Expoliate or not ?? (long post)

[Champagne]

I am not sure if I can explain properly - but here goes.

I have this prob for a long time now where there are white stuff ( slang - "worms" - u know the ones that u squeeze from the corner of your nose), all over my face. if I bite my lips, my entire chin and corners of my lips r full of them. They r also by my hairline.

When I go to get a facial they tell me that I need to drink more water - that does not help. I try to exfoliate more often but they seem to come up over night and I can't exfoliate everyday as i have very dry skin. i rub my skin raw sometimes - couple of hrs later - they are back!!

Ladies what do u think ?


OOPS!!! sorry about the spelling !!!

[Lotus]

Yes, Exfoliate. Use a mud or some type of acidic cream to clear out the pours. Steam your face *you can do this in a hot shower* then use a Comdone extractor.

[Champagne]

Yes, Exfoliate. Use a mud or some type of acidic cream to clear out the pours. Steam your face *you can do this in a hot shower* then use a Comdone extractor.

Where can I find a Comdone extractor?

[Lotus]

Where can I find a Comdone extractor?

I purchased mine from CVS.
Or check net...
http://shopping.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=AqSBMO22mUAYQH0r7wyZRMQbFt0A;_ylu=X3oD MTBhNjRqazhxBHNlYwNzZWFyY2g-?p=comedone+extractor&did=&cop=mss&qss_spelltoken=n-1993487876_q-mRsa8YhAqiSrN4HHbRJstAAAAA@@&qss_clicked=1

Look for one that has a flat side for black heads and one that has a rounded side for white heads/worms;). Make sure it's stainless steel and disinfect it after each use.

Oh.. dont apply too much pressure or you may temp. scar. Use light moderate pressure, exfoliate and alternate w/mud or acid.

HTH

[Lotus]

What products do you use to clean your face with?

[PatTodd]

I have had a similar problem. It seems that you have clogged pores. This is usually a problem with oily skin, not dry. Perhaps you have combination skin. I would call my skin combination/sensitive.

I exfoliate morning and night. If I don't my pores get reclogged and stay clogged. In the morning I use diluted cleanser (just plain old CVS Daily Face Wash - it has triclosan, an antibacterial), a scrubbing cloth or washcloth, or baking soda. I might use a buf-puf for sensitive skin. Just don't scrub too long or hard. In the evening I use a paste of baking soda and cleanser. Even though my skin is oily I still use (noncomedegenic) moisturizer after exfoliating. Look for something for sensitive skin. In the morning I use Neutrogena Intensified Day Moisture SPF 15 and in the evening Olay Deep Hydrating Perfecting Moisturizer.

Also try the L'Oreal Microdermabrasion kit once a week.

I think if you get into an exfoliating routine, you will see results after a week or two.

Oh, and I would be careful with the comedone extractor - if you don't use it correctly, as Lotus said, you can get scarring:eek: .

[seeminglysweet]

Yes exfoliate. I have the same clogged pores on my nose and cheek area next to my nose and exfoliation does help a lot. What products are you using? You may be drying your skin out with the wrong products causing an excess production of oil, which is inturn clogged up in your pores. And the hairline pores may be clogged with hair product.

Some scrubs break me out but so far the best have been good ole baking soda and the micro delivery peel from philsophy. You can get a sample of this at sephora that contains three applications.

HTH!

[Champagne]

What products do you use to clean your face with?

Right now I just wash with Dove sensitive skin soap and moisturize with EVOO

[Champagne]

[quote=PatTodd]I have had a similar problem. It seems that you have clogged pores. This is usually a problem with oily skin, not dry. Perhaps you have combination skin. I would call my skin combination/sensitive.

I exfoliate morning and night. If I don't my pores get reclogged and stay clogged. In the morning I use diluted cleanser (just plain old CVS Daily Face Wash - it has triclosan, an antibacterial), a scrubbing cloth or washcloth, or baking soda. I might use a buf-puf for sensitive skin. Just don't scrub too long or hard. In the evening I use a paste of baking soda and cleanser. Even though my skin is oily I still use (noncomedegenic) moisturizer after exfoliating. Look for something for sensitive skin. In the morning I use Neutrogena Intensified Day Moisture SPF 15 and in the evening Olay Deep Hydrating Perfecting Moisturizer.

