Adult Acne

[rasputinkitty]

All my life I've had great skin-then I hit my 30s!!!! I've developed acne and it sucks!! What can I do?

[randomkid]

This happened to me in my 30s as well. Is your skin more red than it used to be? Turns out I have rosacea which I never had before. That is what was causing my skin to break out. Now I treat my skin differently and it has been so much better. Just something to consider.

[EllasMum]

Anything with benzoyl peroxide works great for me. Use it sparingly though as it is quite drying. Works fast, though!

[proggoddess]

2nd the rec for BP, but it does bleach certain fabrics, so you might want to use it only at night and only with white pillowcases. Check your BP cream or lotion to make sure it doesn't contain pore-clogging ingredients like isopropyl myristate, or myristyl myristate. Kind of defeats the purpose!

I like salicylic acid because it doesn't bleach. I used to use pHisoderm acne foaming wash when I shower. And I used Clinique's skin clearing foundation which also has it.

I think there is a list of cosmetic ingredients at sageskincare.com with their comedogenicity. Check their articles section. I haven't personally used the products they sell, just read their articles.

I hear that avoiding dairy helps breakouts, but that has never worked for me. (The only thing that has helped was being pg, but I don't want to do this forever! LOL!)

[proggoddess]

2nd the rec for BP, but it does bleach certain fabrics, so you might want to use it only at night and only with white pillowcases. Check your BP cream or lotion to make sure it doesn't contain pore-clogging ingredients like isopropyl myristate, or myristyl myristate. Kind of defeats the purpose!

I like salicylic acid because it doesn't bleach. I used to use pHisoderm acne foaming wash when I shower. And I used Clinique's skin clearing foundation which also has it.

I think there is a list of cosmetic ingredients at sageskincare.com with their comedogenicity. Check their articles section. I haven't personally used the products they sell, just read their articles.

I hear that avoiding dairy helps breakouts, but that has never worked for me. (The only thing that has helped was being pg, but I don't want to do this forever! LOL!)

[BeachBaby]

I've gotten really good results from Serious Skin Care's Continuously Clear line. It took a few weeks for it to kick in, but I'm really happy with how my skin looks these days.

[BeachBaby]

I've gotten really good results from Serious Skin Care's Continuously Clear line. It took a few weeks for it to kick in, but I'm really happy with how my skin looks these days.

[TaChapm]

I second the Serious Skin Care line. When I am breaking out I use the Continuously Clear Line and the Glycolic cleanser when I am not breaking out. I started breaking out really bad going through IVF with Jackson and while pregnant. This is the only thing that works to clear up my skin and keep it clear.

Tara
Mommy to Jackson 11-10-02
Tyler William 6-9-05
OMG!!! Baby #3 Due September 5, 2006!

http://b4.lilypie.com/gzWfm8.png

http://b1.lilypie.com/kLMem8.png

http://bd.lilypie.com/UEZ3m8.png

[TaChapm]

I second the Serious Skin Care line. When I am breaking out I use the Continuously Clear Line and the Glycolic cleanser when I am not breaking out. I started breaking out really bad going through IVF with Jackson and while pregnant. This is the only thing that works to clear up my skin and keep it clear.

Tara
Mommy to Jackson 11-10-02
Tyler William 6-9-05
OMG!!! Baby #3 Due September 5, 2006!

http://b4.lilypie.com/gzWfm8.png

http://b1.lilypie.com/kLMem8.png

http://bd.lilypie.com/UEZ3m8.png

[wencit]

Well, I have the opposite problem -- all my life, I've had acne, and it sucks! I've tried both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, and both of them stopped working after a while. The only thing so far that keeps the pimples somewhat in check for me is using a product line called Dermalogica, specifically their skin prep scrub. You can find their products in salons, and while it is pricey, I figure it's worth it for clearer skin. You are only supposed to use the skin prep scrub twice a week or so, but I use it every day in the morning, and I've noticed my skin has been softer and smoother ever since.

Good luck finding a product that works for you. Did I mention that acne sucks?!

[emily_gracesmama]

I'm going to volunteer what I did that really made a huge difference in my skin. I always had pimples, but after I had an ectopic pregnancy that was treated with methotrexate shots, I developed severe acne, I am talking about completely covering my face and neck. It had never never been like that before and of course trying to conceieve you can't quite use the big guns to treat it. I was miserable, I would have worn a paper bag I felt sooo ugly. I had read about laser treatments and I found a doctor that did them about two hours from me. I did two rounds and I am clear, save for the occasional pimple when i get lazy about using benzoyl peroxide at night. They weren't cheap, about $400 a session and not terribly comfortable, less painful than tattoos, but like a rubber band snapping. But I totally credit it with clearing me up as well as lessening the oil my skin produces, the laser shinks your oil glands. It is called smoothbeam laser. HTH! Acne does completely suck!

[karolyp]

I've got it too and it totally sucks!!!! My face didn't even break out this much during puberty....I just don't get it!

Anyhow, my dermatologist prescribed this acidic lotion that literally burns my skin which is not fun. Next time I see her, I will ask for something else. I've also tried proactive too and found that it was too drying. I have, however, been having some sucess with Mary Kay products. I use the deep cleanser, blemish control toner, oil control lotion, and the acne treatment gel. However, I think the key for me is the oil control lotion. It moisturizes my face (bc if it's too dry it will again break out) while keeping the oil production (another break out factor) under control.

HTH and looking forward to reading everyone else's recommendations!

[karolyp]

sorry!

[deenass]

I've used the glycolic cleanser, but haven't heard of the CC. Which products do you use?

[TaChapm]

Here is the set I use:

http://www.hsn.com/cnt/prod/default.aspx?webp_id=2274757&web_id=2274757&sz=0&sf=bs&dept=&cat=&subcat=&gs=&attr=419&prev=hp!sf!146!419&ocm=

It is a 2 month supply and you can set it up on Auto Ship with free shipping. I love it!

Tara
Mommy to Jackson 11-10-02
Tyler William 6-9-05
OMG!!! Baby #3 Due September 5, 2006!

http://b4.lilypie.com/gzWfm8.png

http://b1.lilypie.com/kLMem8.png

http://bd.lilypie.com/UEZ3m8.png

[jerseygirl07067]

I hear ya. And not only do I have a tendency to break out, I'm getting fine lines too.

Anyway, I've had really good luck with ProActiv. It can be drying for some, but if you use moisturizer that will help. It is also way less drying for me in our humid summers in FL vs. the winter. Sometimes I go off of it, just to try something else, but always come back to it. People either seem to love it or hate it. I have heard good things about the Serious Skin Care line too.

My breakouts are definitely hormonal, right around the jawline and and neck area, and when I was pregnant I had the most perfect skin, from the second trimester on. I probably could have slathered motor oil on my face every day and still not have broken out then. :)

Also, I recommend a site called cosmeticscop.com. Very good info and her products are very good too. She is the Ralph Nader so to speak of the beauty industry and gets down to what products work and which ones don't.

Marcy

[kozachka]

I've had acne on and off since puberty. Taking big doses of vitamins A, C & E along with deep cleaning sessions with a dermatologist was the only thing that helped. That and eating food with as little junk in it as possible. Sea/ocean water also works wonders for me.

[Twins2000]

If it's REALLY bad (Cystic acne), I would investigate Accutane. However, you cannot take it if you are pregnant (it causes severe birth defects), and I would guess you can't take it if you are nursing.

I've had good results using some of Paula's Choice products. My current nighttime regimen consists of Cetaphil Liquid Facial Soap (Normal to oily skin formula), Paula's Choice 2% BHA Gel, and Paula's Choice Extra Strength Blemish Fighting Solution (5% Benzoyl Peroxide) where needed. In the am, I use the facial soap and a sunscreen. If my face is broken out, I'll add the BHA in the am too. Make sure you ALWAYS use sunscreen, especially when using a BHA or AHA product.

Good luck!

[aa2mama]

I've struggled with breakouts since I had DS two years ago. I've tried quite a few facial products and have figured out a routine that works well for my skin:

AM: wash with Olay Anti-Aging Anti-Blemish cleanser
moisturize with Olay Complete w SPF 15 for sensitive skin
use Bare Escentuals makeup

PM: wash with Olay Daily Facials for Combo/Oily Skin
use Paula's Choice 2% BHA lotion in t-zone
spot treat blemishes with 5% benzoyl peroxide if necessary
moisture with Olay Complete

I've been surprised at how well Olay products have been working for me.

[emilys_mom]

I had the exact same experience as randomkid (rosacea). I was put on Azalex by my doctor and he switched me to Cetaphil vs any foaming soap. After a few years, they switched me to Metrolotion.