Am I overexfoliating?
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free skin care · Sun Aug 30, 2009 10:28 am

Hello everyone! I currently use Retin-A mixed with 4% hydroquinone, PM, and a DIY c-serum in the AM. I also use a gentle Neutragena cleanser AM and Pm, BUT, I have just started using half an aspirin mixed into my cleanser (both AM and PM) for a mild exfoliation. This seems to have accelerated the effect of the retin and hydroquinone in regards to peeling (which I know is part of the process). At this point I'm wondering if I am being a little too aggressive. It's so hard to gage considering my understanding that peeling is a normal factor with the retin-a. BTW, I've been using RA for 8 months, now.

Any insight would be most welcome! Thank you very much. Smile

Thank you ladies

free skin care · Sun Aug 30, 2009 10:55 am

I am not going to be of much help here, but I find this extremely interesting because I never thought of mixing an aspirin into my cleanser. I use retin A, hydroquinone (right now at 2 % although I occasionally use a 4% cream, but it smells awful and will be looking to buy Obagi Clear) and also use salicylic acid pads, but they would be at 2 percent, and I don't know what the equivalent of adding the aspirin would be. For me, this alone doesn't irritate my skin. It is the irritation, rather than the peeling which concerns me. Sometimes I add in a 10% glycolic acid, and let it sit, which may "put it a bit over the top" as far as my neck is concerned. Ok, for what it's worth, my answer to you would be, as long as you're not irritated (i.e., red, angry, overly itchy) you should be ok. I am happy to stand corrected by those more in the know. Very Happy

free skin care · Sun Aug 30, 2009 7:42 pm

I was using alpha beta peel pads nightly and I was peeling as well. For me, if the product isn't designed to make you peel (say Obagi - that's how it works in my understanding) peeling should be a sign you should ease up. I stopped using the pads nightly and now I use them every 3 or 4 days and my skin looks so much better.
HTH of course this is only my wee little opinion, and my experience!

free skin care · Sun Aug 30, 2009 10:28 pm

pleiades wrote:

Hello everyone! I currently use Retin-A mixed with 4% hydroquinone, PM, and a DIY c-serum in the AM. I also use a gentle Neutragena cleanser AM and Pm, BUT, I have just started using half an aspirin mixed into my cleanser (both AM and PM) for a mild exfoliation. This seems to have accelerated the effect of the retin and hydroquinone in regards to peeling (which I know is part of the process). At this point I'm wondering if I am being a little too aggressive. It's so hard to gage considering my understanding that peeling is a normal factor with the retin-a. BTW, I've been using RA for 8 months, now.

Any insight would be most welcome! Thank you very much. Smile

Thank you ladies

I love, love, love exfoliation, but I think adding in the aspirin twice a day is way too much.. Not only is it drying, and way too stripping, but don't forget some of it is being absorbed into your system as well.

Maybe consider using a microfiber cloth once or twice a day just lightly as a final cleansing step and save the aspirin for a headache.. Laughing

The other most important thing I would offer is that with that much exfoliation, and the harshness of the HQ, you need to replenish the antioxidants that you are stripping from your skin ever day..

The best, purest, healthiest way I know of to do that is to apply a 50/50 mix of Avocado + Virgin Palm Oils to your skin every night.. It will give you back all of the antioxidants that your skin needs to renew, repair + be beautiful.. (All the carotenes [vit A], fatty acids + lipids, vitamins B, C + E..)

You can apply it an hour after your Retin-A just before bed, and it will help to push it further in, make a seal, and nourish your skin all night.. 4 or 5 drops is all it takes.

Go for the pure virgin palm oil, and not the unscented one which has all the nutrients cooked away.. It's red and pungent, but works like the dickens.

free skin care · Mon Aug 31, 2009 2:54 am

If you are being too aggressive with exfoliation your skin will soon tell you - it will become irritated, sore and red. On the other hand, if you are just experiencing some mild peeling, I wouldn't worry about it. Are you using the Retin-A combined with Hydroquinone for hyperpigmentqation?

Aspirin is basically Salicylic Acid - I don't think it's necessary to use 1/2 tablet in your cleanser am and pm - this is probably too much. I make a toner with 100ml Apple Cider Vinegar, 100ml Water and 4 Aspirin - this lasts about 2/3 months - maybe you could try that instead.

free skin care · Mon Aug 31, 2009 5:05 am

Thanks much, MarielIG and Callalilly, for your posts!

Much appreciated, Kassy!. I will eliminate the aspirin and re-introduce the microfiber cloth. I shall also try the avocado/virgin palm oil mixture. Thank you so much for the suggestion. Your C-serum is fantastic, btw. I've been using it for months now.

Hey Keliu! Yes, I am using the retin-a/Hydroquinone combination for hyperpigmentation as the result of acne and sun damage. So far my results have been pretty good! I like your recipe for the toner. My only concern is how it would react with the c-serum. Thank you very much, Keliu!

free skin care · Mon Aug 31, 2009 5:26 am

pleiades wrote:

I like your recipe for the toner. My only concern is how it would react with the c-serum.

I use it with a C serum - ACV is supposed to neutralize the skin's Ph so I figured it would be ok to use - but then again, I'm not an expert on what goes with what!

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