Adult acne

[Mer-Crazy]

Okay, so my skin is bad. And I mean really bad, mainly between my cheek and jaw line and on my neck I get really ugly, often painful acne. I'm 21 so the over the counter stuff just doesn't work for me. It's really damaging to my self esteem. I won't have photos taken of me at all and if they are I untag myself in them on FB because I'm ashamed of how I look. If I have a picture I took myself I won't upload it without photoshopping out the acne and then everyone just comments on my photoshopping. There are plenty of other things about myself I don't like the look of, but the acne is the only one I can't hide. I have really difficult akin. Nothing seems to work. I was wondering if anyone out there had any suggestions for drowning mer in need.

[ShyMer]

I've heard most people suggest that you drink a lot of water, change your pillowcase frequently, and avoid touching your face throughout the day. I don't know if it'd work for you, but many people swear by the oil cleansing method. I'd suggest that if you do try that, give it time to work- sometimes it gets worse before it gets better. I've also heard that honey is supposed to help fight the bacteria in pimples, but I've found that applying tea tree oil works better. Whatever methods you choose, just stick with it for a while before deciding wether or not it works for you. it can take a while before your skin adjusts.
Have you tried seeing a doctor for your acne? They might be able to help you better than anyone else on here.

[Mermaid Varshana]

I've found that laying in a tanning bed twice a month helps dry it out. Just don't do it more than that, or it'll get worse. BTW, CoverGirl aquasmooth foundation is AMAZING at covering acne. I've used it for 8 years and nothing even comes close.

[Mermaid Veruliya]

I second the drinking water. I think it's 8 glasses a day?? Just drink A LOT. And also, I had a friend who had awful skin, that lead to scars and all sort if discolorations because he popped and picked. The dermatologist put him on a daily pill and it disappeared in a month, then gave him a cream and a wash, and now his face looks great!
Also, I've found that the only thing that makes my skin feel good are rough exfoliates. Something with beads that you scrub into the skin. Also, toothpaste has helped me get rid of spots without harmful popping. And I also second the tanning bed, I break out from the sun, especially on my back, little ones under the skin that just bump up like a rash and hurt. I found staying out of the sun and laying tanning bed for 5 mins once a week did really nice things for my skin. After a month I did it every two or three weeks. In my opinion, a tanning bed 5 mins every once in a while is safer than hours of sun exposure that damage the skin.
Edit: I don't do the tanning bed anymore because my skin has cleared up 10x better after getting on birth control. I get a spot maybe once a month now, and I just cover it with bb cream and concealer until it goes away

[Echidna]

Since it can be bacteria (and a more serious illness) behind adult acne, I recommend seeing a doctor first, and trying out other stuff second.

[Mermaid Cascada]

I know I'm not an adult but I have bad acne. Well I used to...now it's mostly scaring but here's what I do to avoid breakouts:
1) wash your face with face wash when you wake up and before you go to bed.
2) wash your face whenever it feels oily.
your acne could be caused from too much facial oil or dry irritated skin. I recommend going to the dermatologist to see what they can do. I even tried proactive and it didnt work. Once I got prescription medication my face really cleared up.
3) apply your medication to your face before bed and when you wake up (or however the directions say).
4) dairy products like milk and chocolate can cause breakouts so avoid these foods.
5) don't touch your face, change your pillow case, and drink more water like ShyMer said.
6) You can even make face masks out of honey and lemon. The honey removes bacteria and the lemon reduces scaring.
7) if you're allergic to anything (if you don't know if you are please find out) that can cause breakouts. For me it's pollens and anything outside. It can get into your pores a clog them up.
8) take vitamins. I take some sort of carrotine vitamin thing and it keeps my pores from closing up.
9) having a clean face is key but don't over wash your face and strip it if the natural oils it needs.
10) remember that you are beautiful! If you are beautiful on the inside you are beautiful on the outside and not even acne can change that!
Good luck!
after visiting the dermatologist and getting on the meds for a couple of weeks my skin is almost completley clear so please please go to a dermatologist too. :D

[Mermaid Veruliya]

And one more thing.. Moisturizer! Get a nice lotion, I prefer an aveeno lotion that gradually color corrects (helps with discolorations) and apply it 1-2x a day. I'd start with applying it at night. Acne treatments can strip your skin of natural oils, causing your skin to feel like it needs to make more, aka an oily face, which causes acne. If you replace oils with a lotion, your skin will have no need to over create it's own oils!

[AniaR]

see a dermatologist. Honestly, all the well meaning internet advice is great, but each person is unique. And if over the counter doesn't work it's time to see a professional and have your skin evaluated. There are so many things that could be causing it, there's really no way to judge based on an internet search.

