All about ACNE

[loveoontherocks]

I know how you feel! I have acne issues as well. Going to the dermatologist has helped alot! If you have any questions feel free to message me!

 

[m4dswine]

I don't know how old you are now, but you sound like you've had it for a while. I would definitely see a doctor about it, as it could be recurring due to infection, or it could be a hormone imbalance that needs addressing somehow. Either way, its not something you should have to be putting up with or treating yourself.

 

[cappuccino]

Has anyone tried any of the acne products from Peter Thomas Roth's range? I've tried stuff from Dermalogica, Mario Badescu and I've recently just bought a peel from Ren Skincare, and none of it really does what it says - that or my skin is just being stubborn. I don't have bad acne, just pimples, but I would like to clear it up. Any help would be appreciated

 

[Lavande]

Lifelong battle with ACNE

I'm wondering if anyone can give me some advice. I've suffered with horrible acne my whole life, tried every product you can think of from high-low. Saw a derm. when I was younger, didn't help much. Figured as I aged it would work itself out- nope just as much oil production as EVER. I'm not on birth control and although my acne is worse during hormonal times, it's still bad regardless.

I can't afford to see a derm. now so I'm wondering what I can do. I am super desparate. I've heard mixed things about Dermalogica (which I recall trying when I was younger from the derm. and it was prescription only?). I'm wondering if any of you have tried their acne kit or if you have recs for any others. It's really getting old and I just sick of it. I have lived like this my whole life. I realize I won't have perfect skin but I just want nice skin ya know?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Lavande]

Yes I have tried them. I do have bad acne so it didn't help much for me. But it sure sounds like it would work for you. The really nice thing about the PTR line is the ingredients. It can be hard to find BHA cleansers, etc. that are good quality. It's also effective but not harsh at all, which is another bonus. If I were you (which I did actually do) is try out the little acne kit which has most of the products from that line. Sephora has it. If it doesn't work you can at least return it which is super important to me because you could spend tons on acne care.

Best of luck!

Has anyone tried any of the acne products from Peter Thomas Roth's range? I've tried stuff from Dermalogica, Mario Badescu and I've recently just bought a peel from Ren Skincare, and none of it really does what it says - that or my skin is just being stubborn. I don't have bad acne, just pimples, but I would like to clear it up. Any help would be appreciated

 

[Hilde]

Maybe check out the acne.org regimen? I've heard great things about everything but the moisturizer, which is said to be mediocre. I also really like their AHA+ cream thigy as an overnight treatment. The regimen is based on benozyl peroxide. Right now I'm on differin, but I use BP as a spot treatment(persa-gel).

ETA: I'm 21 and I've had acne since I was a teenager.

 

[Funtabulous]

I'm the same. I am dealing with a horrendous breakout at the moment, all along my chin and around my mouth, which resembles herpes, and my self esteem is through the floor. Do you get it around the chin/jaw/mouth too? That's the worst place. I also have very high oil production, everywhere.

I find that stress REALLY exacerbates it, so my first recommendation would be to limit stress. If I am stress free, I really only break out during the week before my period. It's hard for me to control that because I am a very high-strung person by nature (my boyfriend says I remind him of a squirrel), but it's really essential for nice skin (and many other health benefits).

I also find that tanning helps my skin, even though it is not considered healthy in many ways. Do you break out on your back or chest? If so, tanning will clear it right up.

I haven't tried everything, but I have tried a lot. Right now I am trying out Differin XP (prescription only) and Witch Hazle (cheap at the drug store). In the summer I use benzoyl peroxide creams and even soaps, because my skin gets ridiculously oily and is impossible to dry out (I wonder why summer is my most hated season?). Since my skin is flaking more now that it is winter, I am trying to go a little easier on it. I will let you know how that works.

The main reason for this is androgen production. That is the reason why birth control pills can help (they tend to lower it). I am not on any pills and likely wont be ever again, because each one was a disaster for me in one way or another. The only one that actually helped my skin was Diane 35, but I gained a considerable amount of weight on that one so I went off. I am seeing a hormone specialist (endocrinologist) in the new year about this. Have you ever been to one?

It might be helpful to make a full list of everything you HAVE tried. Then maybe you can get better advice.

I have heard drinking peppermint tea helps! I am starting to drink it every day.

