Oct18
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Guys, I have a dilemma. For years, I’ve struggled with my skin. My chin especially is prone to breakouts. As a result, not only do I still have breakouts, but I also have scarring and dark spots. I know, I know….breakouts on my chin indicate that I’m stressed. When you know the trick to instantly stop stressing, go on and tell me. 😉 I do yoga, I journal, I do relaxing activities to manage my stress, but I still break out.
I’ve tried multiple drugstore options, department store options (Mario Badescu) and right now I’m even trying Proactiv. I feel like a 15 year old. (It’s not working, by the way.) I have an appointment scheduled with a dermatologist but I really don’t want to get anything really drying or harsh on my skin.
So, my dilemma is still. In the past few years, the ONLY time I remember my skin clearing up and feeling good was when I was using Simone France. My skin didn’t feel dry and crackly. My acne cleared up. The scarring started to fade. Their products have short, simple ingredients lists. But their “Sandwich” cleansing process is kind of a pain, AND, most importantly, their products are super pricey. Around $100+ a month for their system.
I’m a pretty strict budgeter (I should share my method with you sometime) and I really can’t see where I could comfortably create wiggle room for this and still meet my savings goals. Unless I stopped eating out entirely. 🙂
So, do I keep trying to find a more affordable drugstore option or do I suck it up and fork out the money for the fancy line that I know works for me? Sigh.
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105 responses to “My Skin Care Dilemma”
Go camping and fishing more. It always relieves my stress.
hahahhaa. good call!
This is one where I think splurging is worth it…our hair and teeth may fall out, our boobs may sag, our clothes will go out of style but our skin? You’ve got it FOREVER! Take care of it!! Philosophy and Fresh have worked for my Sahara Desert skin. It seems like a ton of money, but it goes a long way and Sephora sells economy sizes of Philosophy’s face wash.
ha! you make such a good point! Fresh sounds awesome…I just like the name! 😉
Maybe it’s the humidity in NC…you should probably move to Colorado! 😉 hehe I can’t imagine how frustrating this is and the expense of skincare products. Maybe try it out for a month or two and see if you have the same good reaction and then go from there. I know a lot of people link certain foods to breakouts but I know it’s also really narrow down which could be the cause. Good luck, friend!
omg, i bet the humidity does have something to do with it! i never thought of that!
see what options your dermatologist comes up with before you put major money down again. i’d stop with drugstore brands and go with anything sephora sells since you know you can always return it when it doesn’t work. well, do that if you’re interested in finding less expensive options than the simone france line.
my acne was horrible in high school so i’ve done everything up to accutane and have been on a prescription strength retinol-a (tretinion) for the past 15 years – so i’m hypervigilant about sunscreen……
ooh, i didn’t know that about sephora! thanks! I wear sunscreen everyday too but I always worry that the SPF 15 in my daily moisturizer isn’t enough! Unless it’s like hard-core beach sunscreen, I worry it doesn’t work. I used to work in a tanning salon in high school so I’m hypervigilant about sunscreen now too. :/
Everyone’s skin is different, so this may not help… But I’ve struggled with acne from my late teen years till now (27). My acne was also on my chin and cheeks, and I also refused to do anything too harsh from a derm. What I found works best for me is a combination of diet and cream from my derm. I found wheat and dairy, dairy primarily, really cause flare ups, so I do my best to avoid them all together. I tried Differin gel, and it was ok, but too drying so I stopped using it. Now I use Aczone, and it’s great. Not drying at all!
I also found the right moisturizer is ey! If my face is too dry, I break out more.
My regimen is, wash at night with Cetifil, dry my face completely, use my Aczone, let that soak in completely, and follow with CeraVa pm lotion (bought at Target). In the am, I rinse my face with cool water and follow with a lotion with SPF.
Hope it helps…
Ps, proactive doesn’t work. It only works for people who need to set up a routine of washing their face. That’s all. And their customer service is the worse!
I haven’t heard of Aczone. Thanks for the recommendation!
Can I ask which lotion with SPF you use?
I had the same issues until I found out about the Oil Cleansing Method. I thought it was crazy, but I was tired of spending so much $$! I gave it a whirl, and I can attest that my skin was clear and even glowy after only a few weeks. A quick google search will give you all the info you need!
I’m going to try it! (well, kind of!) THANKS!
I remember reading about the oil cleansing method on some blog, but now I can’t find it. Here is one person’s take: http://sortacrunchy.typepad.com/sortacrunchy/2009/08/from-the-archives-oil-cleansing-method.html
Might be a cheap, natural option.
That was a GREAT link! Super helpful. Thanks!!!
Oh gosh. I have horrible skin. since getting pregnant, i have had SEVERE acne and my skin is red and scarred. And of course I can’t use much. But even before getting pregnant it was temperamental. Only ONE thing has ever helped it: eating gluten-free. I know it sounds crazy but I was talking to my doctor about it and she said that it’s so typical of celiac disease especially considering all of my digestive issues. I had done gluten free once in college and as soon as I quit, my skin broke out worse than it ever had (now pregnancy acne has it beat). I didn’t see the connection until the doctor made it for me. So I cut out gluten in November and didn’t have another pimple until I got pregnant at the end of March. For real. Anyhow… that’s just my experience and everyone has different skin, but it was like a miracle for me. Now I would just like my raging hormones to CALM THE HECK DOWN.
Oh, and for a moisturizer I use palmer’s cocoa butter. Weird? Yes, but it helps with redness and scarring and doesn’t make me breakout. And I like to think that I’ll never have a wrinkle.
omg i didn’t even think about that pregnancy could do that. eesh.
k, i’m gonna do better at gluten! Thanks Abby. 🙂
Palmer’s? really?? I’m gonna check it out!
Eating gluten free and dairy free has changed my lie… and my face! Within two weeks I had no new breakouts!
completely gluten free?? I’m so close that I like to think the occasional scone is ok. 😉
Is there not something you could do to make the $100 extra a month? There’s only two options when you try to change up a budget, spend less or make more. 🙂 Maybe teach an extra class or two, or take up some dog walking since your out and about anyway? I think if something works you should go with it, but $100 is quite a lot.
I have super-grumpy skin, and have an rx moisturizer – not because I have breakouts, but because of other skin issues. The added bonus of the nearly $200/refill price tag is that I have (*knocking wood) had minimal breakouts since January. (Don’t panic too much – one refill lasted several months!) My breakouts seemed to be because of using sunscreen and forgetting to wash off makeup (bad, I know, but I rarely wear makeup so I forget…). I’m local to you, so would be glad to tell you which dermatologist I see (love her!). Also really interested to hear about your budgeting (my hubs is a Dave Ramsey fanatic – I mean, a Financial Peace University coordinator…).
Yes, the most parentheses ever seen in one comment…. 🙂
Yes, please! Tell me who your derm is! Thanks! You can email me if you want – [email protected]
have you tried tea tree oil? typically drug store products dry out the area around my breakout and make it look worse.
yes, it didn’t work for me for acne. but it works wonders on mosquito bites! 🙂
I’ve been there! Only I’ve experimented with a bunch of expensive lines (not the drugstore brands)…so I was spending so much. 🙁 Finally, I sucked it up and went with the brand that I tried and loved but gave up because it was too expensive. I think it’s worth it for you to splurge because it’s your skin. Your hormones and metabolism (and a whole bunch of other stuff!) change in your thirties which definitely affects the skin. Maybe you can pick and choose certain items of the Simone France line that are absolutely necessary and buy other not-so-vital items from a cheaper line? Like maybe you need the cleanser and lotions and creams from Simone France (that take care of large areas of your face.) But maybe you can get a cheaper eye cream – since the eye cream won’t affect acne issues. Just a thought. 🙂
that is a BRILLIANT idea! Thank you for the suggestion to pick and choose certain items. There were definitely ones that I particularly liked that I would buy – others are replaceable. Your comment was key in my strategy going forward. Thanks!
Yay! Glad to help.
Have you ever tried the Clarisonic brush (or even better, the $30 Olay version from Target)? I also get really bad breakouts on my chin, and I tried a bunch of different options – Clinique, Proactive, various drug store cleansers – and nothing really worked. I started using the Olay brush almost a year ago and I’ve had maybe 3 pimples since then, all around the same time of the month (thanks Mother Nature!). I just use it once day, usually when I shower after my work out. I’d highly recommend trying it.
