Hi,

Now that I have seen some lasting improvement with irritation around my eyes, and I feel like my skin has really started to "heal," I'm going to begin actually following the DSPW regimen as closely as I can.

But, I have a few questions..... I'm not sure which non-prescription regimen to use, because I seem to have all the conditions, to some degree. I have freckles and a couple of small sunspots, but they are not my main concern. I have redness in the form of some minor but persistent blotchiness, that I would really like to address. And, I just started breaking out, just a tiny bit. I was thinking I would follow the redness regimen, but it says, "For use after spots have cleared ..." Is there any particular reason I should follow the spots regimen first? (sorry if this is a really daft question! I just want to be sure)

Also (assuming I go with the redness regimen), I'm very happy with my Eucerin cleanser, and am happy enough with my Olay SPF moisturizer (both on the recommended list). But, I'm not sure what to use as the "anti-inflammatory" product. Of those listed, the only one I can consider at this point is the Eucerin, and it has an spf (so I wouldn't use it at night). I do have Chanel Solution Destressante (a light "calming emulsion") - does anyone have any opinion on using that as the anti-inflammatory product? I'm going to order a facial water and sulfur mask today or tomorrow, so I think I have those figured out at least! For night cream I will either continue using Dove, or will try the recommended Eucerin or one of the products Fidget has recommended (Avalon or EA).

Sorry so long, and TIA for any help or advice

Hi,

Now that I have seen some lasting improvement with irritation around my eyes, and I feel like my skin has really started to "heal," I'm going to begin actually following the DSPW regimen as closely as I can.

But, I have a few questions..... I'm not sure which non-prescription regimen to use, because I seem to have all the conditions, to some degree. I have freckles and a couple of small sunspots, but they are not my main concern. I have redness in the form of some minor but persistent blotchiness, that I would really like to address. And, I just started breaking out, just a tiny bit. I was thinking I would follow the redness regimen, but it says, "For use after spots have cleared ..." Is there any particular reason I should follow the spots regimen first? (sorry if this is a really daft question! I just want to be sure)

Also (assuming I go with the redness regimen), I'm very happy with my Eucerin cleanser, and am happy enough with my Olay SPF moisturizer (both on the recommended list). But, I'm not sure what to use as the "anti-inflammatory" product. Of those listed, the only one I can consider at this point is the Eucerin, and it has an spf (so I wouldn't use it at night). I do have Chanel Solution Destressante (a light "calming emulsion") - does anyone have any opinion on using that as the anti-inflammatory product? I'm going to order a facial water and sulfur mask today or tomorrow, so I think I have those figured out at least! For night cream I will either continue using Dove, or will try the recommended Eucerin or one of the products Fidget has recommended (Avalon or EA).

Sorry so long, and TIA for any help or advice

I haven't started the anti inflammatory products because although I'm an "S" I don't get inflammed that often. I will tell you that I believe Eucerin is a really high quality product. I'm using the redness relief cleanser of theirs and I have seen over and over that their moisturizers and sunscreens are highly rated.

My moisturizers are the Olay Total Effects fragrance free SPF 15 and the night time Total Effects.

I use Contrex Thermal Spring Water from France I bought at Vitamin Cottage and put in a spray mister.

I'm doing the lightening with Philosophy's Pigment of your Imagination

Almost 3 months now and I really do believe it works.

Hi Aspenstar, thanks for your suggestions.

I had actually wondered about the Total Effects (that's the 7x Vitamin Complex, right?), because I read it will help with blotchiness. My concern with using the Total Effects for spf is that I am trying to stick to a zinc oxide product, for more protection (I am pretty active outdoors, and until reading the book I was only using spf 12), but I could certainly try the spf-free version at night, or possibly even under SS. Also, some Olay products are fine for me, while others - like Regenerist - irritate my skin after a few days. I'm assuming the Total Effects line is okay since it's recommended in the DSPW section!

So, now I will have to add that to my list of what I'm considering, and hopefully I'll be able to decide by tomorrow

Oh, and three months, that's great!

Thanks again

Hi Nellie,

The Olay Total Effects is different than the Regenerist line. I had been reading a LOT about Total Effects and how good it was...saw where it was recommended more than Regenerist, but had not read this book yet. The Niacinamide in the product helps with the blotchiness. When I started this program, I started the Aveeno Positively Radiant and it wasn't moisturzing enough for me (but I live in a dry climate..Colorado). I switched to Total Effects. Then I remembered at a Laura Mercier makeover they were touting their moisturizer because it was full of VITAMINS and NIACINAMDE almost just like Total Effects but this is 1/3rd the cost!

It is my very unscientific opinion that the combination of products I am using is really the key to the lightening of the freckles and evening out of my skin tone. I have had a few people, even co-workers, mention that my skin looked so good. Olay Complete Defense has a 30 SPF factor, but I believe it's either Neutrogena or Eucerin that may have zinc in it. There is a product by Bath and Body Works "Pretty in Zinc" that I bought to go on vacation with. It is a clear zinc based sunscreen for faces. SPF 45.

HTH

Thanks again for your comments.... I really appreciate them. I will probably pick up the Total Effects tomorrow.

The Olay sunscreen I am using has 6% zinc oxide - it is the sensitive skin version of the Complete Defense, so maybe the ingredients are somewhat different. It also has niacinamide, though it's kind of at the end of the ingredients list, I think.

The Pretty in Zinc sounds great, I hadn't seen that. SPF 45 would be great for hiking.

I live in northern Vermont, which has just a funky, always-changing climate. I can't imagine it's considered dry, but the heating season is long so winter is very drying overall.

That's great that your skin has shown such improvement! I'm hoping to find the right combination of products, maybe I'll get there....

Thanks again