Acne.org Products
- Male
- 16
- Food wise, my diet is not very good
- I drink a LOT of water. A cup with every meal and snack.
- Not oily
- Living in Australia
- Sleep on a clean shirt every night
- Don't touch my face (sometimes I cant help it)
I am not sure what's the deal with my pimples/acne.
I don't get blackheads, and don't usually get whiteheads. They are usually dry, red, bumps on my skin. Sometimes they have a proper head, sometimes they don't.
The only treatment I use is a Clearasil pimple cream, called Ultra Acne Treatment Cream (Extra strength) which contains Benzoyl Peroxide. I use this when I see a pimple forming, or have an existing one. I get a dab on my finger and tap the pimple, only putting a bit on it, then flatten the cream on it. I then may leave it on for a couple of hours and sometimes overnight.
This sometimes and sometimes not can remove the pimple, in about 2-3 days.
The bad thing is, sometimes, my face can become EXTREMELY dry and red. That sort of dry when your face just feels overly tight and is about to split. So basically, its a trade-off, usually. Either have no pimples and red dry skin, or pimples and normal skin. To soothe the dry skin, I try to use Moisturizing fluids (SPF15) and other times natural creams such as paw-paw. These make my skin feel better, but I don't think they help much.
I don't use shower wash's because in my past experience they've made the pimples more red and my face dry (I've tried a couple).
So after doing some research, my guess is that my skin is very sensitive to benzoyl peroxide. I've tried lesser strength and different Clearasil products, which don't affect the skin much, but also don't really mend the pimples/acne.
Having anxiety and social issues, my skin is really important to me to feel comfortable. This is why I go to weird lengths such as using moisturizers (even though I'm a male).
And it's just a never ending cycle, too. Been going on for a year. I'll get rid of the pimple(s) of the week, and another bunch will break out the following week.
I'm honestly not sure what to do. Living in Australia, I don't think I have access to top notch products, and buying online creams for $40 seems a little excessive even for me.
I've heard Salicylic Acid is good for sensitive skin, as well as more natural products. But I'd rather not blow a heap of money searching for that one that is right for me.
Does anyone have any advice/recommended products that are fairly cheap?
Thanks
Clean & Clear have a couple of acne spot-treatment products with salicylic acid that I find fairly effective. My skin is also very sensitive to benzoyl peroxide, but for me that's been a sudden change for whatever reason. How long have you been using it? They say the irritation/redness/itchiness can take up to 3 months to go away.
Cetaphil has a really good moisturising lotion, and if you get some jojoba oil and add a few drops it'll be even more nourishing for your skin. I'm not sure where you can pick up jojoba oil, but Dan has one. I know shipping and all that sucks, but it's a pretty big bottle and you only need like 5-6 drops to add to your moisturiser so, perhaps worth considering.
If anything, maybe you could pay a visit to a dermatologist?
Good luck!
Hi, first of all I'm very sorry that you have to deal with this, nobody deserves to.
Here's my advice to you, from experience.
- DON'T use clearasil. It made my face red, dry and irritated like you described. A friend of mine said the same thing. Sadly, I think Clearasil is just a brand that only cares about making money off of people's insecurities.
- Using a moisturizer isn't weird. In fact, it's probably the best thing you can do. No matter what gender you are, it is very socially acceptable to use a moisturizer - especially if it makes your skin feel better, who would have anything wrong with someone who's just trying to take care of themselves?
- Most clearasil products contail Sal Acid, and it's just a nightmare. I don't think it's for sensitive skin.
- Natural products are really great, the more natural the better. The more organic you can get, the better off you'll be.
- I think your acne is the result of irritation.
MY ADVICE/PRODUCTS YOU SHOULD TRY:
- The Banana, Honey, Avocado face mask. This mask is quite popular actually, very moisturizing and soothing. It's also very cheap, because it's food, you can pretty much find it anywhere. Try to buy all organic though, so that way all the good stuff isn't processed out. If you want specifics on how to use this mask, here's an article http://www.luuux.com/health-beauty/all-natural-face-mask-avocado-banana-and-honey
- Essential Oils. These are fairly cheap, and not exclusive to any brand. Also, a lot of them are very effective when treating acne. For example, Jojoba oil works great as a moisturizer, Unrefined, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is filled with antioxidents that help fight bacteria, Tea Tree Oil is a good natural acne remedy, and Avocado Oil is great for moisturizing and keeping your skin looking fresh.
- For cleansers, a great moisturizing cleanser for sensitive, irritated skin is the Burts Bees Sensitive Facial Cleanser or Burts Bees Intense Hydration Cream Cleanser. They really helped subside my breakouts when I was breaking out like a year and a half ago. I don't use it anymore, but it was a great, great, soothing, moisturizing cleanser. Definitely check them out if you can. They can be found in most drugstores I believe.
Hope this helps!
I've always had the opposite problem....
As in, I was always more combination-oily, so I'm not sure if I will be much of a help.
I think it would be wise to invest in a CREAMY moisturizer, and not a gel kind. I also think you should try to use the oil cleansing method. Another thing to bring up is your water quality. It could be very hard. Do you have a water filter? If you don't, it is one of the best investments EVER in my opinion. Aaaand you could also be deficient in a vitamin. Cod liver oil and omega 3 help with dry skin. Also, maybe you are just one of those people that do not have to wash your face/shower everyday. I need to shower everyday,... lol
Aaand... do you have any other skin conditions such as rosacea that could be causing this? You might need a prescription strength cream to help put moisture in your skin. Ever tried metro gel? The products you are using on YOUR SKIN TYPE is very strong and I would toss them ASAP.