So, can anyone recommend good facial cleanser?

2

Replies

  • priestess_kitten
    priestess_kitten Posts: 1
    I'm 40 and I feel your pain. I've had good luck with Garnier Nutritioniste Nutri-Pure detoxifying cream cleanser. it's gentle, oil-free, and really minimizes my break-outs. and my pores are getting smaller.
  • racheljonel
    racheljonel Posts: 400 Member
    Clinique 3 step....I have combination skin with a super dry t-zone and I get (or got!) horrible breakouts on my chin. I get compliments on my skin all the time now since I started using Clinique!
  • mamasmaltz3
    mamasmaltz3 Posts: 1,111 Member
    So is it coincidence that the add on the top of this post is for organic acne cleanser? Hmmmm.
  • jpe71
    jpe71 Posts: 50 Member
    I've used a product that's basically ProActiv (different brand, but I forget what), that really worked pretty well. I also sometimes use the powder from Bare Escentuals - their stuff is all minerals. It seemed to work pretty well, and while the container is expensive, it lasted a lot longer than I expected. I used it daily for about two months, and got through a third of it. Thereafter, I've used on occasion because unless I'm having a problem, I generally prefer a very light washing with Dove. My skin's pretty good for my age and if my family is any indicator, I can look forward to youthful skin until my late 50s. I try not to tamper with a system that seems to work really well.
  • christinekry
    christinekry Posts: 86 Member
    I started with cystic forehead acne mixed with the bumpy chin acne when I turned 30 and tried every prescription medication out there. Nothing was working for more than a week or two, so I started trying all kinds of crazy home remedies. Here are the few that I've stuck with.

    Try a sulfur soap (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=sulfur+soap)

    and then apply tea tree oil before bed (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=tea+tree+oil&rh=i:aps,k:tea+tree+oil).

    The sulfur soap is good for drying out, but I think dove soap works just as well if you aren't too oily. Tea tree oil has saved my face and healed any scaring. (Tea tree oil, extracted from leaves of a tree native to Australia, is well known for it's anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. It is used to for a number of things, including bad breath, athlete's foot, cold sores, body odor and even acne. While tea tree oil is effective in killing the bacteria which causes acne, it is important that you learn how to use it first.)


    Also, splashing your face with cold salt (table salt is fine) water for about 5 mins 2x a day will do the trick - if your face is really oily, look here: http://www.livestrong.com/article/86768-oily-skin-problems/

    One I've wanted to try, but can't vouch for just yet - cut a lemon in half and smooth honey over it, then rub on your face:

    Honey

    Honey has been used for many years in skin care regimens because of the abundance of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals, and natural moisturizing properties, which are beneficial to facial skin. Honey also has natural anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties which encourage clear, hydrated skin.

    Lemon

    Lemon is found in many facial treatment recipes because of its ability to brighten skin and counteract acne breakouts. According to Dr. Randall Neustaedter, OMD, who practices in homeopathic and oriental medicine in Redwood City, CA, acne can be treated with lemon juice which can be applied directly to the face with a cotton ball, allowed to sit for ten minutes, and then rinsed away with warm water.


    And, like others have stated, it is both hormonal and genetic. Always use non-comedogenic make-ups and lotions.
  • frood
    frood Posts: 295 Member
    I've been using a Boscia clear complexion kit (ordered from Sephora) for the last few weeks. I was having issues with my forehead and hairline breaking out all of a sudden a few months ago. My forehead has cleared up so far.

    Another thing I've used, but wasn't working on me for the acne, is Origins. A lot of people seem to like it for complexion balancing, it just wasn't helping my acne. I'll probably go back to it once I'm sure my skin is clear and happy and just use the Boscia occasionally.

    Good luck!
  • ahviendha
    ahviendha Posts: 1,291 Member
    I use Kiehls products for my skin. www.kiehls.com

    What's your stress level currently? When I was promoted from part time to full time here at work, it took a couple weeks for me to give my 2 weeks notice to my night time job. During that 3 week/month period my skin went crazy. 4-5 cystic zits on my chin, around my nose and forehead.

    I tried really hard to be more relaxed, exercise more, drink water, lower my stress levels. Now my skin's back to normal.
  • wendyj910
    wendyj910 Posts: 58 Member
    I have been an Esthetician for 11 years and am begging you not to use Pro-Activ. It's like using battery acid on your face! It's a horrible product. Here is what I use. Since you are in your 30's (like me) and are still getting hormonal acne (which is anywhere from the chin to jawline...and usually whatever side is breaking out worse is what side your a ovulating on) I would try Murad's Time Release Acne Cleanser. It's desigined for woman in the 30's-40's to provide an acne treatment and an anti-age treatment in one. Here is a link to the entire Time Release kit....http://www.murad.com/anti-aging-acne.

    The main thing to remember is even though your skin is breaking out and may be more on the oily side....you've got to moisturize. When your skin is dehydrated from lack of moisturizer, your body will produce more oil to compensate for the lack of hydration. More oil=more breakouts! I would seriously suggest you getting a facial treatment from a professional and have them help you find a product line that works best for you and your budget :)

    Some other product lines I like are: Dermalogica and Pevonia
  • Kaydoggie
    Kaydoggie Posts: 98 Member
    I wash my face twice daily religiously
    Tea tree oil super dries out my skin. I have also tried:
    Clearasil
    Clean and clear
    neutrogena
    Dermadoctor
    honey and lemon face masks
    Facial steams
    Philosophy
    organics
    St.ives

    I havent been on birth control for over almost 2 years now.
    Thanks everyone for the awesome suggestions!!!
  • Hezzietiger1
    Hezzietiger1 Posts: 1,256 Member
    Mary Kay believe it or not has some great products. Just make sure you use both the cleanser and the moisturizer. When you don't moisturize your skin produces more oil to compensate.
  • kr1stadee
    kr1stadee Posts: 1,774 Member
    I use St. Ives Green Tea Scrub. Smells amazing, my skin FEELS amazing and it helps control breakouts!! And it's less than $3 a bottle.

    I used Proactiv for years. It worked well. But the moment I stopped using it, my acne came right back.
  • Jennloella
    Jennloella Posts: 2,286 Member
    clarisonic.
  • needernt
    needernt Posts: 675 Member
    how about steam sauna
  • laarae
    laarae Posts: 332 Member
    Ok this may sound a little "hippeeish" but a friend recommended trying baking soda as a natural face cleaner and it worked-just a couple teaspoons w/a little water-makes a nice "paste"-scrubs it well and gently-rinses easily-leaves skin nice and soft.
  • laarae
    laarae Posts: 332 Member
    I have been an Esthetician for 11 years and am begging you not to use Pro-Activ. It's like using battery acid on your face! It's a horrible product. Here is what I use. Since you are in your 30's (like me) and are still getting hormonal acne (which is anywhere from the chin to jawline...and usually whatever side is breaking out worse is what side your a ovulating on) I would try Murad's Time Release Acne Cleanser. It's desigined for woman in the 30's-40's to provide an acne treatment and an anti-age treatment in one. Here is a link to the entire Time Release kit....http://www.murad.com/anti-aging-acne.

    The main thing to remember is even though your skin is breaking out and may be more on the oily side....you've got to moisturize. When your skin is dehydrated from lack of moisturizer, your body will produce more oil to compensate for the lack of hydration. More oil=more breakouts! I would seriously suggest you getting a facial treatment from a professional and have them help you find a product line that works best for you and your budget :)

    Some other product lines I like are: Dermalogica and Pevonia
    great advice-I agree w/o moisturizer my face immediately breaks out.
  • tracymat
    tracymat Posts: 296 Member
    I have been an Esthetician for 11 years and am begging you not to use Pro-Activ. It's like using battery acid on your face! It's a horrible product. Here is what I use. Since you are in your 30's (like me) and are still getting hormonal acne (which is anywhere from the chin to jawline...and usually whatever side is breaking out worse is what side your a ovulating on) I would try Murad's Time Release Acne Cleanser. It's desigined for woman in the 30's-40's to provide an acne treatment and an anti-age treatment in one. Here is a link to the entire Time Release kit....http://www.murad.com/anti-aging-acne.

    The main thing to remember is even though your skin is breaking out and may be more on the oily side....you've got to moisturize. When your skin is dehydrated from lack of moisturizer, your body will produce more oil to compensate for the lack of hydration. More oil=more breakouts! I would seriously suggest you getting a facial treatment from a professional and have them help you find a product line that works best for you and your budget :)

    Some other product lines I like are: Dermalogica and Pevonia

    I'm also an esthetician... I use the line by Glo Therapeutics and swear by it. They also have a make up line called Glo Minerals. I have cystic acne myself and I don't put ANYTHING on my face that isn't made by Glo.

    I'd recommend going to see an esthetician... some regular facials.... check out one that does chemical peels. They are WONDERFUL for acne!! :)

    Acne is sorta a specialty for me.. but it's a total guessing game sometimes!
  • jlwbeans0823
    jlwbeans0823 Posts: 178 Member
    I use Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleasner.

    http://www.sephora.com/aha-bha-exfoliating-cleanser-P4010?om_mmc=Googlepla&_requestid=42976&cm_mmc=us_search-_-GG-_-pla-_-{keyword}&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=653972

    I have very oily skin though with some moderate acne. Actually, the acne has been pretty non existant since I started using this stuff. It also evens out my skin tone, reduces pore size and really helps with fine lines. I've also been using Clinque Dark Spot Corrector for acne marks. It's expensive, but it works.
  • Turtlehurdle
    Turtlehurdle Posts: 412
    Do yourself a favor and STOP buying facial cleansers at the mall and drug store.
    Go to a plastic surgeon or dermatologist and buy the good stuff.

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  • steadk
    steadk Posts: 334 Member
    cinnamon, nutmeg and honey. It will sting a little if you have sensitive skin, but I loved it! and its cheap!
  • SavageFeast
    SavageFeast Posts: 325 Member
    I like St. Ives Apricot Scrub with salicylic acid. I sometimes leave it on for awhile as a mask, and then scrub and rinse it off. It works wonders for me, and it's very affordable (stores often have their own brand of it, too).
  • jennaworksout
    jennaworksout Posts: 1,739 Member
    ST ives green tea works good, and I also heard baking soda as well
  • onedayillbeamilf
    onedayillbeamilf Posts: 966 Member
    The only 2 cleansers I have found that don't irritate my skin and keep me from "breakouts" are the Cetaphil cleansing bar and the Oil of Olay foaming face wash for sensitive skin. Both are about $5 each.
  • fit_librarian
    fit_librarian Posts: 242 Member
    Burt's Bees Radiance is my favorite.
  • sho3girl
    sho3girl Posts: 10,799 Member
    Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish - my skins never been better!
  • tracymat
    tracymat Posts: 296 Member
    I like St. Ives Apricot Scrub with salicylic acid. I sometimes leave it on for awhile as a mask, and then scrub and rinse it off. It works wonders for me, and it's very affordable (stores often have their own brand of it, too).


    This is probably one of the worst products on the market. It is made up of crushed apricot shells with jagged edges that actually make cuts in your skin....... That's the last thing that you want to do with acne is to open up your skin for bacteria to enter. You want to keep your skin exfoliated, but look for something that has round beads - like Jojoba beads.
  • snieters
    snieters Posts: 1
    I had the same trouble with hormonal breakouts. I cut back a lot on dairy and started putting soy milk in my coffee etc. it helped a LOT. I also use Jan Marini bioglycolic face wash and it works great! Best of luck!
  • xoxaidaxox
    xoxaidaxox Posts: 30
    I only use ivory to wash my face, then i have a prescription vitamin a cream i put on morning and night, i only use mineral makeup and always wash it off before bed. Dont touch your face with your hands, and sleep on a silk pillow case. Try this for about a week and you will see it get better and better.
  • VanessaHeartsMasr
    VanessaHeartsMasr Posts: 727
    I'm an Avon rep, so I'm kinda biased, but Avon Clearskin is pretty awesome.
  • saverys_gal
    saverys_gal Posts: 808 Member
    Cetaphil. Even with my out of control hormones it keeps my face clean, soft and fairly breakout free. I use St. Ives scrub once or twice a week and love Mario Badescu's drying lotion for when I do get breakouts.
  • shannonshock13
    shannonshock13 Posts: 355 Member
    I'm an esthetician and I have also struggled with acne most of my life. A good cleansing system is key for clear skin. I recommend getting the Clarisonic skin brush (or the Olay one if it works better for your budget), and a good cleanser.

    IMAGE is my favorite product line and they make a fantastic line for people struggling with acne called Clear Cell. Look em up online to find out what spa in your area carries them. Best of all, all of their products are PH balanced so you don't need a toner after your cleanser.

    If you're concerned with other things like aging or the tone and texture of your skin I would suggest going with their Vitamin C cleanser and then going to your doctor and asking for a prescription for DUAC gel or Benzaclin. That way you can target the acne problem areas while still addressing your other skin concerns.

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