I have no experience with Dermalogica, so I can't really comment on it one way or another.

I mainly just wanted to post to say that I know how you feel, and that you aren't alone. Sorry if that is cheesy. How old are you, by the way? I am 23.

Hope this gets lots of replies, I would like answers too!

 

[LittleMaryJane]

I bought a Dermalogica sample pack and tried it for about a month and I don't know why I went with it to begin with because salicyclic acid doesn't do anything for my skin and that was the main ingredient in all the steps. My skin ended up breaking out pretty bad but that was more my fault than theirs I'd say for going with something that didn't include peroxide.

 

[Aelya]

Well It seems that it's like me ! I have ACNE, I already saw a doctor but nothing change ! I haven't enought imperfection to have Roccatune so here I'm. I don't know anymore what to do. I use and use every single product that give dream. No one really work.
The most product that work for me, but it's not perfect is someone with AHA. That's it ! I will soon try a Serum but I think nothing will change as usual. I feel so bad too =/
If i'll see a doctor again soon, maybe traitment will work better ...

 

[anita22]

I also suffered from severe acne for years, so I feel for ya!

To be completely honest, if your acne is as bad as you say then Dermalogica is not going to be any help for you. Yes, cleansing and moisturising your skin helps maintain its health but only to a certain degree, for severe acne you almost certainly need a prescription treatment. A huge amount of research has gone into understanding which ingredients are effective at reducing acne, and the most effective ones for treating severe acne are prescription only.

Although you mentioned you saw a derm before and it wasn't effective, there's a whole range of different treatments available and unfortunately you often have to try a few before you find one that works. My personal experience was that my dermatologist was reluctant to put me on the strongest treatment (Accutane) right away due to the side effects, so prescribed me with milder treatments first. As those did not work, he put me on Accutane and that was very successful.

If you can't afford to see a dermatologist, try seeing your local GP (regular doctor) and see what he/she can do to help. Not sure about the US, but here in the UK it's possible to get acne treatments like Retin-A from a GP.

If you really don't want to seek medical help, I'd recommend an anti-acne treatment containing benzoyl peroxide (there are lots on the market form various brands). But if you've already tried a lot of different things, then I would strongly recommend seeing someone.

Hope that helps.

 

[Funtabulous]

Did you have any side effects from Accutane, anita22? Were the effects permanent? How is your oil level now compared to before Accutane? Oh, and how long ago were you put on it?

 

[Lavande]

Thanks- I have checked that out. Trust me I've used BP my whole life. I also tried Differin which made things worse!

Maybe check out the acne.org regimen? I've heard great things about everything but the moisturizer, which is said to be mediocre. I also really like their AHA+ cream thigy as an overnight treatment. The regimen is based on benozyl peroxide. Right now I'm on differin, but I use BP as a spot treatment(persa-gel).

ETA: I'm 21 and I've had acne since I was a teenager.

 

[Lavande]

Thanks for your kind post!

I have tried everything you listed (I don't tan) and nothing has helped.

I'm 30- can you believe I am still an oil slick?!

I'm the same. I am dealing with a horrendous breakout at the moment, all along my chin and around my mouth, which resembles herpes, and my self esteem is through the floor. Do you get it around the chin/jaw/mouth too? That's the worst place. I also have very high oil production, everywhere.

I find that stress REALLY exacerbates it, so my first recommendation would be to limit stress. If I am stress free, I really only break out during the week before my period. It's hard for me to control that because I am a very high-strung person by nature (my boyfriend says I remind him of a squirrel), but it's really essential for nice skin (and many other health benefits).

I also find that tanning helps my skin, even though it is not considered healthy in many ways. Do you break out on your back or chest? If so, tanning will clear it right up.

I haven't tried everything, but I have tried a lot. Right now I am trying out Differin XP (prescription only) and Witch Hazle (cheap at the drug store). In the summer I use benzoyl peroxide creams and even soaps, because my skin gets ridiculously oily and is impossible to dry out (I wonder why summer is my most hated season?). Since my skin is flaking more now that it is winter, I am trying to go a little easier on it. I will let you know how that works.

