KAVI Support

Great to hear about your success! (1) Colloidal sulfur is molecularly smaller than precipitated sulfur and absorbs into the skin faster. Cleansers don't stay on the skin for long, so the rate of transfer is an important factor in determining potency. 10% precipitated or 2% colloidal is the maximum dosage without a prescription. (2) It is always preferable to use non-comedogenic (pore-friendly) products on the skin. (3) The KAVI Glycolipidic Moisturizer is specifically designed for oily skin. It doesn't form a barrier that can trap sebum and lead to oily buildup. Naturally oily skin helps prevent cellular dehydration, but an effective moisturizer actively hydrates to further slow the onset of aging. (4) Salicylic acid masks are excellent for clearing up blackheads. To minimize future blackhead formation, monitor your environment and the products which come into contact with your skin. Anything from smoke and heat to a dirty electric shaver could be the source of the problem.

Glycolic Acid 20 is our lowest-strength glycolic exfoliation mask and is intended for use on sensitive skin. If your physician has deemed that glycolic acid is safe for use on your skin, then this peel would be the best choice. Alternatively, you could consider using a non-exfoliating glycolic moisturizing serum, such as KAVI Glycolic Serum 15.

You may wish to use a pore maintenance product such as KAVI Toner with Salicylic Acid 8 to keep your pores clear between weekly exfoliation masks. While it is better to allow dead skin to flake off naturally, Salicylic Acid 8 should not be inducing heavy peeling in most cases. It is important to monitor your skin for dryness and hydrate with non-comedogenic moisturizers as needed. A salicylic acid mask can be an excellent step in any pore repair treatment plan, however, if you are seeing renewed blackhead formation only 24 hours after application, there may be a topical product or airborne agent that is causing your blackheads. Review any products that come into contact with your skin (including cleansers), and monitor your environment for anything that could be a trigger.

KAVI Anti-Aging Systems come in four graduated strengths. Choosing the right system depends on your skin's sensitivity and your treatment goals. System I is for sensitive skin and can be used by anyone. The repair component of System I, Complex C, can be used to lift wrinkles from any area of skin, including around the eye region. System II's repair component, Enhanced Retinol 0.30%, is excellent for the treatment of premature aging and is also very good for maintaining healthy pores. Systems III and IV come with Glycolic Acid 20 and 30, respectively. These two peels will exfoliate dead skin cells and accelerate the generation of healthy new tissue. These systems are recommended for intensive treatment.

KAVI Toner is an excellent skin maintenance product that you can use to help clear your pores of any residual dirt, makeup, or oil in the evenings before sleep. It's a good way to keep your pores clear at night and avoid any surprise breakouts in the morning.

It can take up to a year or more to eliminate recurring infections altogether, however after two weeks one should be able to observe a reduction in existing infections. It is advisable to remain patient and not overmedicate your skin with antiseborrheics. Doing so will only dry and inflame your skin, resulting in more breakouts and unnecessary discomfort. Using Coral KAVI daily along with weekly exfoliation using KAVI Salicylic Acid is sufficient in 90% of all cases involving chronic acne.

There are several approaches to managing a treatment schedule for peels. And while the approach you take depends on what you determine to be best for your skin, the goal is to give your skin an opportunity to maintain its own natural regenerative cycle. You may choose to apply peels only twice per month with a 4-week hiatus after 2 months, or once per week for 2 months followed by maintenance peels once-per-month thereafter. Either approach reduces stress buildup on the skin. You may find the instructions to our Anti-Aging Systems helpful. They can be found online at http://www.kaviskin.com/pages.php?pageid=19. Complex C should be applied first, allowing about 3 minutes for absorption before applying Glycolic Serum 30.

KAVI Organic Sulfur Suspension, while very effective against acne infection, can dry the skin (especially during the winter months when sebaceous glands produce less oil). As a general rule, the Organic Sulfur Suspension is reserved for regular use only when treating severe acne lesions (nodules and cysts). It may also be used to "spot treat" the occasional pimple. When dry skin is observed, the first product to temporarily discontinue using should be the Organic Sulfur Suspension. Should dryness persist, then reducing cleansing with Coral KAVI to once per day would be an appropriate next step. And remember, dryness and flaking is never an acceptable side effect of acne treatment. If your skin is dry and irritated, be sure to adequately hydrate with a non-comedogenic moisturizer and/or reduce how often you apply antiseborrheics to your skin.

Salicylic acid peels comprise the best type of skin mask for treating blackheads and whiteheads. In addition to exfoliating cellular debris (keratolysis) and opening clogged pores (comedolysis), salicylic acid can also compress pore diameter, reducing the magnitude of future comedone formation. Barring having blackheads extracted individually by a professional, there isn't a better form of treatment. Chronic blackhead formation, however, requires a closer look at your skin and your environment. Even though salicylic acid may be clearing up pores, the rate of new comedone formation may be setting back its progress. Blackheads are the product of excess sebum and dead skin buildup. While weekly exfoliation with salicylic acid addresses both of these factors, your skin may need supplementary treatment. Cleansing and moisturizing your skin with non-comedogenic (non-clogging) products are important. If Salicylic Acid 8 is not clearing up stubborn blackheads, you may need a stronger concentration (e.g., 15%). Finally, you should monitor your environment for other contributing factors. Observe what comes into contact with your skin, such as smoke or other airborne agents, heat, or frequent contact from your hands.

While it is our policy to not comment on non-KAVI products, we believe that benzoyl peroxide is better suited for spot-treating infrequent acne infections. Pharmaceutical sulfur, as it is prepared in our cleansing bars, is as effective as a comparable dosage of benzoyl peroxide but mild enough to be used daily to treat two of the three root causes of chronic acne infection (excess sebum production and bacterial growth). Coral KAVI, our strongest anti-acne cleansing bar, also contains salicylic acid to address acne's third root cause (dead skin buildup).

Instructions for all systems may be found by clicking on the system number from the product page or by visiting http://www.kaviskin.com/pages.php?pageid=19. Because skin in the eye region is thinner and more sensitive than other parts of the face, use care when applying stronger products such as KAVI exfoliation masks near the eyes. If you have sensitive skin, it is not recommended to use stronger products such as KAVI exfoliation masks in the eye region. KAVI products such as Complex A and Complex C were developed specifically for treatment in and around the periorbital region. KAVI Enhanced Retinol 0.30%, stronger than Complex C, is also a safer alternative to glycolic or salicylic acid exfoliation on skin near the eyes.

Sulfur has many applications with a wide range from weapons manufacturing to pharmaceutical dermatology. How it is used determines how it is made (which in turn determines its pH among many other chemical attributes). In dermatology, its uses as an anti-seborrheic, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial agent are thoroughly documented and undisputed among the medical community. Our sulfur-based cleansers are available in both solid and liquid form, the latter available to date only to hospitals and physicians' offices.

It's rare but not impossible that comedone formation and subsequent acne infection are set off by a type of food. It is more likely, however, that your acne trigger is being set off by something coming into contact with your skin. For many, their daily cleanser is the culprit. As a start, you may wish to switch over to a KAVI cleansing bar. Coral KAVI is excellent for oily skin. Using Coral KAVI as your cleanser may be all it takes to significantly reduce the rate of infection. Because it is anti-seborrheic, you should be careful not to use any other anti-acne products on a regular basis with Coral KAVI. If you find your skin needs additional help, weekly exfoliation with KAVI Salicylic Acid 8 will neutralize bacteria on contact as well as exfoliate dead skin cells which otherwise may find their way into pores where they can bind with sebum and create comedones.

Complex A (under Anti-Aging at www.kaviskin.com) has been specifically designed for dark circles and puffiness. Complex C provides complementary anti-wrinkle treatment. Both are completely non-comedogenic (will not clog pores) and safe to use in the peri-optical region. For more intensive wrinkle treatment, KAVI Enhanced Retinol 0.30% will provide accelerated results but is not recommended for the eye region or hypersensitive skin.

