Super Serum Question

[Xarata]

I haven't used the Super Serum in awhile because when i first got it (july), I introduced several things (bha, super serum, raspberry moisturizer), broke out like i had chicken pox and stopped using all of the new things because i didn't know what caused it and just went back to what worked. I recently had my usual hormonal fussy-face and decided to give it another go, and i got a really bad rash/reaction. I DID forget about having a wet face until I was already applying it, so i rinsed my hands and rubbed the water in with the serum. About 10 minutes later my face was bright flaming red wherever the serum had gone (basically, just not around my eyes). Today it was a more subtle and even overall pink- kind of like a mild sunburn- almost like i had a layer of skin stripped off.

My question is- is this from user error (not having a wet face first and adding water during application instead), from keeping the bottle too long (~4 months), or is my skin just not cut out for this stuff?

[happyhiker]

It did that to my skin the first time I used it as well. Then I discovered that the toner I used at the time had AHA in it. I tried it again another night without using the toner and it still made my face red in places like I had a sunburn. I am definitely not cut out to use it. I even tried diluting it with some of the green tea/aloe hydrating serum but still got the same results (I'm a scientist - therefore I do lots of tests to see what's going on!). It's just something I can't use. However, I REALLY like the Vitamin C Peptides serum...it works well with my skin and doesn't irritate it.

[Xarata]

i mean there were benefits involved, my hormonal acne flare-up seems to have been halted in its tracks and while my skin is pink, it is one uniform unblotchy shade of pink. lol. I've never had a chemical peel, but I imagine it would look something like this near the end of the healing process. I might try it again one more time, but somehow i doubt it could ever be an everyday thing for me. Every once in awhile my skin just doesn't tolerate things. I couldn't use the eyegel Karen sent out, i can't use the creamliners on the wetline (well on that one i'm allergic to soy), i think it was the bha that made me breakout worse than ever in my life (seriously like chickenpox or poison ivy), and now this is basically a chemical sunburn/rash.

I love the KISS cleanser, and the hemp moisturizer, and the ph toner, and I've been using the rose serum- leave it to me to want MORE. lol

[Rhys]

I'd say go with the straight C or C Peptide serum. Acids will do it (are you using any fruit distillates with willow bark extract?), or it's just something your skin doesn't like.

I haven't dared try the BHA - all I can think of is ouch. The only BHA I could use was the facial/cleanser that Bill used to make - the Fruit Enzyme Facial. Not every night, though.

[Xarata]

i'm not very good about keeping a skincare routine but the things i use regularly all seem pretty gentle (kiss cleanser, rose serum, hemp moisturizer, and hydrosols)- no acids really. I guess my skin's just not cut out for anything remotely harsh.

[JenW]

Hi Sam,
I know I have a day here and there where I can't use the Super Serum, too. I used it all summer with no problems. I only reacted badly a few times in the last few weeks, so I might have possibly broken the 'no acids with Super Serum' rule without even thinking about it, or the weather change always makes my skin wonky. I have been using the C with Peptides and the Facelift with no issue. I really think some just can't tolerate it, as with any potent skincare product.

[lilychemgirl]

Hmm, that's interesting, I love the super serum, have pretty sensitive skin, apply it dry and have no problems. Guess I'm just lucky!
It's a gorgeous product if you skin likes it though, so don't be put off by this if you haven't tried it yet!