Skin ladies...

rardito · February 2012

I figured I would ask this on here since it gets the most activity.

My face has been awful ever since I was in middle school...as far as really red, acne, and oily. More recently since college, it has become so oily that I have to wipe it down all the time...I don't even wear makeup except for special occasions (read: 1 time a month at the absolute most).

I am currently seeing a dermatologist (I believe I started going in the summer of 2011), and it is doing nothing for me. I have been put on 5 different antibiotics and 3 different face gels so far, with no results other than me reacting to the medications (apparently my body hates me). I have used Acne Free (from the store) and plenty of facewashes over the years. I can't seem to find anything that works, and even the dermatologist can't seem to help me.

Does anyone have any advice? Anybody have stubborn skin like me who finally found something that worked?

TIA

ETA: and I've been on several birth control pills that don't do anything for my skin either

sunnydays630 · February 2012

I read around here that someone starting doing oil cleanses on their face (I know, I thought it sounded counter-productive too) and had great results. Might be worth looking into. I have problem skin as well and have pretty good results using Clinique and my birth control pills. I love the Clinique acne mask. My face is pretty red after I do it (so I do it at night), but the next morning my skin looks pretty good.

Britoz · February 2012

I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this!

When I was a teenager I lived by my Sea Breeze astringent. It smells awful and kinda tingles but it gets your pores clean. Much better than Proactive as it's stronger. I was a figure skater and I would sweat alot (I know, eew) and had to get my pores uber clean or they would clog. You could try adding it after your face wash for a while and see what it does. Some people even use it before and after they wash their face. You can get it almost anywhere (I got it at BiMart) for a couple of bucks. I also used to use mint julep masks every couple of days (I loved the tingling) and I had great skin. Now... I'm too lazy and thankfully have freckles to cover up my spots. =D

jessicabessica · February 2012

Have you ever been on birth control pills? I don't know if this was the case when I had skin problems when I was younger, but now (mid-20s), I know it's hormonal. BCP helped, and I break out in the same places at the same time in my cycle.

If you've been going to a dermatologist since summer 2011, I have to wonder how long you've been trying each of these things before switching. Are you sure you're giving each treatment enough time to see results? Is this doctor someone that was recommended to you for acne, or a random doc?

I've been using the Aveeno face washes, and I like them right now. Sometimes I use the salicylic acid one--my skin never responded to s.a. when I was younger, but now it seems to--but usually an exfoliating one in the morning and a gentle one in the evening. I also have been using a Clarisonic on and off for about a year. I frankly cannot really tell if it's helping that much (I've heard good things about the Olay version, if you want to try something cheaper).

kwilliams111012 · February 2012

Don't know if this will work for you, but I used to have acne problems and for some reason when I STOPPED washing my face so much, everything cleared up. Now all I do is take off my makeup with baby oil and rinse it with a very mild face wash.

LeiselEB · February 2012

Proactiv worked for me for a whille, then just stopped being helpful after about a year of use. It definitely controls oil, but can also make my skin more red and irritated if I don't moisturize nightly (which I hated doing because of the oiliness my skin already had, but it actually really helped).

I actually started keeping track of when I was breaking out and when my skin was the worst, and realized it was always the week before my period started - so I'm starting birth control to keep my hormones balanced and treat the hormonal acne I have. Maybe you could keep track of when your breakouts happen and see if hormonal acne might be the issue?

soontobemrsep · February 2012

I feel for you, it's a tough thing to go through.

When I was in high school I had a battle with acne, it wasn't too serious, but I'll tell you what I did and maybe it will help you too.

I too went to a dermatologist and all that resulted from that was allergic reactions to the harsh chemicals in the creams.

I randomly got a job for Estee Lauder and changed my whole skin care process over to theirs and I kid you not the acne went away. I use their Perfectly Clean facewash and toner, then use Idealist to help with reducing redness and pore size, and finish off with my moisturizer from Lauder. The perfectly clean is for normal/combination skin, but they have a line for oily skin and dry skin. For me when I had acne my skin wasn't terribly oily, just very uncooperative.

To this day I still use Perfectly Clean facewash and the only time I get blemishes is during my lovely visit each month.

Now on a side note, your dermatologist has you taking an ORAL antibiotic??? I can't even begin to stress the severity of taking antibiotics without an infection that is incurable otherwise.

