Here Today... Gone To Hell!

hey, anybody got any good cures for acne, ive had it bad for about 4 years now and its not going away, i clean my face twice a day and moisturise etc etc but nothing seems to work, my face is always very itcy and irritating. It totally kills your self-esteem aswel, im sure people can relate to this.

Any help would be appreciated

there's a big gun that would definitely get ridd of acne for anyone.
it's called accutane or roaccutane, but it's the last solution(try googling it)

there are a few things you might try before that.
I'd advise u to go to a dermatologist first.

Depending on the product you use to clean your face twice a day, it can only make it worse. Most of the times, once a day is enough.

two brands

LAROCHE POSAY (hardcore, dermatologist advice needed)

or

VICHY (more mainstream)


ps: and i'm not saying that cause i work for L'Oreal ;)

I found the more stuff I put on my face the worse it got.? I also did go to the docs and get some antibiotics for it but I really, really wouldn't recommend that.


I say: Stop washing your face with soap and other products and just stick to water.? Splash your face with water twice and day (or more if you like) and the problem will go away.? Or at least, that's what worked for me.? Best advice my ex ever gave me, that. :hihi:

thats a lot for the help you guys, it looks like i should ditch the soap  :peace:

I'll back this up:
I wish my face at least 3 times a day with hot water and it really helps? I barely have any acne now. Try to get as many little towels as possible to dry your face on instead of reusing only one towel or whatever it is you use.
Always try to avoid antibiotics.
Look for some gels or creams that'll keep your face dry; ask your dermatologist about it.

I had some awful acne between the age of 17 and 19 or 20.  Accutane solved it.  If you are a chick though, I wouldn't take it.  :no:   The little caplets come with pictures on the plastic of a pregnant woman with a big red slash through her belly!  Scary stuff.

Don't worry too much.  When my wife, then girlfriend met me when I was 18, I was bad.  She didn't care, and at times even applied the salicylic acid with cotton balls to my "backne" (that's acne on your back that ya can't reach)  :)  I'd have blood stains on my white t-shirts...really sick shit! 

I do believe there's a genetic component, but stress is a huge trigger.  I'd also ditch the soaps.  I'd also recommend regular exercise.  The acne got much worse after I tore my knee up at 17 which didn't allow me to play sports.

Hope that helps!

I read that accutan can have some sideefects, any of those true?

It does.  All medications are going to have side effects though.
First thing you need to do is look at your lifestyle.  I know now they say that the chocolate and junk food causing acne is a myth, but I think a lot of people's acne is probably an overall symptom of their health.  Things that can help are drinking lots of water, exercising, not stressing out (that can make acne worse)... I'm not sure what skin care products you use or what your skin type is, but the more natural the better.  I don't think soap is a bad thing, as long as it's REAL soap.  The stuff you'll get in the drugstores is synthetic garbage with petrochemicals and detergents.  Kissmyface.com makes a great soap, it's a fragrance-free pure olive oil soap.  Stay away from scented skin care products because those can cause acne as well.  I've been using real soap on my face for the past three years now and it is the best it has ever looked.  I use the Kiss my Face Fragrance-Free Pure Olive Oil Soap and I moisturize with organic extra virgin olive oil.  I know it sounds weird, but it really does work. 

I don't work for Kiss My Face... they're just a company I like. 

Iv'e never had acne or an acne pimple in my life but a couple more bits-

Stress can be a contributing factor for some

and, try checking out a Chinese herbal doctor. Make an appointment and see what you're told.

The best medicine for acne is a combination of Vit B5 and zinc. Check out this website, www.b5clearskin.com. Salilyclic acid products are nice too. There are also blue light treatments that you can get a  dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

I think it's all crap.
I dont have faith in any creams or stuff like that.
antibiotics are a way to go. they kill all acne in 10 miles radius.

my ex had acne quite bad when she was younger and she found that when she went on holiday her acne cleared up no end so it was either the saltwater, sunlight or both or maybe just being relaxed

The problem with antibiotics is they kill your good bacteria as well as the bad bacteria, and the good bacteria helps keep other things in check.  Antibiotics should be used sparingly. 

