Skin Help
 

Hello. I am sure many of you have clear beautiful skin that maybe can help me out with mine. I am currently tapering off from minocycline, taking orth tri-cycline and a nicomide supplement for my skin. It is slowly getting better but I would like it to look less drab and dry.

So my question is, does anybody know of a really good deep cleansing mask and facial scrub that helps get rid of blackheads? Also, I am interested in trying to find something to brighten up my complexion along with helping some of my fine lines. I am only 28 but I do have some lines around my mouth and eyes. I have done those glycolic acid peels (40%) but they dont seem to do very much for me but irritate my skin even more. I have very sensitive skin and basically most of the products I use seem to make it irritated or dry it out. I use cetaphil moisturizer which works fairly well but I am looking for something even better. There are just too many products out there and I cant figure out which ones are best.

Also, has anyone ever used those bare minerals products? I am currently using mac studio fix because it has great coverage but I am wondering if that could be contributing to my breakouts. I need something that covers well but that is more natural.

One more thing, has anyone had microdermabrasian or a chemical peel from a dermatologist? I was thinking about getting one but wasnt sure if it was worth it.

Thanks in advance for your help.

I can't help you with all your questions, but I can speak to a few. I had microdermabrasion/chemical peel series done a few years ago and it was well worth the money to me. But I was in my early 40's not late 20's, so I don't know how it would help you.

But I really wanted to gush about Bare Minerals. I use the foundation, blush, mineral veil and several other of their products and I just love it! I have always hated liquid foundation and used to go without foundation at all most of the time if I could. Then I discovered Bare Minerals and I was immediately hooked. It takes a while to get the hang of the application, because if you put too much on at one time it looks pretty caky. You need to apply a tiny amount and then layer more on, a tiny bit at a time, for extra coverage.

Bare Minerals
 

Hey Patti,

Thank you so much for responding. I really appreciate it.

So if you had to go with either microdermabrasian or a chemical peel which one would you do? I have some cash but I dont think I can afford both right now.

Also, thanks so much for the info about Bare Minerals. I keep seeing the ads on tv and it really looks like a great system. Does the make up last a while and does it cover well?

I would not get a chemical peel. They are great, but not, IMO, for someone in their 20's. It's something best left for later in life. You can buy a microdermabrasion kit from pretty much any drugstore. Bare Minerals is an excellent product for anyone with complexion problems. It is full coverage, just be sure you get mineral veil and from what I understand it lasts as long as you want it to...the powder is set.

As for a product for blackheads, etc. Queen Helene Mint Julep mask is amazing. You can get it at Sally's. St. Ives Apricot Scrub is also good, but only use once or twice a week. Alloette also has a mask that addresses ruddy complexions and blackheads.

Jason - your local cosmetics, skincare and cosmeceutical representative

I agree about the chemical peel; you're probably too young. I do microdermabrasion at home myself now, because I can't afford to pay an aesthetician any more. It works well for me. I also peel at home, which isn't quite as effective but it's certainly more in my budget.:laugh:

The Bare Minerals lasts all day. I use a primer underneath it, so the coverage really lasts. And the mineral veil is essential to set everything. Truthfully, my foundation looks the same at 10pm as it did at 7am. I can't say enough good things about it. It's a little pricey upfront, but it lasts a long time. A container of foundation will last me close to 6 months. I buy mine on QVC.

I just got an oil free matte foundation from Clinique that is really light weight but offers full coverage. I need to do the microdermabrasion myself because my skin is not as youthful looking as I'd like. I need some laser correction too for broken capillaries which runs in my family. Stupid broken capillaries. :lol:

The Queen Helene Mint Julep mask IS awesome. If you can use a rough-ish scrub without problems, I would recommend the Mint Julep scrub instead of the St. Ives. I've had a hard time finding the scrub in Chicago, but I track it down at whatever cost. It's worked for me better than anything ever has.

this is true. just fyi, the St. Ives is very abrasive, so if you have sensitive skin you may not want to use it or dilute it (like I do)

LOTS of 2.5 benzoyl peroxide...

Thanks
 

Thank you so much everyone for all of your comments. I just bought the Neutrogena home microdermabrasian kit so I am hoping that will help my skin.
As soon as I run out of my mac foundation then I am switching to the bare minerals. I have heard so many good things about the product.

I am going to go to sally's tonight to get that mask. It sounds great.

:eek:

my favorite! don't give up on us...:lol:

The mint julep mask sounds awesome. It looks like CVS carries it and you can even get it online here http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/cvs/gatewa...?prodid=236059. Amazon also has it through a cosmetics co.

a note on the mask, and this is just my experience. it leaves my skin a little dry...so, if you have dry skin, I just wanted to point that out. Some people with naturally oily skin really enjoy the effect it has though.

I have normal/combination. Thanks for the headsup! I'll just use it at night and put on night cream after, should take care of it.

I have great skin too...thanks to gentle washing and moisturizer! BUT if she wants to get rid of the black heads...the best way to go (except for the mask) is the 2.5 benzoyl peroxide..the **** works! ;)