STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Emilie · BCBG

quest for perfect skin ::sigh::

Grace · Dooney & Bourke

What are you currently using? What cleansers, moisturizers, what do you use to exfoliate?

NCshopper · Hermes

I'd suggest going to a dermatologist. They know the products that are out there better than we the consumers do and she may be able to figure out what's causing the redness and get to the root of the problem.

I went to the derm for the first time back in February, and I swear my skin has never looked better.

I would advise against tanning. First, it will create wrinkles in the long run (you probably already know this). Basically by tanning you're creating a quick fix and creating bigger problems in the long run. Plus, you'll probably be aggravating your skin even more.

Kel · Coach

I have red spots on my cheeks to. It might be different from yours but mine only happens in the summer when it is hot. I went to the dermo and they said it is b/c the hair follicole gets trapped causing like little red bumps, just just look red. They gave me some cream which really didn't do anything. But they said there is no cure.

But as for products, I know there is something out by Aveeno that I want to try it is like

Rica · Kenneth Cole

Until you can get to the derm doc, check out green concealers. Green neutralizes red. The best I've found so far is Physicians Formula. The brand has several green concealers to help with redness. I really like this stuff:

Self Defense® Color Corrective Moisturizing Lotion (SPF 15)

ETA: Instead of exfoliating all the time for smaller pores, try a pore minimizing cleanser or toner and rinse with cold water.

-- Edited by Rica at 12:33, 2005-09-01

cc · Marc Jacobs

What kind of exfoliator are you using? I used to use the St. Ives apricot scrub every day because my skin tone and texture was a bit uneven plus I have big pores. It would make my skin feel smoother right after I used it but within hours my skin would go back to the way it was. When I went for a facial the woman told me that the rough scrub was irritating my skin and I should use a non-scrub exfoliator like something with alpha hydroxy or whatever. I've been doing that ever since and it has helped a bit. I also use Neutrogena's pore refining cream and have noticed a definite difference. When I want to exfoliate I use a kit from Philosophy. I think it's this one:

It made my skin much smoother and more even. I recently tried the L'Oreal microdermabrasion kit and haven't been that pleased with it. As with the St. Ives scrub, the L'Oreal scrub makes my skin immediately smoother but the effects don't last for very long.

Grace · Dooney & Bourke

cc wrote:

What kind of exfoliator are you using? I used to use the St. Ives apricot scrub every day because my skin tone and texture was a bit uneven plus I have big pores. It would make my skin feel smoother right after I used it but within hours my skin would go back to the way it was. When I went for a facial the woman told me that the rough scrub was irritating my skin and I should use a non-scrub exfoliator like something with alpha hydroxy or whatever. I've been doing that ever since and it has helped a bit. I also use Neutrogena's pore refining cream and have noticed a definite difference. When I want to exfoliate I use a kit from Philosophy. I think it's this one: It made my skin much smoother and more even. I recently tried the L'Oreal microdermabrasion kit and haven't been that pleased with it. As with the St. Ives scrub, the L'Oreal scrub makes my skin immediately smoother but the effects don't last for very long.

The Microdelivery peel is the best. Instant gratification!

bex · Chanel

i just wanted to add that i used to exfoliate all the time and i went through a patch where my skin looked like crap. i went to get a facial and the esthetician told me that i was treating my skin like i was 14 with teenage acne. i was exfoliating too much and my skin was trying to produce oil to make up for what i was scrubbing off, etc.

so my only rec. to you is to try not to exfoliate as often. i cut it back to 2x per month and haven't had an issue since.

Emilie · BCBG

Thanks for all the suggestions!

Last year I used to use St Ives almost every day! Bad! I know! But I stopped doing that, and i've tried the Neutrogena Pore Refiner and I think it's alright. It def makes your pores look better, but didn't help with any of the redness.

Today I bought some Neutrogena Visibly Even Foaming Cleanser, and it's supposed to give a "more even toned, radiant skin."

I don't know if it works, but since the pore refiner worked nicely, I figured to trust this brand. It's a gentle exfoliater, so maybe that will help my possible irration problem. Hopefully it will help my blackheads too, it says it removes dead skin cells, dirt and oil, so perhaps it will work. If not, I could use a special blackhead scrus just on my nose.

Also, I remember hearing about this treatment that gets rid of acne marks. I dont have acne, but I would get the occasional zit, and i always popped it! And now I have these faint red dots around my mouth and on my forehead.

theotherjess · Chanel

Rica wrote:

Until you can get to the derm doc, check out green concealers. Green neutralizes red. The best I've found so far is Physicians Formula. The brand has several green concealers to help with redness. I really like this stuff: Self Defense® Color Corrective Moisturizing Lotion (SPF 15) ETA: Instead of exfoliating all the time for smaller pores, try a pore minimizing cleanser or toner and rinse with cold water. -- Edited by Rica at 12:33, 2005-09-01

I was just going to post this! I have the green concealer and I put it on before my regular concealer if I have a red zit, so I think it would work good for your skin. You would probably just need some tinted moisturizer or light foundation over the top of it.

Christine · Coach

Emilie wrote:

Also, I remember hearing about this treatment that gets rid of acne marks. I dont have acne, but I would get the occasional zit, and i always popped it! And now I have these faint red dots around my mouth and on my forehead.

Clinique makes a treatment for the red spots that zits leave behind, and I've heard good things about it.

halleybird · Hermes

When I went in for my derm appt a few weeks ago, I discussed this issue with him (well, not the SAME issue, but my frustration with my skin).

He said women my age use entirely too much product -- he said other than washing and using a moisturizer with SPF, I really shouldn't be messing with my face. I don't know if he is right, but the idea sort of intrigues me.

splash · Kenneth Cole

It sounds like a tinted moisturizer might be enough. Green concealer works well, but it's best for large areas when mixed with something skin-colored. Can you exfoliate only certain parts of your face?

I swear that the less goop you put on your face, the better. So if you're not sure something's essential for your skin, don't use it. I have a lot of trouble following this rule! But still, the less I put on, the better.

halah · Kenneth Cole

I just did a search and found this old thread, thought I'd dig it up see if anyone has found a bottled miracle yet. I'm just so annoyed with my pores and red spots right now. I'm flying more and I have oily skin but I think it's getting too dry then trying to over produce oil to compensate.

Anyway did anyone try the clinique stuff? I think this is what you're talking about: Acne solutions spot healing gel

Think I'll pick it up when Macy's starts their Bonus Time next week...