Acne Help

Updated on August 05, 2008
A.V. asks from Bloomington, TX
46 answers

Help!!! I am breaking out sooo bad. It seems like I have tried everything. I am currently using clearasil ultra gel wash, this used to do the trick like magic but seems to have stopped working. Are there any 'magic' tricks to clear up acne or help during a breakout?? I dont know if it could be hormones?? I still breastfeed my almost 8month old son (no formula). I havent started my period since he was born... maybe because of breastfeeding or I have a mirana iud? I havent had a breakout this bad since junior high!!!

I dont wear any makeup most of the time. When I do wear makeup it is generally just mascara and eyeshadow. No foundation or any other stuff.

What can I do next?

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So What Happened?

Just want to say 'Thank You' for all the wonderful advice. I now have an idea of where to start and how to get my clear skin back. Its great to know that there are other mommies out there who have experienced the same thing and that there is hope. Thanks So Much
A.

Featured Answers

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C.A.

answers from Houston on

I had really bad acne about 5 years ago before I was married. I didn't have it too bad as a teenage, but 20 hit and it was all down hill! I took pretty much everything except Accutane for it. Medicated Creams, washes, BC pills, medicine... On the recommendation of a friend I started washing my face with Lab Series' Power Wash for men by Aramis (in the Men's fragrance area) It worked so well and wasn't h*** o* my skin!!! I still use it!

I also started using Origins products around that time. I use the concealer, base, exfloliators and oil refiner (toner) and the Have a Nice Day lotion. They have something to put on individual pimples. I can't think of what it is called, but it helps!

I take Ortho-Tricyclen Lo birth control and that helps with it too!

These have been successful for me. I hope you find something that works for you! Having adult acne is one of the hardest.

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T.S.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I started breaking out when I got pregnant with my first. My skin was like I was a teenager again. I have been using ProActiv. It is the best and works better than any of the stuff you can get at the drug store.

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R.Z.

answers from San Antonio on

Hi A.,

After I had my daughter the same happened for me. I always broke out a week before my period. By the time they "went away" I broke out again with new pimples. I finally got on a birth control pill that was designed to help clear up acne. I saw a difference within the first month. Now I have clear skin. Hope this helps.

More Answers

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S.B.

answers from Killeen on

Pro-ActiV is worth every penny. I got it three weeks ago and my face is clear as glass. I, also, have an 8 month old and on top of that I'm still sort of in my teen years (21). Nothing ever worked for me that I bought from the store..and I finally decided to spend a small fortune on it and I absolutely LOVE it. I don't even have to wear make-up anymore, except(like you) just a little eye make up. Best wishes!

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A.S.

answers from College Station on

Arbonne has several skin care lines to choose from. I am using the clear advantage. It has been wonderful!

Call me or email me if you want information.

A. C. Salvato
____@____.com
###-###-####

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O.C.

answers from Austin on

Hello,
Dr. Vaugh Johnson has a great audio on why and how to help with acne,
go to www.DailyHealthJuice.com , in the middle are 4 doctors audios, click on Johnson, and hear him out,
also,
www.InsideMangosteen.com, click on stories, click on the letter A and read how good this works.

good luck,
Oly

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L.M.

answers from Houston on

Well, it sounds like you are still experiencing acne from being a teenager still. Also, I experience breakouts right before my cycle. It could be anything from harmonal changes and bacteria, and dirt and oil. When we become new motehrs, we tend to concentrate on our babies while forgetting our own needs. This happened to me right after I had my baby girl and it was because my face and body were getting back to normal and I had so much dead, stretched out skin. Once I exfoliated, it started to clear up. Before washing your face, EXFOLIATE FIRST. You will see that once the dead skin is lifted, you will feel like you have a brand new face. Proactiv works the best for me...love the miracle stuff! Best of luck and congrats on your little one!

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B.M.

answers from Laredo on

I use Patricia Wexler's acne face wash from Bath & Body Works. It is the first wash that has actually helped me. I have tried all sorts including Proactive. I also have the IUD but am not sure if that has anything to do with acne.

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C.L.

answers from San Antonio on

St. Ives medicated face scrub. The trick is to use it in the shower, otherwise its really hard to get it all off. I used to break out so bad, but now I don't have to wear make up because my skin is so clear. I wash it for 60 seconds in the shower first thing in the morning and last thing at night before bed. I swear by it.

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R.S.

answers from Houston on

I feel your pain. I'm 37 and have been looking for something to help with breakouts. I became a rep for a company called Sensaria Natural Body Care and they have some products that have been doing wonders on my skin. The product line that I love is called Mineral Genesis. It is brand new but has been showing incredible results on women. They also have a blemish control that helps clear up the acne quickly. You can go to my website to check it out. www.mysensaria.com/beckysspa If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact me. I know it will work for you. Becky Scheffer ###-###-####

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K.K.

answers from Killeen on

The only thing I know of that works really well on bad acne, I do not believe you can use while you are breastfeeding. It is called Proactive. It's somewhat expensive, but it really works. I would consult your doctor to see if it is okay for you to use while breastfeeding or not.

Good Luck!!! ;-)

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K.B.

answers from Austin on

Everyone has a favorite product. I've used the Walgreens version of Proactiv and had good results. It's a lot less expensive than Proactiv, and works the same. I'm a big fan of cetafil (or the walmart version). It's easy to use, and I haven't had any problems for a long time. Good luck!

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J.W.

answers from Austin on

I love ProActiv. I used to have acne so bad that I was on medication for it for several years. I finally got tired of the side-effects and went off the meds. I'd heard about ProActiv and gave it a try and as of right now I am only using the facial scrub and I love it! I have a bunch of their other products but it turns out the scrub is all I need. It works that well! I don't know where you are, but my local mall has a ProActive kiosk. Maybe yours does too.

Good luck!

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T.B.

answers from Houston on

You may want to try the Mary Kay Acne Treatment Gel along with Mary Kay's Velocity. If you are interested you may contact your local Mary Kay consultant or me at www.marykay.com/tbrysch. I would be happy to help you.

T. Brysch

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S.H.

answers from Houston on

There is a product that is advertised on TV that I used when I had adult-onset acne, and it really helped me. An even better incentive is that is now costs 1/2 what it used to. It is called Pro-Activ. (Jessica Simpson used to be their spokes-person. Maybe you've seen the ads.)

Anyway, I don't know what is in the product, but the regimin consists of a face wash, a toner and a great moisture lotion that has some kind of medicine in it. It cleared up my acne SO fast, and I kept using it for years aferward. I don't use it now, however, as I have outgrown the problem.

Hope this helps!

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T.L.

answers from Austin on

Dear A.,
I am an independent consultant with Arbonne International. All of our products our botanically based with no animal by-products, no mineral oil and no petroleum products. We have a line specifically geared towards breakouts called clear advantage. It treats breakouts on both the out and inside so it is a more holistic treatment. The benzol peroxide in clearisil can cause your skin to become more irritated and start a vicious cycle of breakouts. You can visit my website for more information tracylong.myarbonne.com, but I would also love to share more in person. Let's talk and see if I can help. All the best. T.

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W.D.

answers from Austin on

Hi A.,
If you go to the drug store and look in the acne section what you will see is 20 different types of washes. I don't think that its what you use thats so important but that you wash regularly to loosen the little pockets of infection under the skin. Also drink lots of water it helps flush your system and clense your body.
Good luck
W.

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B.P.

answers from San Antonio on

A. bless your heart, I know some products that will Help Mary Kay 3-N-1 cleanser this cleanser does 3 things in one it cleanses, exfoliates, and freshens your skin. It gets deep down to the second layer of the skin. I know because I use this twice a day. If you ever want to try it out I can give you a free facialwith all Mary Kays skin products. Call Me at ###-###-####. This stuff works girl and is specially made for every skin type. Good luck A..

