Skin Care Regimen for oily, post-acne skin?

[dancegirl21]

What are a few awesome products from Sephora for a complete skin care regimen to help someone with post-acne scars/discoloration or dark spots/oily skin in order to brighten up and even out the skin's tone and texture?

I don't get acne anytime during the month EXCEPT when it's "that time" of the month, so that is not my main concern. It's more about the acne I had when I was younger and the discoloration and unevenness it has left on my skin. Just looking for something to brighten, even out, and smooth my skin out!

I'm thinking exfoliator, peel, moisturizer, cleanser? Thoughts? Thank you! 🙂

[dancegirl21]

A quick update on what I picked up and used for a solid three months:

FAB Facial Radiance Pads - loving how clean it makes my skin feels, and it also picked up the tiniest bit of residue I had left after cleansing. My skin looked bright and had a glow to it after one use. This stayed true throughout the time I used the whole container. I did notice that I didn't like the smell and wondered why I didn't notice this when I first used it. That was my only CON.

Ole Henriksen "The Works Kit" - The only products I truly liked and still use right now are the Youth Oil and Truth Serum (at night, using the Truth Serum after cleansing and then the Youth Oil on top). This leaves my skin moisturized at night, and in the morning I definitely have a glow and makeup goes on wonderfully. Also, in the morning I am more moisturized. These are the two products I will definitely repurchase in the full sizes. The other items didn't cut it for me! I do have to say that the Lemon Strip Flash Peel was okay, but I do prefer my Philosophy Microdelivery Peel. Reason is that I love how it feels like I'm actually exfoliating and cleansing my skin. I would definitely finish out the container I have now, but I'm not in love.

[kelloua]

Thanks for the three month update.  It's always good to see how skin responds after having had enough time to truly show the effects.  I understand your feelings on Ole Henriksen.  I go back and forth on whether I love that line.  I just have so many of those products (from buying kits & getting good promos) to work my way through.  I think I've landed on the verdict that they are good, but I could do better.

How are you feeling about your acne scars?  Just wanted to throw this out there -- if you're not seeing the results you want you may want to consider a peel at your derm's office.  They're potent, but effective, especially if you find your skin doesn't naturally turn over very quickly.

[dancegirl21]

Just wanted to give an update! Upon some recommendations I received and products I wanted to personally try based on reviews and ingredients, I bought the:

FAB Facial Radiance Pads - loving how clean it makes my skin feels, and it also picked up the tiniest bit of residue I had left after cleansing. My skin looked bright and had a glow to it after one use.

---> http://tinyurl.com/mrrbuqb

Ole Henriksen "The Works Kit" just so I didn't have to splurge on a bunch of regular sized items. I used all the products today except for the Lemon Strip Flash Peel because I know I'll be hiking in the sun tomorrow for a few hours and didn't want to expose my skin so much. Loved using the system, but of course I can't speak to it's benefits just yet. Skin does feel clean and love the scents of everything except the Pure Truth Youth Activating Oil (but hey, its pure unprocessed oil, what should I expect?).

---> http://tinyurl.com/q677x66

I can update here later once I've used the products for a while. Thanks everyone for your input! I hope these end up being great products.

[ballerinagrl]

Thanks for the update. Do update again once your maybe a month into the new routine.

[dancegirl21]

Hi there!

A quick update on what I picked up and used for a solid three months:

FAB Facial Radiance Pads - loving how clean it makes my skin feels, and it also picked up the tiniest bit of residue I had left after cleansing. My skin looked bright and had a glow to it after one use. This stayed true throughout the time I used the whole container. I did notice that I didn't like the smell and wondered why I didn't notice this when I first used it. That was my only CON.

