I was so wrong....yes I said it! lol

Holy Crapoli! For $39 you can buy 12 oz of about 5-10 different oils depending on the ones you choose! That dr. h sure knows how to make a buck! I've seen these types of products on Martha Stewarts show. She uses like 20 lotions and potions or more a day-- and each one probably costs that much or more.

I know Martha uses oil to cleanse, but she uses baby oil. She says it is something she has done all her life. She used to be a model in Paris. Her skin has certainly aged gracefully, that is for sure!

I'm on day 3 of the oil cleansing and my skin is greatly improved. My pores are smaller. Skin is less oily. Skin tone overall is more even and dewy pink. The blemishes I did have are all greatly improved--healing more quickly than usual. Only one new one. What great fun! I feel like I just discovered some kind of beauty secret!

jen

socknitster wrote:Holy Crapoli! For $39 you can buy 12 oz of about 5-10 different oils depending on the ones you choose! That dr. h sure knows how to make a buck! I've seen these types of products on Martha Stewarts show. She uses like 20 lotions and potions or more a day-- and each one probably costs that much or more.

I know Martha uses oil to cleanse, but she uses baby oil. She says it is something she has done all her life. She used to be a model in Paris. Her skin has certainly aged gracefully, that is for sure!

I'm on day 3 of the oil cleansing and my skin is greatly improved. My pores are smaller. Skin is less oily. Skin tone overall is more even and dewy pink. The blemishes I did have are all greatly improved--healing more quickly than usual. Only one new one. What great fun! I feel like I just discovered some kind of beauty secret!

jen

Yep - pricey is an understatement. However, they really work! I got a ton of samples before I settled on the products I wanted to use long-term.

Define OCM for me. I'm sensitive/acne prone, so I don't use an oil ALOT, but I do have uses for it. Like when I get into a big allergic nightmare, like I did over Xmas. Had some sort of allergic dermatitis thing going on for about a month. I blame the motel sleeping over the Xmas vacation. Finally calmed down, but only after I'd slathered everything I could find on it.

My general routine is Dr. Murad - spendy, but so far it works okay (I'm not 100% acne free), and doesn't HURT, like most regime's do.

http://www.murad.com

I cancelled the regular shipments when I was feeling poor, and am now looking at the tail end of my stash of cleanser (have moisturizer, toner, and gel for months). Tips on a cleanser would be most welcome!

Funny weird thing - since starting CPAP, my nose acne has gone away. Am not doing ANYTHING (besides CPAP) different. Still can't be bothered to wash my face before bed. I'm just too darned lazy. But I don't wear makeup, either, so I can sorta get away with it.

Many thanks!!!
B.

I posted this elsewhere but thought it worth repeating here. I am all ears on any comments re doing this ....

>>
On the subject of UMFF, last weekend - totally dismantled the UMff & wife soaked it in diluted bleach for 1/2 day. Then I rinsed all the bits (repeatedly Smile ) & reassembled.

Seems like a new mask. Wife suggests not to do it too often but it did seem to turn it into a new mask again.
<<

DSM

[quote="bdp522"]I have used a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water for almost a year now. I clean the mask first, then soak in the vinegar solution for 15 minutes, then rinse very well. Works great for me.

Brenda

This is what my DH's RT told us to use.

OCM=Oil Cleansing Method Google it and get lots of info.

Here is one link:

http://www.purehenry.com/ocm.htm

Basically it is where you clean your face with oil instead of soap. I haven't used soap on my face since saturday morning and I'm very pleased with the results so far.

Most people use 50% castor oil (good cleansing factors), 50% extra virgin olive oil, but after some research I decided olive oil might be a little too oily for my oil-prone skin so I used a mixture of jojoba (very close in nature to sebum), sweet almond oil, apricot kernal oil and grapeseed oil (these are very easily absorbed). I put in a few drops of vitamin E (for antioxidants and preservative qualities) and a drop of tea trea oil (very strong antimicrobial activity). I have all these oils around because I make my own hand lotions (with pure beeswax, cocoa butter, shea butter etc, just dreamy!) With a touch of extra virgin olive oil for good measure just to round it out.

The instructions are at the link above. (How to use the oil, it isn't complicated0. The results I have seen after 4 days of use are smaller pores, more even skin tone and less (yes, LESS) oily skin. My skin is dewy, pink and fresh and my blemishes seem to be healing faster and coming up less frequently (and I would know since it is the timing is such that I would normally see plenty of blemishes). I believe I look younger.

All he#* could break loose tomorrow, but I don't think so. There is something very natural and soothing about the process. Aren't there a few passages in the Bible about cleaning with oil? I believe a woman washed Jesus feet with oil in one passage, but could be wrong.

It is a very old idea that has just come around again.

Jen

ddpelp wrote:Problem is in the cleaning directions for their masks stated from the Resmed web site says to NOT use vinegar:

Caution:
• Do not use solutions containing vinegar, bleach, chlorine, alcohol, aromatics, moisturizers, antibacterial agents or scented oils to clean any part of the system or air tubing. These solutions may cause damage and reduce the life of the product.

As far as I can tell, the only mask instructions from ResMed forbidding the use of vinegar in cleaning is the Mirage.

From the ResMed pdf on Cleaning Mirage Masks:

ResMed wrote: Cleaning Mirage™ Masks

DAILY:
Wash the mask system with warm, soapy water. Do not use soaps with added scents. We recommend plain Ivory® liquid soap or baby shampoo. Rinse well and allow to air dry out of direct sunlight.

WEEKLY:
Separate and hand wash the mask components and headgear in warm, soapy water. Do not use soaps with added scents. Rinse the components well and allow them to air dry out of direct sunlight.

Caution:
• Do not use solutions containing vinegar, bleach, chlorine, alcohol, aromatics, moisturizers, antibacterial agents or scented oils to clean any part of the system or air tubing. These solutions may cause damage and reduce the life of the product.
• Do not expose any part of the system or tubing to direct sunlight as it may deteriorate the product.
• If any visible deterioration of a component is apparent (cracking, tears, etc.) the component should be discarded and replaced.

Note: The headgear may be washed without being taken apart.
The dye used in the headgear may run during the first wash.

For what it is worth, ResMed also recommended using Dove soap to clean my Swift. They also said that the soap should be free of additives such as moisturizing agents or fragrances. Unscented Dove has a masking fragrance, and Dove advertises that it is 1/4 moisturizer. Hmmm.

The only Dove bar soap that is truly fragrance free is the Sensitive Skin version. Even the liquid Sensitive Skin Dove Beauty Body Wash (labelled as unscented, which doesn't eliminate a masking fragrance) says on the back that it has a "neutral fragrance" but the ingredient list says, "Fragrance."

So, what is it that we are really to use or believe after all? This whole issue of cleaning has been discussed before with eveyone basically agreeing that we are all different and must do what makes us feel comfortable. Best wishes in discovering what makes you feel comfortable.

I am going to try the Oil Cleansing Method -- if I can get my act together to gather the ingredients - LOL.

For you young women with oily skin -- try to take the long view. I was plagued with oily skin from puberty on and had moderate acne problems well into adulthood. However, post menopausal, the oiliness subsided to a manageable level, the occasional breakouts ended, and...wait for it...my facial skin looks quite a bit younger than its 55 years. I did not ever think I would be grateful for those oily skin days.

Too bad the skin on my arms and the backs of my hands was not oily. One look at that skin and I can see my true age.

Janna

Anonymous wrote:Just an idea but since DW is so cheap does not take much..

On a side note, explain this one: Safeway recently had a sale on DW. My first thought when seeing the yellow "sale" tag: "So you're going to pay me to take it off your hands???"

Doug.

JZ wrote:For you young women with oily skin -- try to take the long view. Janna

I'm 42.

But I guess acne and grey hair are the new chic look for the Zeros. Has anyone named this fool decade yet?

Thanks for the OCM links Jen! I'll look into this! I'm not against the idea at all.

Hey, did anyone figure out OCM would COMPLETELY WORK for those who are taping their mouths shut? Talk about eliminating the adhesive goo in one quick step.

Jen, if you start a line of all natural cosmetics/cleansers for CPAP-ers do post a link to your website, so I don't have to drive to Seattle and buy it at Sephora.

LOL,
B.

birdshell

nope.. Also on the Ultra and even on the Quattro they say to not use citrus products..

JZ wrote:I am going to try the Oil Cleansing Method -- if I can get my act together to gather the ingredients - LOL.

For you young women with oily skin -- try to take the long view. I was plagued with oily skin from puberty on and had moderate acne problems well into adulthood. However, post menopausal, the oiliness subsided to a manageable level, the occasional breakouts ended, and...wait for it...my facial skin looks quite a bit younger than its 55 years. I did not ever think I would be grateful for those oily skin days.

Too bad the skin on my arms and the backs of my hands was not oily. One look at that skin and I can see my true age.

Janna

Janna, all you really need to try it would be castor oil and another oil like extra virgin olive oil. Could use any other oil, actually. I always have olive oil and grapeseed oil around for cooking! There are people who use different amounts of differentl things. Some don't use castor oil, because they find it irritating or whatever. The only reason I used such a long list was because I happen to have them and I can't help myself from being a mad scientist.

Some people are buying their castor oil in the laxative section at walmart, but personally I would only use expeller pressed oils from the health food store. That is just me .

I chose the oils I did for the benefits they could provide. My skin just looks better each day!

And I'm glad to hear there could be long term benefits to having oily skin!

Another thing you all might look into is the Zeno acne device. It is a little machine, the size of a sml deck of cards that has a tip that heats up. You place the tip on a blemish and it heats up, killing the bacteria inside and significantly shortening the life of the blemish. It gets really good reviews on amazon and Walgreens recently started carrying it as well as Sephora. I just ordered one on ebay and I can't wait til it gets here to try it!

Jen

Hi Jen!

I saw that Zeno device on an infomercial. Reminded me of a similar device sold a few years back by Igia. I tried it, and it didn't do squat for me. Luckily, I bought it at Walgreens, and they have a 100% return policy, so I took it back and got a refund.

Ultra Clear Blemish Remover
http://secure.igia.com/prodetail.cfm?ID=AT182

I suggest buying anything like that from Walgreens. I've test driven several "as seen on tv" type things from them and always been so glad I could return them for a full refund.

You let me know how that Zeno works for you. I think I'm more tempted by the OCM right now.

LOL,
B.

PS - See this website on Zeno if you are wondering what we're talking about:
http://www.myzeno.com/zeno.htm

And a competitor:
http://www.thermaclear.com/shop1/TALDOA ... onquesting

ddpelp wrote:birdshell

nope.. Also on the Ultra and even on the Quattro they say to not use citrus products..

Dear ddpelp:

I'm trying to understand, so I'd really appreciate it if you would just clarify a couple of things:

Sorry, I do not know to what your "nope" refers. It could be a response to several portions of my previous post.

Also, the "no citrus product" recommendation ties in to what?

I've read over my previous post a few times and cannot figure it out. Maybe I am just sleep deprived!

Thank you.

socknitster wrote:<snip>

Another thing you all might look into is the Zeno acne device. It is a little machine, the size of a sml deck of cards that has a tip that heats up. You place the tip on a blemish and it heats up, killing the bacteria inside and significantly shortening the life of the blemish. It gets really good reviews on amazon and Walgreens recently started carrying it as well as Sephora. I just ordered one on ebay and I can't wait til it gets here to try it!

Jen

My oily, blemish prone skin always reacted the same way as the Zeno device when using a plain, old, ice chip (or cube) held on it. I happened to try this once and it worked. It was because of the warm feeling and the pain from an emerging pimple that I used the ice. I would put it in a plastic bag and hold it over the offending area while watching TV. Holding the ice for as long as possible, letting the area recover, and then repeating this process until the ice has melted usually has a similar effect.

This is similar to heat and cold contrast therapy sometimes used in helping to rehabilitate sports injuries. The increased blood flow apparently helps remove the fluid causing the swelling.

I also had a college roommate prone to cold sores who would freeze a metal spoon. When she felt one starting, she would hold the concave side of the spoon on the spot. I don't know if this really helped, as the spoon would seem to warm up too soon to do much.

Since we are far afield of the topic (NO! NOT ON THIS FORUM! SAY IT ISN'T SO!!) I thought I may as well add to the tangent.