Remember when I wrote about MAC Strobe Cream, and how I really like it as a moisturizer that also gives you a nice glow? Well I still like it, but will be returning it today:( I hate returning products, but I do it if I know I won’t be able to use the product anymore. I am pretty sure the Strobe Cream is causing me to get cosmetic acne. You can read about cosmetic acne here, and learn what ingredients to avoid in skin care products. I haven’t changed anything else in my skin care routine, but after a few days, the Strobe Cream has caused me to get small pimples every day that I’ve used it. I haven’t used it for three days, and my pimples have gone away. This is still a good product to use if you aren’t acne-prone, so I would still recommend it for people with normal to dry skin that don’t get acne.
The difference between Cosmetic Acne and Hormonal Acne
There are several different types and causes of acne. Based on my experience, my hormonal acne shows up as bumps under my skin, which are sometimes also red. Not that you are supposed to pop pimples, but these types of pimples can’t be popped. These pimples also take a long time to go away - maybe two weeks.
Cosmetic Acne is more superficial, and shows up as whiteheads, or a clogged pore that can be popped, not that you are supposed to pop it! I can use a pore-clogging product, and end up with a few pimples the next day. When I stop using a pore-clogging product, within a few days, my skin goes back to normal.
Only test one new product at a time
I love trying new products, and used to buy all sorts of skin care products and use them all at once. It’s impossible to tell what is and isn’t working when you do this. Instead, if you buy a new cleanser, for example, do not use any other new toners, moisturizers, sunscreens, makeup, etc. at the same time. I recommend only introducing one new product to your regimen at a time. If you start breaking out after a few days, then discontinue using the product, and see if your breakouts subside after a few days. If they do, then the product is probably clogging your pores. If you are like me, and are hoping the product isn’t really the culprit, you will start using the product again once your breakouts go away, only to find pimples magically reappear a few days later!
If you are trying a new product that is supposed to help with wrinkles, it will probably take at least a month to see results. So during that month, don’t start using any other new products, or it will be hard to tell if the first product is really working!
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February 21st, 2008 at 7:32 pm
I had the same problem with Strobe Cream. I love it but without a doubt every time I use it my skin breaks out. Too bad because it really is a great product.
February 24th, 2008 at 6:09 am
Thanks for the great blog. Your articles on cosmetic acne are really interesting. I think I gave this to myself by cleansing and moisturizing with coconut oil - BIG mistake. I got a ton of tiny blackheads and whiteheads which I’d never had before and it’s taking me weeks to recover.
I’ve really struggled with what skin care line to use because I love natural products. After my coconut oil disaster I’ve been sent a range from a beauty therapist friend of mine who makes her own, it’s full of really healing natural ingredients. Still, I think I made the mistake of using the cleanser/toner/moisturizer all at once. How much longer after starting a new product do you normally see a breakout?
It’s total bollocks having such reactive skin!
February 24th, 2008 at 7:15 am
Fran,
If I start out with clear skin, usually if I use a product that will cause me to breakout, it happens the next day. With the MAC Strobe Cream, it took about 3 days, which is why initially I thought it was okay. I guess it could take longer, but for me personally, I usually know within a few days. If you don’t start out with clear skin, and your skin gets worse, then it’s harder to tell exactly what is going on.
Yeah when you use more than one new product at a time, it makes it impossible to know what is and isn’t working! It’s frustrating!
February 29th, 2008 at 3:09 am
what do you think of skin food blemish balm cream? Check it out at cozycot.com, they said it conceal and actually repair the acne,
March 1st, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Thanks for the really great info on both types of acne and the tips on testing products so that we can determine which products are working or not.
March 1st, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Strobe Cream made me break out right and left. I found it unfortunate because I really loved the effect of the illuminating affect of it. But I just couldn’t wear it.
March 2nd, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Great post! Strobe cream made me breakout after one use - it’s too bad, but I can’t wear it anymore.
March 3rd, 2008 at 9:57 am
Thanks for the post.
I started using NV Perricone Alpha Lipoic Acid Night Cream and within 3 days I broke out with 2 pimples and a dry rash on my forehead, apples of my cheek, nose and chin. And 5 days later, I still have it - the rash. AND the whole reason I started using the product was to smooth my skin and diminish the old blemish scars I had on my face to avoid having to use concealer - which also makes me breakout!
I’m not sure what to use now!
March 3rd, 2008 at 10:40 pm
Mimi,
I’m sorry to hear about that NV Perricone product. Hopefully you can take it back for a refund! This is my post about red acne spots - http://www.savvyskin.com/red-acne-spots . They will fade on their own, and the best thing is to prevent future ones. This is my post on preventing acne - http://www.savvyskin.com/guide-to-cure-acne .
April 15th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Hello,
I just want to tell you how much I love your blog! I discovered it maybe a month or two ago, and I really like how thorough and informative it is. It’s obvious that you put a great deal of thought and effort into your blog.
Thanks, I appreciate it!
Please keep up the fantastic work :)
Molly
June 18th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
I’m not suprised to hear that strobe cream made you break out. I’ve been a MAC artist for over 5 years, I worked at a MAC counter and am now a freelance artist. Anyhow, made me break out too. I’m very picky about what I put on my face and I’ll admit that I pick and choose products and am not solely loyal to one brand “just because.” Co-workers would freak when I’d tell them about all the MAC stuff that made me break out. Oh well, I’d rather be honest and have happy customers that trust me!