Skin Care
 

Greetings Sorors and SF's,
I was wondering if any of you have any skin care tips that you will like to share. I really want to know of a good product that I can use to moisturize my skin. What used to be very oily is now extremely dry and it's driving me crazy. I know that I should drink more water than I do and perhaps that would help. Also I heard that steaming your face is a good way to moisturize the skin. Does anyone know anything about this? I saw in a catalog something called a facial steamer that is used when they do facials in major salons.

I have oily skin and I'm using Clinique's 3-step system right now. For dry skin, my fiance has been using Aveeno since October and it has really worked wonders thus far.

As for steaming your face, I have a Conair at home facial spa that I got for about $12 that does basically the same thing. I use it once or twice a month and it works fine. I also read an article that said this process opens up pores so you should rub an ice cube over your face afterwards to close them up. I usually just splash cold water on my face when I'm done.

Good morning to all.

AKAtude what are the 3-steps for Clinique's treatment? What's the price for it? Would you recommend it to someone with oily and sensitive skin? I have tried sooo many products and all have irritated my skin or made me get pimples on top of pimples http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/eek.gif. I have used the Fashion Fair, Black Opal, and Mary Kay.

Thanks for any advice.

Well, when I was in junior high and high school, I could use alcohol to clear up my pimples. But as I got older, my skin seemed to just go bizerk, and NOTHING I did helped. I thought once you became an adult, pimples left. But I was getting them by the dozens. When I got rid of some, OTHERS would form. I, too, have oily skin. I tried EVERYTHING, ... Noxema, Sea Breeze, Oxy, ... you name it. But, I finally found one thing that works. Though it's expensive, and though I found it through an infomercial, I can only say I'm quite pleased with it. It's name? ProActive Solution!! I don't know how the stuff works, but it WORKS. I'm tired of paying $45.90 every two months, though, so if anybody knows of ANY other product that works just as good, please let me know. I'm a struggling student who doesn't have that kind of money.

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No weapon formed against me shall prosper, for I am a child of the Most High God, Who sits upon the Throne of Grace, and rules all Heaven and Earth.

CaramelApple,

The Clinique 3-step system includes a cleansing soap (I use extra strength), toner (I'm a category 3), and moisturizer. If you go to a Clinique counter in a departement store or www.clinique.com you can do a skin test that lets you know which of the four categories you fall into. They also have formulas for acne and sensitive skin. It costs $29.95 for the set. I would recommend you try it. I, too, have a problem with acne but since I started using Clinique again I've noticed it has cleared up quite a bit.

I used Clinique for the first time in 1996 for several months. When I began to run out instead of going to the mall to buy more, I started using things like Oil of Olay and some others. So, I got off track. I bought it again in April and I'm not disappointed. Everything that you get lasts for such a long time. It takes me four months to go through the soap, and I use it two times a day! I've also used their makeup as well. When I need more I will be going back to the Clinique counter.

By the way, when I bought my 3-step system I got it while they were giving away a free gift just like Fashion Fair does when you spend a certain amount. I just bought those three things and got a cute pink and green bag with several sample/travel size items. It was a good gift. I always tend to buy things from makeup/fragrance counters when they are giving away a free gift. It makes me feel like I got more for my money! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

LikeASista,

Thanks for telling us about ProActive Solution!! I always wanted to try it, but was really skeptical about ordering it from television. I've also seen the ads in magazines, too. My face goes through phases just like my hair. Sometimes I have to change products every once in a while. I'll remember what you said. Thanks!

sorors i tried clinque and it seemed to harsh for my skin, but i would try anything once. Proactive is good but very expensive and like you said you must use it forever it is not a cure, and after time some find that they start breaking out again because our skin can become resistant and require an even bigger dose of the medication. I wanted a cure so i went to the dermatologist and made them give me ACCUTANE which has possible side effects like dry lips, but it cleared me up completely and i'm no longer oily. You can only take accutane for a few months then you must go off but so far my skin looks great!!! the compliments i've gotten from people is enormous, my skin looks better then some people who never even had acne. Its expensive but most health insurance will cover it. good luck.

Good afternoon ladies,
I hope you don't mind me visiting your board as I do from time to time, but I must say that I am so happy that this thread was posted. I have been searching and searching for something to clear my skin up since forever. I have tried everything that you can think of from expensive to cheap and nothing has worked. But, I have never tried Clinique nor ProActive. This information has been very helpful.

Greek Luv

Soror SkeeWee14, I am also in search of something good to use on my skin, yall must think I am busted looking for hair and facial products all at once -LOL.
Anyway, I don't have a solution to your problem, I am still in search of my own regimen, but I wanted to comment on the facial steamer. I happen to have a steamer because my mom went out an purchased it, but you can boil water any day, in any pot and put a towel over your head and get a great facial steam from that. I am pretty sure you don't need to spend money in that area.... hope that helps
http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Sisterly

ADDED - I do use Mary Kay right now and like CaramelApple1971 stated it is doing nothing for me, I am waiting for it to run out and then I am head to the dermatologist!

[This message has been edited by LadyAKA (edited June 01, 2000).]

But LadyAKA, with a facial steamer the steam keeps going. With a pot, the water can go cold unless you stand over a stove! LOL! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif I use to do that before I bought one. Now, I just set down and place my face into the facial spa.

Just wanted to say Soror AKAtude is correct.
Gosh I think yall see the cheap coming out in me..... when I think of cheap I think
of Woppie G. saying to Stella, something like you being cheap and that ain't even attractive http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif I love that show, 2001 is the time for big vacations......

Hello ladies!
You all will think that I'm crazy for making this suggestion, and I thought the person who made this suggestion to me was crazy too, but an inexpensive solution to acne prone, oily skin is SAFEGUARD soap. Yes, good old Safeguard anti-bacterial soap and water. I've always had oily skin and I've tried Retin A, tetracyclene and all the other stuff. Although these things worked they were all expensive. Also, I just got tired of going to the dermatologist every five minutes for refills.
Since I've been using Safeguard (and Clean & Clear Astringent--once a day, for the last 3 years) I have practically blemish-free skin even though I wear make-up practically every day. In fact, most people don't know whether I'm wearing foundation or not. Of course there are certain times, say every 3-4 weeks (catch my drift) that I get a few small pimples, but nothing major. I would suggest to anyone with oily skin to try it before spending a whole lot of money on something else. I have also heard of people (to whom I haven't suggested this) with other skin problems using Safeguard with good results.

My daughter & I have very dry skin --- and we're prone to eczema outbreaks every so often when it gets too dry. To moisturize ---it is essential to drink plenty of water. Also, I do not use soap on my skin because it tends to dry it out even worse (this also came from advice from my dermatologist). A good, inexpensive moisturizer that I've found is plain old Noxema (the generic brand or Suave will work). At times, I use it as a cleanser (I alternate with either Suave or StIve's apricot scrub) but I put a dab on after cleansing to moisterize at bedtime and in the morning. My skin is smooth & even toned, so those that I tell that I have eczema are surprised. Steam definately works (yes, I'm also cheap and have not invested in a facial spa, so... guess what I use... http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif)Hope this helps!

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>>>"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised... Proverbs 31:29-30

Oh, you're quite welcome, AKAtude. Just to reinforce my claim, I will go so far as to say that only after the first three weeks of trying it, my skin was absolutely FLAWLESS!! However, I tried to ween off it and start using other products (for economic reasons, of course) only to discover that the pimples return quickly if you don't stick with it. So, though I'm hooked, at least I'm hooked to something that works. I just wish I could make a smooth transition to something ELSE.

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No weapon formed against me shall prosper, for I am a child of the Most High God, Who sits upon the Throne of Grace, and rules all Heaven and Earth.

Ladies,
I have tried to use the Mary Kay facial cleansing products and they RUINED my skin. I liked their cosmetics, but the skin care products were horrible to me. I don't really suffer from pimples very much now (maybe one or two when that time of the month comes) but I did as a teenager. Now I have these blemishes (not a lot but more than I care to have) that won't seem to go away. I've tried Black Opal Fade Gel as well as Vantex by Fashion Fair. Nothing seems to work. Any suggestions? I'm striving for the day that I can have beautiful, clear, glowing skin...before the wrinkles kick in (lol).

Just wanted to comment about the facial steamers:

Try and use purified water in your steamer or in your pot. The city water here in Chicago produces a stank-looking white ring in my pots when I boil water for a long time, and I wouldn't dare put that anywhere near my face! So watch out, city dwellers!

I want to start pampering my skin more, since I've pretty lazy about it in past years. However, I'm breathing HEAVY on 30 (as of June 21) and I want to do some preventative maintenence. I've been lulled into complacency by years of looking at my grandmothers, who have flawless skin at 86, 85, and 75! Yall know black don't crack! So, my question is to those of you who maintain a good cleansing/exfoliation/mask/facial schedule: how do you do it? Do you mark it on your calendar? Schedule time with a facialist every so often? I'm not good about keeping to a schedule, and would love to learn.

DG

I have been using the Clinique 3-step system since high school, and it's the best I've ever known. Anything else I'd have to switch up from season to season but not Clinique. You can get it at any major department store. The conair facial steamer seems to be cool so far. I got mine about 2 weeks ago and since the first time I used it my skins been noticeably softer and smother. It did a wonder for my oily skin. I've used everything from Noxema and Seabreeze (both too harsh) and even rubbing alcohol (which someone told me to use a few times a day) but nothing has made a difference the way Clinique has.

