Notifications
Clear all

[Routine Advice] Been Going For 2 Months, And See No Improvement

MemberMember
1
(@liltwizzler)

Posted : 08/30/2015 6:10 pm

So quick backstory, I never had any acne until I graduated highschool, and then it hit me the occasional pimple, and I would scratch at it unfortunately and it went away, and then more kept coming.
Then after 2 years, of just seeing if it would go away by itself, I wanted to look around and came here for recommendations and so forth.
Unfortunately going to a dermatologist is out of the question at the moment.
http://imgur.com/a/p7rhY when I started June 14th
Personally I don't see any improvement, and then I started breaking out on my chin area, these past 3 days.
Routine
AM: Cerave foaming cleanser, Wait 15ish minutes, Acne.org BP, then wait 15 min and apply Moisturizer depending on skin feel, Cerave in tub, or Cerave Lotion PM
PM - Cerave foaming, Acne.org BP, 10% glycolic acid acne.org, then again cerave moisturizer
Up until 4 days ago, my face has never felt dry or peeled so I have just been cleansing and Moisturizing for now.
I haven't had any bad reactions to any of the products, that I have noticed. Up until 1 week ago I felt like I was making progress, then I just broke out more than I already am.
My left cheek is actually really smooth and just has the scarring / discoloration. My right cheek isn't smooth and tends to have the breakouts + Scarring / discoloration.
I don't scratch or pick at my skin anymore. I do occasionally pop, and then apply Nexcare bandage.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated please.
TL;DR - Been going 2 months with routine, don't seem to progress. Need Help
Quote
MemberMember
3
(@grimreaper2015)

Posted : 08/30/2015 10:28 pm

It actually does seem to me like it is getting better. You should maybe try a scrub to help get rid of the red marks that were left behind by previous acne. I'm not sure if acne.org has there own brand but if they do I would stick to that since you havent had any bad skin issus with their products so far.

Quote
MemberMember
86
(@skindeeply)

Posted : 08/30/2015 11:41 pm

Can I ask what your diet is like?

Quote
MemberMember
14
(@davidctino)

Posted : 08/31/2015 10:14 am

Too many products. I used to use a lot but what worked even better than all those products is vitamin intake. Vitamin A to prevent and vitamin c to heal. Carrots and broccoli will do fine. Eat a lot of them everyday and you should see results. I only use 2 products for my face and it's my face wash and vitamin c serum. Also switch organic shampoo and toothpaste(SLS is high on acne aggravation scale. I use everyone's hair, and toms maines toothpaste.

Quote
MemberMember
1
(@liltwizzler)

Posted : 08/31/2015 11:01 am

It actually does seem to me like it is getting better. You should maybe try a scrub to help get rid of the red marks that were left behind by previous acne. I'm not sure if acne.org has there own brand but if they do I would stick to that since you havent had any bad skin issus with their products so far.

 

Recommendations with a scrub? My skins is pretty resilient with products.

 

Can I ask what your diet is like?

 

Uhm Morning - Usually cereal or Oatmeal

 

Afternoon - A sandwich with water

 

Dinner - Typically just a home cooked meal.

 

I try to avoid greasy foods / fast food as much as possible, I eat fruits and vegetables regularly.

 

Exercise, I play basketball once a week, Plus I am just generally active outside shooting around ( atleast 1 hr every day)

 

Too many products. I used to use a lot but what worked even better than all those products is vitamin intake. Vitamin A to prevent and vitamin c to heal. Carrots and broccoli will do fine. Eat a lot of them everyday and you should see results. I only use 2 products for my face and it's my face wash and vitamin c serum. Also switch organic shampoo and toothpaste(SLS is high on acne aggravation scale. I use everyone's hair, and toms maines toothpaste.

 

Any recommendations on a Vit C serum, and do supplements help, I know eating the vegetables is better though.

 

 

 

 

Also From highschool (2 years) Not a whole lot has changed from my habits, I wash weekly sheets and cases, Switch pillow sides every night, change pillow cases on every 3rd night.

 

I had no routine during highschool and was fine, so that is what boggles my mind.

Quote
MemberMember
14
(@davidctino)

Posted : 08/31/2015 11:29 am

 

It actually does seem to me like it is getting better. You should maybe try a scrub to help get rid of the red marks that were left behind by previous acne. I'm not sure if acne.org has there own brand but if they do I would stick to that since you havent had any bad skin issus with their products so far.

Recommendations with a scrub? My skins is pretty resilient with products.

Can I ask what your diet is like?

Uhm Morning - Usually cereal or Oatmeal

Afternoon - A sandwich with water

Dinner - Typically just a home cooked meal.

I try to avoid greasy foods / fast food as much as possible, I eat fruits and vegetables regularly.

