Adult Acne!

[crazy-girl]

OK, I know I can't be the only one with the problem. I always had the occasional breakout in highschool and college but as soon as I turned 22---zit city. Horrible nasty little buggers. I'm 26 and they show no signs of going away. I've tried everything from Stridex to Glycolic Acid peels---I've got an appointment with the doctor next week.

Does anyone have any good over the counter remedies or prescription miracles they want to share?

20s are too late in life for breakouts.

[Unregistered]

Oddly enough, I had the same problem...Birth control pills (Ortho-tricylen, ortho-cyclen) worked great for me. My gynocologist noticed I had breakouts and suggested I try it. Still have the occasional pimple when you're on your period, but nothing like before. You may consider looking into it if you haven't already.

[crazy-girl]

That's so strange that it worked for you. I have a few friends (and myself) that took Ortho and it didn't do anything. I was on it for a year and finally begged to be taken off of it because it was making me really moody and psychotic in a cry baby sense too.

I guess everyone's body is different. Drat.

[jparrott]

I can completely relate!! And I know how frustrating it can be! I have also used the Proactiv solution and a friend of mine is on it right now. I had tried everything to the chemical peels too,,and I finally gave into the infomercial fear one night and ordered it in college. I LOVED IT ! and it helped alot. However, when I moved out on my own, I couldn't really afford it..so I stopped. And my troubles came back. :mad: But, now I actually use TimeWise by Mary Kay with their acne treatment gel and it does a very good job too!!! My bfriends' mother is a consultant so that's what made me start. But I would recommend either!!!! I still get zits,,but not anywhere near what I used to. I used to not want to leave the house. And would just crawl back into bed under the covers on bad days. I still don't like people touching my face. My bfriend doesn't understand! :) Old habits are hard to break!

[CAT11]

In the last few months I started having this problem too, except my face is pretty clear, but my back and chest break out. Gross.
I went to the derm the other day and he wanted to start me on minocycolin (sp) and I am still debating about it. I am on Ortho Novum, which keeps my face pretty clear, but I am not sure I want to risk the anti-biotic/birth control thing. Would rather have zits than be pregnant.
Anyway, I used to have bad acne on my face as a kid and the only thing that cleared it up was Clinique, no joke. I tried everything out there, including perscriptions and OTC. I have used it for years. It is worth the extra money and it lasts a long time, so in reality isn't that much more.
Wish they would come out with a body treatment. I am using the Nuetragena Body Clear Body wash which sort of is helping.
Good luck.

[crazy-girl]

Well, I had to go to the doctor the other week so I went without make-up (a very brave move for me) and my doctor had no choice but to see my acne face. She prescriped an antibiotic and a cream. Now I just need to wait to get paid so I can get the prescriptions filled.

[angeltread]

ok, i know this sounds cheezy, but a lot of you may have seen the infomercials for ProActiv solution. i never trust those things so for a long time, i never wanted to bother with it. since i was sixteen i've tried everything (i'm 24 now)... birth control, antibiotics, prescription topical medication, Clinique (which only made it worse). nothing worked. my brother-in-law got ProActiv and said it was working for him. so i broke down and got it for myself. you guys, this stuff is amazing!!! its a small investment for clear skin. not only do i not break out anymore, but the scars from my previous breakouts are less visible. my skin looks porcelain. and if it doesn't work they give you your money back. sorry to sound like and infomercial myself, but seriously, i know how frustrating it is and this stuff really works!!!

[True_Believer]

YES YES PROACTIV is the BEST thing! I used to have acne (not too severe) when I was a teenager and we tried everything under the sun it seemed. Nothing helped. My body became immune to the antibiotics.

One night my dad said he was up late and flipping thru the channels and happened to see this infomercial for ProActiv. It was pretty cheap (I think they were offering some kind of deal) and he said he thought 'what the hell, we've tried everything else'.

LOL I have always wanted to be one of the ProActiv spokespeople... toting how well it works... b/c in a matter of about 2 months, my skin was SO CLEAR AND CLEAN!! I could actually go w/ none or very minimal makeup (I always wore alot of foundation b/c I was so unhappy w/ my skin). I'm dead serious, this stuff is the best stuff. It's not harsh on your skin, and like Angel said, if it doesn't work for you, you get your money back.

hehehe who woulda thought... and I hate infomercials! But think about it, its something to try and you already have 2 people on here telling you it worked wonders for them when all else failed.

~ Meg

[Unregistered]

I'm actually in my mid 20's and i've been using Proactiv for about 5 years. It seriously does work well. I'm afraid to stop using it. It makes your skin feel good, it's not irritating like some things. I'm skeptical about everything i buy, but like some others have said, it's definateley worth the try. It took me about 3 weeks to see an improvement and since then.... no major problems.

[CAT11]

How does it work for the rest of your body?

[Unregistered]

CAT.....

Haven't tried it anywhere but my face. I imagine it would work well on other body parts, but it seems like it would run out much quicker using over larger body parts, which could get expensive. However, if it works it will be worth the cost. Just order one box worth, it's like $40 for a 2 month supply... if it doesn't work, send it back.

[True_Believer]

ProActiv has a catalog that comes w/ an order, and they have a ton of new products now. So there may be something you can use by ProActiv thats made for your body.

Or try looking at their website: http://www.proactiv.com

[SinusHeadache]

Ok Crazy-Girl...you sound just like me. I'm 26...never had a zit until I turned 21. For years I suffered with that crap all over my face. They were nasty! The cist kind, and no matter what treatment I tried, nothing helped.
Then came Acutane. I highly recommend it...but you really gotta prepare yourself for it. It's the only medical "cure" for acne especially for the Vulgaris kind, but it can be difficult to go through. I started it last June. They put you on it for 6 months. You have to be on a national register because it's a pretty serious drug. You also have to go for pregnancy tests every month (get this...even if you're male) to guarantee you won't get pregnant. You also have to sign contracts agreeing not to become pregnant. Reason being Acutane seriously deforms fetusii. It also dries every muccous membrane in your body. You have to keep your eyes lubricated, especially if you wear contacts. I had to constanly wear Bag Balm on my lips. They were disgustingly, crustily, bloodily chapped for the entire 6 months. You also get nose bleeds because of the dryness. Some people have to watch out for extreme depression. I was very worried about this part 'cuz I have a history of depresion, but everything was fine and I never experienced any symptoms during my treatment.
I stopped TX in Jan...I am COMPLETELY zit free! Nothing! Once in a while a small pimple or blackhead that will go away within days. I complained the whole time I was on Acutane...but now I'm really glad I got through it.

[CAT11]

I have read a lot about Acutane and it sounds really strong, like you said. I have had a few friends that have used it and had similar results...

Anyway, after everyones ProActiv recomendations, I was all for ordering some, and then I read the ingriedients and guess what...I am allergic to benzoyl peroxide. Smeared it all over my face in junior high and turned bright red for days....go figure.

What is up with the 20's zits?

I have heard some people are using the new birth control pill called Yasmin....it reduces testosterone levels....

Hmm...calling my gynie....

[jparrott]

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am in the process of trying Murad. I saw an informercial for it and decided what the heck...you get a full refund if it doesn't work. So, I've been using it for about 5 days..so far so good. I'll keep you posted. I definately like the way my face feels. and the moisturizer is not oily at all...so it feels nice and not shiny!!!!

Jules

[Unregistered]

A treatment that is less harsh than acutane might be differin and an antibiotic. It seems to be working though the results are not fast. Also CAT11 if you are in washington DC I could recomend a good dermatologist in the area..

[westie1]

I've been using Differin and an antibiotic since January-
I've had the same adult acne problems that she was talking about. It works great-but you have to stick to it. I did experience a little redness/peeling-but it's only for a few days-then you'll start to see a difference.
Only problem- you have to really limit you sun exposure-one of the precautions. I actually stopped using it for the summer-living in MN-I need to tan a little-otherwise I look like the walking dead.

best of luck-

[Unregistered]

an spf 25 facial moisturizer might help with both the dryness/redess and with sun exposure.

[Unregistered]

Ok, everyone. This may sound crazy, but I thought I'd put in a word of advise. I recently started Bikram Yoga classes, which are held in a heated room (over 100 degrees) and make you sweat like you've never imagined. I'm 26 and still get crazy breakouts, but in the last two weeks my skin has been almost perfect. I'm convinced that it's due to the amount I sweat during these yoga classes and then afterwards I shower and use a light exfoliant. It's as if all the impurities and dead skin cells are being pushed out of my skin with the sweat and then I wash it all away. If for no other reason, I like going to my yoga class every day for how it makes my skin glow. It has never looked so good. Try it.

[crazy-girl]

I love yoga! I might have to try a few classes of the Bikram Yoga. The heat sort of scares me though---don't you ever just feel like passing out?

About 2 months ago I went to my doctor and begged her for something. Finally my face is cleared. I got a topical cream and an antibiotic. I threw out all my crazy Glycolic Acid washes and my over the counter toners and wash with Dove soap twice a day. I keep some of those Ponds make-up remover towelettes in my work out bag so I can remove my make-up after work before I go to the gym.

I still get occasional break-outs when I'm PMSing but I feel so much better when my skin is clear. It's amazing how my self-esteem is affected.

If you're breaking out---talk to your doctor! I'm so glad I did.

[Unregistered]

I totally understand the frustration with adult acne. I have been struggling with acne on my face, chest and back since I was a teenager. Back then, I went to a dermatologist and got on antibiotics and used Retin A. I was so frustrated because my skin wasn't quite bad enough to warrent acutane, but was bad nonetheless. But, I suffered through with the idea that I was a teenager and that was just part of the territory; I always assumed it would go away.
Now I am 25 and still going through it. My birth controls don't seem to help much. But, again, it isn't bad enough to warrent acutane. I am currently using Retin A - but only if I have a really bad one. I am against antibiotics (and the idea of acutane) because I don't want to constantly put drugs into my body...especially for vanity's sake. But I am so frustrated too. I have friends with amazing skin who just could never understand. I also love being outdoors in the sun and have been good about using sunblock, but couldn't imagine doing something to my skin for acne that would cause me to limit my sun time.

Anyway, I just needed to vent...I feel like I have put in my time with acne since high school and that I deserve some good skin time now. Since there is no skin god weighing the number of years I have logged hating my skin, maybe I'll try proactiv....thanks for the tip

[angeltread]

just another thing that i tried before i started using proactiv were glycolic peels which can be done at most day spas and some beauty salons. its expensive, about $80/treatment and you usually have to get about five treatments in a row to see results but a lot of those places have packages that will give you a discount or something. smaller cities might even be cheaper. all they do is sweep some glycolic acid (don't worry, its from fruit so its all natural) over your face, wait a minute or two and then clean it away. it kind of itches and your skin gets tight for a while afterwards, but its really no sweat. anyway, i know that's kind of radical b/c of the cost but it worked really well. i mean, if you're at your wits end, why the heck not? right? and then starting proactiv on top of that might just turn you into one of those people with porcelain skin... don't we all love them (yeah, right). they freak out when they get a tiny, miniscule bump on their nose. grrr... ;)

p.s. glycolic peels also take care of shallow scars! rock on!!!

[arh1234]

Hi everyone,

Since several people here have sung the praises of Proactiv, I just ordered some for myself. We'll see how well it works. I know this is an old original post, but I remembered reading it and I have, since first reading it, learned something about myself.

I was taking the birth-control pills (I tried probably 6 different brands in a 3-year period), along with minocycline and Azelex (supposed to reduce scars). My derm prescribed Retin-A, also, but my skin is too sensitive for even the lowest dosage, so I don't really use it much. Because of some, shall we say, sexual side effects (basically non-existent libido), my gyno had my blood testosterone level checked, and the protein created by taking birth-control was binding up basically all the testosterone in my system (which is why it supposedly works for ance so well-- testosterone being part of the culprit). My absent libido (which was causing definite probs with my husband) took priority and I quit the birth control all together. And within 2 or 3 weeks, my zits had cleared up remarkably. My dermatologist was amazed-- she said that in most cases, birth control meds will help acne, but there is a small percentage that will experience the opposite effect. She had never seen it happen before. Nice to know that I am officially a clinical anomaly...

So anyhow, it hasn't cleared up totally (still taking the minocycline, etc.) so I am going to try the Proactiv...

[TranquilSkye]

now i tried proactiv and it dried out my skin so much that it turned red and burned. i couldn't touch my face for about a week it hurt so bad. so after that i went to a day spa to see a skin care specialist and she reccommended dermalogica. there's no benzol peroxide in that and thats why the proactiv irritated my skin. i've been on dermalogica for about a month now and its done a wonderful job. its a bit more expensive than proactiv, but you don't have to order it. you can go right to a store and pick it up. so if proactiv doesn't work try dermalogica.

[wanaBpretty]

For those of you who have tried ProActiv, but experienced redness and burning, THERE"S STILL HOPE!! I called ProActiv to let them know that I had the sensitive skin efffect also and they offered the Gentle Formula at no extra charge!! yes, FREE.OMG, it actually works. It contains natural ingredients as well as salicylic acid. Hope it works for you! :cool:

[cornflakegirl]

i'm glad you bumped this thread.

my face has been breaking out a lot recently. in fact, it looks awful today, since i am supposed to get my period tmw. just the other day i was thinking about proactiv. must have been in my head bc i heard on the radio that more stars are signing on to promote it. my skin is sensitive so it's good to know about the other formula. how long have you been using it?

does anyone else have any recommendations?
anyone know of anything that is good for scarring?

[laelialudisia]

i too have tried EVERYTHING possible. i have spent tons of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

PROACTIV is the BEST acne treatment ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i have NO acne and my skin looks fabulous :huge:

[shimmer728]

[QUOTE=westie1]I've been using Differin
QUOTE]

I've been using this since I was 18, and it works pretty well. I've never had a horrible acne problem, but my skin does flare up occasionally, and the damn OTC pills haven't helped at all! :(

[lynseymay]

I use Differn as well and Duac I believe the name of it and they work great. I've had acne for..umm...god 13 years now it's horrible. I've tried just about everything, except maybe Proactive. but DO NOT try accutane that stuff is EVIL EVIL!!

[cornflakegirl]

i used to have differin gel. i got it from a friend whose sister was prescribed it. i had the tube for 3 years or so & used it as a spot treatment, rather than all over cuz it really dried up my skin. i think i threw it out when i moved cuz it didn't work as well as it used to.

i made a dermatologist appt today for something else, but i am definitely gonna get her advice on what would work for me. i think my main concern right now is that i pick at my skin (i never used to break out on my back & chest & it seems like it has happened overnight) & then scar, since my skin is darker.

[Deadend]

I've had problems with acne for forever, and in my 20s it seems to be alot better, but it's far FAR from gone.

The first thing I've noticed is that breakouts happen in air pollution, in the summer, and when I got to highly poluted areas. I broke out in Paris like I was 17 again.

Not a whole lot you can do about that, but I was wondering if anybody knows anything about the second factor. Now that I've lost a little weight I also notice that the problem has gotten a bit better. I noticed this before even when I was a teenager too. I think I had heard that it has somthing to do with insulin, and that being overweight basically means that the pancrease can't keep up which leads to acne somehow.

In the end.... some fat people get acne. Ok, so it's a bit convaluted. Does anyone know about the mechanism I'm talking about?

[wordsmith]

Ortho TriCyclen Lo is a beautiful thing. Sorry, boys, I don't recommend.

[Kitty]

For those of you who use proactive...

I get occasional breakouts..and i'm wondering if it would help with that, or is it more for people who have constant acne issues?

[cornflakegirl]

kitty - i am considering it & i don't have consistant acne; however, right now i feel like it.

[Kitty]

Me too!! Ugh. I'm going crazy..

I think i'll try it next pay check.

[pisces2473]

Not a whole lot you can do about that, but I was wondering if anybody knows anything about the second factor. Now that I've lost a little weight I also notice that the problem has gotten a bit better. I noticed this before even when I was a teenager too. I think I had heard that it has somthing to do with insulin, and that being overweight basically means that the pancrease can't keep up which leads to acne somehow.

In the end.... some fat people get acne. Ok, so it's a bit convaluted. Does anyone know about the mechanism I'm talking about?
Yeah, I know what you mean...um, but I can't think of how to explain it...I have PCOS which is VERY connected with insulin and acne is one of the many symptoms...insulin also regulates hormones...and hormones cause acne...lovely huh?

[SweetEm]

www.absoluteacneinfo.com is a cool site with a forum to talk to lots of folks about acne.

For awhile, I was using vinegar on my face and that worked wonders. Then out of nowhere it stopped working, and my face has been going bonkers the last few weeks. I HATE it!!!

I'm really glad to hear the ortho lo has worked well for people - I'm going to do the Sunday start I as soon as I get my period. The pill worked for me before, so hopefully it will work again!

Differen gel worked for me, but as soon as I stopped it came back... duh. (They told me I could stop, and my skin would be ok... so not true.) And, it and took awhile for it to work after lots of redness and peeling.

I'm also thinking about going in for acupuncture, because I've also been unhealthy lately - stressed out, and I've had a cold for a week. So I think my body must be all out of wack. I did acupuncture in college for my immune system because I had mono, and it worked wonders - I wasn't sick for a very long time, and I still haven't been horribly sick once - like a fever with chills kind of thing, just this nasty cold. That was 2.5 years ago.

The yoga thing sounds awesome.

[SweetEm]

I have PCOS which is VERY connected with insulin and acne is one of the many symptoms...insulin also regulates hormones...and hormones cause acne...lovely huh?

What are your symptoms besides acne?

[pisces2473]

Check your PMs. ;)

Also, I know you tried to PM me over the weekend, but my box was full. It's all clean now!

[GetMeOuttaDC]

Does anyone have any good over the counter remedies or prescription miracles they want to share?



Accutane? Or if it's not that severe, Differin? (I don't know if you're wrinkle prone, but if you spread it around your eyeballs, it clears up the crow's feet)

Oh, and Kitty, Proactive is lame for occasional breakouts - too weak for when you really need it, and dries out your skin when you don't. Get Differin - I got it on a day when I had ONE small zit - most doctors will write a prescription for whatever the hell you ask them to.

[SunDevil]

Is one of the ingredients in Proactiv, salicylic acid? I would suggest the $3 method first. Get the Noxzema 2% bottle and see if it improves in a week.

You know why can't they come up with a cure for Acne? There are too many companies making lots of money on products to make it a little better, but not go away completely.

[Deadend]

Yeah, I know what you mean...um, but I can't think of how to explain it...I have PCOS which is VERY connected with insulin and acne is one of the many symptoms...insulin also regulates hormones...and hormones cause acne...lovely huh?

I wish I could clear it up a little more, but endocrinology is kind of just a hobby for me, I'm a complete amateur.

[hopeless]

I wouldn't say I have moderate acne, but I do tend to form spot pimples on my face, but I have moderate acne on my back & chest. I use to be Clinique 3 step system back in junior high. For a while it worked until mid high school yrs. I've been seeing the Proactiv informercials & at first was skeptical, but I thought what's the harm in trying. I had tiny blackheads forming on my forehead. Once I was using Proactiv within a week my forehead was smooth & clear! Since then I've been hooked on Proactiv since. Been using it for over 2 yrs. now. I also use their body pads, body wash, & body lotion & my back & chest is so smooth & clear. I tried everything to treat those parts including a prescription cream & that didn't even work until I used Proactiv. It's definitely worth trying since you have 60 days to return it for a full refund even if the bottles are empty.

