Acne.org Products
Hello everyone, I would be so thankful if anyone answered to this. I need some light of hope haha. I'm a 15 year old boy, and I really don't know what to do with my face anymore. My problem is, I don't know what acne regimen to use. 5 months ago, I used a benzoyl peroxide acne treatment, but I developed an allergic reaction in like the third month. I cut treatment, and just used a very gentle cleanser, the Neutrogena ultra gentle cleanser creamy formula, and the neutrogena oil free moisturizer for sensitive skin. My skin wasn't red or anything, but I just started getting more acne. So I switched to the Neutrogena oil free acne wash, with salicylic acid. Kept the same moisturizer, and the neutrogena rapid clear treatment pads. It didn't really affect my acne, it just got pimples slowly like it normally would. And also, my skin is oily. I don't know if I have naturally oily skin or its a reaction of any product I use. The wash has fragrance, and I heard that's harsh for the face. My skin doesn't peel or sting or anything, my face feels fine. But it gets oily during the day. That's when I switched moisturizers, to the neutrogena oil free moisturizer for combination skin, and got the acne stress control triple action toner. Anything to help my oily skin and acne at the same time. My skin still gets oily, and my acne doesn't seem to get better. I even switched cleansers to the acne stress control power cream wash. Face is still oily. I don't know what to do, or what even skin type I have. What if I stopped using products? Will I know how my skin actually is, without using products? And if I stop using anything on my face, would some blotting paper help during the day for the excess oil? Or should I leave it completely untouched. Maybe just use water? I really don't have money or time for a dermatologist, and my skin is affecting my self esteem. Anyone, please help 🙁
Hi there. I don't know about stopping using products. It's not something I've tried myself and whenever I have missed the odd day or 2 without them, I've noticed my acne get worse so it's not something I'd personally consider.
I think treating acne is something that requires multiple approaches. You need to consider all the possible triggers and try to avoid or treat them. Here are some things I'd suggest:
1. Avoid picking at your acne and touching your face a lot
Both will spread the bacteria that's living on your skin and is contributing to your acne.
2. Change your towels and bed linen (especially pillowcases) regularly
Again, this will minimize the spread of bacteria. Also, if you have oily skin your pillowcases can also get quite oily and that can transfer onto your face.
3. Follow a skincare regimen
It is important to cleanse away oil and dirt to keep your pores clear. Use a gentle but effective cleanser morning and night. Washing your face any more often than that can strip your skin causing it to produce even more oil. Using products containing ingredients that you are sensitive to can have the same effect so choose your cleanser wisely.*
Follow cleansing with a good moisturizer.* If your skin is too dry, even if you have an oily skin type, dry skin leads to more oil being produced to compensate. Also dry/dead skin cells can combine with oil and dirt and contribute to clogging pores.
*This site is a great resource for finding good products. Check out the product reviews and ingredients to avoid when you go shopping for cleansers and moisturizers.
As well as cleansing and moisturizing, you also need an acne treatment. There are many options available here. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are commonly recommended but it sounds like you might be sensitive to those. There are loads of alternatives though, both prescription and over-the-counter so there's plenty to be hopeful about 
Again, this site is a great resource for info about the different treatments available.
4. Look out for anything in your diet that might be triggering your acne
If you notice you often break out after having eaten certain foods, chances are it could be contributing to your acne. You may want to look for alternatives or eat these foods in moderation. (For example, I noticed I ALWAYS broke out with HUGE cystic acne within hours of eating rice cakes. No more rice cakes for me 
)
5. Get plenty of sleep and relaxation
Apparently stress causes a hormone to be released that triggers acne so try to minimize stress where possible.
Hope that helps
15 minutes ago, hopingforamiracle said:Hi there. I don't know about stopping using products. It's not something I've tried myself and whenever I have missed the odd day or 2 without them, I've noticed my acne get worse so it's not something I'd personally consider.
I think treating acne is something that requires multiple approaches. You need to consider all the possible triggers and try to avoid or treat them. Here are some things I'd suggest:
1. Avoid picking at your acne and touching your face a lot
Both will spread the bacteria that's living on your skin and is contributing to your acne.2. Change your towels and bed linen (especially pillowcases) regularly
Again, this will minimize the spread of bacteria. Also, if you have oily skin your pillowcases can also get quite oily and that can transfer onto your face.3. Follow a skincare regimen
It is important to cleanse away oil and dirt to keep your pores clear. Use a gentle but effective cleanser morning and night. Washing your face any more often than that can strip your skin causing it to produce even more oil. Using products containing ingredients that you are sensitive to can have the same effect so choose your cleanser wisely.*Follow cleansing with a good moisturizer.* If your skin is too dry, even if you have an oily skin type, dry skin leads to more oil being produced to compensate. Also dry/dead skin cells can combine with oil and dirt and contribute to clogging pores.
*This site is a great resource for finding good products. Check out the product reviews and ingredients to avoid when you go shopping for cleansers and moisturizers.
As well as cleansing and moisturizing, you also need an acne treatment. There are many options available here. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are commonly recommended but it sounds like you might be sensitive to those. There are loads of alternatives though, both prescription and over-the-counter so there's plenty to be hopeful about
4. Look out for anything in your diet that might be triggering your acne
If you notice you often break out after having eaten certain foods, chances are it could be contributing to your acne. You may want to look for alternatives or eat these foods in moderation. (For example, I noticed I ALWAYS broke out with HUGE cystic acne within hours of eating rice cakes. No more rice cakes for me5. Get plenty of sleep and relaxation
Apparently stress causes a hormone to be released that triggers acne so try to minimize stress where possible.Hope that helps
thank you so much for replying! Yes you're right, I got the right products now
