STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

member · Hermes

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Elle · Hermes

RE: Help! What is Wrong w/my Skin?

member · Hermes

Yeah, I'm wondering if it's just the cold weather. Or maybe the yo-yo weather Chicago has been having. But during the winter my face gets so dry from the meds, maybe that's causing it?

The only new makeup I've been using is Stila Illuminating Powder, but this was happening before I started using that.

No changes to my diet. No new hair products, or hand lotions.

I finally started taking generic Ortho Tri Cyclen, but literally just started, so I don't think it could be that?

Does anyone know if it's possible to get used to meds?

Elle · Hermes

I don't think it's possible to 'get used to' meds.

Honestly, if your face is getting really dry from the meds, the dry skin is probably the most likely cause of your breakouts. I'd try using a heavier (though still oil-free, etc) moisturizer at night after you apply the meds to help with the dryness, as well as adding exfoliation to your routine once or twice a week. That way the moisturizer will minimize the flakes, and the exfoliation will take off the dry, flaky skin before it can clog your pores and cause a breakout.

shopgirl82 · Chanel

i definitely think it could be dry skin and the weather. i know you probably want to hit me for saying this, but my skin has never been better. i think it's cuz i've finally figured out how to deal with this weather AND stopped drying out my skin.

i think less is more sometimes. also, i have been using the aspirin mask 3-4 days a week and it's REALLY helped.

also, some things that may be causing it that haven't been mentioned....make sure you clean your make up brushes enough. i know that when i kept my brushes in the bathroom, the humidity from the shower was a breeding ground for bacteria (gross...so i stopped keeping them there). i use a smashbox cleanser if you need a rec. one more thing is to make sure you wash your pillow cases enough with the right detergent. these are two things that i learned the hard way in college.

member · Hermes

shopgirl82 wrote:

i definitely think it could be dry skin and the weather. i know you probably want to hit me for saying this, but my skin has never been better. i think it's cuz i've finally figured out how to deal with this weather AND stopped drying out my skin. i think less is more sometimes. also, i have been using the aspirin mask 3-4 days a week and it's REALLY helped. also, some things that may be causing it that haven't been mentioned....make sure you clean your make up brushes enough. i know that when i kept my brushes in the bathroom, the humidity from the shower was a breeding ground for bacteria (gross...so i stopped keeping them there). i use a smashbox cleanser if you need a rec. one more thing is to make sure you wash your pillow cases enough with the right detergent. these are two things that i learned the hard way in college.

So how did you figure out how to deal w/this weather and keep your skin from drying out? Or is the asprin mask your solution? Just wondering if what else you might do - care to elaborate on the less is more thing?

I wash my pillow cases w/All Free and Clear or whatever it's called, but that's what the derm. recommended. I should be better about washing them for frequently though. Thanks!

You posted the Aspirin mask recipe before haven't you? Could you link me to it or share again?

Drew · Gucci

shopchicago33 wrote:

Is it possible to get used to your medicine after so long and maybe have to switch it up?

Yep, this is my guess. I too have acne-prone skin and, like lots of medications, you can build an immunity to the dose/type, so changing your medicine is exactly what it sounds like you need.

I can't remember if you have or haven't tried it so I'll just say that acne.org had a routine that has kept me clear now for over a year.

shopgirl82 · Chanel

i think what worked for me was #1 the ASA mask, and #2 not using as many products and washing my face less.

this used to be my routine:

am: cetaphil cleanser, ddf 10% toner, ddf sulfur mask (on my chin...where i break out, and nose...to clear my pores), moisturizer.

pm: face clothes (some drugstore brand), dr. dennis gross alpha pads, murad vitamin c night cream, yonka eye cream (amazing!!!!).

now

am: ddf 10% toner, moisturizer. i don't feel the need to wash my face in the morning with a cleanser since it's not getting super dirty when i sleep, except for the occassional drool dribble (toner takes care of that)

wash face in shower after gym.

pm: 3-4 days a week the aspirin mask after dinner, but a couple hours before bed. then RIGHT before bed, 1/2 a microdelivery mini peel pad from philosophy (i save $ by cutting them in 1/2, and i feel like i was wasting a whole one). murad moisturizer, and yonka eye cream.

basically i just cut out washing my face as much (it's needlessly touching my face/irritating my skin), and doing a toner right on top of masks.

the aspirin mask...

5 uncoated aspirins crushed. i have a mortar and pestle that i got from TJ Maxx that i use to crush them. then i add a couple drops of water (from the fridge door so it's filtered), and add a bit of honey (about a tsp) for moisture. usually i just put it on my nose and chin, but if i see more redness i'll double or triple the mix.

it's kinda messy, but i really like it and have noticed it's really helped my skin.

i hope it works for you, it works great for me!!

member · Hermes

Drew wrote:

shopchicago33 wrote: Is it possible to get used to your medicine after so long and maybe have to switch it up? Yep, this is my guess. I too have acne-prone skin and, like lots of medications, you can build an immunity to the dose/type, so changing your medicine is exactly what it sounds like you need. I can't remember if you have or haven't tried it so I'll just say that acne.org had a routine that has kept me clear now for over a year.

