Acne Frustrations

Try having her list all the food she eats. My face has responded to certain foods for years (and still now in my 40s). Many times you can find a pattern of her face breaking out after she eats certain foods... good luck

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The dermatologist will be the answer. I have a history of similar acne problems and I am 36! I have to use three different medications and they are very expensive so I hope you have insurance. I tried through my life many different homeopathic and 'natural' remedies and even Proactive. But when you have that deep hormonal cystic stuff going on, that is not going to do the trick!

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Hi C., I've had my own acne problems that continued past my teenage years. I started making my own goat-milk soap (I have dairy goats.) The results have been incredible! I continue to make it and sell it, here on Whidbey Island. I would be more than happy to send you a couple free for your daughters to try(email me.) Then if you like it you can buy more off my website: www.maplehillsoap.com
My favorite now if Passionfruit Rose (which has fragrance)
Also Lavender essential oil in purple, or uncolored allnatural.
Moroccan Red Clay with Tea Tree Oil (all natural for oily skin)

I wash my face twice a day, and I use a spf15 face moisturizer immediately after washing in the morning.

Hope this helps!
____@____.com
(mom of two boys, 3 & 7)

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you know, what has been working for me (no longer a teenager, but extremely frustrated with my skin) is Bodyshop tea tree cleanser and moisturizer. I had some luck with Proactiv before that.
My conclusion is that i really needed more moisturizer, and less harsh treatment. Both the Proactive and the Teatree things are in solution with a moisturizer.
Don't know if that will help, but, if she is frustrated with current treatments it might be worth a try using something more gentle instead of stronger.
(I've also heard that drinking lots of water helps, but, i don't have a personal good story with that.

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Hi Carol,

I want to say how sorry I am to hear that your daughter is going through this. I know how hard it must be for you that what you are trying isn't working. I went through the same thing with one of my daughters.

First off you didn't say how long your daughter used each of the products she has tried. One of the main things you need to do when using any product or new product that you haven't used before (even if you don't have acne), is you must give it at least 5 weeks to 3 months to really work and be very consistant.
You also didn't mention what her health conditions are. Sometimes certain medications may cause acne or breakouts. You may want to ask your doctor if what she is taking can cause break outs as well.

I know how you feel and what you are going through. My youngest daughter had the same problem with her skin although she didn't have any health issues. The products she used given to her by a dermatologist made her skin red and chapped and was very irritating to her skin. We also used a product from TV that did the same thing but also bleached out the wash rags she used. (that was a little alarming to me). At the time I was using Jafra and got a set for her and being consistant with it, it cleared up her skin. Since then, Jafra has changed their formula and I no longer use it.

I am now working with a company called Nu Skin Enterprises who has skin care products called Nu Skin Skin Care and they also have nutritional products called Pharmanex.
The Nu Skin products are really great and the Pharmanex products usually won't interfere with any medication you are taking. You can also email the company and tell them what medications you are taking and they will recommend what products you can take. You should still consult your doctor when you want to take anything extra. In some cases our products can replace medications you are taking. You may want to talk to your doctor and see if he/she is open to using nutritional products and see if he/she is willing to work with you on this.

The products I would suggest for your daughter would be Nu Skin's "Nu Skin Clear Action" acne medication system and Pharmanex's "LifePak Teen". (Sometimes the food we eat or some medication you take can cause acne) so I recommend a nutritional supplement as well. I normally use one of the other skin care systems but I keep the Clear Action system on hand to use when I have occasional break outs and the "Clear Action" system doesn't irritate my skin. You can also use this on her back and chest.

If you want more information on Nu Skin, you can call me direct at ###-###-#### or you can call the company at 1-800-487-1000 give them this number US###-###-#### and ask them any questions you may have. You can also email me at ____@____.com or visit my website at www.ijl.mynuskin.com and review the products and see what we have to offer. (You will also find Phamanex at this site as well).

I hope this helps and whatever you decide to do, the main thing is to get her on a good cleansing schedule and a nutritional suppliment.

Take care,

I. Lockhart
US###-###-####
###-###-#### or toll free at 1-866-487-4679
____@____.com or ____@____.com
or contact:
Nu Skin Enterprises at 1-800-487-1000

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One of my friends was put on a birth control pill to help with acne when she was 15. Maybe that could be an option? I wish your daughter luck!

