Reviewing Tester Formulations and Using Vitamin C Kit on Irritated Skin

Asked by: air_write On: July 20, 2013 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

After experiencing severe redness and irritation from using Benzac, Retin-A, and BHA concurrently, my skin is currently very sensitive and weakened. My primary concern is to restore my skin's health and barrier function.

I would like to ask for feedback on the following tester formulations and product usage:

  1. Witch Hazel Alcohol-Free Toner:

    • My proposed ingredients: Glucosamine (N-Acetyl-D) 4%, Vitamin B5 5%, Hyaluronic Acid Nano 1%, Calendula Extract 5%, Vitamin B3 5%, Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica) Extract 5%.
    • I'd like to keep Gotu Kola in this toner to address fine lines and acne marks, and remove it from the Aloe Vera Gel formulation instead.
  2. Pure Aloe Vera Gel:

    • My proposed ingredients: Allantoin 0.2-0.5%, Licorice Root Extract (Licochalcone A) 1.0%, Green Tea Extract EGCG 5%, Vitamin B3 2%, Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica) Extract 5%, Homeostatine® 5%, Matrixyl™ 3000 8%, Pepha®-Tight 3%.
    • I am okay with adjusting this formula as recommended by the expert to focus on hydration and soothing.
  3. Vitamin C E Ferulic Pre-Mix Kit:

    • Can I use this kit to treat acne marks even though my skin is still red and irritated?

Answer

Subject: Re: Request to review tester formulations

Based on the conversation, here is a summary of the recommended formulations and advice:

Regarding the Witch Hazel Alcohol-Free Toner:

  • Your proposed ingredients were: Glucosamine (N-Acetyl-D) 4%, Vitamin B5 5%, Hyaluronic Acid Nano 1%, Calendula Extract 5%, Vitamin B3 5%, Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica) Extract 5%.
  • The expert recommended removing Gotu Kola and adding Natural Moisturizing Amino Acids 5% to focus on skin barrier repair and hydration, which is the priority given your current skin condition (dryness, redness, irritation from medication).
  • You expressed a desire to keep Gotu Kola in the toner for fine lines and acne marks and remove it from the Aloe Vera Gel instead.
  • The expert explained that the fine lines are likely due to weakened skin from medication, and strengthening the skin is the most important step. While you have the right to choose your ingredients, the recommendation is based on addressing the primary issue first.

The expert's recommended formulation for the toner is:

  • Witch Hazel Alcohol-Free Toner base
  • Glucosamine (N-Acetyl-D) 4%
  • Vitamin B5 5%
  • Hyaluronic Acid Nano 1%
  • Calendula Extract 5%
  • Vitamin B3 5%
  • Natural Moisturizing Amino Acids 5%

Regarding the Pure Aloe Vera Gel:

  • Your proposed ingredients were: Allantoin 0.2-0.5%, Licorice Root Extract (Licochalcone A) 1.0%, Green Tea Extract EGCG 5%, Vitamin B3 2%, Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica) Extract 5%, Homeostatine® 5%, Matrixyl™ 3000 8%, Pepha®-Tight 3%.
  • The expert recommended removing Gotu Kola and Pepha-Tight, and adding Liquid Beta Glucan 10% and N-Acetyl Glucosamine 4% to focus on hydration, redness, and irritation relief.
  • You confirmed that this adjustment is okay.

The recommended formulation for the gel, based on the expert's advice and your agreement, is:

  • Pure Aloe Vera Gel base
  • Allantoin 0.2-0.5%
  • Licorice Root Extract (Licochalcone A) 1.0%
  • Green Tea Extract EGCG 5%
  • Vitamin B3 2%
  • Homeostatine® 5%
  • Matrixyl™ 3000 8%
  • Liquid Beta Glucan 10%
  • N-Acetyl Glucosamine 4%

Regarding the Vitamin C E Ferulic Pre-Mix Kit:

  • You asked if you could use this kit for acne marks while your skin is still red.
  • The expert strongly advised against using this kit until your skin has returned to a strong, normal condition. This is because the kit is highly acidic and your skin is currently too sensitive and not ready for it. Focusing on repairing the skin barrier is the priority before addressing issues like acne marks with potentially irritating ingredients.

In summary, the primary focus should be on restoring your skin's health and barrier function using the recommended formulations for the toner and gel. The Vitamin C kit should be avoided until your skin is fully recovered.