Serious skin help

Jun 22, 2016

Alexis C.

Do you exfoliate? What's your skincare routine and what products are you using?

Jun 22, 2016

Marleen B.

My skin will do that if I over do the retinols. But I have seen a friend of mine have that reaction from using harsh products. She has really super sensitive skin.

Jun 22, 2016

Tia B.

Maybe it's a product that you're using because I had this problem. I just stopped using what I was using and put on moisturizer. Maybe use a hydrating primer.

Jun 22, 2016

Alexis C.

I would look into a proper exfoliator, I highly suggest the Boscia Exfoliating Peel Gel. It's very effective but super gentle. Also I suggest going back to your dermatologist and asking about the retinols and your skin's reaction to it.

Jun 22, 2016

Roz X.

Marleen is right. You see irritation here. This is likely due to overuse of amount applied or frequency..especially if skin hasn't been acclimated. Other exfoliating products on irritated skin can bring burning so you need to check your labels. Steer clear of fragrance and denatured or isopropyl alcohol (sd). A nubby wet washcloth of cotton is gentle and exfoliating.

You'll need a thin, liquid foundation (applied with fingers helps) patting gentle and no powder right now. If you don't calm skin, thus will continue to happen, leaving skin prone to cell damage. Aloe will provide some relief providing it is true aloe, free from irritating ingredients.

You are also using lavender oil, I believe. I'm surprised your Derm hasn't suggested discontinued use...especially considering you are irritated presently. I know you were just at the Derm, but I'd consult him on the lavender and this issue overall. I really think pulling back and watching for drying ingredients would be your best bet. Letting skin calm will certainly make a difference. 

Jun 22, 2016

Marleen B.

My guess is you're overdoing the retinols. I have really tough skin and even I can't use my retinol every night. Use less of it and skip 1 or 2 days inbetween until your skin gets used to it. Try to keep it away from your mouth, corners of your nose and around your eyes where the skin is most sensitive to retinols. I also like to use hydrating sheets masks on the nights in between my retinol nights.

Jun 22, 2016

Katie G.

I have stopped using the lavender oil Rozberry 😊 Alexis I've always been curious about like a clarisonic or something but my derm told me not to use a deep kind of exfoliator, it will just damage my skin. Also, do you have a suggestion for a liquid foundation? It can be high or low end. I want it to be medium to full coverage but breathable. Marleen my derm told me that I need to be on the medication every night and we are bumping up the prescription. I've had it for around 8 weeks. My skin is fine most of the time it's just every so often it does this. I think it could be because I didn't properly take my makeup off and wash my face and use my medication. I was at a friends house and I didn't know I was spending the night. My derm also gave me a surfer cleanser to get rid of the redness but it's mostly for my back but she said I can use it for my face. But I just think if it's powerful enough for my back that could be too strong for my face. And it has two pages of warning and cautions and stuff and it's kinda scary 😁

Jun 22, 2016

Marleen B.

I commend you for following doctors orders, but it's important to listen to what your skin is trying to tell you also. If you want to keep using it everyday, then just use less of it and wait at least 30 minutes after cleansing before applying the retinol. I hope you're also using a sunscreen too. Sun exposure can especially create a bad reaction for those who are using retinols.

Jun 22, 2016

Katie G.

Yes! My moisturizer has spf in it!

Jun 22, 2016

Amaya N.

I experienced the exact same problem a few months ago. What I did was I exfoliated like crazy. Make sure while exfoliating you remove as much dead skin as possible. Then moisturize like CRAZY. The strongest and cheapest moisturizer I've ever found was simply coconut oil. It definitely gets the job done and with that routine you should see results quickly

Jun 22, 2016

Kitty K.

One of the side effects from Retinol is dry skin.. the dryness won't truly go away until you stop taking retinol or lower the amount that you take.
Since you mention that your derm is amping up the amount of retinol you use, I'm afraid you may be stuck with this issue for awhile. You can always discuss different medications with your derm and seek out different alternatives to your current issue.
The only time I've had my skin that dry and flaky is after doing a 40% salicylic acid chemical peel, and I was not allowed to put make up on my skin. Only my creams and SPF.

