Help! - Lewisville,TX

Updated on October 25, 2006
P.A. asks from Antlers, OK
50 answers

My niece has really bad acne and is needing something that will clear it up. She has tried Clearasil and things, but it does not work. Does anyone know of any product that will work? She is 15 and is very embarrassed by it. Please help.

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S.W.

answers from Dallas on

I am an independent consultant for Arbonne. I got started because i loved their acne line- Clear Advantage! It works GREAT! I used Proactive a few years ago but it dried my face up so bad. Clear Advantage doesn't dry it out, doesn't leave it flaky, nor ichy. If you'd like to try it i could send you, or her, a sample. Let me know!!
-S. (____@____.com)

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L.G.

answers from Dallas on

I have heard a lot of good things about ProActiv if she will commit to a regimen. I just filled a prescription for Differin cream for my son. I took him to the pediatrician and she prescribed it.

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C.K.

answers from Dallas on

My complection was well under control until my after the birth of my first child, at which time my skin went crazy. I tried Proactiv, just the first round, and it cleared up completely. They tried to get me to continue ordering but I found that I didn't even need it after that first order was gone. Later I began selling Mary Kay and discovered their Acne Treatment Gel. Although I no longer sell Mary Kay, everyone I've ever spoken to that has used the products still swears by the Acne Treatment Gel. One tube will last you a long time because you don't need to use very much. I still use it now in my forties, whenever I begin to see a problem area I dab a little of this on and it is under control. As a teenager, however, I had to go to a dermatologist to help with the problem. My brother had severe acne and it took him a few years of puberty to get over it. It is a very difficult time, socially and hormonally. I hope it does not affect her self esteem.

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M.F.

answers from Dallas on

Acne is often the result of hormone changes. At 15, she is likely in the middle of puberty. Not much you can do abut that. Also, really bad acne can be a bacterial problem. She might want to see a dermatologist if she thinks she's at risk of getting bad scars from it. Increasing her fluid intake might help too. Encourage her to drink plenty of water.

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A.D.

answers from Dallas on

Proactive is fantastic!!!

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K.W.

answers from Dallas on

I have very oily and acne proned skin and have tried almost anything. I was under a dertmatologist care in high school and took pills orally and used that good old retin-a. I have tried Mary Kay and that worked for a while and then I reverted back. Right now I am using Clinques line for oily and acne proned skin, but I still use the acne treatment gel from Mary Kay. Some of my friends have used proactive and love it. You cna google it, they have it in the malls, and I am sure you have seen their info commercials.

The key is to wash your face, use a toner, use some sort of acne gel, then a moisturizer for that skin type. I found that If I do this in the morning and night I don't have as many problems. And yes, the more water intake the better. I also stand over a boiling pot of water once a week for a few minutes to let the steam open my pores once I wash my face and then I go through all the steps, toner, acne cream, moisturizer.

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A.

answers from Dallas on

P.,
My sister has moderate acne and she swears by Proactive.

A.

Y.I.

answers from Dallas on

Hi, Please believe me this works. I'm 47 years old and have suffered with acne since I was a teen. Don't mean to get graphic but i get the kind that are like systs on occasion but the rest of the time it's regular acne. I have been on everything. I've had a few things that worked but had to switch mainly because of insurance not covering it. This product called Klear action is a miracle, in my opinion. My skin never breaks out if I use it every day. Don't go to a dermatologist first, try this first. It is a copy cat of Proactive but $10.00 cheaper and you don't have to order it. Acne is caused by hormones, not dirt, not diet, and not oil. Oily skin is just annoying. I still have oily skin. You either have it or you don't. All Walgreens carry it,(the Klear Action). If one walgreens happens to be out try a different one. But they always carry it. I'm serious, this is a great product. It's a 3 bottle regiman. At first the acne may get a little worse because it draws it out. But if you keep up with it, it will work. If she's broken out badly have her be gentle with the cleanser. But use the cleanser for a full minute or 2 to get the full affect. If she gets dry skin just have her back off of the last step just a little. I would get her a non-oily moisterizer to use also. The amount you should use is very mininmul. Just remember(cleanser-dime size, clarifer-dime size, last-step pea size. It will work. Don't let her stop using it after just a few days because she thinks it won't work, it will take time. Even if it takes 3 weeks or so that's nothing compared to how long she has or could suffer.
Good luck, Lonie
I would like to find out how this turns out. If you want, email me and let me know the progress.
Lonie
____@____.com

