The Acne Thread

[Orchidlady]

Please keep in mind that tetracycline may work for acne, but long term use can really damage your teeth, causing them to turn grey/yellow and develop striations. I've just undergone three months of major dental work at NYU (as well as spending $$$$) to repair the damage to my teeth that was partially caused by this medication. Granted, I was on tetracycline for many years for acne; however, I think that there are other antibiotics out there that will do the job without causing tooth discoloration. Might be a good idea to get some input from your dentist before beginning this type of therapy. JMHO.

 

[star]

i am on orthotricyclin and my face has cleared up ALOT compared to before being on it. and i have been for almost 5 yrs now. although i still get break outs sometimes..mostly due to my period.

 

[EdK]

i was just curious, how does tetracycline cause damage to your teeth. does something happen internally after its been dissolved by yoru body? cuz the med never makes contact with yout teeth fromt he outside.

Please keep in mind that tetracycline may work for acne, but long term use can really damage your teeth, causing them to turn grey/yellow and develop striations. I've just undergone three months of major dental work at NYU (as well as spending $$$$) to repair the damage to my teeth that was partially caused by this medication. Granted, I was on tetracycline for many years for acne; however, I think that there are other antibiotics out there that will do the job without causing tooth discoloration. Might be a good idea to get some input from your dentist before beginning this type of therapy. JMHO.

 

[Terrima183]

Well I had quite a lot zits too a while ago and it was awful.. all I could think about was my acne (even if it wasn't that bad) and it also made me insecure about myself. But I paid a visit to a dermatologist and she prescribed me Skinoren and Differin (sp?), which are products to cure medium acne. These products cleared my face up and I'm so happy.. I sometimes get some zits here and there but they are easily covered by foundation and my zits aren't as bad as they use to be, which is also great! I think you should definitley visit a dermatologist.
I have also heard that Tea Tree Oil helps (it didn't help me) and taking birth control pills. And sometimes when I feel that there is a zit coming somewhere on my face, I put an ice cube on it and hold it for a while.

Wow, i don't want to jinx myself but Differin is basically saving me right now! I finally went to a derm and got it prescribed for me and it's working sooo well. I also use Chanel Rectifiance Intense to moisturize and control oil. I don't even really need Proactiv anymore!

 

[Orchidlady]

I'm not absolutely sure of the finer points of biology, but since tetracycline is a systemic antibiotic, I'd assume that it enters your bloodstream and affects your entire system, including your teeth. For the same reason, you also have to be very careful of exposure to UV rays when on some antibiotics for the same reason; they can make your skin hypersensitive to the sun. Please keep in mind that I was on the drug for 10+ years; so I'm not really sure how long it takes for tooth discoloration to develop. (If you Google tetracycline teeth, you'll find a ton of information :-) The antibiotics did help my skin, but I've now paid the price (literally) in $$$ spent to have my teeth repaired. I was chosen as a patient for the NYU Rosenthal Institute teaching seminar primarily because of the serious tetracycline damage to my teeth. (By the way, this is one of the absolute finest dental clinics in the US...I was totally impressed with their first class operation.) At the time that I began/underwent the tetracycline therapy, no one was aware of the long term effects; however, if I was contemplating the same treatment now, I'd definitely consult my dentist before taking the meds. Perhaps a topical antibiotic would not have the same adverse effect on the teeth but would work just as well...

 

[Orchidlady]

As one who's battled acne/oily skin for a lifetime, I'm convinced that hormonal fluctuations are a major part of the problem. My advice would be to see a dermatologist or ob/gyn who can prescribe the appropriate meds. Meanwhile, I swear by Estee Lauder Idealist and Clear Difference, which have helped to normalize moisture/oil levels for me. YMMV.

 

[ALEHDZ]

yes, quite a teenager topic.

does anyone know how to really get all those f*cking annoying zits and blackheads and all that acne-stuff go away? I've had acne for six years, and I'm really getting fed up.it's not the worst one,but still very visible and my skin looks unclean.

I'm feeling I've tried everything; I drink 2 litres of water every day, I don't eat junkfood, I do sports, I eat plenty of veggies and fruits,I take multivitamins and I eat antibiotics (they help a bit, but not as much as I was hoping...I've been taking them like one month and a half now).I wash and moisturize my face every morning and night,no matter how tired I'd be.I don't use almost any make up (I know I should, but I really just am not the best to magically get that awful skin away with foundation...looks twice as bad then!).I get plenty of sleep.I've tried every brand of acne-killing products in the stores,but actually nothing helps.and I don't smoke.

please help moi, I really wanna get healthy skin next year!!!I don't even remember what is it like to have clear skin...

You should try Lumenis Clear Light.. Its the only thing that really helps!!!
It cleared my face in just one month..

http://www.aesthetic.lumenis.com/wt/content/clearlight

ciao!

 

[Freya]

Hello, I get the odd annoying pimple once a month I have tried nearly EVERY product going, but the best one at the moment is

philosophy "on a clear day" it clears the spot overnight

 

[I_Heart_Shopping]

BAH! Acne Scars...Help :-(

I know that there are probably millions of threads about this...and I'm sorry. :-(

Okay, so I use Pro-Activ, personally... I was VERY disappointed in the results. I don't really think it helped as much as it says because I still have and get pimples.