I think ProActiv is the best acne medicine out there. Celebrities like Jessica Simpson and Britney Spears use it and if it works for them, it'll work for you.  ;) A friend of mine uses it and the skin on her face looks really good.

Click here for more information.
http://www.proactiv.com/


...crap, I sound like a spokeswoman.

Not to mention some people don't like the idea of putting steroids all over and into their face.

You must be one of those "regular people" that appear on the infomercials.  :hihi:

Since we're here at a GNR site, someone has to say it...isn't Stephanie Seymour on commercials for ProActiv?

Also, someone said they liked the salicylic acid treatments...I'm not so keen on them.  I'd occassionally have acne blood bubbles about the size of a U.S. penny.  The blood was old and appeared black from the outside until it eventually ruptured.  Those things stung like hell when exposed to that stuff!  I understand the concept behind them, ya know, to dry out the area.  It's just very painful.  :'(

Someone also mentioned sunlight.  From what a dermatologist told me, the sun can actually make acne worse.

I think the relaxation was the key for that person who went on vacation and had it clear up.

Like I said, if you're a guy, damn that Accutane worked wonders.  I've got 2 beautiful, intelligent kids to boot, so my testicles weren't any worse for wear.   :hihi:

B5 is better than Accutane without the horrible side effects.

Unfortunately, I never knew enough at the time to try it.? It was 15 years ago or so.

I can say now that sure, I'd try Vitamin B5.? It's a water soluble vitamin if I'm not mistaken.? The fat soluble ones taken in excess can be toxic (A, D, E, and K).? My home economics teacher back in junior high had the facial scars to prove too much vitamin A is bad for you.? :(

I can say that the studies trying to link Accutane to depression have been debunked.? The only harm taking properly prescribed Accutane can have is on pregnant women.? If I was a woman period, I wouldn't touch the stuff, that's just me.

Best advice.? Go natural first.? Are you truly eating right?? Fruits and veggies, little sugar, well-balanced meals, etc.?? Are you exercising at least 30 minutes a day?? Are you taking time to relax?? If these things are too tough (because for some they are) try that B5 route.? Just make sure you talk to a dermatologist.?

I have seen with my own eyes the remnants of a man's foot who had gone to a "Chinese herbalist."? The only "Chinese" I recommend for you in 2006 is Chinese Democracy.? ?: ok:
 :peace:

ps oops, I forgot to mention, personally, I had no side effects from Accutane...except for one.
After I completed Accutane...Guns N' Roses went almost 15 years without releasing an album of all-new music.   :hihi:

I guess it's time for you to get some acne again cuz we still have no album of new music, Prez.

Reverse the side-effect I say!

Accutane didn't work for me but B5 did. B5 also worked for a friend of mine. Accutane can cause problems with skin healing but it has worked for some people I know. Accutane made me suicidal. the best treatment for acne scars are FRAXEL laser treatments.

I took accutane too...it tasted gross but it worked...but it wasn't a miracle cure and I still got acne afterwards just not as bad

i had it. and like the dr's prescribed me a badass cream and it seemed to own the stuff and its gone.

dont know the spelling, but its called ROACITAIN

I had bad acne for years when i was in school n' i was put on this shit. Today you couldnt even tell i had a pimple!!

bad thing is the side effects man, it plays with your head n' weakens you bones n' shit, but i got through it : ok:

this made me laugh.

+ gets rid of acne

- makes your bones weak

What is your diet like?

why can't you people buy a mask ?

i mean they do white paint for teeth, so .....


alright, thank you, i'm out.

i have a decent diet as regards to eating lost of chicken and pasta etc, ill admit i dont each much fruit and veg if thats what your wondering lol?
 
99% of the time ill stay away from greasy food

I'm a beautician and skincare is one of my specialities so this is my turf.  To calm down or clear acne there are different things to try depending on whether you are male or female but there are some rules for both:

1.  Avoid soap like the plague, especially stuff like Dove which just sits in your pores and rots which is why you get the spots (lovely uh!)
2.  Keep to a fresh diet.  I know its boring but its also true.  Fresh fruit, vegs, fish and white meat will help your skin no end. 
3.  Avoid the sugar, its like poison to your skin especially chocolate although plain choc is better than milk. 
4.  For some people too many dairy products can induce a breakout.
5.  Crisps, chips, saturated fats - it's all bad.  Ditch that crap and improve your skin.
6.  Some sunshine in short bursts can be good for the skin, too much will induce a breakout.
7.  Exfoliate your skin. Dont use these products that are all too readily available promising so much but delivering very little.  Just use an exfoliation glove (which should be like a piece of hessian cloth) and use it with just hot water.
8.  Always cold splash your skin to close the pores after washing.
9.  Use a non oily moisturiser at least once a day but no more than twice a day.

