Acne and I'm nearly 30

[LadySanderfur]

So ladies... I've never had to deal with acne before and now it's like I'm breaking out in zits like a 16 year old.

Again, I haven't properly taken care of my skin before now so I don't know the first thing about washing my face,etc. What products do you use? I was thinking about using Proactiv but I didn't want to splurge on something and it not work.

Any advice?

[Salayia]

I had acne too as an adult, and it REALLY has to do with how well you take care of your skin. I had the SAME problem - I didn't really wash my face much, so I had HORRIBLE acne into my mid to late 20's (even for a couple of years AFTER I'd started really taking care of my skin). I use Clinique and LOVE it! Won't use anything else! Not only are some of their skin care products designed for people with acne, but so is their makeup. I used to use Clarifying foundation, which was their makeup line for oily skin. They discontinued that line, and I believe they introduced a new line last year that had better acne-fighting ingredients, but I quit using it about 6 months before they discontinued it! LOL! So, I don't know what the new line is, but Clarifying makeup did WONDERS for me! They also have a 3-part system for washing your face - a soap (I like the liquid), a rinse (for oily skin, you'll probably want to use a 3 - I used to use a 4 because my skim was REALLY bad, but now that my skin is normal, I use a 2). And then a moisturizer (oily skin formula, of course). So anyways, I swear by Clinique and won't use anything else. It helped me get over my horrible acne problems when I was in my mid-20s and I won't use ANYTHING else now! :)

[gwenshack]

Have you had any changes in diet or medication? A lot of times that can cause acne to start.

I've had mild to moderate acne all my life - I'm 33. Sometimes it goes away, sometimes it's here to stay. So I completely understand your frustration.

I've never tried ProActive - my best friend tried it and wasn't happy with her results. Right now I'm using a cleanser from Neutrogena and it seems to be keeping the acne at bay. I would try drugstore solutions first before you invest in the ProActive.

:goodluck:

[Dani]

I have used Pro-Activ..it was ok, I would still get break outs but not AS bad...however, it did stain clothes around the neck line and discolored towels just to let you know.

[MrsDM]

I used Proactiv when I was younger and it worked really well. I didn't notice any staining or discoloration. I did get the occasional breakout here and there, but that was it. If you are serious about trying it, look into their refund or guarantee policy. Most of those companies offer full refunds if you aren't happy within 30 days or something.

I know there are some medications that help breakouts too, don't have experience with them though.

[ChristineLS]

I've had acne my whole life, though I should noted I'm only 25. I find the biggest causes for breakouts are stress and my menstrual cycle. I was washing it using neutrogena, but now I wash it with Dr. Bonners or soaps that don't have animal products in them. A bit of a change in ethics for me. I also exfoliate with baking soda about once every two weeks, and that seems to help.

[Freddy2]

Tips to treat acne
Do take raw food, nuts and seeds more in your diet meals,
Drink plenty of water daily,
Reduce stress with regular exercise,
Reduce or limit refined carbohydrates and sugar intake,
Avoid caffeine and other stimulants...

[RosieAngel]

I have dry, sensitive acnegenic skin (yay, trifecta of awful!), so I have to follow a strict skincare regimen. I used to work in skincare retail because it is such an obsession for me. If you don't know your skin type, go to a makeup counter or a skincare store and ask.

Here are the steps everyone should follow:

1. Cleanse twice a day with any oil-free cleanser, when you wake up and before you go to bed. My favorite morning cleanser is Johnson and Johnson's Clean and Clear Daily Pore Cleanser, which has a gentle exfoliant in it so I don't have to worry about remembering to exfoliate. My favorite night cleanser is 100% Pure Cucumber Juice Face Facial Cleansing Foam for sensitive skin. If my skin is feeling especially raw and irritable, I'll skip the Clean and Clear and just use the Cucumber Juice one both times a day.

2. Exfoliate at least once a week. I use the built-in exfoliant from one of my face cleansers.

3. Tone - this helps shrink down your pores. I use L'Occitane Fresh Face Water. Trying to find a comparable one for less money - it hasn't happened yet.

4. Moisturize with a face cream with SPF during the day and a heavier cream during the night. My day cream is 100% Pure Argan Oil Hydration Moisturizer SPF 30, and my night cream has just been discontinued by L'Occitane so I'm freaking out and trying to find a similar product at 100% Pure, since they have similar quality products but are so much cheaper!

I hope this helps!

[WebLady]

I have farily dry skin and mild excema, so my skin is not as nice as it use to be. I have the occasional pimple as a teen and still get them from time to time. I have those tiny black heads on my nose and chin almost all the time though.

I try to wash my face once a day, but many times it is more like every other day. I have been to the derm and done proactive and other things that didn't seem to help, so I just deal.

[muguet]

ProActiv definitely works. But you may consider instead taking a look at what your health insurance would cover to go to a dermatologist. Of course, s/he might just prescribe something like ProActiv anyway, but it's always better to have that expert opinion.

I know you say you don't want to splurge on something that might not work, but unfortunately most things that do work will cost a bit.

The stars still come out on my face when I'm getting my period, and I'm a bit older than you.

[LeopardBride]

I know how you feel as I go through the same. Unfortunately for us women, our menstrual cycles are usually the culprit. Other reasons may include what you eat or hw you take care of your skin. I use Aveeno: Clear Complexion foam cleanser every night. I used to use St. Ive's face scrub, which was good, but I like Aveeno better. If your is really severe acne and does not respond to anything on the shelves, you may want to go to a dermatologist who can give you prescription cream, medication, or both.