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Mon Sep 06, 2010 10:30 am  |
I have been suffering a terrible purge after trying the OCM. This is starting week 4 and I gave REN's Clear Calm Anti-Acne mask a try last night. I am already using the REN CC Clay Cleanser, which I like, so I bought the mask and peel yesterday out of desperation. I've already used everything I have: Pangea Organics, Dr. Brandt, Boscia, Ole Henricksen, Fresh, and more.
Well, right after using the mask, I was surprised to feel my skin softened and plump - acne products are usually drying and harsh. It also took away all of the redness, even from a couple of painful undergrounders. I was pretty happy.
However, this morning I was astonished: while putting on my sunscreen, I noticed that the surface of my nose was smooth, like I didn't have pores - that hasn't been true since pre-adolescence. Furthermore, my entire face was smoother and refined in texture. There still was no redness and all of the zits had shrunk. There were no new whiteheads (a first since the purge began). Also my skintone is nice and more even and brighter! This is after ONE USE. It's unbelievable the efficacy of this mask and with no harshness!!!! Oh, and the night before last I had used a very strong spot treatment and my whole face was irritated and itchy all day. This mask took care of all of that too! I have many, many other masks, but I'm going back to Sephora and stocking up on this baby, and I'm trying the REN Glycoactive Peel tonight. If it's half as good as the mask, I should have the skin I've always dreamed about in a week or so. I would have paid 10 or 20 times as much!!!! If you have acne, large pores, blackheads, congested pores (most of the zillions I had on my cheeks are gone), you have to try this! |
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Tue Sep 07, 2010 11:21 pm |
Oh, I'm so happy for you, SoCalGal! 
Nice one!
You will have great skin in no time, you'll see.
I loooove masks! I'm definitely going to put this on my list (along with the PSF blemish clarifying mud and the Astara blue flame mask). I only wish it wasn't so expensive  I'm so broke right now.
I couldn't find any reviews of this on makeupalley but their other products seem to be pretty good, so it might be worth a go.
I love that it soothed your skin and took the red out, my skin gets so dry and itchy, especially after masks. |
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Wed Sep 08, 2010 3:03 am |
Hi Penta, Thanks so much! It is such a relief to finally be healing from this purge!
I looked at the Blue Flame after someone was raving about how it decongested their pores, but something about it turned me off. I'm going to have to look at it again to remember (ahh, menopause!). It was most likely some ingredient that doesn't agree with me. But it sounds like a very powerful mask!
At least I didn't have to wear foundation today to work (hate foundation!), I just hit the remaining spots with some concealer and that was it. It's funny how a few zits make me want to stay home, but they do!!!! |
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Wed Sep 08, 2010 3:07 am |
| Penta wrote: |
Oh, I'm so happy for you, SoCalGal!
Nice one!
You will have great skin in no time, you'll see.
I loooove masks! I'm definitely going to put this on my list (along with the PSF blemish clarifying mud and the Astara blue flame mask). I only wish it wasn't so expensive I'm so broke right now.
I couldn't find any reviews of this on makeupalley but their other products seem to be pretty good, so it might be worth a go.
I love that it soothed your skin and took the red out, my skin gets so dry and itchy, especially after masks. |
Speaking of dry and itchy, I did a peel tonight, and I thought I felt the beginnings of irritation (I have skin like a rhino so I usually don't have any ill effects from anything short of sulfuric acid) so I mixed my Decleor Ylang Ylang oil with some Tamanu oil and put that on my face afterwards. Then I layered the Decleor Ylang Ylang night balm over that. That combo will sooth anything, especially the Tamanu. If you have some, try it after your masks. |
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Wed Sep 08, 2010 9:19 am |
| Unfortunately, Tamanu oil does nothing for me |
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Wed Sep 08, 2010 1:17 pm |
| Hi, SoCalGal, Is the mask good for Acne or breakout? |
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Thu Sep 09, 2010 3:17 am |
| azumma wrote: |
| Hi, SoCalGal, Is the mask good for Acne or breakout? |
Hi Azumma, the REN Clear Calm Anti-acne mask is great for acne breakouts. I've been going through the mother of all purges after trying the OCM, and I had a zillion congested pores that were getting inflamed because the OCM was bringing them to the surface, but not quite 'out'.
