Acne

Jun 9, 2011

Lauren J.

My acne wash wash and Moisturizer aren't working for me what else can I use?any suggestions?

Jun 9, 2011

Jane A.

Have you seen a Dermotologist? I was on a big hunt for a fash wash and moisturizer tailored for acne. I tried pretty much everything from Department store brands to brands like Neutrogena, Clean & Clear, Clearasil, etc. etc.

But I decided to go back to my Dermo. (The first time I went, I was prescribed pills (that I stopped taking due to the side effects), and topicals -- Differin and Duac. I stopped using them because my skin was dry and flaky). The second time I went back, he prescribed the same topicals but a different pill. I didn't take the pill because the side effects -- I got vertigo from the first set, and felt it coming back with the second set of pills.

I read from the Differin hand out, it's highly unpreferrable to use anything with Salicylic Acid in them. So I switched my Neutrogena face wash with Cetaphil. I used Differin in the AM and Duac (a Benzoyl Peroxide) in the PM. But again my face was getting try and flaky. But this time I told myself to stay on the topicals no matter what.

Then I switched my whole skin care line to CeraVe (I was told it was waaaay better than Cetaphil). CeraVe doesn't have any acne fighting ingredients, but I didn't really mind since I was using the topicals anyway. CeraVe is very gentle to my face, something that I probably wasn't doing when I was experiementing with products (I did try a certain product for at least 2 months...). Also to curb my flaky skin (it was weird because I have very oily skin), I use CeraVe AM and PM lotion for morning and night. I guess what people say about moisturizing even if your skin is oily is true (It is a must to moisturize -- and that could be the cause for oily skin -- your skin producing more oil because it is actually dry).

Not only that, I switched the type of foundation I wore. I wore a lot of liquid, with a lot of concealer to hid my acne and scars. But I noticed it didn't help with my acne because it wasn't letting my skin breathe. So I switched to mineral make up, which provides good coverage (although my scars/brown spots still showed through).

Oh and I did make it a habit of exfoliating my skin 2x a week with masks and scrubs. I noticed my scars and spots getting lighter.

Anyway, this is what I changed the past couple of months and my acne got 10x better. I don't have bumpy skin anymore, and no more breaking out with 3+ pimples in different areas of my face at the same time either. (I would break out with 3 new pimples on my chin, then 3 on my left/right temple, and a couple more on my cheeks...)

Jun 10, 2011

Arie C.

I'm not sure what they of skin you have, but I would definitely reccomend you try a gentle cleanser (something for sensitive skin), and make sure it doesn't have laureth sulfate in it. That can be extremely irritating for some people, and can make acne worse. The only thing that ever worked for my acne was face washes with Salicylic Acid in it, but I know that doesn't work for everyone.

Also, make sure you're drinking enough water, getting enough sleep, changing your pillow cases regularly, and washing your make up brushes. That can help a lot too!

And, if you aren't all ready, for me my Acne went away when I got put on birth control, so it could be your hormones! So, like I said, I'm not sure if you are on that/want to be on it/aren't all ready on it, that may be something to look into - but you should definitely talk to a doctor before hand.

Jun 10, 2011

Jamie D.

@Arie I think you might mean LAURYL sulfate, that is the one that is known to be drying and irritating. The reason why your acne isn't going away is because a cleanser isn't on your face long enough for the active ingredients to work. I recommend a leave on salicylic acid product that doesn't contain any alcohol or witch hazel all over your face after you cleanse. This can penetrate oil to exfoliate the pore lining. Try Neutrogena oil free acne stress control 3-in-1 hydrating acne treatment. THen use a benzoyl peroxide product to treat individual spots. Benzoyl peroxide is absorbed into the skin and converted to benzoic acid which can kill acne causing bacteria. Try Clean & Clear Persa Gel 10. Then follow with moisturizer if needed.

Jun 10, 2011

Arie C.

@Jamie - Yeah! Sorry. I got confused with the shampoo ingredient.

Jun 10, 2011

Arie C.

Haha, ok, I don't feel so stupid now! Thanks. :D

Jun 11, 2011

Jamie D.

Yes, they can both be irritating. I tend to be okay using sodium laureth sulfate. Sodium Lauryl sulfate is definitely the one to really watch out for.

Jun 11, 2011

Soma S.

I second CeraVe, and Jane A. knows I don't need to emphasize it anymore than I already do on this site! =P

I was using all sorts of things - and REGARDLESS of what it was I used, [Benzol Peroxide, glycolic peels, Salicylic Acid, Oil Cleansing Method, etc] it stripped my skin so bad, my skin just got worse.

Switch to a gentle cleanser and moisturizer like CeraVe's PM lotion. Results are slower, but your skin needs to recover from any stress you're putting it under w/ all the harsh cleansers, exfoliating, etc.

Jun 11, 2011

Soma S.

PS: I know the OCM is putting oil on your face, but it was really stripping during the winter because it conditioned my skin to not produce any natural oils period. It might work well for you during the summer, as I did have really nice skin when it did work successfully during the warmer months.

Jun 11, 2011

Eunice S.

When in a huge rut, go back to a really gentle cleanser.

http://youtu.be/xAv8-6hkYko - i love his story!

I was on Aveeno and it hasn't helped my purpose. I'm going to start Proactiv tomorrow for my brother's wedding July 9. Hope it works!

Jun 11, 2011

Joanne T.

With acne, it depends on the size of the acne. Comes in xsmall, small, medium, large etc. How big acne is, eg if it is small chances are it can go away quickly. Whatever skin type use for face. Same goes for white acne.

Jun 11, 2011

Joanne T.

Going to gym might help reduce acne. It may help release dailylife stress focus on work out routine.
Gym requires healthy eating and drinking water right??
Does sweat cause acne i don't know.

Jan 17, 2012

Louise Ann T.

Try AC Clinic Acne Foam Cleanser and AC Clinic Gel Lotion.

Jan 18, 2012

Katie M.

I had horrible acne from ages 10-14. I tried several topical treatments (Benzaclin, Tazorac cream AND gel, and Differin), I took an antibiotic called Doryx, and then I tried Proactiv. They didnt help and they only made my already pale skin even MORE sensitive to sunlight. The only thing the helped me was going onto Birth Control. I'm on Ocella, a generic for Yasmin and my acne has gotten so much better.
I use a gentle scrub, St Ives' Green Tea scrub, and a very gentle cleanser, Mario Badescu enzyme gel cleanser, with occasional masks when my skin is extra-hostile. I also use an oil-free moisturizer with sunscreen in it.
my skin never responded to rough treatment and scrubbing, but its always been gentle cleansers that have helped the most. sometimes agitation just makes acne worse. also, DO NOT pick at your pimples. i know its hard but DONT DO IT

Jan 18, 2012

Stephanie L.

Hey girls, you should really try retinaldehyde + glycolic acid, which you can get at dermstore.com or at the derm office. This is what my derm recommended when I worked for her lol you can read more about these products and how it changed my skin here http://www.honeynsilk.com/2012/01/finding-my-holy-grail.html. Did any of you try this or hear about this before? 

Jun 30, 2013

Carabelle R.

Looking for ways to get rid of acne! Try this DIY home remedy! 100% organic, fit for all skin types! Find it in my photo gallery! Do check it out if you wish to!

Adios Acne♡Mask of sweetness

Hope I helped♡
xo Carabelle

Sep 27, 2015

Kinley B.

Benzyl peroxide

Sep 27, 2015

Kinley B.

Helps me very very nicely