[RealDeal]

I feel you!!! I use Mario Badescu drying lotion. I swear it works miracles!! It is the pink lotion that you apply with a qtip and leave on over night. Summer from the OC uses it and she swears by it as well.

Also, I use their face wash and their face lotion. It is great!! You can buy it at Nordstroms or Neimans. Check it out. It is on the expensive side . . . I think $15 but it is worth it. It lasts a long time too

[wanaBpretty]

I recently posted the info on the Gentle formula by ProActiv. I've used for a month now and it started showing improvement after the first week. The surrounding skin also turns out very soft. Well, when I recieved my order they also sent me a "refining mask" containing Sulphur. I was skeptical about trying a new thing on my face so i looked up [sulphur for acne] online, and found www.sulphursoap.com . It turns out that sulphur has been around for ages and is supposed to be good for all skin problems:eczema,psoriasis,acne,dandruff,[even arthritis?]. I've never tried the soap but using the refining mask from ProActiv proves to work pretty good.But I only use it once a week. Good luck to ALL! :cool:


"Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. Worry, fear, self-distrust bows the heart and turns the spirit back to dust."
Samuel Ullman quotes

[Deadend]

This thread is bad luck. yesterday I post in it, today I wake up with a big ass zit on my top lip

[wanaBpretty]

bad luck , huh?? :eek: :idea: Think positive thoughts. Treat it as if it doesn't exist and it shall go away!! Good luck!

[RealDeal]

I recently posted the info on the Gentle formula by ProActiv. I've used for a month now and it started showing improvement after the first week. The surrounding skin also turns out very soft. Well, when I recieved my order they also sent me a "refining mask" containing Sulphur. I was skeptical about trying a new thing on my face so i looked up [sulphur for acne] online, and found www.sulphursoap.com . It turns out that sulphur has been around for ages and is supposed to be good for all skin problems:eczema,psoriasis,acne,dandruff,[even arthritis?]. I've never tried the soap but using the refining mask from ProActiv proves to work pretty good.But I only use it once a week. Good luck to ALL! :cool:


"Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. Worry, fear, self-distrust bows the heart and turns the spirit back to dust."
Samuel Ullman quotes


Yeah, I use to use Proactive as well. Proactive is good if you have a constant problem with really bad acne. It is really strong and could dry your skin out. It worked great for me but my friend it made her face really red for three days.

If you get bad pimples once in awhile I would really try Mario Badescu drying lotion. Put on skin overnight and gone the next mornig. Plus, I am using the Glylolic Face Wash and it is great . . . that is more for the contast black heads and will prevent big pimples. I love this stuff!!!

[girlinterrupted]

I never had a problem with acne on my face really (except when I was in college & had stress related acne & had to go on Accutane), but I've always had problems with my chest and back. I have very sensitive skin, so I've always used the SS formulated brand of whatever is out there, but nothing seemed to help that much. My friend recommended SS Aveeno body wash, and I've been using that for a couple of weeks with great results. I guess it depends on the type of acne you have - I tried ProActive when I was going through the stress acne in college, and it didn't make a dent.

Also pay attention to what you eat & how that affects your skin.

[RealDeal]

girlinterrupted, you are right about what you eat . . . your hormones are always changing and it could be what you are eating.

About body achne, I use to have this problem as well. From sweat, sun tan lotion, etc but the thing that I found best was Dove Body Wash. It works great! I love it and use it everyday. It is moisturiizing and antibacterial.

[MetFanL]

To those who have oily skin, or get breakouts from pollution, etc... You can get those blotting pads from the Body Shop or Sephora.com. Also, in a pinch, those toilet seat protectors work really well, too.

[pisces2473]

Or one ply toilet paper and/or kleenex.

[wanaBpretty]

I went to see the derm. wednesday. He injected me with something that costs $60.00 for inflammation. Within 8 hours all redness and inflamed blemishes were down. Now they are all dried up and in the process of being GONE! It is an immunization for the immune system as well. Anyway he prescribed two forms of antibiotics (doryx and bactrim), hydrocortisone cream (pandel), and a face wash specifically for my sensitive skin (ovace). It's only the 2nd day and so far I have eaten chocolate and greasy foods with no break-outs. He says I just have a bacterial infection. Hope this works. Good luck to ALL!! :razz:

"Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. Worry, fear, self-distrust bows the heart and turns the spirit back to dust."
Samuel Ullman quotes

[cornflakegirl]

I went to see the derm. wednesday. He injected me with something that costs $60.00 for inflammation. Within 8 hours all redness and inflamed blemishes were down. Now they are all dried up and in the process of being GONE! It is an immunization for the immune system as well. Anyway he prescribed two forms of antibiotics (doryx and bactrim), hydrocortisone cream (pandel), and a face wash specifically for my sensitive skin (ovace). It's only the 2nd day and so far I have eaten chocolate and greasy foods with no break-outs. He says I just have a bacterial infection. Hope this works. Good luck to ALL!! :razz:

"Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. Worry, fear, self-distrust bows the heart and turns the spirit back to dust."
Samuel Ullman quotes

wow, that sounds pretty intense.

this past week, my face was the worst that it has ever been. i am blaiming it on going back to eating dairy. i did go to lush this weekend & now i have some great new products to use when my face is breaking out i.e. righ tbf my period.

[shimmer728]

I just started using my Differin again after not using it for a while (my skin WAS looking great, but of course that never lasts :rolleyes: ). Just one tiny spot on my face is broken out, but it looks like hell and I really hate how the medication will make it look worse before it looks better. Thank God for Neutrogena cover-up!

[Kitty]

I bought Proactive online today. I hope this stuff really works.

It seems like I always have one or two tiny zits on my face and its really annoying. It would be nice to have a completely clear face.

During that time of the month I always get one MONSTER of a zit..and I would absolutely love if I could avoid that in the future.

[hopeless]

I bought Proactive online today. I hope this stuff really works.

It seems like I always have one or two tiny zits on my face and its really annoying. It would be nice to have a completely clear face.

During that time of the month I always get one MONSTER of a zit..and I would absolutely love if I could avoid that in the future.

You have nothing to lose Kitty since you have 60 days to return it if you're not satisfied with it. I absolutely love Proactiv & like you I tend to have a zit on my face.

[wanaBpretty]

Honestly, I love food, and that seems to be my problem. I can't eat some of my favorite foods because within minutes I get a new breakout. What's that all about?? I recently visited my dermatologist and purchased Pro-Activ Gentle Formula. The proactiv works wonders and leaves my skin soft,BUT if I have a bit of chocolate or indulge in some pizza, guess what---PIMPLE! Oh, please dear God, why me??? Anyhow, i hope this is just a frikkin' phase. I had to vent somewhere...sorry guys. Dermatologist btw , has hardly helped...so far. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.

"Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. Worry, fear, self-distrust bows the heart and turns the spirit back to dust."
Samuel Ullman quotes

[wanaBpretty]

okay...i am sharing this with you in hopes that it will help someone and this includes myself.
:idea: i visited my family doctor because i was experiencing "hypoglycemic" symptoms..turns out i am hypoglycemic

Symptoms of hypoglycemia include

hunger
nervousness and shakiness
perspiration
dizziness or light-headedness
sleepiness
confusion
difficulty speaking
feeling anxious or weak

well, i also have acne....so i looked it up on the internet. i found that people with both acne and hypoglycemia might have a CHROMIUM deficiency.

