The Acne Thread

[quimby]

I've had moderate acne for several years, and I've used a lot of different treatments for it. The thing that's worked best for me is a combination of Differin gel in the evening and Benzaclin in the morning. My dermatologist says that these are among the most current treatments for acne. I prefer these topical treatments over antibiotics (although tetracycline had worked well for me) because of the issue of antibiotic overuse. I also hate taking pills every day long term.

Differin gel (which I think might be milder than Retin-A...it was gentler on my skin, anyway) also has the added benefit of making you skin glow and look younger.

What else...some asked about backne. I use Neutrogena's Body Clear on a loofah brush after I've rinsed out my hair conditioner. I think conditioner has been a source of clogged pores for me.

Drinking lots of water helps. Be sure to moisterize, even if your skin is oily (you just have to hunt for an oil-free conditioner). And if you decide to cut out dairy products, chew on Tums or get your calcium from some other source. You don't want to trade acne now for osteoporosis later.

I hope this helps.

 

[Melisande]

Turning vegetarian--specifically macrobiotic--has *miraculously* cured *years* of red, inflamed skin (result of antibiotics ) in a few months. I'd recommend it to anyone.

Now to prevent the occasional PMS spot:
Eating a large ratio of raw vegetables/fruits, and avoiding refined sugars and starches. I hate to say it but going to bed early and sleeping well is KEY! (Right, me??) 2 Liters of water a day. Relax.

As long as I do these things I'm basically all set.

I've found using an AHA cleanser regularly and clay mask once in a while are great for smoothening, but without lifestyle changes they do nothing.

I think spots are a reminder to ourselves that we are not treating our bodies as well as we should be, and that if we go on like this worse could happen. We're lucky we have inbuilt thermostats. I used to hate them with vengeance, but I've learned to be thankful for them! (I even think spots could look sexy...shhhh! B) ) Let's all thank and embrace our spots!

 

[FrockRadar8]

for the most part i got rid of my spots, but on my back are still some "brownish blemishes" from the spots and some blackheads and i dunno this bothers me somehow so that i don't dare to wear tops that show my back... that so sucks....anyone here with such a problem?

I used to be plagued with that problem, but now they acne AND the blemishes have vanished. I would recomend using Physoderm (with salycilic acid) in the shower on that area, it's pretty drying...but it works! If the acne is on the severe side or its' just really stubborn, get some Persa-gel 10 from Clean and Clear at your target. That stuff is more concentrated than presciption and really affordable. Just be careful not to wear something colored or precious to you, since it will bleach clothing. Hope that helps!

 

[FrockRadar8]

I have mild acne on my back and what's clearing it up is a body cleanser called Phisoderm. I've also used the Neutrogena body cleanser but I've found that Phisoderm is more effective. HTH.

I love phisoderm!!! it's amazing, plus using it as a body cleanser can cut down on ingrown hair from shaving or waxing (due to the salicylic acid)

Neutrogena makes me break out, too much glycerin in their cleansers...i look like this...

 

[angela xx]

i definately recommend DDF(Doctor's Dermatologic Formula). I bought the 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Gel & Sulfur 3% and it was like MAGIC!

i only use it on my forehead because for about the past 6 months, i started getting persistant acne all over my forehead. at first i thought it was because of my bangs, but then i grew them out, and i still had acne. so, a sephora sa recommended this line for me. i only had enough money to buy one product(im 15, and earn all my money through babysitting and allowance ), so i bought a treatment one. youre only supposed to use it once a day, and within about 10 days, i barely get any break outs/zits! i definatley recommend this to anyone who has persistant acne. they also have products that use less benzoyl peroxide, etc. for those with milder acne

but now i just need something to get rid of all my scars

 

[Diorling]

Im way to lazy to read through the whole thing. I recommend Jan Marini, thier stuff is incredible. It's expensive but in like a week my face was porcelain. Im so serious.

 

[Fruitty]

I have acne problems as well and it does not go away easily . Tried different OTC products but does not help very much . Been using the naturalis brand acne treatment cream and acne cleanser ,find that their natural skin care products works well for me as my acne has cleared up . You can find out more from this website www.organiconline.com.sg

Hope it will work for you as well !

