EMU oil for OCM?.. and other OCM-related Qs...
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free skin care · Mon Apr 17, 2006 9:18 am

Hi Everyone,
I am new to this forum (and this is the 1st time I ever write publicly (it feels like public speaking, which I'm terrified of))...

I am having issues with OCM,I've tried a number of ratios of CO:EVOO, CO:grapeseed, CO:jojoba, CO:sweet almond oil, and for some reason I'm not able to get any comedos to dissolve --none of those grainy things Sad

.
Plus, I think that all this steaming with the warm cloths is oversensitising my skin (i'm on retin-a cream, .005%)

Do any of you know whether emu oil would be a suitable oil to mix to CO for OCM?

Thanks,
-jz

free skin care · Mon Apr 17, 2006 11:15 am

I think it would be ok, might be tough to remove. But then again, I've never tried this combo, 6 months ago I would have told you that you were bonkers if you suggested cleansing with oil! Maybe someone else here knows.

Love the effects of Emu, can't stand the smell! Would think it would be pretty expensive too.

free skin care · Tue Apr 18, 2006 10:15 am

Thanks Candy8865!

Incidently, do you happen to know why OCM might be breaking me out? My skin is all red and bumpy... what am I doing wrong? I am miserable Sad

free skin care · Tue Apr 18, 2006 1:37 pm

Sounds like purging. How long has it been like that?

free skin care · Tue Apr 18, 2006 3:37 pm

About 4 days... getting worse each time I OCM... it looks a little burned with little red bumps, esp on forehead. Any suggestions on how to dampen this horrible effect? (I'm afraid to leave the house at this point...)
Thanks!

free skin care · Tue Apr 18, 2006 6:02 pm

I am by no means an expert here, especially when it comes to Retin A. But here is my thoughts. Perhaps Retain A is making the skin sensitive? Then the addition of castor oil is just too harsh?

Maybe try the OCM with just EVOO or Grapeseed. I personally found EVOO too heavy for my skin and do better with grapeseed.

My hands are sensitive, I get dermatitis, and I noticed my hands have flared up since doing OCM and I think it might be the castor oil. If I use too much my skin gets really tight, it feels clean, but just tight.

Good Luck.

Kylie

free skin care · Tue Apr 18, 2006 8:25 pm

jzainoun wrote:

About 4 days... getting worse each time I OCM... it looks a little burned with little red bumps, esp on forehead. Any suggestions on how to dampen this horrible effect? (I'm afraid to leave the house at this point...)
Thanks!

Seems like a purging. Be patient. It's really worth it. You may want to go to Mabsy's fabulous new DIY thread for the asprin mask and AVC toner. This may help your cause along.

free skin care · Tue Apr 18, 2006 8:29 pm

starkers wrote:

I am by no means an expert here, especially when it comes to Retin A. But here is my thoughts. Perhaps Retain A is making the skin sensitive? Then the addition of castor oil is just too harsh?

Maybe try the OCM with just EVOO or Grapeseed. I personally found EVOO too heavy for my skin and do better with grapeseed.

My hands are sensitive, I get dermatitis, and I noticed my hands have flared up since doing OCM and I think it might be the castor oil. If I use too much my skin gets really tight, it feels clean, but just tight.

Good Luck.

Kylie

It's the Castor in the OCM that gets rid of all the little nasties hiding under your skin. I had the tight & itchy feeling when I 1st started with OCM. Just changed the % of castor to evoo & whatever other oil I chose to use. It still tightens up my skin but not in an uncomfortable way now, and since it's merely my cleanser it doesn't really matter as following that I use my actives, oils and moisturizer.

free skin care · Thu Apr 20, 2006 6:12 am

I just want to thank you both for your help and advice! This is a great forum!

I was indeed concerned about doing OCM & Retin A together... does anyone have any experience with this?

I've been reducing the castor oil, by diluting it with Jojoba, but I'm hoping that Candy is right and that this is just a purge. I am concerned however, because I seem to have more blackheads and whiteheads with OCM, and since the Retin A already dries up my skin, I really do need to moisturize my skin after OCM (I use Emu oil)... Could it be that OCM is counteracting the positive effects (benefits) of retin A (ie. less comedos) , while worsening its negative side effects (namely, the dry, scaly, sensitive, RED skin, etc...). (Obviously, I am not a pretty sight right now!)

Thanks, I really appreciate your comments, suggestions & feedback!
-joanne

free skin care · Thu Apr 20, 2006 9:50 am

jzainoun wrote:

I just want to thank you both for your help and advice! This is a great forum!

I was indeed concerned about doing OCM & Retin A together... does anyone have any experience with this?

I've been reducing the castor oil, by diluting it with Jojoba, but I'm hoping that Candy is right and that this is just a purge. I am concerned however, because I seem to have more blackheads and whiteheads with OCM, and since the Retin A already dries up my skin, I really do need to moisturize my skin after OCM (I use Emu oil)... Could it be that OCM is counteracting the positive effects (benefits) of retin A (ie. less comedos) , while worsening its negative side effects (namely, the dry, scaly, sensitive, RED skin, etc...). (Obviously, I am not a pretty sight right now!)

Thanks, I really appreciate your comments, suggestions & feedback!
-joanne

You're very welcome. I'm no expert by any means, just my personal experiances.

I do use Retinol products, copper and Vit C all with the OCM.

I think the reason you're seeing more black/white heads with the OCM is because it's doing it's job and bringing them all to the surface.

Reducing the Castor will help with the drying effect. My experience though is once I finish my routine (actives, oil, moisturizer) I no longer feel that dry tightness.

I'm still thinking it's a purging thing. Also, I find I need to exfoliate more often when using the Retinol, that could help speed the yuckky phase.

free skin care · Thu Apr 20, 2006 6:03 pm

Hi, I do not use the OCM to cleanse with but I do use retin-A and I also use oils to moisturize my acne prone skin. I would ask a few questions.

Are you exfoliating? Dead skin inside the pores contributes to acne. I found that jojoba caused acne for me before I was exfoliating. Also, too much at one time, I can only use a very light film.

What type of castor oil is in your cleanser? Acne prone skin likes most versions, except sulfated.

How long have you used your retin-A? The pamphlet that comes with retin-A says to expect new acne by week 6 or so, which should go away by week 12.

Are you using any aha products or alcohol based products? These may be putting your skin dryness over the top.

What other products are you using? See this list of acne causing ingredients that has helped me alot!
http://www.zerozits.com/Articles/acnedetect.htm

free skin care · Fri Apr 21, 2006 7:16 am

Quote:

it looks a little burned with little red bumps, esp on forehead

jazainoun~ I also use retin-a and aha’s - The first few days of my initial OCM try I used only EVOO, what I had on hand, then I added CO....w/ a 50/50 ratio because I was prone to break-outs....and my skin immediately turned to how you are describing yours, itchy, red, little bumps especially on my forehead. I began diluting my mixture more and more w/ EVOO, grapeseed and jojoba. Now there’s probably about 15% CO in mine and my face is very happy. As others have suggested, play w/ your ratios. I’d bet it’s the CO...even though you’re acne prone....you may need less CO than you imagine.
I've never experienced the "grainy things" with OCM. I believe the addition of the aspirin mask 3 mornings a week and upping my AHAs slightly is effective on the black heads & pore size. And as your skin begins to balance (get happier) w/ OCM your "heads" will dissipate too.
Having said that, it’s the time of the month when my face is just more oily and acne prone and I felt I needed more cleansing...so last night I first applied about a teaspoon of CO before cleansing and smoothed that (very thin layer) all over except eye area then used my regular oil mixture on top. It was just what my skin needed that night.

I use a mixture of jojoba and grapeseed for my eye area....I don’t apply the mixture w/ the CO around my eyes....and jojoba is beneficial to lashes. Besides the initial “bumps” in the road, OCM has made quite a difference for me in one month...hope the same for you!

free skin care · Fri Apr 21, 2006 12:33 pm

Dear pnw,
Thank you for your reply, I found it very helpful and reassuring!
This is my 1st time joining a forum, and I am really loving it! I feel such support!
If I may just bother you again, would you have any suggestions on which exfoliation method I should use, given my sensitivity from the retin a (btw, i've been using retin a for a year now)? Also, how often do you recommend exfoliating?
I try to avoid overhandling and overloading my skin too many products, which is quite difficult I admit, b/c I LOVE skincare products ( I am not proud of this, but I fall for the advertising and gimmicks everytime when it comes to cosmetics etc...), so most of the time I moisturize with emu oil (though i'm beginning to think it might be the culprit for all these whiteheads)...
Thanks again!
-joanne

free skin care · Fri Apr 21, 2006 12:38 pm

CyndiK. wrote:

Quote:

it looks a little burned with little red bumps, esp on forehead

jazainoun~ I also use retin-a and aha’s - The first few days of my initial OCM try I used only EVOO, what I had on hand, then I added CO....w/ a 50/50 ratio because I was prone to break-outs....and my skin immediately turned to how you are describing yours, itchy, red, little bumps especially on my forehead. I began diluting my mixture more and more w/ EVOO, grapeseed and jojoba. Now there’s probably about 15% CO in mine and my face is very happy. As others have suggested, play w/ your ratios. I’d bet it’s the CO...even though you’re acne prone....you may need less CO than you imagine.
I've never experienced the "grainy things" with OCM. I believe the addition of the aspirin mask 3 mornings a week and upping my AHAs slightly is effective on the black heads & pore size. And as your skin begins to balance (get happier) w/ OCM your "heads" will dissipate too.
Having said that, it’s the time of the month when my face is just more oily and acne prone and I felt I needed more cleansing...so last night I first applied about a teaspoon of CO before cleansing and smoothed that (very thin layer) all over except eye area then used my regular oil mixture on top. It was just what my skin needed that night.