I’ve heard the Clarisonics work wonders. I’m glad to hear the Olay version works well too! Thanks!
This book changed my life: http://www.amazon.com/Skin-Type-Solution-Leslie-Baumann/dp/0553383302
Early in the book, the author (a cosmetic dermatologist) has you answer a very detailed set of questions to figure which type of skin you have: dry/oily, resistant/sensitive, pigmented/non-pigmented, and tight/wrinkly. Then, she has an entire chapter dedicated to that skin type, followed by an exact skin regime for your exact skin type. This includes everything from face wash to antioxidant serums and the like.
I thought because I had acne, I had oily skin. So, I was using products that were drying my skin out and making it look all around awful. This book proved me all wrong. I actually have dry, sensitive skin! My skin has been the best it has in years, and I’ve switched over only for a month or so. I really like how she just lays out what to use. No more wasting money or playing guessing games. Just answers from a board-certified physician. Good luck! 🙂
that book sounds AWESOME! I’m a big believer in the blood type diet but I’d never heard of a skin type philosophy. I just downloaded it on my kindle!
I have the same skin problem. Would love to know what your dermatologist says and what you end up trying. Also, would love to know more about your budgeting!!
I have had terrible skin all through my 20s….skipped most of the teenage drama thanks to swimming in a chlorinated pool 5-6 days a week. My skin has gotten majorly better in the past year though with two big changes. 1. I only wash my face once a day at night, but I give it a quick swipe with toner morning and night. 2. I started taking vitamins consistently including fish oil. My skin is massively clearer and as a result I’m wearing less makeup, which undoubtably helps things as well. Hope that helps….
You know, now that you mention it, I do think my skin was better when I was taking fish oil…
I’m going to try to wear less make-up too! I use heavy-duty foundation on my chin and that probably clogs it more!
I have been doing the oil cleansing method for about a month – it takes a few weeks for you to see a difference, and you need to do the right oil combination, but I ccan see it working!
I love hearing “it works!” stories! Thanks Chelsey!
Reading this blog post reminds me of myself! I’ve only struggled with my skin for the last 4-5 years which is mid to late 20s. I never had skin problems when I was a teenager so when this started becoming a regular thing I was super frustrated. I stick with all natural and don’t want to take any medications or use harsh checmicals. Recently I found a line that I’ve been using for about 4 months and my skin has improved and sometimes it’s even perfectly blemish-free! The line is Juice Beauty and I use the products in the “blemish clearing regimen.” You can get a 30 day supply of the blemish clearing essentials (the bare minimum to clear skin I guess is what they’re going for) and see what you think. After that, I loved the products so much I bought the full size bottles and added other products to further my results. I’m pretty happy with this line and I love that it’s organic and my skin feels great and looks so so much better. One more little tip…if you sign up for their newsletter they send out discount codes fairly regularly. This stuff isn’t super expensive but a discount makes everything even better.
omg, I just spent like 45 minutes on the Juice Beauty website! Their stuff sounds AWESOME. that’s going to be my next attempt if the pseudo-Simone France method doesn’t work for me!
I’m sorry girl. This issue sucks and I think the one thing we can all agree on is just that. I struggle too, mine is more hormone related- so out of control right now since I am pregnant again.
I hope your derm has some answers/solutions for you. I agree that you should give them a shot to work with you before spending an arm and a leg. Good luck, Teri!!!
Thanks love. <3
If you remember, my mom is an esthetician and has amazing skin! She and I use Dermalogica. I don’t know how much it is, since I’m lucky enough to still get it free. I do know it’s pricier, but you only need a little each time, so it lasts quite a while. That might be a brand you want to look into.
omg how did i forget that??? your mom (and YOU) has gorgeous skin!! I was a little overwhelmed by the Dermalogica site though! So many options! I don’t know if I qualify as acne prone since i ONLY break out on my chin and no where else. I’m going to look into that if the pseudo-Simone France method doesn’t work for me. 🙂
Oh girl, I’m sorry!
I had the same problem and my chin was the worst!