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I have had wonderful success with a dietary approach to my pre teen daughter's acne problem- we make sure she always has a sport bottle full of water, with a goal of drinking 64- 80 oz. daily. She eats a salad every day, and has plenty of whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables. She does not ingest refined sugar, especially chocolate, or any caffeine. in addition, she showers only every other day so as not over clean, and rinses if she needs a shower other times (soap causes an oil response for skin). We ONLY use Dr. Haushka products, or burts bees, or Alaffia (locally made!), because none of these things contain extra chemicals or alcohols which mainstream products usually have, including the ones you mentioned, and also give an oil response to the skin. Just as important; daily exercise- the body flushes out toxins and circulates nutrients to the skin through skelatal muscle contraction. Diet without exercise is not enough, or vice versa. You can't put crap in your body and expect it to thank you. these things have COMPLETELY cleaned up my daughter's skin. She was on the fast track to becoming an adolescent with a HUGE problem. With taking the extra time to educate her, and ourselves, about health, we have successfully given her the gift that will last a lifetime. Not that she still doesn't get some pimples, but Burt's Bees blemish stick clears up those ones. oh, and she MUST not pick!

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Tea Tree Oil from the Body Shop has worked for me for years. I recently tried to switch to something new and had to deal with horrible acne on my face for weeks. You can buy it in a store or find a home consultant for the Body Shop.

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You can try this homeopathic rememdy that has worked for my daughter.

Every night, mix salt, honey and olive oil into a paste. Spread on face (do not scrub) and leave on for 5 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

Any new pimples that are starting, put toothpaste on them before bed. Any that are already started, dab with Tea Tree Oil.

Use "Bare Minerals" powder for cover up. This will also help protect the skin and has great coverage for blemishes. They sell it at Sephora counters in Macy's and JC Penny's and also online.

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Have you tried Proactiv? My 15 year old daughter says it helps her a lot. Although her skin problem was not as serious at your daughter's. Hope you'll find something that works or at least the dermatologist should find something.
D. Kahn

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I can't tell you any medical advice or experience in that area, however, working with cosmetologists for years- and having friends who own and run salon/spas that are also estheticians- I can tell you this:

Pro-Activ has competition. Aveda has come out with a wonderful, wonderful line of their own that is supposed to be the Aveda version to clinical acne soloutions. If you know anything about Aveda- then you know that their products are very 'natural' and do wonders for the skin.

Personally, I have used their product when my skin breaks out. I travel a lot, and often due to severe climate change, my face will change and break out- become more sensitive. I use this line when I travel to those types of places. It keeps my skin very nice, clean, and clear!

My brother, has ultra sensitive skin and has a hard time using normal bath soaps, shampoo's, etc. What's worse, is that he has a pretty severe acne problem as well. I started him in this product as well- and not only is he able to use it, but it works wonders for him!

I know this may be all too familiar with trying yet another product- but this is very different. It does not dry, or over hydrate. It is also rather inexpensive and works like medicated products. I would seriously suggest that you try this.
Also, Aveda accepts returns on any product that does not get the job done- or does not work out for whatever reason. It's very hypo-allergenic!

The products are as follows:
Face cleanser- Outer Peace, cleansing foam ($25)
Toner/Exfoliant- Outer Peace, acne relief pads ($30)
Lotion- Outer Peace, acne relief lotion ($20)
Spot Treatment- Outer Peace, acne spot relief (cream) ($12)

This is seriously worth a try, with what you say is going on- it's can't hurt. Plus, it's a lot cheaper than going to the Dr.

Good luck.

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Hello C.,
My name is Michele and I'm an Esthetician at Gervais Salon and Day Spa here in Eugene. I have been in this business for 13 years and have come across this situation with a lots of people, all ages. At Gervais we use a product called Aveda which has been around for 41 years. We have an acne line that is called Outer Peace. I know your daughter would really like it!!
It has a foaming cleanser that is very calming to the skin and non drying.Can be used on her chest and back also.Please make sure she NEVER uses a scrub on her skin. Acne pads, acne spot relief, acne relief lotion, and a wonderful cooling masque!!! This line is made to heal and calm the skin without drying it, which is so important for the acne she is experiencing. Please go to aveda.com under skin care go to acne to read all about these products. Right now if you get the masque you get a small cleaner free. Or give Aveda a call at 800-328-0849. I call them all the time with questions, they are wonderful!!! I work Thursdays and Fridays. We have two locations one at 5th and Lincoln ###-###-#### and in the 5th street market ###-###-####.
Just a couple of tips if you do get her the cooling masque it needs to be applied in a thicker layer and when it's removed do so on a darker towel. It is a green colored masque and it will stain. Also when trying any new product you need to give it 4-8 weeks. Be very consistant and don't give up. Your skin can go through a purging process especialy when using product with natural ingredients, as Avada does. They are 94% derived from organically grown plants and flowers.
This is just a topical solution. Our skin is a reflection of what is going on inside of our bodies as well as heritage, diet and stress. Good luck to your daughter, and I look forward to talking to you and even seeing her or talking to her soon. I would love to see her skin to really know what woud be best for her. Michele Tracer

