All about ACNE

[JunkaLunk]

First off, sorry if I'm reposting anything similar to this thread.

I really would appreciate you guy's help. Ive had mild acne since the end of eigth grade (im in the middle of my sophmore year). Ever since then I've only been breaking out on my forehead and chin. But the past few months I'm breaking out ALOT on the cheeks, jaw line, and chin and less on the forehead. I also have discoloration and visible pores.

I've tried almost anything! Salycic Acid, benzoyl peroxide, drug store & department store products, Proactive too and many more. I know its hormones (since I'm only 15) and stress I'm sure.

Lately I've been dying to ask my dad to take me to a derm. But hes the type who doesnt think its a big deal, just a phase. But it truly makes me miserable, especially when all of my friends have perfect clear skin. Thats when I wish i lived with my mom, haha. But before I do that, I'd like to know if theres anything i can try or do before hand.

THANKS IN ADVANCE.

sorry so long.

[Beauty Marked]

do what u have to do to make u confident..yeah i waited to go to the derm too...but i gave myself scars...because i would pick at them(look at my eotd u can still see some scars)....they were so ugly ...putting on makeup would make my acne more obvious...
my sophmore year(15 yrs old) was actually when i went to the derm bc i had my first bf and i didnt want him to see my face all acne-ish...he prescribed ACCUTANE for less than 6 months(a pill a day)...its kind of scary...i had to pee in cup every month bc if i was pregnant it could cause birth defects...i had to go get blood tested every month to check that the medicine didnt affect anything in my body....i havent had acne(accept one or two during that time of the month) but im 18 now and what i go to the derm now is for facials, waxing, or chemical peels
so ask the derm about ACCUTANE..ask me for more info or personal things i went through...
hope i helped

[NICOLE73]

I also was on Accutane. It was the best thing I ever did, my only regret was that I did not try it sooner. It had some side effects but it was all worth it in the end.

[kcrae]

Accutane is a bit of a pain in the butt, however worth it in the end. Unfortunately for me, I had a relapse about a year and a half after I finished, did a second round of it and still get painful cysts.......... This happens to about 20% of people who take it, 80% have success.

If this is not an option for you,go to www.skintactix.com
This product has worked wonders for me,and believe me, I've tried it all.

[Chelly]

definatly talk to your doc about accutane. my boyfriend went on it when he was in highschool and he has the most flawless skin on earth (i'm so jealous!!) but from what i understand you have to sign a release form to take it because it causes mild depression. understand that when taking this your face will get WORSE before it gets BETTER!! its really important to not let that discourage you. you might not be able to wear makeup for a while. your entire BODY will get really dry too - like your gonan have to keep chapstick on you ALL THE TIME!!

a good friend of mine went on it recently too she had horrible acne all over her face and body and now shes got amazing skin! she was a bit depressed but it was so worth it! good luck and DONT TOUCH YOUR FACE!!!! picking at anything will only make it WORSE!! <33 goodluck!

[ruby_soho]

I used to have mild acne, not alot of spots on my face but when I had some they were major, and I started birth control to help with my skin and balance hormones. That worked, but didn't really kick in for like a year. So last summer I went to a dermatologist and was prescribed Retin-A cream, which was way to harsh for my face and I couldn't use it as often for it to be effective. Now I use Clyndamicin(sp?) and Cetaphil mixture prescribed by the derm. If you want to try something before resorting to the pill or derm maybe look into Lush products, they make facial cleansers for acneic skin and their products are natural and have little or no preservitives in them. They also have great masks you could use bi-weekly. I would look into a cleanser like Herbalism or Fresh Farmacy, a mask like Cupcake. www.lush.com I recently started using Lush and I love the products, they work really well. I would HIGHLY suggest them. They even have a review section on the website for every product.

[more_please]

You've got tons of other options besides Accutane, which isn't prescribed as much now. There are tons of good topical lotions, Tazorac (i use it) being the best and very strong. Oral antibiotics are another option that can be really helpful. Definetly get to the derm!

[cookie fan]

for years i had acne too. Nothing helped, so i went to the derm. It was the best choice ever. I get a medicine called "roacutane".
I take it for three or four months and my skin had been become so nice. Sometimes a few pickaxe, but it´s so much better than before.
I tried so many lotions und products which supposed to clear the skin. It´s only a big lie!

[JunkaLunk]

I'm definitley going to see a derm. Thank you all so much.

ruby_soho- what products from lush do you recommend for acne? I was looking at the website and found a few things, but wanted to know what you suggest.

and again thanks so much

[ruby_soho]

For cleansers I would suggest Fresh Farmacy or Herbalism, they're both for troubled skin.
A mask I would suggest Mask of Magnaminty and Cupcake. As for a moisturiser I would suggest telling the staff (hopefully you can make it to a store!) about your skin type and they'll recommend something. The staff are really helpful and friendly! They'll give you samples of anything if you don't want to commit to buying something before trying it.

[JunkaLunk]

Thank you so much Ruby_soho.