My doctor prescribed Clindamycin lotion for my skin which cleared everything up! I loved that…I didn’t want to have to rely on a prescription for ever so now I use the yes to carrot wipes to remove my makeup, neutrogena grapefruit cleanser for washing my face and then I wear an oil free moisturiser. At night I wear the Alpha Hydrox cream after I wash my face. This has cleared my skin. That and wearing mineral powder foundation….Good luck! Keep us posted on whatever you decide or works for you!
One of my coworkers got that same cream from her dr and really liked it too. But yeah, I’d hate to have a prescription.
I’m glad to hear you haven’t had issues with the Yes to Carrots wipes. I have the blueberry ones and am hoping they don’t break me out!
What brand of mineral powder foundation do you like?
I haven’t struggled with acne since high school, but my skin has always been really sensitive and I have eczema… my derm recommended using Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser and Cerave moisturizer – it’s worked wonders! The combination of those 2 products, regular exercise, and limiting dairy intake (my derm said eczema isn’t related to diet, but I don’t believe it) has made all my skin problems completely disappear. Not sure if it’d have the same effects with acne, but it could be worth looking into!
thanks! That’s what I’m gonna try!!!
You’re not alone…..Proactiv has been effective for me, but I’m with you….I feel like a 15 year old.
:/
ugh. how long did it take for you to adjust to it? my chin is so dry and crackly and painful since I started (I was only using it once a day). The acne seems to be improving but I can’t keep using it without 3-4 day breaks once my face starts peeling off!
I’m sure people will be throwing different products at you right now, and I don’t normally comment, but I have gone through a similar issue!!
After every drug store product, including the “natural” ones (aveeno, etc.), I went to the dermatologist TWICE, and all I got out of it was this heavy duty medical cream that was too intense for me.
Through mutual friends, I got a facial, and she praised over Cosmedix products. After a few weeks, I my face was almost fully cleared..
So here I am to tell you how I fixed my problem, I got the Purity Clean cleanser, clarity serum, and refine treatment. and they last MONTHS.
I’d never heard of Cosmedix but I bookmarked their site. Thanks!
Hey Teri, I totally understand where you’re coming from. I spent years at the derm’s office trying this drug, that drug, this topical, that topical. It never seemed to work for long and I hated constantly being on an antibiotic. An aesthetician friend turned me on to the Hydra Medic mask from Repechage and it has worked wonders! I use it twice per week and my breakouts are few and far between. (Here’s a link http://bit.ly/RrDeg0.) You should give it a try.
Thanks Jessica! I’m going to order it!
I have the same problem, so let us know if you find something that works! Recently I started drinking Yogi skin detox tea (hard to find in the store but Amazon has it for a good price). Not sure if it helps but it doesn’t taste bad, so it is worth a try. I also use clarisonic and notice less breakout when I use it consistently (1-2x/day).
ooh, I have seen that tea. Good suggestion!
I never had acne as a teen, and then BOOM, I swear I hit 25-26 and I began having issues with acne on my chin (and this is literally the ONLY place I get it). Five years later, I still haven’t found the be-all-end-all solution, but what I have tried to do, is just be more cognizant of my work habits. It may seem strange, but ironically, these “habits” include a desk job where I am constantly typing, thinking, typing, thinking, and typing some more (I am a tax analayst for a software company) – when I pause in between, I have a tendency to rest my hand (which is no doubt full of oils transferred from my mouse and keyboard) right onto my chin! It’s almost an involuntary reaction! I’m not sure if your professional situation is similar, but just a different perspective to share. I also buy the disposable face wipes (either PONDS or Aveeno) to keep at work, or in my gym bag, and I will use them periodically during the week to supplement morning and evening cleansing. I hope you do find a solution, because I know how frustrating it can be to deal with the acne, as well as the solutions that don’t seem to work.
that is EXACTLY what happened to me! That age, that place on my face! And yes that is my work environment!!! After I read your comment, I caught myself touching my chin all day at my desk! I’m going to try to stop! Thanks!
I’ve also had a long history of breakouts. After giving up on Proactiv for the third time, I found Cetaphil. It’s a very gentle drug store cleanser. I follow up with their moisturizer in the morning and Effeclar K serum from the La Roche Posay line in the evening. Good luck, Teri. You are a beautiful woman!
