KAVI Support

In addition to the product information available elsewhere on this forum and on the product page itself, please review the contents of this post to maximize your chances of success. What is Coral KAVI? Coral KAVI is a medicated cleansing bar. We don't call it a soap because that term often implies a product made with tallow (animal fat). Instead of tallow, we use palm oil, an ingredient that is animal-free and better for your skin. Coral KAVI is "medicated" because it contains two active ingredients that will treat a set of skin conditions. These ingredients are sulfur and salicylic acid. Which skin conditions will Coral KAVI treat? The primary indication for Coral KAVI is acne (all forms of it, including papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts). Coral KAVI may also be used to treat rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, pityriasis versicolor, or some other condition for which your physician may find Coral KAVI suitable. Many have found that Coral KAVI works effectively to control excessively oily skin. While Coral KAVI is not a treatment for oily skin, it is a much safer alternative to currently available treatments such as isotretinoin and may be used indefinitely without incurring side effects. How does Coral KAVI work to treat acne? To understand how Coral KAVI works, it might be better first to understand how acne infections form. The three components required for an acne infection can be found on everyone's skin: acne bacteria, sebum (oil), and dead skin cells. If acne bacteria can be found in large numbers in and around pores, and should sebum and dead skin cells form comedones to block a pore opening, the acne inside a pore will begin to replicate rapidly and result in an infection. The body's immune system will then respond, sending enough T-cells to the pore to neutralize the infection. The result is a pus-filled lesion inside the pore that is unsightly and often painful. The reasons vary why some people suffer from chronic acne into adulthood while others have experienced only a mild adolescent outbreak, but generally speaking, an excess of any one or all of the three components mentioned above can play the leading role in acne infection. The more a product or set of products helps to correct these imbalances, the more effective it will be in treating chronic acne infection. The actives in Coral KAVI, sulfur and salicylic acid, are antiseptic (antibacterial, antifungal), antiseborrheic (drying), keratolytic (exfoliating), comedolytic (able to unclog pores), and pH-balancing (able to help restore the skin to its natural pH of 5.5). This combination of attributes in a single product is what makes Coral KAVI so effective for so many people. Use of Coral KAVI as directed will help to achieve the following results in as early as 48 hours from the start of treatment: * acne bacterial populations on the skin's surface will be reduced, thereby reducing the chances for infection * excess sebum will be cleansed, reducing the available adhesive for cellular debris to form comedones at pore openings * cellular debris will be exfoliated, reducing the availability of material that can bond together with sebum to form comedones at pore openings * existing comedones will be dissolved, helping to drain infected pores and those in danger of infection * the skin's pH will be restored, enabling the skin's natural acidity to keep acne populations from growing out of control (note that traditional soaps are very alkaline) How should I be using Coral KAVI? Coral KAVI should be used as you would use any other cleanser. You may use it for your face, body, or both. There is no need to let the lather rest on your skin any longer than you would leave a traditional soap, however make sure that the product has no less than 30 seconds and no more than two minutes of contact with the skin (any less and the product's efficacy would be compromised; any more and you would risk drying out your skin). The correct frequency of use varies greatly between individuals. Those with very oily skin can use Coral KAVI up to three times per day (and in some cases, two washes per use) while those with dry skin may only be able to use the product once per day and only during the summer months, when sebum production is at its peak. The reason for this variance is due to the product's strong antiseborrheic nature. Not only are its actives antiseborrheics but even its cleansing base, palm oil, is intended for use on oily or combination skin. For the greater majority of people treating a persistent acne problem, however, once to twice per day will be the ideal frequency of use. Because Coral KAVI's ingredients are naturally-derived and without any harmful chemicals or synthetics, it may be used indefinitely as a total replacement to traditional animal-based soaps you may have been using to date. Those with naturally dry skin or skin that has dried out from the use of other anti-acne medication risk severe irritation if they introduce Coral KAVI into their daily regimen. Though temporary, symptoms include tightness and pain on the skin's surface, inflammation, and/or a rash of numerous, small whiteheads (this is believed to be an immune response to the dryness). In some cases, cyst-like lesions may also appear. If you currently use prescription or over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide (including ProActiv), take oral antibiotics for your acne (e.g., tetracycline, minocycline, etc.), or employ any other antiseborrheics in your skin care regimen, you should consult your dermatologist for possible contraindications. If you are switching to Coral KAVI from another anti-acne treatment plan, give your skin at least two weeks to recover from the prior treatment before introducing Coral KAVI. If you do not take enough time between plans, you may be compounding treatment and risk irritating your skin. Alternatively, consider that while Coral KAVI is the strongest anti-acne cleanser KAVI makes, it doesn't mean that it's the right one for you. You may wish to skip Coral KAVI altogether and instead choose a milder cleanser still suitable for acne, such as Aqua KAVI or DermaWash. Will Coral KAVI alone be enough to treat my acne? It depends, but for most people, the answer is no. Coral KAVI will get you between 50% to 66% of the way there. Additional treatment, such as a daily serum, nightly toner, and/or a weekly salicylic acid mask may be required. Dietary and lifestyle changes may also be necessary. Examples may include avoiding red meat and/or other foods with hormones or other entities that may trigger breakouts, reducing exposure to airborne particles that may clog pores, ensuring all sunblocks, lotions, clothing detergents, etc. are non-comedogenic and with pH less than or equal to 7, and even introducing steam baths into your schedule to help keep pores clear. Should I be moisturizing my skin while I use Coral KAVI? Dry skin is not an acceptable side effect of any anti-acne treatment. Proper hydration (whether applied topically or imbibed orally) along with safe levels of exposure to the sun are the most important measures one can take to slow the onset of premature aging. If you are unsure of which moisturizers to use to avoid aggravating your acne, note that all of KAVI's moisturizers are non-comedogenic and safe for sensitive pores.

Results vary among skin types, but those with cystic or nodular acne begin seeing significant results within 48 hours. From your initial post, it appears your skin was seeing a similar rate of improvement before it became evident you were using a product that was too strong for you. Papular and pustular acne can benefit from the same rate of improvement, but these lighter forms of acne may take an extra day or two of treatment before results may be observed. The reasons for this are more perceptual, however (because these forms of acne are smaller and often fewer in number, their reduction is not as immediately discernible). For many, KAVI's anti-acne cleansers will go between 50% to 75% of the distance, requiring individualized adjunctive therapy during the secondary phase of treatment. Treatment options can include a. additional products like those mentioned above, b. dietary changes (e.g., avoiding red meat and/or other foods with hormones or other entities that may trigger breakouts), and/or c. lifestyle changes (e.g., reducing exposure to airborne particles that may clog pores, ensuring all sunblocks, lotions, clothing detergents, etc. are non-comedogenic and with pH less than or equal to 7, and even introducing steam baths into your schedule). Your dermatologist can provide you with more alternatives as you determine which treatment options are the most effective for you.

It would be better to wait a week to give your skin an opportunity to recover from Coral KAVI treatment and prevent a compounding effect in the first few days of treatment with Aqua KAVI that could lead you down the same path of dryness and irritation. Given your reaction to Coral KAVI, it would be better to keep with KAVI's milder anti-acne products in the future. Here are a few to consider: DermaWash - a milder cleanser than Aqua KAVI but with the same potency Toner - can be used as a final-stage cleanser once per evening, great for pores Enhanced Retinol 0.30% - a mild exfoliant and comedolytic that also provides intensive anti-aging therapy (applied once daily on sensitive skin) Salicylic Acid 8 - a stronger exfoliant and comedolytic than E. Retinol but still gentle enough for sensitive skin (to be applied no more than once per week)

From your description, it sounds like Coral KAVI is a little too strong for your skin when used daily. Dryness, inflammation, and whiteheads are all symptoms of skin that has been overwhelmed by antiseborrheic treatment. Aqua KAVI contains half as much sulfur, no salicylic acid, and while not primarily indicated for acne, its active ingredient (sulfur) is the same as Coral KAVI's and certainly can be used to treat acne on normal, dry, or sensitive skin. However, it would be best to give your skin a one-week break from any antiseborrheics before recommencing with Aqua KAVI once per day (and up to two times in a day, as needed). In the spring and summer months, the body tends to produce more sebum, and you may find that your skin will be more amenable to Coral KAVI during those months of the year.

The Microderm Exfoliator should be used as a twice weekly scrub and, typically, skipped on the days when you apply a glycolic acid mask. However, if you find that your skin is not sensitive to Glycolic Acid 20 (i.e., you do not experience any redness or inflammation after the peel is removed), then you may find that following up the peel with a Microderm scrub will help accelerate the exfoliation process.

Great to hear your acne is clearing up. Have you seen the two comparison tables at http://www.kaviskin.com/info/aha-bha.html ? There is a lot of valuable information there. Retinol, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid can all help with your complexion. Choosing among them depends on a couple of factors: (1) Is your skin sensitive to chemical peels? If yes, then Enhanced Retinol 0.30% would be the best balance between safety and efficacy. If no, then proceed to question 2. (2) Is your acne in regression? If yes, choose a KAVI Glycolic Acid exfoliation mask (20% or 30% to start, 40% if your skin is tolerant). If no, choose a KAVI Salicylic Acid exfoliation mask (8% to start, 15% if your skin is tolerant).

10 years is a long time to be treating skin with benzoyl peroxide. It may take several weeks or longer for your skin to adjust to a more temperate regimen. During this time, avoid cleansing more than twice a day and give your skin time. You may wish to hold off on moisturizing for the first week or two if the oil becomes bothersome. We can't comment on other brands, but if Complex 15 has been moisturizing and non-comedogenic on your skin, then it would be sensible to test its compatibility with Coral KAVI to determine whether the combination works for your skin. If you have the time, write back in a month and let us know how things are going for you.

The pH is just over neutral (approximately 7.5). Extra virgin olive oil differs from virgin and regular olive oil in its free acidity content. This is not to be confused with pH. Free acidity (oleic acid) content can account for differences in olive oil's taste, color, and aroma. It's an important measure of quality when comparing olive oils for consumption, however the only appreciable difference when making a cleanser is cost. Despite the marketing of other olive oil brands, we have not observed a delta in olive oil's anti-aging properties when comparing extra virgin formulations (free acidity < 0.8%) to ordinary formulations (free acidity <3.3%). As for moisturization, Pearl KAVI is certainly a better choice than Coral KAVI: the former is intended to be a moisturizing anti-aging cleanser while the latter is an antiseborrheic indicated for acne.

The active ingredient in Aqua KAVI is 1% colloidal sulfur (analogous to 5% precipitated sulfur), therefore Aqua KAVI can be used as a mild antiseptic, however we must defer you to your physician for the medical diagnosis and treatment of your recurring staph infections.

It's been only a week. Give it a month or two before considering incorporating Coral KAVI into your regimen: best to allow improvements to be gradual than risk drying out your skin and experiencing a bad reaction.

Whiteheads are the more typical reaction to dried out skin (compared to cysts). It would be best to reduce use of Coral KAVI to once a day and eliminate any other astringents or antiseborrheics from your regimen for the next 7 to 10 days until your skin recovers. During this time (and beyond), be sure to hydrate your skin with Hyaluronic Acid 95 (applied first) and SPF 30 (wait 3 to 5 minutes after HA95 before applying), twice per day. Both of these moisturizers should have come in your anti-acne system.

Some bath salts are mildly alkaline (between pH 8 and 9) and others are mildly acidic (between pH 5 and 7). Check with the manufacturer of your brand to determine its pH. If it's alkaline, we would recommend finding a brand that's acidic: it's better for your skin and works more in concert with KAVI products. Using the bath salts together with the Microderm Exfoliator, Toner, and Coral KAVI as a cleansing regimen does sound like too much, yes. It might be better to break them into two separate routines to be applied at different times. Combining the bath salts with the Microderm Exfoliator as one routine, and Coral KAVI and the Toner as another can be easier on your skin and help avoid drying it out.

Minor, localized breakouts are often the result of skin being overwhelmed by antiseborrheics. Besides Coral KAVI and the Toner, do you recall applying any other products to your lower jaw? How many times per day were you cleansing with Coral KAVI and the Toner?

Glycolic Acid 40 can help reduce pore diameter, and while it will not aggravate your acne, it also will do little to help reduce it. The primary use cases for glycolic acid are anti-aging-related treatment plans. At age 35, it can serve as a proactive tool to slow the onset of premature aging, however you would still need to treat your acne. With only a few pimples a month, the Detoxifying Cleansing Scrub may be enough to bring your occasional breakouts under control. The Detoxifying Cleansing Scrub, used twice daily, may be combined with Glycolic Acid 40 (applied once per week) to address your goals. If your acne requires additional treatment, adding the KAVI Toner (applied once per evening, after the scrub) would be a gentle next step.

