I've had bad acne on my forehead for years. I don't seem to have any issues on my cheeks and neck. Someone recommended some Arbonne products to me recently so I've been using them for a few months but have only seen minimal improvements. The kit is very expensive, running $60-80 a month depending how much I use. I just can't justify spending that much on a skin care product that hasn't fixed my issue. Are there any products you would recommend to me? I don't mind spending some money for something that is tried and true.
Recommend Me A Face Wash
- Thread starter lmill999
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What does your current facial regimen look like? I have fairly oily combination skin and while a cleanser worked, I didn't get the results I wanted until I buckled down hard on my regimen.
That being said, Clean & Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser was great for me. It's about $5-6 at Walgreens (I'm sure you can find it at Walmart or CVS as well) and has 10% Benzoyl Peroxide (about as high as you should go before you start drying yourself out). It doesn't smell very bad either, but can burn if you aren't used to using one. Don't get it in your eyes!
edit: I don't mean to probe, but have you seen a dermatologist? Certain topical cleansers have adverse reactions if you combine them with medications that combat acne. Just something to keep in mind ^^;
That being said, Clean & Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser was great for me. It's about $5-6 at Walgreens (I'm sure you can find it at Walmart or CVS as well) and has 10% Benzoyl Peroxide (about as high as you should go before you start drying yourself out). It doesn't smell very bad either, but can burn if you aren't used to using one. Don't get it in your eyes!
edit: I don't mean to probe, but have you seen a dermatologist? Certain topical cleansers have adverse reactions if you combine them with medications that combat acne. Just something to keep in mind ^^;
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- #3
I have not seen a dermatologist. I've never considered it really. I may need to do that soon.
I wash my face in the morning and at night. The kit I'm using now is a wash, toner and lotion. I apply all 3 products day and night.
I may try to use some witch hazel and then the Clean and Clear you recommended. It sure does get frustrating after you've tried multiple things will little success. Thanks for your input. It's greatly appreciated.
I wash my face in the morning and at night. The kit I'm using now is a wash, toner and lotion. I apply all 3 products day and night.
I may try to use some witch hazel and then the Clean and Clear you recommended. It sure does get frustrating after you've tried multiple things will little success. Thanks for your input. It's greatly appreciated.
No problem at all. It can be -immensely- frustrating, especially if it's only one area. I'm sorry that I couldn't give you an end-all, solve-all solution. I tried many kits (proactive, skinceuticals, a few others) and didn't have nearly the results I wanted. Being in your 20s and looking like a 14 year-old is not what I'd consider status quo.
I later found that there was more power in the regimen than in the product. You already wash your face, tone, and moisturize twice a day which is the perfect amount. I found a few tricks that helped a little bit:
-Wash your hands before you use your facial cleanser--even if you do so right after you shower! It seems silly, but body soap =/= hand soap
-Don't scrub with the facial cleanser, use your fingertips and rub lightly.
-Exfoliate lightly with a separate product once a week (make a day every week so you don't overlap as too much is bad... we already use a brush for the shaving area so bonus!)
-Change your pillowcase every day and change your sheets at least once a week. I bought a pack or two of pillowcase and rotate.
-Try really, really hard not to touch your face at all
-Diet: Cut down on greasy foods, take a good multivitamin, vitamin C, and drink a TON of water. Try for a gallon a day.
-Keep your hair shorter or raised above your forehead line <<< This one helped a lot for me. I used to get pimples right on my hairline. Ouch!
-Limit your shower to once a day. I shower at night, personally, but there are benefits to both.
-If you have to wash your face in the middle of the day, only use a toner and cold water to freshen up.
-Cotton Balls are amazing. I use them to apply aftershave/toner as to prevent oils from my hands from getting on my face.
edit: I wish your good luck and don't be downtrodden if it doesn't work! Time, patience, and luck are what we need :/ Sadly, it seems like some products just don't work as well for some as they do others. If you have any questions, feel free to send me a message. I'll try to think of some other things and ask a few friends who share the grief and get back to you!
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- Thread starter
- #5
Michael, thanks for all your help. A lot of things I never even considered. Looks like I need to switch up my routine some. It sounds like you are a dermatologist yourself 
Michael, thanks for all your help. A lot of things I never even considered. Looks like I need to switch up my routine some. It sounds like you are a dermatologist yourself
A lot of research, a friend that had -very bad- full-body acne, and trial and error
Good luck and it's always a pleasure to give back.You are most likely going to need more than a face wash to combat acne. It's a great first step, but usually not enough. A leave on topical such as salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide, or both is a good idea.