 

[Savor]

Hi guys, this is my first post and I hope to make it somewhat of an informative one.

For me, what has worked was vitamin b pills. They either go by the name of vitamin b5 or pantothenic acid. What they did for me was reduce oil on my skin. So far, looking great.

Also, using face wash with 2% SA (salicylic acid) helps too. I've been using Olay's daily facial scrubs with 2% SA and its been improving my skin greatly.

For clear skin, a good regimen is needed. I got all my information from http://www.acne.org/messageboard/ . Hopefully, you'll find guidance and advice there for clearer skin.

 

[Diorling]

Hi guys, this is my first post and I hope to make it somewhat of an informative one.

For me, what has worked was vitamin b pills. They either go by the name of vitamin b5 or pantothenic acid. What they did for me was reduce oil on my skin. So far, looking great.

Also, using face wash with 2% SA (salicylic acid) helps too. I've been using Olay's daily facial scrubs with 2% SA and its been improving my skin greatly.

For clear skin, a good regimen is needed. I got all my information from http://www.acne.org/messageboard/ . Hopefully, you'll find guidance and advice there for clearer skin.

Im allergic to Salicylic Acid, my eye starts twitching like Im crazy. Then the next day my eyes are soo big I can open them, it paniced me the first time.

I use 10% Benzoyl Peroxide on my face as well as a 2.5% BP scrub.

 

[Savor]

Im allergic to Salicylic Acid, my eye starts twitching like Im crazy. Then the next day my eyes are soo big I can open them, it paniced me the first time.

I use 10% Benzoyl Peroxide on my face as well as a 2.5% BP scrub.

I heard cases where bp prolongs those red spots (a.k.a. hyperpigmentation). I believe that you can use a replacement for BHA (SA) called AHA.

 

[FrockRadar8]

BP is some good stuff, helps treat acne and is good for reducing redness from waxing. Whenever I wax my eyebrows, I spread a thin layer of %10 BP, and leave it there for like 30 seconds. Then i rinse it off, and it cuts down that puffy redness time by 50-75%

 

[Diorling]

I heard cases where bp prolongs those red spots (a.k.a. hyperpigmentation). I believe that you can use a replacement for BHA (SA) called AHA.

Im already all over it. I have a creme from Jan Marini that just for that...I havent used it yet, because I dont want to look like MJ (note my sister said he probably used the same product)

 

[mjfan]

Knock on wood, but i've been out in the sun alot lately and i've had less breakouts in the past couple months than in the past couple years.

 

[jadedomega]

My advice is just to wear sunscreen whenever you go outside and wash your face every night no matter what and of course...drink plenty of water and lay off the soda and junk food....sigh easier said than done.

 

[laura4eva]

Has any1 here tried that new acne treatment gel?? its called Freederm Gel,its a new gel thats come out for mild to moderate acne pimples and spots.Its got a new ingredient in it called Nicotinamide.you can only buy it over the counter at pharmacys,but its meant to be good stuff and i might try it... anybody here tried it?

 

[•FashiOn¤AgOn¥•]

I have some scars cause by acne ... anyone know what I can use?

 

[Diorling]

I have some scars cause by acne ... anyone know what I can use?

I did my research. You can have the scars filled with collagen (if theyre like depressions), you can have them lasered and thats about it. If they're just a different color or something you can always use lightening cream.

 

[Savor]

Or you could use exfoliants. Over time, the scars will get more shallow.

 

[purexelegance]

when i had MASSIVE amounts of acne during my teen years,

i used

Clinique Acne Treatment...

and it worked like magic.

all the redness was gone and it's great.

but the stuff is a bit gooey.

 

[Kimkhuu]

The best advice I can give out right now for all those with acne... NEVER POP your pimples/blackheads/whiteheads....... no matter what people say...... It NEVER does help..... Even if the pimple is big and nasty..... It will fade away in a day or 2...... Just don't touch your face.... ....it ALWAYS worsens things...... I know a lot of people whose acne condition have improved of at least 40% thanks to simply NOT touching/popping zits.