Bad Skin

[Brijan]

Currently I use Biotherm (because it costs for free with my Shoppers points!)

I'm thinking I might change to Clinique (because it can cost for free with Sears points!)

If your skin is that bad have you considered seeing a dermatologist?
(I'm almost assuming you have as you have a prescription.)

 

[ronboy]

I don't know how serious your acne is, but if you go to a dermatologist, he can offer many options.

I had moderate acne when I was going through puberty. My parents took me to an excellent dermatologist who used a variety of methods to get it under control, including physically removing "blackheads" from my face, at-home nightly treatments with a prescribed exfoliant, as well as Retin-A cream, and tetracycline pills. I saw him every 8 weeks for about 2 years, and then my skin cleared right up. By the way, this was in the late 1970's. I'm sure that treatments have improved since then.

I still have oily skin, but I rarely get any pimples or "blackheads" anymore. I wash my face several times each day with glycerine soap,(I buy Pears, Yardley, store brands, or whatever is on sale- I particularly like Yardley because it comes in different scents, like green apple, pink grapefruit, apple and spice, peach, and vanilla), and always rinse with cold water to tighten up my pores. When I get the occasional pimple, I use OXY10, which is over-the-counter, and makes the pimple heal within 24-48 hours.

My advice to you would be to at least make one visit to a dermatologist to see what he or she has to offer as treatment.

 

[Brijan]

I actually haven't seen a dermatologist. My doctor perscribes my perscriptions. Do you think that's my last resort?

Last resort? No.
But, a dermatologist is a skin specialist.
Who better to help you with your skin concerns?

 

[Super Nintendo Chalmers]

hey man if you want some really good advice, or just want to read some really good information, i suggest checking out the webiste www.acne.org/messageboard i've had acne for a few years, and with the help of a derm (and many different trials with many different prescription medications) i've been able to get back to having clear skin again (well except for a few small blemishes that are taking their sweet ass time to clear up). people on that site know acne/skin care inside and out.

 

[blueboi05]

Shouldn't be a last resort, normally (as has been said) a dermatologist can give you better advice/treatment (at a price). However make sure you find a good/nice dermatologists. I know the one i went too was a bit of a dick so that kind of put me off seeing dermatologists.

 

[luminum]

A dermatologist will be a high chance of getting some real and useful information that may not involve perscription drugs. He or she will pribably also be able to give you more info on different ways that might control skin problems that aren't medicated.

 

[3nipples]

I actually haven't seen a dermatologist. My doctor perscribes my perscriptions. Do you think that's my last resort?

I would think of a dermatologist as the first resort for skin problems.

Why are you taking twice the prescribed dose of pills?

 

[Newbie_69]

Skin is considered as the largest organ in human body.And skin also indicates your health status.Very much.Break Outs can be due to stress & poor nutrition.Skin care regimn plays and important part as well.I usually prefer to focus on inner beauty and then only external.If we look logically, you can have the best cosmetic in the world, but if your health is not taken care of, the chance that the cosmetic might not work is there.But if your health is well taken care, the best cosmetic that you have will take care of the rest.

Lets have a check on your diet:
1.Do you drink at least 2.5 litres(10 glass) of good clean water a day?(Flush toxins, clears blemish, clears blood from unwanted elements, bowel movements.)

2.Do you take at least 5 servings of FRESH fruits & vegetables everyday?(A serving is a size of an apple, an orange, a medium banana, a kiwi, a large tomato, half a large carrot, 4 medium florets of broccoli/cauliflower, a grab of berries.)(Fibre, Vitamins, Water, Phytonutrients, Antioxidants)

3.Do you take at least 3 servings of lean protein a day?(a serving is a size of your fist.Example: Block of Tofu, Lean Beef, Lean Poultry, & Fish.)(Build & repair damaged cells.Especially skin.)

4.Do you take wholegrain products in replace of your bread, rice, pasta, or any carbohydrate foods?(Fibre & B complex)

5.Do you exercise at least 3 times a week 20 minutes each session?(Sweat releses toxic in your body)

6.Do you have 2-3 good bowel movement daily?(An optimum health consist of 3 bowel movement daily.That's why 25 gms of fibre is no joke.)

7.Are you living on a stress-FREE life?Do you have ediquate sleep/rest?

If you answer no to all, you might want to do something about it.If yes to all, keep up the good work.Have advice from you dermatologist regarding your skin condition.

"These are just suggestions.They have not been approved by the FDA.Its not going to treat, cure, or prevent any diseases."

