Suggestions for *problem* skin

[lovelylulu]

When I was a teen, I was blissfully free of blemishes, but in the past two years or so, I''ve developed a decidedly unfortunate proneness for breakouts. it''s not terrible, but hardly a day goes by when there isn''t a skin perfection (or five) on my face

when it first started, i was about 25 and attributed it to the fact that i was living in new orleans where sweating is just a fact. but, after it persisted, i realized that climate can''t be the only culprit.

i''ve tried proactiv and it just hasn''t really worked for me...i feel that one of the good things about getting older should be that you get to enjoy a great complexion!

does anyone have any other suggestions.

i''ve never had a facial...

help.

 

[lmurden]

Go to www.makeupalley.com and read some product reviews on difference skin care products like Origins, Clinique, Purpose, and more. It''s always a safe bet to try something for sensitive skin. The good thing about Department store products is that you can use them for a while and get a full money back guarantee and Purpose is dirt cheap.
Good luck!

 

[jorman]

Hey Lovelylulu!

Growing up I had pretty bad breakouts on my face and back- the yucky and sorry to be so graphic, explosive kind. My sophomore year of college I took Acutane. I highly recommend this for teenagers and early college as having kids isn''t a priority to that age group typically. It was AMAZING! It totally dried my skin out and I have not ever had an "under the skin" MOUTAIN of nastiness since I completed the treatment.

However, Acutane is potent stuff and stays in your system for a long time. You cannot get pregnant while on acutane. The doctor will make you sign a waiver saying you will abort any pregnancy. It causes elephantitis.
So, if you aren''t planning on babies, it might be a consideration, but I would look into it after the wedding because it can take a few weeks to a few months to take action, make your skin red and dry and peely, but OH MAN- does it work wonders in the end!

The other option is that you have really sensitive skin. My dermatologist recommends the Fragrance Free Dove Bar or Cetaphil for cleansing and a frangrance free moisturizer like Moisturel (which are oil free as well). Those work well for me. If I get a blemish I will use a cleanser, like Neutrogena, with salicic acid to knock it out and then switch back to Dove.

It is also helpful to use a fine scrub once a week or try a microderm abraision treatment through your dermatologist to remove the top layer of dead skin cells and let your skin breathe.

Clinique, Mary Kay, and other "skin care systems" have never worked for me and have only made me break out.

I wish you the best! Skin can be such a pain sometimes!!
-Janna

 

[bookworm21]

I have had problem skin all my life, so I understand exactly what you''re going through. It took me twenty years, but i''ve found that a mixture of products works best for me. Like you, Proactiv did not really work for me, because it dried out my skin too much and made it flaky.

I use a mixture of products, which I''ll list, and I''ve found that, for the most part, it keeps my skin really clear, other than the occasional monthly breakout. And about facials: I read somewhere that your skin can actually get a little worse immediately following a facial, because all impurities are brought to the surface. I just got my first facial this past weekend, and I''ve found that it''s not a problem, as long as the esthetician unclogs EVERYTHING.

Following is my skincare routine:
Nightime:
- Facial cleanser: Proactiv cleanser
- Murad spot acne treatment
- Proactiv facial lotion on problem spots only.
- Murad Skin Perfecting lotion.
Daytime:
- Facial Cleanser: Murad Vitamin C cleanser (purports to be anti-oxidant)
- Follow up with the same routine as nighttime, and add sunblock.

 

[Angela1977]

I don''t know how bad your breakouts are, but you sound just like me. I had maybe 5 zits a year, until I turned about 25. Then I started seeing more and more.
I didn''t feel like a needed the Proactiv, because it wasn''t that bad, and I was under the impression it was for fairly severe breakouts.
So I went to the Body Shop and bought the whole line of Tea Tree Oil facial products....cleanser, toner, moisturizer.
MAN! That stuff worked like a charm. I''m back down to about 2 zits a year (ones worth mentioning)...It''s so mild yet it does such a great job on blemishes.

