<<<EDIT: 7/27/09>>> please scroll down


Thank you for all your nice comments everyone! I was really debating whether to post up pictures of my skin or not, because well..they're not very flattering lol. But I do believe that a picture is worth a thousand words so of course before and after pics are a must! For those of you who purchased the peels (not just glycolic, any peels you've tried) please post here with your experience.

I personally have only tried the glycolic peel, but if you've used any other ones, please please post here to share your thoughts and I will edit my previous post to include your reviews. I think this thread could become a very helpful place for soompiers looking to try facial peels.

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Not sure if others have talked about these products already. I'm not an expert on skin care or anything, so I apologize if I get something wrong. This is just to share what I've learned.

I used to have really bad acne, I guess from my naturally oily skin and the teenage hormones...lol. My skin isn't PERFECT now, but I'm a lot happier with its condition.

To treat my acne, I've used a variety of acne medications like Clearasil, Neutrogena, Clean & Clear, etc. AND prescribed medications. They all have salycic acid in it, which helps dry pimples, but when exposed to sunlight, the skin in the treated area gets darkened. Even though I wore sunscreen, I got a lot of blemishes and dark spots, which believe it or not are MORE DIFFICULT to get rid off than pimples! I'm still struggling with them now (ugh) .

It's good to let your face breath, always covering your pores up with chemicals or make-up is very unhealthy for the skin.

I changed my skin care routine when I realized that although the medications I was using helped reduce break outs, it left me with a lot of blemishes and scarring that were potentially irreversible. And when you use strong chemicals, your face becomes dependent on it, so if you stop using it, your break outs return.


ROUTINE 1:

QUOTE

1. Stop wearing make-up (I know you hear this a lot, but I promise it will help!)
2. Keep hair out of face. Hair can be oily and dirty, so wear a headband and tie your hair up whenever you can
3. Washed my pillowcase frequently, face produces oil overnight which deposits onto the pillowcase and trust me, you don't want that on your face again
4. I made a mixture of SEA SALT + WATER. I washed my face with cold water, then took a cotton pad, dipped it in the salt water, wiped it over my face (scrubbed) and then rinsed with cold water again. I don't know if you've noticed, but after going to the beach, your skin becomes tight and very nice looking, the salt in the water is really good for your face! It helps dry pimples, and is a natural healing element~
5. Sunscreen, any type is fine, it's always good to use sunscreen!

That was my routine or a good few months and I immediately saw results. I kept at it until I felt that my face was calming down. The good thing about this routine is that it's CHEAP, you know your face isn't dependent on any chemicals, and it's natural.

I started using products again after my skin settled down, here's my routine now:



ROUTINE 2:


Face Wash

1. Main thing about the face is that dead skin accumulates, so exfoliate. My skin isn't too sensitive, so I love to scrub it! People don't do this everyday, but I do... plus you want to get rid of the dirt clogged in your pores, right?. Using a face cloth or sponge isn't very hygienic since SOOO MUCH GERMS accumulate on it, I use this:



These are cloths that have soap already on them, you use it once and then throw it away! I know there are other brands out there that make disposable face wash cloths, but the thing I love about Olay is that the cloths have a textured side and a smooth side, I exfoliate with one side then finish off with the smooth side <3. ANDD the entire face cloth is really big (they give you a lot) so I usually cut it in 1/2 for when I wear make-up and need more soap to get it off, or 1/4 for mornings when I wake up.
I don't dry my face off with a towel, like I said about germs, I use a paper towel.



Moisturizer


2. I tried La Mer, because everyone seemed to love it, but I didn't really like it. First of all, VERY expensive and not good for my oily skin, but if you have dry skin, nothing's better!


I use Erno Laszlo pHelityl Lotion SPF 15 everyday. It's not that expensive, and skin absorbs it so well. There's no glossy or oily finish that usually happens with a lot of other moisturizer. My skin gets dry during the winter and this totally does the job, it hydrates my skin, but doesn't make it oily (even in the summer). A bottle lasts a VERY long time, I'm going on the 9th month of using it now and I use it on my face and neck.

Okay so this is may be the most important part about the post, the product that I use to get rid of scars/blemishes and shrink large pores...Makeup Artist's Choice (MUAC) 50% Glycolic Skin Peel.


http://www.makeupartistschoice.com/product...its-272-20.html
This type of skin treatment is more intense so I don't recommend that you start out with the 50% and you should DEFINITELY be extra careful when using it (test on an area first to make sure you're not allergic, etc.)

- They come in 30% lowest to highest being 70%. It's basically what its name says; it's a peel. This is a very serious treatment, use only if you want to reduce scars/blemishes/acne/shrink large pores, THIS WILL DO THE JOB! I LOVEEE IT! Like I said before, my skin isn't very sensitive, so I'm fine using this, my skin doesn't get red or anything. But my friends have used it and depending on your skin type, some will peel more than others or get more red.
- You shouldn't go out into the sunlight immediately after using this because your skin will be very sensitive
- I got the sample size, and it seriously lasts FOREVER, very generous amount. The glycolic acid doesn't run out that fast, but the pH prep does, so instead of ordering another pH prep, which costs a lot, I just substituted it with Witch Hazel (which does the same thing as the prep)



- I included a link to the MUAC site, so you can read more about the peel, but if you have any further questions, feel free to ask me. The peel seriously helped me so much and it costs a lot less than if I were to use Accutane or something (which works really well for severe acne, but is too hardcore for me, and wayy too expensive)

That was a long post! I don't really use any other face products, maybe a few masks here and there, but I keep my routine pretty simple. Since my skin is more pimple free now, I do wear make up once in awhile, but it's at a point where I'd be okay w/o foundation. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me and I hope this helps!



<<<EDIT: 7/19/09>>>

- Okay this is probably not the most attractive thing to share, and I'm a bit embarrassed...but I want to show you guys how my skin has progressed. I tried to find old pictures of when I had acne and document how my skin has changed over time. I don't have the old pictures of when my skin was super bad, but these are about a year old, and a few months apart (going from left to right, right being more recent). I'm not wearing any make-up in the pictures, so you can pretty much see everything ><; lots of blemishes, scarring, uneven skin tone, etc. The most left picture was after I've been using the salt water regimen for a few months, so you can imagine how bad my skin was before that.

- Last picture is the most recent one, taken like 2 minutes ago lol! I'm about to head to bed and just thought I'd show you how my skin looks now. My previous recent picture was actually very recent, but since I took it on my cell phone, the quality isn't that great. You can see in this new one that I do still have some scarring on my forehead and unevenness that needs to be taken care of ^^; anything but perfect...but definitely better than what it used to be.

Hm. Thanks for the tip & link about the glycolic acid peel! I've heard lots of great stuff about it and I want to take the plunge. I really just have some hyperpigmentation from acne that really just needs to go away.

hmm i will try that out. thanks alot. Can we just use regular salt that you would use to cook your eggs or something? haha or do we actually need seasalt? or is it the same thing LOL.

I wanna try that Makeup Artist's Choice Skin Peel
Since I'm almost in the same boat as you. My skin is finally clearing up from acne but I'm left with these ugly scars/blemishes D:!

That's why you put the acne medications on @ NIGHT.

- me too! that's the word I was searching for LOl but I couldn't remember it



- i ran out of sea salt so i used regular salt for awhile lol. sea salt is basically unrefined salt derived directly from a living ocean or sea and table salt comes from salt mines and once mined, it is refined and most minerals are removed from it until it is pure sodium chloride. since sea salt still has all its minerals, i'd say that sea salt is healthier to use



- you should try it and then post back with your opinions! :]



- I did that, but salycic acid is strong, even if you put it on at night and then wash your face, you can still see the darkening after awhile. I'm not saying it happens right away, but over time, you'll realize it. I had acne on my forehead, so I put it on my forehead at night and I didn't realize it then, but after looking back at pictures, I realized my forehead was significantly darker than the rest of my face..it happened to my friends too

Thank You. I'll look into the Olay wash.
Next year, when I visit Seoul, I'm going to go to a skin clinic. It offers
the peel. :]

Wahahah. I shall try this. :] My face is horrible lately, breaking out like crazy. @_@

50% Glycolic Acid is a pretty high percentage and should not be used frequently. Do not exfoliate after using the peel and always put on sunscreen.

wow this is really helpful! thanks! D
anyways im kinda on the same boat i have been taking madication to get rid of the pimples and now my skin is looking way better but i do have some spots so thanks for posting! ill see i have seasalt
my daily ruitine is Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash, Sunblock if i go out and thats it.. hehe

what kind of foundation do you use?

your really pretty, thanks for the help. i heard alot of good things about witch hazel. would have to try it out!

Does the Glycolic peel work better than the TCA peel?

Do you think that the peel will work on your back because I have a lot of old scars on my back :/
so embarrassing I've had them for about 2 years now and I can't wear tank tops...

Another way that really helps using a sea salt/water treatment is:


Boil water and sea salt together. Pour into a big bowl and you will see the steam coming out.
Put your face over it, and have a small face towel ready to line your forehead (so the steam is directly going to your face and not just going aimlessly in the air).

This will really open your pores and kill all the bacteria.

--

Thank you for the information about the skin peel - i will def give it a try! thankyou!

IMO all salts (except iodized) are basically NaCl. Saltwater draws moisture out of your skin, which probably helps to dry out pimples.

your skin looks so nice, i have some acne scarrings on my cheek that i want to removee!
hopefully, this would work on my skin(:

where do you usually purchase sea salts and the witch hazel?
does it get sold in rite-aid or walgreeens?

Daaaang 50% glycolic acid?? You are brave, girl. Your skin looks perfect, I hope to achieve 1/4 as good results with my 10% glycolic acid.

I go for glycolic acid peels too =) My derm gave me 10% glycoderm cream to put on at night. It's amazing. My face is clearer since I hit puberty lol.

But 50%? Dayum. lol

Doesn't it depend on your skin type?
Because I've used many American products like Neutrogena and stuff, and like it causes me to breakout more.
So I use this Thai-ish type of medication and its working on me.

Or maybe its just me? Haha, I don't know.

- YES! I always use sunscreen or rather after using it I don't really go outside much lol



- For some reason Neutrogena never worked for me, lol. I use Lancome TEINT IDOLE ULTRA - Enduringly Divine & Comfortable Makeup 14-Hour Retouch-Free, Oil-Free. IT'S AMAZING! I love it, I have an oily face and this product really absorbs the oil. Since it's summer, my skin got darker so I'm trying out a new shade with MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Foundation. I really like it so far, I prefer a lighter coverage during the summer and this really does the job, it blends into the skin sooo well, you can't tell if you're wearing make- up or not :]





- I have no idea, I've only tried the glycolic peel and since it works for me, that's the only one I've been using. Sorry I'm not much help on the TCA topic :\



- I think it will! Your body skin should be less sensitive then the skin on your face so I'm sure it should work. Test it out on a small area first though, to make sure you don't have any allergic reaction.



- That sounds amazing, I'm going to definitely try that! Thank you for the tip~



- I buy the sea salt at Trader Joe's and Witch Hazel online? I think CVS, Walgreens, or Rite Aid should have it though :]



- MUAC has as high as 70%..but that's too crazy for me lol ><



- Yeah, I really think it does depend on your skin type. My skin's really oily so the peel also helps with the excess oils

Funny, I heard La Mer is better for oily skin.

hmm i want to try the 40% one but i'm scared my skin will be too sensitive for it... ><" cuz i usually only see 10% glycolic acid out on the markets...

^ Why not try with 30% then?

Personally, I would go with 30%, but it doesn't claim to help with hyperpigmentation and that's my BIGGEST issue! So I ordered 40%...I'll just use more diluter and less of the actual peel.

To the OP thanks so much for the pics! My skin is looks pretty much exactly like your's did. No real active pimples, just a lot of residual hyperpigmentation and spotting from past zits. grrr. It's nice to know that there's hope out there for me yet! I was pretty much resigned to having to deal with this mess for the rest of my life.

thanks ill check that foundation out..
perhaps it depends, i have oily skin too. it doesnt make me break out and i do have soft skin.. so i guess it works for me

Yup. I have this product that's in powder form, and it contains salt. It's a formula to treat
acne or skin problems by killing the bacteria. You mix the powder with a little
bit of water to create like a paste and apply to the face or where your skin problem is.
Leave it on until it is dry and rinse.

It stings at first, but I think it is one of the best products I've used for my skin.

how often did you use the peel? once a week? can you give a break down on how long you left it on/how you used it.. and whether you increased that time each week.. etcetc?
as well, how long did you use the peel for until you started to actually SEE a difference in scars fading?

Thank you!!

because the benefits for 40% seem to suit me more than the ones for 30% lol

HI OP im still waiting for a reply.. so i will bump this thread: )

I use Egyptian Magic as a moiturizer at night. It's formulated to stop pimples form coming and also take away scarring

i really dont think this makes a difference because your skin looked fine when you said it was "bad" .

Omg what an inspiration
Can you purchase Makeup Artist's Choice (MUAC) 50% Glycolic Skin Peel in stores?

I ordered the Makeup Artist's Choice (MUAC) Glycolic Skin Peel in 30% 2 days ago. I tried it this morning, didn't help much with unclogging pores but it did lighten my scars a lot. In addition, it made my skin paler and slightly glowing

I don´t think that your skin was that bad, mine is a lot worse. The problem here is that de doctors in my country have to give you permission to go to a dermatologist but they only do that when you have big (really really big) red pimples with yellow heads all over the face.

I want to try the peel, but have to wait for my pay before I can order it. I have some really large pores on my cheeks, will it help with that too?

the peel sounds scary, but I want to try it... though I have sensitive skin, what happened with your friend with sensitive skin? you said it's super red, but anything else?

ditto.

i didnt really see any much of a change..


the title looked like it would help me. but my hope was shattered as i saw you had beautiful skin in the "before" stage π_π

Where can you get the sea salts?

- Start out low, you don't want to go for something too high and then risk hurting your skin and waste money too :]



- I use it once a week, I still do. The peel comes with directions, and it said for the first time, leave it on for 1 minute then rinse your face with water right away. DO NOT USE AROUND THE EYE AREA. It's best used when you didn't use any products on your face the day before. When I do the peel, the day before that, I don't put anything on my face, I don't even wash it with soap, just water. Then you apply the pH skin prep (or witch hazel) over the skin, followed by the peel, leave on for however many minutes, then rinse and re-apply the skin prep.

The first time i did it, I left it on for 1 minute, the next week I did 2 minutes, and I increased it 1 minute for each week. The thing is...my skin doesn't peel? It just gets rosy so I was like what the hell and increased it to 5 minutes. I've just been doing it at 5 minutes now, once in awhile I increase to 7 minutes, but no more. I think you're not suppose to leave it on for more than 10 minutes.



-omg yasmie, your skin is like a baby's! lol you don't need this! I dont' think you can, not that of an amount anyway. I'm not sure though, I know there's none around my area.



- I don't think it helps with my pores, but I do this quick fix thing that really really works on large pores. I think you might've heard of it, it's very common. Egg whites, whip it up, lather over face, wait till it dries, wash off, your skin's going to be TIGHT! It doesn't last that long though, I don't know why, but I've been using it for awhile now and I think my skin's used to it, my pores kind of just stay that tight now o___o maybe it'll work for you too?



- it peels...bad. my skin doesn't peel. when I mean it's bad, i mean you probably can't go out looking like that because you'll have patches of peeled skin, it's nothing painful, but just not pretty? it goes away and yeah that's how your scars and stuff lightens I think. you should start out with 10% if your skin is super sensitive, but you should ask your derm first


- those pictures were the worst ones I could find, but I promise you my skin was A LOT worse. the pictures were after i've been using the salt regimen. I didn't really like taking pictures before because my acne was so bad, so there aren't any pictures :\ but my acne was kind of like lots of bumps all over my cheeks and like dozens of large pimples. and when i used medication, they'd dry up but turn into these red/brown spots all over my face ugh..it was soo bad or they'd scar.



- got mine at trader joe's :], ralphs should have them, vons, albertsons, etc.

First of thank you for posting this!

Now, off with question: When you said salt + water, do you mean like regular salt? the one that used in cooking? sounds like a stupid question, but i'm confused I just re-read it and it said sea salt lol & do you do this after you wash your face with ur regular face wash?

Thank you!

I didn't use a face wash ^^; I didn't use make-up while I was on this regimen, so there wasn't much to take off my face. Just dirt and stuff from the day. I took a cotton pad, soaked it in the salt water and wiped it over my face morning and night. You can see the dirt on the cotton pad :[ it was nasty. But that's all I did!

and you did this every day? (O_O)
do you use the salt as a mask or do you use it as a daily thing

But would the salt water enough to get rid of the sunscreen and the night moisturizer? I have to put on moisturizer at night cuz i have dry skin.

Can you get the "Makeup Artist's Choice (MUAC) 50% Glycolic Skin Peel. " from a drugstore? like Walgreens?

Does MUAC come in a percentage lower than 30%? Cause I think the 30% might still be too harsh for my sensitive skin.

No.



If you surf around the MUAC website, you can find other peels that may be more suitable for your skin. They have lactic acid peels which are gentler than the glycolic acid (and the TCA peels which are stronger; the glycolic is somewhere in the middle) and I think they offer it in lower percentages as well.

where can i get sea salt? Lol.

Ok, so I decided to order samples of the 40% Lactic Acid peel and the Gly-Luronic Acid Serum. Now I just need to look for sea salt. If all goes well, I hope my skin could look half as good as the OP is now. ::cross fingers::

thanks for sharing =] definitely gunna try that seasalt+water tip! hopefully my forehead would look cleaner haha.

Your local grocery store should do the trick

I think you're one of the one [maybe few, I haven't seen all the threads in here] people that documented your routine. It supports your argument better haha. Your face is looking very pretty.

I am too!! I bought it a week ago and this is really a magic cream! I had such such such bad skin due to stress, and now its really clearing it up. But you can't only use the cream, what really helps make your skin go clear is exfoliating and cleansing the skin. Using a good soap and exfoliating by using sea salt n water, or other facial masks like queens helene mint mask (omg i love this stuff), or even the aspirin mask. Also, using baking powder on your skin does WONDER - because it kills all the bacteria. And thats what you want to do, cleanse your skin and take out all the bad crap.

And then... the egyptian magic all purpose cream.... my love!! i have only used it for one week, and my face is looking SOOO MUCH better!

Peechier you are def right about trying to prevent it. Your skin is seroiusly really beautiful!! I still need to try that peel, but i am debating as to how much % i should get