Adult Acne From Hell

Jul 16, 2011

Stephanie M.

I'm crying for help! My skin has gotten really bad since two years after high school... which is terrible to me because I've never had acne. I have oily, acne prone skin and I've tried everything =( I can't afford a dermatologist, but with my skin being so bad, I'm seriously insecure and have been putting off modeling every since. ANY thing out there to help me? Pllleeease help!  

Jul 16, 2011

gee m.

Stephanie I wish I could help. I never had a problem with acne either neither and one day out the blue my face started breaking out. I have tried some of everything and sometimes it works and sometimes it don't. Now my breakouts are an off and on thing. I kind of related it to stress because I have been stressing a lot. I have been using E.L.F. zit zapper for a $1.00 and I can say it really works but I can't say it will keep the zits away.

Jul 16, 2011

Heather H.

I really feel your pain, my skin was exactly the same. I eventually went on accutane a few times and it cleared everything up. However, I did find a routine that did help. I used a gentle cleanser (Cetaphil Daily Facial cleanser), an alcohol free toner, a good salicylic acid treatment (Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control 3-In-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment) and a benzyl peroxide disinfectant (Clean & Clear Persa Gel).

Jul 16, 2011

Catey P.

Whichever product you want to use, make sure you stick to a routine- wash 2x a day and NEVER sleep with makeup on. Drinking tons of water helps a lot, too. Sometimes, when I'm feeling a big breakout coming on, I scrub lightly with sea salt to kill bacteria and exfoliate, that usually helps prevent the worst.

Jul 17, 2011

Candace G.

If you just now started breaking out, do you think you might be allergic to something? I usually only break out really bad when I'm having an allergic reaction to a body wash or makeup product. Especially if you have sensitive skin, I would try switching any skin products and see if there is a difference. My dermatologist told me Cetaphil (there's a knock off brand for half the price at most stores) is the best product to use for acne prone skin because it doesn't irritate at all. Murad acne care also worked wonders for me (much better than proactiv) for a while but it was a bit expensive at 30 dollars a month.

Jul 17, 2011

Marie G.

I know what you are going through. I started breaking out when I was a freshman in high school. I felt soo insecure! I would feel ugly and in class keep my head down and not talk to someone face to face. It got to the point where I would hide in the bathroom. I knew other people were going through it too but I still felt alone. I thought if I put so much acne cream and treatment on my face that it would help but it made it worse cause I use too much.
Over the past 4 years my skin has been better. I only breakout when its my time of the month. Instead of using a bunch of strong acne treatments, I wash my face with clean and clear twice a day and thats it. I don't touch my face with my fingers unless I have just cleaned them since I don't want dirt and bacteria to get in my pores. I never sleep with makeup on, and wash my pillowcases once a week to keep them clean. Also try and go a couple of days without putting makeup on such as foundation and powder to give your skin some time to heal.
Since you can't afford a dermatologist, my advice would to be just research! Try and learn as much as you can about the type of skin you have and how to treat it. Best of luck sweetie. 

Jul 17, 2011

Shauna M.

Always have a skincare regimen ... cleanse, exfoliate, tone and moisturize! You should look for products with Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid ... benzoyl peroxide can help with the bacteria and salicylic can help with the oil.. always change your pillow sheets and never sleep with any make up on. Now if the acne is caused due to hormonal issues you may need to talk to your doctor because there is nothing you can really do at home for hormonal acne. Good luck! And if you have any questions dont hesitate to message me. :)

Jul 17, 2011

Jacqueline L.

I know how you feel, girl. Have you ever tried Mario Badescu's acne products? I just started using them a few months ago and they are by far the best products I have ever used. The formulas are extremely gentle on my sensitive skin. Check 'em out if you haven't already. Good luck! =)

Jul 18, 2011

Michelle H.

Not all products work for everyone so you may need to try a few before finding results. However, make sure you give your products a couple of weeks to see improvement before giving up on them.

There are many things that could be influencing your acne...everything from overstimulation of your oil glands due to over-washing your face to eating habits. While food doesn't necessarily cause acne, it can certainly agitate and make the condition worst.

For starters try a product with salicylic acid in it. Salicylic acid is a little gentler than benzoyl peroxide for some. I wish you the best.

Jul 18, 2011

Deana K.

I had the same problem, and I didn't want to take medication (antibiotics, Accutane) so my dermatologist told me just to follow a good skincare regimen and to NOT overcompensate by trying to "dry" my skin with harsh products as that would make my skin more oily and irritate the acne. The above advice is great - gentle cleanser, never going to bed with makeup on, drinking more water, using salicylic acid rather than benzoyl peroxide, etc. Make sure all your products (cleansers, moisturizers, sunscreen, foundation) are oil-free and non-comedogenic. Oh, and don't pick at breakouts - I know it's hard but trust me you'll be glad you didn't!

Jul 19, 2011

Coco T.

I'm now going through the same problem (I'm 20) I love the Acnes toner by Mentholatum and I am using benzoyl peroxide foaming towelettes given to me by the dermatologist (those seem to help A LOT..I only use once a day in morning) However, I am planning on switching to a different cleanser just because it would be cheaper...

I plan on making a video about this [: If you want, I will try to get it up as soon as possible [: