Skin Care Routine...

Proactive! Good luck, I used to have skin issues too. I finally realized it was mainly from my diet.

I was using prescription products from my dermatologist until I got pregnant. Since I can't use some of those chemicals right now I've started using Clinique's 3 step system and it's been working pretty well. Still get an occasional breakout, but it's usually just a couple at a time and then will clear up. Also, I've used ProActive before and that works pretty well. Walmart and Target also carry 3step systems like ProActive that may work for you- I think Neutrogena makes one?? I also wash my face with Dove before I start the 3 step system as I was always told by dermatologists to use a mild soap and water for washing. Cetaphil makes a good mild soap also.

Neutrogena has come out with some really good products. They have a 3 step system, kind of like Pro Active, but less expensive. I have tried their products and love them. As far as I know, all the drug stores should have them, I got mine at WalMart. I looked it up online and here is a link
http://www.neutrogena.com/econsumer/ntg/regimenlist.brows...

I have combination skin, and I use "Kiss My Face" Olive Oil Soap. I have a friend who had really bad acne, and she said Olive Oil soap (she used a different brand) cleared up her skin. You can actually make oily skin worse if you use soap that is too drying, as the skin goes into overdrive producing oil.

For a toner, I just use Witch Hazel. You can buy a 20 oz bottle at Target for like $3 or $4. It will be shelved next to the rubbing alcohol and the hydrogen peroxide.

For a moisturizer, I use Target's store brand that is knock-off of Olay Oil's scent-free lotion with sunscreen. Both Target and Walgreen's carry their own knock-offs of Olay of Oil, and I've read the ingredients and they are identical/near-identical.

For adult acne the best product I found is Skinlogics Clear by Beauticontrol. It's very comparible to products found in a drug store, but 100% better quality. The skincare set which includes the cleanser, a scrub/mask, a toner, a moisturizer, and a blemish spot treatment lasts about 4 months, so when you think about the price it's actually not that much for all the products you're getting and a 4 month supply. It's one of the reasons I became a consultant for the company so I not only could get it at a bigger discount but because I like doing the at home spas/facials the company does. It's alcohol free and does not dry out your skin. Going through 3 pregnancies my skin felt like it was on a rollercoster ride and I was getting so frustrated. I had used proactiv which helped, but my skin didn't feel soft and it was always dry. Now I'm proud not to need makeup because my skin has a natural glow and softness. The company offers a 100% money back guarantee so there's no risk to try it unlike buying things at a drug store which you're having to take a risk on if it will work or not. If you're interested in hearing more about it you can contact me through my website www.beautipage.com/paulagerman I also offer a 25% discount on all 1st time orders for mamasource members. Good luck!

While you cannot purchase this at a drug store, I use Clinique's three step regime. But...I work for Clinique corporate AND a local dermatologist. Comparatively, it is not "that" much more expensive, as not much product is required for application. I too break out on a monthly basis (still at 38 UGH)!

I also use Rx acne cream on an as needed basis. Regarding the three step: the toner is what really does the trick for me as I have found that daily exfoliation is key to "my" skin remaining healthy. Of course, there are other products on the market that will do the trick, but I am used to using Clinique and do find that it works best for me personally. Also, do wear a sun screen daily. Many are found in over the counter cosmetics, but Clinique also has a foundation with SPF. I use that as well. You'd be amazed at how many young people we treat with Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (and even Melanoma) at our practice. Many with lesions found on the face!

Must say that having an oilier skin has been kind of a blessing. Still not "that" many signs of aging (even with my three kids – two under two – LOL). We all know that the skin is our largest organ – we need to take care of it! Good luck!

I too have problems with breakouts. I use Bio-Elements. I get it from my salon and it is a little pricier, but as long as I use it twice a day my face looks great.
Sometimes I get lazy at bedtime and don't wash my face and I can really tell the next day.
I went to a facialist and had her make some suggestions on what to use.
I have also been thinking of trying pro-active, but I'm not sure how that really works.
Good Luck and I hope you find something that works.

Have you ever tried Mary Kay? I also have dealt with some skin issues over the years and I am currently a consultant with Mary Kay and help many women. Our products have 100% money back garantee so if they don't work you can alway return them. Let me know if I can help.

D.

I posted a question simialr to this not to long ago. Here's what I do (and it works for me): I use an exfoliating scrub in the shower every morning (St Ives, you can get it at Walmart or Target), then at night I use Clinique facial soap (a bit pricey, $13 for 3 bars, but only using it once a day they last forever), then Clinique Superdefense moisturizer as needed on dry spots (I got the moisturizer in sample form so I'm not sure how much it is regularly).

I use Cedaphil (use the store brands since they are much cheaper and work the same) cleanser and moisturizer. It made a huger difference for me. Also, make sure you don't use a washcloth or scrub your face. I've also found my makeup choices made a big difference. Most makeup for acne people didn't work for me but I like Clinique Clarifying makeup. It is great. Light coverage. Doesn't contribute to breakouts. Gentle. Pricier but worth it. A small pea-size amount is all I use each day. Not greasy. I'm 32 and I had a prescription acne lotion (Sulfacet R) for 15 years. I haven't had to use it much at all now that I have found a good cleanser, moisturizer and makeup. Good luck.

If you are having monthly breakouts around your mouth then it is hormonal (at least that's what I have read.) I just started a natural balancing cream called Prolief last month. My face didn't break out as bad this month. Hopefully it will continue to get better. It is also suppose to help with bad moods, long painful periods, acne, weight gain and lots of other things. I also use Arbonne skin care. They just started a brand new product FC5 for the face and body. I can't wait to get it in the mail. Let me know if you want to know more about the prolief and other Arbonne products. Don't worry-you don't have to pay full price and the discount does NOT mean you are selling it.

I have similar annoying but not serious skin problems. I use Aveeno - I also have some allergy issues so I tend to go for more "natural" stuff and best of all you can get it from target :-) There is a range of stuff for different skin types and while it is a little expensinve, it does last. Hope this helps :-)

At age 33 it might be time to use something with more moisture. Often oily skin is a side effect from dry skin. This is because your skin is over compensating for its dryness by producing lots of oil. The products you used in high school maybe made for truely oily skin (caused by hormones).

I use the Olay eye make-up remover and like it. I have often heard the Olay products are the best anti-aging products available at drugstores and are often better than designer brands. They seem to have all sorts of products for people who need a little help to people who have alligator skin. I also use the Aveeno daily moisturizer SPF 15.

BTW I'm 31 years old.

I really like the Clean & Clear line. I've used the Daily Pore Cleanser (there's also a warming scrub that's nice), Deep Action Cream Cleanser, and Dual Action Moisturizer. I have sensitive skin and have never had a problem with these products. Good luck!

I found a great source of information online at acne.org. I now follow their "regimen" using products that are available at Target. I use Cetaphil cleanser (very mild, and very different from the Proactiv I had been using), benzoyl peroxide at night, and a moisturizer (I use Oil of Olay's All Day Moisture SPF 15 during the day, and the generic version of Cetaphil lotion at night). This is much gentler on my skin than the Proactiv or other "acne" systems I had followed, but my face looks better than it has in a long time. If nothing else, check out the website for lots of good information.

I've been using Mary Kay products for over 5 years now and they work great. I am a consultant and could give you a complimentary facial if you are interested.

I had perfect skin at one point until highschool.( I'm now 29 yrs old). Then all of the sudden my face looked like a pizza! i was horrified! I tried EVERYTHING out there! Over the counter stuff never worked and seemed to dry out my skin or make it worse. I tried proactive and other skin care products on those commercials....those didnt work either! I finally went to the dermatologist who recommended the same as yours did to you...Dove and then a light moisturizer. That worked slightly but i didnt get great results, but then my acne got worse again as i got older. My dermatologist then perscribed a gel called differin gel. That stuff works magic! It's the only thing I would recommenmd to anyone. The only problem with it, is that its only available by rx and is pretty expensive ( around 100.00 for 30 day supply). Since it's so pricey I only get a refill for my Rx once a year during my worst breakouts( which i rarely get now!!!) . In the meantime, I've switched to Estee lauder face wash, toner and moisturizer! Since using these products, my skin has never looked better! My skin glows and the estee lauder products have helped to repair alot of scarring and discoloration. Estee lauder skin care does cost a little more than stuff from target or walgreens, but it dooes last me months at a time and is well worth the little extra money. They have lines of skin care that are for all different skin types too! ( i get the moisturizing wash in winter and switch to oil control wash in summer). Well, whatever you decide, I wish you the best of luck! If my ideas aren't an option, I hope someone could recommend another great product for you! Good Luck! and keep your head up! :)

I use cetaphil and I also was on accutane about 7 years ago. The places that you say you still get acne could be related to dairy. Have you ever tried not drinking milk? I know it sounds crazy but I break out around my mouth from milk and so do a lot of my friends. It has to do with a milk allergy or sensitivity. I would not drink milk for at least a month and see if you improve. I also still use topical clindamyacin, and finacea. And I don't get any breakouts.

hey M., my skin sounded like yours. i do full time missions work and at 46, i found something that i really love that is both exfolliating and cleansing but at the same time really gentle-cosmetic borax!
cosmetic borax is not to be confused with commercial borax and can be found in bulk at most health food stores in powder form.
to use, put a teaspoon of the powder in hand and enough water to make a waterey paste and you have your scrub which cleans really well without drying.
i live in a dry area so as a moisturizer i use now brand pure 100% shea butter on my skin which is really inexpensive.
for the record, while roughing it in the wilderness or camping with limited water source, using soap requires a lot of water to rinse and i do not have to do a clean rinse with the cosmetic borax.
hope this helps!
L.

Nothing worked for me very well until I started using St. Ives Peach facial scrub daily in the shower. I still have a break out if I skip to many days in a row. I also use a mosturizer daily. At night to clean my face I use Noxemia and water.

I use the Cetaphil products. They have really helped my skin and they don't cost that much.

M., I feel your frustrations... I am 31 and have been struggling with acne for what seems like forever. I have tried EVERYTHING!! Since I'm pregnant with my 4th baby I really started looking into some new methods of clearing my skin without a lot of harsh chemicals and I think I've found one. I use Neutrogena Fresh Foaming cleanser and I wash my face twice with this. The first time removes makeup and the second time cleans my face. Then I wash again with AcneFree (from Target). The reason I wash with that last is because it's not really a cleanser, it's more of a treatment. I do this morning and night. And here's the kicker... I started taking a probiotic that I get at my local health food store. You could also find a good one at Whole Foods. Just buy one that has to be refrigerated. Mine says to take one daily, but I take at least 2 and that really seems to help. You might have to take more in the beginning and then maybe cut back when you get your body more in balance with good bacteria. I also take fish oil, flax seed oil (which are beneficial to you in many ways!) and a good multivitamin. Good luck!! I hope you find something that works for you ;)

i use a very harsh chemical on my face every day. rubbing alcohol. i don't have to use a moisturizer and i use cover girl foundation and powders. i'm 45 and i have used this every morning after i wash my face since i was 15 years old. i have very oily skin. my skin looks very good-no one can guess my age. they usually guess 5-10 years younger. i'm not saying you should start using this but maybe once a week or so. i don't want to hear how awful that is for my skin-this works for me.

You can try using 4 tablespoons of salt and 3 tablespoons of olive oil to create a paste. Leave it on your face for 2 minutes and rinse with warm water. Then wash your face as normal. Use every day for a week and then cut back to 3 days a week and you should notice an improvement.

M., I used to break out and felt I had tried everything too. Then I stopped drinking milk and I rarely have breakouts anymore. (Maybe 1 a month). I still will eat other dairy (cheese, etc). Cutting out milk has really helped!
I now just wash with a regular Biore facewash and don't spend $$ on trying new products.

M.,

I use Mary Kay's TimeWise products. This is not a store brand, but comes with the perks of a personal consultant that will deliver to you and backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. I didn't have decent skin until I moved to Montana where the humidity is a lot lower than here. I was so afraid to move back to this area because of what my skin would look like. However, I had used MK for a year, and when we moved it didn't change! I was so excited.

Lisa - mom of 4 boys

I usually wash my face with water (yep, that's it!) and then after I shower I put coconut oil on my face. I've never broken out from it. My friend had some acne issues when she was younger (and still deals with it from time to time). She changed to a gluten free diet and it has helped her skin clear up. As far as the coconut oil, it's a saturated fat, so it smells a little like grease, but apparently it's been used for centuries by "beautiful people" in more tropical climates. I found it in the natural foods section of the grocery store. Target probably won't have it. It will stay a bit greasy for about 1/2 hour, so if you do the morning rush routine, you may have to switch to using it at night. It's great for cooking. Apparently it gives sauteed veggies a great flavor. (I've used it to pop popcorn.) Also, it can't possibly put toxins into your system because it's a natural food product. Our skin is our biggest organ (surface area), so if you wouldn't eat it, why put it on your skin, right? ;)