I have recommended this product many times: http://www.paulaschoice.com/shop/co...-Perfecting-Two-Percent-BHA-Liquid-Exfoliant/
You apply it after you wash your face. Either once, or twice a day. Or every other day. It has been the best over the counter, non-prescription product that I've used.
I have recommended this product many times: http://www.paulaschoice.com/shop/co...-Perfecting-Two-Percent-BHA-Liquid-Exfoliant/
You apply it after you wash your face. Either once, or twice a day. Or every other day. It has been the best over the counter, non-prescription product that I've used.
Or tack in the opposite direction and try just a basic mild soap like MdC followed by a few drops of rose hip seed oil rubbed in nicely. I have found using oils actually tends to reduce oily or problematic skin conditions instead of making them worse. Expect it to take a couple months to start really clearing things up though used twice a day as you are.
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- #11
It is quite possible. I'm not really sure how different products effect skin. I rock a buzz cut, so I don't know that my shampoo would change anything. Do you think it is still worth looking into different shampoos products?
There could be a certain degree of irritation caused by the fragrance and chemicals used to 'stick' to the hair that are in common shampoos. It's rare for serious problems to arise, but I do know that certain people find it a possible cause of their body acne: you rinse your shampoo out and it sticks to your shoulders/chest area and clogs pores/irritates skin/stimulates oil production which then causes acne. If nothing else works, I'd say that it could definitely be something to consider. However...
I would try little changes over time (2 weeks to a month before swapping things out for new ones). If you change too much at once, you may not get any results and you're back at square one. If you change one thing at a time, you can pinpoint what helps, hurts, or does nothing.
I would try little changes over time (2 weeks to a month before swapping things out for new ones). If you change too much at once, you may not get any results and you're back at square one. If you change one thing at a time, you can pinpoint what helps, hurts, or does nothing.
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Acne doesn't always result from overactive sebaceous gland and oily skin. However, I have very oily skin and what worked for me was this facial wash: Neutrogena Rapid Clear. Been using it for years... Once it was easily available in stores. Nowadays I can find it only online. However, I highly recommend finding and consulting a good dermatologist, since there are a variety of underlying factors which contribute to acne.
Jack Black just released a new cleanser that's a two in one type deal. It's called Deep Dive Glycolic Cleanser. It can be used as a traditional cleanser or left on the skin to dry like a mask for a deep down clean. I ordered it and should have it Tuesday. In the past I've found most JB products to be overrated, but I've always loved their Turbo Wash. I knew their releasing a new cleanser especially for normal/combo/oily skin types was inevitable. The Pure Clean Face Wash never quite gave me that "clean" feeling I like. This new stuff will hopefully be a winner.
lots of useful info here. Just wanted to share some of my experiences..
I am still prone to the occasional break out and I'm 45. I also have greasy skin.
After some advice from a friend of mine who is a beautician, I paid a lot of attention to my routine.
- I keep my hair short (not so much choice now anyhow).
- I have not used soap, only face wash on my skin for many years.
- I usually use BS Tea tree for my face, alternatives are Trader Joes (if I am in the US), or Thursday Plantation (from OZ). Occasionally I use the Nivea face wash if I can find the one specifically for problem skin.
- I only use my hands for washing, never a cloth/flannel.
- I shower twice a day, and I wash my face both times.
- I also used to be unconsciously touching my face, both at work and at home when I was watching TV or something.. I think I was continually checking for more spots, or the status of ones I already had. This was definitely making things worse, and I asked the people around me to 'nag me' if they saw me doing it, to help me stop doing it. It worked, and made a difference.
- I moisturize with the Khiels Facial Fuel, not every single day, maybe every other.
- When shaving, I use Thayers Witch-hazel (with alcohol), and if I think I'm getting a breakout, I actually splash on the breakout also.
Just following on from other advice, having a conversation with a dermatologist could not do any harm. One of my inlaws who had dreadful acne, had a specialist treatment. I don't know exactly what, but it was an oral course of medication, and there is an apparent risk of organ failure, so part of the course actually includes frequent tests to monitor it. I think the course was for about 6 months, but the I saw him last month for the first time in a year, and his skin is now about 99% clear.
Good luck, hope you get it managed.
I am still prone to the occasional break out and I'm 45. I also have greasy skin.
After some advice from a friend of mine who is a beautician, I paid a lot of attention to my routine.
- I keep my hair short (not so much choice now anyhow).
- I have not used soap, only face wash on my skin for many years.
- I usually use BS Tea tree for my face, alternatives are Trader Joes (if I am in the US), or Thursday Plantation (from OZ). Occasionally I use the Nivea face wash if I can find the one specifically for problem skin.
- I only use my hands for washing, never a cloth/flannel.
