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KAVI Support

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  1. Salicylic Acid 8 alone can provide relief from recurring acne, however you may find you need additional treatment throughout the week (since Salicylic Acid 8 can be applied only once every seven days). If a medicated anti-acne cleanser (such as Aqua or Coral KAVI) sounds like too much, a low-pH cleanser such as the KAVI Glycolic Cleanser 10 can ensure your skin's pH levels remain low when cleansing and thereby at least keep acne bacterial populations under control. If you would like to introduce some mild treatment into your daily routine, the KAVI Toner may be used in conjunction with the Glycolic Cleanser 10 once per evening. For mild scarring, Salicylic Acid 8 will provide some desquamation of the epidermis, however, you may find that Glycolic Acid 30 or 40 may yield better results over time (though it will do far less than salicylic acid for new acne infections).
  2. KAVI Support

    Acne

    Given your description, the Anti-Acne System III for Oily/Combination Skin would be a suitable starting point when switching to KAVI. We would advise you stay with the system for two months before considering adding a glycolic acid peel to your routine (at which time, you would rotate in glycolic acid on alternating weeks to salicylic acid). The system may be self-administered at home, however, to achieve and maintain optimal results, we always recommend you keep an ongoing dialog with your dermatologist when treating your skin with KAVI products. We do ship to the Czech Republic. Shipping rates start at USD$15.00 (flat-rate), and delivery times take approximately 3 weeks, however faster delivery methods are available if you need product faster.
  3. Hormonal acne can be a difficult problem, and if there is a medication you are taking that is contributing to the problem, then certainly the first step would be to locate a suitable alternative without the side effects. The KAVI Anti-Acne System III for Oily/Combination Skin would be the right choice for you, as it sounds you have more combination skin than simply oily or dry. Assuming we can match your email address with the one you used to place your order, we will include a complimentary bar of Aqua KAVI in the box so that you can evaluate both cleansers. In building your skin care regimen with the KAVI system, we would recommend you take the following steps: (1) Inform your dermatologist of the changes you plan on implementing. (2) Cease use of any other oral or topical antiseborrheics (if your skin is currently prone to dryness from the use of prior anti-acne medications, we would advise a 2-4 week hiatus during which no antiseborrheics are used on your skin before commencing with KAVI). (3) Build a ramp to your routine, introducing the treatment products in stages. For example, start with the Aqua KAVI bar only once per day (using only water or the KAVI Toner for your other cleansing times). After a few days, evaluate your skin's response and consider a switch to Coral KAVI once per day. If your skin is not showing any symptoms of dryness, bring in the Aqua KAVI for your second daily cleansing period. If your skin still feels oily, switch out the Aqua KAVI to Coral KAVI. As for Salicylic Acid 8, begin with a 20 second peel for the first week, and based on how your skin is responding to the other components of the system, make a determination whether you would like to administer a peel once, twice, or four times per month, and whether application duration should be 20s, 30s, etc. (up to 90s). Your suggestion for providing recommendations based on a questionnaire is a great one, and we've been working on creating an accurate, comprehensive model for some time now. Stay tuned!
  4. KAVI Glycolic Acid peels are suitable for scars caused by events other than acne as well, however, we would advise you consult with your dermatologist about the appropriate post-op treatment options available to you for hemithyroidectomy scars. As none of the products made by KAVI are indicated for the treatment of such scarring, we are unable to provide any recommendations.
  5. It would be good to know if your skin is naturally very dry or if its dryness is a result of treatment with antiseborrheics. In either case, your use of any antiseborrheics from KAVI should be very light in the first few weeks of treatment, and you should be sure to cease use of any other anti-acne products while undergoing treatment with KAVI products. If your skin is naturally very dry, we would advise coupling the Toner with a mild cleanser such as the Glycolic Cleanser 10 or DermaWash. For comedolytic and keratolytic treatments, a salicylic acid mask may be too strong, and you may wish to consider the Enhanced Retinol 0.30% serum instead. For the retinol serum, commence applications at intervals of once every other day for 3-4 weeks before evaluating an increase to once per day. Hydrate as often as needed with the Glycolipidic Moisturizer. If your skin is temporarily dry from ongoing treatment with antiseborrheics, take a 3-4 week break from any anti-acne products to give your skin ample time to flush out prior medications and return to a natural state before commencing with a new regimen using KAVI products. The Anti-Acne System III for Normal/Dry Skin would be a good starting point, and we would advise you introduce Aqua KAVI once per day for the first week or two before evaluating an increase to twice per day. In either case above, if at any time your skin begins to feel dry or irritated, reduce the application frequency of the antiseborrheic components of your regimen to avoid exacerbating your skin's reaction to the dryness.