 

[scarlet16]

I HIGHLY recommend regular facials. When I was younger, I had very problemed skin. It never really got better as an adult until I finally started going for them. It really gets to the root of the problem. Now I find that if I go w/out a facial for too long my face begins to get very oily and I''m more prone to breakouts. If you can find a good place, the pacakages are not too expensive...and the bonus is that they are VERY relaxing!

 

[lovelylulu]

thanks everyone! i guess it''s a whole lot of trial and error

angela: my problem really isn''t that severe, but it is persistant and that is what''s bugging me...i think that perhaps i''ll move away from the acne skin care line i''m using and try either the dove approach or maybe the tea tree oil and see what happens.

 

[VegasAngel]

I get occasional breakouts. I really like Paula Begouns products www.paulaschoice.com I also get microdermabrasion done once a month.

 

[anchor31]

I would recommend against soap bars, Dove or no. Soap dries off the skin and makes things worse. I have to admit I have a "problem skin" too (I have since I was 11...

), so I''m finally treating myself to a facial soon (about time... I turned 21 last Saturday!!) and will ask my beautician for a cleanser and a daytime cream. It should help (I hope!). Good luck!!

 

[diamondfan]

the type of water you rinse with could be at issue on some level...not getting the stuff off well. Most skin care lines have an acne regime, some of them more drying (never too good) or for young skin, but there are some that are meant for non teen aged people.

I just got this item from Bliss spa (Zeno?) that puts heat on the blemish...you use it twice a day and it dimishes most types.

I think a dermatologist can give you some topicals that are good. A good cleansing routine that does not overdry along with the right type of hydration and a good spot treatment are key. the issue is if you over dry with products or washing, your skin makes MORE oil to compensate and that makes things worse in the long run of course. Adult acne is the pits. I too never had issues as a kid, but have some now, esp along chin and jaw during that time of the month. Try not to pick or squeeze (hard not to) and keep hands clean...if you are on the phone a lot and have acne on that side of your face, clean the phone with alcohol...sounds silly but it can help with germs and stuff...

 

[lisaC]

lovelylulu,
I particularly like Aveeno''s clear complexion line. I use the foaming wash and the moisturizer with salicylic acid- the stuff in aspirin- which is really gentle and keeps the zits away- unless I pig out on chocolate. Sugar does make me break out- don''t care what anyone else says...

 

[Scintillating]

Are you sure it's acne and not irritation?
Sensitive skin can get irritated and break out with acne products. (some times worsens rosacea)
Perhaps your skin just doesn't like what you're using - a lot of acne products are very harsh and aimed at hormone crazy/oily teen skin.
I suggest you see a derm and have them take a look - and help you figure out if it's acne or sensitivity or what.
BC pills might also help. (I don't know if you're not already on them - or planning children soon.)

(I can totally sympathize, my skin was fine until I hit my early twenties. Now I'm fighting off mild rosacea.)

Scintillating...

Cetaphil is a good mild cleanser - designed for sensitive skin.
I love Murad and Phytomer products (expensive addiction.)
I like Murad's clarifying cleanser, it has Triclosan in it which eliminates 99% of bacteria on skin - bacteria tends to worsen acne.
I strongly suggest you steer clear of Benzoyl Peroxide, it's very harsh and drying!
Stick to Salicylic Acid (which is Asprin) based products, this can be drying too so you'll have to see how much your skin can tolerate.
Glycolic acid can help to exfoliate the skin's surface which can help open blocked pores.
I like Murad's sulfur based acne spot treatment.

 

[movie zombie]

there were some threads, i believe, re this in ''family and home'' during the last few months.....

movie zombie

 

[SarFarSuperstar]

I''m definitely feeling your pain. Having had bad skin my whole life, I keep waiting to grow out of it but I don''t think that''s going to happen anytime soon. Mine is probably a lot worse than yours, but the only thing that has worked for (and I tried Proactiv too) was www.acne.org That''s just a website about acne and it''s causes, but it has message boards etc. about other people''s solutions.