J.B.

answers from Houston on

When I was about your age I went through something where I had terrible breakouts on my chin. I mean girl they were so bad! I tried all kinds of stuff and finally I got this Mary Kay skin toner for acne prone skin. It has a high percent of salicilic acid. It did dry my skin out pretty bad but after the drying and a little peeling, the acne was gone and it never came back. I am now 32 and have never had the problem again. So if you know a Mary Kay rep, you might want to talk to them about it. I used the toner for a while after just to keep my skin balanced but I haven't needed it for years. If you don't know anyone, I think you can just go online and put in your zip code and get in touch with a rep near you. Anyway it's worth a try!! Best wishes :)

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B.B.

answers from Houston on

Have your allergies checked. I have started using bear minerals. It keeps your skin clean and dry. It protects your face. You look great. No, I have no vested interest in bear minerals. But, I tried every thing this was the only thing that really worked! Keep breastfeeding it helps too.

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C.W.

answers from San Antonio on

Dear A.,
It is most likely your hormones. However, you have to be careful what you use b/c you are nursing. I would ask your OBGYN if Benzoyl peroxide topical is okay to use or plan hydrogen peroxide. The benzoyl is a prescription so be sure you ask, ask, ask!!! Neutrogena products are also good. Your body may be trying to start a period even though you are still nursing. It will get better. Hormones can do funny things. I think I am going to write a book called, "The Humor In Our Hormones!" LOL! Be Encouraged, your face will clear.

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A.C.

answers from Houston on

I have had great luck with Aveeno Clear Complexion--I use the cleansing bar and moisturizer. It keeps my skin pretty clear without irritation. I have used Proactiv products when I was really having "hormonal" acne (like along the jawline).

I am breastfeeding and didn't get my period until after she turned 1 year, but I definitely had a big break-out just before.

Acne is listed as a side-effect of the Mirena. You need to discuss this with your care provider.

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L.P.

answers from Houston on

Proactive really does work. It is a little expensive, but it is worth it.

R.W.

answers from San Antonio on

You need to go see a dermatologist. I know this can be very frustrating, when you've tried everything, and nothing seems to be helping. It gets worse before it gets better.

You might have to take pills with other products for your face.

Good Luck

Rosie

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L.M.

answers from Austin on

Hello;
Congratulations on your happy life except for the acne of course. Stress can cause a severe breakout or it could be an allergy even on your face. If you are using a new soap/body wash or laundry soap or lotion. You could be allergic to one of the ingredients. If you nothing else works start changing one by one what you are using and see if you can eliminate it that way. It could also be a certain food. Good luck. L.

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C.K.

answers from San Antonio on

I use Cetaphil soap. I started using it a few years ago and only have the occassional pimple. My son, who is 14, started using Cetaphil soap a few months ago and he doesn't have acne anymore either, just the occassional pimple. Don't use the antibacterial soap, just the regular one. I think it is labeld Gentle Cleansing. I wash my face once a day with it and he usually washes his face twice a day (morning and evening). It cost about $3 a bar, but if you only use it on your face it lasts a long time. You can buy it at Wal-Mart. It is with the other acne meds, usually on the bottom shelf.

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A.P.

answers from Austin on

What kind of acne is it? Are they big, large, red zits? Or are they little tiny ones, but all over a certain spot and lots of them?

For the big red ones:
To clear up your skin right away - I recommend using a pear. yes, the fruit. don't eat it, but cut it in half and rub it on your face (clean) and leave it on. Do this 2x a day for a couple of days. This works great for acne on upper back and neck too!

Then, after your acne has dried up. Witch hazel (at the pharmacy) works well after cleaning. Just dab on with cotton balls - be careful because it will dry you out if used too much or all over, but works great!

For the little, all over ones: switch skin care products! you are stressing out your skin! Try using a mild, gentle cleanser (like cetaphil), and add a un-scented, mild facial moisturizer.

FYI- Proactive works great for the big all over greasy breakouts, but will dry and peel the little all over pimples and rip your skin of needed moisture. Mary kay has great face stuff - make sure you describe the breakout to the consultant so she knows which facial cleanser and moisturizer to give you (I'd recommend velocity cleanser with gentle mositurizer with SPF for the greasy breakouts, but the gentle cleanser, toner, and moisturizer for the all over tiny pimples breakout!)

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J.W.

answers from Austin on

Hi A.,

Into Google, type in "Acne, Mirana IUD" and check out the links.

Also, see these links:

http://www.vegetarian.org.uk/campaigns/whitelies/wlreport...
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Naturopathy-3401/breastfeeding...
http://www.lactationconnection.com/questions.htm (see "Medications" toward the bottom)
http://www.pandamedicine.com/forum/p494.html
http://www.skintactix.com/female_acne_issues.htm

As for proper nutrition for your blood type, check out www.dadamo.com

Bless you and good luck! jenifer

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S.D.

answers from Houston on

Hi A.! Nothing like being a mommy, is there. I have two kids who are now 16 and 11. Cherish each moment with Gabriel. They grow up way to fast. Make memories every day and store them in your heart.

Now for the breakout! I'm not here to advertise a product but I will tell you that my 16-year-old was breaking out badly until she started to use ProActiv...yes, the stuff they advertise on TV. We tried everything and were waiting to see a dr. when I gave this the last-ditch effort...and it worked!

Have a wonderful day!

S.
www.formyourdiet.com/S.

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S.O.

answers from Houston on

Hi A.,
I don't sell anything but have tryed different products. I have a niece who has bad acne and she uses proactive if thats how its spelled. It works well for her. For me and my kids we don't get acne bad but when we do its always the big noticeable ones and both of these products work well the acne med from Mary Kay and from Jafra clears those up fast. I did notice on TV that there is a new product line like proactive that is less costly and works the same. As for as Airbonne I don't really care for it, you have to use it religiously because it goes bad fast and I didn't ever see the result like I do with Mary kay and Jafra. I probably prefer Jafra but like Airbonne the products will go bad if not used religiously and Mary Kay doesn't seem to do that plus there are so many more consultants out there.

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S.K.

answers from Houston on

check out this website site:
www.aloette.com

Great products!

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C.R.

answers from Santa Fe on

Have you heard of or tried Arbonne products? They are amazing and have helped lots of people with their acne problems plus they have pure safe beneficial products including baby products! I was so happy to hear about them because I did not realize that the fda does not regulate what goes into our personal care products and so many that you buy off the shelf have toxins in them! Imagine that! I did not know that I was putting toxins on my son until my son was 6 months old! The other product they have is a balancing creme that you can put right on the blemish to make it go away. Anyway, I have lots of tricks email me back ____@____.com if you are interested in hearing them all-you can also go to C..myarbonne.com for more info on the products

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J.W.

answers from San Antonio on

i've never heard of breastfeeding causing acne and i'm not sure of the side affects of that particular iud...i had a weird breakout about a year ago and i bought the acne clear line...orange/blue packaging...it really helped and my face cleared up in about a week...they compare their product to pro-active only the cost is much cheaper...they sell it at most drugstores..i bought mine at walmart...more than likely your hormones are trying to get back on level again...it is amazing what havoc our hormones can do to our skin!!!! Good luck!!

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S.S.

answers from Houston on

AVON Clearskin products work great and they are inexpensive. My teenagers use it, and have had great success with it. They mostly use the acne pads (which is quick at night or anytime), the scrub and the spot treatment. They go on sale often..worth a try!

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D.G.

answers from Corpus Christi on

Hello,
My Son had the same thing, nothing would work, and then i can across the greatest thing, called green tea oil and cleaning pads, you can buy them at any market or organic store, it really cleared him up and his face looks great, i can`t tell you how happy i am with this stuff, its called green tea oil and green tea facial cleaning pads..hope this helps.
D.

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C.B.

answers from El Paso on

I have been using these botanically based products that are absolutely amazing. You should try the Arbonne clear advantage products for your acne breakouts. They also have GREAT baby products, I switched over my kids!! Check out my website if you want more information. Also, the products are guarenteed, use them for 2-3 weeks and if you are not satisfied with them you can return them for any reason within 45 days. I noticed a difference with my skin in the first week!

www.MoreTime4MyKids.com or
www.CorissaBell.myarbonne.com

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N.B.

answers from Houston on

nothing i've tried works except Pro-Active. They sell it online, on HSN, and some stores in Baybrook Mall. I haven't been there yet, but a friend gets her supply there. There are infomercials of these products ALL the time...every night! Check your cable guide. If you see paid program, hit info to see which one it is. Good luck.