[SeaGlass Siren]

Sometimes it's hereditary. I can't offer much help but here.

http://michellephan.com/blog/post/skincare-101-types-of-acne
this link explains different types of acne and how to treat and prevent.


http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CC0QFjAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fuser%2FDiamond sAndHeels14%2Fdiscussion&ei=rrD-UZXUJtG34AOlioDgBA&usg=AFQjCNEffDEeDHc6fc9sNT5eBbLIA-OvoQ&sig2=3dbE5tfQWCzvh3yIhGG0Vg
this link is to help you feel better. She was bullied a lot in school and now shes a model! She still has a bad case of acne but she was featured in an episode of "Karmas a bitch". It's really inspiring! There's a lot of people who are gonna be like "stay clean" yeah great but no matter how hard you try (trust me I'm 21 As well) it may or may not go away. I was told it was hormonal, and that I should wash.. Man I washed like 3 times a day, applied acne meds, drank water, more fruit, less fatty fried oily food... It didn't igo away uuntil maybe this year. (turning 22) find what works for you.

Hope this helps.

[deepblue]

The water thing really is essential. And I agree that seeing a dermatologist would be wise. If you can't- start off by upgrading to lots of water a day (at least 64 oz per day), and a cleaner diet. Lots of greens can also help immensely.

[Jadestone]

I had very bad acne since I was young--started around age 12, and even with seeing a dermatologist yearly I still had problems. I tried several different topical creams and pills in all different combinations, and they all helped lesson it but eventually the effects would fade and I'd have to up my prescriptions again.

First, I'd see a dermatologist about topical creams. I used Differin, Zoderm, Epiduo, and Finecia at different points/in different combinations (and I'm not positive about my spelling on all of those, haha). All were recommended to me by her. Later I was on one and then a different oral pill, but I don't remember the name for the first one. The second was Bactrim I think.

Last summer, I went on Accutane, which basically stops your skin form producing oil while you're on it. It's like hyped up vitamin A. Your skin gets super dry and acne-free for however long you're on it (4-8 months), with the idea that when you stop it will stay away for good. Some people go back on it for a second round if the first doesn't clear everything up. I was on for about 6 months, and it did SO MUCH to clear up my face. I've been off of it for 6 months now, and while I am getting breakouts on my face again, they are much smaller/less frequent and it's gone completely from my back and chest.

HOWEVER. It can also be a very dangerous medicine! It can mess with your body in ways other than intended, so it really is a last resort option. It can have a lot of harmful side affects, thankfully none of which I got, so you have to really know your body and be able to tell if something's going more wrong than normal. Normal effects from the meds: constantly chapped lips, dry skin, dry hair, etc. These are byproducts of not producing oils in your face. The side affects that are NOT good or supposed to happen are things like hair loss, depression, worsening/triggering of things like chron's disease, hard on your liver, if you get pregnant the fetus will be in HUGE danger and not able to survive, etc. So, you have to really know your doctor/dermatologist and make sure they check you over fully before you even consider it. Like I said, for me it was really a last resort after NINE YEARS of trying to fix my problem (and the same dermatologist for all those years).

It is REALLY REGULATED because it causes fetuses to be malformed/miscarriages, so to be on it you have to be on two types of birth control or sign a pledge of abstinence. They do blood tests every month to make sure you're not pregnant/nothing else is going wrong, and it's very strict on when you can pick it up from the pharmacy etc.

Anyway. I would not reccomend Accutane to anyone because I don't know anything about your health/body, but it is an option you can talk about with your dermatologist/doctors if trying topical creams etc doesn't work. I would give yourself at least two years of trying other options, because while my experience on it was totally positive, it can be a big risk for some people.

[AniaR]

remember it takes at LEAST 28 days for your skin to go through 1 cycle before you'll see results from ANYTHING you try.

[Jadestone]

Very true!! No matter what numbers advertisers throw at you, it'll be a month before things really take effect. You have to keep up with something for at least 3 months (in my experience) to get an idea of whether or not it's doing anything for you/to what degree.

[Aziara]

I can personally vouch for the oil cleansing method. I've always had acne since puberty, and I'm now 26. I've used the oil cleansing method for about a month now, and my skin has never looked better. I haven't used any cleansing products on my face in all that time (not even soap!). I followed the instructions on this site: http://www.crunchybetty.com/nitty-gritty-on-the-oil-cleansing-method one other thing that has helped is occasionally doing an egg white mask. It might sound gross, but you basically smear a raw egg white over your acne and let it dry, then rinse it off. The protein feeds the skin and helps it to heal.

[meremily]

try a clarisonic brush!!! and cerave foaming facial wash, then BHA liquid ( exfoliant) from Paula's choice, clean and clear 10% benzoil peroxide and cerave pm moisturazer.

[SeaGlass Siren]

I can personally vouch for the oil cleansing method. I've always had acne since puberty, and I'm now 26. I've used the oil cleansing method for about a month now, and my skin has never looked better. I haven't used any cleansing products on my face in all that time (not even soap!). I followed the instructions on this site: http://www.crunchybetty.com/nitty-gritty-on-the-oil-cleansing-method one other thing that has helped is occasionally doing an egg white mask. It might sound gross, but you basically smear a raw egg white over your acne and let it dry, then rinse it off. The protein feeds the skin and helps it to heal.
I use that method! I separate the egg white from the egg yolk, apply the yolk first and rinse, and then use the white as a moisturizer and rinse that off.

[Blondie]

Wow, let me tell you right now. I can COMPLETELY relate.

I will be 20 next month and I have been suffering from pretty much boarder line chronic cystic acne. Cystic acne are large zits that form under your skin like bumps. They're red, but not white or black like white and black heads. I've been fighting this since I was 12!

I have seen plenty of dermatologists. I've gone from clinics, to prestigious hospitals, to even plastic surgeons for treatment and help. I have actually tried EVERY prescription drug and cream besides Accutane. I don't want to do Accutane because it is a rather "dangerous" or "risky" drug. I don't want to stop oil production on my face because well, oil hasn't ever been a problem for me. Plus, I cannot take getting my blood drawn. And when you're on Accutane you HAVE to do that every month. And like Jadestone said, it effects pregnancy.

Anyway, I just started birth control this past month. I think my acne has cleared up a little bit. It doesn't come up near as fast and as much as it did before. I also take Minocycline, another ance drug but not near as potent as Accutane is. I also just invested in a Clairsonic which has helped buff out a lot of my scars, which brings me to my next point.

I know some people think that tanning and getting sunburned helps get rid of acne. And it does, for a time. I used to do this but it normally came back. But I HIGHLY recommend not doing this. Sun + Acne = SERIOUS scaring. Acne will eventually clear up in time. But scars last for so, so long. That is my main problem now. And scars take a lot to fix. If my new Clairsonic doesn't buff out my scars enough, I have to go into laser treatments to get rid of them. You NEED to put sunscreen on acne, no matter how gross or weird it feels. It will scar when it heals. I literally stress this to everyone who asks me about acne. Scars are worse than acne sometimes. They will not go away on their own.

But if you haven't seen a dermatologist. Go to one and get an opinion. At least they can help direct you into the right path. Keeping your face clean is really the key thing. Never sleep with make up on, wash your face well, and avoid the sun without sunscreen. I've tried drinking lots of water and personally, I saw no difference in my skin. Especially in the summers, I drink lots of water but still saw no improvement. So therefore, I can't even vouch that water works for everyone.

[mermaidwhisperer]

Proactive worked for me. I also never EVER touch my face, wash my sheets regularly, never go to sleep with make-up on and make sure when you was your hair and face that you remove every skerrick of cleansers afterwards with a wash cloth-conditioner especially is so bad for the skin.

My brother in law had severe, lumpy acne. He went to a dermatologist and went through 3 lazer treatments and no joke, I don't think he's had even one pimple since

[Merley]

I've had difficult skin for years. It's gotten a lot better recently, but I definitely knows what it feels like to wonder what your face will look like when you wake up and see a new constellation of zits invading the territory of your face. I also have shied away from cameras my whole life because I hated my skin and my face in general. I've tried literally everything (except acutane, the birth defect thing pretty much turns me off from wanting to put anything like that in my body) with no real results. I just started seeing a dermatologist these last few months, he prescribed me something called doxycycline hyclate. They're a bunch of tiny pills you take 2x a day for a month. I didn't really see results with them until I started using it in combination with this 3-step system from Clinique -> http://www.clinique.com/cms/product/franchise/skincare_acne_mpp.tmpl I haven't even been taking the pills for over two weeks and my skin is still relatively clear, and the few breakouts I get are nothing in comparison to the ones I used to get. If I feel my skin breaking out I just wash it an extra time with that stuff and my zits dry right up. It's nice because it smells pretty and feels good on your face; no sticky feeling and makeup goes on easily over it. I use their acne specific makeup too and it's the best makeup I've ever had. It conceals everything and doesn't make my breakouts worse when I wear it like most foundations. It literally hides everything even on my worst days. So this -> http://www.clinique.com/product/1599/9285/Makeup/Foundations/Acne-Solutions-Liquid-Makeup/index.tmpl in combination with this on top http://www.clinique.com/product/1599/5273/Makeup/Foundations/Perfectly-Real-Compact-Makeup/index.tmpl So, wash with the 3-step system, apply those two on top and you're good to go. I definitely feel more confident now since I got it. It's a little pricey, but it's 'adult' makeup and totally worth the money since it works. Plus, it beats spending money on dud products you pray will have some tangible effect. Hope this helps.

[malinghi]

see a dermatologist. Honestly, all the well meaning internet advice is great, but each person is unique. And if over the counter doesn't work it's time to see a professional and have your skin evaluated. There are so many things that could be causing it, there's really no way to judge based on an internet search.

I concur

[Winged Mermaid]

I agree with Raina about seeing a dermatologist for severe cases like that.

For other people struggling with acne (adult or no) acne.org (http://www.acne.org/) is an fantastic resource! They even have a forum that can be very helpful. They cover everything from their suggested "regimen", to using natural oils (like jojoba and argon oils), to pills, to supplements, to trying "just water". I highly recommend you check it out!

I found that site after doing the "birth control trade off" that so many women end up with. My periods were absolutely excruciating (pain meds didn't touch it) so I went through rounds with different birth controls until I found one that worked- and MAN does it work (I hardly get cramps now). BUT it makes my skin more difficult to deal with. Such is the trade off. So I went digging through acne.org a few years back and found some great tips, advice, and products and have been able to keep things under control. Some of the things were small things that I hadn't thought of, like washing your hands before you wash your face, having a separate clean towel and pat dry your face (don't rub), changing pillow cases every couple of nights, things like that. The rest of it was product changes and some life style changes. Like learning to love drinking water, and lots of it!

Two tips that I'd pass on that you wouldn't find on that site is-
1. Camelbak water bottles (http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=sr_1_1_acs_h_4i_2586702011_3395091?ie=UTF8&qid=1375730911&sr=8-1-acs&node=3395091&srs=2586702011&field-keywords=camelbak) are amazing. You need to hydrate for a million reasons and your skin is one of them! I have hard time drinking enough water, even though I get dehydrated easily. But the camelbak bottles that have the bite and sip mechanism for some reason encourages me- and everyone that I know that uses them, which is several dozen at least- to drink more water without realizing it. I drink 3-6 24oz bottles (from the camelbak) a day. Plus they're environmentally friendly and super handy for carrying around. You can find the bottles at stores like Target, and even Sprouts (whole food market)! And of course amazon. You can even get bottles with built in filters in the straw :) And they're BPA free!
2. For healing scabbed/popped zits (or any cut/scrape/ect for that matter), neosporin aint got nothing on salve that has comfrey root in it. I would advise, if you can find it, salve that also has lavender essential oil and/or aloe. I freaking love that stuff! *restrains self from going into the compounds that make these herbs so amazing and how they work in your body* I make my own or buy it from a friend who makes it, but you can find them around. You might have luck at nautral food stores like Sprouts or Whole Foods. Here are a few links to some online.
http://www.vitamincreek.com/Comfrey-Aloe-Vera-Savvy-1-Oz-by-Country-Comfort-1-p/29992001109.htm
http://www.etsy.com/listing/130059072/comfrey-salve-herbal-jewelweed-gift?ref=sr_gallery_7&ga_search_query=comfrey+salve&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_ref=auto1&ga_search_type=all
http://www.drvita.com/p-4680-christophers-ointment-comfrey-2oz.aspx?CAWELAID=1906478065&catargetid=1920410812&cadevice=c&gclid=CO_LvMCG57gCFYaDQgod70wAsw

[Jadestone]

Oh, someone mentioned something about conditioner being bad for your skin--as someone with long hair, another thing I do to stave off breakouts is avoid conditioning the hair that is likely to directly touch my face (though I had a different regimen while on Accutane--and while I don't recommend everyone jump up and try this drug without considering your options/seeing a doctor, I would be HAPPY to answer any questions if people have them).

Basically, I shampoo the section of my hair from around my scalp to chin length, and then condition the section from the back of my neck on down. This way I wash the section that gets oily from touching my skin but don't shampoo ( = dry out) the part that doesn't, and condition only that second section so the residue from the conditioner doesn't get on my skin.

I don't know if I explained that very well, sorry! :)

[Bernardo]

This thing can be treated just need to take care of your skin through using the right product and cleaning it with clean water maximum per day that will help you a lot in getting rid of acne.Try to go for natural things rather than anything else.