More Break out problems

[aprilpgb22]

Okay I am back again with these freaking acne problems. I wouldn't say the acne is bad but it is annoying you know. I have been dreaming of crystal clear skin since i had my son almost 8 years ago. I use to have the prettiest skin and when i was pregnant with him you couldn't even see my face cause of all the pimples. My skin has gotten much better but i beleive i have tried every product money can buy. I am not rich but maybe i should invest in something else. I don't have insurance because i just switched jobs so going to a derm is out of the question for the next 6 mths minimum. I need some advice from the best of the best on here, especially if you are african american or have dark skin or know someone who has found a succesful product. My acne seems to only come on my cheeeks now, particulary the left cheek but some on the right cheek. They aren't really black or whiteheads, i may get a whitehead every now and then like today. They are mostly pink and there are multiple ones close together. They always leave dark spots.

I have sensitive skin, dry around my nose and i would say my forehead may be a little shiny, i used to have oily, oily skin. Now it seems like my skin is normal so why the heck am i breaking out on my cheeks and they aren't oily at all. I don't wear my hair on my face often. I have tried apple cider vinegar and it seems to harsh for my skin because my skin is supersensitive, i am allergic to benzoyl peroxide so proactiv or anything with benzoyl in it is out of the question. Salycic acid doesn't seem to work well either. I don't know what to do i am now using cosmedicine moisturizer which is great and purpose soap and i haven't got much results just the same thing the cheek breakouts.

SOMEONE PLEASE HELP I AM GOING CRAZY!!!

 

[Harlot]

Im sorry you have to go through that

I cried furiously about a month ago because of how my skin was, just horrible! Damn teenage years! But have you tried Murad for acne skin? For the first time in my life (I have used plenty of products too) Ive never felt so relieved after trying Murad. It did my skin wonders.

 

[katnahat]

Hi aprilpgb22!

Have you thought about mineral makeup? It has totally changed the state of my skin. I have used it daily since March. In three months time I have seen a complete transformation.

I've had acne forever! Since I was 15 I may have had two days a month that I didn't have a breakout. I have literally had four pimples (they were just small ones) since March. They went away in like two days too! My pimples use to be rather big and would take many days to go away. There are more ladies on the MMU forum that can convey similar stories.

There are mineral makeup sites that have lines just for women of color. I would suggest posting on the Mineral Makeup Forum to get some input. Some of the ladies over there can direct you to the right websites. Some of the ladies may even be able to help with shade reccomendations.

Most companies offer ecconomical samples. Everybody orders samples first, to verify shade matches and proper coverage. When you find your match you can buy full sizes. The full sizes will last you forever too. I have my full sizes now and I bet I will still be using them at this time next year.

Oh, by the way, MMU is best applied with a kabuki or a flat top brush. It will be very important to have one if you decide to try MMU. "Regular" brushes do not apply MMU well. The average cost is between $12.00 to $19.00 per brush. I would suggest the flat top. The coverage is way better with it. You may already have one, but I thought I would bring it up.

I hope this information helps you. I'm sorry for it being long and rambling.

 

[aprilpgb22]

Okay i tried Murad a couple years ago and my skin did clear up but it dried my skin out something terrible. Which face wash do you use? As far as the mineral make-up it gives my skin this greyish ashy look. It is not good for African American skin. I wish i could use it but i looked silly.

 

[BeneBaby]

I had clear skin all my life until I turned 23, then I got acne. I tried everything over the counter too. Honestly the only thing that ever worked for me was Differin Cream, not the gel. My skin cleared up completely within a month. I had no drying or peeling side effects. I know you can't get a prescription right now, maybe try to buy it online??? Good Luck!!!

 

[suzukigrrl]

If the acne is only on your cheeks, is it possible that maybe it is from the phone of pillows or something like that? I have to clean the phone, the pillows, and the towels really frequently or I get tons of acne. Also, if you're using any liquid face products make sure that they aren't old. I've spread acne all over my face when my foundation got old and had bacteria in it.

I hope you're able to find something that works!!

 

[dreamgirl_leah]

What are you currently using to cleanse your face with or what is your whole routine? If you told this already, I think I missed it.

 

[aprilpgb22]

well thanks i am going to try and get wipes and wipe down my phone but it is on the left side mostly and i talk on the right side. i sleep on both sides. i am going to try the differin cream thanks ladies.

 

[Harlot]

I use the clarifying cleanser. Basically the whole acne kit. And Differin cream sounds promising. I also hear great stuff from Mario Badescu. And it doesnt dry out your skin.

 

[katnahat]

Originally Posted by aprilpgb22 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Okay i tried Murad a couple years ago and my skin did clear up but it dried my skin out something terrible. Which face wash do you use? As far as the mineral make-up it gives my skin this greyish ashy look. It is not good for African American skin. I wish i could use it but i looked silly. I use Aveeno Foaming Face Wash. It contains Salicylic Acid. I've been using it over two years. I like it alot.
You may want to post a question on the MMU forum. I think there are a couple African American women over there that use MMU. I remember some of the ladies saying Milan Minerals was designed for women of color.

I hope you find something that works for you!

 

[cissy2222]

I agree about the phone thing. I am a receptionist and for the last six months I have had these horrible hge red bumps on my chin. They wont come to a head and are just horrible to look at....just what you want as a receptionist....anyway this last week I have noticed the phone hitting them and then I realized....maybe I have them because of the phone. So I thought I was grasping at straws, but it is nice to see someone else mention such a thing. So I think I will start cleaning it every single day now and see if that helps.