-A quote from one of the supplement ad.-

 

[Ohiospeedo]

I had real bad acne through puberty, and went to the derm. He prescribed accutane, did an awesome job. Haven't had any problems since then.

 

[arc248]

I had some pimples when I went through puberty, and I tried lots of products and tips to treat them. Here is an "At-Home" facial, that I recommend to do once or twice a week.

1. Steam your face with hot water. I bought this Conair Facial Steamer for like $30. It's essentially the same as the steam you're getting from a spa. The hot steam opens your pores after about 20 minutes of steaming. Best if you do it after shower with a clean face.

2. Extract GENTLY with the loop on the blackhead extractor/needle. Since the pores are opened up, it's less painful and more efficient. The blackheads and whiteheads come right out. After you're done, wash your face with luke warm water.
***note, every blackhead/whitehead will become a bad pimple eventually. So it's VERY important to keep your face black/whitehead-free.

3. Use a peel-off mask to calm down the redness and tighten the pores. Unfortunately, I have not found a good one yet. I personally do not like the wash-off clay masks, as in I don't see the dirty things coming off my face. After the mask, wash your face with cold water to tighten pores. Very important.

4. Then, you're ready for a normal daily night regimen.



Another thing to keep your skin clear is a night treatment. I have came up with this regime for myself over the years, and my skin is great:

1. Sekkisei Washing Soap/Powder - very clean yet gentle. It contains oriental herbals that promotes a healthy comlexion and lightens spots (if you have acne marks). You can visibly see yourself brighter after wash. (available at Neiman Marcus in US, about $25)

2. G.M.Collins AHA Gel - or any GEL containing alpha, beta-hydroxy acid, and/or retinol. Use this right after shower to exfoliate. G.M.Collins is very gentle, and contains lots of fruit extracts and anti-oxidants (about $45, available in some salons and on-line). Leave it on for 30 minutes, and then use...

3. Caudalie Cleansing Water - is the best make-up remover ever (even though I don't use make-up). Saturate a cotton pad, and gentle wipe your face after the AHA Gel treatment. You will see how dirty the cotton pad becomes - it's the dead cells coming off your face. (About $22, at Sephora.) After this second cleansing, you're ready for the final treatment...

4. SK-II Facial Clear Solution - contains Pitera (derived from rice) to balance and strengthen skin, and seaweed extracts to detoxify. It controls oil production without alcohol, by conditioning the skin. The nano-technology makes sure that it is completely absorbed within 5 seconds of application. In three days, you'll feel less oily, and skin a lot smoother. It's a bit expensive, about $110, but for a BIG bottle of 100mL, which will last you more than a year.

5. If your skin gets dry, use a oil-free moisturizer that contains salicylic acid. Other wise, SK-II gives you a light moisture that is usually more than enough in a sweaty summer. By the way, don't forget the eye cream.



****Does this regime seem to be too "high-maintenance"? It really works for me, and I hope it will help you too.

 

[MawellEvans]

I have dry skin at a genetic level. It is a condition called Itsyosis. Similar to Psoryasis. The skin become dry scaley-like. Basically everywhere the sun shines. I keep it under control with Lotion every day all over after every shower. My legs tend to be the worst, especially in dry climate. Every several months, my entire body does a shedding like thing where I flake all over. Maybe its hormonal?

 

[LotusOnBuddha]

I'm a huge fan of M.D. forte. Its made by Allergan, the same people who make and market Tazorac and Avage. Infact several of the non-glycolic products in the M.D. Forte line were made to help with Tazorac or Avage therapy ( they're 2nd generation retinoids, a "pro-drug" version of retin-a")

I love M.D. Forte's glycolic cleansers, there gentle but effective, the level 3 deeply exfoliates with out causing redness and irritation that other glycolic products can cause.
www.skinstore.com stocks most of m.d. forte's products and they have super fast shipping.

 

[PhoenixRising]

I've been using a 2% salicylic (Beta Hydroxy) acid made by Paula's Choice(www.cosmeticscop.com) and I've noticed that it's helped clear out some of my black heads. If you want to exfoliate inside the pores, you need a beta hydroxy acid. Its lipid soluble, so is able to enter the pore. Alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic acid) are water soluble, and are unable to enter the pore; they're better off to exfoliate the surface.

 

[lyconthrope]

I agree with you, healthy living.
Also wash with a pure soap.

soap is bad for the skin, dries it out and gives it a tight feeling. should always use cleansers specially designed for the delicate skin on the face, if you must use soap then make sure as soon as you wash your face you ONLY pat dry (dont rub, its not necessary to get the face bone dry) and apply a very good, non-clogging moisturiser.