High-chromium yeast is known to improve glucose tolerance and enhance insulin sensitivity. In an uncontrolled study, chromium was reported to induce rapid improvement in patients with acne. Repeated skin biopies have shown there to be a localized glucose intolerance in most acne patients. [Ind J Derm 1977:22; pp.139-149] Since insulin treatments have improved acne, it would be suspected that chromium works by improving insulin sensitivity and helping this condition. Acne has also been called "skin diabetes". www.digitalnaturopath.com/treat/T117993.html

So, after I get off these stupid antibiotics, if they don't work..which they haven't, then i will try chromium supplementation. Man, I hope this is the answer. hope it helps someone out there. ;)

[Kitty]

So, I actually meant to post an up-date about this. I have been using proactive for about two weeks and I notice a major difference. I did get one zit, but it went away after like 1 day, and it was pretty small. Overall though, it has really helped..and my skin just feels softer and looks awesome.

[hopeless]

Congrats on using Proactiv & I'm glad it helped with your acne! I absolutely love this line, I not only have their 3 step system kit, I also use the body wash for when I take a shower, as well as their body pads, & body lotion since I have chest acne & bacne too.

[cornflakegirl]

i went to my dermatologist last week & i did ask her about proactiv. she said that she was skeptical about it for really bad cases & that they air brush commercials, but for minor acne it works pretty well. since i have dry sensitive skin, i'm not sure that i will try it, but i did check out the kiosk at the mall a couple weeks ago. i just couldn't buy it from the 16 yo girl who was working the station & she wasn't aware of the gentle formula. for those who have the gentle formula, how did you get it?

my doctor did prescribe something to put on my face to prevent break outs. it is so nice of doctors ot prescribe things w/o thinking twice.

[J-girl]

I think I might give proactiv a shot too. I just ran out of my clinique face wash. I still have the moisturizer though cuz i just bought it.

But till the age of 22 I had the perfect skin like you wouldnt believe and then all of a sudden it's like welcome to acne population me. They don't seem to go away. My mum says its stress. But I have been more stressed in school for crying out loud.

Good for me, they have a canadian website for proactiv.

[Kitty]

Proactive works for me..but I really don't have acne. I just get the occasional zit. It doesn't dry out my skin either, because my skin tends to be oily. It worked for me, but I can totally see how someone would be skeptical for severe acne.

[wanaBpretty]

i went to my dermatologist last week & i did ask her about proactiv. she said that she was skeptical about it for really bad cases & that they air brush commercials, but for minor acne it works pretty well. since i have dry sensitive skin, i'm not sure that i will try it, but i did check out the kiosk at the mall a couple weeks ago. i just couldn't buy it from the 16 yo girl who was working the station & she wasn't aware of the gentle formula. for those who have the gentle formula, how did you get it?

my doctor did prescribe something to put on my face to prevent break outs. it is so nice of doctors ot prescribe things w/o thinking twice.


You have to purchase the regular formula first, then call in and tell them that you have sensitive skin and you want to know if they have anything gentle....then they will tell you about the Gentle formula, otherwise they won't offer it. Oh, and they WON"T charge you again.I'm not sure why they don't advertise it, but i'm glad I found it. The regular stuff made my face very red and dry..now, it's soft and sooo much better. As for acne, I'm trying chromium supplements and continuing pro-activ....one by one my skin is kicking acne's ass.

[hoddys2]

I use to be on Proactiv but I didn't like that you have to be on a mail order auto order program so I looked for alternatives and found Klear Action. I have found it to be just as effective. It works the same as Proacive but is much cheaper, the bottles are cheaper plastic but the product is the same. You can buy it as either drugstore.com or at walgreens, it's in a big blue box. One warning though, the products contain some sort of bleaching agent (same with Proactive) so make sure that you keep it away from your clothes and towels, I learned this the hard way.


Klear Action
http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=83167&catid=48904&trx=PLST-0-SRCH&trxp1=48904&trxp2=83167&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-SRCH