As far as what may help you April, I am still looking myself (I am about ready to break down and go to a derm), but I have to say I think apple cider vinegar as a toner has helped with the rest of my face and pores. I to am sensitive, so I do 50/50 of ACV and witch hazel, but I dont use it everday. Everyday I use one that is 3 TBL ACV, 3 TBL witch hazel, 1 TBL tea tree oil, 1 TBL vitamin E oil, 1 TBL aloe vera liquid, and 9 TBL bottled water.

 

[monniej]

i had the same problem for a few years and i think it may be hormonal. sometimes taking care of your skin takes more than topicals. have you thought about trying a supplement? i like gnc hair, skin and nail formula. also, i think aveeno makes the best products for acne prone skin types. the ladies suggestion about using salicylic acid is 100% correct. this is the only thing that worked for me without over drying my skin. try aveeno clear complexion foaming cleanser. it was a God send for me. i saw results the first time i used it. i would also suggest aveeno skin brightening moisturizer. it's oil free and has an spf15. to tone and exfoliate i like stridex pads for sensitive skin. they contain .5% salicylic acid (they just came out with a new formula that's 2% salicylic acid!). these are all drug store products and won't break your budget. make sure you're drinking plenty of water - at least 6-8 8oz glasses a day. don't scrub! for folks with acne prone skin scrubs only make it worse! good luck april and please post and let us know what regime you decided to go with. believe me, many women have this exact problem and would love to hear what works for you! GOOD LUCK AND KEEP US POSTED!

Originally Posted by aprilpgb22 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Okay I am back again with these freaking acne problems. I wouldn't say the acne is bad but it is annoying you know. I have been dreaming of crystal clear skin since i had my son almost 8 years ago. I use to have the prettiest skin and when i was pregnant with him you couldn't even see my face cause of all the pimples. My skin has gotten much better but i beleive i have tried every product money can buy. I am not rich but maybe i should invest in something else. I don't have insurance because i just switched jobs so going to a derm is out of the question for the next 6 mths minimum. I need some advice from the best of the best on here, especially if you are african american or have dark skin or know someone who has found a succesful product. My acne seems to only come on my cheeeks now, particulary the left cheek but some on the right cheek. They aren't really black or whiteheads, i may get a whitehead every now and then like today. They are mostly pink and there are multiple ones close together. They always leave dark spots.
I have sensitive skin, dry around my nose and i would say my forehead may be a little shiny, i used to have oily, oily skin. Now it seems like my skin is normal so why the heck am i breaking out on my cheeks and they aren't oily at all. I don't wear my hair on my face often. I have tried apple cider vinegar and it seems to harsh for my skin because my skin is supersensitive, i am allergic to benzoyl peroxide so proactiv or anything with benzoyl in it is out of the question. Salycic acid doesn't seem to work well either. I don't know what to do i am now using cosmedicine moisturizer which is great and purpose soap and i haven't got much results just the same thing the cheek breakouts.

SOMEONE PLEASE HELP I AM GOING CRAZY!!!

which salicylic acid products did you try?

 

[KatieM]

You can try Paula's Choice beta hydroxy acid:

Paula's Choice Exfoliants

Make sure to read why hers is more effective than drugstore brands.

I read that acne on cheeks is caused by food. Have you changed your diet? Maybe you have food intolerance? After I had my son, I became allergic to pork, shrimp, and tomatoes. I also have eczema on my face, so it was obvious for me that I had FA.

How do you apply your blush? Do you clean the applicator regularly? Maybe you have allergies to one of the ingredients?

You might want to visit acne.org and post a question there too.

 

[aprilpgb22]

thanks ladies, i tried just about every product you can think of that has salycic acid in it.

 

[KatieM]

I forgot to mention honey! Use 100% pure honey, preferably raw if you can find it, and wash your face with it (it won't take makeup off or anything, so I do it in the morning in the shower). It has antibacterial properties and is moisturizing. You can leave it on your face for 10-15 min for a nice mask too. It always makes my acne heal faster.

You can also add a bit of baking soda for a mild exfoliant.

You can dab baking soda with a bit of water for spot treatment. I leave it on overnight, and the next day, my acne are much smaller.

It sounds like everything's at the surface, and that's why BHA doesn't work. You might want to try the scotch tape exfoliation method (I read about it from acne.org). You just stick a piece of tape on your face and gently peel off. Do so about twice a week.

 

[aprilpgb22]

i am definetly going to have to try that, thanks.

 

[Kathy]

TBS makes a pretty good Tea Tree oil line for Oily/Acne Prone skin. My future stepdaughter uses it and she loves it!

The Body Shop: Tea Tree, Tea Tree Oil Products Online, For Oily/Blemished Skin

 

[vickih]

i had the same problem as you. I always had acne on the side of my cheeks.. i could not figure out why.. did the cleaning of the phone, all of that. Then I tried the OMEGA 3 vitamins, 3 times a day and switched products to clean my face.

i used to do the Oil cleansing method and switched to Vichy Normaderm for Acne Prone Skin. OH MY LORD, what a difference my skin has gone through. It cleans my skin without making it drier and I have not had one breakout in a month especially around the jawline. Try it you won't be disappointed, and take the vitamins