can somebody please tell me what i should do to my face because no matter what i try it isnt really getting clear :( PLEASE GO TOO MY PHOTOS to see for yourself.. THANK YOU SO MUCH! :) :///
Hi Mashell! I totally get where you're coming from..I used to be just like you! I've tried everything and nothing cleared my skin!
But now I'm using Somme Institute's product line and it has HELPED tremendously. Somme Institute has a patent technology called MDT5 that allows the ingredients and vitamins to go 3-4mm deep into the skin.
I did break out the first week but I was told that it was literally getting rid of the toxins and clogged pores. I haven't had a breakout in MONTHS.
So every time I see a post about skincare, I highly recommend Somme Institute
Go to your dermo and get doxycyline its free if you get your prescription from publix! It helps reduce the amount of pimples you get but its not a cure, I recommend it if your about to try a new regimen to help reduce breakouts while your impurities flush the first 1-4 months. Try and use only one kind of acne fighting wash. Does you face work good with salicylic acid or bp? And what kind of skin do you have, oily, dry, or combination? Everyones different and for me to give the right advice I need to know how your skin reacts to certain chemicals.
your skin might just be sensitive to all the chemicals you are putting on it. I used to use products with salicylic acid in them, but it never really cured my acne 100% and it would make my skin drier. I started to use homemade stuff because i was getting married (11/11) and it cleared me up! try a honey and lemon mask, or a coconut oil and honey mask if you don't have lemon. Then, I would treat my acne with apple cider vinegar 2x/3x a week but putting it on a cotton swab and just apply it to my acne. It's 5% acidity so dilute it if you have sensitive skin. I don't dilute mine and just wipe my trouble spots with it and then rinse off after 10 minutes or so. ACV is a natural cleanser and it will dry out your acne dramatically.
Try using a tomato and yogurt mask with a few drops of lemon juice to try and get rid of your blemishes after
I checked the pictures-- you have nothing to be ashamed about! Most of us have or have had acne, it's totally normal. You're a gorgeous girl, and your face will get better. Give it some time to get used to a face routine. My skin used to be a lot worse than yours. When I spoke to a derm, I realized I was using too much on my skin, like cleansing it too much, not using oil-free products, using too much makeup. In general, I didn't take the time to get to know my skin and find out what works best. It has taken a while for my skin to clear up, but it has. And so will yours! If you're really upset about it, see if you can talk to a dermatologist and come up with a plan of attack. Honestly, though, I think you're lovely and there's no reason to be stressed! Probably not what you want to hear, but that's what I think. Good luck :)
May 14, 2012
Jena O.
Hi Mashell,
I took a look at your photos, nothing to be ashamed of. Most of of go through breakouts. I had cystic acne and very oily skin..I have taken loads of acne medication and used a million products. What made the most difference was 1) changing what I eat, I cut out soda, fast food, fried food, processed food and I carry a water bottle everywhere I go. I also take supplements, zinc, vitamin c. Burdock and/or yellow dock is great for detoxifying your system as well. Vitamin A will regulate skin cell turnover. There are all supplements.
As for skin care products, 2) don't use anything that will strip the skin ( causing irritation ) and dry it out further, it will make the skin overcompensate with excess oil. Try and calm your skin. 3) Cool compresses after you wash your face (tepid water for cleansing not hot water.) Hot water will aggregate and strip skin of its natural moisture barrier. 4) Murad Sensitive skin soothing serum is great for acne inflamed skin & is a extremely hydrating, but never oily or heavy.
5) Murad exfoliating acne treatment gel is excellent for acne.
6) Use a gentle cleanser, I love Neostrata antibacterial facial cleanser it doesn't strip skin, but hydrates and kills acne bacteria. It's my goto cleanser =)
7) Make sure you take the supplements daily and to continue taking them even after your skin is clear. Learn to love water =)
Firstly, don't be ashamed. Your skin is definitely not bad!!!
But first, I want to say I agree with Bee K. My skin did not clear up until I changed a few things.
