Am I doing something wrong?

[Miss.Kitty]

I've had the same blackheads in the same spots for years now and I can't seem to find a way to get rid of them.

Going to a dermatologist isn't really an option for me at the moment so I've been trying to find drugstore type products to help get rid of them.

My skin is very oily, I use an oil free moisturizer and after about 2-3 hours of cleansing and moisturizing my face it becomes shiny and oily again. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

I've been using the same moisturizer for years now and I never thought that was the problem since it is oil free but now I'm wondering if that isn't the cause?

I've never tried a toner before because I've been told it's not a necessary product and it just dries the hell out of your skin.

While I am looking to dry it up a bit to combat the mass amounts of oil I don't want it to be painfully dry like it was described to me.

As of now I cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize. My question here is, does this sound like I have the wrong moisturizer or do I maybe just need to add in a toner? Or both?

 

[Andi]

I also don´t think a toner is necessary for absolutely anyone. You could always try using one (a gentle one with no alcohol. Be careful, a lot of products that claim to mattify skin contain alcohol, which dries it out instead of just soaking up the oil. I believe witch hazel can also dry out or irritate the skin but I`m not sure) and see if it makes any difference.

For your stubborn blackheads & oily skin, it seems like you may benefit from using a BHA chemical exfoliant (salicylic acid). The Neutrogena Oil-free acne stress control 3-in-1 Hydrating acne treatment contains 2% salicylic acid, has the correct pH to work, is oil free, and you could use it instead of your moisturizer. BHAs are best for people with oily skin and acne/blackheads.

I can´t say if your moisturizer is making you any oilier than you already are. My skin was oily since puberty, and since using Retin-A it has become even more oilier (which seems to be a common side effect). What moisturizer I use (or don´t use) makes no difference in the level of my oil production. But, you never wanna dry your skin out! During the day, a light layer of milk of magnesia under my sunscreen+foundation soaks up oil really well. And I think you can even use it as a mask at night a couple of times a week. Or you could try clay masks.

I have given up on supposably mattifying primers, moisturizers and masks. My skin just does produce that much oil and I`ve come to terms with it. I bet being on the other end of the spectrum and having extremely dry skin is just as annoying!

 

[Miss.Kitty]

Thank you for the reply. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

I do use the Neutrogena stress acne cleanser and the blackhead removal exfoliater with salicylic acid. It hasn't seemed to do too much for getting rid of my blackheads, unfortunately.

I tried Biore pore strips and I got a couple out with that last night finally, the only issue with that is once the blackheads were pulled out it left decent sized holes. I am worried by doing that more dirt and oil is going to trap in there and have the same issue or then acne. I used cold water afterward but I'm not so sure that will work?

Right now I use the oil free sensitive skin moisturizer from Neutrogena but I've never tried the Oil free acne stress control 3-in-1 Hydrating acne treatment. I may have to give that a try, thank you for that. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

I figured any oil free moisturizer would work the same that's why I never bothered to change mine for the past couple of years.

I noticed that there were some oil free moisturizers with salicylic acid in them, not sure if that would work out better? Wasn't sure if it was ok for all my products to have salicylic acid in them, like if there was a such thing as using too much daily?

I just got off of a few years of using benzoyl peroxide after realizing how damaging it was, so I prefer to avoid that.

 

[xjackie83]

I found out after having acne for years that I was actually allergic to benzoyl peroxide.  I'd get more pimples when I used it over when I didn't.

How does your skin feel after you wash it?  I ask because my face always use to be so dry after washing it that I'd pour on the moisturizer and my skin would get so oily.  I was stripping it of so much oil that my skin was actually overproducing oil.

 

[Miss.Kitty]

Same here. I noticed that after many years of use it never completely cleared up my skin.

Everytime I would use it it would just seem to make my skin really red and irritated then create more acne.

I was using the 10% benzoyl peroxide wash and just stopped last week and switched to the Neutrogena acne stress stuff.

Usually after washing my face only feels slightly dry. I feel I only need minimal moisture.

