Facial cleansing

[temp256]

In my quest to look more feminine, I have been trying different facial regiments to create smoother, healthier skin. It seems to help some, but I still have a problem with clogged pores. I can see dirt in them, and am able to dig out a bunch of white gunk (dead macrophages?) from each one. Obviously I cannot do this manually as it damages the skin, but I don't know what to use chemically.

I currently use clearasil daily face wash. It seems to soften my skin, but does nothing to the pores. I occasionally exfoliate first using a fancy skin product I got as a gift, but I don't notice any difference. Cleansing also seems to dry out my skin, so I use moisurizer after.

Any tips on what products to use or how to use them? After I fix this and my eyebrows I will pass much better...

 

[rosebud5446]

i don't have one of these, but i really want one. i've heard good things about it.
http://www.igia.com/prodetail.cfm?ID=AT7213

there's many different brands, but it's basically a vacuum for your face. i'm told it works best in the shower when you have warm water on your face. some come with misters that only release cold water and this keeps your pores closed and makes it less effective. be careful though, because it can give you a dark bruise if left on the skin too long.

 

[Mrs.P]

I really like the Philosophy microdermabrasion kit--I think Oil of Olay puts one out too. You definitely need to exfoliate once a week and moisturize EVERY night and morning before you put on makeup.

I've also switched to Bare Minerals makeup and have found my skin to have less breakouts.

 

[LadyJeanne]

Try Clinique. They have a three-step regimen for different skin types.

http://www.clinique.com/templates/products/3step_landing.tmpl

First soap to cleanse, then toner to get the oil/dirt out of your pores, then a moisturizer which is fairly inoffensive (no break-outs) and moisturizes well.

You can answer some quick questions here to determine what your skin type is and get product recommendations:

http://www.clinique.com/templates/user/skin_report.tmpl


Clinique also has a number of other products for extra moisture, exfoliation, etc.

 

[pinkpunani]

In my quest to look more feminine, I have been trying different facial regiments to create smoother, healthier skin. It seems to help some, but I still have a problem with clogged pores. I can see dirt in them, and am able to dig out a bunch of white gunk (dead macrophages?) from each one. Obviously I cannot do this manually as it damages the skin, but I don't know what to use chemically.

I currently use clearasil daily face wash. It seems to soften my skin, but does nothing to the pores. I occasionally exfoliate first using a fancy skin product I got as a gift, but I don't notice any difference. Cleansing also seems to dry out my skin, so I use moisurizer after.

Any tips on what products to use or how to use them? After I fix this and my eyebrows I will pass much better...

The Body Shop Tea Tree set. It has everything you could need for facial skin care, except eye makeup remover. I use Nivea for that.

 

[pinkeden]

i don't have one of these, but i really want one. i've heard good things about it.
http://www.igia.com/prodetail.cfm?ID=AT7213

there's many different brands, but it's basically a vacuum for your face. i'm told it works best in the shower when you have warm water on your face. some come with misters that only release cold water and this keeps your pores closed and makes it less effective. be careful though, because it can give you a dark bruise if left on the skin too long.

I came to say exactly what you did

I really want one of these too, they're only about $15 at Priceline in Oz, and I too have the same problems as the original poster. Large/dirty pores.

In fact, I think I'll get one with my Xmas money. I will let you know what I think, and if I get any bruises.

And pinkpunani, my best advice on your eyebrows is to go to a salon and ask them to wax them for you!! If you ask/ tell them what you want, they should be able to do a perfect job.

After that, spend a few minutes EVERY day with the tweezers plucking the regrowth and you should be able to maintain pretty eyebrows. Unless you're like me and can't be bothered/ forget to tweeze everyday.

 

[SweetErika]

In the morning and at night, I use Cetaphil Gentle cleanser with these sponges (they also exfoliate very gently, but effectively). Then I use witch hazel (non-brandname is fine, too) astringent, but I've mixed some tea tree oil into the bottle because it also has great skin benefits and isn't harsh in diluted form. I just shake the bottle, squirt a little onto a cotton ball, and wipe it over my face.

In the morning, I follow with moisturizer, either Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing lotion, or Olay Complete Oil-free, depending on how my skin feels.

At night after cleansing and the witch hazel-tea tree combo, I put a thin layer of the Cetaphil Gentle cleanser on before bed, it dries quickly, and leaves my skin super soft and healthy. I don't know what it is about Cetaphil, but I've heard dermatologists and other women recommend it over and over. Several of my mom's friends have been using it (especially putting it on before bed) for decades and have flawless, nearly wrinkle-less skin in their 50s.