Exercise, I play basketball once a week, Plus I am just generally active outside shooting around ( atleast 1 hr every day)

Too many products. I used to use a lot but what worked even better than all those products is vitamin intake. Vitamin A to prevent and vitamin c to heal. Carrots and broccoli will do fine. Eat a lot of them everyday and you should see results. I only use 2 products for my face and it's my face wash and vitamin c serum. Also switch organic shampoo and toothpaste(SLS is high on acne aggravation scale. I use everyone's hair, and toms maines toothpaste.

Any recommendations on a Vit C serum, and do supplements help, I know eating the vegetables is better though.

Also From highschool (2 years) Not a whole lot has changed from my habits, I wash weekly sheets and cases, Switch pillow sides every night, change pillow cases on every 3rd night.I had no routine during highschool and was fine, so that is what boggles my mind.

As you grow older your skin changes of course. Just like your digestive system. I used this product back when I was 17-19 and my skin was clear, but now that same product does not work and actually makes my skin super dry and worse

Quote
MemberMember
1
(@liltwizzler)

Posted : 08/31/2015 12:15 pm

Yup of course :D. Like I said would taking vitamin supplements still be beneficial?

 

Also from what I have read around, Vit C serum might be something beneficial to add, what are your guys thoughts on that?

 

Lastly I have been doing cleanse, BP (spot treat), glyocolic acid (exfoliate), then moisturize and people have been saying switch BP with the glycolic in the routine?

Quote
MemberMember
21
(@stephen-j)

Posted : 08/31/2015 7:08 pm

I think things are looking a bit better! Treating acne sometimes takes a long process and I think you should keep trying out the routine you're using. Check out the gallery and check out how people have progressed with their treatments.

 

Also, if you're skin is very dry, make sure to use a good moisturizer; having dry skin leads to your face creating more oils to moisturize and it will clog pores. (I made that mistake :( It didn't end very well lol)

 

I found and skimmed an article that mentions salicylic acid and glycolic acid. I've seen different videos where people claim that glycolic acid is much more irritating, but you know your skin better than anyone else!

 

Link: http://www.jetskeultee.com/the-secret-of-exfoliation-glycolic-acid-or-salicylic-acid/obj7780383

 

I would also look into using a toner. It gathers any leftover cleanser, and also balances out the pH of your skin, especially if you use anything that is very irritating. You can pick up toners at any store. I use Clear Pore from Neutrogena and I believe it costs around 2 or 3 dollars. (Also, check to see if you have Witch Hazel, that works well too!)

 

Also, don't try things like toothpaste and lemons on your skin, that irritates the oil layer of your skin. I read a very interesting article about this... but I can't seem to find the exact article.

 

Here is a similar article, but it doesn't go nearly in depth as the one I can't find... :(

 

Link: http://www.glamour.com/lipstick/blogs/girls-in-the-beauty-department/2011/02/putting-toothpaste-on-a-pimple

 

Hope your acne gets better and I wish you the best!

Quote
MemberMember
3
(@grimreaper2015)

Posted : 08/31/2015 9:43 pm

I've got to be honest, if you don't have that sensitive of skin, I don't necessarily believe that adding a scrub would hurt. I do agree with Davidctino, a lot of products CAN make acne worse, but I don't have sensitive skin and using multiple products works well for me. I use the scrub to get rid of any dark spots as well as a 10% BP facial cleanser, a 2% BP cleansing pad, Epsom salt to spot treat, an at home honey/cinnamon mask, a retinoid, and I have no problem with my skin at all as long as I use a moisturizer every night. My acne has improved a lot since I've started all my products and is only getting better.

 

As far as the supplements go, they absolutely do work! I take a cocktail of supplements every night and I feel better not only because my acne is clearing, but also because the vitamins help my overall health.

Here is what I take:

Zinc 50mg tablets (although a product called Zinc for Acne works better, I just don't have any right now), Turmeric (for inflammation), Omega-3 Fish oil, and a pill called Clear-Biotic+. Clear-Biotic is a probiotic supplement that has vitamins added in specifically for acne. It has Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Vitamin B-2 added in at a proper dose to help with acne. It is expensive though. You can also look into natural antibiotics such as garlic to help get rid of the acne. I plan on buying a garlic supplement sometime in the near future and will update you on how it works if you like.

 

Btw, I'm not sure what to tell you about a scrub. I recommended an acne.org scrub since that is the brand it seems you've been using. I use Murad scrub or Burt's Bees personally, but I know nothing about your preferences. I would do research before buying a scrub though since some of them can be way too harsh on the skin.

Quote
MemberMember
1
(@liltwizzler)

Posted : 08/31/2015 9:47 pm

I've got to be honest, if you don't have that sensitive of skin, I don't necessarily believe that adding a scrub would hurt. I do agree with Davidctino, a lot of products CAN make acne worse, but I don't have sensitive skin and using multiple products works well for me. I use the scrub to get rid of any dark spots as well as a 10% BP facial cleanser, a 2% BP cleansing pad, Epsom salt to spot treat, an at home honey/cinnamon mask, a retinoid, and I have no problem with my skin at all as long as I use a moisturizer every night. My acne has improved a lot since I've started all my products and is only getting better.

 

As far as the supplements go, they absolutely do work! I take a cocktail of supplements every night and I feel better not only because my acne is clearing, but also because the vitamins help my overall health.

Here is what I take:

Zinc 50mg tablets (although a product called Zinc for Acne works better, I just don't have any right now), Turmeric (for inflammation), Omega-3 Fish oil, and a pill called Clear-Biotic+. Clear-Biotic is a probiotic supplement that has vitamins added in specifically for acne. It has Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Vitamin B-2 added in at a proper dose to help with acne. It is expensive though. You can also look into natural antibiotics such as garlic to help get rid of the acne. I plan on buying a garlic supplement sometime in the near future and will update you on how it works if you like.

 

Yes please do. Did you buy all the supplements at a local drugstore or do you happen to have any links to specific ones you use?

 

As well as scrubs recommendations.

 

Also last part about routine, do I use BP before my glycolic acid, or other way around? I am getting different tells on that. Thank you again for all the information and help.

Quote
MemberMember
3
(@grimreaper2015)

Posted : 08/31/2015 10:05 pm

You can get Turmeric, Zinc, Fish Oil, a garlic supplement, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E at your local drugstore.

If you would like to take a look into Clear-Biotic+ or Zinc for Acne, you can find it on Amazon.com. I must warn you though, Clear-Biotic is VERY pricey for how many you get. My one bottle was almost $40 for a supply of 60 tablets. I take 2 a day and it still helps, but it is recommended to take 4 a day.

 

I edited my last response to answer your question about the scrub.

 

I wouldn't be much help about the whole benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid question. I do not know much about glycolic acid since I have never used it personally. If I have, I did so unknowingly. All in all, I am not educated on the subject and don't want to give you bad advice, but I do hope that someone else can answer your question better.

Quote
MemberMember
1
(@liltwizzler)

Posted : 08/31/2015 10:09 pm

You can get Turmeric, Zinc, Fish Oil, a garlic supplement, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E at your local drugstore.

If you would like to take a look into Clear-Biotic+ or Zinc for Acne, you can find it on Amazon.com. I must warn you though, Clear-Biotic is VERY pricey for how many you get. My one bottle was almost $40 for a supply of 60 tablets. I take 2 a day and it still helps, but it is recommended to take 4 a day.

 

I edited my last response to answer your question about the scrub.

 

I wouldn't be much help about the whole benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid question. I do not know much about glycolic acid since I have never used it personally. If I have, I did so unknowingly. All in all, I am not educated on the subject and don't want to give you bad advice, but I do hope that someone else can answer your question better.

 

Thank you, I saw the edit.

 

Regarding the BP and AHA, not a problem I have read through reddit skincare sub reddit, and some other sources that exfoliation (aha) should go on before spot treatment (BP) But the acne.org regime says the other way, so I am just trying to get some more info from users on it.

 

Then on the supplements I have amazon prime so I might just do a big order and get it all there Thank you again.

 

Edit: I've noticed on looking up supplements a lot of them have crossover of other vitamins included. For all the stuff you are taking how many pills is that generally?

 

And if you wouldn't mind me asking what your routine is?

Quote
MemberMember
3
(@grimreaper2015)

Posted : 08/31/2015 10:19 pm

It not a problem. If you have anymore questions, just let me know and I'll try to help. Good luck on your journey to clear skin. :)

Quote
MemberMember
1
(@1965er)

Posted : 08/31/2015 10:54 pm

After you have done the cleansing and moisturizing, you may wanna end with a masque. It distributes moisture and nourishes, tightens and firms the skin (locks the moisture). Check with your supplier whom you obtain the cleanser/moisturiser if they supply the masque from the same manufacturer/brand. Best not to mix brands.

Quote
MemberMember
3
(@grimreaper2015)

Posted : 08/31/2015 10:55 pm

I take 6 pills a day. 1 zinc, 2 clear-biotic, 1 turmeric, 2 Omega-3 fish oil. I try to stay away from more than 1 multivitamin type supplements at a time, and if I do take a multivitamin, I get one that has the same dose of each vitamin as I would get in a single supplement. You have to be careful buying multivitamins that don't provide enough of the vitamins/supplements that you are looking for, especially with things like zinc. You can overdose on some vitamins and supplements, so just be aware.

 

This is my routine.

Morning: I just wash my face with water and use Clearasil Rapid Action 2% BP to get rid of all the gunk from when I was sleeping, my retinoid, and the honey/cinnamon mixture twice a week on my days off.

 

Night: I wash my face with my scrub every other night, wash my face with my BP wash 10% every night, I put my retinoid on the areas that are broken out only and let it dry, my Clinique moisturizer, then I will spot treat with my epsom salt/water mixture as needed, and take my vitamins.

Quote