What have you used successfully in the past??

[Mom_2_Boyz]

What are you using or have you used successfully to manage breakouts? 

[elwalters77]

I used OTC's when I was in high school.  In college I used Proactive.  When I was pregnant with my son my acne got even worse and I couldn't use anything!  After I had him, I started using prescription Duac topical gel and Nicomide vitamins!  What a difference!  I don't know why I didn't see a dermatologist sooner.

[Mom_2_Boyz]

I am glad you said that.  I have had acne since I was 15.  I finally talked my mom into taking me to a dermatologist and had really good success (I used antibiotics which worked great, but there is a real downside to being on antibiotics for 6 months!!!!)  So, I have been fighting a really bad flare-up since I stopped breast-feeding 5 months ago-just can't get it in control.  I have been debating about going to a dermatologist, but didn't want cost and added scheduling hassles (my kids have TONS of appointments as is) if there wouldn't be SIGNIFICANT improvement.  Maybe it will be worth my time and money!

[Kristine16]

I used "Accutane" prescribed from a Derm. I cleared up but now as I get older I am noticing my face getting Redder & Redder. I look like a Pink Raccoon! I'm scared. Does anyone think it's from the Accutane or is it that "Rosatia"(I did not spell it right)

[Mom_2_Boyz]

That's interesting.  I had never thought of the link between the two.  I would definitely see a dermatologist and ask!  It is hard to distinguish between Rosacea and other things unless you are a professional!  Good luck!

[sisterscarlette]

When I was in 8th grade I was prescribed Triclosan. This is the same ingredient in antibacterial soap. But the pill made me sick to my stomach, and washing with Dial or other "orange soap" with that ingredient, makes me worse, and burning sensation as well. I know why now though , because it is related to the salicylic acid in a lot of acne medication. Aspirin is salicyn - they are very close to the same thing, and I am allergic to aspirin! That was a breakthrough. :) The ortho-trycyclin did seem to even out redness a lot, in fact ever since I took that birth control, even though I only did for two years, there's never been the same level of redness...maybe coincidence, though, that could be due to many different reasons for hormone change besides the bc. I had a generic proactiv given to me which really worked but I never bought any more. I didnt want to spend the money (yes, call me a tightwad, I don't mind) Chamomile tea, and Peppermint tea used as astringent helps control the oil - WITCH HAZEL!!!!!!!!!!!!! But that really only helps mostly after I get breakouts under control - to keep it that way, witch hazel is the best for me. I love the face wash I got from Urban Decay it is called Urban Defense - it has peppermint and rosemary in it, so I think these are two oils that are really good for me to use anytime. Good to know because the bottle I had is a sample, I just ran out a few weeks ago, and to replace with a full size is about 8 bucks....and I have to pay for shipping too, can't find it anywhere close to home! I just read that tomato juice could be good too...anyone tried that?

[Mom_2_Boyz]

I've never heard of tomato juice.  Hmmmm... I'll try most things once (relating to curing acne, that is).

[KathyandCO.]

After Accutane  wore off and my lovely acne came back I freaked out and threw away alot of money and time on name brand products that didn't work.

I now use Arbonne's Clear Advantage line which cleared up my face and  now use from time to time for spot treatements. To keep my skin balanced , hydrated and protected I use the Arbonne Intelligence line.

These products offer amazing results and last a long time plus are PURE-SAFE-BENEFICIAL that I decided to start my own business. I offer free samples if you want to try it for yourself, so let me know! My web site is www.kathyandco.myarbonne.com.

[CraftyPixel]

What worked in the past:

• Accutane - but only when my condition was super-severe. It was a mircale drug! Can't stay on that stuff for long, though. Too many side effects.
• Ortho Tricyclen birth control pills - worked beautifully. But after a few years I started having mysterious pains and bruising in my legs -- a dangerous side effect. Had to stop those.

What works now:

• Anti-inflammatory diet - this actually WORKS for me but I find it hard to keep up. I need some motivation to get back into it.
• BareMinerals foundation - been using it for about 4 months and I love this stuff.
• Glycolic acid products (10% and up) - I'm a fan of these.
• The Acne Cure book - the 3-step process works well for me.

I still have the occasional pimple and annoying blackheads. If I fall off of any of the above (which is easy to do with my hectic life!) then my acne gets worse. I really wish I could do the birth control thing - that worked without needing to change my diet or use acne products - just too risky for me, though.

Now, I need to work on all the acne scars!

Crafty Pixel

a.k.a. Keita from Cali
Mom of the amazing Cambry & Caison

I'm new to CafeMom!
Group owner: Clean Web Design Club

[chelly96]

Quoting CraftyPixel:

What worked in the past:

• Accutane - but only when my condition was super-severe. It was a mircale drug! Can't stay on that stuff for long, though. Too many side effects.
• Ortho Tricyclen birth control pills - worked beautifully. But after a few years I started having mysterious pains and bruising in my legs -- a dangerous side effect. Had to stop those.

What works now:

• Anti-inflammatory diet - this actually WORKS for me but I find it hard to keep up. I need some motivation to get back into it.
• BareMinerals foundation - been using it for about 4 months and I love this stuff.
• Glycolic acid products (10% and up) - I'm a fan of these.
• The Acne Cure book - the 3-step process works well for me.

I still have the occasional pimple and annoying blackheads. If I fall off of any of the above (which is easy to do with my hectic life!) then my acne gets worse. I really wish I could do the birth control thing - that worked without needing to change my diet or use acne products - just too risky for me, though.

Now, I need to work on all the acne scars!

Crafty Pixel

a.k.a. Keita from Cali
Mom of the amazing Cambry & Caison

I'm new to CafeMom!
Group owner: Clean Web Design Club

HI!  What is the Anti-Inflamatory Diet and where do I find it? 
I also use Bare Minerals but I find it makes my skin oily.  What am I doing wrong there?

[Arbonne-me]

Whatever your skin type or color is Arbonne's NutriMinC will have your skin glowing and clear.
45 day money back guarantee. In my 4 1/2 years usingand selling the products I have NOT had1 return...NOT 1 I think that say's it all.

District Manager #10568271 www.janie.myarbonne.com