Shocking Your Face

[Nella]

I was wondering if anyone uses the "shock" treatment for their skin? The shock treatment I'm talking about is normally used for hair where you switch different shampoo's and conditioner's every few days to give your hair a "shock" so it doesn't get used to the original product and become dull looking.

From my personal experience I've noticed that swapping my cleanser, toner, and lotion (even SPF as well) every month really does help my skin. Sometimes after months of use with the same product I feel like my skin is no longer reaping the benefit. As if it has become accustomed to the product. I do it monthly (as opposed to every few days for hair) because the skin takes longer to absorb, and show, the benefit of the product.

Does anyone else do this? If so, for how long? 

 

[divadoll]

I've not heard of doing this before...

I have sensitive skin so any switching at random can result in disaster.  I am always in the market for something better but many times, it results in an eczema breakout and my skin becomes a hot mess and me going back to my old product.  Since I started using the Oil Cleansing Method, I'd been very happy with the condition of my skin.  I make my own moisturizer so I'm always researching for a new active to add to my next batch. I also have the opportunity to tweek my batch to what feels best at any time.  I also make my own toner and I've not had the need to alter my current recipe. 

I'm glad its working for you.  Do you wait to til you finish the product to switch or do you go by a calendar?

 

[DachsieDogMom]

The switching up products theory is based on the thought that your hair (or skin) gets used to products.  That IMO doesn't happen.

Its not that your hair has gotten use to a product.  With your hair, build up can definitely happen so switching shampoo's can look like it makes a big difference because it can have a clarifying effect.  This is the reason many use a clarifying shampoo as needed.

ETA - also sometimes your needs do change so changing products can have a positive effect.

 

[DreamWarrior]

Yeah, I have sensative skin too, so I couldnt change products as often as I'd like to.  Its hard for me to find something that doesnt react negatively on my skin.  So usually when I find something that I like, I'll use it for years.  My last routine/product regimine lasted well for 10 years.  Then all of a sudden I had an outbreak, and Im now on the hunt for a new line.

 

[Nella]

Is there something wrong with my skin then? I've been doing this for a long time. Whenever I use a product for months on end my skin gets dull, then I switch and it's BAM nice and soft as a baby's bum. I guess I am the only one!

@ divadoll - I want to make my own, but I feel like I don't have enough time to do that with working and taking care of my 7 month old. It's cool you found what works exactly for your skin! Yes, I do go by calendar!

@ dachsie - That makes a lot of sense in regards to hair. I'm going to start using a clarifying shampoo now to try it out. That would definitely free up a lot of space in my shower. I still am not sure why this shocking thing is working for my skin...

I think I need to do some more research and see if anyone is doing this besides me. It's frustrating that I haven't been able to find something that works all the time for me! I've tried quite a few products.

 

[Dragonfly]

Rather than wasting money on products that don't work, why not spend the money on a session with a Dermatologist.

I'm sure that they can easily diagnose your skin and put you on a great routine with reasonably priced products.

 

[divadoll]

I have 2 children and I work outside the home.  It takes only about 15-20 minutes to make a cream, it includes gathering the ingredients together and cleaning up after.  I based my cream from Shiseido Bio Performance Super Revitalizer which I used without fail 2x a day for the last 14 years before trying to find an alternative.  The cream, altho it lasts me about 5-6 months, costs $100-120 for a 50ml jar.  I took all the ingredients which was listed in the Sephora website and I googled them all.  I considered what I thought is important and got rid of what I thought really was not necessary and what was preservatives.  I made a batch.  I tweeked it as I made it and I wrote it down.  I still make my creams from instinct like cooking but its worked well for me. 

Maybe you've just not found the right product or that your skin care regime needs tweeking.  Have you tried the Oil Cleansing Method??  This has dramatically changed the appearance, feel and all around condition of my skin. 
 

Originally Posted by Nella /img/forum/go_quote.gif

Is there something wrong with my skin then? I've been doing this for a long time. Whenever I use a product for months on end my skin gets dull, then I switch and it's BAM nice and soft seas a baby's bum. I guess I am the only one!

@ divadoll - I want to make my own, but I feel like I don't have enough time to do that with working and taking care of my 7 month old. It's cool you found what works exactly for your skin! Yes, I do go by calendar!

@ dachsie - That makes a lot of sense in regards to hair. I'm going to start using a clarifying shampoo now to try it out. That would definitely free up a lot of space in my shower. I still am not sure why this shocking thing is working for my skin...

I think I need to do some more research and see if anyone is doing this besides me. It's frustrating that I haven't been able to find something that works all the time for me! I've tried quite a few products.

 

[SarahNull]

I would recommend steaming your face, as this will not only increase circulation in the skin, but open pores. You can purchase a great steaming medium for under $30. The one that I currently use is Conair's Facial Sauna. I would also use mineral water (since it's non comedogenic) mixed with witch hazel to remove your makeup or just as a light moisturizer, as this works amazingly too.

 

[DachsieDogMom]

Originally Posted by Sarah Afshar /img/forum/go_quote.gif

I would recommend steaming your face, as this will not only increase circulation in the skin, but open pores. You can purchase a great steaming medium for under $30. The one that I currently use is Conair's Facial Sauna. I would also use mineral water (since it's non comedogenic) mixed with witch hazel to remove your makeup or just as a light moisturizer, as this works amazingly too.

I actually don't recommend steaming.  It can promote broken capillaries if you are prone to them.  The heat from steaming by nature does increase circulation and create a small amount of swelling.  This can make it appear that your pores are smaller afterward.  Its a myth that your pores open and close.

 

[Andi]

Originally Posted by DachsieDogMom /img/forum/go_quote.gif





I actually don't recommend steaming.  It can promote broken capillaries if you are prone to them.  The heat from steaming by nature does increase circulation and create a small amount of swelling.  This can make it appear that your pores are smaller afterward.  Its a myth that your pores open and close.

I agree, I was gonna say the same. I think that´s part of the reason why your skin usually looks good after getting a facial where they use those steamers as well. I know they do it to prep the skin for extractions but I don´t know if it´s really necessary.

Skin doesn´t really get used to products, but with some products I think you can simply get an "improvement plateau" where your skin just won´t look any better. Also, change of season, age and other factors can influence your skin´s needs which is why you can feel like products aren´t working anymore.

 

[SarahNull]

I have never had any trouble from steaming my face, as I have never endured any problematic issues, as a result. If anything, facial steaming helped me personally. I still continue to do it, although not often. However; I am well aware that everyone is different, as everyone possesses different skin and results are subjective. As the steamer begins to produce the heat, the heat from the steamer actually initiates the process to break down the oils and impurities, as well as, pollutants and toxins that clog the pores and/or contribute to such effects. Although there are several risks when steaming the face, the same can be said about anything. I wouldn't recommend steaming your face everyday, but once in a while is not a bad thing.

 

[magosienne]

I don't use the shock treatment per se, but among all the moisturizers i tried, i have a few trusty ones, so when seasons change or when i want to switch i will rotate back to one of these products. Sometimes i can reach a sort of "plateau" too, but i think it's because a skincare routine can only do so much. I know for example my moisturizers will help me get a more even face, but that effect will be counteracted by my allergies. I am on medication all year round, but i still get a dull face from time to time, according to the weather, the pollution levels, what i have eaten, if i have slept well and so on.

I have tried steaming in the past in a spa treat i got offered, and in my opinion it helped the clay mask i got applied after to be more effective. It's also really relaxing. I certainly wouldn't use it everyday and one thing i remember is the woman asking several times if the steamer was too hot for me, so i think it's supposed to feel warm on your skin. Putting my face over a bowl of boiling water would only result in a red face, which i do'nt want.

 

[Amber204]

Wow Diva doll you've perked my interest this could save HUGE money in the long run I am a cream junkie and making them is genius!!!

