Post by claudiakishi on Jul 3, 2018 11:22:06 GMT -5
I started using Paula's Choice about 6 months ago and my skin has never looked better. But, I am starting to see conflicting info for some of the products I am using so I wanted to get some advice here. On the advice of PC Customer Service, here is my current routine: AM: Wash with Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser Tone with RESIST Hydrating toner 2% BHA 10% AHA (just switched to this from 8% gel) *will start niacinamide booster gradually Moisturizer with SPF 50
PM Wash with Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser
Tone with RESIST Hydrating toner
2% BHA
10% AHA (just switched to this from 8% gel)
*will start niacinamide booster gradually RESIST Barrier Repair Moisturizer with Retinol 1% Retinol a few times a week
1. I read online you shouldn't use BHA and AHA at the same time. I have no irritation from doing so, but if it's less effective or I am wasting product I will use one in AM and one in PM.
2. Same with the niacinamide booster - is using once a day just as effective as twice?
3. I also use 1% Retinol a few times a week, very gradually working up to every night. Is this okay to use with the niacinamide booster and/or BHA and AHA? I get paranoid about irritation so I have been skipping the evening routine when I use the Retinol and just toning.
I have been happy with PC because her products are fragrance free and non-irritating, but am open to recs for other brands in place of products I am using. Still fairly new to this skincare stuff!
You can use BHA & AHA together as long as your skin tolerates it. I don't recommend using retinol + AHA + BHA every night. It is a recipe to end up with dehydrated sensitive skin, speaking from experience. I recommend limiting use to every other night and alternating the products.
I used everything successfully with beautiful skin for about 6 months. And then my skin starting breaking out and was very red and irritated. I suddenly couldn't use my moisturizer or my sunscreen without problems. I stopped everything and realized I had a damaged moisture barrier. It's taken another 6 months to repair it and I still can't use any chemical exfoliation. My skin is beautiful again, but I am severely limited in what I can use on it. I wish I had only done chemical exfoliation at most twice a week and focused more on moisturizing.
You can use them together, just make sure you're not overdoing it. I like to do a lightweight moisturizer and pat on some rosehip oil to keep my skin calm when I'm using actives at night.
You can use them together, just make sure you're not overdoing it. I like to do a lightweight moisturizer and pat on some rosehip oil to keep my skin calm when I'm using actives at night.
Do you have a suggestion for a lightweight moisturizer? CeraVe is pretty heavy.
You can use them together, just make sure you're not overdoing it. I like to do a lightweight moisturizer and pat on some rosehip oil to keep my skin calm when I'm using actives at night.
Do you have a suggestion for a lightweight moisturizer? CeraVe is pretty heavy.
I love Belif Aqua Bomb even though I have normal/dry skin. Garnier has a "water bomb" type moisturizer that was decent and about half the price. Belif does have a $22 small size that is good for testing. I bought the next size up but it was in a kit that came with an essence and an eye cream for the same price as the moisturizer alone.
Wow, thanks for the responses! I will definitely be careful with the AHA and BHA. I appreciate the feedback.
Retinol thins your skin so I’ve found I tolerate acids less the longer I use retinol. It also takes a while to see the effects - good or bad - and they’re cumulative. So you could be going along just fine with retinol + BHA + aha then WHAM!! You’re a mess. Lol. Just take it slow.
Wow, thanks for the responses! I will definitely be careful with the AHA and BHA. I appreciate the feedback.
Retinol thins your skin so I’ve found I tolerate acids less the longer I use retinol. It also takes a while to see the effects - good or bad - and they’re cumulative. So you could be going along just fine with retinol + BHA + aha then WHAM!! You’re a mess. Lol. Just take it slow.
I’m actually quite happy with my skin using AHA and BHA, so I might chill on the retinol. Just trying to get ahead of the aging game!
Retinol thins your skin so I’ve found I tolerate acids less the longer I use retinol. It also takes a while to see the effects - good or bad - and they’re cumulative. So you could be going along just fine with retinol + BHA + aha then WHAM!! You’re a mess. Lol. Just take it slow.
I’m actually quite happy with my skin using AHA and BHA, so I might chill on the retinol. Just trying to get ahead of the aging game!
Retinoids are going to be a better anti-aging tool but acids will improve your skin texture quicker and sometimes better.