But I have had that problem that you were describing in the past with the benzoyl peroxide, that really dried out my skin.

 

[Andi]

From what I´ve read, a lot of acne cleansers dry out the skin too much, especially if they contain alcohol or menthol (which gives you that cooling, tingly feeling that tricks you into thinking it´s very deep cleaning). Just to be safe, you could switch to one of the foaming face washes especially for sensitive skin (like Clean & Clear, Neutrogena etc) cause more than likely they won´t contain any irritating ingredients.

Those pores strips are good, but they don´t solve the problem. More than likely your pores are just naturally bigger on your nose and you product more oil there, which leads to blackheads. And cold water just temporarily tightens the pore, it´s just a visual effect that won´t last long.

And I don´t think all oil-free moisturizers are the same. They can always contain ingredients that make you break out (like dimethicone, which apparently is an ingredient in quite a few oil-free moisturizers).

Here is the review on the Neutrogena scrub you´re using on beautypedia.com:

Blackhead Eliminating Daily Scrub contains menthol and is not recommended. As a reminder, using a topical scrub over blackheads removes only the top portion of them. That means that the “root†of the blackhead is still inside the pore, so the effect from the scrub is minimal at best, and for that benefit a washcloth would prove just as effective (without the irritation from the menthol).

It also lists that it does contain 2% salicylic acid, which is great, but since it´s rinsed away it doesn´t stay on your skin too long. I think you should give a leave-on product with 2% salicylic acid a try. However, some people just have really stubborn blackheads...in that case you´d have to get regular extractions I guess?

 

[Miss.Kitty]

I've tried many different acne cleansers and that is the case for a good majority of them.

They are extremely drying. However I feel my current cleansers don't dry out my skin much at all.

As I just posted, my skin only feels slightly dry after cleansing and I feel I could go without moisturizer and not have much issues. (Obviously, I wouldn't, just saying hypothetically.)

I just find that after I moisturize my skin is then too oily. Leading to my question if I need a new moisturizer or if I should add in some form of toner? Or if my face is just going to be constantly shiny and oily? Lol.

My pores are rather large on my nose, chin and some on my cheeks. But the most of my blackheads are on my nose and chin.

I haven't had any breakout issues from the moisturizer, I just was curious if maybe the one I am using is too moisturizing and I should switch to something else? I'm thinking of giving that product you mentioned a try, would that work in place of a moisturizer? Or would I still need to use one?

Thank you for posting that review also. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[xjackie83]

I use Cetaphil as my face wash.  It's not one geared for acne skin but it's recommended by a lot of dermatologist.  I pair it up by using Clean & Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer with salicylic acid.  

 

[Andi]

Originally Posted by Miss.Kitty /img/forum/go_quote.gif

I've tried many different acne cleansers and that is the case for a good majority of them.

They are extremely drying. However I feel my current cleansers don't dry out my skin much at all.

As I just posted, my skin only feels slightly dry after cleansing and I feel I could go without moisturizer and not have much issues. (Obviously, I wouldn't, just saying hypothetically.)

I just find that after I moisturize my skin is then too oily. Leading to my question if I need a new moisturizer or if I should add in some form of toner? Or if my face is just going to be constantly shiny and oily? Lol.

My pores are rather large on my nose, chin and some on my cheeks. But the most of my blackheads are on my nose and chin.

I haven't had any breakout issues from the moisturizer, I just was curious if maybe the one I am using is too moisturizing and I should switch to something else? I'm thinking of giving that product you mentioned a try, would that work in place of a moisturizer? Or would I still need to use one?

Thank you for posting that review also. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

It could be that your current moisturizer is too emollient, therefore the shiny face-or maybe your skin is just naturally producing that much oil. A lighter form (gel or light lotion type of moisturizer) of would be best, don´t know if your current moisturizer is like that. If your skin is oily with no dry patches you don´t absolutely need a moisturizer-it´s a myth that everyone absolutely has to moisturize. The Neutrogena product I mentioned could be your moisturizer, but you won´t know before you try I guess.

Here´s the review for it btw:

Oil-Free Acne Stress Control 3-In-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment gets Neutrogena back into the BHA game, and it’s about time! Most of their previous BHA products either contained irritating ingredients (particularly alcohol and menthol) or had a pH that was too high for effective exfoliation to take place. This version contains 2% salicylic acid at a pH of 3.4, and comes in a nearly weightless silicone base that includes antioxidants and anti-irritants. Although the inclusion of fragrance and coloring agents is a slight disappointment, it’s a relief that Neutrogena omitted menthol or its derivatives, making this an all-around ideal BHA lotion for skin of any type battling blemishes.

And from what I understand, the point of a toner is to rebalance the skin´s pH (not sure how necessary that is to be honest, unless you use an alkaline soap) and remove excess traces of cleanser on your face, or remove traces of makeup that the cleanser didn´t take off. Also, if you use a toner with glycolic or salicylic acid you have the benefits of a chemical exfoliant. I never used a toner myself, but I ordered one a few days ago just to give it a try and see if it makes a difference.

 

[Miss.Kitty]

Quote:

Originally Posted by xjackie83 /img/forum/go_quote.gif

I use Cetaphil as my face wash.  It's not one geared for acne skin but it's recommended by a lot of dermatologist.  I pair it up by using Clean & Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer with salicylic acid.  
Is that the Dual Action one or whatever?

I saw that in the store and was thinking about trying it but I wasn't sure.

Originally Posted by Andi /img/forum/go_quote.gif



Quote: Originally Posted by Miss.Kitty /img/forum/go_quote.gif

I've tried many different acne cleansers and that is the case for a good majority of them.

They are extremely drying. However I feel my current cleansers don't dry out my skin much at all.

As I just posted, my skin only feels slightly dry after cleansing and I feel I could go without moisturizer and not have much issues. (Obviously, I wouldn't, just saying hypothetically.)

I just find that after I moisturize my skin is then too oily. Leading to my question if I need a new moisturizer or if I should add in some form of toner? Or if my face is just going to be constantly shiny and oily? Lol.

My pores are rather large on my nose, chin and some on my cheeks. But the most of my blackheads are on my nose and chin.

I haven't had any breakout issues from the moisturizer, I just was curious if maybe the one I am using is too moisturizing and I should switch to something else? I'm thinking of giving that product you mentioned a try, would that work in place of a moisturizer? Or would I still need to use one?

Thank you for posting that review also. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />
It could be that your current moisturizer is too emollient, therefore the shiny face-or maybe your skin is just naturally producing that much oil. A lighter form (gel or light lotion type of moisturizer) of would be best, don´t know if your current moisturizer is like that. If your skin is oily with no dry patches you don´t absolutely need a moisturizer-it´s a myth that everyone absolutely has to moisturize. The Neutrogena product I mentioned could be your moisturizer, but you won´t know before you try I guess.

Here´s the review for it btw:

Oil-Free Acne Stress Control 3-In-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment gets Neutrogena back into the BHA game, and it’s about time! Most of their previous BHA products either contained irritating ingredients (particularly alcohol and menthol) or had a pH that was too high for effective exfoliation to take place. This version contains 2% salicylic acid at a pH of 3.4, and comes in a nearly weightless silicone base that includes antioxidants and anti-irritants. Although the inclusion of fragrance and coloring agents is a slight disappointment, it’s a relief that Neutrogena omitted menthol or its derivatives, making this an all-around ideal BHA lotion for skin of any type battling blemishes.

And from what I understand, the point of a toner is to rebalance the skin´s pH (not sure how necessary that is to be honest, unless you use an alkaline soap) and remove excess traces of cleanser on your face, or remove traces of makeup that the cleanser didn´t take off. Also, if you use a toner with glycolic or salicylic acid you have the benefits of a chemical exfoliant. I never used a toner myself, but I ordered one a few days ago just to give it a try and see if it makes a difference.