The first is that I began to use natural products. I suspect that all the chemicals I had been using was irritating my skin and not allowing it to heal. Our skin is an organ which can regulate itself if we allow it to. I switched to all-natural skin care by using a black soap (I order Black Magic Soap from One Hand Washes The Other), if I need to tone I will use Dickinson's Witch Hazel toner (it's pretty much pure witch hazel), and I use a gentle, natural lotion I pick up at the local organic store.
The second is I altered my diet. I am personally lactose intolerant, and when I cut out dairy in high school I saw my skin clear up, although not entirely. Later on I decided to go vegan (for health and ethical purposes... a good book to read is "Skinny Bitch" if you are interested at all). By going vegan I began to eat a lot more fruits, vegetables, and grains, and learned how to cook with meatless alternatives. This change in my diet saw an overall improvement in my health but also my skin.
Using natural products, drinking water, taking my multivitamins, and eating a healthy diet, were the main factors that I can attribute to my skin clearing up. This did not happen overnight. A lot of the changes I made were one by one so as not to become overwhelmed. But, in the long run, it has definitely proved worthwhile.
i know what your going through, i use to struggle with the same thing, and the only thing that ever worked and is still working for me is a tea tree oil make and treatment i use, i have a video on it if you would like to try it out. Its all natural so theres no chemicals to pollute your skin <3
I'm a big believer in diet as an important part of any skin regimen. Drink plenty of water, cut out foods that are heavy in industrial chemicals (like high fructose corn syrup and modified food starch... eg. soda, candy, fast food, white bread etc.) and eat lots of vegetables and whole grains. Those things will give your body a good place to start from. You make new cells out of what you eat, so if you give your body things that are healthy and alive, you'll have better building blocks for the cells in your body. I've also heard from several people that eating salmon can be very helpful to clear up skin.
It's so frustrating when the body reacts in ways that you can't control, but I believe you can find the right mix of diet, cleansing regimen and products that will make your skin happy. It will happen!
to be honest the best sudgestion I can give is, if you have actually already maxed out all your at home options, just go to a dermotologist. Some times theres nothing we can do. It's just the way it is. I know its frustrateing but that's what you may have to do. Dont feel down. Yr a caterpiler:) and when the hard work is done you will come out a butterfly :) You'll see. But remeber it's about the inside not the out side. Even the hotest person can turn ugly with a bad personality
top three suggestions for a fellow acne prone person:
1. go to the dermo
2. drink lots and lots of water...when you think you have drank enough...drink more
3. make sure that you are cleansing you skin very well...even with the perfect products to help clear up your face if your not cleansing perfectly your pores will still clog with those perfect products which will cause breakouts still...
I've given up dairy and find that having a partially vegan diet has made my skin much clearer/ happier... as well as having more energy during the day!! I adore following http://www.ohsheglows.com for food inspiration --- hopefully you'll see some positive skin changes! :)
I don't know if anyone has said this but use African Black Soap! Don't buy the DuDu Osun type, get ORGANIC Soap Also, don't buy it from a beauty supply, it's probably fake or not all natural. Or you can use Goat's Milk soap. I use it in combination with Black Soap. First, Cleanse with the Black Soap, and then use the Goat's milk soap (Really creamy and moisturizing, better than DOVE!!) And just moisturize with a moisturizer. I get both soaps from Sisterskeeper.biz also try out their DIP hair and body moisturizer, I love it. And my face has cleared up with-in a month. Check out my now and then pictures on my profile. My then pictures are included in a question I asked : http://www.beautylish.com/t/rzirj/o... . :) Hope i helped!
Ladies the best thing to do is look for natural products because of todays economy I have notice a lot of thingsI use to use does not work. Here is a site you will enjoy google forunaturally @ Etsy.com Stick with natural you cant go wrong. Believe me my daughter has Eczema I use Black soap and Shea Butter to combat that dry skin. And she looks beautiful everyday.
Check out studies too. Sometimes there are sites seeking to test unreleased treatments. Check out http://www.claritystudy.com. Maybe they will have a site in your area?
Salycitic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Switch them up every few weeks. Try using hydrogen peroxide as a toner, aspirin as a facial scrub twice a week, and make sure you use a moisturizer.
