I'm so flippin tired of having acne. I had it all through out HS, then it started clearing up. I got pregnant & it broke out really bad. Had the baby & it went away. Now for the past few months I've been breaking out really bad. I've tried ProActive, Neutrogena, Clean & Clear, I feel like I've tried everything. I dont have insurance so I cant go to a dermatologist. I cant take hormones-so B/C is out of the question. Any advice? What works good for you??
drink lots of water--NEVER touch your face--make sure you use oil-free mositurizer, use alcohol-free cleansers (maybe try Noxzema)--use a loofa with some soap and scrub it every time you shower to slough off any dead cells, etc.--Do NOT pick at your face, no matter what!
If you get a really good idea from someone and it works, PLEASE pass it on to me... I have had acne since I was 11 years old... the only time it ever really cleared up was when I moved to another state....weird but I'm sure its something to do with the air quality. I usually dont let it bother me too bad because I know I do everything to keep my skin clean BUT in the past few months, my 5 year old has been making a big deal about it. He see's the stupid acne medicine commercials and tells me thats what I need to get rid of the "red spots" on my face...its kinda hurtful...
Doug&Jennifer06-04-09
Daikin 06/15/2004 
Baby#2
I have the same problem. In the 10 yrs since HS I have learned that soda makes me break out. I always thought I had oily skin so I used products to help with that. Turns out I actually have really dry skin and I have so much oil because my skin because is trying to repair itself. When it's dry it is more sensitive and prone to more breakouts. In the fall and winter months I have to use a REALLy thick, heavy moisturizer at night and sometimes during the day.
If you want a long-term solution, go see a dermatologist. I had acne issue basically forever so last year I went and saw my Derm. She prescribed me Accutane. Assuming you don't have any medical issues and you're not pregnant or breastfeeding, it's a great way to go. The program lasts about 6 months...the prescription is expensive..mine was the generic brand and with my insurance cost me around $80/month. When you first start on it, you'll have a few extra breakouts because the accutane actually pulls the oil out of your skin, which tends to lead to breakouts. However, a few months in, you'll be so shocked with the results. I'm going to have to look and see if I have any before/after pics to show you! But yeah..definitely see your Derm. Even if you don't go with the Accutane, there is a cream..Tazorac that works really well, too!
I use Mary Kay and love it enough to sell it. It's the only thing that has worked for me. Mary Kay has a ton of different products for acne that range in severity. That way you can use something tough enough to get the job done, but not so tough it irritates your skin and makes it worse. I know a lot of dermatologists use Mary Kay. Regardless of what product you use, it's super important to use it as directed and consistently. (My main problem is not having time or being lazy and washing my face in a hit or miss fashion.) Also, whatever brand you use, only use that brand. Products are designed to work together and you will get the best results if you use them together. (So don't, for example, use Clean & Clear wash, Neutrogena moisturizer, and Covergirl makeup.)
Don't touch your face or pick at the acne. This goes for hands AND hair. If you do need to touch your face, wash your hands first.
Exfoliation is HUGE. Dead skin cells clump and trap dirt and oil causing more acne. They also make it hard for the acne medicine to get to your living skin cells. A gentle exfoliating cleanser works well, as does using a wash cloth when you wash your face. A harsh exfoliant will irritate your skin, so watch out for that.
Stay hydrated. Drink lots of water and stay away from greasy food. Fish oil is great for general skin health.
I hope this helps and didn't come off to teacher-y. I always get really excited when someone asks a question that I know the answer to and sometimes over answer.
I had/have the worst acne ever! I Had it just like you. Well, i got sick of looking like this and talked to my dr. about it. He prescribed me this cream that stay in the fridge and let me tell you, my face is almost clear in under a month. I noticed the difference right away. It is. Erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide topical gel, OMG MY face it cleared. I Still have a couple but I tried everything before, EVERYTHING. This took my 20 some zits down to 2!
PLus with my insurance, I Didn't have to pay for it! Only a buck! MAN all the hell i went thru with acne.....
It sounds to me like your hormones are way off.. Drink plenty of water, and staet exercising. I use this stuff I bought at Sam's Club, called "Acne Free", and it is the whole kit. Like the Proactive, except it is way less expensive, I think I paid about $30 for it.. The water will help flush out your system, and the exercise will help your body produce good hormones... I really feel for you, I've been there. Other than suggesting you see a doctor, that is all I can tell you... Oh- wait.. have you done a full body detox?? THAT will flush you out, but let me warn you, you are going to break out like you never have before!!! But it does clear up after
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- lovinmykiddo07
on Nov. 23, 2009 at 12:18 AM