Acne.org Products
I posted here about two months ago in a desperate attempt to diagnose what the problem with my skin is. Shortly after that I dumbed it down to just having clusters of whiteheads on my cheeks and it must be due to over-drying/over-moisturizing and my skin being confused with the products I use. Ever since I've started using two different products, my skin has changed DRASTICALLY in the most positive way.
I started using Paula's Choice BHA Exfoliant 1% in samples in mid-February. I've been using it in accordance with Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash. Both together have evened out my skin tone, gotten rid of my (what I thought were genetic)dark eye circles, and smoothed my cheeks out (that were plagued with whiteheads, rough texture, and ruddy skin tone.)
It's been a miraculous couple of months and I've never been happier or more confident.
Unfortunately, about two weeks ago I went through some wisdom tooth issues and had to go see the dentist multiple times in a two week span. I spent about a week clutching my jaw with my hands in pain for hours on end, and then the dentist constantly touching my face with his latex gloves I'm sure didn't help. After this debacle, I came out two days after the whole ordeal with a few whiteheads on my jaw, a couple of large pustules on my jaw, and once again raided by whiteheads on my cheeks.
It's still not as bad as it used to be, my skin is still dewy and evened out, but I'm afraid it's picked up it's rough texture once again.
I haven't changed anything about my skincare routine or used an excessive amount or too little. I continue to use the face wash once a day, and apply PC BHA Exfoliant 1% twice. Once mid-morning, and once before midnight every night.
I'm not sure what's going on because it should be fully recovered by now as it's been a full week since I've visited the dentist, and I keep getting raised bumps on my cheeks. I've not broken out like this since I was 17, I have no idea what's going on. I've been using these products for a good two months now, they can't possibly be turning on me can they?
Every day there's a new red bump on my cheek or on my jaw. I'm not any more stressed than I usually am, I don't know. I've already debunked all the things that could possibly be contributing to this, and have no idea what to do.
I guess my question is, is it possible that after already going through the purging stage with my BHA exfoliant over 6 weeks ago, that I'm going through another one? Has anyone experienced that with the Paula's Choice products? I'm hoping that's what it is, and not me going through a second bout of young adult acne. Would you recommend that I keep using the same products for another couple weeks and see how it works out?
I'm a little scared because I'm getting sent to Milan and Shanghai for my first big modeling trip abroad and would like my skin to be in better shape than this to feel a little more like I can take this on. Models younger than me have smoother skin than I do, it's very embarrassing. Please, any help you can provide is appreciated! I would hate to turn down my beloved BHA exfoliant, the only thing that's ever worked for me-but if you think that could be the problem then any suggestions would be great!
Hello!
My name is Bryan and I work with Paula Begoun at Paula's Choice. I wanted to take a moment to address your concerns. First, it's a myth that skin has to "get worse before it gets better". Although some people experience a "purging" process, most likely these breakouts would've occurred eventually, so the timing ends up being coincidental. It is also a myth that BHA (salicylic acid) stops working then somehow begins working again (as if it was on vacation). Acne is a hormonal and inflammatory issue and those factors can and do fluctuate due to numerous circumstances, including anxiety about our appearance.
I think you should continue using the BHA exfoliant but also add a product that contains benzoyl peroxide (begin with a 2.5% strength). Right now you're not donig much to kill acne-causing bacteria, and regaining control of acne requires a multi-step approach. I'd also love to see you stop using the Origins cleanser. It contains numerous irritating ingredients that are only triggering more inflammation and possibly stimulating more oil production at the base of your pores. You can consider Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Oil-Reducing Cleanser or you can look to the cleansers we recommend on Beautypedia.com. Brands such as Neutrogena, Clean & Clear, and CeraVe have great, inexpensive options.
Lastly, it's possible that over-the-counter products aren't enough to deal with the type of breakouts you're having. You may need to see a dermatologist to discuss prescription options. This is especially important if your breakouts are painful or cystic, as these rarely respond well, if at all, to regular anti-acne products.
One more comment: unless you have a latext allergy, I doubt your experience at the dentist is responsible for the recent bout of breakouts; it's possible you're reacting to pain medication your dentist may have issued, but that would be a long shot.
Hi Bryan!
First of all, thank you very much for your long and detailed response. It's been very, very helpful to me and has made me consider a few things that I did not consider before. I didn't realize that BHA never stopped working which is a relief, and I guess it would be a lie to say that I haven't been a little on edge with all the changes occurring in my life at the moment. I /am/ moving in 3 months, about to do a lot of traveling, and really stressed with my job and agency playing tug of war with me. I guess the stress and anxiety would eventually reflect on my looks. Can't always look refreshed and clear, I guess!
I was taking Ibuprofen and Vicodin together for a good 5 to 6 days and that took a toll on not only my skin but also my body. I did not feel well for a good week and a half. Ever since I've stopped my skin has regenerated quite a bit, but what confuses me is that I've been taking antibiotics for a tooth infection by my wisdom tooth, and I should think that would eliminate the remaining whiteheads. It doesn't seem to be helping much at all though.
It makes sense to me that Origins perhaps isn't the best cleanser for me. Unfortunately the one thing I love about the cleanser so much is that it does seem to be evening out my skin tone, lightening ruddy freckles and getting rid of my dark circles (as that is it's job.) Would you have any other product recommendations (Paula's Choice cleansers, toners and other brand names,) that could possibly help with that? It's a really big concern of mine because I easily get freckled and tan so my skin goes through a lot of pigmentation changes. Thanks for any help on that matter!
I will purchase some benzoyl peroxide 2.5% and see if it helps calm the texture of my skin anymore!
In accordance with the products I've mentioned, I've been using Cetaphil UVA/UVB Defense SPF 50 Moisturizer. I know it's non-comedogenic and non-greasy so I was hoping this would be an affordable answer to my over-moisturizing/drying woes. Any comment on that? I am willing to buy anything you'd think would help me, affordability is no longer a problem like it was a couple months ago. Suggest away if you'd like!
I will definitely consider seeing a dermatologist if the change in my regimen doesn't work out.
I don't believe I have a latex allergy so you're probably right. The medications and the anxiety are probably the culprit.
Thank you very much for the help, and I wanted to say that the BHA Exfoliant from PC has been the best experience with a skin product ever. What you guys are doing at Paula's Choice is amazing, I've never had better service and better results anywhere else!
When did Paula's Choice begin working for you? I have been using the skin balancing cleanser and 2%BHA liquid for 5 weeks and am still getting breakouts. My skin hasn't seamed to change at all since starting Paula's Choice. This week I switched to the clearing pore refining cleanser in hopes that would make a difference. Is it time to switch products?