The main reason for this is androgen production. That is the reason why birth control pills can help (they tend to lower it). I am not on any pills and likely wont be ever again, because each one was a disaster for me in one way or another. The only one that actually helped my skin was Diane 35, but I gained a considerable amount of weight on that one so I went off. I am seeing a hormone specialist (endocrinologist) in the new year about this. Have you ever been to one?

It might be helpful to make a full list of everything you HAVE tried. Then maybe you can get better advice.

I have heard drinking peppermint tea helps! I am starting to drink it every day.

I have no experience with Dermalogica, so I can't really comment on it one way or another.

I mainly just wanted to post to say that I know how you feel, and that you aren't alone. Sorry if that is cheesy. How old are you, by the way? I am 23.

Hope this gets lots of replies, I would like answers too!

 

[Lavande]

Was it the kit for acne? Salicyclic Acid is one of the few things (other than zinc) that helps me. I'd like to try and find something with Alpha Hydroxy or BHA's.

Thanks

I bought a Dermalogica sample pack and tried it for about a month and I don't know why I went with it to begin with because salicyclic acid doesn't do anything for my skin and that was the main ingredient in all the steps. My skin ended up breaking out pretty bad but that was more my fault than theirs I'd say for going with something that didn't include peroxide.

 

[Lavande]

Thanks for your post. I'm sorry you have suffered too.

I can't afford to see a GP!

I've also tried Retin-A with no good results. BP has been a life long staple that doesn't do much.

I can't see anyone so that's why I was hoping to get some feedback on any products that might have helped others. I've heard good things about a Japanese brand, but it's very $$$.

I won't even do Accutane- heard too many horror stories. Then again I can't afford a doctor so it's a moot point.

Thanks again!

I also suffered from severe acne for years, so I feel for ya!

To be completely honest, if your acne is as bad as you say then Dermalogica is not going to be any help for you. Yes, cleansing and moisturising your skin helps maintain its health but only to a certain degree, for severe acne you almost certainly need a prescription treatment. A huge amount of research has gone into understanding which ingredients are effective at reducing acne, and the most effective ones for treating severe acne are prescription only.

Although you mentioned you saw a derm before and it wasn't effective, there's a whole range of different treatments available and unfortunately you often have to try a few before you find one that works. My personal experience was that my dermatologist was reluctant to put me on the strongest treatment (Accutane) right away due to the side effects, so prescribed me with milder treatments first. As those did not work, he put me on Accutane and that was very successful.

If you can't afford to see a dermatologist, try seeing your local GP (regular doctor) and see what he/she can do to help. Not sure about the US, but here in the UK it's possible to get acne treatments like Retin-A from a GP.

If you really don't want to seek medical help, I'd recommend an anti-acne treatment containing benzoyl peroxide (there are lots on the market form various brands). But if you've already tried a lot of different things, then I would strongly recommend seeing someone.

Hope that helps.

 

[Lavande]

I've heard some pretty bad stories....I don't think I'd ever do it no matter how bad my acne.

Did you have any side effects from Accutane, anita22? Were the effects permanent? How is your oil level now compared to before Accutane? Oh, and how long ago were you put on it?

 

[Lavande]

I suffer too. And it would be nice to see a derm., but some of us can't afford that. Does anyone have any products they like?

 

[JULIA]

I used to have such beautiful skin and then in January '09 I started breaking out and it has not gone away! It's brought about a bad case of depression as it's made me too insecure to be social and see friends. I've been super careful about the ingredients in my cosmetics and cleansers and nothing seems to be working so far. I've talked with my doctor and I'm being referred to a dermatologist. It could take up to 2 years to see her as there's only one in my city. I hate living with this and I cry about it at least once every 2 days. I feel your pain

 

[JULIA]

Funtabulous...are you me?

 

[vc1079]

I've been suffering from a lot of acne since i was 12 ! I went to the derm regularly, and tried everything from topical to antibiotics. From my opinion, i had the best results with birth control pills and keeping my skincare to a basic! I now use baby wash as a cleanser, a gentle no alcohol toner because i realized that my skin is so sensitive that alcohol breaks it out, and i use a moisturizing cream because i also produce alot of oil and my pores are easily clogged because my skin is also so dehydrated!
My brother also suffers from ALOT of acne as well, he's been on accutane twice now and nothing has greatly improved his skin, so everyone reacts to things differently. Be patient and experiment with the different possibilities, hope one day we can both be acne free!