Is it possible that acne care products are making me acne-prone?

Nov 4, 2014

Mitch R.

Hey there- so I faithfully used Neutrogena Rapid Clear toner+lotion for years when I first started getting acne in high school. I'm now 21, and seem to be hitting a time in my life where my acne is flaring up again. I'm blessed and don't have it THAT bad- but I'm a bit of a perfectionist. Anyway- is it possible that the start of acne products have created an acne problem all together? Is there a way to "ween off" and get natural? Thanks.

Nov 4, 2014

Ari M.

It can do that yes
Your body goes through a lot of changes during your teens and twenties so what might've worked back then can start reacting badly due to your current body's chemistry

I can't say that the natural route will be any better. It's more like you'll have to experiment on what will work for now

Nov 4, 2014

Kitty K.

That toner has alcohol in it which may be contributing to your Skins current break out. I suggest using a toner free of any kind of Solvent Alcohol as they cause free radical damage and irritation ( Irritation is what contributes to more break outs..) The lotion is actually a BHA lotion which is pretty good within itself.
Hormones and other factors such as pollution can contribute to break outs as well. Its hard to pin point what directly is contributing to it.
Natural products aren't better. Most products are derived from 'natural' sources anyways ( Salicylic Acid for example is found in Tomatoes, Aloe Vera, Willow Bark ). I recommend using a gentle toner, a BHA, A light moisturizer and Sunscreen. Anti oxidants serums can also help reduce acne by reducing the damage caused by environmental factors.

Nov 5, 2014

Mitch R.

Thanks girls, for your input.

Kitty-
Thanks for telling me about the natural products. I hadn't known that! But, what I meant previously, by "natural", was perhaps not using any sort of acne prevention at all. Maybe just spot treatment when needed. Is this a bad idea??

So I bought "Simple" toner, an alcohol free toner. I still use my rapid clear lotion, however. Are these okay together? You did mention BHA and it being good. Perhaps I could just cleanse my face and then use the lotion, rather than cleansing, toner, lotion?

Thanks as always ladies! <3