Hi, I'm using Alpha Hydrox 10% creme (the red cover) for two weeks now and I feel I'm breaking out even more. I have almost 15 whiteheads covering my face. Has anyone experienced this?
Your face might be reacting to the stearic acid in the creme. It is comedogenic for some people, and not for others (like me). Maybe you could try the 10% Oil-Free Gel instead (it does not contain stearic acid) or Paula's Choice 8% Gel.
Hi I have been using the oil free glycolic alpha hydrox 10% for about 6 days now and have broken out into MAJOR whiteheads. this is normal, it will last normally 2-3 weeks but u should stick with it as it could last 4-6 weeks
I'm thinking about stopping using AHA creme. Everyday since I've started using it I've had lots of WHITEHEADS. Today was too much. I think I had about twenty big whiteheads and I had to deal with that during work.
Glycolic acid will make you break out before you get any better. It is a product that exfoliates your skin. If you want a AHA product that does not have any clogging ingredients try glycolix pads which you can find on the internet by searching for it or Peter Thomas Roth clarifying serum. I wish I can use AHA but they seem to always make me red and burny feeling. But they do help with unclogging your pores and keeping them clear, you just have to get through the ick phase. 10 whiteheads that's it. That is nothing. I have over 70 of them.
INDY dont worry i would stick with it! im on my 8th day, im human resources manager and have to interview tons of people daily heh and i wake up with like 10 whiteheads a day haha how long have you been using it for? My face is like clear today under makeup so just give it at least a week or 2 im sure it will clear up. all ive been getting are whiteheads not red pimples so i know it will clear up, its just your skin getting used to it!
Thank you everyone that made me feel a little better. But how long will it take for me to stop breaking out? Also, would it better to use BHA cleanser first (I read somewhere using both AHA and BHA is more effective). Right now I just use an antibacterial soap.
How's it going with everyone? Has the breakouts stopped? I've started using it only once at night. My face looks a little better now but I'm still hanging in there. All the best.
badtzjunk, I'm not sure what you mean by oily feeling, but just so that you have the right product, The container has a RED cover. I guess if I look hard it does look kind of oily and greasy. I'm hoping it works.
i've been using it for well over a year... it's never made me break out... i use the aha enhanced creme.. 10% glycolic acid.... i also use ph beauty line of sugar scrubs.... my skin looks and feels so much better with exfoliating everyday.... i'm 32, and with all the acne i dealt with in my early 20's, you'd think my skin would look like crap... but, with proactiv and exfoliation i've stopped breaking out for over 5 years... i look like i'm in my 20's... i have a couple scars from acne too, and they've gotten alot smaller with the aha...
it's all consistency... find something that works ok, and stick with it.... i remember the frustration of having TONS of zits and NOTHING working.... sometimes less is better.... exfoliate and treat and moisturize...
its been about 2 weeks for me now and the whiteheads have stopped. Just getting some pimples here and there now but I stick BP on them at night. how long have you been using the AHA?
Quote:
Originally posted by Indy007: Hello everyone. I just wanted to update that I'm still using AHA and my acne has gotten better but I still have about 10 whiteheads on my face.
Hi,
AHA is not really the best product for exfoliating an acne prone skin. Salicylic acid or beta hydroxy acid works much better. Paulas choice at her web site makes two, a 1 and 2%. Another is Neutrogena Clear Pore Treatment Nighttime Pore Clarifying Gel Salicylic Acid Acne treatment.(You can use this twice daily, not just at night)
After using a BHA(salicylic acid)you need a disenfectant. Benoyl peroxide,(BP)(spelling, my keyboard is screwed) start with 2.5% then if that doesn`t work go to 5% and maybe 10% if all else fails. Neutrogena makes good BP cream, Oxy balance 2.5% and 5%. Paulas Choice BP. Pan Oxyl aqua gel treatment and there are many others. These are from the book Don`t Go To The Cosmetics Counter Without Me, by Paula Begoun. A consumer reporter that has suffered with acne.
About the salicylic acid products or BHA products, not all of them out there are good. Some contain irrantants making a red irritaed acne face more red and irritated plus the solution itself must have a specific ph balance and a min. of 1-2% salicylic acid in it or it will not exfoliate the pore and allow the oil to escape. Hope this helps.
AHA 10% breaking out!!! 