Some things you can do to help are

Avoid cleansing with cold or hot water.. aim for cool or lukewarm. As nice as a steamy hot shower is, it will dry out skin.

Double cleansing using oils: You mention using a harsh cleanser, which if you are using a harsh medication I don't see the need to use it. It will help encourage dryness and irritation so I'd cut back and try out a cleanser suited for dryness.
You can use an oil or a balm to remove make up/sunscreen and then go in with your second oil/balm cleanser.
I have dry sensitive skin, and I do this every once and awhile. It helps clean without stripping your skin. I usually go in with my Clinique take the day off cleansing balm on dry skin, and after I wash it off I go in with my NUDE Cleansing oil. It leaves my skin feeling clean and baby soft :)

Moisturizing at least three times a day.

Use extras such as oils and for extra hydration invest in a great hydrating serum. Serums will actually penetrate deeper than a cream or lotion due to having a smaller molecule size. Serums will really amp up hydration for your skin.
You can also incorporate an occlusive into your skin.. such as Aquaphor.. I personally use Lucas Paw Paw Ointment when I get a raw patch. Shea butter also helps as well!

Some natural oils that you can add into your routine

Highly Comedogenic Oils:
Olive Oil
Linseed Oil
Soybean Oil
Peach Kernel Oil
Squalene
Wheat Germ Oil


Moderately Comedogenic:
Coconut Oil
Grape Seed Oil
Sesame Oil
Tocopherol (Vitamin E, Apricot Kernel Oil)
Peanut Oil
Cotton Seed Oil
Almond oil

Mildly Comedogenic
Corn Oil
Safflower Oil
Castor Oil
Sunflower Oil
Avocado Oil

Non-Comedogenic:
Argan Oil
Rosehip Oil
Hemp Oil
Squalane (Derived from Squalene.. but not comedogenic).
Jojoba Oil

Steering clear of fragrance is very important, especially for dry/sensitive skin types. This includes synthetic and natural fragrances. Boh will irritate and cause damage to the skin barrier regardless where they come from. There are a plethora of non-fragranced oils available that will give you the pros without the cons.


Avoid solvent alcohols such as

Bad alcohols:
- Benzyl Alcohol (only when high on ingredients list)
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- SD Alcohol
- Denatured Alcohol
- Alcohol denat
- Ethanol, Methanol
- Ethyl and Methyl Alcohol
- Polyvinyl Alcohol
- Just "Alcohol"

Not all alcohols are bad.. there are fatty alcohols which help moisturize the skin
those are

- Cetyl Alcohol
- Cetearyl Alcohol
- Stearyl Alcohol
- Arachidyl Alcohol
- Lanolin and Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol


Try to incorporate a hydrating mask when you can. Always read the ingredients on the back of the mask before purchasing.. lots of times masks will include solvent alcohol to have the product dry fast. I personally use the Paula's choice Skin Recovery hydrating mask.
And keep up with your skin care like you mentioned, it doesn't take much for your skin to dehydrate when it's on harsh medication 

Jun 22, 2016

Katie G.

Kitty my cleanser is very gentle for dry skin. I use micellar water to take off my makeup or when it's waterproof I use jojoba oil. THANK YOU SO MUCH KITTY! That was so so helpful!

Jun 22, 2016

Kitty K.

You're welcome Katie, I believe you mentioned you were using the cleanser for your back on your face which I what I was referring to.
I actually find Micellar water too stripping for my skin, you should really look into a cleansing balm - they really get the job done. They go on as a balm and rinse off like milk - you won't need Jojoba oil for it. They remove and break down make up just like oils but rinse off like milk so you're not left with oily residue. (Something that always happens when using natural oils).
I'd also look into sleeping on a satin or silk pillow case as well.. Cotton sucks out moisture and satin/silk will help a lot with that.

Jun 22, 2016

Katie G.

Oh yeah Kitty I forgot about the sulfer cleanser I talked about sorry! Where can I find a cleansing balm? That sounds really nice. Also, about how much are silk pillows? I've been wanting one for my hair but I didn't know it helped skin too so I will definitely invest in one

Jun 23, 2016

Katie G.

Ok thank you! I will definitely try that out!