^Thank you so much for your super-helpful reply, Paheli!
And I'm basically looking to even out my skin tone and perhaps get rid of the redness? I don't really breakout that much and when I do, it's just a spot or two but my skin scars really fast and they don't fade for days. RA has definitely helped but I only started it about 3 weeks ago and I didn't notice much until recently. Also, I know that lactic peels can lighten the sun damage to a degree and I want to do that with my face because my face is much more pinker and about 2 shades darker than my face. My body is NC15-20 and my face is NC25 which makes matching foundations so annoying.
Where do you think I should start from if I want to incorporate RA, Vitamin C serum, peels as well AHA/BHAs into my skincare? I've tried doing research on my own and it's so overwhelming!
Also, I know you like Rosehip oil so I'm going to look into that. I use almond oil currently and my skin loves that stuff.
Holy crap woman why is your face so much darker?! Are you in the sun often? Even living in Texas my face isn’t that much darker than my body (and we’re known for our heat here!). I hope you’re using sunscreen diligently since you’re using RA.
Based on what you wrote, I think you should go for 50% lactic acid peels. 55% is fine too since I know not all brands sell 50%. Just stop the RA 2 days BEFORE the peel.
Based on what you wrote, I don’t think you need too many products (actually, most people don’t). The RA is taking care of your acne and will help with fine lines/wrinkles, lactic peel will help even out skin tone (of course, you must use sun screen, and stay out of sun as much as possible). I think using the RA and doing the lactic peel once every 2 weeks is a good start.
As for Vit. C serum, yes, I do think you should incorporate this too…applying this in the morning. I make my own…I think I’ve posted before some articles regarding store-bought C serums and their stability. Plus C serums are genrally expenseive. I find it much more cost effective to make my own.
LOL…I’ve actually never used Rosehip Oil myself. I use Argan Oil normally. I’ve also tried almond, avacado, cranberry seed, and sesame seed. But all these oils (including rosehip) are great. You just need to find one that you like (texture wise) and one that works for your skin. Once I run out of my argan oil, I’m considering trying rosehip. BTW, check out Garden of Wisdom for oils…along with good pricing, they have have good basic info. on TONS Of different types of oils.
** On a side note: Don’t ignore your neck/upper chest, and hands/arms.
YAY! Thank YOU so much for all your amazing help, Paheli! You are the bomb.com
I saved both your posts and will be using those to research and buy the products you mentioned, esp. before I go. And I am HARDCORE about SPF, I apply it even in the rain but for some reason my face is more flushed (not really tanner than my body) but doesn’t look as “bright” as my body does but I’ve noticed the redness go down after 2 weeks of using RA but since I get laser done, I need to stop it a week prior to appointments.
Paheli I am really interested in your skin regimen but I am super confused - Can you please explain it a little more? Also how do you make vitamin C serum? Can I buy the products you use on Amazon? What is the cheap way to purchase RA?
M_was_here: Keep us updated on the RA use! Also, if you end up doing the lactic acid peels, let us know how that turns out too.
Inspiron: I purchase RA from AllDayChemist.com. Since you’re a med. student yourself, you won’t have any problems understanding the effects, precautions with it.
As for the Vitamin C, I’ll start a separate thread about it to avoid confusion with the RA.
Paheli I have acne problems. i'm really interested in your skin regimen. can u plz explain step by step how to use the retin a, lactic peel, chemical peel, gycolic acid etc etc whatever u use. any help will be greatly appreciated. ive tried a lotta stuff for my acne but it just wont go away :(
Deeba: I use .025% cream. I get very minimal flaking but I don't use the RA daily. The amount of flaking depends on the strength of the cream and how often you use it.
Resham: Howdy! :) There are tons of info. already on the forums regarding chemical peels, glycolic peels, and Retin A. Please do a search and go through all the threads. If you have any specific questions after reading through it all....feel free to ask. Before using the RA or doing any peels....you can also get a glycolic cream and start using that immediately. If you have an Ulta near you, they sell several brands including Alpha Hydroxy.
Are you in the sun often? Even living in Texas my face isn’t that much darker than my body (and we’re known for our heat here!). I hope you’re using sunscreen diligently since you’re using RA.
