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I have had these for a couple of years now, and do not know what to do. They are all over my cheeks (see photos) and become very very red after washing. I use the Clinique Foam Acne wash, and I use the Benzamycin cream every night. I am not sure if these are "comedones" or some other type of acne. I have even had someone suggest these might be allergic reactions to somethinng, but can't be sure. Please advise!
I would advise you to see a dermatologist. It looks like it could be acne, but its always worth having an expert, up-close opinion.
Do you have oily skin or dry skin? And if you don't mind me asking, how old are you?
Clinque as a brand is, in my opinion, overpriced and not hugely effective. I would recommend Neutrogena. The active spot-fighting ingredient (salicylic acid) is exactly the same in both of them, but Neutrogena tends to be a bit kinder to the skin. If you're finding the skin gets red after washing it will normally be because its irritated in some way. How are you washing your skin? You should avoid using very hot water and rubbing of any kind.
My housemate had something quite similar and it turned out not to be acne-per-say - it was something else, but I can't remember what exactly.
Thanks for your tips and response. My skin is extremely oily, and it is worse in the summer due to humidity (however I work in an office during the daytime). I am currently 24, and these flared up about 2 years ago. In terms of washing, I use a Clarisonic (the most gentle head), and only once every 2 days or so, just to avoid too much irritation. I don't use any scrubs of any sort. Will take your advice and try out Neutrogena, I have just been using Clinique since it hasn't caused any issues, but I have also been using it for almost 5 years, so unsure if have built up some resistance.
I am starting to think this is Pityrosporum Folliculitis (is this what your housemate had, perhaps?), since I also have pretty bad dandruff. Sometimes if I pick at it (which I do try to avoid), some tiny hard white/transparenty bulbs come out of my pores, which makes me thing it could be PF. Does anyone have suggestions on what other symptoms to look for?
I have an appointment with another dermatologist next week, so hopefully will have some advise that doesn't just invovle going on birth control. I have seen some dermatologists who just advise me to go on Accutane, but I am hoping to avoid anything so serious.
In terms of lifestyle, I definitely have a pretty stressful job, and I probably eat more takeout than I should. However, this seems so serious and pervasive that diet cannot be the only cause.