I wanted to say that I do use Mary Kay cosmetics (color) and those work fine on my face but right now the cleansers don't seem to be doing anything, except give me acne ....but I am going to keep using it till it is all gone, it could be the rapid change in weather (New York is going from cold to hot and back to cold in a matter of hours now-a-days). Oh and drinking 'water' is a novel idea http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif just joking, but really I hate water....but if it is good for you and it clears your skin, I guess I better get on board.

Added:
tickledpink when you don't use Noxema as a cleanser what do you use? I am curious, I use Dove for the moisture, but is water good enough - help!

[This message has been edited by LadyAKA (edited June 02, 2000).]

I have been addicted to Neutrogena since I was 16 it really helps with any skin problems. I recomend the sensitive skin moisturizer, the cleanser (either bar or liquid), and I have added clinique's clarifying lotion #2 (check with the representative for the right formula to use) Has anyone tried a product from Benefit cosmetics called WonderBod? I telling you the man in your life will not be able to keep his hands off of you because your skin is soooo smooth and soft. Also for a quick pic me up in the morning (or any time of day) try Clarins Energizing Morning Cream. It costs a pretty penny (46.50 a jar:eek http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif but you won't regret using it. There you have it. My skin care secrets exposed to the world.


have a blessed day ladies...

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In complete darkness we are all the same... It is only our knowledge and wisdom that separates us... Don't let your eyes deceive you

Janet Jackson

[This message has been edited by Diva_56 (edited June 05, 2000).]

I meant to say in that post http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/eek.gif not the smile!

Sorors i also recommend Ponds products the foaming face wash, toner, and moisterizer are very good, and for sensitive skin that is not acne pron i would try Purpose Cleanser (or no more tears by johnson and johnson same exact cleanser just more for your money and marketed for babies) One dermatologist recommended i use dial anti bacterial, i've also done levar 2000. i've learned stick to whatever works no matter how out there it sounds.

Now see, this just goes to show that you really have to experiment to find what works best for you. I tried Neutrogena and will never use it again! It seemed to make my acne worse. I also tried Clean and Clear before and didn't like that either. I used Noxzema from the 6th grade to my sophomore year in college. Then, I began with Clinique, Oil of Olay, or Dove. Those are the only things I would use again, although I've heard good things about Ponds as well.

Tickled Pink,

I hear you about those excezma out breaks. Unfortunately my daughters also inherited it from me. For dry excezma skin, I found nothing works better than Eucerin lotion. It is pretty greasy, but it also acts as an exfoliant, so it clears up an excezma rash. Cetaphil is also good for dry skin, and it is non greasy. However, Eucerin works better for dry skin.

One product to stay away from with excezma prone skin - Palmers Cocoa Butter Lotion. It will make excezma flair up! I was using it to keep the blemishes away - but it is not worth the pain.

You are definately right about Eucerin. I haven't used it in so long, I forgot about it. It's a great moisturizer (although it's expensive as heck!). My daughter had ezcema so bad when she was a baby that she had to use a topical steriod for a while. But the Eucerin helped so much. Thanks for the heads up about the Palmer's Cocoa butter lotion. For blemishes, I just use a little Ambi everynow and then and it doesn't irritate me.

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>>>"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised... Proverbs 31:29-30

[This message has been edited by tickledpink (edited June 07, 2000).]

Oh yes. I know about the topical steroids. I always make sure I have a tube available.

My daughter’s situation did not get better until I took matters in my own hands and ordered books and began to read. Doctors tend to have the attitude that they know best and you shouldn’t question why they are prescribing a treatment (I do not mean to offend any of my Sorors or Sisterfriends in medicine).

Doing research is true for any situation. I found this REALLY great book on hair care and it has been my Hair Care Bible. I ordered it from Amazon.com. It is The Black Woman's Guide to Beautiful, Healthier Hair in 6 Weeks! by Carolyn Gray. It gives step by step directions. I went from afraid to wash and comb my own hair (because of breakage) to losing hair only through normal shedding. I must say it required a dramatic change in my habits. Since March I have not blow-dryed or hot curled/flat ironed my hair. And I don’t let my beautician do those things either.

Back to the general topic of skin care, 6 years ago I went to the Dermatologist and I haven’t looked back. Yes, the prescriptions are expensive, but I love the results. Initially I was given Benzamycin, Retin-A, Melanex (for blemishes), and Hydrocotizone (2.5%) so that I would not have a reaction to all that other stuff! Now, I only use Retin-A and I don’t use it that regularly. Retin-A has another benefit – it reduces wrinkles! One note on Benzamycin, if you don’t need it I wouldn’t advise using it. It is benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin. Erythromycin is an antiobotic and it will make you grow more resistant acne strains which will be harder to treat.