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K.

answers from Dallas on

Hi! I just wanted to let you know, nutritionists say that the biggest contributor to acne is dehydration. She needs to make sure she is drinking a lot (and avoiding caffeine). Also, B6 supplementation helps not only with acne, but with pms and heavy periods. If you want to read more, search for B6 and acne or B6 and weight loss on Google. I take a B6 100 complex by Natures Way (available at Albertson's). The water is extra important, though (and Doctor's don't often mention it or anything that isn't a medicinal product). Good luck!
K.

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K.N.

answers from Dallas on

i know several adults that use Arbonne for there acne. and thet swear by it. but i dont know about teenagers. - K.

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E.G.

answers from Dallas on

My sister and I have used Proactiv Solution and there website is

www.proactiv.com

I hope this helps and Good Luck

E.

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C.

answers from Dallas on

My 15 year old step daughter has been in the care of a dermatologist. We have taken her there for a couple of years. We tried the the pills and creams and microdermabrasion. What worked for awhile was putting her on the Pill. That controlled the hormones for a bit. We finally had to put her Accutane. It is extremely expensive and a huge hassle to be on, but after the treatment, her skin has improved.

Good luck!

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D.

answers from Dallas on

I as well have suffered from oily skin and acne my whole life. I am 43 years old and feel like I've tried 100 different products. I'll admit, I haven't tried many of the products your responders have given you so you may find something really good with this list. I think the key is finding what works for each individual. So if she doesn't find something that works right away, she should just keep going down the list and trying something else. Expensive, I know but that's the only way unless she does decide to go to a dermatologist.

Anyway, I wanted to just tell you what I have found that I love. It's a skin cleanser that has a pretty high concentration of glycolic acid (which is the ingredient that really works for me). It's called MD Formulations skin cleanser gel and I get it from skinstore.com. The key here is to use gels instead of lotions because for most people lotions are just too heavy. Even if they tell you it's for oily skin, most of the time I've found that it just doesn't work for me. I've even gone to Renee Rouleau, the most expensive skin care and spa around, and they broke me out so bad with all the lotion based stuff they sold me. I've been trying things forever and I keep going back to that cleanser. They have other products to the line, like masks and moisturizers that are really good too. But if I just use the cleanser every morning and night, and keep the oily lotions and moisturizers off my face, it works wonders.

Also, for a moisturizer I use Estee Lauder Clear Difference. It's the only product like it that I've found. You put it on and when it soaks in, it leaves your face matte instead of oily. I love it. I never used moisturizer before I found this unless it was the MD Formulations oil skin moisturizer which is basically as thin as water.

That's more than you need. I just wanted to try to help. I know how hard it is to fix this problem.

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S.M.

answers from Dallas on

My one daughter started using Pro-active which she feels has helped her. But I also bought her a bottle of Nature's Best Greens by Dr. Ben Kim that has healthy green foods and probiotics in them. I could really see the difference after about a month. She still takes it and her face is looking the best I have seen it for years. Not promoting this as maybe many other green food powders or supplements or probiotics would do the trick, but wanted to mention that it is important I believe to follow a good diet with healthy supplements.

Another daughter found a website called acne.org and purchased a clear skin regimen that is helping her. Hope these ideas help. S.

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A.

answers from Dallas on

Proactive is the best thing that I have found. It is a little pricey, but well worth the money. Especially if it is for a teenager who is at a really hard place in their life. She will notice a difference very quickly. You can buy it at the mall and also online. Good Luck!

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S.B.

answers from Dallas on

She should definitely go with the advice of the other moms that said PROACTIV SOLUTION. The BEST thing out there!!

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S.L.

answers from Dallas on

P.,
As I got older, I began dealing with acne. The cure was Proactiv. It is a bit expensive, but it works.
Hope it helps.

They sell the products at a Kiosk in Town East Mall. On the second floor.
--S.

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K.

answers from Dallas on

P.,add me to the Proactiv responders!!! My girl is now 18,been on this program for 3 yrs.Swear by it!!! Everything commercials say is TRUE.It also helps to use the proactiv cosmetics along with(if your girl wears make-up).Depending on her hormones,this program along w/ the pill was the solution for us.Her skin is so flawless now,women comment on it.Best of luck,at this age they DON'T NEED to worry about anything else. Signed, Mother of 1 teen and 2 grown. K.,Lewisville

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C.

answers from Dallas on

I know that Arbonne's Clear Advantage line of skin care products are AWESOME! I'm actually an Arbonne consultant, but you can order them from whomever you choose. They are formulated to actually decrease the amount of sebum production in the pores. The system includes: face wash, toner, moisturizer & a dietary supplement that works on the inside and the out for a great result. Several modeling agencies recommend Arbonne's products for their models with acne problems - one of them is a client of mine - she's 17 years old and has loved the system.

Hope that helps!
C. Ashworth
____@____.com

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M.M.

answers from Dallas on

Arbonne's Clear Advantage is great! It doesn't strip the skin like the harsher products being promoted on TV etc. do. I have several friends that had tried ProActiv, Medication etc and then tried the Arbonne and their skin has cleared up.
My distributer is at ####-###-####. I know if you called her she could give you a sample to try for your niece.

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B.D.

answers from Dallas on

My nieces (now 19 and 15) both used Pro-Activ in recent years with good results. My sister (their mom) and I both had problem acne growing up; I was relieved to see the girls able to use something that didn't require brutal treatments (having the dermatologist open all the pores on your face with a lancet) or taking an antibiotic or something stronger (like Accutane). It's worth a try...hope something works. Problem acne is something that still, being over 40, bothers me.

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H.

answers from Dallas on

P.,

I don't know if you have heard of Arbonne Products, they are completely natural and they have an acne line of products like the facial wash and moisturizer that work great for acne. You can look them up on line if she would be interested. I sell them but if you know anyone who sells it you could ask about them about it. People who have used it has said it works great. Take care, H. Placke

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L.L.

answers from Dallas on

P.,
Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that has different treatment depending on what type of acne she has. It is unlikely that over-the-counter skin products would help; in fact, they can often make things worse.
Please inform your neice to visit with her pediatrician who can prescribe medication, and if necessary antibiotics (depending on the staging of the acne)to do two things: clear things up as well as manage her acne over time (control it). The treatment is varied, and depending on her response and the severity, it is a step-treatment approach. Acne is a sensitive subject in a peer-conscious group! If her pediatrician won't help (which would surprise me), please encourage her to seek treatment from a dermatologist. Acne is something that can be managed and controlled. L. (pediatric nurse practitioner).

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N.P.

answers from Dallas on

P., I have a really great product (better than Proactive). It is called "Zap It" and the whole system only cost $14.99. Let me know if you want more info. on it. N. ____@____.com ###-###-####

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V.

answers from Dallas on

Hello P., I have been there and I tried everything for my daughter Laura. The only thing that works for her is Proactive. Now Laura's face looks like a porcelain doll, the only thing is that it cost around $60.00 per month, but it is worth every single penny. You can order it by internet or some malls have Proactive booths, there is also a 1-800 number but I don't have it. I don't know your area but I'm sure you'll find it because is a very famous product among teen agers. Good luck

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L.J.

answers from Denver on

The zap it Pack will work great for acne.... email me if you need the details on how to order it :)

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K.P.

answers from Dallas on

Arbonne has a great acne product line that is awesome and isn't harsh like other acne products. I am an Arbonne distributor, and I am not telling you this to promote my business but it does truly work. The best part is if it doesn't work for her it is completely guaranteed and you will get your money back. My 11 yr old son has developed slight acne due to sports and it works wonders on him. If interested, you can email or call me ###-###-####.

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L.R.

answers from Dallas on

Hi P.. I work for a dermatologist @ Huguley hospital. We always recommend an over the counter product called "Zap Zit" that contains benzoyl peroxide. It comes in a black and orange bottle and can usually be found near the pharmacy. (If her acne is extreme she may need to be put on an antibiotic! check with her dermatologist if that is the case.)

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J.C.

answers from Dallas on

HI P.
Arbonne works great. There is an acne line called Clear Advantage. my 11 yr old daughter uses it and it is great for her age and teenagers!
it is inexpensive, and I will give you an add'l 20%. I am an Arbonne consultant. No risk-45 day 100% money back guarantee

I've got multiple clients that have teenagers seeing success with this product.