Also try the L'Oreal Microdermabrasion kit once a week.

I think if you get into an exfoliating routine, you will see results after a week or two.

Oh, and I would be careful with the comedone extractor - if you don't use it correctly, as Lotus said, you can get scarring:eek: .

Thanks for the warning ( I have no clue how to use this!) and the great tips, I was about to try the BS and SS scrub to see how this would work.

[Champagne]

Yes exfoliate. I have the same clogged pores on my nose and cheek area next to my nose and exfoliation does help a lot. What products are you using? You may be drying your skin out with the wrong products causing an excess production of oil, which is inturn clogged up in your pores. And the hairline pores may be clogged with hair product.

Some scrubs break me out but so far the best have been good ole baking soda and the micro delivery peel from philsophy. You can get a sample of this at sephora that contains three applications.

HTH!

Oh my God! You may be right I have tried every thing (or so i thought)St. Ives, Olay, Nuetrogena, Proactiv - all they do is dry me out !!!

[AVNchick]

Right now I just wash with Dove sensitive skin soap and moisturize with EVOO
You moght want to try using a moisturizer other than the EVOO. It may be what's keeping you clogged. I know I can't use EVOO w/o my pores clogging up. Like one of the other posters said, try a non-comedegenic moisturizer.

[Lotus]

You moght want to try using a moisturizer other than the EVOO. It may be what's keeping you clogged. I know I can't use EVOO w/o my pores clogging up. Like one of the other posters said, try a non-comedegenic moisturizer.

Agreed! If it were me, I'd step away from the EVOO…. at least until you clear you get a handle on your pores. In essence what your doing is cleaning out the oil then adding it back in. The oil your adding in, in addition to the sebum your skin normally produces maybe the reason you experience the worms showing in your pores so often. Our facial pores w/typically increase as we age… to my knowledge there’s nothing anyone can permanently do about that. What we can do… is keep’em clean and temporarily shrink’em. The more build up in the pores, the larger the hole w/b over time.

If you don’t feel comfortable using an extractor, consider including a product with a beta-hydroxy acid (don’t forget the sunscreen) into your regimen. Beta-hydroxy dissolves oils and penetrates deep into the skin/pores. Deeper into the pore pocket… if you will.

Then… check into a mask. Clay masks (in general) temporarily shrink pores and help to clean inside the pore. Shrunken pores w/decrease the amount of build up caused from external factors (environment) and decrease size of the worm holes.

There’s a thread here on Asprin Mask. I haven’t used it (Im trying Juice beauty), but Asprin is a sourse of Salicylic acid (BetaH). There’s also a thread on Phill’s MOM… *haven’t used this either… but I have oily skin, so I’m sure I will. (I’m always into something-lol).

If you wanna spring for it… get a Clarisonic MD. I purchased mine from EBAY and so far, it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread. :lol: My esthetician, after looking at my skin during my last facial, is looking into using them in her office.

HTH!

[PatTodd]

[COLOR=black]If you wanna spring for it… get a Clarisonic MD. I purchased mine from EBAY and so far, it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread. :lol: My esthetician, after looking at my skin during my last facial, is looking into using them in her office.

HTH!


OOOH, LOTUS!!!!!!!!!! Tell me more about this Clarisonic MD!!!!!!!!!!!! How are you using it and how is it working for you??

[dimpalz]

I have this problem too. I never thought to ask here, stupid me! I exfoliate everyday, if I get lazy and just wash on the weekends by Monday my chin will be full of those little dots. They're not raised or anyhting they just kinda make my face look dry! I used st Ives medicated and the Nutrogena with that goldeny colour too it - I'm nto sure what it's called. That worked well but thye don't have them over here, so I mix St Ives with a witch hazel daily exfoliating wash. I find that on it's own the St Ives doesn't clean - if you know what I mean - like my pores will still seem dirty and those little dots will still be there. I find them int he dry and oily areas tho.

[PatTodd]

[COLOR=black]
Then… check into a mask. Clay masks (in general) temporarily shrink pores and help to clean inside the pore. Shrunken pores w/decrease the amount of build up caused from external factors (environment) and decrease size of the worm holes.