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L.B.

answers from Corpus Christi on

Try Sea Breeze it is an over the counter skin cleaner. It helped both of my kids along with the medication that you are already using you skin is oily after your child's birth. The Sea Breeze will take care of that use several times a day. It works I use it also to remove make-up. Good luck.

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H.L.

answers from Houston on

Hi A.! I have had years of skin problems and just recently (at 36) I have found a great routine.

AM-
I wash with Equate Skin Cleanser (it's the Wal-Mart copy of Cetaphil).

Then, I use OLAY Complete SPF 15 for Oily/Combo Skin. It's awesome with or without makeup.

PM-
If I haven't worn makeup that day, I use the Equate. If I have worn makeup, I like Neutrgena Fresh Foaming Cleanser (once a week I use the Fresh Foaming Scrub as a mild exfoliant).

A month ago I started using the Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Stress Control 3-in-1 and their Rapid Clear Acne Defense Lotion (I alternate sometimes, not both together!). I am trying to decide which I like better. I like that both help clear the skin without drying it out.

All there products are at Wal-Mart and under $10. Sometimes when you are having trouble with your skin, less really is better. I have also found since trying this routine, it has even decreased my monthly breakouts.

I saw a commercial yesterday that Neutrogena has a new three step system (similar to ProActive) that is supposed to be good. As you can see I love Neutrogena products. They are good and well priced.

I wish you lots of luck. Ypu can PM me if you have any more questions.

H.

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K.T.

answers from Houston on

I had trouble with acne a few years ago and the doc I went to see used to be a chemist for Clinique. She said to use plain old Dove bar soap with no frangrance etc. twice a day. It really helped quite a bit to just simplify things. It's so inexpensive, it wouldn't hurt to try it!

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J.T.

answers from Austin on

There is a Mary Kay ointment that works wonders on pimples. I haven't had to use it in a while so I can't quite recall the name of it on the tube; however, just go to their web site and do a search and I bet you'll find it there. I will be very surprised if you tried it and it didn't work, as I have sensitive skin and it worked for me with no side effects.
Hope this helps!

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M.B.

answers from Austin on

Hey there!

Have your tried Cetephil or All Purpose by JOhnson and Johnson? I use All purpose and love it, my Dermatolgist recommended it! You can buy it at walgreens or any grocery store.
HOpe this helps.

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J.S.

answers from Austin on

I used to have break outs on a regular basis. I now use a regimen that I get on-line. I will include the website below. This has worked wonders for me. It isn't expensive, all natural and goes a long way. Also just a very informative website for make-up or other product comparisons.

http://www.cosmeticscop.com/

I hope this helps.

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C.G.

answers from Detroit on

Hello A., I my name is C. and I am a skin care consultant. I would love to invite you to have a complinmentary Jafra Facial. Jafra has been around for over 50 years. A lot of people in the San Antonio area have not heard of it. I have a website that you can go to and see the products. It is www.myjafra.com/cgutierrez. You can do a skin profile and email it to me and I will be able to tell you what products we have to fit your needs. As far as the breakouts, cleansing is good but other products are sometimes needed. Your skin has gotten used to the clearasil. Jafra offers a good cleansing system as well as Clear Pore Clarifier, which is a product that will penetrate pores, help to eliminate acne and prevent new blemishes from forming. You can call me for a Facial and you will be able to try the Clear Pore Clarifier at that time. My number is ###-###-####. I am offering 15% off of all orders in July if you are interested. I can't wait to hear from you.
C.

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M.B.

answers from Austin on

Has your diet changed at all? Sometimes an increase in sugar or dairy products can cause acne. You might need to cleanse a bit. I have found that Arbonne Clear Advantage works well for acne. My sister tried everything and the only thing that has helped is this line. Let me know if you have more questions about it. You can check out the website as well.
Good luck!
Brandi
www.arbonne.com

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S.T.

answers from Houston on

Your IUD could be causing it (it does release hormones) or it could be you are fixing to start your period....or both.

S., mom to 5

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