Talk to you soon!
J.

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S.P.

answers from Dallas on

I really recommend going to a dermotologist ASAP. I had bad acne when I was a teenager and prescription medicine was the only thing that would help. The sooner she goes the better because acne can scar the face. There are so many good products that they can prescribe like Retin A. I promise it will be worth the Dr. visit.
S.' P.

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T.O.

answers from Dallas on

Being a teenager is hard enough with out acne, I feel for her!

But, it really depends on what kind of acne she has. My son has bad acne and the doctor said it will scar if he doesn't use this prescription (Clinmyacin?). He uses it, their wipes with the medicine on it and it really helps.

Otherwise, ANY regiment (cleanse, tone, scrub etc) will help. If she's not doing that she needs to start. Yes, I believe some are better than others.

My daughter's use BeautiControl, because I sell it, and they do like it. It is satisfaction-guaranteed, and if you want to try it, let me know. But I would recommend the doctor first....even her regular doctor can prescribe medication to help, if it's appropriate.

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C.F.

answers from Dallas on

I had bad acne too for years...alot of it as the makeup that people use. Mine got better really fast on Bare Minerals (can buy and also try it on at Ulta.) I put on concealer and then the powder..need to buy the kabuki brush or you wont get a good enough coverage. Within in 2 weeks of using this my face imporved sooooo much. Im normally oily and always break out and this gave me the coverage Im used to to cover all the ugly junk up but I wasnt oily and it only looked and felt like I had powder on. Hides thing well. Proactive will also help for awhile...once my skin got used to it after 3motnhs or so it didnt work as well. I switched to Murad for 3 months and then alternate again w/ proactive. I am on Accutain...works very well just to finally get rid of everything..I really prob dont need to b/c w/ all that I did before w/ new makeup and skincare I was very clear almost always. I just want to never have to wear makeup again so thats why I am using it. Its really risky and I really wouldnt reccommend it until she is much older and the thought of sex is off her mind b.c the birth risks are ginormous. Well hope this helps....ohh stay away from Mary Kay (sold it for awhile) I always heard it was wonderful but it kept me so broke out..made it worse than it ever was and Also Orgins in the mall did the same thing as well as Arbonne...I think my face dosent handle natural botanicals so I bleieve this is why these products didnt work..and alot of peoples skin cant handle them. Well good luck!

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R.N.

answers from Dallas on

A dermatologist can prescribe Accutane if it is severe. Mine was so severe, I had to do 2 rounds of it. I have been basically acne free since I was 15, barring pregnancy hormones : )

R.

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C.B.

answers from Dallas on

I have some Avon products that my customers buy that really works.

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D.O.

answers from Dallas on

I've been using some products (cleanser, toner, moisturizer) from an awesome health & wellness company. I've really noticed a difference in my skin.

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J.D.

answers from Dallas on

P.,

I would suggest you have her try the proactive. You can get it at the mall in Frisco. I have friends that swear by it.

If that doesn't work, have her go to a dermatologist. I was on a regimen called Obagi. It's one of the most amazing products I have ever used. It takes about 3 weeks to get through the initial phases where it basically peels the bad layers of skin off your face slowly. She wouldn't be pretty for about 3 weeks, but after that, my skin was gorgeous. I can't use it right now because we are trying to get pregnant, but I'm sure that isn't an issue for your niece.

I have a great dermatologist. She has an office in Dallas and an office in Las Colinas:

Fleischli, Mary E, MD
5924 Royal Lane
Suite 104
Dallas, TX 75230

###-###-####

Good luck to your niece. Being a teen is hard enough without skin problems.

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A.J.

answers from Dallas on

Hi P.

I wouldn't waste my time and money on a dermatologist until I tried "Proactive". I've used it for several years and it's done miraculous things with my complexion. I've also researched it online and that seems to be the one product everyone is satisfied with the most. You can get the kit at the mall (usually in a little kiosk somewhere) or order online. It's about $40.00. I bet you she will see a difference after a couple of uses. If not, at least it didn't cost a fortune.

A.

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M.S.

answers from Dallas on

Proactive - worked for me!

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S.

answers from Dallas on

My best advice is to spend the money and use Proactiv... it really does work... my skin at 30 suddenly reverted back to the way it was in my teen years and I broke down and tried Proactiv and now have very very few breakouts with only one or two instead of my whole face breaking out...