Edited to remove unnecessary rant about antibiotics.

rardito · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_skin-ladies?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:4c96184f-0e3b-42d1-a404-479b574eefcfPost:e1ad0c15-d2ec-48ea-be13-9ceb416e5a0d">Re: Skin ladies...</a>:
[QUOTE] If you've been going to a dermatologist since summer 2011, I have to wonder how long you've been trying each of these things before switching. Are you sure you're giving each treatment enough time to see results? Is this doctor someone that was recommended to you for acne, or a random doc?
Posted by jessicabessica[/QUOTE]

I had to keep switching because I would have allergic reactions to the pills, or they would interfere with my interstitial cystitis (a medical condition I have). The only thing I was able to stay on for a full two months was Keflex, and it didn't work. Right now I am on Ampicillan but just started it a week ago. The ones I was allergic to were Minocycline, Doxycicline, and Septra.
This doctor was one of two that takes my state of Fl insurance, but my mother had said she heard good things about their office...

abt87 · February 2012

This might be overkill, but ask your derm about a chemical peel? or use microdermabrasion kit (mary kay or clinical). I have very oily skin as well, and I use microderm twice a week, as well as epiduo and aczone from my derm. I moisturize everyday with mary kay's moisturizer for oily skin, or you could try clean and clear oil free moisturizer. Use a foundation primer under make up to soak up oil before your foundation sinks in. I'd stay away from bare minerals for make up (just a personal preference for my oily skin). Use a cleanser with salcylic or glycolic acid but nothing too harsh because if you scrub and scrub your face, you can actually overstimulate your oil glands and produce more oil. Try a sulfur based mask (proactiv or Walmart has something generic).

on the bright side, people with super oily skin tend to ward of wrinkles better. I hope this helps. I've finally found a regimen that works but it could be different for you. Also, I'd try finding a new dermatologist.....

rardito · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_skin-ladies?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:4c96184f-0e3b-42d1-a404-479b574eefcfPost:cb2c10d0-8cb3-4d9b-9395-e0e33e3146e9">Re: Skin ladies...</a>:
[QUOTE]I feel for you, it's a tough thing to go through. When I was in high school I had a battle with acne, it wasn't too serious, but I'll tell you what I did and maybe it will help you too. I too went to a dermatologist and all that resulted from that was allergic reactions to the harsh chemicals in the creams. I randomly got a job for Estee Lauder and changed my whole skin care process over to theirs and I kid you not the acne went away. I use their Perfectly Clean facewash and toner, then use Idealist to help with reducing redness and pore size, and finish off with my moisturizer from Lauder. The perfectly clean is for normal/combination skin, but they have a line for oily skin and dry skin. For me when I had acne my skin wasn't terribly oily, just very uncooperative. To this day I still use Perfectly Clean facewash and the only time I get blemishes is during my lovely visit each month. Now on a side note, your dermatologist has you taking an ORAL antibiotic??? I can't even begin to stress the severity of taking antibiotics without an infection that is incurable otherwise. Edited to remove unnecessary rant about antibiotics.
Posted by soontobemrsep[/QUOTE]

I hear you on the antibiotics thing...I had an awful reaction to Cipro recently that gave me peripheral neuropathy, luckily it went away after a week. I think that I'm going to give up after this one (ampicillan).

jessicabessica · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_skin-ladies?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:4c96184f-0e3b-42d1-a404-479b574eefcfPost:382b454a-11b2-4c54-b1c2-bafbafa5bea4">Re: Skin ladies...</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Skin ladies... : I had to keep switching because I would have allergic reactions to the pills, or they would interfere with my interstitial cystitis (a medical condition I have). The only thing I was able to stay on for a full two months was Keflex, and it didn't work. Right now I am on Ampicillan but just started it a week ago. The ones I was allergic to were Minocycline, Doxycicline, and Septra. This doctor was one of two that takes my state of Fl insurance, but my mother had said she heard good things about their office...
Posted by rardito[/QUOTE]

<div>The last thing I did with a dermatologist in high school was Accutane. Have you asked your doc about that? It can have serious side effects and you have to be careful, and you basically have to promise that you aren't trying to get pregnant (very serious potential for birth defects). </div>

rardito · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_skin-ladies?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:4c96184f-0e3b-42d1-a404-479b574eefcfPost:2e4026b3-6174-49f3-a14c-c2ab7466b794">Re: Skin ladies...</a>:
[QUOTE]I hope this helps. I've finally found a regimen that works but it could be different for you. Also, I'd try finding a new dermatologist.....
Posted by at842205[/QUOTE]

Haha...my coworkers have been telling me the same thing. I think I will if this current treatment doesn't work.

CAB1217 · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_skin-ladies?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:4c96184f-0e3b-42d1-a404-479b574eefcfPost:6a0533c1-a2ec-4041-8c9e-5391334faed3">Re: Skin ladies...</a>:
[QUOTE]Don't know if this will work for you, but I used to have acne problems and for some <strong>reason when I STOPPED washing my face so much</strong>, everything cleared up. Now all I do is take off my makeup with baby oil and rinse it with a very mild face wash.
Posted by kwilliams111012[/QUOTE]

This is because when you over dry your face, your skin doubles up oil production. OP this may be your problem. Oil cleansing is a good route as PP suggested. Also, Dr. Perricone has a supplement regimen that I've seen people take with much success. They're vitamins, and they're pricey.