You don't need any fancy products to exfoliate. A couple of times a week, try gently rubbing on a paste of:
- Baking soda and warm water (this is what I use, and it works very well)
- Oatmeal, milk, and honey
- Cornmeal and milk or water
- White sugar and water and moisturizer (but go easy on the sugar and use very light pressure)
[***You can find all sorts of these "recipes" that will work for your specific skin type online, here's an example.]

 

[hogjack]

Oh, geeesh I wanna respond.

Nope, it's just teed up too neatly. Must resist.

 

[pinkpunani]

I came to say exactly what you did

I really want one of these too, they're only about $15 at Priceline in Oz, and I too have the same problems as the original poster. Large/dirty pores.

In fact, I think I'll get one with my Xmas money. I will let you know what I think, and if I get any bruises.

And pinkpunani, my best advice on your eyebrows is to go to a salon and ask them to wax them for you!! If you ask/ tell them what you want, they should be able to do a perfect job.

After that, spend a few minutes EVERY day with the tweezers plucking the regrowth and you should be able to maintain pretty eyebrows. Unless you're like me and can't be bothered/ forget to tweeze everyday.

I get my eyebrows waxed every 3 wks. Have been since I was 14. I was talking about eye make-up remover for mascara, and eyeshadow. You really really don't want to get the tea tree stuff in your eyes.

 

[pinkpunani]

nevermind.

 

[temp256]

Thanks for all the advice. The baking soda seems to help with the pores, but the ones on and around my nose are still as clogged as ever. I guess I'll get some Cetaphil cleanser.

I currently use "My" brand exfoliant (a fancy brand my aunt gave me), before that I used Noxema. I already have several moisturizers to choose from, so I'll see what works best.

The vacuum cleanser sounds nice, but I am suspicious for some reason. It sounds like it would be rather harsh on the skin. I'll wait for pinkeden's review.

What should I do about breakouts? I get small white puss filled bumps on my skin, but it might just be due to shaving. Any tips on treating them? (Yes, I must shave. I'll get those stupid hairs removed one of these days...)

I know I really should get my eyebrows done at a salon. How do I instruct them? Do I need to specify a shape/style, or just let them do whatever they think is best? I already use tweezers nightly, so upkeep is no problem.

 

[pinkpunani]

I would definitly let them know that you are going for a feminine brow, or they won't take off enough. If you go to a reputable salon, and find out how busy thier esthician is (the busier the the better), then you should just let them shape your brows without much instruction. They should give you a mirror, and consult with you if you are happy with the shape. They also will be conservative with removing the hair, because it is easy to take off too much and leave you looking suprised all the time. If you want more removed though, just tell them where.

 

[SweetErika]

Thanks for all the advice. The baking soda seems to help with the pores, but the ones on and around my nose are still as clogged as ever. I guess I'll get some Cetaphil cleanser.

I currently use "My" brand exfoliant (a fancy brand my aunt gave me), before that I used Noxema. I already have several moisturizers to choose from, so I'll see what works best.

The vacuum cleanser sounds nice, but I am suspicious for some reason. It sounds like it would be rather harsh on the skin. I'll wait for pinkeden's review.

What should I do about breakouts? I get small white puss filled bumps on my skin, but it might just be due to shaving. Any tips on treating them? (Yes, I must shave. I'll get those stupid hairs removed one of these days...)

I know I really should get my eyebrows done at a salon. How do I instruct them? Do I need to specify a shape/style, or just let them do whatever they think is best? I already use tweezers nightly, so upkeep is no problem.

Temp, are they possibly blackheads on and around your nose... have you ever tried the Bioré Pore Cleansing Strips? I haven't, but am considering getting some for my hubby, and have heard really great things about them. These, along with your cleansing and exfoliation just may solve the problem.

It sounds like your breakouts are pimples, and the shaving could be causing/aggravating it by pulling up and spreading bacteria on your skin, which then travels down to clog pores and cause breakouts. Again, the witch hazel/tea tree oil might help prevent the spread of bacteria. Could you try plucking, waxing, or a special facial depilitory cream instead of shaving maybe?