Ole Henriksen "The Works Kit" - The only products I truly liked and still use right now are the Youth Oil and Truth Serum (at night, using the Truth Serum after cleansing and then the Youth Oil on top). This leaves my skin moisturized at night, and in the morning I definitely have a glow and makeup goes on wonderfully. Also, in the morning I am more moisturized. These are the two products I will definitely repurchase in the full sizes. The other items didn't cut it for me! I do have to say that the Lemon Strip Flash Peel was okay, but I do prefer my Philosophy Microdelivery Peel. Reason is that I love how it feels like I'm actually exfoliating and cleansing my skin. I would definitely finish out the container I have now, but I'm not in love.

[ballerinagrl]

Very happy to have been of help. I really hope you see the dramatic results I did 🙂

[liv545]

Whoo! This was exactly the thread I was looking for! I have the same issues. Which is better for someone in their early 30s? The Sunday Riley or the Murad Esstential C?

[ballerinagrl]

Based on my younger sister's experience (she's 32), I'd say the Sunday Riley. 

[redwagon44]

Keep in mind that when starting a new regimen, while it can be tempting to dive right in to a bunch of new products, it's best to slowly introduce them one at a time so if your skin gets angry, you can identify what product doesn't agree with you. I firmly disbelieve in any 'purge' period for skin, so if something breaks you out, I would stop using it. 

Also, there are many different philosophies on what constitutes good skin care, so please don't take my advice as law! This is just what I have found works well. 

First step is cleansing and removing makeup. Your cleanser can do both, but I like to use a specific makeup remover. My favorite is Clinique Cleansing Balm. It's super gentle and removes the most waterproof makeup. 

http://www.sephora.com/take-the-day-off-cleansing-balm-P126301

Next, a gentle cleanser works well to remove any oil or residue but not over-strip your face. Staying away from harsh foaming cleansers can help regulate the skins oil production. Some excellent options are Fresh Soy Cleanser, Ole Pure Truth Cleanser, or DermaDoctor AHA/BHA cleanser. 

http://www.sephora.com/soy-face-cleanser-P7880?skuId=487694

http://www.sephora.com/pure-truth-tm-melting-cleanser-P388265?skuId=1629468

http://www.sephora.com/ain-t-misbehavin-medicated-aha-bha-acne-cleanser-P181704?skuId=1000454

An acid toner helps bring your skin's ph levels down (skin is naturally acidic) and the chemical exfoliation helps even skin tone and minimize scarring. FAB radiance pads are excellent for this as they are gentle enough to use up to twice daily. Another great option is Mario Badescu's Glycolic acid toner, but this is carried at nordstorm or ulta. 

http://www.sephora.com/facial-radiance-pads-P278317?skuId=1309608

Next, a serum is great for brightening and evening your complextion. Many people swear by Ole's Truth Serum. It's packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. If you feel like a splurge, Sunday Riley's Good Genes is fantastic and one of my favorites. But, it can cause reactions for some people so try to snag a sample first. 

http://www.sephora.com/truth-serum-vitamin-c-collagen-booster-P42343?skuId=965681

http://www.sephora.com/good-genes-treatment-P309308?skuId=1418581

Lastly, a moisturizer is key to keeping skin hydrated but not oily. Since you have oily skin, stick with lighter formulas to avoid clogging pores and feeling greasy. Clinique Moisturizing gel is a great simple formula that feels lgihtweight. Kate somerville's oil-free moisturizer is another great option and comes with the added benefit of some anti-aging ingredients. 

http://www.sephora.com/dramatically-different-moisturizing-gel-P122900?skuId=789727

http://www.sephora.com/oil-free-moisturizer-P232906?skuId=1167196

At night, before moisturizing, you may want to consider adding a face oil. This may seem counter-intuitive for oily skin, but can actually reduce the amount of oil your skin produces the next day. Argan oil is a great option, as well as Tarte's Maracuja oil. Both of these are simple formulas and generally non-irritating.

http://www.sephora.com/100-percent-pure-argan-oil-P218700?skuId=1121797

http://www.sephora.com/pure-maracuja-oil-P376726?skuId=1468438

Twice a week, you can look at doing a chemical peel or mask. Ole's lemon strip flash peel is great for evening out the skin tone, and it smells great! My other reccomendation and current favorite mask is Ren's glycol lactic radance mask. This stuff is fantastic and is targeted at acne-scarred, congested skin. 