Proactive just uses benzoyl peroxide. It works for everyone because the usual acne medication is salycitic acid. Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial medication. The system also uses a toner, which most people do not use. Toners wipe away soap residue the can also clog pores. Use an exfoliant a couple times a week, switch up your face washes between salycitic acid and benzoyl peroxide, use a good toner and moisturizer and you'll clear up.
Got to a dermatologist and ask for differin. My skin was far worse than yours is and within about a week my skin pretty much cleared up. And it dosnt dry out your skin!
Hi Mashell, first of all you're very beautiful. How much are you willing to spend? I have been going in for regular microderm and high-frequency light therapy sessions and it cleared my skin up within a couple days, and I haven't had a breakout in a month. Light therapy just kills bacteria under your skin, preventing the formation of blemishes. The microderm is painless and is helping clear up the scarring.
It sounds expensive so what i did was go to Living Social and Groupon and found some deals in my area. One of the anesthitician's that had a living social deal is brand new to the business and to keep my business she offered the same deal she initially offered if I wanted to buy again. So shop around using those online tools, they really make these procedures much more affordable!
I've been using pro-active for the past two years. I've only ever purchased just the one set and it has lasted me this long! I don't use it daily because it contains a type of bleach in it but it kills the bacteria and clears in about 48 hours.
For $150 I think it was a pretty good investment.
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Apr 03, 2012
Mashell P.
can somebody please tell me what i should do to my face because no matter what i try it isnt really getting clear :( PLEASE GO TOO MY PHOTOS to see for yourself.. THANK YOU SO MUCH! :) :///
Apr 04, 2012
Catherine T.
Hi Mashell! I totally get where you're coming from..I used to be just like you! I've tried everything and nothing cleared my skin!
But now I'm using Somme Institute's product line and it has HELPED tremendously. Somme Institute has a patent technology called MDT5 that allows the ingredients and vitamins to go 3-4mm deep into the skin.
I did break out the first week but I was told that it was literally getting rid of the toxins and clogged pores. I haven't had a breakout in MONTHS.
So every time I see a post about skincare, I highly recommend Somme Institute
Apr 04, 2012
Paige S.
Go to your dermo and get doxycyline its free if you get your prescription from publix! It helps reduce the amount of pimples you get but its not a cure, I recommend it if your about to try a new regimen to help reduce breakouts while your impurities flush the first 1-4 months. Try and use only one kind of acne fighting wash. Does you face work good with salicylic acid or bp? And what kind of skin do you have, oily, dry, or combination? Everyones different and for me to give the right advice I need to know how your skin reacts to certain chemicals.
Apr 04, 2012
Bee K.
your skin might just be sensitive to all the chemicals you are putting on it. I used to use products with salicylic acid in them, but it never really cured my acne 100% and it would make my skin drier. I started to use homemade stuff because i was getting married (11/11) and it cleared me up! try a honey and lemon mask, or a coconut oil and honey mask if you don't have lemon. Then, I would treat my acne with apple cider vinegar 2x/3x a week but putting it on a cotton swab and just apply it to my acne. It's 5% acidity so dilute it if you have sensitive skin. I don't dilute mine and just wipe my trouble spots with it and then rinse off after 10 minutes or so. ACV is a natural cleanser and it will dry out your acne dramatically.
Try using a tomato and yogurt mask with a few drops of lemon juice to try and get rid of your blemishes after
May 13, 2012
Katy C.
I checked the pictures-- you have nothing to be ashamed about! Most of us have or have had acne, it's totally normal. You're a gorgeous girl, and your face will get better. Give it some time to get used to a face routine. My skin used to be a lot worse than yours. When I spoke to a derm, I realized I was using too much on my skin, like cleansing it too much, not using oil-free products, using too much makeup. In general, I didn't take the time to get to know my skin and find out what works best. It has taken a while for my skin to clear up, but it has. And so will yours! If you're really upset about it, see if you can talk to a dermatologist and come up with a plan of attack. Honestly, though, I think you're lovely and there's no reason to be stressed! Probably not what you want to hear, but that's what I think. Good luck :)
May 14, 2012
Jena O.
