Acne Medicine

[Heather721]

Does anyone know of a good over the counter acne medication that actually works. I've been using proactiv for about 3 months now and it is making my skin look terrible. ever since I got pregnant with my son in 2010 my skin is just awful I don't know if it's from my hormones or what but it sucks!!

[Hinotoriai]

You could try the PanOxyl bar. It works really well but I had to stop using it because I have eczema and it makes it worse.

[gazikas]

How frustrating for you! I am no expert but I have had some exposure to behind the scenes information with promotional situations for products etc.  A couple things I have heard that may be of interest. 
First, I have heard over and over from professionals on the topic that ProActiv isn't good because yes it improves acne for some but how it works makes a person's acne worse when they stop Proactiv.  So it creates a situation where a person  clears up and then stop but has to come back to the product because breakouts come back even worse. (Handy money loop of customers for the product.) 
The Second thing I have heard again by professionals is that someone dealing with acne can get to a point where they overtreat and cause more acne problems.  The suggestion to check this would be to use a gentle face wash and an appropriate face moisturizer.  I have even heard that because someone's face is to dry and needs a moisturizer can cause the break out.  Hormones can d be frustrating and I am having my teenage round again in my late 40's (ouch).  You could try even thinking anti-bacterial type products.  It seems to help mine.  I may not stop the intial break out but I am learning to nip it in the bud so many times I am the only person that noticed.  I definitely have to moisturize or it all escalates and looks worse everywhere!

Wish you the best!

[animikokala]

I wouldn't mind knowing about a good product as well.  I have the nasty combination of dry, oily skin, so I can't use acne medicine more than once a day; twice a day cause my skin to dry too much and peel, while "moisturizing" cleansers end up adding to the oil buildup.

[gazikas]

I order products from a wellness company that i am a member of and just love the natural products.  However, from my experience over the years of being behind the scenes if I was to go into a store/drugstore I would check out the Aveeno line of products availability first. 

[ashleyxatrocity]

I wouldn't mind knowing about a good product as well.  I have the nasty combination of dry, oily skin, so I can't use acne medicine more than once a day; twice a day cause my skin to dry too much and peel, while "moisturizing" cleansers end up adding to the oil buildup.

I would say to wash your face morning and evening with a mild cleanser and use a toner on your oily zones in the morning. Also, invest in an oil free moisturizer (I prefer moisturizing primers because I have combination skin as well and the primer is more silky than creamy moisturizer.) Don't forget sunscreen, either. Also, give face masks a try. The more cost effective would be to make your own organic masks. There's tons of recipes for different types of masks for different purposes online.
I hope that's a little helpful.  

[Storm61115]

i used dermacia for the longest time and it cleared my skin right up. it comes with make-up too. it's expensive but it lasts for a hell of a long time. i still have some but i dont use it coz i dont need too. i just use a regular over the counter face cleanser when i shower with a hand made scrub rag. get something that will take off dead skin and gets deep in your poors to get all the dirt.

[gazikas]

Oh how could I forget . . . an old fashioned solution and inexpensive that might work especially for combination is using witch hazel on a cotton ball on your face.  It cleanses but doesn't dry out like alcohol etc.  Sometimes products that have been around forever are the best solution - like I use hydrogen peroxide (an original use for this product was as a mouth rinse) as a mouth wash when I need to whiten my teeth.  I swish it when I am getting ready like doing my makeup.  Coffee stains gone! (Just be sure you spit it out and don't swallow!)

And the suggestion above of a face mask is great too.   Remember to not overuse products and screw up your ph balance.  Many things get back to the ph balance.  If you are drinking alot of sodas - diet or not - you might try avoiding for a while and see if that helps.

[Heather721]

I appreciate all this help and I am writing this all down but can anyone give me product names or where I can find them. I can't use Aveeno because of the soy in it. It does not mix well with estrogen.

[vicogden]

Retin-A works great and can also help reduce scarring and wrinkles.  Unfortunately, you need a prescription to get it.  However, you can get other retinoid-based products over the counter.  Check out this website for more information: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/retinol-for-acne.html  Good luck!

[Storm61115]

i really recommend dermacia, chick. u can find it at dermacia. com. it is expensive but like i said it will last a long *bleep* time. u only need a little bit of each bottle when applying on your hands ONLY and apply the lotion directly on your face with your fingers. NO COTTON BALL BECAUSE U WILL WASTE THE LOTION! make sure u put lotion or even CONDITIONER on your face after the shower coz the shower is hot and can damage your skin. try to look for honey and oatmeal conditioner by Catwalk. it smells so good!!

[gazikas]

Ahh the soy.  You are smart lady because you are educating yourself and weighing the information given to you and you know yourself.  If you decide to try witch hazel, you could use like astringent but it is not so drying to the skin.  It is in the area with the rubbing alcohol etc. Very inexpensive to try.  I just asked a friend that said she likes Neutrogena products for the skin and acne but I do not know their ingredient lists anymore.  It has been a while since I looked at their info.  Please let us know what combination/products that end up working for you or what resolution you have.  This topic is so hard because of all the causes and then different reactions to products by people - what works for one doesn't another etc.  Best of luck and look forward to hearing a resolution for you!

[Heather721]

I will try witch hazel. It sounds good. I don't have $109 to blow on dermacia "CHICK". I will def. let you all know what I try and what works. Thanks for all your suggestions and if anyone else wants to add any comments please feel free too suggest anything! I'm going to listen I promise!!!!! 

[acurtsinger2]

THE VERY BEST IS WITCH HAZEL ASTRINGENT, HOWEVER, IT CANNOT BE FOUND ANYMORE.  THE 2ND BEST IS NOXZEMA....YES, NO KIDDING.  WASH YOUR FACE WITH IT TWICE A DAY AND YOU WILL HAVE GREAT LOOKING SKIN.

[Heather721]

Ok I will also try that. Has anyone ever tried any products from Joppaminerals.com? I am going to try their 2 in 1 cleanser.