Honestly, I think less is more. I've seen a huge change in my skin just using lactic acid every other night, and alternating with a vitamin c. I would use a retinol and alternate with the acid except it is not pregnancy-friendly. Lots of moisture. On the nights I use the acid, I mix my usual moisturizer with a drop of two of squalane (in summer) or rosehill oil (in winter).
You can use them together, just make sure you're not overdoing it. I like to do a lightweight moisturizer and pat on some rosehip oil to keep my skin calm when I'm using actives at night.
Do you have a suggestion for a lightweight moisturizer? CeraVe is pretty heavy.
I switched to Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream for the summer and really like it.
I use both AHA and BHA, but I alternate. I also use AHA less frequently than BHA. The PC Barrier Repair moisturizer has some retinol in it already, so I'd be careful with the additional retinol. It's great that your skin is doing so well with it all so far!
Honestly, I think less is more. I've seen a huge change in my skin just using lactic acid every other night, and alternating with a vitamin c. I would use a retinol and alternate with the acid except it is not pregnancy-friendly. Lots of moisture. On the nights I use the acid, I mix my usual moisturizer with a drop of two of squalane (in summer) or rosehill oil (in winter).
Hands down, I’ve see the best results with retinol and vitamin c. And rose witch hazel and squalane oil. Highly recommend!
I use both AHA and BHA, but I alternate. I also use AHA less frequently than BHA. The PC Barrier Repair moisturizer has some retinol in it already, so I'd be careful with the additional retinol. It's great that your skin is doing so well with it all so far!
I was using Differin gel for acne and was able to stop using it completely. I’ve had cystic acne my whole life, it’s crazy to have clear skin (knock on wood). Now I need to fade the red marks left behind, and PC recommended the niacinamide booster.
I use both AHA and BHA, but I alternate. I also use AHA less frequently than BHA. The PC Barrier Repair moisturizer has some retinol in it already, so I'd be careful with the additional retinol. It's great that your skin is doing so well with it all so far!
I was using Differin gel for acne and was able to stop using it completely. I’ve had cystic acne my whole life, it’s crazy to have clear skin (knock on wood). Now I need to fade the red marks left behind, and PC recommended the niacinamide booster.
Ooh, that's good to know! I'm going to reach out to them because I have sun damage/discoloration in a few spots and I'm hoping for a non-hydroquinone alternative to lighten them. Paula's Choice has definitely given me my best skin since probably before high school.
I use both AHA and BHA, but I alternate. I also use AHA less frequently than BHA. The PC Barrier Repair moisturizer has some retinol in it already, so I'd be careful with the additional retinol. It's great that your skin is doing so well with it all so far!
I was using Differin gel for acne and was able to stop using it completely. I’ve had cystic acne my whole life, it’s crazy to have clear skin (knock on wood). Now I need to fade the red marks left behind, and PC recommended the niacinamide booster.
Have you tried a rose hip oil for the red marks? I got a sample bottle of the Julep one and the stubborn marks I have are finally fading. I’m pretty amazed at how fast it’s working.
I was using Differin gel for acne and was able to stop using it completely. I’ve had cystic acne my whole life, it’s crazy to have clear skin (knock on wood). Now I need to fade the red marks left behind, and PC recommended the niacinamide booster.
Have you tried a rose hip oil for the red marks? I got a sample bottle of the Julep one and the stubborn marks I have are finally fading. I’m pretty amazed at how fast it’s working.
Honestly, I think less is more. I've seen a huge change in my skin just using lactic acid every other night, and alternating with a vitamin c. I would use a retinol and alternate with the acid except it is not pregnancy-friendly. Lots of moisture. On the nights I use the acid, I mix my usual moisturizer with a drop of two of squalane (in summer) or rosehill oil (in winter).
Hands down, I’ve see the best results with retinol and vitamin c. And rose witch hazel and squalane oil. Highly recommend!
I use both AHA and BHA, but I alternate. I also use AHA less frequently than BHA. The PC Barrier Repair moisturizer has some retinol in it already, so I'd be careful with the additional retinol. It's great that your skin is doing so well with it all so far!
I was using Differin gel for acne and was able to stop using it completely. I’ve had cystic acne my whole life, it’s crazy to have clear skin (knock on wood). Now I need to fade the red marks left behind, and PC recommended the niacinamide booster.
This blogger is a huge fan of niacinamide and uses it to fade sun damage spots if you want to look into other products. fiftyshadesofsnail.com/
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