Skincare problems

[jessicac1083]

I’m 34 and I feel like my face is breaking out more than ever now. It’s leaving spots. Any help??? Also my face skin is not as tight anymore. Help, I have went to the dermatologist and gotten a cream. But no luck. Help??

[greeneyedgirl107]

@jessicac1083 Retin-A/Tretinoin is best when started slowly.  How much are you using, and how often?  Also, results can take up to six months.  It can have some very good outcomes, but it's a process.

I think we should also take a look at the other products you are using.  The Neutrogena Firming Cream only got 2/5 starts on beautypedia.com :

Spoiler

For all intents and purposes, this daytime moisturizer with sunscreen is similar to many others from Neutrogena, including "regular" sunscreens you'd apply from the neck down. Critical UVA (think anti-aging) protection is supplied by stabilized avobenzone, and this has a lightweight lotion texture best for normal to slightly dry or combination skin.

Antioxidants, which can stimulate collagen production for firmer skin, are in short supply, but at least the formula has a few of them. Please see More Info below for a discussion of Neutrogena's Tetrol-E anti-aging ingredient.

All told, this isn't an exceptional anti-aging daytime moisturizer. The price is enticing, but there are better options to be found without having to spend a lot more. Please see our list of Best Moisturizers with Sunscreenfor examples.

PROS:

• Provides broad-spectrum sun protection and includes avobenzone for UVA protection.
  
  
• Lightweight lotion texture works well under makeup.
  
  

CONS:

• Lacks a sophisticated blend of the anti-aging ingredients that are proven to help skin look and act younger.
  
  
• Contains only a dusting of antioxidants, and your skin needs more if the goal is firming.

  Fragrance gets more prominence than all the anti-aging ingredients except the sunscreen actives.
  
  

The Tetrol-E this product is supposed to contain most likely refers to tetrahydroxypropyl ethylenediamine. This ingredient doesn't firm skin; it's a chelating agent. Chelating agents bind to metals or metallic compounds to keep them from binding to another surface (such as the surface of your skin or hair).

There is no research proving this allegedly special ingredient has any benefit for aging skin. Neutrogena may be making the association because this ingredient can elicit an electric charge in skin, but the amount of energy released is so small as to be almost inconsequential in terms of firming or tightening skin.

I don't know much about "firming creams," but you do need a good moisturizer when using retinoids.  I rec CeraVe PM.  It is gentle, effective and rec'd by derms.

As for the Ole Henriksen Truth Serum, it also got 2/5 stars on beautypedia:

Spoiler

This water-based serum treats skin to two forms of vitamin C along with the antioxidant vitamin E, which is known to increase the efficacy of vitamin C. That’s great, but what knocks this serum down a rating is the clear glass bottle packaging and the fact that it contains several potentially irritating synthetic fragrance compounds and an irritating plant extract (this also has a strong sweet orange scent). You don’t need to tolerate either deficiency from any of the vitamin C serums in Henriksen’s line. Henriksen needs to improve both formula and packaging before this vitamin C serum can join the ranks of the best in this category.

If you are looking for a good Vitamin C product, I rec Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster with 15% Vitamin C.  It is rec'd by beautypedia and Allure.

What cleanser are you using?  Ideally, it should be a gentle liquid cleanser.  FAB Face Cleanser fits the bill.  If you are looking for something less expensive, you can try something from the CeraVe line.

BHA can also help fight acne/blackheads.  Some people might find it harsh if they are using a retinoid, so it's kind of trial and error.  I only rec Paula's Choice.   It comes in 1, 2, 4, and 9%.  You might be best off starting with 2%.  I use that in the morning, and Tretinoin at night.  

For spot treatments, Clean & Clear Persa-gel is helpful.  Just use it separately from the retinoid as retinoids inactivate the benzoyl peroxide in the Persa-gel.

Tag me if you have any other questions.  Good luck, and please don't get discouraged!

[KemoLove]

I guess it also depends on what cream they gave you? Because I woulddefinitely recommend Differin gel, Retin-A, or basically any retinoid. I get Tretinoin Cream from my skin doctor and am very happy with it. Not only will it clear out any acne/breakouts you may be getting, but retinoids can also erase fine lines which makes it an amazing addition to skincare. If you'd like try an inexpensive brand outside of the doctor's office, then ROC makes some great retinol products that are very affordable! Do note when starting any Vitamin A/Retinol/Retinoid topical of any type, be sure to use your sunscreen during the day as your skin will be more sensitive to the sun. SPF is a must! Also when beginning, it may seem like the breakouts are getting worse but your skin will actually be getting better by pushing out all the bad stuff. The results are definitely worth it! Always be sure to do your research as well, because I've found that there are always more questions to be answered, haha. And remember that the BIC will be here to help! Hope you get all the recommendations you are looking for and good luck! 💋

[jessicac1083]

[jessicac1083]

It’s actually tretinoin cream they gave me.  Then I put some neutropena on after. Here are 2 photos. Maybe im

doing something wrong . I’m between days I don’t use tretinion I use the orange bottle

[KemoLove]

@greeneyedgirl107 has some very good info there! Also, @jessicac1083, it may be a result of the combination of products. I use a vitamin c serum religiously and was advised by my skincare specialist to ABSOLUTELY NOT mix my vitamin c with the Tretinoin and pick different times of the day to apply each as it over treats your skin and can make it raw and irritated. Maybe other's have more resilient skin and. can take it but mine definitely can't. So the Tretinoin is used at night (every other night for me) and I use my vitamin c serum in the mornings only. A similar routine should yield better results for you, but it's up to your skin as to what's best. I tried your method as well for awhile (alternating Retin-A & Vit C opposite nights) but it didn't seem to work as well. As greeneyedgirl mentioned (and I'm very sorry that I forgot to add thisimportant note in the first place!), when you start Retin-A it should be introduced quite slowly. A few to many days apart at first as your skin. adjusts and then slowly decrease the amount of time in between until you find a pattern that is right for you. If you already use it every night then I'd hold off a couple/few days before applying again to give your skin time to recover and see if that helps. One more important note: pick a very gentle cleanser, if you can, for night before applying Tretinoin. I'd also recommend waiting 15+ minutes after washing (and before applying) to allow your skin to calm and minimize irritation. I found rather quickly that exfoliating or scrubbing my face before putting on my creamat night left my face a broken out mess EVERY TIME. If can't do a gentle cleansing at night, I'd say at least wait 20 - 30 before putting on thecream and once it is sufficiently absorbed (another 15 minutes, I'd say) then follow with a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer. And, again, yes it may take weeks to adjust but keep with it! If after much time has passed and you are still having irritation & trouble then you may want to look at changing the cream to a lesser concentration or trying the gel version. Make sure to check that the vitamin c serum is correct for your skin type, as well, and do look at the Neutrogena ingredients as well for possible interactions. Considering Vit C topicals, (different types work for different people) I personally use Dr. Dennis Gross Hydra-pure vitamin c serum and alternate with Kate Somerville's Mega-C Dual Radiance Serum depending on if I'm wearing no/light or heavy makeup. Idon't like dropping hundreds on my vit c (I try hard to find coupons and sales, haha) but when something works well then I don't want to be without it until I find a better replacement. I love Ole's items (the truth cleanser is to die for) but when I tried the Vit C serum it was just stirring up problems for my complexion. I shared the rest of my bottle with my mother and it works great for her!

[jessicac1083]

I’m so lost.  Can you tell

me what not to use and what to use.  Give me a routine.. because I’ll be mixing all kinds of stuff with my Tretinoin cream and mess myself all up.    And is is ok to use a face mask of any kind in between all the stuff. And:or different creams I get in my play box?   I never even look at labels.  I mostly google everything .  I have spots and I need wrinkle and tightening and also  my face is to dry. I have never in my life had a problem with my face until I had a tube reversal surgery.  It sucks   

[greeneyedgirl107]

@jessicac1083 OK, so you said that you are looking for a routine.  Here's what might be helpful for now ("The Beauty Bible" I mentioned in an earlier post has some routine listed in it that you may find more helpful):

A.M.

Wash face with gentle liquid cleanser

Use BHA

Spot treat as needed

Moisturize where needed

Afternoon (optional)

Wash face with gentle liquid cleanser

P.M. 

Wash face with gentle liquid cleanser

Apply Tretinoin

Moisturize where needed

*Use oil blotting sheets throughout the day

Yes, you can use masks, but I personally think you might want to get a routine down first.  The more products you introduce, the harder it will be to isolate what is working and what isn't.  (IMHO)

As for creams you get in your Play! box, I think the above applies.

When you are considering using a new product, I highly rec reading a review on beautypedia.com.  They consult with cosmetic chemists and dermatologists.  If you still have questions, I rec reading reviews on Sephora, makeup alley and cross-referencing Allure (though they can be skewed).

Tretinoin helps a lot with wrinkles!  So you can multi-task with that one product.

As for dryness, has your skin just started to get dry after using the Tretinoin?  If so, this is a common occurence that happens with retinoid and retinol products.  You need to ease into using Tretinoin.  First, apply a small amount then wait three days; do this for two weeks.  Then, apply and wait two days, etc. until you can tolerate it every other day or everyday.  Everyone's skin is different, so understand that this is a guideline.  It might take you more or less time.  Also know that results can take up to 6 months; again, everyone is different.  

A good gentle moisturizer is CeraVe PM.  

Does this help?  Tag me if you have other questions 🙂  Good luck!

