Adult Acne Solutions

Honestly, I just use the Proactiv mask... not the whole kit. I wash my face with my usual 3 in 1 clenser from Mary Kay, and then just put a small dab on each spot before bedtime. It really wipes them out, and you don't have to buy the whole expensive kit!!

I used to see a Dermatologist and when I got pregnant I couldn't take anything prescription anymore. She recommended Clenziderm MD. It is made by Obagi. It is a 3 step process like Proactiv, but works better. It is a little on the expensive side, about $100, but you can find deals on the internet. It lasts me about 4 months. I haven't been pregnant for a while and I still use the stuff. I haven't been back to the Dermatologist.

Not sure what type of skin you have and if this is a hormonal problem that arises monthly but keep it simple and cheap. Yes I think proactiv works but it's not necessary. I have an oily T zone area and I tend to break out on my chin and around my hairline on my forehead during "that" time of the month. I'm 46! Try using a very gentle soap and don't over wash. You might think I'm nuts but I started using Sensitive Dove bar soap on my face as well as my body. I did some research and gave it a try. I was afraid it would cause more breakouts but I LOVE it and have never had a problem using it. Leaves my face clean but not tight like some face soaps. Also apply 10% Benozole Peroxide cream on your "troubled" area every night after you moisturize your face. Don't miss a night or your get some bumps. You can get the off brand and save some money and it's last forever because you don't need that much. One thing to remember is to never rub it into your skin, just glide it on leaving a very thin layer on top. Rubbing it can cause more irritation on your face and cause pimples to surface. If you want nice smooth skin try using a product called NuFountain® Microfiber Exfoliating Cloth For Face or Body. This little washcloth will rock your world! No lie. It will smooth out you skin. You can even use it to wash you face with make up on without using any soap! I use mine every other day in the morning instead of a soap wash. You can find it on Amazon. Well hope you find the answer your looking for on here. Adult acne stinks!
C.

I have had acne my whole life. Did three rounds of accutane as a young woman and numerous drugs and topical treatments that just helped to manage.

The only way I have found to control it now is to get regular facials from a facialist who really understands acne. I go every 2 months and use the cleansers they recommend.

They key for me is keeping my skin exfoliated. I know there are people out there who will vouch for proactive, but I know plenty of others for whom it hasn't been successful. I've tried it all and know a number of people who have also done this and the facials are so easy and work so well!

Find a good aesthetician and go for it...I get facials as well as a light peel twice a year and I get only a few zits here and there throughout the year versus 20 or so every month.

I REALLY recommend it!

Wanted to agree with one poster that I love Murad. There are lots of products out there, but my facialist uses Murad and I've had lots of success with their cleansers, treatments, and lotions. Good luck!

When I was pregnant with my son I broke out SOOOO bad. Face and back. Proactiv didn't work at all. But I found that Dr. Murad worked amazing! My son is 3 now and I still use it and my skin looks great!

Wow. Really interesting to read through the comments.

I've had issues with acne since I was around 11-12 years old. The only time it wasn't an issue was during chemo when, literally, the chemicals were killing just about everything in my body.

Before you start treating, you really need to understand what kind of acne you have. There's acne vulgaris (most common, hence the name) which is generally topical and less severe than cystic acne (the kind I'm blessed with) which is deep, huge and painful.

Hormones are most likely the contributing factor at your age. Food appears to have no correlation to acne. It's simply caused by the body producing oil, bacteria and dirt being trapped by the oil in the pores and creating an infection.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/acne/DS00169/DSECTION=ca...

A visit to a dermatologist is probably the smartest thing you can do to find out what the cause is and what they recommend. In my case, I need to use a good cleanser and an Rx antibiotic. I've used oral antibiotics in the past, but as a cancer survivor, I prefer to address as needed instead of preventative.

OTC medications usually contain either 5%/10% benzoil peroxide or salicylic acid and can be effective. I have to use PersaGel daily to help prevent breakouts, but it doesn't always help. I also have a prescription for Duac (clindamycin - topical antibiotic) that I use when it's really bad.

Proactiv is basically a benzoil peroxide product, from what I can tell. Most of the recommendations you've received are NOT FDA-approved, so there's generally a limited clinical record of proof of effectiveness/safety outside of personal testimonials.

I use Kiehl's non-detergent foaming cleanser. It's been the most consistent for my oily skin. One dermatologist recommended Accutane, but I've worked for the company that manufactures it, and I'm not willing to take those risks with my medical history.