And I have acne scarring, which are TRUELY embarrassing. They aren't risen, or cave in, they are just really dark spots which make my skin look gross and uneven and looks like zits, but their not.

But while looking through the Pro-Activ pamplet I saw they had this "lightning cream" for acne scars. But after seeing the results the Acne System did. I don't want to waste money on this product if it won't work.
Then also, in the latest Seventeen magazine. They said for back acne scarring to use this lotion. (I forget what it was called.. but it said you coud find it in drugstores and on the bottle it said it was for "Scars and Bruises") So if they recommend it for your back.. does it work on your face??

If anyone has tried this, or know someone who has.. or even any other product that helped acne scarring, please let me know! :-)

And I'm not interested in any kind of laser surgery or whatnot.. but if it gets any worse in the future.. I might look into it!

 

[EdK]

ive been doing a lot of reading, and have swept through acne.org I read that the brand Alpha Hydrox is doing wonders. I guess it works for scars and for present acne. It is a AHA moisturizer which contains 10% glycolic acid. It peels your skin by way of dryness and flakyness. but after like a couple weeks of use it supposedly makes your skin look amazing.

 

[Sweets]

A lot of people reccommend some stuff called "Mederma" its supposed to be really great. What i do right now is after i've extracted a semi-large zit i put just a dab of neosporin on it over night and it really seems to help prevent the scars. I personally think that benzol peroxide makes the marks stay around longer plus it makes them crusty so that any attempts at make up are just gross. So i wouldnt suggest slathering on the neosporin but it helps to heal busted pimples. Hope this helps, i feel your pain.

 

[sbbbjm]

if your relatively clear now try getting a glycolic or salicylic acid peel. you can get them done at the dermatologist an even at the spa.

you can also do them at home which is WAY cheaper. i get my peels from www.platinumskincare.com -- the customer service is outstanding and the pH levels are safer. there are sites that sell the same peels but at the pH levels that doc's offices use but i don't want to risk the chance of burning myself. a dermatologist's peel generally has pH levels below 1.9. platinum's don't go lower than 2.1 which is a nice in the middle of the road pH. other peel seller's are usually higher in the pH so they aren't as effective because they're buffered.

i do a 15% salicylic acid peel 1 week then a 30% glycolic peel the following week every few months.

i suggest perusing the site a little. then email the proprietors with your skin history and maybe even a picture. they will respond and are very helpful and proffessional!

 

[EdK]

can you have AHA peels done with present acne? I read that AHA peels such as glycolic help treat acne in ways.

 

[impossibleprincess]

loads and loads of people have recommended shea butter, not the palmers kind, the 100% pure kind. it does work. from health food stores.

 

[sasseestefanie]

My mom used it for her Rosecia (spelling?)..... and it worked wonders for her.... but if she took it on an empty stomach it made her sick

 

[nova]

I can sympathize-- I had terrible acne until I went on the pill. But even taking birth control doesn't guarantee that your skin will be really clear-- I've been on it for over a year now and my skin still flares up occasionally.

Here are the products that, in my opinion/experience, really work:

1. Rodan and Fields Calm Regimen

It's ridiculously expensive and hard to find in some areas, but it really makes a difference. The sulfur wash kills the bacteria, the glycolic toner helps to chemically exfoliate and the benzyl peroxide also disinfects.

You can also substitute other products that have the same ingredients, but I really like this line.

2. Dermalogica Microfoliant and Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating scrub

I use the Dermalogica everyday because it's so gentle, while I use the Murad every three days or so.

3. DDF Sulfur Mask

I forgot to use this mask the week before I got my period, and I broke out like crazy--I've learned to stick to my regimen, the hard way! This mask is really good at drying out acne and disinfecting potential zits. It also works well as a spot treatment.

4. Kiehl's Blue Astringent

I use this as a toner for the days when I'm super greasy. It gets rid of all the grime and clears me up.

 

[misssakura]

I use shea butter but its not very good if you want to put makeup on after and it can make yuour hair greasy as well (Because obviously it goes on your hands and sheets). I would suggest maybe tackling the problem that bothers you most, the scars and forgetting about the pimples for now. Use pure vitamin E perhaps?

 

[Alejandro]

I've used Mederma previously...seriously, if you're into getting your skin clear, and don't mind the smell of it, go for it, it's a great product, but it takes a long time to see pleasant results.

I've had two chemical peels done, to get rid of acne scars and uneven skintone, and I love love it, and highly reccomend it for those who REALLY need it... otherwise, a mild treatment with a glicolic acid cleanser and lotion, will "peel off" your skin layers softly...your skin will be dry and scammy, and you will be needing to scrub your skin once or twice a week, use a lot of sunscreen while in the process, because it can cause even worse scars if you walk around with a product on your skin like such, and have the sun hitting your face for a while...it only takes one minute to fcuk your skin up...

 

[NOE]

I use this

I saw it on "The View" and it's for scars...as well as an all purpose cream. It's a bit greasy, so it's not something you use in the day. I put it on a night. www.egyptianmagic.com

It's all natual and there are about 20 different uses for it such as scaring, blemishes, bug bites, shaving, lip balm, rashes, cuticle cream,etc.

I got mine at Whole Foods, but the website will tell you a dealer in your area

 

[Alejandro]

That sounds good