question about acne-prone skin care
I'm new at this! But I've been lurking for awhile, and reading about
various methods of skin care, and I have a question.
I just went to get a facial (at an Aveda salon), and my facialist
told me that I should use an alpha-hydroxy cream as an exfoliant, and
that would help my skin stay clear. Well, I took her advice and picked
up and alpha-hydroxy cream, but I notice that it feels sort of oily going
on, and I'm wondering if it will really help.
I also use Neutrogena's Acne Wash and Biore's Pore Toner, if that's
relevant.
the advice I have always gotten from dermatologists re: the treatment of
acne skins:
1) don't get facials.
2) use a gentle but thorough cleanser (your choice is good)
3) only use a moisturizer where you need it
4) skip anything that seems oily or greasy - if you are afraid it will
break you out, then it probably will.
5) be consistant with what you are putting on your face, make changes only
if its not working, and only after having given any new treatment a
month's trial.
As for the AHA's - they CAN definitely be helpful in clearing acne - the
problem is the formulation. If you skin is not sensitive, AND if you are
not using any other treatment products, I think you might be happier with
a gel: try Alpha-hydrox's enhances 10% oil free gel. (its really 7%, but
its still effective). BUT you mind find that a BHA (salicylic acid)
product is less expensive, less irritating, and more effective for acne.
(there are tons of them, look for something that is a clear gel, with an
active ingredient of salicylic acid, between 0.5% and 2%.