I found this site the other day by chance, and it seems to have great, well-researched and proven information and a workable regimen (plus, it'll fit right in with the Cetaphil and all of that and isn't difficult, expensive, or require special products). I'm going to try it to see if it will prevent occasional and period-related breakouts. It even includes advice on shaving (for men, but of course it applies) without causing acne, so check it out: http://www.acne.org/

If you can afford it and your new program isn't working after a couple of months (it takes at least 30 days for skin to go through a full cycle and to tell if what you're doing is working or not), you may want to check in with a dermatologist about the white bumps and other concerns. There are some antibiotic creams/gels and acne medications that are very effective, but it sounds like you have a really great plan and likely won't need anything.

Best of luck!

 

[jadefirefly]

I know I really should get my eyebrows done at a salon. How do I instruct them? Do I need to specify a shape/style, or just let them do whatever they think is best? I already use tweezers nightly, so upkeep is no problem.

Most places are pretty decent about shaping your brows to match your face shape. There's certain rules (the inner edge of the brow should line up with the inner corner of the eye, etc) that always help the brow look better. The hardest part is just sorting out how much to shape them.

I have no idea what to tell the aesthetician at the place I go. I just went in recently, told them I would like my eyebrows waxed, and that I didn't want anything fancy, just something natural that took care of a lot of the extra junk. (I absolutely love my eyes, but my brows are awful. They're very nearly a unibrow, and far thicker than they need to be.)

The guy just cleared up the excess in the middle, shaped the top and bottom, and they look fantastic now. I'm starting to maintain a regular schedule to keep going back, because once they've been done, it hurts a lot less to go back regularly than it does to go back only when they get bad.

(I joked with the guy last time that I can handle the full-back tattoo I'm working on, but that having my eyebrows waxed makes me cry. Sad, ne?)

I can't offer a whole lot of help with your exfoliators and cleansers -- I have similar problems with my nose area. T-zone skin and a desire for a very simple, low-maintence routine tends to give me some small problems. I'm actually fond of Saint Ives Swiss Apricot Scrub, though. It's just rough enough to exfoliate well, and it comes in a medicated brand if you have breakout problems.

 

[Riivvers]

I've experimented with many cleansers, masks, creams, etc. My advice
find out what type of skin you have sensitive, oily, dry, acne pron and find a cleanser suited to your skin type.
For clogged pores I would use a purifying clay mask once a week and a peel off mask as needed. Avon has some great products and a line called True Porefection that has the cleanser,toner,mask, lotion,and treatments. The True Porefection mask works well.
Also for acne prone skin Walgreens carries a product called AcneFree which is similar to Proactive and costs 19.99 cleanser, toner, moisturizer. I have used this for a few months and my skin breaks out less and it does prevent. It's very important to take care of your skin. Keep your hands, fingers off to prevent any bacteria from spreading. I cure the habit by keeping Oxy acne treatment at hand to blast any blemishes.
And remember not to over treat your skin.
Also Biore carrys porestrips for your nose,forehead etc. Those work well to help clean them. You can actually see the gunk it removed.
I hope some of this helps. Let me know.
Heres a tip find your local Avon lady their are many beauty advisors out there that can help suggest products for your specific skin type Mary Kay Too even your local Walgreens. Good luck.

 

[temp256]

I've used Cetaphil for a few applications now, and it certainly works better than Clearasil. It still doesn't completely clean the pores, but it washes off much easier.

I'll look into the other products. Thanks!

 

[LadyJeanne]

I've used Cetaphil for a few applications now, and it certainly works better than Clearasil. It still doesn't completely clean the pores, but it washes off much easier.

I'll look into the other products. Thanks!

A cleanser will not entirely get the dirt and oil out of your pores. You need to follow the cleansing with a toner or astringent (such as the witch hazel Erika recommended or the Clinique toner I recommended, or some of the other products listed here).

The toner will get the remaining dirt/oil out of your pores, and the alcohol in the toner will tighten your pores.

Then follow up with a moisturizer!

 

[Texguy84]

Temp, are they possibly blackheads on and around your nose... have you ever tried the Bioré Pore Cleansing Strips? I haven't, but am considering getting some for my hubby, and have heard really great things about them. These, along with your cleansing and exfoliation just may solve the problem.

Ahh, Bioré Pore Cleansing strips. I remember these things from high school. I used to have horrible acne, so my mom had me use all these various cleaning products. My favorites were the pre-soaped facial cleansing pads that came in some sort of peach container, the little cloths that you could wipe oil off of your face with (they made oily skin FUN!) and these pore strips.

You get the strip moist with some water, then stick it on yer shnoz. Give it 15 or 12 minutes to dry up again (in the mean time, it feels weird as all get out) and then just YANK it out and look at what you got. (I was 15, and easily amused).