Good luck!

I have sensitive skin. My hair is dark,but my skin is light. I am the person that is in a crowd and the only one getting bit by insects!!! I liked proactive it got rid of my pimples (i have had break outs since a teen). My eye lids would swell and i finally figured out it was from proactive!!! I did not use it every day but a few times a week. When I woke up my eye lids were puffy. I have seen things at drug stores like neutragenia and biore that have a acne line...set up like the proactive solution. i havent tried them yet but i am hoping they would work better as there other products dont seem to bother me. i dont mind my wrinkles but i agree pimples are nasty.

Proactiv is a good product and it does work. However, long term use is not recommended. After awhile, you will start breaking out again. This happened to me and when I asked my doctor about it, she said that individuals can become immune to Proactiv with long term use.

I recently found a new product line that really works and you can find it at http://www.mariobadescu.com/?SSAID=372414. They have all kinds of skin care products and they really do work. Watch the testimonial videos to get an idea of a product.

Good luck. I know what you're going through. I never got a blemish until I turned 18 and now I will suffer from adult acne occasionally.

I used it years back and it worked very well. Since having my second child, I've been dealing with it again and should probably use the Proactive again. The only thing I didn't like was having to order it! I find that very annoying. I'd rather buy it at a store and be able to buy just what I need (rather than an entire set). Anyway, maybe it's easier to buy now.

I am in the same boat... I have always had to deal with zits, but now I have to deal with wrinkles too... it stinks!!!!!!!! Proactiv works for me, but my skin still freaks out a bit around my period or if I don't drink enough water. If we really want to be rich, we need to develop a product that zaps them both!

Not sure if you have sensitive skin or not, but I do so the typical acne treatments are too harsh for my skin (i.e. salicylic acid, etc...). I began a simple natural regimen and my skin is doing much better now.

Cleanse: You can use pretty much any cleanser you like, I use the AcneFree Sensitive Skin Acne System (cleanser only).

Tone: saturate a cotton ball/pad with witch hazel and add 1-2 drops of tea tree oil and rub over your face. Seriously, only a few drops of tea tree oil or it will irritate your skin. (witch hazel and tea tree oil available at whole foods).

Moisturize: with aloe vera and a mix of 100% unrefined shea butter and jojoba oil. (also available at whole foods) For the aloe vera, you can use the actual plant (cut off a piece, slice it open, and rub the inside on your face) or buy pure aloe vera gel at whole foods. (or any other natural/health food type store)

I know it sound like a lot, but it's really not...just 3 steps. My skin cleared up in a few weeks and my breakouts have practically stopped completely. I'm not consistent with my regimen, but I do think I wouldn't have breakouts if I was.

Also, I take Nature's Cure Acne Treatment for women. It is a pill that works on the inside, while you cleanse the outside. And drink plenty of water! :o)

Link to products mentioned:
http://www.amazon.com/Natures-Cure-Two-Part-Treatment-Tab...

http://www.amazon.com/AcneFree-Sensitive-Skin-Acne-System...

Hope this helps!

I had acne and went to a dermatologist for over 20 yrs and spend tons of money on products and then started going to a nutritionist/chiropractor for an unrelated issue and he put me on these herbal supplements that were for dealing with build up and parasites in my colon and lo and behold my skin completely cleared up. I was shocked.
I now have had clear skin for over 10 yrs and if I start to break out on my chin I know I need to get back on my supplements. I have used various ones over the years. Find somebody who is knowledgable.

I use and sell Mary Kay. If you are not on a regular skin care program then you should really start. Our products are wonderful and really help with both wrinkles and pimples. We have a great acne treatment gel that really works! Check out my website www.marykay.com/stephanir or call me at ###-###-#### I can set up a time for you to receive a free facial to find the right products for you. My Director lives in San Antonio and would be able to give you special service!

Tell me about it! It's just not right. I never had acne as a teenager, but developed it as an adult. I have tried everything including the Murad, Arbonne, and Neutrogena products listed here. The only thing that has worked for me is Proactiv (plus eating healthy, getting exercise, getting sleep, and drinking water). It worked for my brother, too. I have very sensitive skin so I just use the lotion once a day. I highly recommend it.