 

[divadoll]

The key is to use the right emulsifier, I think.  I prefer Gelmaker from Lotioncrafter.com.  It mixes up the oils and actives and water all nice without leaving an uncomfortable slick feel like some others I've tried like soy lecithin and e-wax. A little goes a long ways but I bought a 500ml bottle after my 125ml was used up. 

The right type of oils can be found at DIY soap shops at a reasonable price. I found health food stores jack up the prices to the point of CRAZY.

e-stores like Newdirectionaromatics.com, Gardenofwisdom.com, and some others will get you started.

 

[Nella]

That's not long at all. I had this image of slaving away at a hot stove for half a day. Lol. I haven't tried the oil cleansing method. What is that?

Originally Posted by divadoll /img/forum/go_quote.gif

I have 2 children and I work outside the home.  It takes only about 15-20 minutes to make a cream, it includes gathering the ingredients together and cleaning up after.  I based my cream from Shiseido Bio Performance Super Revitalizer which I used without fail 2x a day for the last 14 years before trying to find an alternative.  The cream, altho it lasts me about 5-6 months, costs $100-120 for a 50ml jar.  I took all the ingredients which was listed in the Sephora website and I googled them all.  I considered what I thought is important and got rid of what I thought really was not necessary and what was preservatives.  I made a batch.  I tweeked it as I made it and I wrote it down.  I still make my creams from instinct like cooking but its worked well for me. 

Maybe you've just not found the right product or that your skin care regime needs tweeking.  Have you tried the Oil Cleansing Method??  This has dramatically changed the appearance, feel and all around condition of my skin. 
 

 

[Nella]

You're right. There are a lot of different things that go into the reason for my skin issues. It just seems like my skin is CONSTANTLY changing. It's driving me crazy! Maybe my goal is unrealistic? I will never attain a baby butt like face. hahaha =[
 

Originally Posted by Andi /img/forum/go_quote.gif



I agree, I was gonna say the same. I think that´s part of the reason why your skin usually looks good after getting a facial where they use those steamers as well. I know they do it to prep the skin for extractions but I don´t know if it´s really necessary.

Skin doesn´t really get used to products, but with some products I think you can simply get an "improvement plateau" where your skin just won´t look any better. Also, change of season, age and other factors can influence your skin´s needs which is why you can feel like products aren´t working anymore.

 

[magosienne]

The oil cleansing is the use of oils (one or a combination of several) to clean your face, it removes everything from dirt to heavy duty makeup. You take a small amount in your hands, rub them together to warm the oil, massage the oil on your face then remove everything with a clean, wet towel.

It helps normalising your skin, in my opinion it's to be tried at least once. I use a combination of sweet almond oil and floral water, but you can also try with olive oil, or castor oil.

 

[Nella]

Interesting! I'm definitely going to try this. I have olive oil and that's it. I always thought oil clogged pores? 
 

Originally Posted by magosienne /img/forum/go_quote.gif

The oil cleansing is the use of oils (one or a combination of several) to clean your face, it removes everything from dirt to heavy duty makeup. You take a small amount in your hands, rub them together to warm the oil, massage the oil on your face then remove everything with a clean, wet towel.

It helps normalising your skin, in my opinion it's to be tried at least once. I use a combination of sweet almond oil and floral water, but you can also try with olive oil, or castor oil.

 

[divadoll]

You aren't supposed to use Castor oil on its own, it is very drying.  You mix the castor oil with some olive or jojoba or hempseed or sweet almond but not castor oil straight. 20%-30% castor only. 
 

Originally Posted by magosienne /img/forum/go_quote.gif

The oil cleansing is the use of oils (one or a combination of several) to clean your face, it removes everything from dirt to heavy duty makeup. You take a small amount in your hands, rub them together to warm the oil, massage the oil on your face then remove everything with a clean, wet towel.

It helps normalising your skin, in my opinion it's to be tried at least once. I use a combination of sweet almond oil and floral water, but you can also try with olive oil, or castor oil.

 

[lifecellskin]

Thank You all for great suggestions