I’m going to try Cetaphil and I’m bookmarking your comment so I can try those moisturizers and serums eventually. Thanks Marnie!
I have done absolutely EVERYTHING to combat my acne…Dermatologists, Retin-A, ProActiv, Carley’s Clear and Smooth, Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic Acid, Dermalogica, etc.
Turns out there were 2 things I needed to do:
1) Stop eating dairy — Now Dairy might not be your issue, but I know for a fact it was mine. I got a food allergy test from my ND and I eliminated the foods that showed up on the test. Dairy was one of the biggest offenders. When I consume dairy now, my skin almost immediately breaks out in an awful rash.
2) Simplify my routine— I’ve switched to an organic natural routine. I use Acure Organics Facial Cleanser Superfruit plus Chlorella Growth Factor to cleanse, sometimes I tone with apple cider vinegar and I moisturize with food-grade organic extra virgin coconut oil. Also, sometimes I get a little crazy and mix up some honey & baking soda and wash my face with that. Awesome results!
I know this sounds like a bunch of crap…but its really been working well for me. If I keep it simple then my skin responds well!.
Also, there has been a ton of research released talking about Thyme being way better (and less drying) than Benzoyl Peroxide. Crunchy Betty’s blog is an amazing resource: http://www.crunchybetty.com/thyme-to-control-blemishes-and-acne
that cleanser sounds awesome. I’ve heard ACV works wonders too.
Ooh, I’d never heard that about Thyme. Thanks! And thanks for the link – that’s a GREAT blog!!!
DO NOT try the oil cleansing method. I know it works for some, but it gave me the worst cystic acne and I never had it until I tried it. If you have sensitive skin, it could be too much. I agree with waiting to see a dermatologist. When I went after my oil cleansing method fiasco, they recommended an inexpensive gentle cleanser and moisturizer from the drug store and a topical prescription that was also inexpensive with insurance. Cleared everything up with no more breakouts. I stopped using all that in favor of natural products. I’m currently trying out Dr. Haruska (sp?) and I’m really loving it so far. I bought the travel kit for $25 just to give it a try.
Dr. Haruska….I just saw that in a magazine! too funny! Thanks for the recommendation! It sounds soooo luxurious!
I’ve always struggled with acne and was on various prescription topical creams, and even antibiotics for a while. I hated being on prescriptions, so I tried Paula’s Choice about 3 years ago and have been using it ever since. I used her Skin Balancing Toner for dry flaky spots (which was better than any moisturizer I tried) and I think it’s called Targeted Acne Relief Toner, which has helped my chin more than any other product. I too would get horrible, painful cysts on my chin but I have not since using this.
I still breakout a little bit though, especially in the summer when it’s humid here on the east coast. I’m not sure what to do about it. It would not be too bad if I did not scar so easily…but I do, which sucks.
Another thing that has helped was taking Amazing Grass daily…sounds weird but I took it for a month straight this winter and did not get one zit during that time.
Good call on the Amazing Grass! Your comment is what made me realize that maybe the fruit & vegetable supplements I recently started taking have been helping my skin!
I had terrible adult onset acne about 5 years ago. I saw a dermatologist and she gave me a ton of samples of the “bottom shelf” brands. CereVe was the only one that worked for me. I just use the cleanser and moisturizer once a day. I don’t even wash my face before bed! Still, 5 years later, it works to keep 99.9% of breakouts away. When I use other people’s cleanser when traveling I still breakout terribly, so I know that this is my saving grace. It seems so easy and silly because it literally is $13 a bottle and lasts forever! I love it and I would recommend it. I don’t know if it will work for others but it definitely did for me!
Thanks Tanya! I’m going to try CereVe when my moisturizers run out, if not sooner!
I have always had acne and skin problems (large pores, scarring). I tried basically every type of cleanser and prescription (retin-A, etc), until I finally visited two separate facialists who stressed to me that I was breaking out because my skin was dry. I started moisturizing, A LOT (twice a day, with a decent amount of Olay moisturizer), and using a clarisonic to exfoliate every morning and night. It’s made a HUGE difference.
Hang in there, you will find the right “cocktail” of products that will do it!