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A.S.

answers from Dallas on

Arbonne is great for me!

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A.R.

answers from Boston on

Hi there!

I can see you've been bombarded with advice, but as a woman with full experience of horrible acne, I felt the need to reply also. I had awful acne as a young teen, I had it on my face, chest, back. It even came back in my early 20's and the only thing that ever helped was going to a dermatologist who perscribed Accutane. It is a godsend for those who have truely chronic ance. It take just a few weeks to begin working but when it does, Wow! Most insurances cover it (with a co-pay of course), but the drawbacks are substantial. You will usually experience serverly dry skin at first(it will pass). I had to constantly apply lip balm to keep my lips from peeling. You have to have blood work done every month before your normal check-up with the dermatologist (so plan on 2 doc visits a month) and you have to sign a form saying you will abstain from sex or use 2 forms of birth control because of the extreme risk of severe birth defects. So obviously this drug is a very powerful one and it's not for those who claim to have "bad acne", it's for the worst of the cases. If your niece has chronic acne, I promise you nothing over the counter will work. She might not need Accutane but a dermatologist will know the best way to handle it, that's what they do!

Blessings,
A.

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K.C.

answers from Dallas on

ProActive works great. I had acne as a teenager and it was awful. I only had it around my chin...but I saw proactive on tv and we ordered it and it helped so much. It's not a cheap fix, so if you have money to spend to help this problem it is definetly worth the money. They have a website, I think it's proactive.com. (not sure about that) Tell your neice she's not the only one going through this. It's an awful part of being a teenager, but she will grow out of it. Just keep reminding her that her inner beauty is more important than her outter beauty. (I know it's hard for a teenager to think that way)

Good Luck!

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M.D.

answers from Dallas on

Proactiv works great. It actually changed the overall look of my skin. My face looked smoother and seemed to glow. I didn't have bad acne, just constant zits here and there. They do sell similar 3 step products now by I think Neutrogena. The key is consistency. You should also make clear to her that constant dryness doesn't help either. She needs to use a good oil free moisturizer (which comes with the Proactiv). Good luck!

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M.S.

answers from Dallas on

If it is bad than she needs to see a dermatologist. Acne will leave permanent scars on her skin if she does not get the correct treatment.

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E.

answers from Dallas on

Call Dr Raymond Blackburn at St. Paul Hospital in Dallas. To avoid a long wait,because he is popular, make an appointment with one of the physician's assistants.

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K.

answers from Dallas on

A dermatologist would be a good option for her if over the counter products have not worked. One medicine I have seen work is Duac cream but it is a prescription only available from a dr.

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K.F.

answers from Kansas City on

I also used Pro Active and it worked for awhile but I still was having problems. I finally went to a dermatologist who put me on Differin (a creme I use at night)and a pill I take morning and night. My skin is great!! My dermatologist explained that Proactive is good but it is not strong enough for severe cases due to the fact that it is sold without a prescription...that is why it works for awile but may not continue working on everyone. It basically is a "watered down" product of what a dermatologist can prescribe...don't get me wrong...it helped but what the dermatologist put me on has done wonders and is cheaper....plus going to a dermatologist allows you to talk face to face to someone...good luck!!!

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S.B.

answers from Seattle on

P., the Arbonne Clear Advantage sytem works wonders for teen acne and adult onset acne. The set comes with a face wash, toner and acne lotion as well as an eye cream and a 30-day supply of Clear Advantege supplements. This combination clears acne from the inside as well as the outside! I myself have used many kinds of acne treatments and none have worked as well as Clear Advantage. Please contact me if you would like to give the kit a test drive before you buy. You can read more about the kit at www.stacybrazington.myarbonne.com. You will love this stuff!! Call me for more information and to see about my monthly specials!

Thanks,
S. B.
____@____.com
###-###-####

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A.

answers from Dallas on

P..
Hello,
I have a product called All Clear that I sell with Beauticontrol
All of the teenager use this and LOVE it. 100% money back Guarantee.

Visit my web-site
www.beautipage.com/angelastrahl

Good Luck,
A.

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J.

answers from Dallas on

My sister recently had a really bad break out that she could not get rid of. She used ProActive and it really worked to clear her skin and keep her from having further break outs. She was really happy with the results. Good luck.

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