The mask cleaned them right out, and for the first time since the purge started - just 4 weeks ago (!), I didn't wake up with new whiteheads.
It's really gentle too; I left it on for about 40 minutes (it says to do it for 15 minutes) and had zero irritation. I used it the next night too with no problem. It has really cleaned out my pores and clarified my skin - even my nose looks like it doesn't have pores!!! I'm really becoming pleased with the apearance of my skin, which is a feeling I haven't had for quite a few years. So, I recommend this mask highly! You don't need to layer it on thick either. It's a small bottle, but I thnk it will last for quite a while, so it all evens out. |
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Tue Sep 14, 2010 1:44 am |
Hi Penta, I checked out the Astara Blue Flame mask again on SkinStore.com and I can't see a darn thing 'wrong' with it. I think when I get paid next week, I'm going to order it. Of the Blue Flame, Violet Flame, and Papaya Enzyme masks from Astara, which do you think is the strongest?
Thanks! I hope you're well!
Does anyone else have an opinion on these masks? |
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GenevaSkin
New Member
 
Joined: 16 Sep 2010
Posts: 6
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Fri Sep 17, 2010 10:05 am |
| azumma wrote: |
| Hi, SoCalGal, Is the mask good for Acne or breakout? |
I've read about this being for breakouts. I actually came into this forum looking for an acne treatment, and after many clicks and searches I've read that the product works well. I was looking for more success stories, as it seems to be pretty popular lately. |
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Fri Sep 17, 2010 12:15 pm |
| GenevaSkin wrote: |
| azumma wrote: |
| Hi, SoCalGal, Is the mask good for Acne or breakout? |
I've read about this being for breakouts. I actually came into this forum looking for an acne treatment, and after many clicks and searches I've read that the product works well. I was looking for more success stories, as it seems to be pretty popular lately. |
Hi GenevaSkin, I can highly recommend the ClearClam mask and the cleanser (massage it around for 2 minutes for best result). I don't think I would have made it through this purge without them. In fact, I am ordering the REN ClearCalm day cream today. They are excellent products with superior ingredients (I am totally driven by ingredients).
Good luck! |
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Fri Sep 17, 2010 6:21 pm |
| SoCalGal wrote: |
Hi Penta, I checked out the Astara Blue Flame mask again on SkinStore.com and I can't see a darn thing 'wrong' with it. I think when I get paid next week, I'm going to order it. Of the Blue Flame, Violet Flame, and Papaya Enzyme masks from Astara, which do you think is the strongest?
Thanks! I hope you're well!
Does anyone else have an opinion on these masks? |
Hi SoCalGal, sorry I didn't see this.
From what I have read Blue Flame is everybody's favourite for oily, breakout prone skin. It's really expensive, though (we're sort of broke at the moment). I just ordered the PSF blemish clarifying mud, though, which is A LOT cheaper and got just as many rave reviews. I'll let you know how I get on with it as soon as it arrives  |
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Fri Sep 17, 2010 6:59 pm |
| Penta wrote: |
| SoCalGal wrote: |
Hi Penta, I checked out the Astara Blue Flame mask again on SkinStore.com and I can't see a darn thing 'wrong' with it. I think when I get paid next week, I'm going to order it. Of the Blue Flame, Violet Flame, and Papaya Enzyme masks from Astara, which do you think is the strongest?
Thanks! I hope you're well!
Does anyone else have an opinion on these masks? |
Hi SoCalGal, sorry I didn't see this.
From what I have read Blue Flame is everybody's favourite for oily, breakout prone skin. It's really expensive, though (we're sort of broke at the moment). I just ordered the PSF blemish clarifying mud, though, which is A LOT cheaper and got just as many rave reviews. I'll let you know how I get on with it as soon as it arrives |
Hi Penta, no worries. How are ya? I saw a small size of the Blue Flame but I can't remember where! Duh! Now I've got to check all my shopping sites. That and the REN Clear Calm Day Lotion should finish me until next pay in 2 weeks!! I can't recommend the REN Clear Calm mask highly enough. It literally opens those little closed bumps and cleans 'em out! Love!
Have a great weekend!
SCG |
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Fri Sep 17, 2010 7:53 pm |
http://www.essentialdayspa.com/astara-blue-flame-purific-p_4931.htm
Hmmm... I think I remembered them offering a sample size?  Apparently not..
Oh my, the REN masks sounds reeeeaaallly good. I can't find any reviews anywhere, though. Not that that ever makes a difference, though. Lots of things that get rave reviews do nothing for me
Glad you're clearing up! Have a great weekend, too! |
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Sat Sep 18, 2010 9:06 pm |
| Penta wrote: |
http://www.essentialdayspa.com/astara-blue-flame-purific-p_4931.htm
Hmmm... I think I remembered them offering a sample size? Apparently not..
Oh my, the REN masks sounds reeeeaaallly good. I can't find any reviews anywhere, though. Not that that ever makes a difference, though. Lots of things that get rave reviews do nothing for me
Glad you're clearing up! Have a great weekend, too! |
Thanks, I actually am just about cleared up. I did the OCM tonight followed by a Moroccan mud mask, a Moroccan honey/argan mask, and then Moroccan Rose water and lastly, my argan/tamanu/Egyptian carrot seed oil mix. I feel wonderful - all the best of the globe!!!
EDS has the best price on the large size of the Blue Flame, but I saw a smaller size for $26 somewhere - it's either SkinStore or DermStore.
I think the REN Clear Calm stuff is so new that there are very few reviews, plus it's exclusive to Sephora for now - I couldn't even find it on the REN website. The mask is different too; it doesn't dry , it liquifies, maybe after dissolving all the yuck in the pores. Very pleasant and efficacious. If you can find it. |
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Sun Sep 19, 2010 1:05 pm |
| Are you still getting good results? Definitely going to try and pick up a sample this week. If I get near a Sephora that is. There seem to be none in my neighbourhood. |
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Sun Sep 19, 2010 8:11 pm |
| Penta wrote: |
| Are you still getting good results? Definitely going to try and pick up a sample this week. If I get near a Sephora that is. There seem to be none in my neighbourhood. |
Yes, I am. I did the OCM again last night, and of course had a few little bumps again this morning, so I zapped them with the mask. It's pricey stuff, but at least it works! LOL
HTH Good luck! |
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Mon Sep 20, 2010 8:40 pm |
I picked up a sample today! I'm going to try it day after tomorrow (just did a charcoal mask tonight, don't want to overdo it). I have a few bumps and uneven skin texture (not quite breakout or bumps), so let's see if it takes care of it. Really hoping I get results as good as yours  |
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Mon Sep 20, 2010 9:15 pm |
| Penta wrote: |
| I picked up a sample today! I'm going to try it day after tomorrow (just did a charcoal mask tonight, don't want to overdo it). I have a few bumps and uneven skin texture (not quite breakout or bumps), so let's see if it takes care of it. Really hoping I get results as good as yours |
Me too! Luv your smiley! |
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Tue Sep 21, 2010 4:01 pm |
How long do you leave it on? I'm wondering if your results were great because you left it on for 40 minutes  I'm way too chicken for that. |
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Thu Sep 23, 2010 9:26 pm |
Are you still here SoCalGal? How often do you se the mask?
I used a tiny bit and didn't see much difference, but only left it on for 15 minutes and only did it once. |
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Fri Sep 24, 2010 1:20 am |
| Penta wrote: |
Are you still here SoCalGal? How often do you se the mask?