Aqua KAVI would be a great product with which to start. If you find it effective and non-irritating but not sufficiently comprehensive, you could consider moving up to Coral KAVI or introducing the KAVI Toner into your daily regimen.

Any products (not just cleansers) that come into contact with the skin and have a significantly higher pH (e.g., > pH 8) than the skin's (pH 5.5) may be problematic for those skin types that have trouble restoring pH at a natural rate. Because it is difficult to design an antiseborrheic anti-acne cleanser with a low pH, we have opted for a multi-stage approach in our cleansing bars: the cleansing component (palm oil) that is washed off the skin has an alkaline pH, and the active ingredients (sulfur and salicylic acid) that are absorbed have an acidic pH that leaves the skin pH-balanced after use. We do make other cleansers (e.g., Glycolic Cleanser 10 or the Detoxifying Cleansing Scrub) that are purely acidic, however they do not have the antiseborrheic and anti-acne properties of Aqua or Coral KAVI.

It's possible the combination of benzoyl peroxide and sulfur from Complex P, coupled with the sulfur and salicylic acid from Coral KAVI, may be overwhelming your skin. Try staying off Complex P for now and see how your skin reacts over the next week. If breakouts subside, that could be the answer. If they don't, switch things around and try Complex P without Coral KAVI: some skin types do not respond well to salicylic acid, in which case it would make sense to try Aqua KAVI, which does not contain salicylic acid. The former (dried out skin) is more likely than the latter (sensitivity to salicylic acid), so it would be better to try isolation in the order suggested above.

Coral KAVI should not make your skin worse before it makes it better unless it has been drying out your skin. Did you recently switch from another anti-acne treatment or are you using any other antiseborrheics along with Coral KAVI and Complex P? Do the locations where you have been applying Complex P have any relation to the new breakouts?Without the use of antiseborrheics, would you say your skin is naturally dry, normal, combination, or oily?

Everyone's skin is different, however for most people, witch hazel itself shouldn't be irritating and consequently shouldn't make skin sensitive enough to allow Coral KAVI to be irritating.

(1) Coral KAVI only needs to be on the skin for anywhere between 30 seconds and two minutes. Use it as you would any other cleanser. (2) Running tends to generate heat and perspiration on the surface of the skin. Pores can dilate during exercise (possibly expelling comedones and draining infection sites) and the salt from perspiration can provide nominal benefit to infected pores. The presence of makeup during exercise, however, may conflict with this process. Perspiration may break down makeup and enable it to impede or enter into a dilated pore where it may help with comedone formation and subsequent acne infection. Unless you know your skin to be unaffected by the makeup you apply before running, it would be advisable to avoid it altogether. As for using Coral KAVI more than twice per day, most people are unable to cleanse three times per day with Coral KAVI over the long run -- it will dry out their skin eventually and require a reduction in application frequency. However, for very oily skin and during the summer months, thrice daily can be ok.

We certainly hope we can help. Here are some pointers to keep in mind when treating your acne with our products: (1) Less can be more. In other words, over-treating your skin can make it worse. If you are using our products, follow instructions and do not reduce application intervals in the hopes of accelerating results. (2) Don't introduce other anti-acne regimens to your routine while treating your skin with KAVI products, because the combination of products may overwhelm your skin, resulting in dryness, irritation, and possibly more breakouts (typically small, numerous whiteheads where skin has become the driest). (3) If you are currently using any antiseborrheics, make sure to stop using them and allow your skin a minimum of one week to recover before commencing use with KAVI products. (4) Coral KAVI can be used safely over the long run and is suitable as a total replacement to your existing cleansers. When using Coral KAVI, make sure to avoid use of any alkaline cleansers in your regimen, as these types of cleansers can offset the benefits Coral KAVI and other KAVI products provide to acne-prone skin.

Two to three months would be a fair estimate, yes. Feel free to ask as many questions as you like; we're happy to help.

Sulfur and salicylic acid indeed are antiseborrheic (drying). Our vegetable-based moisturizers help offset some of the drying effect, but the net result after use will be drier skin.

The glycerin in Coral KAVI is vegetable-based, and its cleansing component is made from palm oil. It does not contain any animal-based products. When used daily for facial and body applications, one bar will last approximately one month.

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