I use a mixture of jojoba and grapeseed for my eye area....I don’t apply the mixture w/ the CO around my eyes....and jojoba is beneficial to lashes. Besides the initial “bumps” in the road, OCM has made quite a difference for me in one month...hope the same for you!

WOW! I can't tell you how reassuring this is! I really appreciate this!!!
I will definitely reduce the CO... how long until your reaction subsided from your trial with the 50/50 mixture?
Thanks again!
-joanne

free skin care · Fri Apr 21, 2006 3:06 pm

jzainoun,
Welcome to the forum! Ok, so it sounds like you have been using retin-a for a year without additional exfoliation (ie. microdermabrasion, facial brushes, face scrubs, salicyclic acid (bha), or other aha's like lactic/glycolics) and your skin was fine. It also sounds like you have not had a problem with acne until you began your OC method, yet you are also experiencing redness and dryness along with this new change in acne at the same time. Have I got this right? Unfortunately, I am not familiar with the OC method. But I found that when I was using my retin-a and introducing the exfoliating clarisonic brush, I could no longer use my other products that dried out my skin or exfoliated too much. I had to cut out gels with alcohol, glycolics, salicyclic, and even water dries out my face. If your skin is dry and red, I would not recommend exfoliation right now because that will increase your tightness when what you want to do is be replacing your skin barrier. Then, maybe you can address your acne with the exfoliation once you are balanced again. I think there is something to that idea of too much castor oil drying you out, so I'd start there. Just a suggestion. HTH Smile

free skin care · Fri Apr 28, 2006 6:59 am

pnw wrote:

jzainoun,
Welcome to the forum! Ok, so it sounds like you have been using retin-a for a year without additional exfoliation (ie. microdermabrasion, facial brushes, face scrubs, salicyclic acid (bha), or other aha's like lactic/glycolics) and your skin was fine. It also sounds like you have not had a problem with acne until you began your OC method, yet you are also experiencing redness and dryness along with this new change in acne at the same time. Have I got this right? Unfortunately, I am not familiar with the OC method. But I found that when I was using my retin-a and introducing the exfoliating clarisonic brush, I could no longer use my other products that dried out my skin or exfoliated too much. I had to cut out gels with alcohol, glycolics, salicyclic, and even water dries out my face. If your skin is dry and red, I would not recommend exfoliation right now because that will increase your tightness when what you want to do is be replacing your skin barrier. Then, maybe you can address your acne with the exfoliation once you are balanced again. I think there is something to that idea of too much castor oil drying you out, so I'd start there. Just a suggestion. HTH Smile

Dear pnw,
thanks so much for your message (i'm sorry for not getting to it until now...)
you're definitely right about the exfoliation (i have a horrible tendency to overdo things)... The Retin A has helped keep the acne relatively under control, which is why i've been reluctant to reduce or stop using it (i do believe in keeping things as simple and natural as possible, esp since i'm pretty sure the advent of my stubborn acne was mainly caused by cosmetics-- my skin was honestly enviably perfect until ~ 3 years ago). Anyway, I think retin a has helped minimize the acne (not completely), but it does make my skin quite dry, red & irritated, and although my derm switched me to RAM 0.04%, it worsened things and so went back to the cream .025%, and it's been ok. The only thing is that i still have many comedones along with dryness, and whenever i try treating the dryness, the whiteheads seem multiply, and that's why i thought that ocm was a good option.
i actually have found that just using jojoba alone (this is since yesterday) to cleanse I was able to finally feel some of those "grains" coming loose (sorry for sounding disgusting)....
also, i've caved in after reading all the raves here & ordered Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Cream (which hasn't arrived yet)... Do you think that's a good idea?
If you don't mind my asking, what kind of cleansing do you use, why do you use Retin-a (for how long)?
Thanks again!
-j

free skin care · Fri Apr 28, 2006 11:37 am

Hi jzainoun,
Right now, my routine is retin-a 2-3 times per week in the evenings and clarisonic once a day using PSF green tea cleanser. It's a very hydrating creamy cleanser. I find if I wipe it off with a wet washcloth as opposed to rinsing off, I dry out less. I've only been on .025% retin-a for a month and I got it for wrinkles and the persistent two or three whiteheads I always seem to have. I found the gel was too drying and just recently switched to the cream which has made a huge difference. Even so, I find if I use retin-a 3 days in a row, I get really flakey and jojoba does help quite a bit but I can only use one drop, rubbed between the palms and patted on lightly. Anymore will break me out. The only other product I use is vitamin C and sunscreen. My acne has gotten better. I wonder if you would benefit from a little less vigorous retin-a schedule or a lower dose?

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