Using other Products with Green Cream

[jebentle]

Hello!
I just started using Green Cream, level 6...tonight was my second application. I am starting with an every other night regimen as instructed on the package.

I am 34, have combo skin, a fair complexion, and quite a few freckles. I have also had mild acne in my T-zone forever, which is the main reason I wanted to try Green Cream, plus for general anti-aging purposes.

I am a little unclear on if/how I can use other products after I apply Green Cream?

For example, if I am breaking out, do I apply a salicylic acid product directly after using Green Cream, or the next day? How about a moisturizer -- right after Green Cream application or wait until morning?

Once I bump up my use to twice a day -- how long would I wait in the morning after applying Green Cream to apply my moisturizer/sunscreen and make-up?

This is a great forum. Thanks for your advice!
Jessica

[kevin]

Jessica,
Good luck on your adaptation phase. Just remember that over 80% of the people that use our Level 6 product (and follow the directions) do not have any side effects whatsoever.

Our general rule of thumb is that we can give you guidelines on how to best use the product and there are no hard and fast rules. If something does or doesn't fit in your routine, I wouldn't get too distressed about it.

Our first guideline is to use your retinoid at night and all other actives and products in the morning. If that does not work for you, apply the retinoid first and then wait 20 minutes to apply the next product. The longer you wait, the more time the retinoid will absorb and the other products won't deactivate the retinoid.

Keep us posted on your progress and do not hesitate to give us a shout if you have questions or concerns.

[jebentle]

Hi Kevin! Thanks for the reply.

I am having mixed result with Green Cream, although, in reading other's posts, they do not sound unusual at this point (week 2).

Parts of my face look great already - also, although I am breaking out a bit more in my trouble areas, it's truly amazing how quickly the blemishes are going way...it used to take at least a week, if not more, for a pimple to completely go away - now it's a matter of days. AWESOME!

The things I am most concerned about now is the dryness in my T-zone (lots of flakey skin), and a general sensitivity (redness and burning) all over my face, especially when I put on my sunscreen in the morning. I wonder if part of this has to do with using a salicylic acid product in the mornings to help combat my break-outs. It sounds like this is also part of the initial acclimation phase of using Green Cream.

I am sure you address this all the time, but do you have any suggestions for getting through this awkward period (flakey and red/sensitive skin)?

I am wondering, due to my skin sensitivity, if I should not use Green Cream for a few days....or if its best to push on through? Also, should I stop using as many other products as possible, especially the salicylic acid pimple cream, until my skin is more comfortable with Green Cream? (I am still only using Green Cream every other night.)

Thanks a bunch!
Jessica

[kevin]

jeb, you are doing all the right things. You really have to be mindful of the irritation and don't discouraged if you have to start and stop alot. The cold weather here in the US is making it exceptionally hard to adapt to a retinoid. I would stick with the BP, but ask that you add a good moisturizer as often as you can throughout the day on your dry spots.

[jebentle]

Ok, thanks! Do you have a good, affordable moisturizer you can recommend....something I can pick up at the drug store?

[kevin]

I think Cetaphil has the best track record and the most gentle to tolerate for most skin types.

[jebentle]

Great! Thanks so much for your time!

[vpg]

Hi,

I just wanted to let you know what other products I use. I only use GC at night before I go to bed. In the morning I put GC on my unwashed face. I get the kids ready for school - make breakfast, make lunches, etc. Before I take them to school I rinse my face off and put sunscreen. When I get home and get ready for my day, I shower, washing my face with Cetaphil. Then I use Philosophy microdelivery mini pads to exfoliate, get rid of any flakey skin. Then I put on some eye cream and then some vitamin C serum by Ole Henrikson. I use the Philosophy pads and the OH serum in the winter time because my skin gets a little dry. After letting the serum soak in a few minutes I use the sheer Bare Minerals powder with spf 30. I used to use the regular BM powder foundation but I don't need so much coverage. It might seem like a lot to do, but once you get into the routine it is pretty quick.