Hi, R., boy do I know how you feel!!! I'm also 36 and about 4 years ago my face and back started breaking out. As a teen I never had acne issues, it was always my cousin who had problems so badly that she's been seeing a dermatologist for about 30 years! She started using Arbonne's acne line and has stopped all the medications from her dr. I use the anti-aging, (gotta reverse those wrinkles too!) and taking the supplement that comes with the acne line. My back is now clear and my face, I only break out with one or two pimples during my "period." Even my 14 yr old is envied by her friends, she rarely breaks out now...uses it twice daily!
If you want to give it a try I can put you in touch with my consultant and they have a 45 day money back guarantee....use it for over a month, no results, get your money back. It's great. Hope this helps and good luck!!!

When I turned 35 my skin also lost its mind. I tried all sorts of things--zeno, acne clear (horrible--gave me worse cystic zits), prescriptions...I had never really had much of a problem before--just a few pimples around period time. Anyway, this was still plaguing me until a few months ago. Turns out it was my sunscreen. I wear it everyday to ward off wrinkles and when I stopped (by a fluke) my skin cleared up overnight. What also helped greatly was Clean and Clear toner/astringent in the blue bottle. (Recently, I got some in the red bottle and I don't think it is as good). I recommend looking at your everyday products and stopping them until you find the culprit. Good luck.

Hi R.,

Skin changes with different stages in our lives and there are several things that can combat it. Good nutrition is one. Sometimes you think you're eating right but there is a buildup of the chemicals in foods (processing, preservatives, pesticides, etc) that begin to show through the skin. Combined with a little aging (very little :D) this can cause outward symptoms.

I've heard Proactiv is good. My family uses a product that is similar called Zap-it. We're also on an absorbable multivitamin that will get the nutrition to where it's supposed to be. That also helps with the wrinkles.....If you want some info on this stuff, I'll be glad to get you some. Let me know.

M.

When Proactive first came out, it did not work for me. But I ordered it recently since it is supposed to be improved since then and thought my daughter could also use it. I don't follow the regiment totally but it is working for me. I do have fewer break outs. For me, I break out if I even smell extra sweet so it is not always because I ate the wrong foods. I did try Zap-it for a while and it did nothing for me or my daughter but dry out our skin. You can try the sample order for a week (look online for a special offer-I saw one for $19.99). One thing about Proactive, they are pretty good at canceling if you do it on time. I received the first shipment in a week and tried it for a week before making up my mind. I still had another week to cancel if I wanted to.
My nephew uses Neutrogena acne wash and it works well for him.
I would caution you to not use the products for acne if you are going to spend the day in the sun. The sun interacts with benzoyl perozide or salycilis acid and can cause brown spots.

R.,
I also have adult acne (SUPER GROSS!!) but HATED proactive... I now use Murad, you can buy it online or over TV.. and I SUPER LOVE IT...

My skin is the same way. I have used Proactiv, and it works great. It is a bit pricey. I would check other items on the market. What I use now is YAZ, birth control, I know, but I have never had such clear skin, and the good thing is my dr. recommended it. Good luck!

I've had acne since I was 10, and it changed after pregnancy but is still there! Proactiv did not work for me. I found LUSH Cosmetics and love love love their products! No super-nasty chemicals, mostly natural ingredients, and lovely smells. When I started using their Ocean Salt scrub (contains salt, citrus oils, and vodka!), my face cleared up within two days! Nothing has ever worked like that for me before. My oily skin can get dry and sensitive too, so for cleansing I use their Fresh Farmacy soap (has calomine powder that helps redness) day and night, the Ocean Salt scrub at night, and the Brimstone scrub (salt and sulfur) in the morning. I find that Ocean Salt twice a day is too drying but once a day is perfect. Then I spray on their Tea Tree Water toner and use their Ultralight moisturizer. I do still use good old-fashioned Clearasil before my moisturizer at night. It's the only toxic chemical I'll use on my skin (other than vodka and sulfur... hahaha... LUSH only uses one or two of the most benign preservatives and only in some of their products). The only thing I still need is a sunscreen, and I'm going to try MyChelle SunShield, a non-toxic, organic product. Be careful with the chemical-based products. I was starting to feel sick after a while on Proactiv, and it didn't work anyway. I hear Murad and Dermalogica work but they have metals and nasty chemicals in them too. A little benzoyl peroxide like Clearasil is as much as I want now. It's really all about consistent exfoliation (acne-prone skin genetically lacks the ability to slough off dead cells quickly enough; that's why the pores get clogged all the time with oil and critters). I bet facials would help if you had time to get one every week. I've only ever had one facial and I broke out badly for a month afterward, yuck! Try, try again! Good luck!!