OMG, you totally reminded me that a few years ago when I got a facial that the lady told me I have really dry skin and that I was breaking out because I didn’t moisturize enough!!!
Skincare is definitely an item to splurge on!!!! I order my face wash from one spa, and my day and night cream from another. It does get pricey, especially with shipping, but to be its worth it. My skin looks better than it ever has!!! $100 isn’t terrible. Some of those harsh medicated products the dermatologist would be upwards in that pricing as well, and like you said, it’s pretty rough stuff! You might have to make a few sacrifices to help budget for this product that works for you. You will just have to decide if those small sacrifices are worth it for these face products. Good luck!!!!
You are so right. Thanks for the encouragement!
I have suffered from acne for as long as I can remember. From 5th-9th grade, I was on just about every prescription topical & oral acne medication that was on the market. The only thing that ever really worked was Accutane, but as you may remember, it had a boat load of severe side effects & I believe it has been pulled off of the market once again. While my acne isn’t as bad as it once was, I still struggle with adult acne. What’s working for me lately is moisturizing. It sounds crazy because I actually have oily skin & what always worked for me in the past drying it out to get rid of blemishes. I think that’s what most people turn to but I feel like at a certain point, our skin had just had enough of being dried out & won’t cooperate at all.
Before you spend a bunch of money, give moisturizing a try. There are even olive oil treatments out there, but this is what’s working for me. In the shower, I wash my face with a mild cleanser (Cetaphil or Neutrogena Natural), post shower I moisturize with Cetaphil lotion (just a tiny bit because it makes me really shiny, which isn’t cool when I have to be in public!). As soon as I get home from work or whatever I’m doing, I wash my face with just a washcloth & warm water, I then REALLY moisturize with Cetaphil. I moisturize again before bed. That’s all. So simple, so little product, but it’s what works for me. Give it a try & I can almost promise you won’t regret reading this super long comment!! 🙂
I’m SO excited to try all this! Thank you for your SUPER helpful comment Trisha!!! xo
During a facial a few years ago, I was told that I need to moisturize more. I’d totally forgotten about that until I read your comment!
I had the same issue – I would see a dermatologist. It took awhile, but my scarring finally started to diminish by scheduling peels monthly (beta peels). It was pricey, $50 each session, but I thought it was totally worth it. I would also recommend a prescription retinoid.
I also was put on Spironolactone, which is a blood pressure medication that actually helped clear up my breakouts. Maybe that’s something that will work for you too…can’t hurt to ask!
I’ve had the same problem over the past years and just recently have tried drinking green juice/smoothies. I’m not kidding… day & night. My skin is the best it’s ever been and it’s summer when it’s usually awful around my chin and forehead. I think it really has to do with your diet. Even though you may eat healthy (just like I have over the past years) your body may be allergic to something and it’s getting rid of the toxins through your skin. I don’t drink milk or eat sugar anymore. I instantly the next day get zits if I have too much sugar.
Try working from the inside out and you may see a huge difference.
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-2701/Liv-Tyler-Credits-Green-Juice-for-Her-Beautiful-Skin.html
Good luck! 🙂
-Michelle
That totally makes sense to work on the issue from the inside out! Thanks!
Chiming in again with a thumbs-up for CeraVe (I use the cream) and Cetaphil (bar soap and liquid soap). Haven’t tried their facial cleansers yet – I just use the liquid soap for my face and handwashing.
Have you looked in to acupuncture? I am currently going just to help clear my skin (mostly hormonal acne around my chin, cheeks and jaw line) and it is really helping. I have tried all the over the counter stuff as well as most all prescriptions (accutane twice, antibiotics, differen, ect). To me, the side effects of the prescription drugs weren’t worth it as my face only cleared up with contant use of the products.
oooh no…that’s a great idea! Acupuncture seems to cure everything!
girl I just gave my update on my face on the blog a few days ago, about I am doing to clear up my acne and what products I am loving. I love the brand Eminence!!! I have been using their products for a few weeks and love it. Though I am doing a mix of good products with the medicated stuff from the Dr. which I hate doing but feel the combo of it all is working. I feel your pain about breakouts and acne, as I am still suffering, but doing much better!!! If you ever need to talk about face and products just let me know, I would love to chat 🙂
hugs
I’ve been following all your acne posts!!! I’ve been looking at Eminence – I’m intrigued.
