Reactive Skin: Suggestions....

Mishell5 · ‎01-30-2011

OK... so a few months ago I got aggressive with my skincare. I was frustrated with my forehead that was needing exfoliation and used a product that I think was too strong. I am not saying this product (Dimitri's peel product) was the culprit. It just might have been too strong for my skin. My forehead is rashed. There is a red mark that goes across my forehead and the skin feels different..like there is a rough patch but just strange. I also have a big bright red rash on the part of my cheek that is driving me crazy. These "rashes" i t c h (mods wouldn't let me use that word because it sounds like another word (LOL) but not terribly. Just when my skin looks better, if I wear any makeup and have to remove it with something it just flairs up all over again. It is really difficult to get rid of. I am using products that I have always used, but it seems like these rough, red areas have memory. Like if I wash my face or try to use anything they reappear.

I am 60 and have a light complexion. I have always have had sensitive skin, but this is just different. I never had those strange patchy areas that feel different from the rest of my skin.

I think one of the problems is when it clears up I will use makeup or a skincare and it flairs up again. So frustrating. Any thoughts or opinions about this would be appreciated. TIA.

Michelle

little miss sunshine · ‎03-10-2010

ChynnaBlue · ‎05-22-2012

If you're able, you may want to visit a dermatologist and get some suggestions there. If you can't, you can manage it on your own, but it does take a long time.

Chemical peels do this to me, too. I've tried even gentle enzyme ones and they also do this, so now I avoid them and go with manual exfoliation. The rough patches are a chemical burn. Healing takes a while and it's not pretty. If you can, stop using almost ALL your skincare and beauty products. (If you can go without makeup, it will help you heal faster.) I back off everything except a gentle cleanser, a gentle moisturizer, and sunscreen during the day. If your red skin is itchy, you might want to try a cortisone cream, but go easy on that and do not use it too long, as it can also damage skin over time. I skip all real exfoliation - no brushes, no scrubby bit cleansers. If I get a dry flaky patch, I gently buff it away with a soft washcloth and some gentle cleanser, followed by a moisturizer.

I know what you mean about the red patches having memory. They'll pop up for a while after you think they're gone. It's very frustrating.

Be very gentle for the next 4-6 weeks while your skin repairs itself. Even when it starts to look better, baby it, because the damage may still be repairing even if you can't see it on the surface and rushing will cause a relapse.

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myshell624 · ‎02-27-2013

You mentioned it flares up after you wash and when you wear makeup. I am wondering if either your cleanser or foundation my be part of the problem. As far as the exfoliation product I would not use it anymore. It definetly sounds too strong for your skin. Sometimes when my skin is being really sensitive I use a cleanser and wash cloth to exfoliate.

Mishell5 · ‎01-30-2011

On 2/5/2014 ChynnaBlue said:
If you're able, you may want to visit a dermatologist and get some suggestions there. If you can't, you can manage it on your own, but it does take a long time.

Chemical peels do this to me, too. I've tried even gentle enzyme ones and they also do this, so now I avoid them and go with manual exfoliation. The rough patches are a chemical burn. Healing takes a while and it's not pretty. If you can, stop using almost ALL your skincare and beauty products. (If you can go without makeup, it will help you heal faster.) I back off everything except a gentle cleanser, a gentle moisturizer, and sunscreen during the day. If your red skin is itchy, you might want to try a cortisone cream, but go easy on that and do not use it too long, as it can also damage skin over time. I skip all real exfoliation - no brushes, no scrubby bit cleansers. If I get a dry flaky patch, I gently buff it away with a soft washcloth and some gentle cleanser, followed by a moisturizer.

I know what you mean about the red patches having memory. They'll pop up for a while after you think they're gone. It's very frustrating.

Be very gentle for the next 4-6 weeks while your skin repairs itself. Even when it starts to look better, baby it, because the damage may still be repairing even if you can't see it on the surface and rushing will cause a relapse.

You are spot on about everything. Thanks so much for answering. My problem is I get antsy and start to use a mask, or skincare to soothe my skin, and I get worse. I know I have to step away from the skincare and makeup. If I do I see an improvement, and then I figure I can start with my routine again.. Wrong! Anyway, I will stay away from using skincare and makeup for a while. I didn't realize the damage could be under the skin, but that makes sense. These rashes and rough patches just come back even worse after I use products. GRRR...frustrating, but I really am not going out in this weather so I don't have to look good. LOL!

