5 replies to this topic

[Loraine]

I have been through numerous over-the-counter products that haven't done much for my skin.
Today I began to think that maybe, just maybe, over-the-counter products aren't enough...
I mean, acne starts from the inside right... so it should be cured from in there I'm guessing?
I DON'T KNOW

So, has anyone had any major improvements or become completely clear by ONLY over-the-counter products ?

[kk95]

I have been through numerous over-the-counter products that haven't done much for my skin.
Today I began to think that maybe, just maybe, over-the-counter products aren't enough...
I mean, acne starts from the inside right... so it should be cured from in there I'm guessing?
I DON'T KNOW

So, has anyone had any major improvements or become completely clear by ONLY over-the-counter products ?

yeah i would like to know the same.. ive been on dans regimen and i might want to change

[Hooray it's Henry]

I have been through numerous over-the-counter products that haven't done much for my skin.
Today I began to think that maybe, just maybe, over-the-counter products aren't enough...
I mean, acne starts from the inside right... so it should be cured from in there I'm guessing?
I DON'T KNOW

So, has anyone had any major improvements or become completely clear by ONLY over-the-counter products ?

yeah i would like to know the same.. ive been on dans regimen and i might want to change

I started questioning OTC products too. I think OTC stuff will only help once acne is in the process of developing, but not prevent it indefinitely. I'm trying different vitamins to see what may help diminish outbreaks. Once I find a set regimen in vitamins, the OTC creams (hopefully) will be used only to combat the occasional pimple.

[Pacco]

My brother use to use OTC products and improved a bit, but he stopped since he didn't have enough and they were expensive.

[Sarah K]

I'm not completely clear, all I have left is some scarring, and a blackheads with few little bumps on my chin. But my skin has drastically improved.
I'm doing a number of things to keep clear my skin, including:

-Taking Vitamins (Omega 3, Vit D 3, Silica & Biotin)
-a supplement called Perfect Skin
*This supplement is available at Shoppers (there is also a version for men)*
-Using my tanda Professional approx. 2 times daily (blue light, then red)

Have a regimen of:
Morning:
Marcelle Aquarelle Cleanser
Clinique Superdefence SPF 25, for combo-oily skin
Evening:
Same Cleanser
-PanOxyl Aquagel 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide
-Cliniderm Soothing Lotion
-Occasionally I'll also Add some of Neostrata's Oil Free Smoothing Lotion Level 3 (10% Gylcolic Acid) as a spot treatment, and I use it on my whole face weekly.

I tried to mimic Dan's Regimen as closely as I could with kind of products I needed keeping a few things in mind:
-b/c I'm very fair, I opted for a higher SPF for my day-time moisturiser
-importance of finding a low % Benzoyl Peroxide cream, I had to do a little looking but found this at Pharmaplus

Hope this helps!

[Fox]

I have had very good results with Neostrata. Although it's not cheap, it has worked for me, and was actually recommended by my dermatologist. Actually, in Ontario, some of Neostrata can be covered by certain drug plans. My first use of Neostrata was the Acne Toning Solution. (It's about $21.00) Ask your dermatologist to prescribe this to you, but to get it covered by a drug plan, they have to ADD AN ANTIBIOTIC to it. My doctor added some percentage of clindimycin (or something similar. Dermatologists should be familiar with this.) If you don't have a dermatologist (But why shouldn't you, since seeing one in Canada is FREE, no excuses!) it is available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Pharmaplus and Loblaws, to name a few stores.

I also use the Smoothing Cream as my moisturizer. It contains glycolic acid, in differing percentages. They have Level 1, 2 and 3. Start with level 1, which has 5% glycolic acid, when you finish a whole jar of that (takes about 2 months), move on to level 2 and so on. Level 3 has 10% glycolic acid in it. Each of these creams costs $45. Sometimes though, you can get lucky and find duo packs (basically, buy one, get one free),

I know it is expensive, but in my opinion it works (for me). I have been on Accutane twice, Minocin, Tetracycline, Benzaclin, Tazorac, Proactive, Murad, basically, you name it, I've tried it and I'm only 25 years old. I think the cost of Neostrata is worth it, because even Clearasil costs almost $10 and the one place I've learned not to scrimp in on my skin!