I think we should chat in person, over wine, with your pup. 😉
xo!!
Oh my gosh, I totally feel your pain!!! During junior high and high school I never had acne. Maybe a small breakout here and there, but all in all I lucked out with good skin. Then last summer, out of the blue, at 31 years old, I started breaking out like CRAAAZY! It was awful! Who gets acne at 31?!?!?! I went to the dermatologist, and used a topical cream and took medication for a while….no change. I took a shot in the dark and tried Proactiv, and it took a few months to notice some results. I was super dilligent and used it twice a day (now I use it a few times a week, just once a day) Within 6 months my skin totally cleared up, and now it’s totally cleared up and most of the dark spots have also cleared up. Good luck in finding what works best for you!
If you had told me two weeks ago I would be writing this response, I would have laughed while eating my bowl of pasta. But due to other major issues…life crippling issues, my dr. put me on a gluten-free diet. It’s literally changed my life and an added bonus is my skin is glowing. I haven’t done anything else or used any new products. I do basic Clinique sensitive skin care and do not wear makeup in the summer. But, as suggested, it may not help those who are NOT gluten-intolerant. I now know that I am, so I’m enjoying the extra benefits of gluten-free.
I’m going to try REALLY hard to completley eliminate gluten! Thanks Katrina!
I have found that chin acne while exacerbated by stress, is mostly a hormonal issue. That is why, for me, nothing the demo gave me worked. I Truro use the most gentle and natural products out there and focus on healing from the inside. I too have found that dairy is a HUGE trigger for me. I have also found that getting facials every other month has helped as well!
It sounds like a lot of people have already talked about the normal dermatologist routine, but the one thing that hasn’t been mentioned is birth control. I’m just throwing it out there but Yaz works really well for women with acne that is related to hormone cycles. If you have continuous breakouts I don’t know if you would see the benefits. I breakout a lot around where my sports bra rubs on my chest and back and have found that the Cetaphil antibacterial bar helps to prevent some of that.
I truly understand how frustrating this is. I had horrible acne starting in elementary school all through high school, and I had tried literally everything from store bought to prescription. I finally had to go one accutane not once, but twice because my acne came back in college. I honestly can’t put a price on feeling so much more confident about my skin because I know how awful and embarrassing it is. For me, this is something to splurge on. Your dermatologist may have another option that is less expensive for you to try, but it may take a while to find the right treatment which can also get expensive. Personally, I think if you’ve found something that works, then it is best to stick with that because trying things out is a long, not fun process. Good luck!!
P.S. I’d really like to learn about how you budget. I need to be better about budgeting, but I just don’t know where to start.
you’re SO right about the confidence with clear skin! the money is worth it!
I will do the budget post soon, I promise! 🙂
Hi there!
I am a firm believer in investing in skin and fitness above all other “expendable” items such as fashion/going out to eat/etc. A new outfit or pair of earrings will never take the place of feeling good in your own skin.
I recently started the Obagi C regimine after my husband had hounded me about it for years (he is a facial plastic surgeon/ENT) The first two months were very challenging because your skin peels quite a bit, but it was so worth it. I love the way my skin looks and I even wear less makeup. The beginner kit for Obagi C is $300 and the products last about three months. It is a medical grade product, you can only get it from a physician. The ingredients are more potent than any over the counter or department store brand. His pet peeve are folks who spend hundreds on items from Macy’s or Saks – they will never work as well as a product you get from your physician! Anyway! When you see your derm, maybe ask about Obagi C, I’m sure they carry it. I have found it was well worth the upfront peeling time (which I did in the winter when we are more shut-in) and the cost. Good luck on your skincare journey!!
Thank you for the really helpful comment! Awesome to know that your husband who is a serious pro recommends it! I’m bookmarking your comment and want to try this eventually!!
I think I would try the expensive version for a month or so and see if you get the same results as you did in the past. Our skin changes so much so it may work again or it may not. If it does, I would go ahead and stick with the expensive version. As much as it hurts the pocket/budget.. it certainly makes up for it in feeling better/more confidence. I hope you find the right solution for you! Adult acne is the worst.
