Acne is getting out of control.

Mar 20, 2016

Stephanie S.

Hi Katelyn, you have to follow the basics. Meaning washing your face twice a day ( either gentle face wash or benzoyl peroxide/salicylic acid depending if you have sensitive skin). Then use a toner ( I use rosewater it's really soothing, I buy it for under 3$ at the grocery store) and moisturize because even if you have oily skin or you think I'll make acne worse it won't (any perfum free non comedogenic moisturizer). On top of that you have to exfoliate and use face mask once or twice a week as preferred ( I use Lush bb seaweed face mask really good one). For treatment of active acne you can buy a benzoyl peroxide cream at the pharmacy but be careful they're really drying, use only locally. Most of the time acne is out of our control but if can follow a decent routine like this one I'll get better. if it doesn't than you can see a dermatologist for antibiotics or stronger topical.

Mar 20, 2016

sindy h.

Sometimes the best thing is to help your skin from the inside out. a healthier lifestyle can make the word of difference to your skin, eating nutritious foods full of the vitamins our body needs to help produce healthy skin is a must, also exercise and plenty of water.

Mar 20, 2016

katie s.

Thank you Stephanie. I have started to stop taking care of my skin because I'm always so busy and tired, but my skin has just gotten so bad and the skin on my forehead is flaking off. I definitely will look into some better products to take care of my skin because once I tried going back to my older products, it caused me to breakout 😕

Sidney, thank you for the advice! I am a runner and I already eat a pretty good diet and drink lots of water, but I am going to try cutting out ALL processed foods and eating only healthy foods instead of mostly healthy foods.

I am sorry if the title offended you Holly. I have always had clear skin my whole life, so having as much acne as I have now has really bothered me lately. I didn't mean to offend anyone and I hope you can find a way to clear up your acne (:

-----------------------------

aside from responding to everyone, I have been looking at two products and I was wondering if you had any thoughts on them!

Mar 20, 2016

Ariana G.

You should definetly get the clay mask, its amazing :)

Mar 21, 2016

katie s.

Thank you Ariana (: I think I'll give it a shot since it has pretty good reviews and it's pretty affordable!

Mar 21, 2016

Samantha W.

Katelyn, since you say your forehead is flaking, I am concerned that your problem may be dryness. Can you tell us what products you are currently using? Also, I have heard great things about the Indian healing clay. I have tried it, it's good, but it's messy because you can't just rinse it into the sink as it is very thick and can clog your pipes. You have to wipe it off with paper towels and it takes a lot to do so.

Mar 21, 2016

katie s.

Yeah, my skin is combination. My nose is very oily and then my forehead is super dry, itchy, and flaky. It's something recent, but when I scratch my forehead, skin will flake off and it looks like I have dandruff for my skin. Currently, I haven't been using anything because my skin has been breaking out from everything I use, but before I stopped using my products, I used the Mary Kay botanicals set for normal skin.

Mar 21, 2016

Roz X.

Katelyn, do you have a CVS store near you, hun? If not, that's fine. I have a few ideas that should help.

Holly, I realize you are struggling. We all have our own personal battles. This thread will hopefully prove helpful to you as well..to others who have this issue. Have you seen a Derm? Your acne appears hormonal.

What are you both using now on your skin from wash to moisturizer/mists?

Mar 21, 2016

katie s.

I do have a CVS store around me (:

I am currently not using anything on my skin because my old skincare caused me to breakout, but before, I used Mary Kay botanicals set for normal skin

Mar 21, 2016

Sj M.

I've been using proactive for about 15 days and have already seen lots of improvement.

Mar 21, 2016

Roz X.

Katelyn,

I'd start by using a fragrance free, detergent free wash.
CeraVe or Cetaphil has fantastic, gentle, washes.

Then you want to use a toner and an all-cotton cosmetic puff. The CVS line are nice and affordable. They are very soft.
I think Paula's Choice has amazing toners but if you can't order them online, Boots makes an alcohol-free toner. Since you will be using a leave-on acne lotion, I want don't want to dry out or irritate your face with alcohol. For many people, Aloe Based Witch Hazel toners work great, such as the unscented Thayers formula sold at drugstores. I prefer a calming toner..something that is effective, but won't add any dryness, like "Boots Expert Sensitive Gentle Refreshing Toner". This has no Witch Hazel or Alcohol. My Walgreens and my Target both carry Boots, so you may need to make an trip there as well as CVS.
http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/boots-expert-sensitive-gentle-refreshing-toner/ID=prod6182481-product

There is a line CVS owns and sells called "Skin+Pharmacy". Only CVS has it.
They make a BHA lotion that is in both 1% and 2%. I haven't seen the 1% in a while, but the 2% is on their website for $11.99. I know my local CVS carries this product.
I find it to be as effective on skin as Paula's Choice BHA and very easy on the wallet.
You would apply this to your entire face lightly after washing and toning at night.
If you have sensitive skin, you are going to want to try this every 3rd day and see how your skin responds. Some people can use it daily...but I like to slowly introduce these types of products to my skin.

http://www.cvs.com/shop/beauty/skin-care/face/skin-pharmacy-advanced-acne-therapy-overnight-salicylic-acid-lotion-prodid-987593?skuId=987593

On the days you are not using the lotion, you can use a Benzoyl Peroxide Spot Treatment after washing and toning in the morning. For starters, I would keep usage to once a day. See how your skin responds and if you want to bump it up, then you can to twice a day, applying to breakouts.
I think starting out at 5% is a good idea since you will also be using a BHA lotion.
http://www.cvs.com/shop/skin-pharmacy-advanced-acne-therapy-spot-treatment-prodid-971013

I would be certain to protect my skin with CeraVe AM. You need that SPF when using BHA. The formula is oil free and has ingredients that will keep skin calm..help it heal.

You want to avoid scented powders. Setting sprays that have added fragrance. This includes primers. If you'd like to make a facial spray out of drugstore ingredients that doubles as a primer, you can make a dupe for Smashbox Primer water. This formulation uses tea tree oil which is acne friendly and kills surface bacteria, and a bit of witch hazel, but the glycerin will prevent you from drying out. I made mine for about $9. Think of it as a hydrating acne treatment you just spritz on.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERdOGpeQpHg

This mist can refresh skin, but also works well spritzed and patted on before applying foundation.

Often acne washes are highly effective, but when using leave-on acne treatments, I like to let skin calm and repair itself. Hence, the gentle washes.

In the evening, after you have washed and toned (or applied your BHA lotion/if you decide to spot treat that night)... about 30 minutes after it has soaked soaked in...I'd apply a thin layer of CeraVe PM lotion. On nights you aren't using BHA, I'd still use this before bed. This oil free moisturizer has Niacinamide, which is amazing for healing and preventing acne when applied topically or taken orally. My own derm recommended this. Bonus, both CeraVe AM and PM help protect from free-radicals and help skin increase elasticity...to repair and soothe. I wouldn't use the AHA and the Benzoyl peroxide spot cream layered..at the same time. I would alternate my usage. You may find the spot treatment works well in the AM and then the AHA in the PM...and that agrees with your skin and can become a daily routine. Just ease into it and be sure to stay moisturized.

This is all very economical and I hope they prove successful.
You can always hit up my profile if you have questions or concerns.
Please, be sure to use that sunscreen every single day and touch up if you are going to be out in the sun.

Lastly, if you aren't already using an all-cotton pillowcase, I would start so that skin can breathe. This should be changed every 3rd day.
Drinking Teavana green tea (their leaves are from Japan) and any nice chamomile in my personal opinion helps skin. The anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory and soothing effects I have seen in my own skin. You can use the green tea bags (after you drink it) to make a calming splash that helps kill surface bacteria. If you drink your tea (I alternate between 2...one cup a day) Use your teabag or leaves with boiled water and let them steep for a few hours. Once cooled, you can splash the cool tea on your face and pat gently with an all cotton towel. Since you are chemically exfoliating, I wouldn't use any scrubs or exfoliating masks right now. A wet, all cotton, nubby washcloth is gentle and can help keep skin soft. I like to bump up Niacin, C, and Zinc in my diet when my skin is acting up.

Best of luck to you!

Mar 22, 2016

katie s.

Wow! That's some transformation Sj M 😊 My parents don't want me to use proactive though because they say your skin has to get a lot worse before it gets better and they think my acne is just from not cleansing my skin properly. I'm really glad the transformation worked so great for you though 😊

Thank you so so so much Rozberry! That was very very helpful and I can't wait to try out some new products that you recommended! You seem to know a lot about skin care :) I will definitely hit up your profile if I have any more questions!

Mar 22, 2016

Shelby B.

I would say try dermalogica special cleansing gel, it really light on the skin and it leave you skin so refresh after cleanse it

Mar 22, 2016

katie s.

Thank you Shelby :) I think I'm going to try Rozberry's suggestions first and if it doesn't work out, I'll cone back to some of these suggestions!

Mar 22, 2016

Roz X.

My pleasure. Your skin will tell you what works...what to bump up and when to pull back so pay close attention to it so you can adjust your routine.
I think a clay mask, as you were looking at, once a week is a great idea. I'd skip AHA that day. My own recommendation would be from Sally's.
http://www.sallybeauty.com/abh-clay-mask/SBS-655145,default,pd.html

Baby your skin with cotton and establish a strict regimen and you should hopefully see big changes.
On a side note: You can pull back on dairy and meat and see if your skin improves..just a little bit less. Those products have hormones and that can trigger acne. Also, reduce the sugar intake, even of natural sugars, such as orange juice..just dial them back slightly. Watch and see, but I'm glad you are looking forward to this and feeling optimistic and ready to tackle this! :) Document your skin changes with photos for yourself or keep a journal.

Psst..
Be really gentle. Treat every skin day like a Spa.
This is a list of habits that can help reduce breakouts and another for foods that can benefit acne suffers. Worth a peek. I forgot about my Omega 3's!
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/features/lifestyle
(3 pages)

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/11/09/best-foods-for-acne_n_2089079.html

Mar 23, 2016

katie s.

Thank you so much again Rozberry :) I can't wait to try these out and see drastic changes in my skin!