Acne

I just started using the Clearasil Ultra 4 Hour Rapid Action Treatment Cream. I have trouble with acne and after a few days (not the 4 hours it claims) it was cleared up. Works really well for trouble spots, but I would recommend using it only as needed. Hope this helps!

You can also look at what you eat. I stopped eating fast food, went from whole milk to almond milk, and very little candy, since then my acne stopped all together. When I do slip up I am quick to break out.

I've always had bad skin, but for me ProActiv works REALLY well. It's like $30 for your first order (about a month's worth) then $40/month from there on out and they automatically send you 3 months worth of stuff at a time. So it's not cheap, but considering how much money I was spending on every random thing you can buy at CVS, it's worth it.

I have heard a lot of people say that it's too harsh for their skin though, but I have REALLY oily skin so it's perfect for me. If you tend to get dry skin, it'll probably be too harsh for you. Drink lots of water and eat really clean, non-processed foods, that helps quite a bit as well.

It could also be hormone related. I went into early menopuase when I was 30 and all heck broke out with my skin and I still deal with it and I'm 53. Not as bad but I still get break outs from time to time. I also learned the hard way that I can't use any products that have salicylic acid in them as it just makes it worse. I am using Clinique products (face wash, toner and moisturizer for acne prone/oily skin, #3) and have had the best luck the last 10 years. I will also use Neutrogena's Acne Spot Gel directly on a spot. Try to also use make-up specifically for oily skin.

On a good note, if you have oily skin you typically age better! LOL! Good luck to you!

It sounds like it may be related to your working out. Do you wash your face and/or shower immediately after exercise? If not, I'd definitely recommend it to clear your pores of dirt, sweat, and oil.

Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are the chemical mainstays of any good allopathic (as opposed to "natural") acne regimen. I would not suggest proactive; all it is is a series of different acne products made with salicylic acid. You can create your own system at a greatly reduced price with the same active ingredient. The two mainstays of the "natural" acne regimen are witch hazel and tea tree oil. The former makes a good toner pre-moisturizer, and the latter, although it has an off-putting scent, gives a nice anti-bacterial tingle.

Three other important things to keep in mind are

1) exfoliation at least 3 times a week, using either a scrub (preferably with "round" balls that will not scratch your skin: think "Clean & Clear Blackhead Clearing Scrub" over "St. Ive's Apricot Scrub") or with a cleansing brush like the Clarisonic or Clarisonic Mia.

2) Moisturization. Benzoyl peroxide in particular is extremely drying to the skin either with overuse or when used on sensitive skin. I would suggest using it sparingly at first and not being afraid of taking a day or two off if you notice "scaly" looking patches of dry skin. And find a good moisturizer to use immediately after applying any acne serum. I like St. Ive's Daily Moisturizing lotion. You may also want to find a thicker moisturizer to use either overnight (when your skin absorbs the most moisture) or during the winter.

3) Sunscreen. Benzoyl peroxide and some other acne-fighting ingredients make your skin more sensitive to burning. If you do use a sunscreen try a non-comodogenic one that won't clog your pores and make the problem worse, like the new "Clear Face" sunscreen (I think it's by Neutrogena).

What I use:

--Clean & Clear foaming acne wash.
--Clearasil Ultra 4 Hour Rapid Action Treatment Cream
--St. Ive's Daily Moisturizing Lotion.
--Toner made from a mixture of witch hazel and tea tree oil.
--Emu oil for overnight moisture, or when feeling 'scaly."

Sometimes acne is caused by hormonal issues. Mine were so I found it much easier to treat once I knew.

I know a lot of people have suggested clean and clear etc. which I've tried and did not work well on my skin. I use Lush products now (Angels on Bare Skin cleanser, Breath of Fresh Air toner, Imperialis moisturizer) and sometimes Ocean Salt to exfoliate or cleanse when I have really gross/sweaty days. I have found the biggest change has happened from using those products instead of really strong cleansers. I know they work for some but they were too harsh on my skin. The stuff from Lush helped me balance my skin so it's not dry and oily and breaking out all the time.

I agree with Vit. D. And Omega oil could help too. You could even be deficient in Magnesium or Zinc.

My husband had the same problem for about a year. Finally, his Dr (GP) prescribed him an antibiotic and, within a month, the acne is gone.

Use baking soda instead of scrab, wash with camomile tea+eat less sweets