- I shower twice a day, and I wash my face both times.
- I also used to be unconsciously touching my face, both at work and at home when I was watching TV or something.. I think I was continually checking for more spots, or the status of ones I already had. This was definitely making things worse, and I asked the people around me to 'nag me' if they saw me doing it, to help me stop doing it. It worked, and made a difference.
- I moisturize with the Khiels Facial Fuel, not every single day, maybe every other.
- When shaving, I use Thayers Witch-hazel (with alcohol), and if I think I'm getting a breakout, I actually splash on the breakout also.
Just following on from other advice, having a conversation with a dermatologist could not do any harm. One of my inlaws who had dreadful acne, had a specialist treatment. I don't know exactly what, but it was an oral course of medication, and there is an apparent risk of organ failure, so part of the course actually includes frequent tests to monitor it. I think the course was for about 6 months, but the I saw him last month for the first time in a year, and his skin is now about 99% clear.
Good luck, hope you get it managed.
I go for a minimalist approach to face care. I don't use soap on my face, just warm water. Twice weekly I use a very mild chemical exfoliator...which is the fancy term for a stridex pad. Daily I use a facial moisturizer, CerAve in the tub. Apparently it's different then CerAve in the pump.
Are you using hair products? The acne only on your forehead makes me think that perhaps you aren't washing something out of your hair.
Are you putting a clean towel down on your pillow every night?
Are you going to see a dermatologist?
Are you getting outside enough?
Are you suffering from allergies?
Are you using hair products? The acne only on your forehead makes me think that perhaps you aren't washing something out of your hair.
Are you putting a clean towel down on your pillow every night?
Are you going to see a dermatologist?
Are you getting outside enough?
Are you suffering from allergies?
- Thread starter
- #18
The only hair product I use is some Dove shampoo.
I don't put a towel on my pillow. That's a great idea that I have never thought about.
I don't get outside much this time of year. Now that it is warming up I will spend more time outside.
No real allergies for me.
I have not seen a dermatologist yet. I wanted to try a few things before I have to pay to see one. I don't have the greatest insurance.
Thanks everyone for your input. I've been using Clean & Clear face wash for the past 2 weeks. I am starting to see some improvements. I'm hoping it will continue to improve over the next few weeks.
I'm glad to see you're having some improvement. It's a long process to find what works for you and there are a lot of tricks & tips that could potentially be useful. Nothing replaces a good dermatologist, but they'll likely recommend a lot of the similar routine suggestions given here only augment them with oral or topical treatments. Everyone's skin is different and it's a very dynamic science.
edit: I wish you continued good luck! Keep at it!
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I recommend you take a look at the ingredients that are in your facial cleansers. Most of the time you are getting acne because of horrible ingredients drying out your face which is actually just making your skin produce extra oil. That mixes with the dead skin on the uppermost layer of the epidermis since you are not using anything to exfoliate which in turn will clog your pores and eventually mix with the real culprit being P.Acnes Bacteria. Keeping the pores clean is very important if you don't want acne.
I would suggest going the all natural route to begin because it is best for your skin in the long run. My favorite cleanser being Made from earth green tea toxin cleanser. Or you can find Mychelle Dermaceuticals at most whole foods. I would opt for the Honey dew cleaner from that company.
If you want something that actually targets acne I would suggest after cleansing you use an actual serum that is made up of 2%-5% salicylic acid. Keep in mind 5% is a touch high for everyday use until your skin gets used to it. 2% can be used daily. I would stay away from benzoyl peroxide as it actually damages the skin in the long run. But if you do go for benzoyl peroxide, just use a maximum of 2.5%. That wont really damage the skin but make sure you have a sunscreen on in the day time if you are using benzoyl or salicylic.
Trying to eat a bit cleaner and drinking more water will also help a lot.
And as one other member said, changing your pillow case daily will make a difference as well.
I would suggest going the all natural route to begin because it is best for your skin in the long run. My favorite cleanser being Made from earth green tea toxin cleanser. Or you can find Mychelle Dermaceuticals at most whole foods. I would opt for the Honey dew cleaner from that company.
If you want something that actually targets acne I would suggest after cleansing you use an actual serum that is made up of 2%-5% salicylic acid. Keep in mind 5% is a touch high for everyday use until your skin gets used to it. 2% can be used daily. I would stay away from benzoyl peroxide as it actually damages the skin in the long run. But if you do go for benzoyl peroxide, just use a maximum of 2.5%. That wont really damage the skin but make sure you have a sunscreen on in the day time if you are using benzoyl or salicylic.
Trying to eat a bit cleaner and drinking more water will also help a lot.
And as one other member said, changing your pillow case daily will make a difference as well.