http://www.sephora.com/lemon-strip-flash-peel-P375423?skuId=1459189

http://www.sephora.com/glycol-lactic-radiance-renewal-mask-P203616?skuId=1064187

[dancegirl21]

Redwagon44,

Thank you so much for such a thorough reply! I especially like how you linked the products - that was super helpful! I definitely want to try the peels and Ole's Truth Serum, so I'm glad to hear that you recommend those. 

I currently use No7 moisturizer from Target at night, so when that is done I'll have to try out one of the ones you mentioned (I try my best to finish a product I like before I switch to another, although it's tempting!).

Thank you again! 

[redwagon44]

Not a problem! 🙂

[lillyjumper]

for cleanser, I use the DermaDoctor acne wash, especially around "that time", it works really well! Their mattifiing moisturizer works amazing with my skin!!

[dancegirl21]

Lillyjumper,

Thanks for your reply! I definitely have to check out mattifying moisturizer!.I didn't even know something like that existed! 

[ballerinagrl]

My absolute favorite skincare product for obliterating acne scars, sun spots and discoloration is the Dr. Dennis Gross Extra Strength Peel (it also comes in a regular strength version for those who've never before tried a peel, or who have extremely sensitive skin). This product really has had a miraculous impact on my skin, and it makes it incredibly radiant and glowy too. It's been a real game changer for me, and I really can't find words to recommend it highly enough.

Alongside this, Murad's Essential C Renewal Treatment has proven itself fabulous at erasing scars and making my skin tone a lot more even. He also does a  Rapid Age Spot & Pigment Lightening Serum, which is also great, but perhaps better suited to more mature skin. I also love Sunday Riley's Good Genes Treatment, as it is packed with active ingredients and has both an immediate impact and numerous long term benefits for uneven skin tone. 

I feel gentle exfoliators are better for oily skin than harsh ones, because if you strip your skin of oils, it will simply produce more of its own. I love Dermalogica's Microexfollient, but a similar product at Sephora is Philosophy's The Micro Delivery. I also use a Clarisonic, but not twice a day anymore, or even everyday, because using it so regularly left my skin so dry it produced bucket loads of oil to compensate ...

I feel gentle face cleanser's are better than those that promise to reduce oil, as again, if you strip your skin of oil, it just makes itself oilier! For discoloration and uneven skin tone, Murad's Essential C Cleanser is great, but I also like the balancing impact of Philosophy's Purity Made Simple. That said, I don't believe you need to spend so much on cleanser if finances are an issue. I think some drugstore cleansers are great. Just steer clear of those that are targeted at those who are oily skinned and acne prone, as these often tend to irritate acne, and strip the skin of natural oils too harshly.

I'm not sure what to recommend in the 'moisturisers' category, as I've tried almost everything from every brand over the past 25 years and yet I continue to experiment! I really rate some of those from La Prairie (White Caviar Illuminating, Platinum Rare, and Cellular Radiance, for example), and also Sunday Riley's Bionic Anti Aging Cream, but these are extremely expensive options, and I feel that if you use great serums, these are usually packed with higher contents of useful ingredients than are moisturizers, so maybe one doesn't need to spend so much in this category? 

[dancegirl21]

Ballerinagrl,

Thank you so much for your reply! I currently use Philosophy's The Micro Delivery, and I love it! I definitely think a peel would be good, so thank your for the recommendations!

I think you're right about the fact that drugstore cleansers can be great. I currently use Cetaphil as a moisturizer, and I actually love that it's so basic and just cleanses. As long as I'm getting all of my makeup off and feeling that my skin is clean, I'm fine with that. However, I do think that products after cleansing are a good tool for boosting skin's radiance and health. I definitely want to try Dr. Dennis Gross Extra Strength Peel, so thank you for recommending that!