(Part 3) Top products from r/acne

This looks very minor, there is no scarring, and there are no flakes and rough regions. what can clear this in my experience as a guy with lots of acne but experiment with different substances through the year have found some that worked and some that don't work so much. If you are a shaver, apply cream and shave normally, if you have an electric, rinse and shave as lightly as you can before you move on. My advice for this particular case was to start from a small solution since it's not as bad as mine with 1% Salicylic acid and use it for a few weeks. Do it in the shower and don't scrub too hard and dab face with towel after leaving shower. if you don't see any significant changes and the pimples and inflammation persists, up the does to 2% salicylic acid, stronger might not mean better but I have seen changes in my skin when I use it so try that for a week. If still no difference, you can cocktail it as follows. In my experience you should never use something with Benzoyl peroxide in it all over your face (especially the one I have been using which has 10% concentration, HOLY BALLS!!! that was a lot. as a result my skin got super irritated and burned, and I got redness everywhere). What I use the Benzoyl peroxide for is for dabbing it on the severe areas (where there is a zit, and/or large bumps) it's best for concentrating on specific regions because of it's strength. leave it there for almost 5 seconds (any more time then it's start the burn) and rinse (make sure it's all gone because mixing this product with others is not recommended, we are trying both to tackle specific areas while at the same time keeping the rest of the face under control.) then move on to using the salicylic acid solutions all over your face to keep everything under control. Back to regarding the Benzoyl peroxide. No matter which solution works the best, when pimples start to disappear it leaves behind scars and discoloration, in order to solve this in some cases you would use a scrub with honey and oatmeal (or make a mask with honey and oatmeal in it) as the antioxidants could help remove the bacteria that remains and restore skin pigmentation.

be sure to keep your skin moisturized and keep your body oil secretions under control with this routine. Using the 1% salicylic acid solution helps keep everything in check, it clears dead skin cells from pores and keeps the sebum from being trapped in the hair follicle and then creating another zit. It also helps keep your skin moisturized so there is no rough spots and peeling skin (if you ever get sun burnt, aloe helps but don't force it if you are really proud of your clear skin because you will get redness that will take time to go away as it's elasticity isn't as active as the skin on the rest of your body).


If all fails, visit a dermatologist, he/she will probably prescribe you things that can't be bought over the counter that contain ingredients like clindamycin phosphate, glycolic acids, etc. she might also give you surgery if your skin fails to restore it's natural pigmentation. Here is a list of the solutions I have been trying.


There are a variety of the Salicylic acid scrubs that even the grocery store generics work, pay close attention to the drug facts.

• 1% Salicylic Acid Solution This green tea one has been keeping me moisturized and could be used for your routine once everything is clear.
  
  
• 2% Salicylic Acid Solution There are a variety of 2% solutions but it sometimes doesn't matter what it is.
  
  
• 10% Benzoyl peroxide, Steer clear of overusing this one as it is strong and could cause some long lasting burns. use only in small areas according to my experience. And don't leave it on your skin too long and make sure you rinse all of it away before you move on to the other solutions.
  
  
• Honey and Oatmeal scrub, Possibly could help restore skin pigmentation if scars are left behind, you'll start to notice them get lighter without the solution sometimes, Be aware that some redness aren't scars, they are either burns from the peroxide or pressure points from touching your face.
  
  
• 100% Aloe Vera There certainly is no shortage of aloe in the drug store or supermarket. but here you go. this is for general use in my book when you run out of ideas lol. But it's a good idea to apply to face and stand in front of a fan for it to dry. Leave it on your face for a good 10 to 30 minutes depending on what makes you comfortable, it really doesn't matter.
  
  Be aware that not all products at the store feature drug facts (because the meds in the market are loosely if not barely regulated by the FDA), keep an eye out so you know what you're putting on your face. also Don't scrub super hard. and don't scratch. It's good that you are tackling this at a young age, just simply using the solution I suggested to keep things under control once you get rid of the mess will most likely keep it at bay, taking action after it gets bad is cause for seeking medical attention as keeping it under control on your own is like herding cats.

