My hyperpigmental/acne prone skin is getting on my nerves

[aprilpgb22]

Ok, I am back here again for any advice from those of you who can relate to my situation and have tried something that has worked successfully.

I am brown-skinned and have sensitive( i mean really sensitive skin). If i use anything with benzoyl peroxide in it my skin breaks out in to rashes and itches like crazy. I found this out when i tried clean and clear and proactiv. I had been using Dr. Murad which has 1.5% salycic acid in it and I just recently i switched to DDF line which has 2% salycic acid. i don't see any help at all in my acne and the dark spots are still forming after the pimples as well. I actually feel my skin getting rough dry patches in certain areas so i am thinking maybe i should switch again. I work as a temp so i can't go see a derm because i don't have health insurance.

Now i read a book by a black derm that says that hyperpigmentated skin should not use salycic acid or benzoyl peroxide and all the alphahydroxy acid, toners, astringents with alcohol, witch hazel and things of that nature. Well then she turns around and says to use it for acne prone skin. She says these things make hyperpgigmentated skin cause dark marks. Well what do i do if i have both hyperpigmental and acne prone skin? Is there something out here i can use geared people with both skin types? I need serious advice on this ladies cause i have had it with my skin.

 

[monniej]

hi april. i'm so sorry about your situation, but the truth is that you are not alone by far. there are so many of us with the same problem on mut! i have hyperpigmented acne prone skin as well, so i'll just tell you what i use now:

cleanse - aveen clear complexion & dermalogica special cleansing gel

exfoliate/tone - stridex pads for sensitive skin

moisturizer - rx for brown skin bright and even & protect and defend

blemish treatment - mama lotion & dermalogica medicated clearing gel

mask - queen helene mint julep, dermalogica skin hydrating mask, origins out of trouble clay mask.

non product things i do:

change pillow cases twice weekly

drink purified water (aquafina for me) at least 50-64 ozs per day!

take a supplement - gnc hair, skin & nail formula

limit red meat, sugar and complex carb intake

wear good quality makeup and sunscreen everyday!

i excercise 3-5 days per week (1.75-2miles per day)

i also follow ayurveda (and limit some other foods that i found out might be contributing to my breakouts. i know it's a lot but it has worked for me and my skin is doing great. i still get oily, but now i just blot rather than trying to control it. i hope this helps!

 

[aprilpgb22]

once again u give great advice, how is it working for your skin so far? where do i get dermalogica products at?

 

[Ricci]

my skin is overly sensitive Im allergic to many face washes ,including lemon, grapefruit and pineapple lol

and my chin gets dry easy and if it gets rubbed it rashes ugh

 

[aprilpgb22]

yep i think that salycic acid just makes the skin dry out and the higher percentage the drier your skin gets.. i'm mad at Dr. Murad too.lol I am concerned that my cheeks break out and they aren't oily that is so weird too me, my acne is on my cheeks. yuck.

 

[beautyshopgirl]

An ingredient called kinetin is effective for both acne and hyperpigmentation. It is derived from green leafy plants and is all natural, which makes it good for sensitive skin as well.

 

[Kathy]

Thanks for the advice Monnie! Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask gets lots of raves here! Tea tree oil might be an option also. Good luck!

 

[aprilpgb22]

thanks guys..

 

[monniej]

Originally Posted by aprilpgb22 /img/forum/go_quote.gif once again u give great advice, how is it working for your skin so far? where do i get dermalogica products at? my skin is great! i'm very happy with my regime and the results! don't have too many breakout any more and when i do i can get rid of them fairly quickly. here's a link to dermalogica. pm me if you can't find what you need.
dermalogica.com--Dermalogica's official home page=?

Originally Posted by Ohappydayes /img/forum/go_quote.gif monniej is the queen of skincare! I've followed her advice ever since I joined MuT and my skin is getting better and better. Dr. Murad made my skin WORSE than ever! UGH! (I'm still mad at HIM lol)
I know your frustration, adult acne sucks!

thanks so much, sweetie! i've tried so many different things! if i can give anyone a heads up so that they don't waste their money, then i'm more than happy to do that!

Originally Posted by Ricci /img/forum/go_quote.gif my skin is overly sensitive Im allergic to many face washes ,including lemon, grapefruit and pineapple lol and my chin gets dry easy and if it gets rubbed it rashes ugh

sounds like dermalogica special cleansing gel might work for you also. no scent or fragrance to make things worse. just clean, clear skin that's not overly dry. follow that with a good moisturizer if your skin tends to be on the dry side. i hope this helps!

 

[eleyfant]

You may be allergic to Formaldehyde, a preservative found in many products. You are attempting to treat the condition as if you have Acne. Are you sure it is Acne? Try using products that do not contain Formaldehyde. All natural products are the alternative. No Preservatives!!!

 

[magosienne]

if your skin is sensitive, i suggest you also try organic brands. i currently use Weleda (german brand), the hydrating almond moisturizer. it's for normal to combo skins, and of course sensitive. it really works and it's a cheap brand.

 

[cstrait12]

I had really bad skin forever then I tried Paula's choice! It is amazing. She also has an amazing line of makeup that has yet to make my skin breakout!

 

[reesesilverstar]

Where can you find Weleda in the US?

 

[netta21]

great thread

 

[Cams]

Weleda can be found at Target and Whole Foods.. i don't know..it is kinda pricey for what it is... a small tube more than $20. try it though, it very rich and smells nice

 

[aprilpgb22]

Thanks!!

 

[AngelaGM]

I make a paste of water and baking soda and I gently wash my face with that.