OH.. I have RX cortisone and will use it sparingly. It helps with the i t c h! Thanks!

Michelle

Mishell5 · ‎01-30-2011

On 2/5/2014 myshell624 said:
You mentioned it flares up after you wash and when you wear makeup. I am wondering if either your cleanser or foundation my be part of the problem. As far as the exfoliation product I would not use it anymore. It definetly sounds too strong for your skin. Sometimes when my skin is being really sensitive I use a cleanser and wash cloth to exfoliate.

I stopped using that product a while ago. It just did a number on my skin and after that I was aggressive with cleansing. I get frustrated and will use a water cleanser after my gentle cleanser to get off my makeup...then the stronger cleanser does make it worse. I guess if I don't wear makeup then I won't have to use any cleanser to remove it. I have no patience and I am rushing the healing process by not leaving my skin alone. It could be one of the cleansers is making the situation worse. At least with this weather I can stay in and not worry about makeup, and can step away from that and the skincare. I just never had this before, but what you said makes sense. Thanks! I appreciate your help!

Michelle

myshell624 · ‎02-27-2013

On 2/5/2014 Mishell5 said:
On 2/5/2014 myshell624 said:
You mentioned it flares up after you wash and when you wear makeup. I am wondering if either your cleanser or foundation my be part of the problem. As far as the exfoliation product I would not use it anymore. It definetly sounds too strong for your skin. Sometimes when my skin is being really sensitive I use a cleanser and wash cloth to exfoliate.

I stopped using that product a while ago. It just did a number on my skin and after that I was aggressive with cleansing. I get frustrated and will use a water cleanser after my gentle cleanser to get off my makeup...then the stronger cleanser does make it worse. I guess if I don't wear makeup then I won't have to use any cleanser to remove it. I have no patience and I am rushing the healing process by not leaving my skin alone. It could be one of the cleansers is making the situation worse. At least with this weather I can stay in and not worry about makeup, and can step away from that and the skincare. I just never had this before, but what you said makes sense. Thanks! I appreciate your help!

Michelle

I am sorry your skin is so flared up. Hopefully it will get better soon. If laying off of your skincare and makeup doesn't help it clear up, I would definetly recommend seeing a dermatologist. Good luck!

maestra · ‎03-09-2010

sounds like cosmetic dermatitis. Back off, try some hydrocortisone and test patch products.

Mishell5 · ‎01-30-2011

On 2/5/2014 myshell624 said:
On 2/5/2014 Mishell5 said:
On 2/5/2014 myshell624 said:
You mentioned it flares up after you wash and when you wear makeup. I am wondering if either your cleanser or foundation my be part of the problem. As far as the exfoliation product I would not use it anymore. It definetly sounds too strong for your skin. Sometimes when my skin is being really sensitive I use a cleanser and wash cloth to exfoliate.

I stopped using that product a while ago. It just did a number on my skin and after that I was aggressive with cleansing. I get frustrated and will use a water cleanser after my gentle cleanser to get off my makeup...then the stronger cleanser does make it worse. I guess if I don't wear makeup then I won't have to use any cleanser to remove it. I have no patience and I am rushing the healing process by not leaving my skin alone. It could be one of the cleansers is making the situation worse. At least with this weather I can stay in and not worry about makeup, and can step away from that and the skincare. I just never had this before, but what you said makes sense. Thanks! I appreciate your help!

Michelle

I am sorry your skin is so flared up. Hopefully it will get better soon. If laying off of your skincare and makeup doesn't help it clear up, I would definetly recommend seeing a dermatologist. Good luck!

Thanks! I will....

Mishell5 · ‎01-30-2011

On 2/5/2014 maestra said:
sounds like cosmetic dermatitis. Back off, try some hydrocortisone and test patch products.

Water is even making my skin flare up.... I do have some RX hydrocortisone in the house and I am going to use it. A patch test is an excellent idea....will do. In the meantime no skincare or makeup until I am totally cleared up. Thanks!

Michelle