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Very Bad Acne.

MemberMember
1
(@ahkeem9)

Posted : 11/29/2013 1:53 pm

Okay so.... My parents had pretty bad acne so I know I am most likely going to have it to but I've been having problems getting it under control lately. Stress from school, stress from my job, as well as me being only 20 I'm pretty sure I'm still going through puberty so theres hormonal imbalance. I've been switching from product to product because I can't find anything that's been working for me. My doctor proscribed benzaclin but proactiv would break my out because I think I'm allergic to benzoyl peroxide so I don't want to use that. I've been trying retin-a for about a week now and it will take a long time before it works so I'm hopefully. It's winter now and my skin is very dry so I believe I break out form that as well especially since I have mild eczema on my inner thighs during the winter. I started shaving in the past few months and I've been breaking out from that as well, I used an electric liner and went to close but I didn't know what I was doing but now I know not to shave too close and now the hairs are growing back and I think it broke me out as well. I have zero clue on what to do. Netrostrata Oil Free Gel Cleanser drys me out. Not sure if I should wash my face once a day or twice, use an electric razor as I am right now to not cut so low or use warm water and a blade. I went to Hand and stone spa and used Dermoligica products and the clay cleanser broke me out so I gave up on that, also did chemical peels and those didn't work so I gave up on them too.

As of right now in the winter I'm using an electric shaver, Neostrata Oil Free Gel Cleanser, Neostrata Toner, Cocoa Butter to moisturize, and Retin A Gel (makes my skin feel dry).

Not sure what my real problem is for my acne but theres so many different causes I don't know what to do.

I uploaded some photos, I'm in my first week of Retin A and I think its causing depression and anxiety as well as gastric problems.

I used to smoke weed and I don't know if thats whats causing this, I reduced my alcohol intake significantly as I used to use it a lot too. I did smoke cigarettes and cigars for several months and completely stopped 2/3 months ago. Maybe my body is in detox. IDK.

I'm also lactose intolerant but I've been eating pizza, cheese, and drinking milk for the past month or 2 not thinking if it will effect my skin.

NEED ADVICE. PLEASE HELP.

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MemberMember
13
(@purple123)

Posted : 11/30/2013 7:39 pm

It's doubtful that Retin A Gel is causing anxiety or gastric problems, however, stress could very well be the reason. As for eating dairy while lactose intolerant, WHY, WHYYY do you do that to yourself?? :) And yes, it can affect your skin.

Do you have a dermatologist? Have you tried an antibiotic and benzoyl peroxide combination cream?

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82
(@mrsrobinson)

Posted : 12/01/2013 7:36 am

First of all your skin is not that bad- to you yes, but really not that bad, moderate perhaps but not severe- and you are a very nice looking young man at that...so think positive

And yes hang in there with the retin a, it does take a while, a couple of months.....keep everything else simple

I agree with the other poster, ditch dairy now, all of it- give that a month and you may be amazed at what that alone does

I would be cautious with the cocoa butter- perhaps try that on half your face and another moisturizer like cerave on the other half....or jojoba oil....cocoa butter (like everything else mind you!!) breaks some out, helps other

So keep up the fight, and make a series of positive changes and you will notice results! Good luck to you!

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1
(@ahkeem9)

Posted : 12/01/2013 4:51 pm

On 12/1/2013 at 8:39 AM, purple123 said:

It's doubtful that Retin A Gel is causing anxiety or gastric problems, however, stress could very well be the reason. As for eating dairy while lactose intolerant, WHY, WHYYY do you do that to yourself?? [Edited image out]And yes, it can affect your skin.

Do you have a dermatologist? Have you tried an antibiotic and benzoyl peroxide combination cream?

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MemberMember
13
(@purple123)

Posted : 12/01/2013 5:57 pm

Ultraquin is for scars, right? What about salicylic acid or sulphur-based creams (e.g. Clearasil)?

Sorry to hear about the dermatologist... Would you consider getting a second opinion? Not all of them are terrible, and some are quite good! Perhaps you could ask around for a referral to a good one?

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MemberMember
1
(@ahkeem9)

Posted : 12/01/2013 6:43 pm

Ultraquin is for scars, right? What about salicylic acid or sulphur-based creams (e.g. Clearasil)?

Sorry to hear about the dermatologist... Would you consider getting a second opinion? Not all of them are terrible, and some are quite good! Perhaps you could ask around for a referral to a good one?

yeah Ultraquin is for scars, it has 4% hydroquinone in it that brightens the pigmentation.

I can get a recommendation from my doctor for one. I think its mostly stress management. I used to drink more and smoke more and that probably helped with my stress but now I very rarely do those 2 so now I need to find a way to manage my stress.

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MemberMember
1
(@ahkeem9)

Posted : 12/07/2013 12:00 am

Hey! I finally realized what the issue was. Caffeine! I recently started drinking it when I was partying and going to work and working long shits. It increased my stress, anxiety, and hormone levels. As of today I am officially giving it up and hoping to see the results.

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4
(@markd343)

Posted : 12/24/2013 10:00 pm

You can go 2 routes cold turkey or slowly taper off the drugs and drinks. If you fail one try the other. Your skin isn't bad at all. Try AHA with cetaphil moisturizer and a couple drops of jojoba oil.

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