MichelleBFT

Okay, this is long. I'm sorry, there's been wine.)

I have had acne, ranging from mild to the severe end of moderate (I've nver been what I would call severe) since I was a pre-teen (I'm 29). I've had clear-ish periods, but I've never been clear for very long. Generally speaking, if I'm clear and I tell anyone I'm clear, the universe gets mad at me for being happy and I break out severely as a result. This is my test.

I'm very nearly clear. My breakouts have been few and far between lately, and I've mentioned this to a couple of people now, and no harm has come to my complexion. Even my facialist, who I see every 6-8 weeks and is usually the only person I can safely mention clarity to, noticed. So I'm posting publicly, hoping that I can test my success.

I've always tried fancy, specific routines, to no avail. My current routine is pretty simple, not intense, and if I mess it up or skip a day or whatever, it doesn't seem to make much of a difference.

Cleanser is PSF Gentile Castile Cleanser. I go through a bottle in about 5-6 months. My facialist (I know there's a better term for her but I can't pronounce nor spell it) gives me two BufPuf facial sponges when I see her, and I use them when I wash my face: lather up and massage my face for about a minute, then I use a damp sponge to remove the cleanser. I've determined that my skin does not slough itself the way it should, so manual exfoliation is key. Must manually exfoliate or it all goes to hell in a handbasket.

Makeup is Revlon Colorstay, and has been for a few years. Yes, it's drugstore. It's a pretty good color match, it lasts better than most things I've tried (including department stores brands and minerals) and hasn't ever actively broken me out. It certainly doesn't help matters, but it doesn't hurt them either, and for me it's all about zero sum. If it doesn't hurt, it's cool.

About 6-8 weeks ago, I cruised onto the acne.org site. I've lurked there intermittently over the years, but have never been a big fan of BP so I've never gone all in on it. All of the BP I've used before has been 10%, and incredibly drying-- unusable for the day-to-day, or face washes that totally bleached out everything I touched (in addition to not actually helping).

But the idea of a lower concentration, and in gel form instead of cream. I checked RiteAid when I was there to clear out their stock of Suave Naturals Coconut, and found one BP product that was both a gel and lower than 5% concentration: AnceFree terminator in 5% concentration.

it's supposed to be a spot treatment, but my research on BOP is that you have to use it All. The.Time. in order for it to be effective. Previously impossible because of drying, I thought I'd give it a go. I've been using it all over, every* night, in pretty heaping proportions. I've never been dried out-- I've got pretty oily skin, so a little drying would be okay, but no dice.

I also use this as a moisturizer, which is god awful expensive but lasts a good while and treats me well.

My skin has been over 90% clear for about a month. The AcneFree is what's doing it, I'm almost certain; nothing else has changed about my diet, my activities, nothing.

So this is my test. I'll report back in a week-- if announcing this to NC.com doesn't make me break out, I'm not sure anything can.

__________________
"And politically correct is the worst term, not just because it’s dismissive, but because it narrows down the whole social justice spectrum to this idea that it’s about being polite instead of about dismantling the oppressive social structure of power.
Fun Fact: When you actively avoid being “PC,” you’re not being forward-thinking or unique. You’re buying into systems of oppression that have existed since before you were even born, and you’re keeping those systems in place."
Stolen.

ninja dog

..........of the Emergency Broadcast Acne System.

MichelleBFT

Hehe. Like I said, wine.

I should add, though, that I haven't been perfect about it, have missed a day or two here and there, and on occasion (a lot of occasions) have used some kind of facial wipe instead of actually washing my face. Not something I'd rely on day to day, but definitely good to keep around for the nights I"m too tired/lazy/inebriated to actually wash my face.

__________________
"And politically correct is the worst term, not just because it’s dismissive, but because it narrows down the whole social justice spectrum to this idea that it’s about being polite instead of about dismantling the oppressive social structure of power.
Fun Fact: When you actively avoid being “PC,” you’re not being forward-thinking or unique. You’re buying into systems of oppression that have existed since before you were even born, and you’re keeping those systems in place."
Stolen.

wild~hair

This was my finding as well. I have had acne-prone skin since I was 15, although it's been under control for 12 years now.

I know how frustrating it can be to get good results and then have things stop working. About 14 years ago I had had it with that and finally vowed to figure out my skin once and for all. And I did just that. Hope your situation works out the same.

__________________
“Patriarchy is not men. Patriarchy is a system in which both women and men participate. It privileges, inter alia, the interests of boys and men over the bodily integrity, autonomy, and dignity of girls and women. It is subtle, insidious, and never more dangerous than when women passionately deny that they themselves are engaging in it.” ~ ASHLEY JUDD

RedCatWaves

I'm fairly convinced that chronic acne is caused by 3 factors:

1. Oily skin
2. Defect in the pores that causes them to tend towards being gummy and cloggy and keeps the skin from exfoliating itself properly
3. Colonization with acne-causing bacteria

The first 2 are genetic, and the third, just bad luck. Once a person is colonized, it's extreme difficult to cure acne, although it can be controlled if you work at it diligently...forever and ever and ever.

