Help!??! Acne problems!

Jun 11, 2014

Angela O.

Try Proactive! It really helps!

Jun 11, 2014

Kymberlee G.

Diana-I already have the apricot scrub :) how often should I use it?? I use it once a week right now.
Angela- I tried proactive a while back and it didn't work
Morena-where can I get the black soap?(:
Thanks for the answers

Jun 11, 2014

Roz X.

My personal recommendation would be The Body Shop's Tea Tree Oil acne kit. For spot treatment, Bare Minerals Blemish Therapy and I'd use an aloe based toner prior to moisturizing...alternating between CeraVe AM and PM...sealing moisture in a half hour after evening application with Jojoba Oil or Sweet Almond Oil.
Additionally, I'd cut back my starches/carbs/sugar/dairy and drink 2 cups of Green Tea daily. Green tea kills bacteria and fungus while reducing inflammation. This works externally as well...so a green tea rinse every day will soothe and calm your skin...which is clearly irritated. I'd also bump up my B complex, Omega 3, C, Zinc and Iron intake.
I recommend using all cotton pillowcases changed every 3rd day and only pure cotton puffs on your face as well.
In your downtime, let your skin breathe..free from make up and chemicals... and keep your hair up loosely to avoid abrasive acne. Hair brushing against the face can irritate and transfer oils as well. If you haven't already, clean your cosmetic brushes well and pitch any dated make up or skin products. Hope that helps!

Jun 11, 2014

Roz X.

Oh..I do not advise using St. Ives scrub. It has shards that can cause skin tears and is far too abrasive...particularly on acne-prone complexions. I'd exfoliate only twice a week with either Daily Radiance or Philosophy Micro delivery wash..both gentle and hydrating. For face wash...if you run oily, Cetaphil, if you run dry, CeraVe. I'd also always use a fresh cotton washcloth daily..patting gently to dry with no rubbing. :)

Jun 11, 2014

Roz X.

I just wanted to share the information I have, but of course, everyone is entitled to their favorites. My derm advised against it as the edges of the granules are jagged and not rounded. This increases irritation for some and over time, skin tears are inevitable. I'd recommend either refraining from use, but if you choose to continue to enjoy the product, my best to you.

Jun 11, 2014

Roz X.

Like sandpaper. *shivers* Natural doesn't always mean best. Tobacco is natural. ;p.

Jun 11, 2014

Lisa S.

Gahhhh don't use St.Ives!! Please don't. It may seem great at first and you may get results but in the long run it will ruin your skin because it creates micro cuts in the skin! I used to use it but because of the research I've done on it, there is no way that will ever go near my skin! Totally agree with Rozberry.

Jun 11, 2014

Lisa S.

As for the acne @Kymberlee, I recommend Philosophy Clear Days Ahead. I loveeee it, I bought the kit just to try it out and I know I will be going back for the cleanser when I run out. The Body Shop,
Murad, and Avon are also great brand but since I bought Philosophy my skin looks amazing! And I was having a horrible breakout when I got it and it has vanished!!

Jun 11, 2014

Shelley W.

I've seen the jagged edges of St Ives scrub under a microscope. Its not a pretty sight and you couldnt pay me to use it on my skin. Any scrub that contains jagged granules only cause enlarged pores and create micro tears on the skin.

Jun 11, 2014

Brittany F.

Developing a solid skin care routine is key when it comes to clearing up your skin. Cleanse, tone, moisturize.
The most effective and most commonly used acne fighting ingredient is Benzoyl Peroxide. Benzoyl Peroxide works by killing off the bacteria causing your acne and drying up pustules at the same time.
Another common favourite is tea tree oil, it has anti bacterial and nourishing properties that will combat your acne and overall improve your complexion. It can be used as a spot treatment or found in acne fighting products.
Sulphur masks are also great; they work through osmosis to rid your body of the toxins under your skin that may be causing breakouts. I highly recommend the Murad one; use a sulphur or any acne fighting mask once a week to help speed up the process of ridding your skin from pimples.
When it comes to the actual routine you want to be sure you're consistent with it and washing your face once a day. A problem a lot of people have it that they do not properly wash their face, whenever you touch your face you want to follow your lymphatic system. It is the system that flushes out toxins from your face and working against it will cause build up and lead to breakouts. I like to think of it like streams, ponds and lakes. Streams are from your nose outward, working from the innermost part of your face you want to move your hand towards the outer edges. Now toxins are built up in 'ponds' Around the edges of your face, so finish off by going from the temple to the chin on either side, the lakes are the bottom of your chin! Start off with a cleanser with any of those acne fighting ingredients and use it to wash off any dirt oil or makeup from that day, always run in gentle circular motions following your nymphatic system. I recommend a foaming or gel water activated cleanser as they're usually more deep cleansing and will help you get rid of the bacteria under your skin. After wards always follow it with a toner. The high quantity of minerals in water will throw off your Ph balance and cause your skin to freak out which will not contribute to your acne problems. Afterwards follow up with a water based moisturizer. Oil can clog your pores and irritate your acne. If you have dry skin and cannot go without proper moisturizing get a hydrating serum to apply under your day cream.

Jun 11, 2014

Kymberlee G.

Okay thanks guys! Also I don't wear any makeup so makeup couldn't cause this :) should I quit using acne free and the black head stuff and just use the apricot scrub?(:

Jun 11, 2014

Traci L.

You don't want to use apricot scrub on your face at all it has jagged edges that cause micro tears in the skin ,you can use it on your body and you definitely don't use a manual scrub daily if you want a gentle scrub aveeno positively radiant scrub has round beads ,and it takes a lot more than using a scrub to clear acne ,you can try homecare using salicylic acid products and tee tree products like My boo Rozberry suggested ,combined with exfoliating using Alpha hydroxy acid or a enzyme exfoliater and spot treat using salicylic ,tee tree oil or benzoyl peroxide ,but if it persists its better to go to a dermatologist if you can

Jun 11, 2014

Lisa S.

Don't use St. Ives!! Lol read the other comments Kymberlee. 💕

Jun 11, 2014

Kymberlee G.

Sorry guys when I posted that your comments weren't there! I for sure wormy st Ives! Thanks a bunch! But if I don't use that what other drug store product could I use??

Jun 11, 2014

Kymberlee G.

Won't use not wormy-.-

Jun 11, 2014

Traci L.

You can use Cerave cleanser in the daytime neutrogena deep clean at night and Aveeno positively radiant scrub twice a week and cerave moisturizer day and night if your looking for just drugstore products hun try and get the cerave Am and Pm the Am has spf.

Jun 11, 2014

Kymberlee G.

Thank you!(: