Oily skin

bluesky · Joined: 15 Aug 2005 Posts: 11

I used to have a mild acne/blackhead/whithead problem and the condition has improved (not 100%) after a visit to the dermatologist. She prescribed a cleanser, 8% lactic acid, a moisturizer and .05% Retin A. Eventhough the acne, blackhead and whitehead have diminished but my skin has become oilier. I never had a shiny nose before but now I do (plus a shiny forehead).

I am wondering if my oily skin is a result of the sebum gushing out of my clean (unblocked) pores or a simply an increase of sebum production??

Is there anything I could do to keep my face shine-free??

drtodorov · Site Admin Joined: 10 Dec 2004 Posts: 3177

How long have you been using retin A?

bluesky · Joined: 15 Aug 2005 Posts: 11

I have been using retin A everynight for the past month. However prior to seeing my dermatology, I only applied it 2 - 3 a week.

My previous skin care routine was cleanse, toner, sunscreen and makeup (in the morning). At night it would be cleanse, toner and Retin A (ocasionally) . My skin wasnt great, I had black/whiteheads and occasional breakouts.

Now my skin is softer, clearer, acne/black/whitehead are diminished but VERY oily skin.

orangehrzn · Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 1005

I've noticed that acid exfoliation somehow polishes the skin surface and it looks shinier. Are you sure the shine in your case is due to skin oiliness? If you touch your face does your finger come off oily?

Veda · Joined: 03 Jul 2005 Posts: 10 Location: New York

Decrease usage of the Retin A, 2-3 times a week. You will see after few weeks your skin will be less shinier, however you will still able to maintain a healthy skin.

drtodorov · Site Admin Joined: 10 Dec 2004 Posts: 3177

bluesky · Joined: 15 Aug 2005 Posts: 11

I am sure it is OILY. Especially when I wake up in the morning, my T-sone is shiny and "slippery" with sebum. I have to blot my face at least 3X throughout the day. I am sure I needed more blots but I am just too lazy.

Where can I get the azelaic acid? (I dont order through the internet.)

Thanks.

drtodorov · Site Admin Joined: 10 Dec 2004 Posts: 3177

Ask at your local pharmacy. Common barnds of azelaic acid are Azelex and Skinoren.

essentialskincare · Joined: 27 Aug 2005 Posts: 21 Location: Los Angeles

If you find that the retin-A is working another small thing you can do, and this is just from my personal experience, is use a natural toner that will absorb access oils and help control the sebum production without over drying your skin. I use/make a toner with Tea Tree Oil, Manuka Oil, Palmarosa to help regulate oil production, Green Tea Extracts and Algae extracts. I'm not saying to order my product by any means I'm just saying if your skin is producing a lot of oil, and you like the way your current products are working, you might benefit from using a toner with similiar ingredients. Especially the Tea Tree oil. Just try to avoid toners with a lot of added chemicals and try to stick to more natural.

Keep us posted on your condition and let us know what your Derm says about it on your next visit.=)

drtodorov · Site Admin Joined: 10 Dec 2004 Posts: 3177

I do not know if tea tree oil has an effect on sebum production, but I do recall a study showing that it reduces acne breakouts by inhibiting the growth of acne causing bacteria.

bluesky · Joined: 15 Aug 2005 Posts: 11

My skin is not as oily since I have added a toner to my routine. I would say the sebum has reduce by more than 50%. I dont really believe in toners becoz I tought it to be a marketing plot. (to get ppl to buy more) but it does help to control the shine.

My Q is: how does a toner help to control shine?

drtodorov · Site Admin Joined: 10 Dec 2004 Posts: 3177

What are the ingredients of your toner?

bluesky · Joined: 15 Aug 2005 Posts: 11

I used Sisley Botanical Grapefruit Toning Lotion. It is not a lotion.. in fact it is liquid.