Acne Help, Please!

Oct 24, 2011

Caitlin F.

Recently I've been enrolled in classes that have been extra-stressful, and my stress level has been taking a toll on my skin. I've been getting cystic acne (bumps underneath the skin), blackheads, and pimples. Are there any drugstore acne solutions for this? Or high end?

Oct 24, 2011

Mai L.

I found the Clean and Clear Persa Gel to be excellent against cystic acne, BUT it requires gradual use and is drying so you'll need to use a good moisturizer and to use gradually more and more each time. A sunscreen is a must because the BP in the Persa Gel increases your sensitivity to the sun. If you're looking for good reviews of acne treatment products, go to acne.org. The site does sell its own acne system but it's got an objective review section.

Oct 24, 2011

Caitlin F.

Thank you sooo much! Did you find the Clean and Clear Persa Gel at Target or CVS?

Oct 24, 2011

Mai L.

You can find them at both. I will warn you though, the generic Target version of the Persa Gel is nowhere near comparable to the Clean and Clear Persa Gel. The Target version balls up when you put moisturizer on top and it's just ick.

Oct 24, 2011

Iryl Ley G.

im in the esthetics program & well its all about skin care. tell me more about this cystic acne that you have. is it all the time or just when you stress out? are they big & where on your face are they located? ill try to answer the best i can (: & FYI, drug store products wont help "/ they only penetrate on top of the skin i know professional products are expensive they target under the skin & a lil goes a long way

Oct 24, 2011

Caitlin F.

They're primarily big and are usually around my chin and some on my forehead. I usually get them during my cycle or when I'm really stressed out.

Oct 24, 2011

Mai L.

If it gets really bad, consider going to a dermatologist. They can give you antibiotics. If they're mostly hormonal acne (which if you're getting them during your cycle they probably are), consider going on birth control. There are some birth control pills that are actually meant to help with acne 

Oct 24, 2011

Alice C.

hey love :)
I tried everything and eventually after years and years of acne i discovered benzoyl peroxide - it will dry your skin out majorly but it works when nothing else does :)

I have a full explanation on my blog :)

http://www.aliceallure.blogspot.com

Oct 24, 2011

Jessica F.

I'm so sorry to hear about the acne! I have the same kind, once I hit 27 I started getting that painful acne, worse than when I was a teenager! Now that I'm 32 it's calmed down, only annoying me during my period.

I tried everything. And I mean anything. Mary Kay did nothing for me, neither did any of the store brands. Then I went to the Clinique counter. Instead of the bar soap, I got the liquid soap and the right astringent, and instead of the heavy moisturizer, I got the gel one which is lighter and not as likely to clog my pores. 

Oct 25, 2011

Catey P.

I have really oily, super sensitive skin and Ole Henrikson night gel made a gigantic difference for me. Everybody's skin is different, but if you're looking at the high end products, I'd recommend something from Ole. They cost a lot, but they'll last forever.

Oct 25, 2011

Angela W.

Your hormones are what's causing the Acne so nothing topical is really going to make it go away. Just remember that nothing- even school- is worth getting so stressed over. One way I learned how to take the stress out of school was to plan better. I know it sounds like a pain, but planning time for homework and studying and then ACTually following through made a huge difference. All of my work was done and I never felt that "oh god I'm not prepared and now I'm overwhelmed" feeling. I think that'll help clear your face up more than any product can!

Oct 25, 2011

Iryl Ley G.

if its usually around your chin and the sides of your cheek its hormonal girl. if its on your forehead its normal to get breakouts there when youre stressed out cos i get em too. but make sure you dont touch your face, sanitize & sometimes its from your shampoo oh & dont ever pop your pimple 

Oct 25, 2011

Arie C.

I have the same type of acne, and it is also stress/hormone related. The only thing I've found that works is letting it heal on it's own. Wash your face as you normally would, moisturize well, and drink lots of water. And don't try to squeeze any of the lumps and bumps because that only makes them bigger and inflamed. For black heads, try exfoliating the area, steam your face for five minutes, then try some of those biore strips. They don't work for everyone, but exfoliating and steaming your face will help them work a bit better. Hope this helped! :D

Oct 25, 2011

Tiffany R.

