Wierd Acne - HELP

So, Im having a bit of a problem and hoping you all can give some insight. :slight_smile:

Ive got some pretty sensitive skin and even though its acne prone, Ive managed to keep it pretty clear for the majority of my life. I drink water, kept away from eggs, too much chocolate, spicy food, things I know will irritate me, etc. I scar easily so I was super-careful. Occasionally, I would get the odd pimple on my cheek (they are the most sensitive - always pink and easily irritated) but that was it. I simply made sure to drink some extra water and let it run its course.

Recently though, for some odd reason Ive had a massive breakout and I feel like Im back in junior high! Im talking about pimples on my forehead too…I havent seen those in well over ten years!!! Ive tried Multani Mitti, Rosewater, Duac (prescription acne medication), water, etc. Anything I try that actually works only works for a few weeks - maybe a month - and then we’re back to square one again! Last night, I bought this scrub by Oil Of Olay - Pore Refining or something and it helped a little bit as far as the redness and irritation go. My skin has turned into my obsession these days…I cant focus on anything else anymore. I dont know what to do. :teary1:

Recently, Ive been thinking of getting Microderm done or a Photofacial. What do you guys think of it? Anyone know what Im talking about or been through this before?

Please help!

:teary2:

Re: Wierd Acne - HELP

Yeah, I'm in the same boat as you...I have a couple of acne pimples on cheek and forehead but I'm not experimenting with many different products and only following the advice from my doc which is to use the cream he prescribed and wash my face 2-3 times daily with Neutrogena cleanser.

I'm also thinking of microderm but I'm still not sure if it's going to fix the problem...I dont wanna end up with a worse acne breakout!!! :(

Re: Wierd Acne - HELP

CA - really? What cream did he prescribe for you?

Ive got a lot of bumps and pimples along my hairline, forehead, temples and my cheeks...all of a sudden! Im scared to touch my face now...

Im so miserable...

Re: Wierd Acne - HELP

Doc prescribed to me BenzaClin(benzoyl peroxide gel)...I think it's a regular acne medicine. He said dont count on days, just continue using it and keep your face clean. It's been 2 months now, I have noticed that pimples are less frequent now. I hope they'll eventually stop.

Did you change your face wash or makeup(foundation?) before it all started?? Because you mentioned bumps, something can cause your skin to irritate as well. But also if you're in your midtwenties it's normal, our hormome levels change a lot at this stage.

Re: Wierd Acne - HELP

Oh, I just noticed you're in Chicago. I can give you my doctor's name, he's awesome! Let me know. :)

Re: Wierd Acne - HELP

PLEASE DO! I will try anything right now...thank you so much!!!

You're in Chicago too? I thought everyone here was from UK, Pak, Aus, etc. LOL!!!!

In addition, see these two threads which will also give you more information. I am sure you will get needful and proper information in this thread also.

Acne - arghhhh

Acne Treatments

Re: Wierd Acne - HELP

I know at least 4 guppies who are from Chicago!

here’s the info Appointment Information for Dr. James P. Clancy, MD - Scheduling and Contact Information.

wow, the second thread is very helpful…thanks for posting the links!!

Re: Wierd Acne - HELP

Thank you for posting those threads DB! I got a list of really useful info from them!!!!!

Re: Wierd Acne - HELP

CA - I looked up your doctor and got his contact info. Im giving him a call later today.

Thanks guys!!!

I really hope this helps...Im so tired of dealing with pimples and letting them take over my life!

Re: Wierd Acne - HELP

I've had microdermabrasion done a few years ago when I was going through the same thing. Just one treatment really helped but I was asked to come back for more sessions for better results. However, I didn't go but my experience was positive.

I think you need a good prescription for a topical ointment and that should do it.

Re: Wierd Acne - HELP

Niksik, is microdermabrasion similar to having a facial? I mean to ask if you see the results immediately or it takes time for skin to recover after the treatment??

You're welcome...I hope he'll be able to help you with your problem. He's actually an internal medicine doctor so he's quite knowledgeable and might even refer you to a good dermatologist if he thinks your problem is more critical.

Right after the treatment you feel a bit sore and reddish, but in a day or two you start seeing the smoothness and clarity.

Re: Wierd Acne - HELP

Thanks niki. :) I'm feeling so greedy right now. I wanna get it done so badly coz I have 2-3 scars left because of evil acne I had. :--/

Re: Wierd Acne - HELP

So, the derma I went to prescribed three topical ointments for me.

One is a Benzoyld Peroxide solution...isnt this just like Oxy or something?

The second is Retin A cream

The third is Erithromycin Topical Gel

She told me to use the Erithromycin first, then the Benzoyl and then the Retin A. These go on top of each other in the affected areas. The Retin A only goes on at night. The other two go on morning and night.

She told me it would take 4 weeks to get any results because my skin will be adjusting to the medications. In the meantime, I can expect blotchy skin, irritation, redness and flaking of the skin.

Anyone used a combination of these before? How did you use them effectively and what were your results?

I have used all three, they don't work upto your expectations and you always still keep breaking out :( - its doesn't entirely solve the problem. its all temporary.

Re: Wierd Acne - HELP

Are you serious??? :-(

WHY do these doctors prescribe this rubbish if its not a solution???

Re: Wierd Acne - HELP

actually from my experience I have learned that medicines aggravate adult acne, some will show immediate good signs, only to have disrupted the balance of your skin temporarily and make it worse later. :(