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Check out Arbonne's Clear Advantage skincare line. It's all botanically-based, so no harsh chemicals. The main active ingredient is 1% salicylic acid. It is not only topical, there is an herbal supplement to take as well which supports liver function and clearing the body's toxins from the inside out. I've seen amazing results with this for people that have tried lots of other things to no avail.

You can check it out online at www.arbonne.com. If you are interested, let me know.

Good luck,

J. Donohue
Independent Consultant
Arbonne International
____@____.com
###-###-####

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Hi:)

I SWEAR I am not hawking this product,but I have problems with the kind of acne that is under the skin and leaves those big bumps,and is painful.I started using PROACTIV,and it has done wonders!!!

And if I start to get a pimple,I put on that refining mask stuff,and in about 2 days the pimple is GONE!!!No joke:)(I put it on at night before I go to bed,just a little on the pimple)

It has a face wash/scrub,a toner and a medicated lotion to use 1 to 3 times a day,and the refining mask only when needed.

I spent a little extra to get the oil free moisturizer to put on after the medicated lotion to minimize dryness,and it really helps.

I totally recommend this stuff:)

I hope this helps!!

A. C
Mom to 1 one year old

PS~
I also think they sell body wash,too:)

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HI there--what a bummer to have to go thru.....usually what is happening onn the skin is a sign of what's going on inside--particurly the liver. I would recommend seeing my Naturopath--she is amazing--Dr. Mary Frazel, The Spark of Life Chiropractic and Wellness Center. ###-###-####. She has helped our family with EVERYTHING!!! Good Luck!!

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Having been through the teenager daughter stage, I know it is heart breaking to have them go through acme problems. Life is hard enough for them otherwise. I may have something that might work for her. I would love to give you some samples of Sensaria Natural Bodycare products for her to try. Please contact me at ____@____.com
C. R

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I know this will come off sounding just like an infomercial product pitch, but Proactiv truly changed my life. I'm in my 30s and was sick and tired of dealing with acne. I mean my gosh--I'm a full grown woman! After all kinds of over the counter and prescription medicines I finally opened my wallet and bought Proactiv. It wasn't a picnic at first (it stings upon use for a couple of weeks), but within 2 months things were so SO much better and I've been using it for three years now with almost total success. If I get a zit it's because I was lazy. I only use it at night (they suggest 2x a day) and it lasts me a very long time. I suggested it to my friend for her 13 year old and they have also had huge success with it. You can get it at a kiosk in Washington Square and Lloyd Center. I recommend doing all the steps (face wash, toner, repairing lotion). I do the mask 1x/month or so. Good luck!

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The prescription sulfacetamide (klaron) clears blemishes by inhibiting the bacterial growth that causes acne-without drying the skin like other acne lotions.

In studies, acne sufferers who used sulfactetamide saw improvemernt within two weeks. It's effective in adults and adolescents.This infromation was taken from The World's Greatest Treasury of Health Secrets through Bottom Line Publications. I am amazed that our parents do not give their children vitamins because Zinc is also a remedy and if the child is not getting all the vitamins she/he needs for their bodies then different parts of their bodies fail.

L.

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Have you tried Proactiv? I struggled with acne during my teenage years and into college with small outbreaks. I finally tried Proactiv and my skin cleared up. I have heard other success stories as well.

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I know you may not want to hear this but, you may want to try it. Acne is caused by excesses in hormones. You regulate the hormones, you stop the acne. I know this works...It entails putting her on birth control if she can because of her health conditions. Short of that Pro-Active was a godsent for us....

Hope this helps...