There you have great skin. BTW, girls Dianette the magic little 'pill' that will keep you safe and clear.

thanks very much for your time 'prettytiedup', theres some interesting stuff in your list, im male, anything different on that list?

You should do some searches on food allergies. Try eliminating certain foods out of your diet (after reading a bit about it, getting a general idea) one at a time. Give it time and see the results. It can be a slow process, but it is a more honest approach. If you take meds to make the acne go away you may only be treating the symptom and not what actually causes it. Simple changes in your diet can not only clear up your face, but make your skin look terrific and healthy. My two cents???

And an excellent two cents they were too!  Good advice.  Diet is very important sometimes you can be intollerant to a food group.  For example, if I eat foods with too much wheat I get stomach bloating because I'm intolerant to wheat.  An allergy is different to an intolerance.  Allergies can kill you and are rare, whereas intolerances will cause you problems like acne but will not be fatal.  Try going for the obvious first, stuff like red meat, too much alcohol (sorry!), sugar and dairy.  Eliminate one by one until you find the culprit. BTW pasta is not so good for your skin as it is heavy in gluten, wheat and usually eggs.  All bad stuff for your skin.

Acne: http://www.foodallergysolutions.com/food-allergy-news0402.html

General: http://allergies.about.com/cs/foods/a/blfood.htm

Washing my face always helps my acne but it dries up my face. So, I try to stay away from washing my face.

Not a good plan!  Hot water, rough cloth, wash face, cold water splash.  Clears pores, stops grease and dirt building up. Result, gorgeous kissable skin.  Okay Markus.

LOL...

Okay, I'll wash my face but I'll just have to put lotion on afterwards.

Who knew just hot water would help....

More questions for prettytiedup ;D

Is buying facial cleansers like Clean & Clear and Neutrogena a bad idea??
When I wake up in the morning, my face is greasy as hell. How do I prevent that?
Could you use a moisturizer after washing your face with water, if so, what kind?

My skin is naturally perfecto!   : ok:


But, I did have a friend who tried Pro-Active and had amazing results.  Her skin cleared up right away and still looks great.   :yes:

It helps to use a gentle facial cleanser, rather than something harsh that's full of fragrances and alcohol or peroxide. Cetaphil has a line of products for oily and acne prone skin, which works really well. If your skin is extra oily, you may be able to skip using a moisturizer, unless you have combination skin.

Retin-A is a good product for different skin conditions. You'd have to see a dermatologist for that.

For over the counter, Evening Primose Oil tablets are also great for your skin.? If you wanna take the natural route.

Diet is also important for your skin. Limiting your sugar and saturated fat intake will help too. Vitamin A and Zinc are extremely beneficial for skin health. Zinc helps tame oil production and so does vitamin A.? They have to be taken in moderation, because too much can affect your liver.

a question for the people who used accutane ...

how long did it take you before you noticed improvement after starting to use accutane?
I've also heard that it dries your skin out, causes depression, bleeding nose, ...

well you shouldn't laugh.. roaccutan plays with your head in that way as you often get deppressed and suicidal if you take it.. many people have commited suicide after using it.. that's the reason why i don't use it.. but my sister did and she was very depressed in her teens..

i don't remember what kind of medicine i used to take but all the skin doctors (otr what it's called) have told me that the best way and most easiest way to get rid of them is the sun and fresh air.. and it does help.. the sun dry out the skin or what you say in english,

Can't remember exactly, but it definitely worked for me. It does dry your skin out and your nose does/can bleed a lot. As for depression, there was one day when I just didn't want to get up or do anything but apart from that I was fine. I think the cases of serious depression have only happened to a very small number of people, but it's enough to put some people off.

use vichy products, esp the nightcream. its genius  : ok: