Welcome to our New Acne Guru!!!

[Mom_2_Boyz]

Marla66 is an RN, BSN and Certified in Medical Aesthetics.  She has worked with the well known Dermatologist/Biochemist who created Retin-A, Benzoyl Peroxide, and topical erythromycin.  She is passionate about educating people about acne and giving advice to help answer what ever questions you have about acne in general or your personal case.  She wants to help us understand what is going on so we stop wasting money and time on stuff that doesn't work!

Please!  Let's us this as a way to get discussions going!  I know a lot of you are suffering with this and not getting a lot of answers!  Let's thank Marla66 while, at the same time, utilizing all the knowledge she has!

[Marla66]

Thanks so much for the great intro. I'm new to CafeMom and this group is a great idea. The topic of acne is such a tuff one for people of all ages. No one ever really wants to discuss it and for some reason our medical society really does not want to educate the public on the how and why of acne.

There are so many posts of people using things that work for them and that's great that they have found something. If it is working for you then stick to it. But  generally there are three different things that you need to do in order to stay clear. If you would like to learn about it or ask me any questions please do. I don't want to go on and on because I can with this subject. But I'd love to fill you in.  I say this all the time to my clients "You don't cure acne, you control it".

Thanks again for the welcome!

[jeni2671]

Hi Marla,

Thank you so much for joining this group.  Ok, you got my attention.  What are the 3 things to remain clear?  I'm currently on an antibiotic and a higher dose of Retin-A. 

In the past, I used birth control.  This worked great but I don't need to use it anymore so my doctor doesn't want me to take it.  I've used Pro Active and this worked too but I then became immune to it and I also tried the low dose Retin-A and that didn't work.  I'm afraid that I'll become immune to my current treatment as well. 

My face looked the best on the birth control.  It was perfectly clear.  I received compliments on my skin back in the day. Now, I still have little bumps on my face that can be seen when the light hits it just right.  I know it's hormonal in nature but I'm curious as to what you think.

[Marla66]

I hope that I got your attention in a good way. First, I want to say that whoever your Dr. is definitely knows you better than I do and I by no means encouraging you to listen to me over them. However, antibiotics have been found to be not that useful in acne treatment. The Dr. that I studied with actually created topical erythromycin along with the Retin A and Benzoyl Peroxide. He no longer uses antibiotics to treat acne. Let me give you the short version. Three things to Keep your pores clear.

1) Taking off that top dead layer of skin (called that Stratum Corneum) it is 14 layers thick.
2) Putting something deep into the pores to kill bacteria.
3) Making brand new cells faster to get rid of the old cells.

How
1) An AHA such as Lactic, Glycolic, Mandelic (New that I use)
2) Benzoyl Peroxide (Not Salicylic since it does not go deep enough)
3) Last, Vitamin A derivitive.   There are so many . Some good some not so good (like J&J has an additive Isopropyl Myristate that actually makes some break out)

 It  just needs to be done together in order for it to work. Doing one of these things will not get you clear. Well, the Pill can but it is not right for everyone.

I could explain more in depth but I did not want to go on and on in the post.  We can actually talk if you would like. Hope I answered your question.

PS  Oh, an ICE is the secret weapon.

[mommieto608]

I am covered with acne, forehead to torso, and basically have given up, every pregnancy it gets worse.  Nothing works, ever.

[Marla66]

Hi Tara,

Sorry for the delayed response. I've been out of town. I'm so sorry that you are having trouble. Pregnancy makes treating acne very difficult. You just can't use the same ingredients that others can use.

You should check with your OB about the use of Benzoyl Peroxide and see what their thoughts are about it.
 
I would love to answer any questions that you have. The one thing that I know that you can do is ICE. If you  rub an ice cube wrapped in a napkin on the acne (at least what's on your face) you will decrease the redness and swelling. I would suggest trying it a few times a day for about 5-8 minutes each time. One time being at night right before bed.

DON"T PICK!! Use ICE instead of picking. Trust me it works if you do it.

[Lisa7177]

Hi Marla and welcome!
I finally have my acne under control my face is clear, I use just plain Dial glycerin soap and water to wash and every other day I use the St. Ives Apricot scrub and every morning and every night I use Aveeno clear complexion lotion, this has worked for me, my face is spotless!!!  My question for you is I am left with several acne scars and reddened spots anything out there that will help get rid of this?

[CuteCowgirlMami]

Hey Marla!!! My name is Cassie and I am new to this group and I hope your still into cafemom so you can answer my questions. I have broke out in the past but not near as bad as I am now. I've had zits and such but right now its soo much worse. When I got pregnant I broke out slightly but not alot. Then after I had her my face was perfectly clear for months at a time and I didn't use anything accept for washing my face in the shower.

Well now my face has broken out so horrible it hurts for me to yawn. And its like groups of zits....theres like 3 white heads on one huge red bump. Its weird and painful I haven't went to a dermatologist yet because I can't afford it I am wondering if there is anything I can use at home that will stop these break outs?? If not then you have clue what it could be????