  6. From your description, the Anti-Acne System II for Normal/Dry Skin would be the best system with which to start, however if you are concerned about drying out your skin with the Pearl KAVI cleansing bar, you could build a more customized system to address your treatment goals. Here is one regimen that you may wish to consider: Cleanser Glycolic Cleanser 10 - use twice daily; suitable for anti-aging applications on dry skin. Toner - use once per evening as a final-stage cleanser; suitable for anti-acne applications on normal skin. Repair Enhanced Retinol 0.30% - apply up to twice daily; suitable for anti-aging and anti-acne applications on normal skin. Hydration Hyaluronic Acid 95 - apply up to twice daily; suitable for anti-aging applications on normal skin. On dry skin, consider the Glycolipidic Moisturizer, and on acutely dry skin, consider coupling the serums (Hyaluronic Acid 95 applied first, followed 3-5 minutes thereafter with the Glycolipidic Moisturizer). If you are interested in a more intensive approach to treating inconsistent tone and texture, you may wish to include a glycolic peel in your regimen. Glycolic peels are typically applied once per week, and we would advise reducing your use of Enhanced Retinol 0.30% to once per day should you decide to introduce a peel into the mix (on peel days, you may wish to skip retinol application altogether to avoid irritation). In selecting a peel strength, most find 30% to be a suitable starting concentration (those with sensitive skin should begin with a 20% concentration).
  7. Tazorac itself is a retinoid, and if you go with KAVI's System II, you will be compounding treatment with yet another retinoid-based serum. Additionally, using both BP and a KAVI cleanser with sulfur may dry out your skin and lead to irritation and/or inflammation. It would be best to choose only one regimen (BP and Tazorac or the KAVI Anti-Acne System II). If the former is working well for you, then there would be no immediate reason to switch, however, if it isn't, then it would be worth evaluating an alternative. If you do decide to make the switch, allow at least a couple of weeks without any anti-acne medication before starting with KAVI to give your skin an opportunity to flush out the previous regimen's actives.
  8. Here is one regimen you may wish to begin with: Mornings Cleanse with DermaWash. Hydrate with Hyaluronic Acid 95 followed by the Glycolipidic Moisturizer (allow 3 minutes between serums for proper absorption). Days Protect and moisturize with SPF 30 as needed throughout day. Evenings Cleanse with water, followed by Toner. Hydrate every other night with Hyaluronic Acid 95 followed by the Glycolipidic Moisturizer (allow 3 minutes between serums for proper absorption). Repair with the Organic Sulfur Suspension on nights when not immediately applying Hyaluronic Acid 95 and the Glycolipidic Moisturizer. If skin feels dry, wash off suspension 30-60 minutes after application (with water only) and then proceed with Hyaluronic Acid 95 and the Glycolipidic Moisturizer. Based on your skin's response to the above, you may need to increase/decrease use of the antiseborrheic components of your regimen to better suit your skin.
  9. Have you seen our chemical peeling matrices at http://www.kaviskin.com/info/aha-bha.html? For dark spots, a glycolic acid peel (minimum strength of 30%, once per week) used in combination with the Advanced Melanin Repair Serum (applied daily) would provide you with the most comprehensive results.
  10. Dry skin being listed as a contraindication would mean that the product is not suitable for those with naturally dry skin or those who have developed dry skin temporarily from the use of antiseborrheics to treat a given skin condition. It would be best to limit use of the suspension to your T-Zone initially to see how your skin responds to treatment before expanding to a larger coverage area. DermaWash contains milder cleansing ingredients than Aqua KAVI but the same sulfur potency, so it would be better for dry or sensitive skin than Aqua KAVI, albeit more expensive.
  11. KAVI Support

    Regimen Advice

    Maintaining a healthy pH on the surface of your skin can by itself be a significant preventive measure against new acne formation. Additionally, depending on your skin type, controlling dead skin buildup can help reduce comedone formation and subsequent acne infection. For a cleanser, we would recommend a mild anti-bacterial, such as DermaWash. It will help balance your skin's pH and control free acne on the surface of the skin. A mild astringent, such as the KAVI Toner or the St. Ives product you are currently using, can provide a mild rate of keratolysis to control dead skin buildup and also help your pores stay clean. If you find it insufficient, a weekly peel with KAVI Salicylic Acid 8 can help exfoliate more dead skin as well as clear your pores of acne, cellular debris, and environmental buildup (e.g., residual makeup, lotions, etc.). There are no side effects to using hyaluronic acid on younger skin, though you may find its effects to be more beneficial in a few years. Everyone's skin is different, however, and any stated starting age would be a very general one for most: for some, genetics and the rate of exposure to the elements may precipitate the effects of premature aging as early as 25 (in which case we would recommend starting a few years earlier) or as late as 45. Generally speaking, those with oily skin tend to fare better with age than those with normal or dry skin. The excess sebum serves as a very effective humectant from an early age and slows the onset of wrinkles, age spots, and other signs of aging. Though that oil may not be very helpful in the early years when it's a leading cause of acne, it becomes an invaluable ally later in life and one to emulate in the form of high-impact hydration serums like Hyaluronic Acid 95 and the Glycolipidic Moisturizer for those whose skin does not produce enough natural protection.