Accutane can offer a cure by killing/atrophying oil glands. Sometimes they regenerate though (mine have, although not fully, thank dog). Antibiotics work...at first...until the bacteria build up an immunity, so that cure is only short-term. BP works moderately, because it has anti-bacterial properties, but it's not 100% and must be used in large porportions, daily, forever. I find I must take breaks from BP occasionally to regain it's effectiveness. Retin-A is quite helpful, because it speeds up cell turnover, and therefore helps exfoliation. Unfortunately, it's not tolerated well by everyone.

Acne is a plague.

Josephine

Congrats. I'm working my way to clearer skin as well but I've been lazy. It was looking so good last week but I know it's because I was actually washing it properly (used psf with the clarisonic 2 times a day). I fell off for a week and combined with the time of the month, I've broken out again with a few pimples, yucks.

I noticed when I was using the proactiv bp cream at night it kept my skin clear as well, so I may have to be more diligent about that.

luvmylocs

keeping my skin clear feels like a part-time job, lol. it's so unfair, if you have curly hair you should get clear skin. otherwise you've got a double-whammy for your beauty routine, anywho....i kid....

my skin is doing a LOT better. people can say what they want about diet but now that i'm regularly taking probiotics and enzymes i've not had any major outbreaks!! i knew i had a digestion issue but it seems my skin was suffering because of it. better now.

topically, pure skin formulations 5% salicylic acid is very effective for me and my day to day keep my skin clear secret weapon. also, makeup artist choice lactic acid peels. i just bought the fade peel to address the dark marks left over from previous acne. i also use tazorac (my preferred retinoid) many nights and aveeno spf 30 during the day. plus i use my trusty clarisonic most days. it's work but i'm seeing some consistent progress. finally. i would love to get my routine down to just a handful of products. i've spent a small fortune over the years trying to get the right combination of products.

__________________
a dreamy pisces
please recycle, it matters...
i change lives...through fitness
i'm more relaxed being natural

RedCatWaves

I'm a huge fan of probiotics and yogurt/kefir, which have totally cured my lifelong gut problems, but they don't do anything helpful for my acne.

ninja dog

I've had good luck with birth control pills doing the job.

Doesn't help with oiliness, though.

curlypearl

Fc*king hilarious!!!

__________________
Modified CG. 2C? 3a? 3B? (A - Z!)
Highly porous. Color over grey.
Protein treatment HG: Curl Junkie Repair Me
Conditioners: Mop Top Daily Conditioner.
Deep condish: Curl Junkie Curl Rehab
Stylers: KCKT, KCCC; CCCL; SSCEJ; Ouidad Climate Control Gel;
Sealer: Beautiful Curls Shea Butter & Neem Nourishing Curl Oil
SOTC: Jane Carter Nourish & Shine

juanab

Pure African Black Soap is helping me. I also use DDF Salicylic wash three times a week. I use Burt's Bees Natural Acne Solutions Clarifying Toner twice a day. This regimen is working. I have been fighting moderate acne for 37 years.

__________________
BC'ed: 03-29-11
Last Relaxer: July 2010

texture - medium/fine, porosity - low/normal, elasticity - normal, co-wash - tresemme naturals moisture, leave-in - tresemme naturals moisture gel - SM souffle, vatika oil, QB BRBC, shealoe butter

MichelleBFT

We're in agreement on all of this, RCW. I did two runs of accutane in high school, but it was ineffective... And the side effects were awful. Antibiotics have never done much for me. I've tried retin a, glycolics, etc, nothing.

For me, it's not about getting perfect skin. I'll never have perfect skin, genetics have made sure of that. While some kind of miracle would be lovely, that's not the goal anymore. It's unattainable, so why bother? For me it's about getting as clear as I can get, and keeping the breakouts to a manageable level of severity. I need to not be in pain. I need to be able to put makeup on and feel confident. After that, frankly, I can't get that riled up about it anymore.

Posted from my smart phone; please excuse typos or brevity.

__________________
"And politically correct is the worst term, not just because it’s dismissive, but because it narrows down the whole social justice spectrum to this idea that it’s about being polite instead of about dismantling the oppressive social structure of power.
Fun Fact: When you actively avoid being “PC,” you’re not being forward-thinking or unique. You’re buying into systems of oppression that have existed since before you were even born, and you’re keeping those systems in place."
Stolen.

MichelleBFT

Oh boy, hormonal birth control comes with a whole other raft of problems for me that make acne seem completely inconsequential. My normal anxiety, which usually isn't that big a deal, becomes hugely magnified, not to mention the complete elimination of my sex drive. Which in turn makes me MORE anxious.

I can't get through a month on bc pills. Makes me stabby.