ETA: Here's a link to them.
<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.perriconemd.com/product/skin+clear+supplements.do">http://www.perriconemd.com/product/skin+clear+supplements.do</a>

You reallllllly want to stay away from anything that is over drying your face. Make sure you're also moisturizing daily.

StephBeanWed61502 · February 2012

I see an esthetician at a day spa for microdermabrasion facials, and it's the only thing that has improved my skin - they use products that are often a lot gentler than the chemicals you often end up with from a dermatologist.

MagCal · February 2012

My brothers both had terrible acne. One of them finally kicked it by taking Accutane. Hardcore stuff, definitely last resort, but it did work for him at least. I feel for you, I saw how painful it was for my brothers to deal with.

Callmefia · February 2012

I think I would consider the oil cleansing if I were you. The best thing I ever did for my face is switch to cetaphil. I add oil free moisturizer after washing (stay with something basic, no perfumes, dyes etc... I use neutrogena) for a while I found it was best to only wash once a day... My skin breakouts would get worse with repeated washings and the cleansers that totally dry your skin out. When I was in college everyone talked me into seeing a dermatologist for breakouts and it was ridiculous! He put me on 4 times daily pill(tetracycline) which made me feel sick and differin gel, which just dried the crap out of my skin and made me break out more. Finally, it does take time to see results. I would give a new routine at least a full month to see results.

lilja032 · February 2012

My brother also found accutane was the only thing which alleviated his really severe acne. It shrinks the sebaceous (oil producing) glands causing a massive decrease in oil production. It did really help his acne but he also swung to the other extreme from super oily skin to super dry so he had to swap to using super gentle, moisturising products.

rardito · February 2012

Thanks for all of the advice!
I will definitely try the moisturizing thing and look into some of the others.

CAB1217 · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_skin-ladies?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:4c96184f-0e3b-42d1-a404-479b574eefcfPost:0889b945-a66d-4e74-afc5-5e27d374724a">Re: Skin ladies...</a>:
[QUOTE]Disclaimer: I've heard awful things about Accutane from friends and family who were on it. Mood swings, depression, eyesight issues...honestly, try the oil cleansing. I haven't yet but several posters swear by it. It's gentle and works WITH your skin. Maybe all of the pills and gels are too harsh, and are actually counterproductive? Good luck!
Posted by EaglesBride2012[/QUOTE]
Ditto this, I've heard really bad stuff about Accutane. I am personally doing the oil cleansing and it works wonders. I wish J&K were here right now, she breaks it down like a boss.

lilja032 · February 2012

CAB what sort of skin do you have? I have combo skin and have always wanted to give oil cleansing a go but am too scared! Is it fairly time consuming?

CAB1217 · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_skin-ladies?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:4c96184f-0e3b-42d1-a404-479b574eefcfPost:4330904c-2074-404e-88f1-3e5cfd51dcd7">Re: Skin ladies...</a>:
[QUOTE]CAB what sort of skin do you have? I have combo skin and have always wanted to give oil cleansing a go but am too scared! Is it fairly time consuming?
Posted by lilja032[/QUOTE]

Combo with an oily T zone, and dry cheeks. It's not time consuming, but you run through hand towels a lot which is annoying. A small price to pay for very balanced skin. I wrote about it in my blog a while back... and another TKer on MB just talked about her experience with it a couple of days ago. I will link you up with that thread in a bit.

I use a combo of Jojoba oil, Castor, and Tea tree.

ETA: Here's the thread
<a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_military-brides_ocm-experience-cab">http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_military-brides_ocm-experience-cab</a>

J&K10910 · February 2012

Oil cleansing is kick ass. Accutane is scary stuff. You can't get the name brand Accutane anymore, because it's been taken off the market because of all the terrible side effects. That should tell you something about it.

I have....oily, dry, flaky, red, sensitive, breakout prone skin. I always have. Now, oil cleansing, my face is less red, less flaky and dry, less oily, I breakout less, and my skin generally looks smoother and prettier.

One really, really important thing to remember is that 90% of those OTC acne products are made for teenage skin. You do not have teenage skin, you can't treat it like you do. Those products are SO hard on adult skin, and like PPs have said, can make it worse.