For the skin conditions you specified, you've chosen the right products with which to begin treatment: ( a ) a KAVI Salicylic Acid mask will help dissolve comedones that are acting as corks for your pores and leading to a buildup of cellular debris inside; ( b ) Coral KAVI will help minimize sebum buildup, bacteria, and dead skin cells on the skin's surface; ( c ) and KAVI Toner will help clear any residual dirt, oil, and makeup from your pores after cleansing. A typical pore repair and maintenance plan would look like the following: (1) Cleanse daily with Coral KAVI (use as a complete replacement to your existing bar soap); (2) Moisturize and protect every morning with SPF30; (3) If SPF30 is not providing sufficient hydration, consider augmenting in the evenings with the KAVI Glycolipidic Moisturizer, or for even more intense hydration, KAVI Hyaluronic Acid 75; (4) Exfoliate and repair weekly with a KAVI Salicylic Acid mask (we recommend beginning with Salicylic Acid 8); (5) Maintain healthy pores by applying KAVI Toner in the evenings after cleansing.

Though based on the experiences of one individual, this article does touch on a very important truth: not only is it unnecessary to dehydrate your skin during the course of anti-acne treatment, it is actually unhealthy and counterproductive to treatment goals. For the author, use of a medicated soap followed by medicated astringents was too strong. And for many others, a similar approach may yield similarly negative results. Coral KAVI, an anti-acne cleansing bar, can provide exceptional results in an anti-acne treatment plan and seldom requires the concurrent use of other medicated products to provide results. Individuals suffering from cystic acne, seborrheic dermatitis, and/or overactive sebaceous glands may find that their skin needs more than the right cleanser. Coral KAVI was developed not to compete with medicated cleansers but rather to offer an alternative to traditional bar soaps. Research has shown that a major contributor to the inflammation of acne, rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, and a host of allergies is regular bar soap. KAVI cleansing bars are pH balancing, free of any animal-based ingredients, and formulated for specific skin types (dry, normal, combination, and oily) to ensure the skin is properly hydrated after rinsing. While the author's thoughts are very perceptive, she/he does make an incorrect assumption about salicylic acid's efficacy in a cleanser. At a 3% concentration (e.g., in Coral KAVI), salicylic acid requires no more than a minute to exfoliate loose clusters of cellular debris and neutralize surface bacteria. Even our stronger salicylic acid peels, including a 25% solution used by physicians for in-office peels, is rarely left on the skin for longer than 90 seconds. In conclusion, look first to your cleanser (and any other products which come into regular contact with your skin) to determine whether it is contributing to your skin problems. If so, try a KAVI cleanser without any other products to see if your skin clears up. You may find that your new cleansing solution is all you need to maintain healthy, clear skin.

Please refer to http://www.kaviskin.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=28 for an answer to a similar question. On a technical level, colloidal sulfur is molecularly small enough to be absorbed into pores before it is washed off, and salicylic acid only requires about one minute to loosen dead skin clusters and eliminate bacteria on the skin's surface.

With the exception of spot treatment, use of benzoyl peroxide should no longer be necessary if you are already using Coral KAVI. However, applying a non-comedogenic moisturizer after cleansing is an excellent preventive measure against drying your skin. KAVI products need only to be stored in a cool, dry place to maintain their efficacy.

Coral KAVI can be applied with the same technique as any other bar soap. It also does not need to remain on the skin for an inordinate length of time (one to two minutes is typically sufficient).

Coral KAVI is intended to be the primary part of an anti-acne treatment plan. There are several reasons to take this approach: Coral KAVI replaces traditional animal-based bar soaps which are comedogenic (pore-clogging) and harmful to the hydrolipidic layer, the skin's primary line of defense against bacterial infection. Coral KAVI is made with plant-based ingredients that are non-comedogenic and safe on the skin. Coral KAVI contains colloidal sulfur and salicylic acid, two ingredients which actively work to reduce the three factors behind acne infection: excess sebum, dead skin buildup, and acne bacteria. While colloidal sulfur is molecularly small enough to be absorbed into the skin before it is washed off, salicylic acid only requires about one minute to loosen dead skin clusters and eliminate any free bacteria on the skin's surface. For individuals with more severe types of infections (e.g., nodules, cysts), KAVI Anti-Acne Lotion can complement daily cleansing with Coral KAVI. It is not recommended to use the Anti-Acne Lotion without a KAVI cleanser, as the lotion's effects may be negated by high-pH, comedogenic soaps. Because the Anti-Acne Lotion also contains sulfur, frequent use can dry out the skin. It is important to monitor your skin regularly to ensure it is sufficiently hydrated. KAVI makes several pore-friendly moisturizers, including a high-impact serum called Hyaluronic Acid 75.

You should plan to exfoliate with a KAVI glycolic acid mask no more frequently than once per week. If you have not used professional-strength masks before, it is advisable to begin with a strength of 30% or less. After 8-12 weeks of treatment, you or your physician can determine whether it is suitable to proceed to a greater strength.

Benzoyl peroxide is an excellent anti-bacterial agent, but it also strips skin of its essential oils. Regular use will dehydrate epidermal tissue and can set in symptoms of premature aging. Benzoyl peroxide's side effects are well-known and it is prescribed as a measure against acne infections that may be caused by temporary hormonal changes. Chronic acne infection, however, should not be treated with benzoyl peroxide. Sulfur is as effective as benzoyl peroxide in treating acne, though it can be administered at a dosage that is potent yet prevents stripping of essential oils. Coral KAVI is formulated with 2% colloidal sulfur and can be used daily on oily skin. Aqua KAVI contains 1% colloidal sulfur and is better suited for regular use on normal skin. The KAVI Anti-Acne Lotion contains 6.6% precipitated sulfur and can complement daily cleansing with Coral KAVI when treating skin with more severe acne lesions (e.g., nodules and cysts). Precipitated sulfur is a better choice for a lotion where absorption should take place in a longer window of time.

First-time users of salicylic acid masks should always defer to KAVI Salicylic Acid 8 to test their skin safely with a lower acid concentration. After eight weeks of use, and under the supervision of your physician, a stronger strength may be beneficial. For women who are pregnant or nursing, it is not recommended to administer glycolic or salicylic masks of any strength unless under the direction of a physician. Though there are no known complications from the use of glycolic or salicylic masks while pregnant or nursing, insufficient information is available to permit unmonitored treatment.

The delivery vehicle for retinol in the KAVI serum is designed specifically to reduce irritation without compromising absorption of the active ingredient. However, the formation of pimples could be a histamine reaction indicating either (a) overuse of the topical or ( an allergy to some ingredient in the topical. If you have the same experience with KAVI Enhanced Retinol, it would be advisable first to increase application intervals by two (cut usage in half). If new formations do not cease completely, increase intervals again by two. If pimples are still forming, then a milder anti-aging treatment like Complex C may be more appropriate.

While laser (Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL) and glycolic acid treatment can provide similar results for some skin conditions, their application is not completely interchangeable. Certain forms of hyperpigmentation (age spots, sun spots, freckles) can be removed painlessly with laser, while wrinkles, uneven pore diameter, acne scarring, and other forms of uneven texture can be more effectively treated with glycolic acid. Alternating use between laser sessions and glycolic acid peels depends on your treatment goals. Unless your physician feels you need both forms of treatment, it is generally unnecessary. Glycolic acid may be applied to many regions of the skin, however care needs to be taken near openings (e.g., eyes, nostrils, mouth, etc.) and where skin is thinner or more delicate. For some, skin on the chest is as sensitive as on the face, and glycolic acid concentration should not be increased for treatment.