I get a small patches of dry skin if I don't but it's nothing too serious.

I went without moisturizer one day to see how it felt and it was a bit dry on a few spots but after a few hours my skin put most of it's oil back on my face, lol.

Thank you for the reviews, I think I may give that stuff a try and see how that works. I've had decent luck with the other stress control acne stuff from that line.

If nothing else I suppose I can give going without moisturizer a go.

I can't say that I quite understand the entire point behind toners, only that I've read on a few different pages that it is supposed to help close up the pores a bit and control oilyness.

But, I've also heard/read that it is very drying, so since everyone's skin is different that really only leaves me the option of trying it for myself.

I was just curious if that was infact the purpose of a toner and if others with oily skin thought it was helpful in any way.

There is also astringent I guess, but what the difference of the two is I really didn't understand either. Only that the astringent seemed that is was harsher than the toners?

Thank you again for the help and replies. :]

 

[Andi]

I think an astrigent is the same as a toner, not sure though. And pores can´t open and close btw, but certain ingredients can clean them better than others. And I think what you said about what toners are supposed to do is not about toners per se, but about ingredients. Certain ingredients can clean pores, others can soak up excess oil - if the toner you got doesn´t contain any of those ingredients then it won´t do these things. If a toner contains alcohol, it will feel fresh and cooling on your skin (when the alcohol evaporates on your skin), but it can be drying and supposably also induce free radical damage.

It seems that there are good and bad products in every skincare brand and every sub-brand they often have. It all comes down to ingredients, what they really do and what they can´t do (some claims are just outrageous), that´s why I think you´ll have to look into the ingredients of new skincare items you buy

 

[shyiskrazy2]

I use a pore-minimizing mask at least twice a week and it helps tighten my pore especially on my nose.  I also get a facial if my pores get too clogged.  I suggest you do that as well but it costs $.

 

[magosienne]

I've never really liked to use a toner i nthe morning, but when i had oily skin (mine is combination now), i would use it just to get rid of the excess oil during the day. I like to use floral water, rose or lavender.

I personally don't like the biore thingies, they only made my pores looking larger, not to mention the glue was impossible to get rid of. I would suggest, if you don't do it already, that you do a mask, once or twice a week, with green clay. It's an affordable product that soaks up the excess oil and cleans the pores. Neutrogena has also a double use facewash/mask with white clay which is pretty good (i don't remember the exact name, but it comes in a orange&white packaging).

 

[musingmuse]

Neutrogena never worked for my acne. Their moisturizers just made it worse. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

I've battled with acne for 10 years now. I've tried prescriptions - both topical and oral + Diane35...the very scary birth control.... as well as natural remedies like tea tree oil.

Black heads come back all the time, unless Istuff your body with antibiotics. Minocycline worked for me. I didn't get any blackheads! But I shouldn't take this for the rest of my life /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

Some other suggestions from experience:

-exercise helps! exercise 3-4 times a week

-never eat fried or greasy foods - shows up on my face overnight! /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />((

-stop picking for awhile! arg. i have a problem with that /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />((

-use Alpha Hydroxy Acid in your moisturizers. ( this is wonderful: http://www.amazon.com/Kiss-My-Face-Peaches-Moisturizer/dp/B001E768AE )
 

Originally Posted by Miss.Kitty /img/forum/go_quote.gif

Thank you for the reply. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

I do use the Neutrogena stress acne cleanser and the blackhead removal exfoliater with salicylic acid. It hasn't seemed to do too much for getting rid of my blackheads, unfortunately.

I tried Biore pore strips and I got a couple out with that last night finally, the only issue with that is once the blackheads were pulled out it left decent sized holes. I am worried by doing that more dirt and oil is going to trap in there and have the same issue or then acne. I used cold water afterward but I'm not so sure that will work?

Right now I use the oil free sensitive skin moisturizer from Neutrogena but I've never tried the Oil free acne stress control 3-in-1 Hydrating acne treatment. I may have to give that a try, thank you for that. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

I figured any oil free moisturizer would work the same that's why I never bothered to change mine for the past couple of years.

