Acne products

[rydra_wong]

Okay, I've tried most things, up to and including Accutane, and in my thirties, I've more or less resigned myself to never completely growing out of my acne (cystic acne on skin that manages to be oily and sensitive simultaneously, lovely).

But I thought I'd ask the comm on the off chance, to see if anyone has any magic recs for products I haven't heard of.

Any secrets out there?

Comments

[vorvolaka]

The only thing that has ever cleared up my cystic acne is low dose contraceptive pill (oestrogen and progestin combined). In talking to other acne sufferers I know, it seems like it's rather hit and miss as to whether people benefit.

I also use benzoyl peroxide most days to keep my non-cystic acne at bay.

If you've already went through a course of Accutane, there's a high chance that you've tried both of the above but that's what has helped me.

[rydra_wong]

I can't try birth control pills because of the risk that they'd fuck with my mood issues (I am notorious for my freaky, freaky reactions to medications, and my brain chemistry is a rather precarious balance).

And yeah, doing benzoyl peroxide, though I tend to alternate it with other things as using anything continuously seems to aggravate my skin.

[risha]

I'm in the same boat - skin that is both extremely oily and very sensitive - and the dermatologist told me straight out years ago that acne would always be a problem. But I have the additional complication of being allergic to benzoyal peroxide! (I mean that literally, not just "sensitive to" - my eyes swell shut if I use even a little.)

I've long since resigned myself to just maintaining a routine of washing with three times a day (morning, when I get home from work, before bed) with Purpose soap, and using Physician's Formula concealer to hide what I can.

However, when I was cycling through the medications years ago, the only one that did work at least partially for me was Tazorac. It reduced the number of pimples by at least 75%, and unlike most people, I didn't have any overdrying problems at all! However, the effects disappeared on any day that I didn't use it - no permanent effect at all. I stopped using it after several years when I started planning to have children, as it's a class X drug and you absolutely can't get pregnant on it. I never did have children, but I'd still like to, and I'm uncomfortable being on it permanently anyway, so I've never gone back to it.

[rydra_wong]

*takes notes*

as it's a class X drug and you absolutely can't get pregnant on it.

Not really an issue for me, except in the unlikely event that I acquire a sex life that involves other people. *g* But yeah, I probably wouldn't want to be on something like that permanently (I have enough permanent meds in my life).

[kaiz]

I have had fairly good luck with Neutrogena's line of acne control products such as their salicylic acid scrubs, lotions, and toners. Ditto for frequent facials that include a lactic acid peel component. (The facials have helped a lot, btw.)

Like many people, I do experience additional oilienss with with products that contain alpha and beta hydroxies. However I like the acne-control properties enough to keep on using them and just counter-act the oil with anti-shine mattifying gels from places like Sephora.

[the_grynne]

I was in the same boat as you until very recently, but I've been on a new skin regime (a combination of products and cleansing methods) for the last month or two, and my acne has virtually clearer during that time. You can give one or all of these a go; I've listed them in rough order of priority.

1. Remove makeup as soon as you can (I use Bioderma Sensibio H2O or Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil).

2. Cleanse thoroughly, massaging with a non-foaming cleanser, before removing the cleanser with a hot wet muslin cloth to exfoliate gently and open up the pores. I use Murad Time Release Acne Cleanser.

3. I started using Sisley Botanical Facial Mask with Tropical Resins, a deep-cleansing mask, about a month ago, and noticed a difference on my breakouts immediately after the first use. It contains zinc and white clay.

4. La Roche Posay Effaclar K all over the face, over moisturiser and underneath makeup. Also, Effaclar A.I. as a spot treatment. A.I. on its own I started using about 3 months ago, and didn't notice much difference, but together with everything else I've been doing, it seems to be stopping further breakouts.

5. Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Serum, to encourage healing and restore clarity to the skin.

[rydra_wong]

*is taking notes*

No. 2. I've already got down (Snowberry Instant Deep Cleanser at the moment), and I don't wear make-up so 1. is superfluous. *g*

I'm using the Effaclar Duo quite a bit; how does the Effaclar K compare, do you know?

[the_grynne]

I haven't tried the Effaclar Duo, but my guess would be that the Effaclar K is more aimed at prevention.

Also, if you're anything like me, your diet is strongly related to your acne; it might be worth going to see a specialist who can give advice on what you should avoid. I break out every time I touch anything that has dairy in it, although unfortunately I love cheese and yoghurt too much to cut them from my diet completely, so I've resigned myself to the occasional relapse. :)

[rydra_wong]

*g* I've only just worked out what eating habits keep my energy levels stable and fuel my climbing properly, so at the moment I'm just trying to stick to that and not tinker further!

(Mmm, Greek yoghurt.)