  12. It may seem difficult to visualize cleansing with water only, but it would provide the fastest path to restoring your skin's natural balance. If your T-Zone is getting oily, consider a very mild cleanser for that region. Among KAVI cleansers, the Glycolic Cleanser 10 would be optimal.
  13. It sounds like your regimen needs some minor tuning to get your skin back on track. Breakouts along the jawline are symptomatic of dryness and can spread if their root causes are not addressed. Your first step should be to eliminate Aqua or Coral KAVI from your daily routine for the next couple of weeks to give your skin a chance to flush out the antiseborrheics and recover from the dryness. Skip Salicylic Acid 15 for the next two weeks as well, but continue with the Toner once per evening after cleansing with water. Continue as well with Hyaluronic Acid 95 and SPF 30 as often as needed to keep your skin moisturized. After a two week hiatus, consider introducing Aqua KAVI in the mornings and the Organic Sulfur Suspension every other evening (cleansing with water followed by the Toner before application of the suspension). Try that routine for two weeks and monitor your skin's response. You can make a determination whether to stay the course, or increase/decrease treatment based on what you are seeing: Outcome A New acne in the T-Zone but none along the jawline may be indicative that an increase in treatment may be beneficial. Outcome B No new acne in the T-Zone and none along the jawline may be indicative that your current regimen is just right. Outcome C No new acne along the T-Zone and new breakouts along the jawline may be indicative that your current regimen is too strong. Give the above approach a try and let us know your findings in the coming weeks.
  14. Thank you for following up and please let us know how treatment progresses. As always, maintain dialog with your dermatologist for ongoing medical evaluation of your son's treatment plan using KAVI products.
  15. Azelaic acid products for skin applications typically have an acidic pH, so there shouldn't be a concern about their use counteracting the pH-balancing effects of the KAVI DermaWash or Toner products.
  16. If you are using a KAVI SPF product, there would be no contraindications for Coral KAVI. If you are using another SPF product, please ensure it is 100% non-comedogenic to avoid reversing the benefits from cleansing with Coral KAVI.
  17. Yes, we do also sell the neutralizer. It is not required for buffered glycolic acid peels, however it can help more precisely control the application time of any peel and reduce post-peel discomfort on sensitive skin. The PPN is available in the Physician Portal at http://www.kaviskin.com/products/post-peel-neutralizer.html.
  18. To avoid conflicting with Hyaluronic Acid 95 & SPF30 and to put some distance between antiseborrheic applications, the best time for the sulfur suspension would be 60 minutes after Step 4. For the first month, consider application of the suspension only once per day. Based on how your skin is responding, you may choose to either continue with once per day application or increase to twice per day. Alternatively, if your skin is feeling too dry for comfort with even a once daily application of the suspension, you may opt to use the Toner alone in the evenings as a cleanser (leaving out Coral KAVI) followed by application of the suspension approximately 60 minutes thereafter.
  19. Complex P is a spot treatment best for more stubborn, individual pimples. You could use it with this regimen, but try the suspension first to determine whether you will actually need Complex P as well.
  20. Increasing frequency of Salicylic Acid 15 to twice per week may yield positive short-term results, however it can increase your sensitivity to the peel and may result in your being unable to use it at all. If your skin is not exhibiting symptoms of dryness, you may consider adding the Organic Sulfur Suspension to your daily regimen. The best way to introduce it to avoid overwhelming your skin would be to use it as a substitute to an existing procedure. For example, in the evenings, cleanse only with the Toner (i.e., leave out Coral KAVI) and follow up with a layer of the Organic Sulfur Suspension. If after two weeks your skin is responding well without any tightness, irritation, or inflammation, and you feel your skin can handle the sulfur suspension along with cleansing twice daily with Coral KAVI, then try modifying your regimen to once again include Coral KAVI in the evenings along with the sulfur suspension. You may even find that what works better for your skin is cleansing twice daily with Coral KAVI with application of the sulfur suspension every other day. Because everyone's skin is different, you need to experiment with application frequencies until you find the best recipe for your unique skin type.