You need two things. Accutane (low dose) and Salicylic Acid pads (0.5% only). https://www.amazon.com/STRIDEX-PADS-SENSITIVE-SKIN-55/dp/B000NURPIW

You have used way too many products and many of them are harsh. Try the SA first and if it didn't work, continue to use it but try to get accutane as well - insist on it when you see your dermatologist.

Wash your face with warm (not hot) water and a gentle non-drying cleanser morning and night. Immediately after dabbing your face dry with a clean town, apply Salicylic Acid to every part of your face. Remember to only use the 0.5% version. Salicylic acid is extremely effective against oily skin but takes a while to work, but it is far less irritating than benzoyl peroxide. Not only that but Salicylic Acid thins sebum and breaks up keratin. It takes a while but it does work. Leave this treatment on and it'll absorb into your skin and don't wash your face until evening or before bed - when you then reapply it and leave it on. The aloe vera in it will calm your skin and help recovery as well as preventing irritation and therefore making it less likely to kick out more oil in response.

How's your diet? Consider making some changes there. Contrary to what some people believe, diet does indeed play a huge role in skin condition and can have a huge effect on oil production.

People considering taking B5 should read volume II of the massive walls of texts I've been writing, which is a reply to notaspammerpromise's comment. Just some (rare) side effects people should be aware of. I still believe this to be healthier than going on accutane or being on antibiotics (minocycline) for an extended duration, but I highly encourage you to do some research on your own. My suggestions would be to read other success stories and how they handled their intake, and to also look into a product called dexpanthenol which is a topical form of B5. Here's a good regimen from livestrong that includes dexpanthenol (except for the part that says 5 mg of b5 is necessary, you will not get results at that level and it is not unhealthy to increase this). http://www.livestrong.com/article/263756-using-b5-to-help-acne/. Contrary to the article, dexpanthenol can be quite difficult to find anywhere but online, but you can order it quite on Amazon (it is a little pricey for some). http://www.amazon.com/Panthoderm-Therapeutic-Cream-Skin-Lesions/dp/B000MPH556

Also read some of the references on the livestrong article to learn about how high doses of B5 can have an accelerated healing process, which makes it good for both preventing acne for appearing and also healing acne scars. I encourage you to read up on pantothenic acid and dexpanthenol on your own, too.

What's interesting is that so far (around a month of 40mg of isotretinoid nightly and now recently starting month two at 60mg - oh btw I'm something like 5'9", 166 lbs to give some context for dosage) the only thing noticeably drying out has been my lips. I have been moisturizing everything well.


Here's what I think I'll end up doing on top of the isotretinoid and you can let me know how this daily routine sounds:
Morning . . .

• Use a super gentle "renewing" salicylic acid based cleanser in my morning shower.
  
• Immediately after getting out of the shower I'll apply this water activated moisturizer that's been phenomenal so far.
  
• One of the biggest things I've read for scarring is sun damage. This is especially an issue for these vitamin A based medication(s) if I remember correctly. I also happen to live in Arizona which certainly doesn't help. This should suffice as a broad spectrum sunscreen and the additional moisturizer for before I leave my dorm.
  
  Throughout the day . . .
  
  
• As I mentioned before, my biggest issue so far has been drying lips so I'll just carry some Blistex with me all day and reapply as needed:)
  
  Before bed . . .
  
  
• Take 60mg of isotretinoin
  
• Again use the CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser.
  
• Wait a bit and then apply the retinol. In this link, they warn against letting the tretinoin (Retin-A) interact with salicylic acid (the cleanser I want to use twice daily) and other drugs that may increase your sensitivity to sunlight (does Accutane do this? idk). If my skin does start to get irritated, I'll switch back to just moisturizing at night or something.
  
• Right before I get in bed I'll apply some heavier moisturizer (uhm this one is infused with vitamin E which I have read is a no-no when dealing with acne scarring? But see my "scarring" is smooth if that makes a difference. All I'm worried about is the hyperpigmentation which I guess is what the Retin-A (tretinoin) will be for.
  
