Skincare questions

[robinbird_22]

Hello everyone!

I learned about Silk Naturals from another MMU forum, and I'm really interested in the skin care items. I'm 27 with oily/acne prone skin. I'm currently using Clinque cleanser, benzoyl peroxide (2.5% on entire face, 10% on any zits that I have), and moisturizer (I'm trying to use up a few, so Biore w/ SPF 30 for day, and Clinique or Mary Kay at night).

Right now on SN, I'm looking at: Kiss cleanser (with the foaming bottle), pore refining toner (I do have some large pores/blackheads), AHA, and BHA. I also have samples of the oil control serum, holy crow, and the strawberry spritz (I'm under the impression this is good to use after applying MMU to help make a non-cakey finish-is this right?).

With the AHA and BHA, can/should I still use the BP? I read the thread on everyone's skincare routines, and nobody mentioned BP or SA even though several mentioned acne. If I did continue with the BP, would I use it after the AHA or BHA (I read somewhere not to use these on the same night - I would probably use the pore refiner in the morning and alternate the AHA and BHA at night)?

Am I on the right track with this? Are there any other suggestions/tips you can give?

Thanks a bunch!

[Rhys]

BP is tricky stuff. If you've been using it for a while and want to switch to the AHA/BHA, cut down on it S-L-O-W-L-Y. Very slowly. If your face is used to it and you stop it entirely, you might end up having a reaction and breaking out like crazy. Not everybody does, but I've seen it happen enough times that I advise extreme caution on that one.

I think the Oil Control Serum is okay with BP, and the spritz (yes, it's good for moisturising and good for setting make up), but with BP, I'm not sure I'd want to add anything else exfoliating to the mix.

The KISS cleanser should be fine, but we'll need to wait on Karen about the PRT - I'm not sure how citrus oil plays with BP.

I tend to be overcautious when it comes to acne medicines, so you may be fine, but....BP is one you need to be careful with.

[karen]

Rhys is right about the BP- it's tricky, strong stuff. I'd recommend the Super Serum because of the niacinamide- it's good for acne-prone skin. The thing with acids and the BP is that the BP is drying/irritating, and acids along with it could be even more irritating. If you were going to switch up your routine I'd start with a sample of the BHA, and work it in opposite your BP use. So one in the morning- and the other at night. The BHA is form of SA so it kind of does the same thing as your BP. I use AHA and BHA in the same night- no big deal, but my skin is a little more tolerant to acids than most. I wouldn't introduce AHA into your mix quite yet...in the first few weeks it can cause a purge, and that's not what you need right now. You shouldn't have a problem with the pore refining- it's pretty simple stuff.

The other thing you might want to consider is a sample of the hemp moisturizer when you run out of your others. There isn't a lot of gunk in it- so it should be less likely to clog pores.

[robinbird_22]

Thank you so much Rhys and Karen for your advice!!! I really appreciate the help.