  21. Coral KAVI twice per day with a clarisonic brush and a benzoyl peroxide gel once per night is too intense. You need to choose between BP and sulfur: for all but the oiliest skin, this combination will overwhelm your skin and lead to inflammation, dryness, and consequently, an immune response in the form of breakouts. It would be best to give your skin a two-week break. During this time, your system will flush out most of the antiseborrheics and return to a more natural state. If you are considering recommencing treatment with Coral KAVI, avoid BP and just use your hands to apply the Coral KAVI to your face. Start with once per day for one week and monitor your skin's response before considering a move to twice per day. If you do need to cleanse with something other than water when not using Coral KAVI, opt for a gentle, pH-balanced liquid cleanser (e.g., Glycolic Cleanser 10 or DermaWash). Your skin is a delicate organ and should always be treated as such. It's very easy to overwhelm your skin when treating your acne, but with a regimen appropriately tuned to your unique skin type, success is within reach for any acne problem.
  22. As one might surmise, relative terms can mean different things to different people. Salicylic Acid 15 is a very strong peel for facial applications, however it is not uncommon for more severe acne cases. Yes, salicylic acid peels can bring infections to surface more quickly as well as reduce the extent and recovery times of visible and soon-to-be-visible (i.e., "in process") infections.
  23. Do you recall what strength had been applied at the dermatologist's office? Increased breakouts are not a typical reaction to a salicylic acid peel, and it is possible those acne infections were already "in process" prior to application of the salicylic acid. Monitor your son's skin during the course of 2 more peels (20-30 seconds each peel, 7 days apart) to see if there is a correlation between the peels and new breakouts. If so, it is possible Salicylic Acid 15 may be too strong, and you may need to move down to the 8% concentration.
  24. On question (1) - The Toner is mild enough, however it may make more sense if you are also dealing with blackheads and smaller whiteheads. Since you are not, it would be best to keep the regimen simple. On question (2) - You can apply all non-treatment products anywhere you like, however keep the treatments (Organic Sulfur Suspension and Salicylic Acid 8) only to areas where you have a problem with acne. On question (3) - Yes, they do. The Organic Sulfur Suspension's instructions allow for application up to twice per day, but in your case, we would advise you not exceed once per day since your skin is sensitive and not too oily. Feel free to ask any other questions and do let us know how things work out for you.
  25. Thank you for the detailed post: additional information can sometimes help with a better set of product recommendations. KAVI anti-acne systems are often the best place to start for many, however it does appear the cleansers in these systems may be too strong for you over the long-term and, because your acne is isolated to the lower region of your face, it is not necessary to use a medicated cleanser on the unaffected upper region. We would recommend you look into one of our milder pH-balancing cleansers, however. Maintaining pH is a key preventive measure against many types of reactive skin conditions, including acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, and others. Most off-the-shelf cleansers are alkaline (pH > 7.0) and, for those whose skin cannot regulate its pH as efficiently as needed, regular use can lead to symptoms ranging from dryness and itchiness to full-blown breakouts. The KAVI Glycolic Cleanser 10 (pH 4.0) can be used twice daily, will help keep your skin's pH within its natural range (typically 5.0 to 6.0), and is suitable for sensitive skin. For treatment, we would recommend the Organic Sulfur Suspension and Salicylic Acid 8. The former should be applied up to once per day on affected regions and the latter once per week. If your skin shows any signs of inflammation or redness after the peel is removed, consider skipping application of the Organic Sulfur Suspension on those days when you apply the salicylic acid peel. Regularly monitor your skin for dryness and reduce application frequency should you observe any adverse reactions to treatment. Finally, for hydration we would recommend both Hyaluronic Acid 95 and SPF30. Hyaluronic Acid 95 may be applied up to three times per day and SPF30 as often as needed. Even though SPF30 is technically an SPF, it is also a very effective non-comedogenic moisturizer and may be used in the evenings as well. If your budget does not permit both moisturizers, go with SPF30. The above regimen should hopefully give you the results you seek. Once your acne is in remission, switch to a maintenance cycle with the Organic Sulfur Suspension and Salicylic Acid 8 (e.g., once or twice per week for the former, once or twice per month for the latter), but do continue with the Glycolic Cleanser 10 and remember to always keep your skin hydrated: though you are only 21, you certainly want to ensure what you are applying to your skin today does not lead to the onset of premature aging in the future.
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