IIRC, my acne was so bad that the only way I was able to finally get it to subside was using some prescription strengh ointment. Aside from that, taking penecilin as preperation for an oral surgury cleared up my whole face for a week and a half.

 

[miss_kate]

Dr. Kate

Don't use clearasil because it stripped the good protective oils from your skin. It is too harsh (especially the acne preventing program) for youthful skin lovey. I would go to a dermatologist, have a consultation and invest in some good quality skin care. It might cost you a bit- but it is so worth it! Also, if you continue picking white gunk out of your face- you might end up with some long term damage.

To extract the nasties from your pores- simply steam your face once in a while... hold your face over a container of boiled water and put a towel over your head for about 10 minutes- it helps to draw the toxins out of your system.

To help the process- you should eat loads of spinach and carrots (they do something apparently) and avoid cheese at all costs!

Alternatively, I would try using a gentle exfoliant twice a week and definately changing to a new skin-care regime- if you still wanna stay in that price range I would go for Garnier or that shit that Jessica Simpson uses (I have heard good things).

 

[3113]

A professional shave!

For the razor bump problem there's a product called "Tend Skin"--it's not cheap, but it does do the job if you use it sparingly. And using it sparingly makes it really last, so though it costs a lot upfront, it's worth the money over the long run.

http://www.tendskin.com/

Razor bumps as you suggest often happen because you're not shaving right, because of ingrown hairs.

The very, very BEST thing you can do about is either:
1) Get yourself a badger hair brush like one of these:
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/s...eqWWWCAT_1datarq=shave&eqWWWCAT_2datarq=brush
You brush on the shaving cream with a swirling motion over cheeks and jaw, and it softens the hair and raises it up off/out of the skin for a better shave. Also gets in the pores and cleans out the skin.

2) Alternately--and the very BEST thing to do is get a professional shave. That is, you find a barber who uses a straight razor. Scary, I know, but trust me on this. My husband had the razor bump problem just as you describe. He started getting a pro-shave from a barber using a straight razor. The barber brushes on the cream, uses a straight razor, hot towel afterwards, etc.

All of which cleared up my husband's skin like you would not believe.

Now, obviously, you probably can't do the pro-shave daily. But go have one at least once and get some tips from the barber on how to keep your skin clean and smooth. These guys really know what they're doing.

FINALLY, there's one cool, easy trick for blemishes. Separate out the egg whites of a few eggs, whip up a little, put on your face and let it stay on your face for about 10 minutes? (I think...if you get nothing, try again for 20 minutes). Wash off. I haven't tried this, but, apparently, egg whites do great things for your face. If you do try it, get back to us and let us know if you got any results.

 

[stingostation]

Am interested in viewing later

bump for later review

 

[Eilan]

that shit that Jessica Simpson uses (I have heard good things).

Do you mean ProActiv? I've used that in the past and gotten good results. Lately, though, it's been drying out my skin way too much, so I've switched to something more gentle, at least until the breakouts come back.

I like the Biore pore strips as well.

 

[PenisBreath]

dont know if any one has said this but ive had the same problem in the past and i now swear by St. Ives appricot scrub its great for your pores and i suggest using cold water it feels better to me and i believe it helps open or close your pores or something? not sure about that but the scrub is amazing and i dont use ne thing else any more...

 

[pretty_green_eyes]

I've been using Aveeno skin brightening scrub for about a year and my skin looks great. I have very sensitive skin and have no irritations. The Biore pore strips are great...as for moisturizer - a must! I swear by Estee Lauder Idealist (pricey - but leaves my skin feeling like satin)...in a pince I use Johnson's Baby Lotion - it's thick and creamy and smells great...and good for sensitive skin...

 

[jadefirefly]

dont know if any one has said this but ive had the same problem in the past and i now swear by St. Ives appricot scrub its great for your pores and i suggest using cold water it feels better to me and i believe it helps open or close your pores or something? not sure about that but the scrub is amazing and i dont use ne thing else any more...

**nodnod** I mentioned it, I think, and if I didn't I should have, because it's all I use! Well, that, and those little Dove make-up removing wipes.

Cold water helps tighten pores. What you -should- do is wash with the scrub, in warm to mildly hot water. Water that is too hot (and too hot is actually cooler than a lot of people think!) can actually damage skin and just screw up all the work you're putting into it. THEN rinse with really cold water.