I just ordered Herbalism, Tea tree water, and the Mask of Magnaminty. Its too bad there is no Lush stores around my area or I would have been there asap, from all the raves I hear about it. But they have one in Santa Ana, and I visit there nearly every summer I'll definitly stop by. I'm at my last straw and if this does not work. DUN DUN DUN the derm is my fate hahaha, im such a loser.

[REYNALD0C]

I use Pro Activ, it works great when you follow the right diet and stuff. With PA, the first few days, you`ll break out a little more, than it`ll be fine after weeks.

[JunkaLunk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by REYNALD0C

I use Pro Activ, it works great when you follow the right diet and stuff. With PA, the first few days, you`ll break out a little more, than it`ll be fine after weeks.

Yeah I got proactive the beginning of my freshman year and was on it for a few months then sorta took a break and back on it and again. But for those first 6 months or so it didnt help much clearing my skin completely, just sorta kept if at bay. Although for a little while my skin was clear, but i guess it was just a lucky phase.

[ruby_soho]

JunkaLunk you have to post updates once you start with the Lush products

[caffn8me]

Accutane/Roaccutane is pretty serious stuff. Here in the UK it is recommended that it is only prescribed under supervision of a hospital specialist. It might be worth trying Tretinoin (Retin-A) first which is also a prescription drug. I've just started on this myself (yes, I know, I'm nearly 40 and shouldn't get acne but I do - arrgggh!) and it seems to be working so far.

If the acne is hormonal another option is to use an androgen blocker. One is spironolactone (which also has diuretic properties) and another is found in Yasmin - drospirenone which is a synthetic progestogen designed to be similar to spironolactone. These will reduce the oiliness of the skin and help to reduce acne.

Here in the UK a commonly prescribed contraceptive for use to treat acne prone individuals is co-cyprindiol / Dianette. This contains ethinylesytradiol and an anti androgen called cyproterone acetate. This isn't licensed for use in the USA though as there are concerns over liver damage from cyproterone acetate.

[JunkaLunk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ruby_soho

JunkaLunk you have to post updates once you start with the Lush products

OF COURSE! :] I cant wait to get it

[jess98765]

hey there hun, theres a brilliant product found in asia and parts of america perhaps, called dalacin t' tropical soloution- look it up on the net for more information, but from what i've heard, it's a brilliant pimple/ acne fighter. Just recently come back from asia myself and my friends here have asked me to bring back some for her. It's working magically! you might want to look into it

[caffn8me]

Well after four days of Tretinoin my skin has changed markedly. I'm getting a major exfoliating effect and a lot of the redness from acne has subsided. I know it's early days yet but nothing else I have ever tried has had such a good effect - even over a longer period of time. I shall post further updates as things progress.

[JunkaLunk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by caffn8me

Well after four days of Tretinoin my skin has changed markedly. I'm getting a major exfoliating effect and a lot of the redness from acne has subsided. I know it's early days yet but nothing else I have ever tried has had such a good effect - even over a longer period of time. I shall post further updates as things progress.

Where could I get this???? You got me interested :] If you have scars would it help that. My scars arent pits or anything like that they are just discolored... eh so gross :[

[pumpkincat210]

Go see a derm! My mom thought I was crazy in high school for wanting this.. but what she didn't know was girls do that now and zit medicine has come along way since the 60s. Even a regular doctor that you have insurance with could help, so go if you can!

[pumpkincat210]

Quote:

Originally Posted by caffn8me

Accutane/Roaccutane is pretty serious stuff. Here in the UK it is recommended that it is only prescribed under supervision of a hospital specialist. It might be worth trying Tretinoin (Retin-A) first which is also a prescription drug. I've just started on this myself (yes, I know, I'm nearly 40 and shouldn't get acne but I do - arrgggh!) and it seems to be working so far.
.

Yes, be careful with accutane. Side effects include really freaking dry skin, nosebleeds, liver damage, depression, bowel disease, suicide and birth defects. Some doctors will not even prescribe it unless you are on birth control because of the terrible birth defects it can cause. This is seriously the last resort!

[lovemichelle]

i use neutrogenas oil free acne wash, witch hazel as a toner, nelsons acne gel and tea tree cream.

i also do the salt and honey thing nessa reccomended once a day. my acne is pretty much gone besides the few pimples that came on from my period.

[caffn8me]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JunkaLunk

Where could I get this???? You got me interested :] If you have scars would it help that. My scars arent pits or anything like that they are just discolored... eh so gross :[

It might help with discolouration (it's helping me reduce redness) and it's a prescription medicine but doesn't require a specialist to prescribe it so you should be able to get it from your regular physician rather than a dermatologist.

It comes in three forms - a gel, a lotion and a cream. I use the lotion but that was just personal choice. You do need to keep out of the sun while you are using it or wear a high SPF factor sunscreen and as with any medicine there are potential side effects which you need to be aware of.

[caffn8me]

Just found quite a good page on Tretinoin (Retin-A) at http://dermatology.about.com/cs/topicals/a/tretinoin.htm

[Luxurious]

i think, tea trea water(lush) is good.