Also, have you tried switching your foundation/powder? I’m not sure if you use either but makeup can hold a lot of bacteria that can certainly cause breakouts if it is old.
eeew my foundation is SO old!!! I didnt even think about that. I just threw it out!
I also had skin issues and went to the dermatologist….She prescribed me an antibiotic, face wash, and lotion. My face did clear up and it didn’t get dry. I explained that was an issue for me and all is well 🙂
I can empathize, because I have had acne for way too long; it started early (like age 10) and sometimes still makes reappearances now that I’m in my twenties. I have tried so many products, and the best I have tried came from a medical spa many years ago, but the hefty prices were no match for my budget. After everything, I keep turning to Clinique. It’s not the absolute best I have tried, but it comes quite close. They match your skin to a specific line of care, and it’s much gentler than Proactiv which destroyed my skin. Also, while I spend about $60 when I buy the three-step set, it lasts for about four months, making it fit into my budget.
Thanks for the advice Brittany!
I would love to hear your budget tips! Good luck on finding a good method…I recently started the Oil Cleansing method and while I know its natural and does make my skin soft, it hasn’t cleared up the acne.
Good to know that it didn’t clear up your acne. thanks!
Oh and I forgot to mention, I have used Clearade before which is a drink mix with vitamins in it that you drink in the morning and night.
http://www.acne-vitamins.com/
It did work and I am thinking of going back to it soon (because my acne has gotten worse!) however I only stopped because I am still hesitent of the chemicals possibly in it- but you should check it out if your interested!
I have always, ALWAYS, had problems with my skin too. Recently I started using black soap ( the brand I have right now is Ambi, but they also have natural brands at whole foods ) which is a type of African soap with some form of charcoal in it (?) It is supposed to clear acne, and I have to say it has worked beautifully for me. Its super cheap, and I use it twice a day, as well as moisturizing with organic virgin coconut oil at night. It may work for you too!
I use cerave it’s script from my dermatologist and it’s amazing
Have you tried Lush? http://www.lushusa.com
All natural- not at all harsh on your skin. If you have a Lush store in your area, go in and they’ll give you a facial and tell you all about the products with no pressure to buy. Enzymion moisturizer has changed my life!
I know how you feel. I am STILL struggling with my skin as well.
The only thing that has worked for me and I have used it for the last 10 year is Sage Skin Care http://www.sageskincare.com. It’s not super cheap but it works.
I still get hormonal breakouts but nothing compared to what I used to have.
I have had the same issues, and it’s all based on my diet. If I eliminate sugar and dairy (sad) – my skin is a dream!
Hi! I have really struggled with my skin for the past 2 years. (I’m 24) Breakouts all over the place and verrrry oily. One thing that has really started helping is applying apple cider vinegar like a toner after cleansing. People swear by it! I still have post-acne red marks on my face but the actual blemishes are almost all gone after a few weeks.
As far as cleanser i’m trying to keep it very natural with dr bronners castile soap since its made up of natural oils. After i cleanse and tone with the acv, i apply jojoba oil with a few drops of teatree oil. Jojoba is supposed to mimic your skins natural sebum and sort of “trick” it into thinking it has produced enough sebum, therefore, making your skin less oily. Crazy. It is really working for me, though. Best of luck 🙂
Hey Teri! How is your skin doing now that you’ve gone dairy and gluten free? I’ve been dealing with chin acne for about 15 years (and nothing so far, of course, has worked), so I’m down to the last straw and am going to try eliminating things from my diet… starting with gluten.
Hi Meghan! Sorry for the delay in responding – your comment went to spam for some reason and I rarely check that folder!
Anyway, my skin is doing better since eliminating dairy and gluten. But I think I figured out – this past week actually – that I may be sensitive to soy! I eliminated it from my diet and then had something with soy in it and a bit zit has started forming. It makes sense because chin acne is related to hormones and I’ve read that soy messes with hormones.
Also, I’ve started washing my face only at night and just rinsing in the morning with water or maybe wiping a little witch hazel or toner to freshen up. I could tell almost an immediate improvement – I think I was overwashing my face before.
Hope this helps!
Thanks Teri! I’ll keep my eye on soy. Good to hear you’re seeing improvement 🙂