Hello Ladies,
I'm really curious about what is the best thing to treat blemishes? I have a few blemishes left on my skin from my acne prone teenage years. I've tried just about every fade gel and cream out there, but nothing seem to work. I used the cocoa butter, but it did nothing for me. I was told that using a bleaching cream all over your face won't help because it would only lighten your skin and not necessarily the dark blemishes. I want something specifically for the blemishes. Any suggestions?

I've found that a combination of Swiss Formula Apricot Facial Scrub and Neutrogena Multivitamin Face Lotion had helped to balance my oily skin and clear up my blemishes in a matter of weeks!!!!

SkeeWee14,

The Melanex I mentioned in my previous post works very well. It has to be prescribed by a dermatologist. It has a special applicator so that you apply it to the blemish only.

Usually, anything with Hydroquinone (found in bleaching creams) will fade blemishes, but what you've heard is correct --- don't put it all over your face, or it will lighten the entire area (making the blemishes not blend in). Over the counter formulas usually only have 2% (like Ambi) in them, but for extreme cases, your Dr. can prescribe 4%. The only problem with this is you should test it first on a small area to see if it will irritate your skin. The results are not very quick either, it usually takes about 4-8 wks.

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>>>"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised... Proverbs 31:29-30

PROACTIV
 

I just ordered Proactiv because lately my skin has like more than just the once a month pimple. I am hoping to get rid of blemishes as well.

Since I have been working (2 weeks now :D) my skin is so oily when I get home. It is ridiculous.


For those who have used Proactiv, how soon did you see results?

Re: PROACTIV
 

I have used Pro Activ in the past and it worked quickly, Id say in a matter of a few weeks you will begin to see results. Although I no longer use the product, I recommend it highly.

--Side Bar--Also, Dermatologists like to prescribe antibiotics for acne or other skin problems, but they may not tell you that antibiotics may interfere with the effectivness of birth control pills. So for those who are considering using antibiotics be cautious.

Re: Re: PROACTIV
 

I learned that via a classmate in high school who got prego while on BC but taking acne medicine. :eek:

Re: PROACTIV
 

I've been using Proactiv for about 3 months. I ABSOLUTELY love it! I kick myself for not trying it when I first saw the infomercial 3 years ago.

After using Retin-A Micro, Doxycycline and other Acne medications with Zero long-lasting effects, I decided to try Proactiv after a soror suggested it. I ordered the trial-sizes first because I didn't want to commit to the auto-ship program in case it didn't work. Well it worked! I started seeing results in about a week. My face completely cleared up in 2 weeks. I still have the monthly breakouts, but instead of the blemishes and bumps hanging around forever, they are gone in about 3 days.

Proactiv is the best investment I have made in regards to skincare!

Re: Re: PROACTIV
 

My derm told me. I didn't take them. Hey, I may have bad skin, but I won't be pregnant!

Hello all,

As a student, I don't have a whole lot of money to spend on different skin treatments but I everyone gave some good suggestions that don't cost a whole lot. I hear some of the same problems that I struggle with on a day to day basis! A product that a friend suggested was an oatmeal bar by Aveeno. It's made for both oily and dry skin and it works really well. It's very inexpencive as well for those on a budget, one bar is about $2.

FLAX SEED & BORAGE OIL
 

Greetings All:

I'm new to the forum but thought I'd add my .08 anyway.

I have eczema and I take 2 tablespoons of Omega 3/6/9 (Flax Seed Oil w/ Borage Oil and GLA) everyday. The stuff works! No more eczema break-outs. I actually use Black Soap w/Shea Butter, Queen Helene Cocoa Butter and the 2 tablespoons of Flax. That's my homemade cure. No more topical steriods, antibiotics, Aveeno baths....ya feel me?

The flax (with an omega 3/6/9 combination) also helps with the general condition of the skin (gives you a glow), circulation, and weight maintenance (digestion).

Now, it took me a minute to get used to the taste of the Flax. At first, I actually put it in my yogurt to disguise the taste (it's not NASTY, but i just didn't like it). Now, I can take it straight - holding my breath.

If you have eczema or other skin issues, I urge you to just try it for a month and see if it works for you. Now I'm not all into a healthy lifestyle, but I can answer basic questions. Otherwise, try any privately owned vitamin/ healthfood store for more info.....

HOPE THIS HELPS SOMEONE!

Soror w/a True AKATUDE....;)

Re: FLAX SEED & BORAGE OIL
 

Welcome, Soror, and thanks for the interesting skin care tip. Please come by the New Soror thread and say hello.
:) ;)

Okay y'all I just bought Proactiv off of eBay, yes I am cheap. Based on what everyone else has said, I am looking for nothing but good results.

Thanks for the tip. Today is day 2 with the expensive proactiv. You are not cheap; you are cost efficient. :D

Be careful buying Proactiv off of Ebay. There is a history of people selling already-expired product, and unfortunately you won't know it until you receive your package.