I started using GC a year ago. When I first started I was so excited about it that I used too much too soon, especially around my eyes. My skin looked really old - sagging and peeling. I was so upset and embarassed. But after a couple of days it "evened out " a little bit and I decided to be patient and use a little at a time. I added the glycolic acid/salycylic acid toner and vitamin c last summer. I started using the pads a couple of months ago because the colder drier air combined with the toner was drying out my skin and making it sting! The OH serum works great in the winter time, but I will have to start searching for a lighter vitamin c serum for the summer because my skin can get oily in the humidity.

Overall I feel like the addition of the toner/pads and the vitamin c really kicked my skin up a notch. But GC is the basic ingredient that really pulls it together, I think. I love that my skin is plumper and more evenly toned, and I have gotten compliments as well ) I think I will stick with Level 6 for a while before I start with Level 9. I'm not in a big hurry because I'm pleased with the results I already have.

[kevin]

vp. WOW! you do a lot to take care of your skin. If its working for you stick with it! I'm no where near that efficient! I'm becoming more and more of a fan of vitamin C and thanks for sharing!

[jebentle]

Hi! Jessica here (the one who started this thread)

Thanks for the ideas on other skin care products! I need to look into using Vit C.

Besides that, I have a couple statements/questions re: green cream.

1) It seems I can't go more than 4 or so days in a row of using GC, level 6, just at night, before I need a 2 day break or so from it. My skin starts to burn with just water, and gets red. Is this normal given I've been using GC for a few months now? Should I just keep at it?

2) The texture of my skin is definitely improving! Normally I use a mineral foundation, which I haven't used much of lately because my skin looks a lot better than it used to. However, when I do want more coverage and I do go to use my mineral foundation make up, it just ends up looking chalky and like its just sitting the surface of my skin rather than blending in like it used to. Has anyone else had this problem, or know why this might be happening? I am thinking of just switching to a tinted liquid sunscreen instead.

3) Since GC does cause flakiness occasionally, what is a good/gentle way to regularly exfoliate?

Thanks so much! I certainly have found the information in this forum to be very helpful!

[kevin]

jeb,
1) This is certainly normal especially in dry climates. The humidity will help this as Spring comes rolling around. However, if this should persist for a couple of weeks, that is a sign that you may need to move down to Level 3 for a while.
2) If you can wait 20 minutes after you apply the GC and then the foundation, you shouldn't have that issue. It just needs time to absorb properly.
3) I love 2% BHA products like Skinceuticals Acne Blemish Control Gel.

[missgreentea]

Hi Everyone,

My green cream 6 arrived two days ago, tonight will be my third night of application. I just have a wee question about incorporating it with my current routine of Copper Peptides.
My usual routine is to use Copper in in Am along with Emu oil or Neroli oil then minerals.
I have also just gone up from the standard copper to Super Cop Serum which I will alternate with the standard strength and P&R Cream. After Copper application I apply either Emu Oil, Neroli oil or Essential Lipids.
In the PM I either do a 10% Lactic Acid Peel (usually twice a week) or apply Exfol cream (2% Salicylic)

My question is; will the green cream take the place of the Lactic Acid and Exfol or can it be incorporated?
At what point would I apply a face mask?
I am almost 36 and too be honest although I find fault in my skin usually people mistake me for younger than I am. I am positive the Coppers are to thanks for this. I do have a few enlarged pores and faded freckles which I am hoping the green cream will help with.

[kevin]

MissGT,
Dang you a diligent person. But if it is working for you, stick with it!

I would drop the lactic and salicyclic acid (they are both doing the same thing). Over exfoliating without our building an infrastructure can have long term detrimental effects on your skin (i.e. loss of elasticity and sagging skin). If you are using the Sal Acid to keep acne at bay, you should probably stick with it in the morning.

I would incorporate the GC in place of where you use your exfoliants. After a month of daily use you might want to add back in the exfoliants one or two times a week to help with the penetration of the retinol.