Category: Health and Wellness
I created this topic for people, such as myself, who have acne. Mine is more under control than it used to be, but I'm tired of hearing people say I'd be really pretty if not for my acne. Of course, I don't hear this as much anymore. I'm interested to know what others dealing with this issue have to say, and what you do to keep it under control.
just had to say thanks for creating this topic, Jess. I was wondering the same thing, and would love to get some helpful tips on how to keep it under control.
I don't know a lot about dealing with acne because I barely ever get it. When I do, I just put alcohol on the pimple and it eventually goes away. But I know that some people have bad acne because they put their hands on their face or will hold their chin or face in their hands a lot or sometimes, and this causes acne to develop because oils from one's hands are being transferred to the face. The oils get into the pores, and bam! their blocked, and a pimple develops. So if you're one of those people, try to break the habit.
Other than that, there's all kinds of face washes out there to try, and even some medications. Whether it works or not, I'm not the right person to ask.
I know it depends a lot on the person's skin type, but there's adds out there, of course, that claim their product works on all skin types. Yes, I agree that it's best not to touch your face with your hands whenever you can help it, and if you need to, washing your hands first would probably help, but this isn't the only cause of acne. Thank you for bringing that point up though, because it is a factor.
Hormonal imbalances can trigger acne problems too. I've been there ... not fun.
for those that are interested, i have a link to a message board that deals with that.
qn me for the link
Thanks, Dan. I think I will.
i think it's a really simple address, but next time i'm heading down that way (there's a link i use a few links below) i'll get it.
Hi, I wash my face twice a day. If acne problems are your main concern, try to use a medicated cleanser, toner and moisturizer. I drink lots of water, which helps a bit. I don't wash my face with really hot water, and I use a moisturizer that is noncomedogenic, meaning that it won't make you break out. Be careful, if you have combination skin, finding a good cleanser can be tricky. So, now that we're on the topic, what cleansers, toners and moisturizers work best for you? I'd like to stay away from drugstore brands. I'd like to try something from the Body shop. Has anyone ever used their skin products, and if so, what did you think? I've heard ProActiv is good, but I'd like to find something a bit more reasonable. I'm using up the rest of an Avon Acne cleanser and toner. I want a totally new skincare line. What works best for everyone out there?
i have acney but it isn't much on my face, mainly my neck, back, and inbetween my breasts. sometimes i got spots on my face but not offen. i've tried antibiotics, but that didn't seem to do much. all sorts of lotions i've tried to no or little effect. i even tried putting mustard on them but just got burnt. i found that neet tea tree oil works well, but at the moment, i am trying to change my diat-drink more water, eat more veg (in soups because i don't like it whole) but i'm not sure how much it'll do. I hate my spots and feel like trying to cover the back of my neck all the time. thank goodness most of the others are mostly hidden. i'm dreading the summer though. I might try going back to the doctor when i'm sure i've tried everything. good luck to the rest of you too! neet tea tree oil really helps for taking the pain away and helping the spots to go down!
Yeah i have wondered if Pro Active is any good, or if it is just like everything else out there. I have heard Clinique is amazing but a bit pricey. If one can afford it, going to see a dermatologist is the best option, for perscription topical creams or medications.
To reyami, how did you discover that your acne was caused from hormone imbalance?
Proactive was actually quite affective for me. Unfortunately, however, it caused my skin to become irritated, so I stopped using it. I've only used the face moisturizer from the body shop. It's oil free, and very light. I adore it. Make sure you ask for the face moisturizer, though, because the other ones often have oil in them. It didn't clear up my acne, but it definitely made my skin softer after washing my face.
Okay, did you try any of the Body Shop cleansers? I'll keep the moisturizer in mind. There a couple of options that sound good. I've heard that Clinique is good. I love skincare products as much as the next person, but I do have a budget!
One thing I noticed from one of the posters is that she dosn't use hot water. It is important to use hot water whn you have pimples because it opens up the pores. So make sure that you do use hot water.
That's true. I remember getting a facial once. They were trying to extract blackheads with no luck, so they steamed my skin, and the rest of the facial went very smoothly.
No, I haven't tried any of the cleansers from the body shop yet. I was actually going to, but the price tag changed my mind for me. I've never been able to find a really cheap kind, but anything that specifically says Acne on the label should work, and/or anything oil free. Just keep in mind that you will probably need a moisturizer if you buy an oil free cleanser.
One thing that you all must kee in mind is that all that stuff for acn doesn't work for everybody. If nothing works, just put hot water on a rag and put it on your face. That may be able to help.
Of course, you should use hot water, just not burning hot, as this can actually burst the capilaries in your skin. I've heard that rinsing with cool water is good, cause it closes pores after their cleansed. You can use a washcloth, but don't overscrub, as this can actually make acne worse. I like to use a clay-based mask on my face twice a week. This really seems to help.
I've heard those are really good. what about those peel masks? I've heard mixed reviews about those.
I actually found that face pads work wonders; I like them the best.
I actually used those for quite awhile, but I find that they dry out my skin a little too much.
Ditto on the skin drying properties of the face pads. I've used peel-off masks, and personally, I didn't like them. You have to put on a really thick layer otherwise, you won't be able to peel it off. I like clay or thermal masks, cause they really seem to get into your pores.
Yes. Professionals have recommended clay masks. I've just never managed to find one.
I can't think of any brands off hand, but clay masks are easy to find.
I have used various brands over the years, but I have to say that my favorite hands down would be Clinique. I know that it is a bit more expensive than a lot of other products out there, but for me it's worth paying the extra money to make my skin look and feel great. I've also noticed that just a little bit of any of their products goes a long way, so even if you're paying a bit more up front, they seem to last longer in the long run. I've also noticed that they have a lot of products designed especially for oilier skin which have the tendency to break out more often than other skin types. One of my favorite products is their exfoliating scrub which is a gentle deep cleaning scrub designed to wash away all those dead skin cells which can lead to acne. But if you don't want to shell out a lot of money for facial products, you might want to try out St. Ives Apricot scrub which seemed to work almost as good as Clinique. Although it’s been ages since I last used St. Ives, so I’m not even sure if it’s still around. But I did find it comparable to Clinique during times when I was a bit strapped for cash as a teenager.
I have used Saint Ives, but not for several years as well. It made my face break out, but I used it everyday, which I probably shouldn't have, plus, I was a teenager, and had total pms-related acne. How long does Clinique stuff last? Does it last more than a month or 2? I'd be willing to pay more, if I knew it seemed to last awhile. I just remembered, my sister's friend loved Saint Ives, and I think now, they have a formula for sensitive skin. I might have to look into that.
Green tea actually helps calm irritated sensitive skin if you can't find any products for it.
I'm more concerned about breakouts. I'm 31, I shouldn't still be dealing with this crap!! Their not horrible, as I've said, but still not fun to deal with.
Age really doesn't have anything to do with acne. Yes, it's often portrayed as something people experience during puberty, but depending on your skin type, that might not matter. If you have very oily skin, if a break out occurs prior to your period, or if you eat certain foods that cause your body to respond with acne, then being thirty-one doesn't matter at all.
I use the liquid soap from Clinique's three step system once a day, and I would say that it probably lasts for at least several months. I can't say for sure because I never really keep track since I'm a sucker for their bonus days. Their whole entire line is hypo-allergenic, so it's great for Sensitive skin. I only use the scrub maybe twice a month, and gosh, I honestly don't know how long it's been since I last needed to replace it. If anything, you could see if they have any trial sizes you could buy just to try it.
I think I might look into that. Thank you. I've heard a lot of good things about their products. Can you buy them at any store? or do you have to order it directly?
Clinique is available from nicer stores like Penney's, Herberger's, and Macy's. or you could check out www.clinique.com.
as far as the face pads go, I guess everyone's different. some people break out more; others find them helpful. glad this topic is really taking off, though.
I am too. It's a very common issue, and it's great to read about the different ways that different people take care of it.
Talking about Clinique, I bought some make-up of their's once, and apparently, it's not supposed to plug up pores at all, making it the best make-up to wear for those with Acne.
Yeah, I've heard Clinique makeup is good as well.