Acne.org Products
I've tried about 15 products on my face and they all make my acne worse. I think I'm allergic to salicylic acid...or at least very intolerant. It makes my skin so dry it cracks (not peels, cracks). So I quit using anything with that. Benzoyl peroxide seems to make my acne worse. I usually don't have more than 1-2 pimples at a time. Sometime none. But if I use benzoyl peroxide, zits pop up all over my face. People tell me it's just bringing zits to the surface that would come up eventually, but I know my skin, you know? I NEVER get zits on my cheeks, but with BP I do. So I quit using that.
I used the 3 Proactiv steps once. I thought my face was on fire because it was burning so bad. I've tried something from my derm with salacylic acid and glycolic acid. I was supposed to wash my face with it every day but I could only use it as a spot treatment. And I still had peeling skin that would sometimes crack. So it's really not feasible.
Similar results with using Epiduo as a spot treatment: more acne and dry skin.
I tried Cetaphil and Cerave and while they didn't hurt my skin, the more often I used them, the more prominent my acne got. So I tried Dove soap. Same thing. Then I tried washing every couple days. My face cleared up until I washed it again.
I use the Proactiv mask as spot treatment if I have a really bad zit, but I only use that if a pimple really hurts. That too causes more problems but it may be from using my fingers to apply it?..
Is it possible that I just literally cannot wash my face? I don't usually wear makeup (I use Cetaphil face wipes to remove if I do). I'm 24 years old and I've been messing with this for about 8 years now. I have incredibly sensitive skin. Have to be very careful about soaps, detergent, contact solution, shampoo, deodorant...you name it so I don't itch or bust into a rash. So this isn't really an isolated issue. But I thought I'd ask for some advice.
It is a problem for people with sensitive skin types! Keep reading the ingredients lists on the cleansing products you try. SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate) is a common surfactant that people have issues with. The surfactant is usually about the second or third ingredient after water. My son is using epiology. They have a wash without SLS and a cream that has very few ingredients and has been a good experience for us.
I'm exactly the same and it's a nightmare . I have to be so careful what I use on my face. There's a massive list of things that I need to avoid because my skin is so dry and damaged and I haven't helped by bombarding it with harsh products when I was younger . This is where the sensitivity has come from . There's no barrier function on my skin anymore and it's so damaged.
SLS (Sodium Laureth/Lauryl Sulfateand perfumes are the main 2 things that need to be avoided in products . Propylene Glycol as well. It can cause serious skin burns in as low as a 2% concentration.
Have you ever tried any organic products ? It sounds like your issues are similar to mine and have come from putting too much chemical crap on my face .
Organic cleansers and moisturisers might be the way to go .
Neals Yard have a good range.
100PercentPure have a nice range too.
maybe try something aloe-based. kiss my face pure and potent exfoliating face wash is really gentle. its amazing.
https://www.amazon.com/Kiss-My-Face-Start-Exfoliating/dp/B000Z96JDI/
for sensitive skin and especially rosacea skin, an alternative to washing your face with the regular soap or foam is to use MICELLAR WATER. Try bioderma (the sensitive one). Wet your cotton pad, pour the micellar solution out and wipe your face and it will remove makeup and any dirt/oil. One of the best choices for skin that is intolerant to washing.