How to Recover From Oil Cleansing Method?

[not_telling]

Well, after thinking about trying the OCM for months, I told my sister about it and she got all excited about trying it, so we both went for it. I went into it thinking I'd do it for at least one month...but I only made it three weeks.

Since having my baby 14 months ago, I've been having menstrual-related chin acne (which is where I've gotten most of my acne during adulthood). Usually it comes on when my period starts, lasts the week of my period, then takes 1.5-2 weeks to clear up. Then I have about a week or so all nice and then it starts all over again.

I started the OCM (castor and jojoba) the week before my period and things seemed to be going well. Then my period started and all hell broke loose. Constant whiteheads and cycstic acne all over my chin, up to the corners of my mouth. I continued to stick it out for 2 weeks, then gave up because it just wasn't getting any better. Now it's about 2 weeks later and my chin is still a mess, though not as many whiteheads. Tons of small cystic-type bumps, though. I'm back to old routine of using (alternating between) Neutrogena Acne Wash and Aubrey Organics Pineapple Cleanser, 2.5% benzoyl peroxide when needed (which is every day right now), and moisturizer (usually California Baby Calendula First Aid Cream). Sometimes I use some witch hazel after cleansing.

I want my clear-ish chin back!! How long does it take to recover from a cleansing methoid that didn't work for me?

[loon13]

I think it could be either of 2 things:

1) the OCM is working, but it's bringing up all the gunk out of your pores and so your skin is going to seem worse before it gets better.

2) your pores have gotten clogged from the oil-cleansing method.

I know that's 2 ends of the spectrum, sorry.

If you think it 's #2, you could try light exfoliation once or twice a week. No more than that because you don't want to irritate your skin more.

You might also try something that has AHA (alph hydroxy acids) in it. This is sort of like a milder version of a skin peel, and that helped me at one point in my 20's when acne was rearing up again. (e.g. Here's the cleanser for example.)

In either case, your skin still might have some breakouts before it gets better, because all the stuff clogging your pores needs to come out to the surface. That is what happened to me when I used the AHAs. I had worse acne for awhile and then it cleared up great.

You could also try washing your face with honey. That is highly recommended by many mamas here. There's a thread on this forum if you search for it.

[not_telling]

Thanks for the reply! I guess I'm thinking that since the breakouts are only on my chin, that it's probably not that the oil is clogging my pores (I'd imagine I'd have breakouts everywhere if that were the case). It very well could be that the OCM was bringing up years(!) of stuff outta my pores...which is why I initially thought I'd stick with it for at least a month...to kinda get through the bad part. It's just been so bad, though.

I'm wondering about using some AHAs. The cleanser you linked to has parabans in it. Is there something more natural you know of that has AHA?

[loon13]

I know if I get breakouts it's mostly around my jawline. I have a bad habit of cradling the phone between my shoulder and jaw, and I also lean my jaw on my hands a lot.

If it's mostly only your chin, maybe it's something that's usually touching it?

Originally Posted by not_telling

I'm wondering about using some AHAs. The cleanser you linked to has parabans in it. Is there something more natural you know of that has AHA?

Ah, when I used that cleanser and stuff back then, I was not aware at all of parabens and such. Sorry about that. There is nothing natural that I know of, but I'll scout around and see what I can report back. Maybe others here know.

[loon13]

Alpha Hydroxy Acid And Beta Hydroxy Acids

Starting to search but I found this interesting article on alpha and beta hydroxy acids. Article link.

Be sure to wear sunscreen if you use either of the acids because your skin will certainly be more vulnerable.

[loon13]

Some products...

Okay, a quick search turned up a few. I have not thoroughly read ingredient lists, I haven't checked them against www.cosmeticsdatabase.com and I haven't price checked different sites, just looking for products right now... Hope it helps.

Neutrogena Acne Stress Control Oil-Free Power-Cream Wash 6 Ounces
(I'm not sure if this is the one you're using.) The page linked says it contains AHA.

Derma E, AHA Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Beauty Fluid, 2 fl oz (60 ml) found at iherb.com

Kiss My Face Peaches & Creme Moisturizer with 8% Alpha Hydroxy Acids, 4-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 3)

Vitacost.com carries the Reviva Labs line which has a bunch of beta hydroxy acid products.
Reviva Labs Beta HydroxyAcid Night Cream Sensitive Skin

[not_telling]

thank you thank you thank you!