Hi Mashell,
I took a look at your photos, nothing to be ashamed of. Most of of go through breakouts. I had cystic acne and very oily skin..I have taken loads of acne medication and used a million products. What made the most difference was 1) changing what I eat, I cut out soda, fast food, fried food, processed food and I carry a water bottle everywhere I go. I also take supplements, zinc, vitamin c. Burdock and/or yellow dock is great for detoxifying your system as well. Vitamin A will regulate skin cell turnover. There are all supplements.
As for skin care products, 2) don't use anything that will strip the skin ( causing irritation ) and dry it out further, it will make the skin overcompensate with excess oil. Try and calm your skin. 3) Cool compresses after you wash your face (tepid water for cleansing not hot water.) Hot water will aggregate and strip skin of its natural moisture barrier. 4) Murad Sensitive skin soothing serum is great for acne inflamed skin & is a extremely hydrating, but never oily or heavy.
5) Murad exfoliating acne treatment gel is excellent for acne.
6) Use a gentle cleanser, I love Neostrata antibacterial facial cleanser it doesn't strip skin, but hydrates and kills acne bacteria. It's my goto cleanser =)
7) Make sure you take the supplements daily and to continue taking them even after your skin is clear. Learn to love water =)
May 14, 2012
Mandy E.
Firstly, don't be ashamed. Your skin is definitely not bad!!!
But first, I want to say I agree with Bee K. My skin did not clear up until I changed a few things.
The first is that I began to use natural products. I suspect that all the chemicals I had been using was irritating my skin and not allowing it to heal. Our skin is an organ which can regulate itself if we allow it to. I switched to all-natural skin care by using a black soap (I order Black Magic Soap from One Hand Washes The Other), if I need to tone I will use Dickinson's Witch Hazel toner (it's pretty much pure witch hazel), and I use a gentle, natural lotion I pick up at the local organic store.
The second is I altered my diet. I am personally lactose intolerant, and when I cut out dairy in high school I saw my skin clear up, although not entirely. Later on I decided to go vegan (for health and ethical purposes... a good book to read is "Skinny Bitch" if you are interested at all). By going vegan I began to eat a lot more fruits, vegetables, and grains, and learned how to cook with meatless alternatives. This change in my diet saw an overall improvement in my health but also my skin.
Using natural products, drinking water, taking my multivitamins, and eating a healthy diet, were the main factors that I can attribute to my skin clearing up. This did not happen overnight. A lot of the changes I made were one by one so as not to become overwhelmed. But, in the long run, it has definitely proved worthwhile.
May 14, 2012
Tracey C.
i know what your going through, i use to struggle with the same thing, and the only thing that ever worked and is still working for me is a tea tree oil make and treatment i use, i have a video on it if you would like to try it out. Its all natural so theres no chemicals to pollute your skin <3
May 15, 2012
Bec S.
I'm a big believer in diet as an important part of any skin regimen. Drink plenty of water, cut out foods that are heavy in industrial chemicals (like high fructose corn syrup and modified food starch... eg. soda, candy, fast food, white bread etc.) and eat lots of vegetables and whole grains. Those things will give your body a good place to start from. You make new cells out of what you eat, so if you give your body things that are healthy and alive, you'll have better building blocks for the cells in your body. I've also heard from several people that eating salmon can be very helpful to clear up skin.
It's so frustrating when the body reacts in ways that you can't control, but I believe you can find the right mix of diet, cleansing regimen and products that will make your skin happy. It will happen!
May 15, 2012
Andrea F.
Don't be ashamed!!! You can't control it, and it's just skin. But I can understand how it's frustrating and upsetting. :( And I'm sorry!!
May 15, 2012
Consuelo A.
to be honest the best sudgestion I can give is, if you have actually already maxed out all your at home options, just go to a dermotologist. Some times theres nothing we can do. It's just the way it is. I know its frustrateing but that's what you may have to do. Dont feel down. Yr a caterpiler:) and when the hard work is done you will come out a butterfly :) You'll see. But remeber it's about the inside not the out side. Even the hotest person can turn ugly with a bad personality
May 16, 2012
Jasmine K.
top three suggestions for a fellow acne prone person:
1. go to the dermo
2. drink lots and lots of water...when you think you have drank enough...drink more
3. make sure that you are cleansing you skin very well...even with the perfect products to help clear up your face if your not cleansing perfectly your pores will still clog with those perfect products which will cause breakouts still...