  So... that was a lot more of a post than I set out to create. Sorry lol
  But my complexion is playing a very real role in my life and is therefore important to me so I'll end with a single questions for you and anyone else who would be kind enough to chime in and help me out:
  
  
  Are there any alterations you would make to my daily routine?
  
  Perhaps you think there's a better product available than one I've linked to above.
  Maybe you think I should cut something out entirely.
  
  Thank you for your help!:)
  

Re: finger skin picking, have you ever tried any of the products like this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stop-Grow-Stops-Biting-Deterrent/dp/B000LNCBBW

An old best friend used to chew her nails until they bled and she bought a product (not this exact one) which she could dip her fingers into and tasted like something died in her mouth when she bit her nails ha!

Take a 10,000 IU vitamin A pill and an Omega 3 with breakfast and a 5,000 IU vitamin D pill and a multi-vitamin with dinner. Do this every single day and your acne will cure up. I personally cured my severe acne doing this.

If you don't believe me, look at what Accutane and retin-a is. They're both just derivatives of vitamin A. Vitamin A and vitamin D both work to reduce oil production and Omega 3 will decrease the viscosity (stickiness) of your oil. Vitamin D and the multi-vitamin also helps fight infection. Omega 3 also reduces inflammation which will help to keep your pores open.

lots of scientific studies confirming all this referenced in this book

Thanks everybody for your help! I've decided to stop the acne.org regimen and maybe use the following:


Desert Essence Cleanser

Cinammon and Raw Honey Mask

[Zinc]
(http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013HV9O0/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER)

[Vitamin A]
(http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004CCUB56/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER)

[Vitamin D-3]
(http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000A0LE6O/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER)

Also, does anybody have any moisturizers that they would like to recommend? I'm going to need them after all the BP side effects.

Hey! Currently on my last month. For facial moisturizer I use vanicream and for the rest of my body, I use whatever I have in the house. The main thing that does get dry is my face however. Just apply it every morning and every night and you should be good until you move up to a higher dose. Honestly any lotion will work for your face but try to get something that says light or lite because it won't leave your face so oily.

As far as other side effects, I haven't noticed too much joint pain(currently on 120mg per day). However your liver could take some damage, my first month my liver numbers were all really high, but i started taking milk thistle once a day and my numbers improved greatly, to the point where it was better than where I started.

For cleaning I would avoid anything made for oily skin because it will dry your skin out. Just get a normal cleanser. For now I just use water since my skin is getting better with just using the medicine.

Please let us know what your current routine is, since it's hard to help someone out if you have no idea what their starting point is.

I would start with using a salicylic-acid–based toner every day (or every couple days, depending on how your skin responds). I suggest Stridex Pads.

If you want something more drastic, I'd suggest doing weekly chemical peels. That should help to even out your skin tone and texture, fade hyperpigmentation (red marks), clear blackheads and sebum, etc. Salicylic acid is always a good one. You don't need a high percentage, maybe just an 8%–15% or so. If you don't notice much improvement after two months, you can either bump up the percentage or try other, harsher acids.

If you are still getting active breakouts, try benzoyl peroxide—either as a topical or cleanser. I would start with a cleanser, since it's less harsh on the skin (but also less effective). Then, try a topical; 2.5% is best. The higher percentages aren't really more effective, just more irritating.

I disliked razors and instead went for this It helped with my acne immensely. I basically love shaving now. As long as you go slow (with care but not like super slow either) it's better than a razor and I rarely get ingrown hairs in my jaw areas. Go electric, it won't be super omg smooth but the convenience of a quick but still close shave is worth it. Or you can buy the really expensive ones and let me know how those compare instead.

In my case, the ass/thigh bumps turned out to be keratosis pilaris, not acne. Or at least they responded well when I started treating them as such. I just use unscented bar soap, exfoliate gently with a washcloth a couple times a week, and then apply this stuff afterward (and again before bed when I remember). It's stinky lotion, but it worked for me. Not flawless but enough that there isn't lingering PIH anymore.

This post was popular on /r/SkincareAddiction yesterday and takes a different approach: https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/comments/4bhma7/acne_to_me_butt_acne_sufferers/

Just some ideas!

Something I've found that works pretty well for me is Prids Drawing Salve. As soon as I feel one of the cystic pimples emerging I put the salve on at night with the sticky part of a bandaid over it. It might take a couple nights but I can usually get a head to form to release pressure. Once I am able to lance it, I use this to help absorb what's left.

I use this

yea medication first, then lotion. i use cetaphil cleanser but their lotion feels really thick and oily. i use Lubriderm,http://www.amazon.com/Lubriderm-Moisture-Lotion-Fragrance-Packaging/dp/B000GAXILM

http://www.amazon.com/Alpha-Hydrox-Enhanced-percent-Glycolic/dp/B000052YM7/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1374453063&sr=8-4&keywords=glycolic+acid

I'm using Skin Laboratory 20% Salicylic Acid Peel.

Root Canals are EXTREMELY toxic - Dr. Mercola
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q02mLcdBtGI

Rooted documentary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRrlgYqtDjM

The Toxic Tooth: How a root canal could be making you sick Paperback https://www.amazon.com/Toxic-Tooth-canal-could-making/dp/0983772827

You can try some anti-bump solution, the kind men usually use for their beards after getting a hair cut. This is the one I use and I've had no problems with it so far.

Clean&Clear Cleanser (http://www.amazon.com/Clean-Clear-Essentials-Cleanser-Sensitive/dp/B002B4K8J6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1411492326&sr=8-2&keywords=clean+and+clear+cleanser)

Clean&Clear Toner (http://www.amazon.com/Clean-Clear-Essentials-Cleaning-Sensitive/dp/B0009RFAPE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411492344&sr=8-1&keywords=clean+and+clear+toner)

Paula's Choice BHA (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00949CTQQ/ref=sr_ph?ie=UTF8&qid=1411492367&sr=1&keywords=paula%27s+choice+bha)

CeraVe AM Moisturizer (http://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Facial-Moisturizing-Lotion-Packaging/dp/B004TS06HG/ref=sr_1_2?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1411492390&sr=1-2&keywords=cerave+moisturizer)

The red comes before the moisturizer -- my face feels really dry and hot after putting the AHA on so I usually put a fair amount on, which makes my face shiny the rest of the day, annoying. But the red face problem was before I added the AHA to this routine.

What kind of problem do you think is causing your acne? Too oily skin or too dry? Personally I had a mixture of both from the harsh treatment I used on my skin in various places.

I've been fighting Acne for 6 years now (22 years old) and have been on Minocycline 100mg twice daily for 4 years. Nothing seemed to work until recently.

I started putting Clean and Clears spot treatment on my acne areas and drying them out heavily.

http://www.amazon.com/Clean-Clear-Advantage-Acne-Treatment/dp/B00027DDOQ

Around 30 minutes after applying this I moisturized the dry parts of my face with Clean and Clears 2 in 1 moisturizing cream. The spot treatment has heavy BP in it so it WILL dry out your skin, and the lotion has some salicylic acid in it but the moisturizing effect makes up for it (for me).

http://www.amazon.com/Clean-Clear-ESSENTIALS-Action-Moisturizer/dp/B000052YJM

On top of doing that routine 4 times a day (once in morning and at night, twice throughout day... probably a bit much but I'm obsessive) coupled with an exfoliate in the mornings and evenings and it totally cleared up after about 5 weeks. I feel ridiculous saying this because it's crazy to say but I haven't gone a day without at least 3 painful and hugely noticeable cystic pimples on my face in many years.

A lot of people will tell you that this is way too many times to wash your face a day, and for most people it probably is. but it's the only thing that worked for me after 6 years of trying different stuff people said to try online. Everyone's skin is different, I'm just recommending some products to try.

Pic below is current day, 7 weeks after starting this. still do same routine because I'm afraid to stop lol.

http://imgur.com/Nitkd6L

I've gone two weeks without a single pimple, and that's compared to 6 years without a single day away from the torture.