CAB1217 · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_skin-ladies?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:4c96184f-0e3b-42d1-a404-479b574eefcfPost:7e0a739c-5a6b-4ca3-a92f-07394df6472a">Re: Skin ladies...</a>:
[QUOTE]Oil cleansing is kick ass. Accutane is scary stuff. You can't get the name brand Accutane anymore, because it's been taken off the market because of all the terrible side effects. That should tell you something about it. I have....oily, dry, flaky, red, sensitive, breakout prone skin. I always have. Now, oil cleansing, my face is less red, less flaky and dry, less oily, I breakout less, and my skin generally looks smoother and prettier. One really, really important thing to remember is that 90% of those OTC acne products are made for teenage skin. You do not have teenage skin, you can't treat it like you do. Those products are SO hard on adult skin, and like PPs have said, can make it worse.
Posted by J&K10910[/QUOTE]

Ask, and you shall receive! :D

J&K10910 · February 2012

Haha! Now people will think I'm lurking 24/7. I just so happened to pop in, see this thread, and check it out.

CAB1217 · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_skin-ladies?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:4c96184f-0e3b-42d1-a404-479b574eefcfPost:0399762c-8abc-4315-a8da-5111cd4d94ad">Re: Skin ladies...</a>:
[QUOTE]Haha! Now people will think I'm lurking 24/7. I just so happened to pop in, see this thread, and check it out.
Posted by J&K10910[/QUOTE]

Or, I beatlejuiced you into the convo...

J&K10910 · February 2012

That'll teach people to talk about me behind my back!

trixie549 · February 2012

My Clarisonic has been the single best thing for my skin. I use it with a basic cleanser at night, then apply a 2% BHA solution to my face before bed. I also use a basic, gentle moisturizer like Cetaphil. Ditto to the PP who said that most acne products are geared toward teenage skin.

I really like Paula's Choice products. She's a skincare guru and author of several books about beauty products ("Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me") - very interesting to read about what is really in most products and which are recommended.

jujub423 · February 2012

A girl I work with had really bad acne and started using beauti control's acne products, her face looks great now! I had cystic acne on one of my cheeks when I was in highschool--it was awful, and nothing helped. I hope you find something that works for you!

lilja032 · February 2012

Thanks CAB and JK, I might give it a go now. I use dermalogica at the moment but it's freaking expensive and to be honest I haven't been particularly excited by it. As I said I'd read about OCM but had always been too scared to give it a go but sounds like you guys have had good experiences and I don't really have anything to lose!

[Deleted User] · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_skin-ladies?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:4c96184f-0e3b-42d1-a404-479b574eefcfPost:20b529ba-9508-45dc-9f78-64f41cdd7bbe">Re: Skin ladies...</a>:
[QUOTE]I read around here that someone starting doing oil cleanses on their face (I know, I thought it sounded counter-productive too) and had great results. Might be worth looking into. I have problem skin as well and have pretty good results using Clinique and my birth control pills. I love the Clinique acne mask. My face is pretty red after I do it (so I do it at night), but the next morning my skin looks pretty good.
Posted by sunnydays630[/QUOTE]

I posted about oil cleanses awhile back, but my skin tends to fall in the range of normal to oily with only occasional breakouts (however you can change the formula, depending on your skintype). From a background of having worked in skincare before here is my two cents: First, avoid overwashing and harsh cleansers, the more you strip your skin, the more oil your skin will produce. Ideally, you should cleanse at night only and just rinse with water in the am. Use a skin-balancing moisturizer that is free of dyes and perfumes, if you don't moisturize your skin will compensate by producing oil. If you need to during the day, blot with rice paper or oil blotting sheets to remove excess oil on the surface of your skin. Avoid using multiple products with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, as this too will strip your skin and stimulate more oil production. Keep in mind, that whatever you do, it takes several weeks for your skin to adjust when you change your skincare regimen so if you don't see results right away, don't get discouraged, often when you change your routine, your skin will immediately have the opposite effect from what you are trying to do for the first few days or so. Here is the link for the oil cleansing method I posted about. I know it sounds weird but logically, if oil and water don't mix, how does a water-based cleanser removal oil-based impurities. Hope this helps! <a href="http://simplemom.net/oil-cleansing-method/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+simplemom+%28Simple+Mom%29&utm_content=Google+Reader" rel="nofollow">http://simplemom.net/oil-cleansing-method/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+simplemom+%28Simple+Mom%29&utm_content=Google+Reader</a>

rardito · February 2012

I'm in my late 20s and it's still the same as it's always been.

I have been using Clindamycin for about two months and it doesn't really do anything. But she hasn't prescribed any face washes or anything like that. It's always a pill and a gel combo.

And I haven't been tested for allergies, maybe I should get on that. I am vegan now, but have only been for two years, and my face looked the same before I was vegan.

Skin ladies...

Re: Skin ladies...

Choose Another Board

Search Boards