help with acne please!?
My acne is not, what I considder, severe. But it is pretty bad. I have tiny little red bumps all over and a few big nasty ones, on my face. I have a little bit on my upper and lower back. I have tried all kinds of things to help my face get clear and nothing is working. Pro Active didnt work. And I stuck to it and did it twice a day for several months. I tried acne free. My doctor has me use this topical ointment called Retin-A Micro, it made my face red and sore and hurt sooo bad. I used that for almost a year and my acne didn't improve. I also tried the generic form of that. I have been prescribed a high dose of Benzoyl Peroxide..it did not work either (and yes, I know you cant use Benzoyl and Retin A at the same time cause they counteract eachother!!) also my Dr. had me on an anti biotic to help with the "big" pimples..and all that medicine did was make me sick, I was on it forever and had no improvements. This is so annoying. I am now 19 years old and I clean my face every day. What can I use to help my face and is there any medications that help with acne. I would like to stay away from them if they have bad side effects though. Is there anything over the counter that is really good? Thanks
August 6th, 2010 - 08:23
I’ve tried the same things as you and none of them worked for me either. My dermatologist prescribed me Differin .1% gel a few years ago, and though it certainly isn’t a miracle treatment, it has definitely helped. It comes in cream and gel form, but I like gel best. It can be a little drying at times, but it’s not nearly as bad as Retin-A. Differin is expensive, I don’t have insurance so it costs me about $200 per tube (one tube lasts about 6 months). For me, it’s worth it.
I’m not sure what facial cleanser you’re using, but I love Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar (my derm recommended this too). It’s gentle and oil-free, but it’s cheap. I use it twice per day, once in the morning and once at night to take my makeup off. Another thing I’ve been doing to help my skin is changing my pillow case every night (most people don’t think of this). Sweat and oil transfers onto your pillow case, which certainly can cause breakouts.
Best of luck to you, I know how miserable acne can be!
August 6th, 2010 - 08:23
what do you use to wash your face? sometimes its better to use a gentle cleanser without the harsh ingredients. i use cetaphil every day and it has helped clear up my skin. i also exfoliate once a week with st. ive’s apricot scrub and i use a facial mask once in a while (queen helene mint julep masque-goood stuff!) this is what works for me, but you could also ask your doctor for something else, my friends used acutane or some generic brand of it and their skin cleared up almost completely.
August 6th, 2010 - 08:23
Make sure to wash your face well every night with good soaps and try not to eat oily foods
August 6th, 2010 - 08:23
there is this thing called acutane, its expensive, but its the number one thing that works, i really suggest that u look into that.
August 6th, 2010 - 08:23
its a good idea to go on a diet that stays away from oily products. aside from that keep your hair away from your face and dont touch it, try wearing no make-up for a while and see if that helps.
the cream normally works, so i honestly cant advice anything else. bio-oil is good for scars though!
http://www.acne.org/advice.php this site may have some advice for you :)
August 6th, 2010 - 08:23
I used to have the same problem a few years back. I too tried proactive and it only worked for a while and my acne came back. I was then referred to Dermalogica. I have been using it for 2 yrs now my acne has cleared and hardly get breakouts. The products are pricey but they work, i started with the Medi Bac system-its amazing! You can purchase the items at Ulta Beauty Supply or the direct online site.
http://www.dermalogica.com/us/#/home