Massagewallah

Breelyn asks: I have used peroxide on my face before and it didnt do anything to my face, but today after I washed my face, I applied the peroxide, and where I applied it, my face became red — but it didnt do that last time.  Am I allergic?

Massagewallah answers:

Were you using plain topical peroxide or a benzoyl peroxide (bp) solution? I wouldnt recommend using just plain peroxide for your face, as it is too harsh for the skin, esp if you are under 18yo.

If you were using bp, redness is a common side effect. If you use the gel or the liquid, just apply where ness. If you are using a creme it is possible to use all over, but try to use only on the effected area.

Another prob could be the dosage and the length of time you left it on. If you are under 18 dont leave it on for more then 10sec. If you dont see any results leave on for longer, not to exceed 25-30 seconds.

Remember that perioxide combats acne vulgaris by drying out the oil in the pore. The reddening indicates inflamation of the top layers of the dermis and/or pores.

It is possible that you could be hypersensative (allergic) to peroxide, so you might need to eliminate peroxide therapy or just reduce the concentration.

This could also be a possible negative reaction to other drugs that you might be using e.g. isotretinoin, clindamycin, etc. Check w. yr pharmicist to if you are using other medications.

Also do not use benzoyl peroxide on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin or on open wounds, as this could further irriate the skin, perhaps causing this redness that you are refering to.
—Avoid abrasive, harsh, or drying soaps and cleansers while using benzoyl peroxide
—Avoid combining PABA-containing sunscreens and benzoyl peroxide.

xopiink523 asks: What is Milia, and how do I get rid of it?  I’ve had it on my arms for the last few years.

Massagewallah answers: 

Milia is really common on the upper arms and shoulders. Primary milia can form due to improperly formed oil ducts that have not fully developed.

Exfoliating the skin, or removing the dead skin cells from your skin with an abrasive product or chemical, is beneficial. But brutally scrubbing your arms with soaps and chemicals too frequently may actually create milia. This gentle exfoliation helps make eventual removal of the milia easier because the skin layer around the milia becomes thinner, with frequent, yet gentle exfoliation. In short, Exfoliate your skin to prevent milia, not to cure them.

The best way to prevent milia is to avoid treating your skin with excessively harsh chemicals and to limit sun exposure.
Use a sunscreen with the least amount of ingredients. Extraneous ingredients like fragrances may irritate your skin. Additionally, purchase sunscreens that offer physical sun blockage that contain active ingredients like titanium oxide or zinc oxide.

The key to getting rid of milia is realizing that they have no escape route, those little bumps are trapped under the skin. So, to get them out, you’ll need to have a professional like a dermatologist or aesthetician extract them.

Becky asks: Has any one used glycolic acid on your face?  Did it work? What all did it do for you and what results did you get?

Massagewallah answers:

Glycolic acid is an Alpha Hyrdroxy Acid (AHA) and is a popular method of chemical exfoliation, due to its excellent capability to penetrate deep down in your skin.

Chemical exfoliation (vs mechanical) gives a much more complete removal of dead skin cells, not only removing them from the surface, but also from within the pores, ducts and follicles of the skin. Chemical exfoliants do not cause bruising or tearing of the skin and if used properly and in the correct dossage should not irritate, either.

You can get a low dosage cleanser w. Glycolic in it at a drug store or skin care shop, like Sephora. There are also “at home peels, available as well.

I recommend getting a glycolic peel done by a licensed aesthetician or dermatologist FIRST, before attempting at home care. Plus they will also have higher concentrated dosage at the (med) spa.

There are contraindications to AHA peels such as: use of accutane, oral herpes, pregnancy, sunburn, sun sensativity, etc.

If you are looking for something to assist with acne, Salicylic Acid (BHA) products better.

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As for glycolic acid working, yes it does, and I personally use a daily low dose treatment, with alternating peels (AHA/BHA) every other month.

If you are under 16 I wouldnt recommend starting a AHA regimen just yet. But ask your local aesthetician.

Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen (esp when using a AHA product)!