There’s a thread here on Asprin Mask. I haven’t used it (Im trying Juice beauty), but Asprin is a sourse of Salicylic acid (BetaH). There’s also a thread on Phill’s MOM… *haven’t used this either… but I have oily skin, so I’m sure I will. (I’m always into something-lol).

[COLOR=black]HTH!

I use a mask verrry occasionally. When I do, I use Aztec Indian Healing Clay:
http://www.amazon.com/Aztec-Indian-Healing-Clay-Lb/dp/B0009P1B40

But with my daily exfoliating routine I really find I don't need the mask.

Sometimes I add an additional face wash with salicylic acid to the morning routine, but it can cause excessive dryness, irritation and flaking for sensitive skin. I use something by Clearasil - it's been so long that I don't remember what but I think it's Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Cleanser:

http://cleanandclear.com/productDetail.do?productid=34

Now that I think about it, that routine kept my face PERFECTLY clear. I might go back to it to keep my face extra clear this summer.

[seeminglysweet]

I would also steer clear of the EVOO. It's wonderful but alas, it is still oil.

I have oily skin, but I have learned 2 things in dealing with it.

#1 do not use products made for teenage acne (clearasil, oxy, proactiv) adult acne is different and calls for different types of products, for me its glycolic acid.

#2 just cause you are oily doesn't mean you need to use products made for oily skin because like I said before they will suck the oil out of your skin and your skin will overcompensate.

I like that your regime is simple but I would opt for a creamy face wash (i like noxema or if you are using juice beauty they have a creamy cleanser that I like as well) that won't dry you out, you may need a toner to clear those clogged pores and then a light moisturizer/SPF (neutrogena ultra sheer is wonderful-there are a lot of ladies on the board that use it).

Add to that exfoliation and you should be clog-free in no time.

[Lotus]

OOOH, LOTUS!!!!!!!!!! Tell me more about this Clarisonic MD!!!!!!!!!!!! How are you using it and how is it working for you??

Sorry- I dont know how I missed this as much time as I spend on here :lol:.

I'm reluctant to post on the Clarisonic thread because I started w/the clarisonic about a week or two after using Juice Beauty *which initally broke me out*. So I cant really 'state' that the improvement I'm experiencing is all due to the Clarisonic. Disclaimer stated :lol: .

But...since adding the Clarisonic I have only had one break out (1 small chin pimple during the time of the month) and that not average for me. I have PCOS and when I'm not watching my diet (like I'm not now- :( :D) my chin looks a hot mess. It is now clear *no new bumps* and my scars are fading. :) I also have Rosacea on my cheeks. I've noticed (my mom did too) that the surface area affected is decreasing. In additon, I dont use my comedone extractor as often. Now, I was not impressed with clarisonic face wash... but IMO the Clarisonic is the bomb diggity! It is pricey, but I dont feel like I've wasted 1 red penny. It feels sooo good. It's addicting. I have to make a conscious effort not to over wash.

Dang, I'm blabbin'........ Girl, get you one. Call'em up, tell 'em Lotus sent ya' :grin:.

[Champagne]

Thanks Ladies, for all your great posts !!! I have Super dry skin, most of the products I have used have left my forehead looking burnt and ver dry. The EVOO was the only thing that was helping me with that tight, dry, burnt feeling.


I have just started using the Baking Soda in the mornings, I love how my skin feels after (keeping my fingers crossed)

[PatTodd]

Thanks Ladies, for all your great posts !!! I have Super dry skin, most of the products I have used have left my forehead looking burnt and ver dry. The EVOO was the only thing that was helping me with that tight, dry, burnt feeling.


I have just started using the Baking Soda in the mornings, I love how my skin feels after (keeping my fingers crossed)


I hope the baking soda helps you. I have had the forehead issue too. Maybe if your forehead feels dry, you could just moisturize there (or anywhere else you feel dry, and don't have the "worm" problem)???

[Champagne]

Update

I got a Avocado & Oatmeal clay mask, and with the BS scrub morning and night I see a drastic difference - thanks ladies ....

No more "worms":grin: