newbie need product suggestion

[bumsrus]

Hello,
I just got done reading the book and found out that I'm a OSNT. Can anyone with my skintype recommend products for me? Yes, I did read the suggested products, but wanted more choices and feedback on what's working for others. Thanks a bunch.

[MediterraneanMaven]

Hello, bumsrus and welcome to the forum!

I'm a fellow OSNT and have had great results following Dr. B's suggestions for my skintype.  Your scores are very similar to mine so I hope this helps.

I've had great success keeping things very simple because of my high Sensitivity score.  Overall, I find that fragrance free products help me avoid redness, irritation and breakouts as well as products with as few preservatives as possible.  As far as exfoliation is concerned, Dr. B is right when she says it's not for us - I can't use BHA anymore - believe me, I've tried unsuccessfully.  I've just resorted to using either Neutrogena Healthy Skin Intensive Night Cream over one of the moisturizers below or LRP Biomedic Retinol 15 again over one of the moisturizers at night but only once or twice a week tops.  I just can't use it more than that or my skin gets really red, irritated and blotchy.  Once or twice a week keeps my skin blemish free without the redness.  Another thing that helped me reduce breakouts was using a makeup remover at night such as the makeup remover wipes.  This alone made a huge difference in my skin.  Before, I used to use my cleanser twice and that would be irritating.  But, now I just use the makeup remover wipes and then follow with a gentle wash of cleanser, apply my moisturizer and I'm done.


Here's what's worked for me:

AM

*La Roche Posay Rosaliac Makeup remover/cleanser or LRP Toleriane Softening Foaming Gel (the cream version while similar is stronger and meant for oilier skins than mine)
*Olay Active Hydrating Fluid (Sensitive Skin)
(If I'm going to be out in the sun, then I apply LRP Anthelios Fluid Extreme SPF 40 or 50). Otherwise, I just use a powder foundation with an spf since I'm rarely out in the sun.  (Some of my favorites: Maybelline Purestay Foundation SPF 15 in #10 Ivory;  Chanel Double Perfection Powder Foundation in Tender Bisque; or Amazing Cosmetics Velvet Powder Foundation - loose version - followed by their compact finishing powder called Powderset).

PM

*Boots Expert Sensitive Cleansing & Toning Makeup Remover Wipes (Other good ones to try:  Josie Maran Bear Naked Wipes; CVS Gentle Cleansing Wipes; and Almay Makeup Remover Towelettes)
*La Roche Posay Rosaliac Makeup remover/cleanser
*Olay Active Hydrating Fluid (Sensitive Skin) or Olay Active Hydrating Cream (Sensitive Skin)

Once or twice a week:  LRP Biomedic Retinol 15 or Neutrogena Healthy Skin Intensive Night Cream over one of the moisturizers above.  Dr. B suggests doing it this way to avoid irritation.

Manuka Honey mask:  this is absolutely fabulous and leaves your skin soft and smooth too.  Just apply some to a wet face and leave on 15 minutes and then wash off.

The key here is patience and introducing products one at a time until you figure out what works and what doesn't.   What's especially tricky is balancing the oiliness with the sensitivity when selecting products.

Hope this helps!

MM 

[bumsrus]

Mediterrane,
Thanks for your detailed routine. Where can I get the honey mask?

[Josh]

It's just plain Manuka honey and it's available in most health food stores and from various online retailers. Look for one with a UMF of 15+ or greater.

[Veela]

I've had great success with Dr. Baumann's recs as well, particularly the Aveeno Ultra-Calming line. My skin has improved drastically since I began using these products. Also, my skin does well with Prosacea, a sulfur-based homeopathic gel that you can find at most drugstores.  I use this nightly as my anti-inflammatory before applying moisturizer. Another good one to try is Noah's Naturals cucumber toning mist (available at Wal-mart). MediterraneanMaven has made some really great recommendations! I, too, use a honey mask about once a week. I don't use manuka honey, just plain honey in the bear-shaped bottle. I'll be looking for manuka honey now, though! 

I also incorporated a retinoid into my routine once a week. I use Atralin, a prescription tretinoin. It exfoliates very well and my skin can't handle more than 1x per week. If your skin can handle salicylic acid and blemishes are a concern, Burt's Bees blemish stick is fabulous for pesky pimples!

[MediterraneanMaven]

Veela,

I can't handle more than once per week of retinol use either.  After my BHA over use, I'm more careful than ever to avoid anything that will irritate my skin.

MM

[Veela]

Another thing that helped me reduce breakouts was using a makeup remover at night such as the makeup remover wipes.  This alone made a huge difference in my skin. 
PM

Oh my gosh, I've been doing this since I read your post and I've seen a HUGE difference in my skin already!! I've just been using my daughter's wet wipes (Parent's Choice real cloth wipes for sensitive skin) and they work really well. THANK YOU for the tip!!!!  =D

[MediterraneanMaven]

Veela:

I'm glad that your skin is improving with the wipes.  That's great!  I thought it was just a passing thing but my skin really has continued to improve and still remains blemish free since I've been using the wipes.  I've even been using La Roche Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser with cotton pads to remove my makeup first and then follow that with a gentle wash of cleanser.  (The LRP Toleriane Dermo Cleanser is a bit too emollient for my skin to use alone so I began to use it as a makeup remover for eye makeup and face and it's great!)This too works very well.

If the Parent's Choice wipes are working for you, then continue to use them.  Not all wipes are created equal - believe me, some have irritated the heck out of my skin until I found the 4 that I recommend.)

MM 

[lizann]

Hi Bumrus -
Welcom to the forum - I usually post in the OSNW forum, but am a "borderline" OSNT, so thought you might like to know what I use.
 Currently, I'm using AM: Laura Mercier One-Step Foaming Cleanser, followed by a spritz of rosewater or Evian or Avene mineral water spray; then Topix Replenix CF serum; then Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 30 (it's not that stable for long periods outdoors, but in winter it suits me fine and I haven't had any damage).
Then I put on Estee Lauder Doublewear foundation - it really is matte and suits me well.
PM: I start by removing the makeup with La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser; then Laura Mercier again; spritz again; Topic Replenix CF Cream (a little richer than the serum and I find it's good for night-time) and finally, I use Relasin as a skin firmer and moisturizer. That's it.
I found all these products from the book and from reading this forum, which is excellent.
I don't use retinol or retinoid products, as experience has shown me they are just too strong for my skin. i got a bad reaction - stining, burning and red spots, so had to stop.
Also, no exfoliating products for me, either - again, I have found them too strong, making the rosacea worse and causing stinging.
As you'll have seen from this forum, we all have to find out what suits us and what isn't right for us, but I did find the book tremendously helpful. Nobody else in this field ever seems to understand that we oily skinned people can also have very sensitive skin too! So thank goodness for Dr. B.
Best wishes -
Elizabeth