I used a tiny bit and didn't see much difference, but only left it on for 15 minutes and only did it once. |
Hi Penta, sorry, I had booked.
I was using it every other night when the purge was really bad, and leaving it on less and less often: only 20 minutes last time. I didn't put it on very thick - one pump for my whole face.
I had a lot of closed comedones from the OCM, and that really cleaned them out. Not all of them - I had a few on the chin and lower cheeks that I had extracted in a facial on Wed.
Do you have sensitive skin? I have skin like a rhinosceros, nothing bothers me (except chemicals). But this is why there are so many products and so many brands. I'm glad you didn't buy it because I saw a difference the first time. It's not a burning peel though, like a glycolic, I actually don't kknow how it works, but I still like it.
The other product I can recommend is a Morroccan mud mask. I've bought the mud (dirt really, you add whatever you like to make the mud - I've decided I like the mud so much I've ordered some rose water to mix with it) from SheaTerra Organics, and the best actually came from Zamouri Spice, a food compnay. If you're looking from a mask that actually extracts from your pores, get one of these muds.
Let me know if you have any other questions. HTH Have a fab Friday! |
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Fri Sep 24, 2010 10:07 pm |
SoCalGal, yeh, lots of things don't work for me. But I got 3 samples because my girlfriends were with me, so no worries
I will try and leave it on longer, I tried 20 minutes today, my skin wasn't irritated so maybe I can try 30 minutes next time.
Thanks for your review, anyway, it's hit and miss, isn't it.
Have a great friday, too. I'm obviously not out partying but hiding inside watching old british sitcoms from the early 2000s
Oh, what breakouts can do to a person.   |
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Sun Sep 26, 2010 12:31 pm |
| Penta wrote: |
SoCalGal, yeh, lots of things don't work for me. But I got 3 samples because my girlfriends were with me, so no worries
I will try and leave it on longer, I tried 20 minutes today, my skin wasn't irritated so maybe I can try 30 minutes next time.
Thanks for your review, anyway, it's hit and miss, isn't it.
Have a great friday, too. I'm obviously not out partying but hiding inside watching old british sitcoms from the early 2000s
Oh, what breakouts can do to a person. |
Hi, I'm sorry to hear it's still 'Hide Out' severity. I had to buy concealer for the first time ever!
And oh boy, is it hit or miss! That's probably the basis of these forums!
I had a facial on Wed. and the estheticican told me to not sensitize my skin by using a strong (read: Benzoyl Peroxide) acne med. I so agree. I tried a 'spot' treatment once and it made my skin a Sahara desert and worse, then you can't do anything to fix it because you're skin's untouchable.
I hope things are looking up for you soon. Keep laughing - you won't you won't be able to cry! |
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Sun Sep 26, 2010 10:33 pm |
No way I'm using anything strong on my skin! My skin is super dehydrated and sensitive as it is. I'm trying natural products like Manuka honey (which I really like, by the way) and green clay etc.
It's slowly getting better, but my oh my, this is no fun. I don't even remember what I used to be like when everything was normal
Hope your weekend was fun |
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Mon Sep 27, 2010 6:40 pm |
| Penta wrote: |
No way I'm using anything strong on my skin! My skin is super dehydrated and sensitive as it is. I'm trying natural products like Manuka honey (which I really like, by the way) and green clay etc.
It's slowly getting better, but my oh my, this is no fun. I don't even remember what I used to be like when everything was normal
Hope your weekend was fun |
Oh yeah, it was over a hundred degrees here this past weekend, so I stayed in and did facial and body scrubs, and all that.
But let me ask you, have you gotten a lot of 'stuff' out during the OCM? That was the only way I could tolerate the purge was knowing that I was getting things that were months or even years old in my skin, out!
I did the OCM yesterday though, and got lots of black specks, but NO NEW PIMPLES!!!! And it only took 6 short weeks! LOL!!!!
I hope you're seeing progress! Hang in there! |
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