[jessicac1083]

@greeneyedgirl107 YES..  it’s a great start for me for sure.  Now I just have I stick with certain products  like you said so I will know.   Thanks for breaking it down for me.  I’m clueless. And one more question do you think the neutrogena in the above photo is a good moisturizer? That’s what I use it for  plus I thought spf15 was good... but im

noticing now that it’s not much  

[greeneyedgirl107]

@jessicac1083 Yay!  Now you know how to "tag" people. 

As for the moisturizer, I included a review from beautypedia in my initial response to your posting and covered it with a "spoiler."  To read what is underneath the spoiler, just click on it.  In case you are having difficulties, here it is again without a spoiler; it got 2/5 stars so I would not consider it a good moisturizer:

For all intents and purposes, this daytime moisturizer with sunscreen is similar to many others from Neutrogena, including "regular" sunscreens you'd apply from the neck down. Critical UVA (think anti-aging) protection is supplied by stabilized avobenzone, and this has a lightweight lotion texture best for normal to slightly dry or combination skin.

Antioxidants, which can stimulate collagen production for firmer skin, are in short supply, but at least the formula has a few of them. Please see More Info below for a discussion of Neutrogena's Tetrol-E anti-aging ingredient.

All told, this isn't an exceptional anti-aging daytime moisturizer. The price is enticing, but there are better options to be found without having to spend a lot more. Please see our list of Best Moisturizers with Sunscreenfor examples.

PROS:

• Provides broad-spectrum sun protection and includes avobenzone for UVA protection.
  
  
• Lightweight lotion texture works well under makeup.
  
  

CONS:

• Lacks a sophisticated blend of the anti-aging ingredients that are proven to help skin look and act younger.
  
  
• Contains only a dusting of antioxidants, and your skin needs more if the goal is firming.

  Fragrance gets more prominence than all the anti-aging ingredients except the sunscreen actives.
  
  

The Tetrol-E this product is supposed to contain most likely refers to tetrahydroxypropyl ethylenediamine. This ingredient doesn't firm skin; it's a chelating agent. Chelating agents bind to metals or metallic compounds to keep them from binding to another surface (such as the surface of your skin or hair).

There is no research proving this allegedly special ingredient has any benefit for aging skin. Neutrogena may be making the association because this ingredient can elicit an electric charge in skin, but the amount of energy released is so small as to be almost inconsequential in terms of firming or tightening skin.

And here is the review for the Truth Serum, which also got 2/5 stars which I think is subpar:

This water-based serum treats skin to two forms of vitamin C along with the antioxidant vitamin E, which is known to increase the efficacy of vitamin C. That’s great, but what knocks this serum down a rating is the clear glass bottle packaging and the fact that it contains several potentially irritating synthetic fragrance compounds and an irritating plant extract (this also has a strong sweet orange scent). You don’t need to tolerate either deficiency from any of the vitamin C serums in Henriksen’s line. Henriksen needs to improve both formula and packaging before this vitamin C serum can join the ranks of the best in this category.

[greeneyedgirl107]

@jessicac1083 It looks like you are responding to @KemoLove so I won't butt in...but I highly rec that you read Paula Begoun's "Beauty Bible" b/c it demystifies a lot about skincare.  The last edition was published years ago, but the info is still sound.  Tag me if you need anything.  Good luck! 🙂

[jessicac1083]

I’m reading both of y’all responses.  I take all advice.   I just don’t know much about this app,or this thing. And how to work it.  Im

sorry.   I cannot figure out how to tag.  Much different from facebook

[greeneyedgirl107]

@jessicac1083 To "tag" someone, enter the "@" sign followed by their username.  Refer to what I entered at the beginning of this reply.  That is a good way to make sure that someone knows you are mentioning them, b/c many BICers have a notification that sends an e-mail letting them know that they were mentioned by a specific person.  If you don't tag someone, then you have to hope that someone has their notifications set up so be notified of every response in a particular thread; I feel like most people don't choose this option.

[angelKiss24]

@jessicac1083, what is your skin care routine and which areas on your face are you breaking out on?

[jessicac1083]

I don’t really have one.   I use the cream at night,And a moisturizer night and day.   

[angelKiss24]

@jessicac1083, maybe a consistent routine might help in your case. Do you use a facial cleanser to clean off all the pollutants throughout the day? You may not be able to see or feel it on your skin, but as we go throughout the day, sweat, dirt, and other small particles land on your face and stick around. If you don't wash it off, it can clog your pores and cause pimples. That's only scratching the surface of a good routine. My favorite skincare expert is Caroline Hirons and after reading her blog, I feel like I understand more about the ingredients and their effects. Here's a link to an old post of hers that covers the basic skincare steps. https://www.carolinehirons (dot) com/2013/06/routines-cheat-sheet.html I hope this helps in your skincare journey!

[Mel614]

Try Acnetame. It's an herbal supplement found on Amazon. I'm 38 and started breaking out. This has made my skin less oily and breakouts are completely gone.

[jessicac1083]

Where did you get this from?  Would it be better than what the dermatologist gave me?  My skin is dry.