I noticed that there were some oil free moisturizers with salicylic acid in them, not sure if that would work out better? Wasn't sure if it was ok for all my products to have salicylic acid in them, like if there was a such thing as using too much daily?

I just got off of a few years of using benzoyl peroxide after realizing how damaging it was, so I prefer to avoid that.

 

[musingmuse]

Have you tried mineral clay masks? Like the ones from St.Ives. They work well and are inexpensive. I did one today to minimize my pores.

This one was great: http://www.amazon.com/Kiss-My-Face-Shrink-Cleansing/dp/B0001VKEU4/ref=sr_1_32?ie=UTF8&qid=1300871490&sr=8-32
 

Originally Posted by Miss.Kitty /img/forum/go_quote.gif

I've tried many different acne cleansers and that is the case for a good majority of them.

They are extremely drying. However I feel my current cleansers don't dry out my skin much at all.

As I just posted, my skin only feels slightly dry after cleansing and I feel I could go without moisturizer and not have much issues. (Obviously, I wouldn't, just saying hypothetically.)

I just find that after I moisturize my skin is then too oily. Leading to my question if I need a new moisturizer or if I should add in some form of toner? Or if my face is just going to be constantly shiny and oily? Lol.

My pores are rather large on my nose, chin and some on my cheeks. But the most of my blackheads are on my nose and chin.

I haven't had any breakout issues from the moisturizer, I just was curious if maybe the one I am using is too moisturizing and I should switch to something else? I'm thinking of giving that product you mentioned a try, would that work in place of a moisturizer? Or would I still need to use one?

Thank you for posting that review also. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[Miss.Kitty]

Yeah, I'm starting to think that's the case for me too. :/

I just bought their "Natural" cleanser and it doesn't seem to do anything but make it worse.

All their moisturizers were horrible too. I found even their "oil free" still made my oily face 10x worse.

I've pretty much been through all of that as well. Minus the prescription acne medications, after I read the side effects of it I decided it was too insane.

I just got off birth control for the second time cause I was having one or two of the side effects and I was advised to stop. I've been considering trying a different type but I feel it may not be worth it either.

I've exercised 30-45mins everyday for the past few years, so I know I get my daily exercise.

I drink the recomended amount of water daily and I don't like sugary and greasy foods and never even think about eating them, so I think I'm safe there as well. Lol.

I admit to having a problem with picking as well, but I've gotten better at that...somewhat. Lol.

I've done most all the things that one is told to do for acne and blackheads yet I can't seem to get rid of them.

I'll look into the Alpha Hydroxy Acid you were talking about as well as the mineral clay masks. Thank you very much for your replies. :]

Originally Posted by musingmuse /img/forum/go_quote.gif

Have you tried mineral clay masks? Like the ones from St.Ives. They work well and are inexpensive. I did one today to minimize my pores.

This one was great: http://www.amazon.com/Kiss-My-Face-Shrink-Cleansing/dp/B0001VKEU4/ref=sr_1_32?ie=UTF8&qid=1300871490&sr=8-32
 

Originally Posted by musingmuse /img/forum/go_quote.gif

Neutrogena never worked for my acne. Their moisturizers just made it worse. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

I've battled with acne for 10 years now. I've tried prescriptions - both topical and oral + Diane35...the very scary birth control.... as well as natural remedies like tea tree oil.

Black heads come back all the time, unless Istuff your body with antibiotics. Minocycline worked for me. I didn't get any blackheads! But I shouldn't take this for the rest of my life /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

Some other suggestions from experience:

-exercise helps! exercise 3-4 times a week

-never eat fried or greasy foods - shows up on my face overnight! /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />((

-stop picking for awhile! arg. i have a problem with that /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />((

-use Alpha Hydroxy Acid in your moisturizers. ( this is wonderful: http://www.amazon.com/Kiss-My-Face-Peaches-Moisturizer/dp/B001E768AE )