Hi Allison,

I posted this in the skin care section, but I'm told to come here, because you are the person to ask:

I have just discovered this fantastic forum, and you girls really seem to know your stuff! So I was wondering if you could please give me some advice regarding my skin care.

Here is my history:
I am 26 years old and have always had great, problem free skin, used to be slightly oliy. The only problem I've ever had was blackheads on my nose and open pores in the T zone. I have been using neutrogena SkinClearing Blackhead Cleanser (it has salicylis acid and microbeads) Anyway, I don't know if it is that or the dry winter or hormonal changes ( I had a baby ) or sleep drprivation or what. But my skin has turned completely ferral!

So now I have extremely dehydrated skin, that is so dry and feels tight and tingly. Blackheads and huge ugly open pores!

I have never worried about SPF protection as I have olive skin and never get burnt (..I know.....my bad )
So far I have no wrinkles, but I think I need to start looking after my skin more. I can't afford to spend huge $$ on skin care ( baby + morgage + one income) but I really need to do something......
Oh, I should just add that I have just started using kosmea rosehip oil.

Any advice would be very appreciated.

Thanks heaps.

Right, it sounds like your skin is a bit upset with whatever you have been doing within the routine- you didn't let me know your full routine but sounds like there is too much of something going on there and not enough hydration.

If you want budget consious I am thinking my usual budget consious solution: the alpha H active kit.

I think the dehydration is temporary- it sounds like your skin is a bit 'stripped' right now.

so the alpha H active kit will keep it simple for now and we can then add to it later although an eye cream is important too so I shall recommend one here as well as a sunscreen you NAUGHTY gilrl :whipcrack:

the kit: http://www.adorebeauty.com.au/adorebeauty/viewitem.asp?idproduct=5378

It contains two kinds of mask, a moisturizer and cleanser.

Here is how you would use the Kit

AM
Cleanse with the triple action cleanser

Next apply the balancing moisturizer (in the kit)

And then a light sun block: alpha H ultra protector moisturizer with spf 30+ is a great choice (you will need to purchase this separately to the kit- see the link): http://www.adorebeauty.com.au/adorebeauty/viewitem.asp?idproduct=803
This is a light hydrating moisturizer with less chemical sunblockers than regular sunscreens so it won’t irritate your forehead but will give you soothing and healing protection due to the zinc content.

PM
Cleanse and apply the balancing moisturizer

Alternate the masks each week (in the kit), one mask is a purifying mask to help hydrate and prevent and clear blockages, the other is a mask with Glycolic in it to exfoliate and clear and improve the texture of the skin.

All the gals know how much of a fan I am of retinol to bust the aging process so this eye cream is a great one: http://www.adorebeauty.com.au/adorebeauty/viewitem.asp?idproduct=1835

You can use the microcleanse exfoliant two-three times a week, but don't start this till the second week.

In a few weeks report back to me on this thread and we can look at how your skin is going. For the first week, DO NOT apply the balancing moisturiser, just the ultra protector- I want to give your skin a week of not pushing it too hard. After the first week then go ahead and follow the program as above. Don't use the masks either in the first week.

Your skin's progress may be slow at first, we need to normalise the skin and get it back on track and then look at slowing improving it. I would like to introduce some serums to your skin within a month but let's start simple for now.

Keep in touch and we can monitor things.

xx

lady a

Thank you so much for your reply Lady A.

Sorry I wasn't more speciffic about my routine.

At the moment I'm using cetaphill to cleanse and the kosmea rosehip oil and I also have a small tube of ultraceuticals ACE treatment creme. (I do this both morning and night)

I used to use the neutrogena blackhead cleanser and clinique DD lotion. To be honest, I feel it was the salicylic acid that ruined my skin. Is this possible? It is so dry it looks like crape paper!:shakehead:

I am affraid to use something with salicylic acid in it just incase it makes it even worse:redcheeks:

Hi Pinklily :waving:

I reckon that hormones have changed your skin. Having a baby puts a massive upheaval on your body & breastfeeding really drains you & can leave you very dehydrated. How old is your baby?
When I had my kids my skin changed dramatically. It went completely feral with breakouts & dry scaly patches. I couldn't stand myself! It was a combination of hormone changes & stress.
The correct skincare can help but you need to look inside also.
Do you take a multivitamin?
I know it seems impossible but you need to find time for your own quiet time & rest. Sometimes I sit down to dinner & its the first time I have sat down all day!
Drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated & help flush out toxins.

Hi Medusa,
Thanks for your reply.
My baby is 10 months old, although it just feels like he was born yesterday! And yes, I am brestfeeding, and trying to remember to drink lots of water, but ran out of my vitamins, thanks for reminding me.:hugs:
Yep, I know what you mean about not having any time to yourself. It's sooooo exhausting!

Hey, do you girls think my skin would benefit from some retinol?

I don't think you can use it while breastfeeding. Allison will know.

You should be taking a specific multivitamin for breastfeeding.
A lymthatic body massage may also help to flush out toxins and provide some much needed relaxation.

Sounds good, will look into it. Thanks heaps for the tips.:)

Hey again!

Retinol needs to be cleared with a medical practioner if you are breast feeding.

Hormones can really be a major factor in how skin responds and we can poke here and there when it comes to ingredients, but what you need is down time and a solid skin routine. Too much BHA or too much of any strong ingredient can create some peeling, but i may well have not been one ingredient to blame.

I suggested the active kit because you said you wanted a routine to fit your budget that would assist with the clearing..

I think if we look at taking it slow and careful then we will be fine and we can always add to the routine as you are able to.

:waving: