The Acne Thread
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fotogenic models
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Okay, I should have posted this earlier but might as well get it out now..
my skin has been looking great! It's still obviously not perfectly smooth, but compared to...5 months ago the creams I'm using have really been working.
My regimen:
I use benzaclin in the morning after I splash my face with hot water and just rub the cream in. NOTE: This stuff is REALLY moisture-reducing, I've never tried proactiv or roaccutane but it really dries out my face and it hurts for about an hour (maybe even more depending on your skin). Another thing is it makes my skin kind of flaky, but that goes away after a few days and it's not really noticeable.
At night, before I go to bed, I use differin (again, right after I wash my face). I use a larger amount of differin than I do benzaclin because it doesn't dry out my face at all.
Right now I'm getting a small breakout on my left cheek but I've already started to see results from the products.
Other tips: DAB YOUR FACE WITH A TOWEL, DON'T WIPE IT. I cannot stress this enough.
my skin has been looking great! It's still obviously not perfectly smooth, but compared to...5 months ago the creams I'm using have really been working.
My regimen:
I use benzaclin in the morning after I splash my face with hot water and just rub the cream in. NOTE: This stuff is REALLY moisture-reducing, I've never tried proactiv or roaccutane but it really dries out my face and it hurts for about an hour (maybe even more depending on your skin). Another thing is it makes my skin kind of flaky, but that goes away after a few days and it's not really noticeable.
At night, before I go to bed, I use differin (again, right after I wash my face). I use a larger amount of differin than I do benzaclin because it doesn't dry out my face at all.
Right now I'm getting a small breakout on my left cheek but I've already started to see results from the products.
Other tips: DAB YOUR FACE WITH A TOWEL, DON'T WIPE IT. I cannot stress this enough.
^good to hear your skin is better, purdles
what do you use?
Wheee thanks
I use Isotrex, it made my skin so GROSS and flaky that I didn't go out for a couple of days but now it's really getting better! I'm having a breakout again but you can barely see anything, it's only when I feel my forehead it feels slightly bumpy.
songbirdsel
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I used to go to Aveda all the time for facials, they really helped clean up my skin and it was there that i learned that stuff like clinique and etc were stripping away my skins natural oils. Its great for a good maintance of the skin, but i wouldnt recommend it for more severe acne. Like any facial its always lovely to have one!
thanks!
why wouldn't you recommend it for more severe acne?
I don't have severe acne, but now and then something pops up.
FrockRadar8
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hey Kushie...what's your describing is a postule or cystic form of a pimple. I get those all the time on the chin or along where the sideburn region is. Don't agitate it too much, just keep applying a benzyl peroxide solution over it, salicylic won't help you with this kind. I use persa-gel. You can get it at Target for about 4 bucks. A little bit of that daily for as long as the bump is there and it should be fine. If you see a dermatologist, they might put you on antibiotics, hope it clears up!!
songbirdsel
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I guess because essentially any acne treatment whether its facials, over the counter stuff pretty much at best can calm the skin down for a little period but not really getting to the root of the problem. I know its sounds a bit extreme but thats why products only work for a certain period. So with something like facials i think they are really brilliant at maintaining your skin and getting it to a good place but i dont think it will solve anything more than a few dirty pores.. I hope that helps, its really from my own personal exprience and through seeing dermatologists and etc for years.
zionforsell
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The reason why some people are more responsive to salicylic acid or Benzoyl Peroxide is the because their skin type differences. If you have dry skin, and pimples are whiteheads, then salicylic acid is probably your better bet. But if your skin is oily, and pimples are like pustules, then Benzoyl Peroxide would be better. How do you know? Either you go to a Derm, or you can cross reserch and do it yourself (be careful though, honestly)
For anyone that have found Proactiv worked for them, here is the key: Benzoyl Peroxide You need it!!! So if you stopped using Proactiv (like I did), then you can opt for a facewash with the Benzoyl Peroxide in it.
I have oily skin, and have had pimples for 3 years. But since I started this regime, my skin cleared up in 4 weeks. Now all I have left is a bit of scars which will fade. I don't know if this will help, but I will post it here. It is crucial that you need to follow it patiently. This is my 3 years worth of researching and experimenting.
What you essentially need (like I said, no need for money for clear skin, all the products here can be found at drugstore, but if you can find a brand that already work for you. Keep it, the key is the ingredient
_A gentle cleanser. (dry skin: cetaphil. Oily skin: purpose)
_An acne cleanser. ( 2% Salicylic acid: there are TONs to choose from, but I like Neutrogena acne wash-the clear one. There is NOT that many Benzoyl Peroxide to choose from, the only one I can find is Neutrogena Acne Facecleanser/mask. It is 3.5% BP. DON'T get anything that is 5% BP in facewash or more unless prescibed by your Derm or doctor.)
+the percentage matter: easy! higher %, higher chance of irritation. If you found a 2.5% or 2% and it is still irritating, lower it. If it's not clean enough, move it up. This usually applies to Salicylic Acid. Researchs have shown 2.5% BP works just as good as 10%, with less irritation. And this is just face wash.
_An acne cream. (SA or BP. Start out with 2.5% or 2%)
*****Guys, the reason I stress on the % is because most of you probably have trialed your skin under different acne treatments before. So it would be wise not to damage your skin any further.
_Moisturizer (of your choice, benefitial for your skin of course. There is no need for this moisturizer to have acne medicine)
Ok, here is how it works (for treament period, usually last 1 months. This needs to be followed for 2 weeks. Then if your skin cleared up a bit, you can go straight to longterm routine -which I will describe after)
Mornings, you wash with gentle cleanser, put on sunblock, you know the routine. (BTW, ALWAYS put on sunblock please!) But if you feel the need to increase strength of your regime (if you don't have sensitive skin of course), you can use the acne wash instead of gentle cleanser)
When you go home, take off your makeup IMMEDIATELY. I also advice avoiding wearing makeup as much as possible while you're in treatment. The Purpose Cleanser can also take off face makeup too. SO less money wasted.
At nights:
_You wash with Gentle Cleanser, so that your face is CLEAN. (For sensitive skin, please don't wash your face now with acne cleanser. Because you will put on medicine cream or gel later)
_Pat dry.
_ANd here is the key to countereact BP or SA's drying or irritating effects: A layer of 100% Aloe Vera gel. (fruits of the loom or generic brand of CVS is fine) (It is thin so the medicine can still be absorb through your skin. But it added a bit of moisture so you don't feel itchy all night)
_Put on BP or SA gel or cream. But don't rub it, put a layer over the infected AREA, not just spots. (Be a bit thicker than just a thin film. Especially over the big spots)
Go to bed darling, don't moisturize anything else on top of it. Your skin will need to peel so that the toxic skin is gone. THEN we will do the nourishment. Another thing is skin hygiene. Don't touch your face with hand unwashed. Tie you hair or somehow pull your hair away from your face while you sleep. I use the hair claw to pull my hair back AND UP, so I can still place my head comfortably on the pillow. heheh
_Two or three times a week, use a gentle exfoiliater to get rid of all the peeling skin. (I use pHisoderm gentle exfoliater. It is PH balance. and be gentle)
The thing is: your face will get WORSE before it get BETTER. You need to break out first, to get all impurities out of your pores and your toxic skin is gone. So be patient.
So, after most acne is gone, all you have left is a few. (or if your skin only has a bit acne to begin with, there is no need for you to go through treatment period) Now we start with normal day routine as I have mentioned. But night routine is different:
_You will alternating: You will still do the night routine of acne treament, but only for 3 or 4 nights a week. Every other night, you will cleanse your skin with acne cleanser (please don't leave it on under 30seconds. Don't leave it on for more than 60 seconds either) A toner if you want to. And do your normal moisturizer (or a treatment moisturizer). This way, there would always be a bit of BP or SA in your routine, to keep your skin clear. But now there would be time for nourishment of the skin.
I also do a simple facial once a week, no matter what. You can find directions for that on the internet. Or you can tell me if you want me to post it. I make my own masks. But I don't have time to post it now (time to go shopping hehehe). Maybe later if anyone need it.
I usually see ppl just say: use this product, this works, but they don't tell you specificly how to intergrate it in a routine or why it works. So please forgive me if this is too long for you to read.
I have sensitive skin, and most ppl will too if their skins are now raw after trying so many acne treatments. So I developed this routine for ppl with sensitive skin like me. You can change it a bit according to your skin, if your skin is signigficantly different. (ahh, but that's another post)
You should be patient. You should only stop if it causes you pain even if you lower the dose. I can't quarantee it will work. But it worked for me. I know how painful it can be to have acne, both physically and emotionally. So try it and let me know the results or what you think.
For anyone that have found Proactiv worked for them, here is the key: Benzoyl Peroxide You need it!!! So if you stopped using Proactiv (like I did), then you can opt for a facewash with the Benzoyl Peroxide in it.
I have oily skin, and have had pimples for 3 years. But since I started this regime, my skin cleared up in 4 weeks. Now all I have left is a bit of scars which will fade. I don't know if this will help, but I will post it here. It is crucial that you need to follow it patiently. This is my 3 years worth of researching and experimenting.
What you essentially need (like I said, no need for money for clear skin, all the products here can be found at drugstore, but if you can find a brand that already work for you. Keep it, the key is the ingredient
_A gentle cleanser. (dry skin: cetaphil. Oily skin: purpose)
_An acne cleanser. ( 2% Salicylic acid: there are TONs to choose from, but I like Neutrogena acne wash-the clear one. There is NOT that many Benzoyl Peroxide to choose from, the only one I can find is Neutrogena Acne Facecleanser/mask. It is 3.5% BP. DON'T get anything that is 5% BP in facewash or more unless prescibed by your Derm or doctor.)
+the percentage matter: easy! higher %, higher chance of irritation. If you found a 2.5% or 2% and it is still irritating, lower it. If it's not clean enough, move it up. This usually applies to Salicylic Acid. Researchs have shown 2.5% BP works just as good as 10%, with less irritation. And this is just face wash.
_An acne cream. (SA or BP. Start out with 2.5% or 2%)
*****Guys, the reason I stress on the % is because most of you probably have trialed your skin under different acne treatments before. So it would be wise not to damage your skin any further.
_Moisturizer (of your choice, benefitial for your skin of course. There is no need for this moisturizer to have acne medicine)
Ok, here is how it works (for treament period, usually last 1 months. This needs to be followed for 2 weeks. Then if your skin cleared up a bit, you can go straight to longterm routine -which I will describe after)
Mornings, you wash with gentle cleanser, put on sunblock, you know the routine. (BTW, ALWAYS put on sunblock please!) But if you feel the need to increase strength of your regime (if you don't have sensitive skin of course), you can use the acne wash instead of gentle cleanser)
When you go home, take off your makeup IMMEDIATELY. I also advice avoiding wearing makeup as much as possible while you're in treatment. The Purpose Cleanser can also take off face makeup too. SO less money wasted.
At nights:
_You wash with Gentle Cleanser, so that your face is CLEAN. (For sensitive skin, please don't wash your face now with acne cleanser. Because you will put on medicine cream or gel later)
_Pat dry.
_ANd here is the key to countereact BP or SA's drying or irritating effects: A layer of 100% Aloe Vera gel. (fruits of the loom or generic brand of CVS is fine) (It is thin so the medicine can still be absorb through your skin. But it added a bit of moisture so you don't feel itchy all night)
_Put on BP or SA gel or cream. But don't rub it, put a layer over the infected AREA, not just spots. (Be a bit thicker than just a thin film. Especially over the big spots)
Go to bed darling, don't moisturize anything else on top of it. Your skin will need to peel so that the toxic skin is gone. THEN we will do the nourishment. Another thing is skin hygiene. Don't touch your face with hand unwashed. Tie you hair or somehow pull your hair away from your face while you sleep. I use the hair claw to pull my hair back AND UP, so I can still place my head comfortably on the pillow. heheh
_Two or three times a week, use a gentle exfoiliater to get rid of all the peeling skin. (I use pHisoderm gentle exfoliater. It is PH balance. and be gentle)
The thing is: your face will get WORSE before it get BETTER. You need to break out first, to get all impurities out of your pores and your toxic skin is gone. So be patient.
So, after most acne is gone, all you have left is a few. (or if your skin only has a bit acne to begin with, there is no need for you to go through treatment period) Now we start with normal day routine as I have mentioned. But night routine is different:
_You will alternating: You will still do the night routine of acne treament, but only for 3 or 4 nights a week. Every other night, you will cleanse your skin with acne cleanser (please don't leave it on under 30seconds. Don't leave it on for more than 60 seconds either) A toner if you want to. And do your normal moisturizer (or a treatment moisturizer). This way, there would always be a bit of BP or SA in your routine, to keep your skin clear. But now there would be time for nourishment of the skin.
I also do a simple facial once a week, no matter what. You can find directions for that on the internet. Or you can tell me if you want me to post it. I make my own masks. But I don't have time to post it now (time to go shopping hehehe). Maybe later if anyone need it.
I usually see ppl just say: use this product, this works, but they don't tell you specificly how to intergrate it in a routine or why it works. So please forgive me if this is too long for you to read.
I have sensitive skin, and most ppl will too if their skins are now raw after trying so many acne treatments. So I developed this routine for ppl with sensitive skin like me. You can change it a bit according to your skin, if your skin is signigficantly different. (ahh, but that's another post)
You should be patient. You should only stop if it causes you pain even if you lower the dose. I can't quarantee it will work. But it worked for me. I know how painful it can be to have acne, both physically and emotionally. So try it and let me know the results or what you think.
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ApertureRomance
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I was on minocycline for a while until it gave me drug induced lupus.
Honestly for mild acne the best thing I've tried is Zineryt , it doesn't dry out my skin or aggravate it in the slightest my skintone is more even and it contains zinc which helps boost your immune system !
Honestly for mild acne the best thing I've tried is Zineryt , it doesn't dry out my skin or aggravate it in the slightest my skintone is more even and it contains zinc which helps boost your immune system !
The reason why some people are more responsive to salicylic acid or Benzoyl Peroxide is the because their skin type differences. If you have dry skin, and pimples are whiteheads, then salicylic acid is probably your better bet. But if your skin is oily, and pimples are like pustules, then Benzoyl Peroxide would be better. How do you know? Either you go to a Derm, or you can cross reserch and do it yourself (be careful though, honestly)
For anyone that have found Proactiv worked for them, here is the key: Benzoyl Peroxide You need it!!! So if you stopped using Proactiv (like I did), then you can opt for a facewash with the Benzoyl Peroxide in it.
I have oily skin, and have had pimples for 3 years. But since I started this regime, my skin cleared up in 4 weeks. Now all I have left is a bit of scars which will fade. I don't know if this will help, but I will post it here. It is crucial that you need to follow it patiently. This is my 3 years worth of researching and experimenting.
What you essentially need (like I said, no need for money for clear skin, all the products here can be found at drugstore, but if you can find a brand that already work for you. Keep it, the key is the ingredient
_A gentle cleanser. (dry skin: cetaphil. Oily skin: purpose)
_An acne cleanser. ( 2% Salicylic acid: there are TONs to choose from, but I like Neutrogena acne wash-the clear one. There is NOT that many Benzoyl Peroxide to choose from, the only one I can find is Neutrogena Acne Facecleanser/mask. It is 3.5% BP. DON'T get anything that is 5% BP in facewash or more unless prescibed by your Derm or doctor.)
+the percentage matter: easy! higher %, higher chance of irritation. If you found a 2.5% or 2% and it is still irritating, lower it. If it's not clean enough, move it up. This usually applies to Salicylic Acid. Researchs have shown 2.5% BP works just as good as 10%, with less irritation. And this is just face wash.
_An acne cream. (SA or BP. Start out with 2.5% or 2%)
*****Guys, the reason I stress on the % is because most of you probably have trialed your skin under different acne treatments before. So it would be wise not to damage your skin any further.
_Moisturizer (of your choice, benefitial for your skin of course. There is no need for this moisturizer to have acne medicine)
Ok, here is how it works (for treament period, usually last 1 months. This needs to be followed for 2 weeks. Then if your skin cleared up a bit, you can go straight to longterm routine -which I will describe after)
Mornings, you wash with gentle cleanser, put on sunblock, you know the routine. (BTW, ALWAYS put on sunblock please!) But if you feel the need to increase strength of your regime (if you don't have sensitive skin of course), you can use the acne wash instead of gentle cleanser)
When you go home, take off your makeup IMMEDIATELY. I also advice avoiding wearing makeup as much as possible while you're in treatment. The Purpose Cleanser can also take off face makeup too. SO less money wasted.
At nights:
_You wash with Gentle Cleanser, so that your face is CLEAN. (For sensitive skin, please don't wash your face now with acne cleanser. Because you will put on medicine cream or gel later)
_Pat dry.
_ANd here is the key to countereact BP or SA's drying or irritating effects: A layer of 100% Aloe Vera gel. (fruits of the loom or generic brand of CVS is fine) (It is thin so the medicine can still be absorb through your skin. But it added a bit of moisture so you don't feel itchy all night)
_Put on BP or SA gel or cream. But don't rub it, put a layer over the infected AREA, not just spots. (Be a bit thicker than just a thin film. Especially over the big spots)
Go to bed darling, don't moisturize anything else on top of it. Your skin will need to peel so that the toxic skin is gone. THEN we will do the nourishment. Another thing is skin hygiene. Don't touch your face with hand unwashed. Tie you hair or somehow pull your hair away from your face while you sleep. I use the hair claw to pull my hair back AND UP, so I can still place my head comfortably on the pillow. heheh
_Two or three times a week, use a gentle exfoiliater to get rid of all the peeling skin. (I use pHisoderm gentle exfoliater. It is PH balance. and be gentle)
The thing is: your face will get WORSE before it get BETTER. You need to break out first, to get all impurities out of your pores and your toxic skin is gone. So be patient.
So, after most acne is gone, all you have left is a few. (or if your skin only has a bit acne to begin with, there is no need for you to go through treatment period) Now we start with normal day routine as I have mentioned. But night routine is different:
_You will alternating: You will still do the night routine of acne treament, but only for 3 or 4 nights a week. Every other night, you will cleanse your skin with acne cleanser (please don't leave it on under 30seconds. Don't leave it on for more than 60 seconds either) A toner if you want to. And do your normal moisturizer (or a treatment moisturizer). This way, there would always be a bit of BP or SA in your routine, to keep your skin clear. But now there would be time for nourishment of the skin.
I also do a simple facial once a week, no matter what. You can find directions for that on the internet. Or you can tell me if you want me to post it. I make my own masks. But I don't have time to post it now (time to go shopping hehehe). Maybe later if anyone need it.
I usually see ppl just say: use this product, this works, but they don't tell you specificly how to intergrate it in a routine or why it works. So please forgive me if this is too long for you to read.
I have sensitive skin, and most ppl will too if their skins are now raw after trying so many acne treatments. So I developed this routine for ppl with sensitive skin like me. You can change it a bit according to your skin, if your skin is signigficantly different. (ahh, but that's another post)
You should be patient. You should only stop if it causes you pain even if you lower the dose. I can't quarantee it will work. But it worked for me. I know how painful it can be to have acne, both physically and emotionally. So try it and let me know the results or what you think.
Great Post! Thanks so much for the info!
poptheglock
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to buy or not to buy? any experiences?
Here are 194 reviews if you are interested 
http://www.makeupalley.com/product/...=3649/Treatments/Mario_Badescu/Drying_Lotion/
I have something similar and like it a lot, but only on certain spots.
http://www.makeupalley.com/product/...=3649/Treatments/Mario_Badescu/Drying_Lotion/
I have something similar and like it a lot, but only on certain spots.
poptheglock
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^ thanks laurette 
modelbehavior228
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I am so sad, my skin has exploded in pimples the past few days. I mean really REALLY exploded in pimples. There is not a square inch that doesn't have at least several zits.
that sounds horrible, modelbehavior, do you know where it comes from?
stress, a new cleanser, the weather etc.?
Just don't ever touch or even try pop them, it's the worst you can do! I can't say this often enough.
If your skin is not sensitive you could rub half a lemon on your face and leave it over night, it works wonders but only if your skin is not wounded, otherwise it will increase the risk of scarring.
In case you have inflamed spots, healing earth used as a mask will calm it down.
Hope your skin will get better soon
stress, a new cleanser, the weather etc.?
Just don't ever touch or even try pop them, it's the worst you can do! I can't say this often enough.
If your skin is not sensitive you could rub half a lemon on your face and leave it over night, it works wonders but only if your skin is not wounded, otherwise it will increase the risk of scarring.
In case you have inflamed spots, healing earth used as a mask will calm it down.
Hope your skin will get better soon
sashatheelf
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i started using listerine as a toner every day and my skin never breaks out anymore.
^is Listerine a mouthwash?
I googled for it and that's the only thing that was shown
Yes.
sashatheelf, does it burn? And do you think I will be able to use Crest mouthwash, instead?
exoticarbcqen
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Obagi skincare is the sh*t. It works like magic. Its quite costly...approx $400+ for the entire skin care system..Plus 1-3$k for the blue peel facial. (only selected dermo offices do it)...me and my cousin, we dont have acne...just a few scars from when we were yonger..we did the obagi system 6 months prior to her weddin and the blue peel and our faces were spot free and glowly....I still use the system and do the obagi blue peel...its magic.