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Hi C.- I know my cousin had really bad ache when we were kids. He was told to cut out all extra carbs and cut out soda all together. His doctor told his Mom that in some people when the Carbs convert to sugar it causes alot of the break outs. Does your daughter have long hair. The oils in our hair can cause our chest and back to break out, even if our hair is not oily. My cousin did follow his doctors advice and used some ache medication he was given and his skin did clear up lots. I think it was proactive, but I may be wrong. Hope this helps

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It can be a little expensive if you're broke like us. But it is like 30 bucks a month. I swear by proactive. I am a natural red head and I have the most sensitive skin on the planet I am also allergic to everything that I have been tested for. The proactive solution kind of burns my skin a little but not enough to keep me from using it. I love it it smells good and I can even use a little dab of the creamy stuff on my five year old when she gets one. My best advice is to use it at night, not in the morning if she has sensitive skin. My face turns red but the redness is gone in the morning. I just don't think that she would like to go to school with a red face. I did it and well just have her use it at night. I love love love it! and if it doesn't work you can get your monet back. Promise in the first four days you will see it and she will feel how great it is. good luck!

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I suggest Proactiv. I never had bad acne as a teen, but still bad enough to make me self conscious. I took prescription oral and topical products too. They never seemed to really work. I finally tried Proactiv and was VERY impressed! It worked wonders! I actually ordered mine from QVC.com. They have better bundles that are reasonably priced. When I used to order it, I ordered a package that had the basics plus an acne body wash. Definitely check it out! Proactiv is awesome! Good Luck!

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Has she tried taking oral contraceptive pill? I am a Nurse-Practitioner and birth control pills, specifically estrostep and tricyclen have been shown to decrease cystic acne. Dermatologists often forget this point. I would also recommend 4-6000 mg Flax Oil capsules per day. Omega 3's help with inflamation. And I heard of a regimen which used mild cleansers, lotion, and low percentage benzol perioxide-check acne.org.

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Carol,

I would try naturopathic remedies, including a colon cleanse. It really works wonders for the skin. If you, however, don't want to go the natural route you can try Proactiv or Accutane. Accutane does have side effects and I lean towards the more natural side of things but, that being said, I used to have really bad cystic acne and I was on Accutane for 5 months and have never ever had cystic acne again. It's been almost 7 years since I've had a breakout like that. Hope this helps...

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I have just the solution for you, and you do not have to see a dermatologist! I have been battling acne for years, ever since the birth of my daughter. I had big cysts just like your daughter. I went to the derm & tried several medications that only worked while I was taking them. Not wanting to be on pills forever I was at a loss, until one night in desperation I called an infomercial ad for ProActiv. It changed my life. I now have beautiful skin & so can your daughter. You can now purchase the 3-step system at the mall, it is wonderful. The have a kiosk at South Hill Mall right across from Hollister. This is what you will need to purchase: Daily Cleanser, Toner, and the repairing lotion. You can purchase the whole set for $49.95 & it is the best investment you can make for your daughter. Save the doctor visits & get her ProActiv today. Keep in mind that it will dry her out at first, so get her a good moisturizer, such as Cetaphil or you can find a good dermatologist recommended at a drug store. But tell her to hang in there, after about a month or so on the treatment she will have beautiful skin & improved self-esteem. It is worth the wait. Just have her use it as her cleaning regimen morning & night & it will change her life! I hope this helps, good luck. I have two daughters of my own reaching puberty & plan to have plenty of ProActiv on hand!

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Probably the biggest culprit in the case of teenage acne is sugar. There is a wonderful book which I discovered when my teenage son was suffering from acne, called Sugar Blues by William Duffy. I would bet you could find it on Amazon and even read a little to see if you want to purchase it.

Drinking more water and washing the face at least twice a day with a gentle, pure soap would also be helpful.

Best to you....C.

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I know from experience that it isn't very satisfying to hear "you'll grow out of it", but that may be the truth. I believe diet is very important and though I'm not a specialist in that area, you might look into books/ literature related to cell reproduction, antioxidants, fruits and vegetables. Some other things I tried as a teenager that seemed to help: drink as much water as possible and spritz face with some kind of natural sea water/ algae toner.

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My son had acne as well. He went to a fantastic dermatologist and has been acne free since his Freshmen year. Her name is Dr. Marla Ross located by Washington Square in Beaverton. She told him to use Cetaphil to cleanse his face morning and night (found at any drugstore or costco.) It takes awhile during treatment for the acne to work its way out so if started now, she should be clear in about 6 months. It totally changed his self image.

