my skin were hell! I would bloat for 2 whole weeks, breasts would swell 2 cup sizes and my periods went from very light 2-3 days to very heavy and 5-6 days.
Once that fibroid grew to the size of a cantaloupe which seriously only took 7 weeks due to those stupid antibiotics, I looked 6 months pregnant and I put up with it for 2 years before I finally found a surgeon who could remove the fibroid whilst retaining my uterus. I'd maybe like to have another child so I wanted my uterus. So I finally had surgery in Feb this year and things settled down so dramatically - periods are back to very light and 2-3 days, my skin is loads better - just a couple of hormonal zits a month which dont bother me (I was seriously at some points a pizza face whilst that fibroid was there!).
I just try to help others as much as I can with all of the knowledge I've gained because the amount of doctors and specialists I saw, wasting money on that didnt help me at all - and then finally once I had the diagnosis they kinda slapped themselves on the head saying "Oh I should have thought of that/sent you for an ultrasound/MRI!" - yeah right, they knew things weren't right with me, they were just milking me for as many consults as they could! I suffered needlessly due to greed! Hell on earth is severe PMS that takes up 2 weeks of every month (half of your life!) and a messy pizza face!
You may not have any fibroids at all - just putting it out there just in case because I have found doctors either lazy or deceptive on this front - then once you're diagnosed they say "up to 80% of women of child-bearing age/who have had children have fibroids". And my fibroid was originally the size of a marble and it was causing all that hell! They could tell from my MRI's that the original fibroid which was the epicentre was literally the size of a marble as it showed up black on the MRI and this is normal - the remainder of the fibroid which grew rapidly was filled with fluid and appeared white on my MRI's. I think for a lot of women out there not getting answers, it could be fibroids.
But so far from what you have said, everything that you have going on with you sounds hormonal.
Some other supplements that gave me relief were Nature's Way DIM Plus and Calcium d-Glucarate - google them - they help your body metabolise and dispose of excess estrogen... |
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Sun Oct 02, 2011 7:11 pm |
Glamcat you sure you'r not my long lost twin LOL. I tell you I was so thin all my life prior to kids.I get bloated too around my period and the PMT stuff does last for about 2 weeks.
Is Your daughter around 5 now? Mines about 4.5.My body/skin was so good prior to 2007 LOL ..he..he..he
Your story will definately help others, let me tell you. It just makes me so angry when I hear stories such as yours. Thankyou so much for sharing with me and you have given me such motivation to check things out...I mean you never know and its good to be sure. |
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Mon Oct 03, 2011 5:38 pm |
hahaha... we could be long lost twins! lol although I'm a couple of years older than you! My daughter is 10 years old now - but gee they are so much cuter and less rebelious when they are 4.5 years old! hahaha...
Definitely get things checked out! adult crazy skin is definitely a hormonal thing.
If you lived where I do in Melbourne, Australia I would totally recommend you go to my skin specialist as she totally 'gets' the relationship between hormones and skin issues - she is really awesome! |
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Mon Oct 03, 2011 6:18 pm |
Yeah your daughter would be entering the "tween" years now!The teenage years are ones Im not looking forward too, but you never know I may be pleasantly surprised LOL
Thankyou for all your advice.Im in Sydney so unfortunately can't go to see your skin specialist. She really does sound awesome though. Thankyou so much for taking the time out to reply.
I will keep the updates with the aspect dr products in a couple weeks.
TY |
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Fri Oct 07, 2011 10:29 pm |
| To get the good skin it is necessary to have proper care of skin. There should be proper nutritious diet and exercise routine to take care of skin. |
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etceteraism
New Member
 
Joined: 08 Oct 2011
Posts: 4
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Sat Oct 08, 2011 1:20 pm |
| If you're concerned about breakouts coming back, I'd really recommend the Acnopur line from Biotherm. When I was a teen and had terrible acne, that did wonders on my sensitive skin. Now that I'm older and my skin has improved, I just keep around either the cleanser or toner from the line and swap that into my regime when I find I'm getting some breakouts, as the whole line is too harsh for me now. Biotherm is definitely more gentle than Proactiv though! |
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Mon Oct 10, 2011 2:14 am |
| So far so good in regards to breakouts. Ive been off proactiv for about 3 weeks now. Fingers crossed. I will definitely keep the biotherm brand in mind just in case. Ive never used this range. Also Ive recently started taking some herbs from my naturopath and a multivitamin and an omega + primrose.He's also recommended B vitamins for stress. I try to drink lots of water and eat healthy and I have also started exercising again.So Im trying hard to stay healthy all round.Ill keep you guys posted and I welcome lots more suggestions. |
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Mon Oct 10, 2011 5:54 am |
| I havent really used any Biotherm skincare but they did make some fantastic foundations there for a while and my skin loved them! They were like a skincare product and foundation in one! Sadly however, they recently discontinued the foundations! ggrrr... I think people just hadnt tried them as the market is saturated with foundations and this is sad because the Biotherm ones were awesome! |
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Mon Oct 10, 2011 8:53 am |
If you lived where I do in Melbourne, Australia I would totally recommend you go to my skin specialist as she totally 'gets' the relationship between hormones and skin issues - she is really awesome! [/quote]
Hi Glamcat, I was just wondering if you would mind giving me the name of your skin specialist. Does she deal in hormonal issues? I had a hysterectomy over a year ago due to large fibroids etc. My skin is really good but I would love to find a doc that knows about hormones and things. I am on Progesterone cream but my doc is clueless, he's lovely but has no idea. I am in Melbourne too. TIA |
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I'm 49, fair skin, green eyes, blonde hair, dry slightly sensitive skin, I have very few wrinkles, slight pigmentation, main worry is sagging..yuck!! Currently using CP |
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Mon Oct 10, 2011 4:47 pm |
Hi Bermie My skin specialist is awesome! She doesnt specialise in hormonal issues but she is very aware of the impact that hormones can have on the skin. Like when I still had my fibroid and it was sending my skin crazy with hormonal breakouts. She worked with me and my skin to help get it under control. She is also into diet and supplements and their affect on the body and skin, etc.
Your doctor sounds exactly like mine! Lovely guy but totally clueless - I had to find everything out myself about everything then go to him to ask for referrals, prescriptions, etc - even with progesterone cream - he had no idea at all!
My skin specialist is in Malvern - I can pm you her details if you want. It depends on what you are looking for. She does microdermabrasion, various 'vitamin peels/treatments', lasers and she has a nurse come in once every 2 months for fillers.
I was sent to her by the company that makes the laser that was used on me at another clinic that destroyed my skin -- and she has been working hard at restoring my skin.
| Bermie2 wrote: |
| Hi Glamcat, I was just wondering if you would mind giving me the name of your skin specialist. Does she deal in hormonal issues? I had a hysterectomy over a year ago due to large fibroids etc. My skin is really good but I would love to find a doc that knows about hormones and things. I am on Progesterone cream but my doc is clueless, he's lovely but has no idea. I am in Melbourne too. TIA |
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