May 16, 2012
Drippy D.
I started using homemade face-mask and my skin started clearing up. By the way don't be ashamed you're skin isn't that bad at all.
May 16, 2012
Zandy R.
don't be ashamed....theres a solition for avery single problem:)
Jul 22, 2012
Sammi W.
Hi Mashell!
I've given up dairy and find that having a partially vegan diet has made my skin much clearer/ happier... as well as having more energy during the day!! I adore following http://www.ohsheglows.com for food inspiration --- hopefully you'll see some positive skin changes! :)
Jul 23, 2012
Camryn A.
I don't know if anyone has said this but use African Black Soap! Don't buy the DuDu Osun type, get ORGANIC Soap Also, don't buy it from a beauty supply, it's probably fake or not all natural. Or you can use Goat's Milk soap. I use it in combination with Black Soap. First, Cleanse with the Black Soap, and then use the Goat's milk soap (Really creamy and moisturizing, better than DOVE!!) And just moisturize with a moisturizer. I get both soaps from Sisterskeeper.biz also try out their DIP hair and body moisturizer, I love it. And my face has cleared up with-in a month. Check out my now and then pictures on my profile. My then pictures are included in a question I asked : http://www.beautylish.com/t/rzirj/o... . :) Hope i helped!
Jul 23, 2012
Charlene S.
Ladies the best thing to do is look for natural products because of todays economy I have notice a lot of thingsI use to use does not work. Here is a site you will enjoy google forunaturally @ Etsy.com Stick with natural you cant go wrong. Believe me my daughter has Eczema I use Black soap and Shea Butter to combat that dry skin. And she looks beautiful everyday.
Jul 23, 2012
Janine B.
Go to http://www.motivescosmetics.com/jan... to do a skincare analysis and find the right products for your skin
Jul 24, 2012
Meg M.
Check out studies too. Sometimes there are sites seeking to test unreleased treatments. Check out http://www.claritystudy.com. Maybe they will have a site in your area?
Jul 25, 2012
Elizabeth W.
Salycitic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Switch them up every few weeks. Try using hydrogen peroxide as a toner, aspirin as a facial scrub twice a week, and make sure you use a moisturizer.
Jul 25, 2012
Stacie C.
Have you tried proactive? Its a little pricey but it's worth it and they have other amazing products for other skin problems.
Jul 26, 2012
Elizabeth W.
Proactive just uses benzoyl peroxide. It works for everyone because the usual acne medication is salycitic acid. Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial medication. The system also uses a toner, which most people do not use. Toners wipe away soap residue the can also clog pores. Use an exfoliant a couple times a week, switch up your face washes between salycitic acid and benzoyl peroxide, use a good toner and moisturizer and you'll clear up.
Jul 26, 2012
Emilie N.
Got to a dermatologist and ask for differin. My skin was far worse than yours is and within about a week my skin pretty much cleared up. And it dosnt dry out your skin!
Jul 26, 2012
Anna K.
Hi Mashell, first of all you're very beautiful. How much are you willing to spend? I have been going in for regular microderm and high-frequency light therapy sessions and it cleared my skin up within a couple days, and I haven't had a breakout in a month. Light therapy just kills bacteria under your skin, preventing the formation of blemishes. The microderm is painless and is helping clear up the scarring.
It sounds expensive so what i did was go to Living Social and Groupon and found some deals in my area. One of the anesthitician's that had a living social deal is brand new to the business and to keep my business she offered the same deal she initially offered if I wanted to buy again. So shop around using those online tools, they really make these procedures much more affordable!
Jul 27, 2012
Tania M.
I've been using pro-active for the past two years. I've only ever purchased just the one set and it has lasted me this long! I don't use it daily because it contains a type of bleach in it but it kills the bacteria and clears in about 48 hours.
For $150 I think it was a pretty good investment.