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Csrole, I highly recommend ProActive too. I had cystic acne as a teenager and my mom ordered proactive for me and we started seeing results so quickly that she ordered it for my sister too!

I eventually went off the proactive, because I felt that my acne was under control and that as long as I washed my face every morning and night and used a good moisturizer that I was good.However, when I was 21 I started breaking out again and felt a bit like a teenager. Since I was away at college my doctor recommended acutaine. I did it and it is a rigorous program in that you do have to go in for blood draws every month to make sure your kidneys/liver are functioning properly. Also, she may have to go on birth control because there is so much Vitamin A in accutaine that it can cause severe birth defects. There are also some other side effects such as sensitivity to the sun (meaning being out for a little while can cause a sunburn), dryness of your lips and nasal passages (I kept vaseline with me because that was the best for my lips and even periodically used a Q-tip to put some in my nostrils). Because of the dryness side-effect accutaine is not for everyone, my cousin couldn't use it because it just dried her out too bad and she would get nose bleeds.

I would recommend a good HEALING lotion to help with the scars that acne can cause. I have had success with the Mary Kay skin care line(but that can get overwhelming with all the steps) and with a lotion, I don't remember the brand name, but it was "...Q10". It was a lotion for rejuvinating your skin and I think advertised towards older women as opposed to teenagers.

Tell her there is hope...this will eventually get better, now I am 28 and don't do anything, I don't even wash my face before bed! I occasionally get a zit when I am having my period or while I am pregnant and I just zap it with Mary Kay's acne treatment gel- which is a GREAT product.

Good Luck!
M.

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My son had some issues as well - especially with his back. I am a massage therapist and at the time worked at a spa, so ended up taking him for a series of about five "back" facials. The steaming and extractions they do - on the face or wherever, are very sterile and it seemed to work great. Plus, it's a nice treat and I think he really felt valued that I would go to the trouble for him. It was a bit pricey -but you might try a student clinic or a chain organization like In Spa to keep costs down.

Also, to tag onto the Tea Tree comment, my daughter loves to use the Tea Tree pads we buy at Trader Joe's. She keeps them in her gym bag (and being an athlete, she sweats alot - it keeps her acne in line and also helps her feel refreshed. R.

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After years of tetracycline, we discovered through a blood test that I had several food sensitivities that caused me to break out in multiple ways. I would recommend a blood allergy test that looks for both sensitivities and allergies.

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You know, I have really sensitive skin, so the prescriptions were a little too harsh for me. My dermatologist said to wash with Cetaphil morning and night... I follow with Oil of Olay Total Effects, Fragrance (& Oil) Free. It took a couple months, but my skin was GREAT using that simple advise. I really think a lot of it has to do with being diligent with your grooming schedule. Honestly, when I was a teenager, I would be SO TEMPTED to just hop into bed without washing my face. But when you see the results, it's worth it.

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I had problems with acne when i was a teenager as well, and I also had sensitive skin. I tried all types of products and oddly enough the thing that worked best for me was a bar of dove soap and hot water twice a day. Give it a try, it takes a while but you might notice a difference. Ive gotten my teenage son to try it after trying all the products they have and his has also gotten better. Funny how some of those old fashioned techniques actually work better sometimes.

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Dermatologist, dermatologist, dermatologist! When it gets to such an inflamatory stage, your daughter really needs medical intervention. Sometimes specific alergies/reactions to common things aggravate it. My fair skinned son went through this challenge for almost two years before we tracked down and appropriately treated it. There are LOTS of treatments ,that with intervention, may prevent scarring and the emotional problems associated with this stage of her life. Good luck.

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I have lived through similar frustrations and found a lot of help through naturopathic medicine. My naturopath gave me strong multi-vitamins with a variety of herbs to cleanse my system and put me on relatively high doses of vitamin A. This, combined with a good topical/cleansing regimen, has helped tremendously. Good luck.

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Hi Carol! I'm 32 years old and I too had bad acne when I was a teenager and into my young adult years. I had a friend try Proactiv Solution and his face looked amazing. So I tried it too and I absolutely love it! It works amazing!! I wish I would have heard of it when I was in high school to save me the insecurities I felt with my acne!! I've been using it for about 10 years or so and I would never use anything else. You can either order the product on-line (proactivsolution.com), you can call and order there number is 1-800-333-0153. Have her try it and make sure she sticks to it. It may seem a little harsh at first but if she sticks with it the results are amazing!!

Good Luck! Let me know how it turns out!
Lisel Williams

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