Thanks Drew - I really thought I could get used to my meds...I know this happened in the past and he would switch me. I'm going to call him and see if I can try something new.

Shopgirl82 - thanks, I'm going to try that aspirin mask!

flknight24 · Dooney & Bourke

You might want to look into a book called The Skin Type Solution. I think it's on the NYTimes Best Seller List right now. I read about it in Allure last month and ordered it. I didn't really know what to expect but it's wonderful. I finally feel like I understand my skin type and what it needs. Also, daiz519 mentions the same book in this thread.

http://www.activeboard.com/forum.spark?forumID=44784&subForumID=102163&action=viewTopic&commentID=6191592&topicPage=2

Shello · Kenneth Cole

I'm wondering now if Tazorac either changed an ingredient or something, or if you can get used to it. I use Tazorac too and the same thing has been happening to me. My skin was almost perfectly clear, and now I'm back to having minor breakouts all the time and it's really irritating me.

HeatherLynn · Gucci

I'm not sure about the medication you are on, but it is possible to get use to antiobiotics. When I was younger my doctor couldn't put me on amoxicilin because my body became immune to it.

I would make an appt to talk to your derm to see what has been going on. HTH

theotherjess · Chanel

HeatherLynn wrote:

I'm not sure about the medication you are on, but it is possible to get use to antiobiotics. When I was younger my doctor couldn't put me on amoxicilin because my body became immune to it. I would make an appt to talk to your derm to see what has been going on. HTH

Yeah I used Benzaclin for a while and my skin reacted well but after a while it didn't do anything except make my skin dry.

member · Hermes

HeatherLynn - are you talking about pills you took? I don't take any pills, just medications I put on my face - creams. But I'm thinking I could still get immune to those as well. It seems like that could be the case.

I'll call my derm. and let you know what he says - thanks girls!

HeatherLynn · Gucci

shopchicago33 wrote:

HeatherLynn - are you talking about pills you took? I don't take any pills, just medications I put on my face - creams. But I'm thinking I could still get immune to those as well. It seems like that could be the case. I'll call my derm. and let you know what he says - thanks girls!

No I'm just talking about medication in general. The pills I took were when I was little and were just an antibiotic. I was just saying that it is possible to become immune to a medication. I'm not sure if it is possible to become immune to a topical medication, but since you can become immune to pills.

Starstuff · Kenneth Cole

shopgirl82 wrote:

....make sure you clean your make up brushes enough. i know that when i kept my brushes in the bathroom, the humidity from the shower was a breeding ground for bacteria (gross...so i stopped keeping them there).

This never would have occured to me. I keep my brushes in the bathroom -- looks like I'll have to clean them more often. (though on a side note: i had a roommate who worked for Trish and she was instructed to wash her brushes in warm water and shampoo -- better for the bristles, I guess)

Can you try using the medication every other day? Day stuff Monday, Night stuff Tuesday, etc.

member · Hermes

Starstuff wrote:

shopgirl82 wrote: ....make sure you clean your make up brushes enough. i know that when i kept my brushes in the bathroom, the humidity from the shower was a breeding ground for bacteria (gross...so i stopped keeping them there). This never would have occured to me. I keep my brushes in the bathroom -- looks like I'll have to clean them more often. (though on a side note: i had a roommate who worked for Trish and she was instructed to wash her brushes in warm water and shampoo -- better for the bristles, I guess) Can you try using the medication every other day? Day stuff Monday, Night stuff Tuesday, etc.

So you think less medication might be better??

Starstuff · Kenneth Cole

theotherjess wrote:

Yeah I used Benzaclin for a while and my skin reacted well but after a while it didn't do anything except make my skin dry.

This happened to me too -- just recently. I had been using Benza for a while, then stopped. I started it again, and it did nothing for me. Literally, there was NO change after 4 weeks, and I complained to my derm that it (Benza) had benzoil peroxide and was bleaching my pillowcases too, and he gave me a script for micro Renta A, which has worked so much better.

Starstuff · Kenneth Cole

shopchicago33 wrote:

So you think less medication might be better??

Well, I think it's worth a shot. If you don't need your skin to be perfect for a special occassion, then give it a try.

I personally perfer to use less medication rather than constantly switch stuff around. I like to think that my skin is pretty good, it just needs a nudge towards flawlessness, rather than a shove.

shopgirl82 · Chanel

Starstuff wrote:

I personally perfer to use less medication rather than constantly switch stuff around. I like to think that my skin is pretty good, it just needs a nudge towards flawlessness, rather than a shove.

definitely call your derm, but i agree with this route. a lot of times it takes a while before a product works, the problem is that most people (myself including) don't wait till long enough before they switch products. it seems like it's working for you, maybe the recent warm weather then the switch to cold weather was a shock for your skin and even more drying on top of the medication. i blame chicago weather.