Of blemishes and facial masks

[Amby6912]

Hello, dearies! 

So, like many I get blemishes and well, I thought I'd turn to the lovelies here on MUT to see if someone can offer advice on this issue! 

I had relatively good skin as a teen minus the occasional pimple and the plague called blackheads across my t-zone. The one thing I've always had an issue with though is, every month roughly 1 week to the date prior to that time of the month showing up I'd get pimples on my chin and in the T-zone as well as the sides of my face close to the hairline. I wash my face daily-twice daily in fact as I wash in the mornings and before bed. I let my face dry and moisturize afterward as I should with a great moisturizer. I don't like anti-bacterial soaps because I feel they cause more problems than they solve, I have used medicated products (both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide), and non-medicated ones. It seems right when I think I found the right product it stops working all together.

So, can anyone recommend a good over the counter product (very affordable range as in not more than $15 for a good size of the product and preferably not online only companies)? I was told by someone sulfur acne products/face masks have helped them with hormonal based acne. Does anyone know about this? If so, what brands would you recommend (again, under $15 and I prefer being able to go to a brick and mortar location)? I really appreciate all the advice I can get. I always hate having to ask about products and I'd HATE to have to get a referral from my doctor for a dermatologist for something that's nothing more than related to hormones. Thanks in advance and sorry if none of this makes sense or I sound ridiculous! 

 

[magsatron]

I tried a sulfur mask by Universal Medical, the company that does the rest of my acne products, and it was fine for a day or so & then I had the gnarliest breakout of the past 5 years..yikes! I wish I had tested it on my back or maybe just a quarter sized part of my face first. I use a 2.5% benzoyl microexfoliating wash in the am followed by a 10% continuous release benzoyl, and pond's makeup wipes at night, followed by the 2.5% benzoyl cleanser & a retinol cream. My skin isn't perfect, but I don't feel the need to use concealer very often anymore! I'll be adding the epice exfoliating wash (from ipsy this month) 1-2x a week followed by the naobay moisturizer from glossybox, until I run out. I won'the buying the naobay because it smells funny on my face after a half hour..a little like spoiled food, not at all like it smells in the tube.

 

[Amby6912]

Quote: Originally Posted by magsatron /img/forum/go_quote.gif

I tried a sulfur mask by Universal Medical, the company that does the rest of my acne products, and it was fine for a day or so & then I had the gnarliest breakout of the past 5 years..yikes! I wish I had tested it on my back or maybe just a quarter sized part of my face first.
I use a 2.5% benzoyl microexfoliating wash in the am followed by a 10% continuous release benzoyl, and pond's makeup wipes at night, followed by the 2.5% benzoyl cleanser & a retinol cream. My skin isn't perfect, but I don't feel the need to use concealer very often anymore!
I'll be adding the epice exfoliating wash (from ipsy this month) 1-2x a week followed by the naobay moisturizer from glossybox, until I run out. I won'the buying the naobay because it smells funny on my face after a half hour..a little like spoiled food, not at all like it smells in the tube.
Man, glad I asked about this and you mentioned the Universal Medical stuff because I was literally looking at this to purchase when I go to Walmart or Ulta next after reading an article on sulfur masks and that was recommended just hours ago! If I do get it, I'll definitely do a small patch test first. Normally I don't have sensitive skin (I can use 5%-10% benzoyl peroxide with zero issues and it's perfect for blackheads when I get them) but I don't wanna risk it since I've never done the sulfur stuff!  

What is a retinol cream? I've heard them mentioned by one makeup artist that struggled with acne and told his story of how he cleared it but didn't really explain what it was. 

I know my skin will never be perfect but I feel like I've always got at least one pimple, blackhead, or white head that needs some extreme concealer or won't cover by my concealer/foundation combo. And with my husband coming home very, very soon after being gone for 6.5 months well, I'd love for my skin to be clear and not even need more than a tinted moisturizer. At least for the day he returns. 

I will definitely be trying out the epice exfoliator too once I find out if the proactiv works (mentioned that on the Ipsy discussion thread I believe). I also get Glossybox too and I kinda like the Naobay stuff. It's never smelled weird on my face before but that may just be me haha! Anyway, thanks for the tip on the sulfur thing. Do you recommend the other Universal Medical stuff?