Acne prone skin?

Jun 16, 2011

Vicky D.

I have acne prone skin which sucks, what is the best way to prevent this..or help i guess??xxx

Jun 16, 2011

Shauna M.

Cleanse, exfoliate, tone, moisturize daily! Try to use water base products and don't go very heavy if you use a liquid foundation. If you have acne prone skin due to bacteria then use a product with benzoyl peroxide. Do you know your skin type? 

Jun 17, 2011

Soma S.

If you have sensitive or combo skin, BP products may be too harsh or drying. It's really tempting to leave it on longer, thinking it will work more, but it can strip your skin and cause it to over produce oils... that's what I did, and I definitely suffered for it. =(

I switched to gentler cleansers from the CeraVe line, the PM moisturizer [must-have] and their cleanser or Cetaphil. Available at most drugstores, and has the same ingredients as other high-end brands. You get results slower, but it worked for me. Just have patience and good luck!

Jun 17, 2011

Brianna G.

I have the same issues. Over the past six weeks, I've been really cracking down on my skincare regimen, washing my face twice a day and putting on acne cream on my acne at night. Six weeks later, my skin has REALLY improved! Like Shauna said, using water-based products also helps let your skin breathe a bit.

Jun 17, 2011

Danielle L.

go to acne.org they have a great skincare regimen that really works! I've tried everything under the sun for my acne and finally found this regimen and i love it! & rarely ever have breakouts anymore.

Jun 18, 2011

Vicky D.

I've heard lots of people say that Cetaphil works really well. but i live in the u.k so i would have to have it shipped over.
i am going to have to go shopping for some water based products and that contains benzoyl peroxide. thaanks guys :) xxx

Jun 19, 2011

Apryl J.

just make sure you dont touch your face during the day and make sure you wash it when you wake up and before bed. Don't use anything harsh or drying, and make sure you use a good moisturizer even if you think your face is too oily. I have recently switched over to Neutrogena Oil Free Moisturizer with SPF 30 ( i think) and my acne prone skin has improved a lot.

Any more questions, i'd love to chat :)

Jun 20, 2011

Maria S.

If you're like me and you feel like you've tried every technique and product on the market, make an appointment with your physician or dermatologist to help figure out the cause of your breakouts. Get a second or third opinion if you can. Sometimes cleansing alone is not the answer, especially if you are battling common hormonal imbalances or other not-so-unusual issues. It may just be a change in your skincare regimen or habits, or a medication they can prescribe to prevent breakouts and related scarring.

Jun 20, 2011

Kennedy A.

I have acne prone skin that is also very sensitive. If you have sensitive skin, do not over exfoliate. I use the Cetaphil Cleanser because it is very gentle. However, for my acne I like to use the Body Shop Tea-Tree Oil Cleanser. Tea Tree is great for acne. For my exfoliator I use the St.Ives Apricot Exfoliator for Blackheads and Blemishes. Try out any of these and let me know if you have good luck!

Jun 20, 2011

Michelle N.

I read somewhere that coconut oil keeps your skin clear, but i understand that most acne prone people are afraid of being too oily. What you can try doing is putting a really light layer on your face before bed then wash it off in the morning. You can also try the Bearberry line by John Masters Organics. I have some sample sachets of Bearberry in my office and would be more than happy to let you try it. michelle@hipapotheca.com

Jun 21, 2011

Haley H.

you should try going to a dermatoligist because what is amazing for one person can be a curse on another.. everybody has different types of skin and you need to get professional advice on whats right for you

Jun 21, 2011

Kelly S.

I agree with Haley. The thing with acne is that sometimes it can't be cured with over the counter stuff. Sometimes you do need a dermatologist to help you out. For real advice on how to prevent breakouts and keep them gone I would go to your general physician and have him or her recommend a dermatologist in your area. Sometimes one visit is all you need.  

Jun 21, 2011

Grace C.

I have oily skin! I would say to look for a product with benzoyl peroxide, oil free, with witch-hazel and paraben free! Use an exfoliater often and get a drugstore acne spot treatment. use oil blotter sheets (if ur skin is oily like mine) hope this helped! 

Jun 21, 2011

Elissa B.

I use the clinique 3 step skin care system number 4. That cleared my skin right up. Also, I have dabbed a little bit of Apple Cider Vinegar on a blemish, and it dries it up rather quickly

Jun 21, 2011

Katie D.

I don't really have acne problems so I don't really know too much to tell you other than I love the kate somerville acne treatment...but it's kinda pricey.. As far as cetaphil...i was told by an esthetician once that cetaphil is no different than washing your face with just plain water....whether this was true or she was just trying to sell me the more expensive cleanser idk but i've stayed away from cetaphil since right now i'm using a combination of the clinque acne face and body bar and st. ives apricot scrub for my back (which is where I have my acne problem) and i don't really notice too big of a difference with either of those so i dont think i would recommend either of those

Jun 21, 2011

Stefania L.

Use a gel cleanser to soak up the extra sebum that's secreted by your skin (which causes the pimples). My suggestion, Vichy Normaderm cleansing gel. It's hypoallergenic and made with thermal water, so it's still hydrating your skin (with thermal water while getting rid of the oil). After that, use the Vichy Normaderm toner to prepare your skin for the intake of your moisturizer. You can use their hydrating cream, but I stopped because I find it dries out my skin a little too much (So i use another hydrating cream from Vichy - only made with thermal water.. No oils!!!)

These products are my absolute favorite! and please don't exfoliate daily - 2 or three times MAX a week. If you exfoliate daily your skin will become irritated and won't have a chance to regenerate itself...

Stay away from neutrogena clearasil clean&clear and bioree products.. they contain insane amounts of alcohol, which will only give you the impression that they are working because alcohol will temporarily dry out your skin. Your skin will retaliate by producing more oil in the long run - it'll be a never ending cycle!!

Jun 21, 2011

Stefania L.

Actually, Even if exfoliants indicate that they're gentle for daily use, it's still not recommended to use them daily. And if you wear make up that is hypoallergenic and/or made for problematic skin, you shouldn't have to take a break from it... I use cover FX powder foundation... high coverage makeup developped by dermatologists to cater to people with problematic skin, acne-prone skin, discoloration, etc. You just need oil free and hypoallergenic make up and you'll be fine...

Jun 21, 2011

Jane A.

My younger years (prior to Sophmore year in HS) I had flawless skin, even with sleeping with make up on, and not really taking care of it what so ever. After 10th grade... I suffered from ACNE and all that junk stuff. I would have my good times (don't break out too often), and I would have my severe days. Earlier this year/late last year I noticed my ACNE was pretty bad. I would break out with a few (3+) pimples in one spot at multiple times. My temples, my chin, my cheeks, and my forhead. My skin wasn't smooth to the touch. =(

I've tried a lot of stuff Proactiv, Murad, Dr. Gross MD, Bath & Body Tea Tree and drug store brands. I pretty much tried everything everyone was doing (I did my research on Acne.org, etc.). Since my acne wasn't getting better, I tried to cover it up. I put on a lot of concealer, liquid foundation from M.A.C., MUFE, Cover FX, and drug store brands.

Then earlier this year I came to Beautylish and followed people's recommendation. I also went to the dermotoligist who prescribed me differin and duac (benzo peroxide). I used to slather the BP on (like what Acne.org recommended), but it really dried my skin out. So I used no more than a pea size, and that worked.

I went from using face wash with BP or Sacylic (sp??) acid, to a gentle fash wash. I was using Cetaphil, but like Katie mention it was like I was washing my face with water. I thought it was just me, but Cetaphil would just dissolve with the water. So I switched to CeraVe Foaming Face Wash (which is good for oily to normal skin). I would wash my face 2x each morning and night. Once to get rid of the make up, etc. and the second time just to make sure my face was clean - clean. Then I would tone my face. Put the acne medication (Differin at day time, Duac at night). Then I moisturize (CeraVe AM lotion at day time, CeraVe PM lotion at night.)

I would also do a scrub 2x a week, and mask 2-3x a week.

I've also tossed my liquid foundation and concealers to the side and used mineral make up. MMU really covers your imperfections to some degree, but it's too my liking, although my acne scars are still visible (which used to still be visible with my old makeup routine anyway...).

Anyway, after going the gentler cleansing route, adding some prescription strength acne medication, using moisturizer, and switching to lighter makeup my face has cleared up tremendously! (Don't forget to scrape away dead skin through a scrub and mask 2x a week or so). So now I don't get severe breakouts, and don't have ugly bumps. SORRY FOR THE NOVEL, BUT THAT WAS MY JOURNEY TO CLEAR SKIN. =)

Jun 21, 2011

Monica P.

for the past few weeks I have gone through a nightmare with my skin, it was breaking out so much and I didn't know why...I started trying out different products that friends or forums like this would recommend but then I didn't really know what was actually helping my skin since I was trying out different products about the same time. I decided after failing with all the new products to go back to what actually worked for me in the past..
I went back to Clinique Acne solutions and the scrub from Lush.
Now, the key here is consistancy. I was still using the face wash but I wouldn't use the toner because I would get lazy to got through all the steps, but it's really important to stick to a regimen every morning and night. Since I started using the products every day as directed my skin is clear again and it was as simple as following the step system...Cleanse, tone and moisturize. 2 or 3 times a week use a scrub!! I know it's hard when your skin doesn't clear right away and u get stressed out but don't worry, it gets better I promise and I can say this because I have gone through it myself! Good luck on your journey to clear skin ;)

Jun 21, 2011

Laura K.

When i was about 17 i started to break out all over my chin and in between my eyebrows (it was pretty embarrassing) so i ordered proactive...unfortunately proactive didn't work for me- it just made my skin super dry and really didn't clear up my blemishes...A few years later i went for a facial and the woman told asked me my beauty regime as far as my skin goes so i told her what i used and she suggested just using bar soap, i know this sounds weird but since then I just use a Dove facial bar and Aveeno moisturizer 2 times a day and my skin cleared up :)

Jun 21, 2011

Laura K.

You should try the Dove bar Kaci! It really works well! What kind did you use?

Jun 21, 2011

Kaylee R.

The thing that cleared up my acne was the neutrogena skin ID. Its like 50$ every 3 months... But it worked.
I was a pizza face all my life up until a little over a year ago, when I started skin ID. It fixed my skin. You take a test online and it gives you a skin regimen thats supposed to be recommended by dermatologists.

Before that I tried: clean and clear, murad, proactiv, clinique, mary kay, normal neutrogena, oxyclear, perscription gels, lotions, and pills, and the stuff from the body shop. None of that worked. Then I tried skin ID and BAM. I'm good to go.

Good luck.

Jun 21, 2011

Beccy H.

I find neutrogena is really good with my acne! Stuff like the pink grapefruity stuff works really well haha :)

Jun 24, 2011

ChinYee L.

Seeing a dermatologist really helps, as what causes acne may differ from one person to to another. But for cystic acne (yeah gross) my dermatologist gave me Retin A gel to use and it works. Just apply a small amount on the affected spot at night.

Jun 28, 2011

Lauren C.

i use pink grapefruit acne wash by neutrogena which is a really good product, i also use "no Zit sherlock" which is a really good company (you can get a set of correcting serum, moisturizer, and face wash online at sephora) and then use clean and clear oil free dual action moisturizer, it treats acne while moisturizing your skin! let me know how it goes!!