I have tried every acne product on this earth it seems like. I have even been on Accutain (very strong prescription drug) with no results. Well about a year ago I started doing some research on AHA products. I found Alpha Hydrox lotion at Walgreens for $12. Here is what their website says "Alpha Hydrox anti-wrinkle treatment products contain the maximum safe & effective amounts (8% to 14%) of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) at effective pH levels. Much better than expensive department store brands, Alpha Hydrox facial care products are all fragrance-free and a mere fraction of the cost. If you need advanced care for healthy, clear, smooth skin, Alpha Hydrox is for you." I use the enhanced lotion with the 10% glycolic AHA. It tingle a little when you first put it on because of the acids that are eating away at your dead skin cells. This is what helps your pores from getting clogged. I recommended the lotion to my mother (who has bad acne as well) and my best friend. Both are using the lotion now and loving it. My profile picture did not have any retouching done for acne. My skin is seriously that clear now. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend this product line. And you can't beat the price! Try it for two weeks! I swear you'll like it!!!! And good luck! Acne can be SO frustrating!  

Oct 26, 2011

Caitlin F.

Thank you so much ladies! I really appreciate all the help!

Oct 28, 2011

Kelsey S.

i just wanted to add...if you dont find any products that work for you and the acne keeps being a problem, birth control pills totally work! i don't know if you would be willing to consider it but i know how frustrating it can be. i had acne in high school and it is the only thing that has cleared it up. acne is caused by hormones and the birth control pills will keep them regulated and stop breakouts from the source. hopefully you can find an easier, more convenient fix, but if not then the pill could definitely help you out!

Oct 28, 2011

Jessica F.

Birth Control was the major factor in getting my adult acne under control!

Oct 28, 2011

Jennifer-Rose J.

I've had acne all my life and over the years I've found quite a few things that work. Pro-Activ was a godsend for me until they changed the formula. I have oily, super sensitive skin and I've found that from the drugstore Neutrogena's Pink Grapefruit CREAM cleanser is wonderul. The cream version is super gentle. I put in on at the start of my shower, let it sit, then rinse at the end. I really hardly ever get a pimple except for during my cycle. I used to take antibiotics for my acne but long term usage isn't good for anyone. Instead of that, when I do get a bad breakout, I take liquid chlorophyll. It's a liquid minty supplement that you can out in juice or water (sometimes I even put it in my coffee if I'm rushing). It acts as a natural anti-biotic, it's great for digestion, too. It's a really great cleanser for the body and you'll notice within a few hours, the redness leaving the bumps. I hope this helps...

Oct 28, 2011

Jane D.

use Dermologica, it is the best product to get rid of acne ever!! I have not met one person it doesn't work on 

Oct 28, 2011

Peechee K.

best advice i've ever heard: get rest and keep clean and moisturized. sometimes the cause of breakouts is just not enough rest and/or your skin is dry!

Oct 30, 2011

Dawn M.

I found that the only thing that has ever really cleared up my skin, is Noxema. And I have tried a looooot of products. 

Oct 30, 2011

Jasmin A.

Neutrogena (drugstore) has an oil-free acne stress wash. You probably might also want to consider drinking more water too. (:

Oct 31, 2011

Lucy M.

I usually use proactiv. And when I wash my face I use Aveeno Clear Complexion Face Wash and it seems to help some. Proactiv does really work though. You just have to be patient with it sometimes. Occasionally when it doesn't work I use something else for a while and then go back to it. Once I go back to it after a month or so it starts working again. Hope this helped!

Nov 2, 2011

Caitlin F.

Thank you sooooo much ladies! I really really appreciate the help!

Nov 5, 2011

Jena O.

Hi Caitin I am a Licensed Esthetician. I have had acne for over 10 years I have found that diet (don't eat fast food, fried food, soda,coffee) eat healthy, drink plenty of water, green tea, get enough sleep (your skin regenerates while you sleep). Supplements have helped my hormonal acne zinc & L-Lysine (these two are very important and help your immune system). I have a skincare blog, here are links for my best acne tips & products.
1) Neostrata anti-bacterial face wash $27 at ulta
2) Clean & Clear Persa Gel is my favorite acne cream $6 at cvs
If you have any questions email me.
http://ladyjskincare.blogspot.com/2011/06/easy-fixes-for-random-breakouts.html
http://ladyjskincare.blogspot.com/2011/11/review-clean-clear-persa-gel-10-zaps.html
http://ladyjskincare.blogspot.com/2011/09/review-neostrata-oily-skin-solution.html