The guy who runs it, Dan, also has a regimen and that is where I have had my success. It''s a 2.5% benzoyl peroxide gel which you put on once or twice a day after washing your face with a gentle cleanser. I would only recommend this if your acne gets worse as it is very drying to begin with (that eventually subsides).

Something else that might help (and helped my old roommate several times) is AlphaHydrox. The one I used was a 10% Alpha Hydroxy composition (you can use the lotion or oil-free gel). Dabbing it on at night significantly reduced redness and helped the zit to dry up faster so that might be a good solution. It can be mildly irritating to begin with, and some people with sensitive skin would probably not do too well with it, but my red headed roommate loved it. Might be worth a try. Anyways, if you have any questions on specific products, I''ve tried most of what CVS sells so feel free to ask.

Good luck- I hope you find something that works!

 

[jcrow]

Date: 5/9/2006 2:33:30 PM
Author: scarlet16
I HIGHLY recommend regular facials. When I was younger, I had very problemed skin. It never really got better as an adult until I finally started going for them. It really gets to the root of the problem. Now I find that if I go w/out a facial for too long my face begins to get very oily and I''m more prone to breakouts. If you can find a good place, the pacakages are not too expensive...and the bonus is that they are VERY relaxing!

how often do you go or how often would you suggest going for a facial?

 

[jcrow]

Date: 5/10/2006 9:45:36 AM
Author: SarFarSuperstar
I'm definitely feeling your pain. Having had bad skin my whole life, I keep waiting to grow out of it but I don't think that's going to happen anytime soon. Mine is probably a lot worse than yours, but the only thing that has worked for (and I tried Proactiv too) was www.acne.org That's just a website about acne and it's causes, but it has message boards etc. about other people's solutions.

The guy who runs it, Dan, also has a regimen and that is where I have had my success. It's a 2.5% benzoyl peroxide gel which you put on once or twice a day after washing your face with a gentle cleanser. I would only recommend this if your acne gets worse as it is very drying to begin with (that eventually subsides).

hum- i went to the site and i have to say it sounds interesting! and easy!!! and not expensive! sounds like a dream solution.

i didn't have breakouts until college. i've tried lots of products including ones that an aesthetician recommended (murad, bio elments, etc.) i even did benzoyl peroxide, but it ended up making my skin dry red and itchy. i think it was 5%. i currently use proactiv. it doesn't do wonders or anything, but it seems to be ok. but i want better than ok. i don't want nasty breakouts and super oily skin!!

eta: i've also tried the philosophy line...

oh, and i live in the south too

 

[SarFarSuperstar]

Jcrow- I have to tell you that it''s truly been a lifesaver for me. It gets kind of tedious, i.e. it takes forever to get the gel to soak in (ok, forever is 20 mins, tops) and you will have flaky skin for about a week or two, but once your face gets used to it, your skin will clear right up. You can use moisturizer over it, and I would definitely do that- you can even wear make up over it, although it takes a while to get the hang of it (how much you should, etc.) If you decide to do it, invest in some Eucerin Renewal with AHA and SPF 15- it helps keep the flakes at bay.

I did notice though, if I stopped using it, my skin flared back up. So just because you get clear, do not stop! It''s so important to keep doing it- I only do it once a day (at night) and it keeps on working.

 

[scarlet16]

jcrow-

I''m not sure how to do the whole "respond to a particular post" thing...but in response to your question. When I first started getting facials, I went about once every 2 weeks. The facialists are well trained and they kept an eye on any breakouts that were either on the surface or about to come above (I go to a Chinese salon in NYC''s Chinatown). This first period was mainly for detoxing the skin of all its impurities. After the 4th or 5th session, I started to go about once every month for maintenance. Now (it''s been about 4 years), I go maybe once every 2-3 months or when I have a big function coming up (ie. weddings or parties). I would really suggest no less than once every other month, but I tend to get very busy during the school year since I work also, so I tend to just get there when I can.

Also, I highly suggest mariobadescu.com for problem skin as well. Their products are AWESOME, and really not that expensive. I''m not sure if they still do it but they used to send samples of their products if you filled out a skin type survey. The ones I use are the botanical face wash, glycolic cleanser, and drying lotion (acne spot treatment). They do also do facials, but I think they are overpriced.

If you have any other questions, let me know! I know how obnoxious the breakouts can get.

 

[IrishEyes]

Hey there - thought I could help you out for a sec! I completely sympathize with what you are going through - I have the exact same story. I had beautiful, acne-free skin as a teenager and young adult. But after the age of about 24, everyday was a heartbreak to look in the mirror. I had a breakout ( or 3!) EVERYDAY on my lower jawline and chin area for about a year straight. It was so embarrasing because I would have to spend an extra 20 minutes in the morning putting extra makeup on and concealor to cover it up. Plus about a million touch-ups throughout the day to make sure you still couldn''t see them, which you totally could anyway, makeup or no makeup. It made me sooo self-conscious that people were staring at my skin imperfections while I was speaking to them. I''m normally a very confident person, but this really put me up against a wall.

Anyway, about 4 months ago I came across a book at Barnes and Noble called "The Skin Type Solution" by Leslie Baumann. She''s a dermatologist in Miami I think, and she really knows her stuff. There is a 4 part questionnaire that zooms into your specific skin type, and from there you go to the section of the book for your type, where it explains how to care for your skin properly. She recommends products for you to use, as well as an explanation on why you should use them. She also gives you a list of ingredients for you to take with you to a makeup counter or drug store so that you know what to look for in products to help your skin, as well as what to absolutely stay away from. The best part about it is that it eliminates the problem that so many women have of trying a million products (and spending mucho dinero!) and still not seeing a difference.

This book has really saved my skin. It''s still not "perfect", but I swear my skin is a MILLION times better than it was 4 months ago. I only have the occasional breakout now, and with the products she recommended for my skin type, I''m able to make the breakout disappear within a day or two, where before they would last for weeks. I totally recommend checking out this book. Many people will say "oh, try this, it worked for me!" and I know they have the best of intentions and it did work for them. But that is THEM. Your skin type could be far different from theirs and the products that work on their face could be lethal for yours.

I hope this helps!

 

[jcrow]

Date: 5/10/2006 10:39:59 AM
Author: SarFarSuperstar
Jcrow- I have to tell you that it''s truly been a lifesaver for me. It gets kind of tedious, i.e. it takes forever to get the gel to soak in (ok, forever is 20 mins, tops) and you will have flaky skin for about a week or two, but once your face gets used to it, your skin will clear right up. You can use moisturizer over it, and I would definitely do that- you can even wear make up over it, although it takes a while to get the hang of it (how much you should, etc.) If you decide to do it, invest in some Eucerin Renewal with AHA and SPF 15- it helps keep the flakes at bay.

I did notice though, if I stopped using it, my skin flared back up. So just because you get clear, do not stop! It''s so important to keep doing it- I only do it once a day (at night) and it keeps on working.

i thought that from what the website said Eucerin Renewal with AHA and SPF 15 was discontinued?

 

[ChargerGrrl]

Another Adult Acne victim here!

I had pretty good skin in during my teens and the college years. I began to break out around the age of 25, but didn''t really do much about it. I continued to use the same products I always used (neutrogena). Right before I turned 30, I made myself a promise to upgrade and forgo drugstore brands (don''t mean to knock anyone who uses them!) My skin had gotten pretty bad by then- my forehead was clogged with zits.

I did some research, and decided to try the Murad Acne kit and also get regular facials at the Murad "spa" here in L.A. Well, it worked like a charm! However, after a couple of months, the Murad Acne regimen began to dry out my skin. My facialist recommended I use different facial cleansers, depending on what my skin needed that day, and that really made a difference! Apart from switching up the cleansers, everything else stays the same (except for spot treatment for an occasional zit). I also apply a mask every so often- either clarifying if I feel oily, or moisturizing if it feels dry.

Here''s my daily regimen:
Cleanser- Murad''s clarifying or refreshing
Treatment- Murad Moisturizing Acne Gel (applied morning & night after cleansing & before moisurizing), & Acne Spot Treatment
Moisturizer- Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion
Mask- Murad''s clarifying or hydrating

I''ve also kept up with my facials. I try to get one every other month.
Last but not least, I use Bare Escentuals makeup. It doesn''t feel heavy or cakey, which really helps. My skin GLOWS!

 

[SarFarSuperstar]

Jcrow- I really hope it''s not- that would be so sad! I have still have some at home and I haven''t been using it regularly- I''ll have to look into this. Thanks for the heads up!

 

[jcrow]

sure, i''ll also do a search for it.

 

[miyabi_na]

I only have problems with my skin when *ahem* I''m PMSing

- they''re inevitable at that time....

But on a regular basis my skin is fairly good to me....
Just always make sure to NEVER LEAVE YOUR MAKE-UP ON OVERNIGHT. That is a BIG no-no. Your skin can''t breathe and rejuvinate like your body can while you sleep if it''s covered in a layer of makeup.

For my face I usually use Clearasil facewash and Clearasil Toner (does WONDERS I swear...using toner makes a BIG difference- dries everything out so nicely)....and Oil of Olay moisterizer before bed. I also wash my face in the morning with just the facewash and then use some moisterizer before applying makeup (to protect my skin from the makeup).

If I''m on the run and don''t have time to do all that (like when I get home from work and have to run out again but I want to freshen up my makeup) I use Oil of Olay daily face clothes (travel kind- they''re already wet) for sensitive skin. I just wipe off everything around my eyes with it and then re-apply what I need to.

I wish there was some wonder product that did all of this at once though

life would be SO much easier!!!!!!!!!!
LoL

 

[marvel]

Date: 5/9/2006 2:06:15 PM
Author: Angela1977
I don''t know how bad your breakouts are, but you sound just like me. I had maybe 5 zits a year, until I turned about 25. Then I started seeing more and more.
I didn''t feel like a needed the Proactiv, because it wasn''t that bad, and I was under the impression it was for fairly severe breakouts.
So I went to the Body Shop and bought the whole line of Tea Tree Oil facial products....cleanser, toner, moisturizer.
MAN! That stuff worked like a charm. I''m back down to about 2 zits a year (ones worth mentioning)...It''s so mild yet it does such a great job on blemishes.

Tea tree oil products are the best!

 

[lovelylulu]

i just wanted to update this thread. after reading the numerous suggestions, i went ahead and got some tea tree facial cleanser from the body shop.

i had excellent results within days and within about a week all my blemishes were gone. and stayed away, with a small exception during that particularly prone time of the month. seriously. i was shocked. actually, overjoyed.

my fiancee tried the cleaner, too. however, he didn''t have any skin problems and found that it was a bit drying for his skin type...

thanks angela and marvel for that wonderful recommendation

i feel so lucky to have found it.

 

[ladykemma]

look up "poly cystic ovarian symdrome" and get checked.
mine came on suddenly with zits and unexplained weight gain, and weird hairy-ness.

 

[LaRocque]

You may want to ask your doctor whether a prescription for Spiranolactone may be right for you ...

Spiranolactone is often prescribed to control high blood pressure, but it has the added benefit of modifying testosterone levels in females ... it cures adult acne like a charm with no harmful side effects.

ALSO, you may want to do an EBay search for a product called: "Carly''s Clear & Smooth" - it''s been around for years, has been tried and tested by many adults I know and also works miracles on adult acne at a VERY reasonable price.

 

[Apsara]

I have known many people who have seen success with Proactiv. If you order it from QVC, you can return it--no questions asked--within 30 days. Good Luck.

 

[Upgradable]

One word -- Arbonne!

Especially for the hormonal type breakouts. It may not be a skin cleansing problem. Arbonne has a progesterone balancing cream that is used on the body at night that helps even out hormonal fluctuations that cause things like acne, migraines, hot flashes (for old folks like me), and there''s even evidence of it helping people conceive! I have a medical background, and we tend to underestimate the internal issues that cause problems like acne. Check it out!