Posted from my smart phone; please excuse typos or brevity.

__________________
"And politically correct is the worst term, not just because it’s dismissive, but because it narrows down the whole social justice spectrum to this idea that it’s about being polite instead of about dismantling the oppressive social structure of power.
Fun Fact: When you actively avoid being “PC,” you’re not being forward-thinking or unique. You’re buying into systems of oppression that have existed since before you were even born, and you’re keeping those systems in place."
Stolen.

RedCatWaves

Birth control pills are not a miracle for acne either. They never helped me at all. In fact, I think there were some types of pills that made it worse.

ninja dog

Supposedly the newer formulations are meant in part to target acne, but I'm sure they work differently for everyone.

I seem to do better on the pill than off. It levels me off in a good way, somehow.
And my periods were sheer effing hell without it.

RedCatWaves

Please be careful with pills and smoking and a certain age. You really can't safely combine those 3 things. You can do 2, but not all 3.

Curly Girl Fla

I have had combo-acne skin forever. My most recent and very successful endeavor has been using the acne.org products. I've used every BP in every concentration out there. Dave's 2.5% BP is amazingly gentle,yet extremely effective...and cost effective as well. The large tubes and bottles last forever. Although not necessary, his cleanser is extremely gentle. I found the PSF cleanser quite drying. I use his cleanser with my Clarisonic Mia twice a day, follow by BP all over, using his application method, let it absorb in, then use the jojoba moisturizer. I also have the AHA+ lotion, which I use one-two nights a week, but I just recently re-introduced Retin-A at night, so the AHA won't be used too often. I've been doing acne.org regimine for months, and have also drastically reduced the amount of BP over the weeks-easy, simple, very successful thus far.

curlylaura

I've had three courses of accutane fantastic stuff but its left my skin very sensitive and with a pink tint.

Years later I am starting to get chin and cheek breakouts. Whiteheads that are under the skin and can't be extracted (yes, I know picking is bad) and they're really bugging me. I recently stopped taking my pill. I'd taken it for years and was curious to know what I'd be like without it. I think that's partly the reason I'm breaking out now. It's depressing.

I think I'm going to ask my GP for some gel to treat it. I remember having some good luck with Garnier toner in the green bottle, I think it has AHAs in it.

Also I've noticed that when I use a really good facial wash for dry skin my face looks better. I've been using a sample of Clarins Shea butter wash. I also used a sample of niveas wash in the pink bottle. It has tiny exfoliating grains in it. That made me look better to. I really need to choose one and buy the full size.

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3b in the UK

JillH410

Michelle, we might be long lost twins.

I am also 29 and have suffered from moderate acne on the severe end since I can remember. I have also gone through a couple rounds of accutane and while it helped my skin while I was using it - once I was off, all hell broke loose again.

I also cannot take birth control pills because the hormones throw me all sorts of out of whack. I lose my temper very quickly/easily and can feel my blood pressure going up. I seriously feel like a crazy person when I'm on it, so I stay clear of using it.

For the last month or so I have been using the BP method from acne.org. At first I was using it in the morning and at night, but it was drying my face out too much (I was getting little flakes, especially around my mouth/chin area). I've cut back to only using it at night and it seems to be doing fairly well. I actually liked it better when my face was more dry because my make up would stay on longer instead of becoming an oily, smeary mess.

I have a lot of whiteheads that are on my chin area and some on my cheeks that BP doesn't do anything for. These actually would need to be manually extracted by going to an esthetician, but I've only ever gone to one once.

I'm hoping this method will continue to work, but I wish there was something I could find that would open up the whiteheads so they can purge. My face would be a mess for a bit, but if they healed, it'd be totally worth it.

__________________
cowash: Tresemme Naturals
rinse out: Garnier Triple Nutrition
Leave in: Suave naturals, whichever scent I'm into at the moment
gel: Garnier Fructis or LA Looks

3a-3b - high porosity

MichelleBFT

We do seem similar, that's for sure. Consider finding a facialist, mine has made a huge difference for me.

By way of an update, I have now remembered one of the reasons I quit using BP... I break out less, sure, but the blemishes I still get are different. Usually my blemishes come to the surface quickly and then resolve, but the use of BP keeps them away from the surface. Meaning they seem to last longer. I don't know that they actually last longer, but they seem to.

But they're also easier to cover and are pretty infrequent, plus my skin is insanely smooth and blackheads/clogged pores are pretty much nonexistent, so I'm going to keep it up for the time being and see what happens.

Posted from my smart phone; please excuse typos or brevity.

__________________
"And politically correct is the worst term, not just because it’s dismissive, but because it narrows down the whole social justice spectrum to this idea that it’s about being polite instead of about dismantling the oppressive social structure of power.
Fun Fact: When you actively avoid being “PC,” you’re not being forward-thinking or unique. You’re buying into systems of oppression that have existed since before you were even born, and you’re keeping those systems in place."
Stolen.