Face Is a Disaster

Updated on April 21, 2011
R.S. asks from Glendora, CA
27 answers

I feel like my face is a disaster lately and it is bumming me out! I am breaking out horribly and not sure why (I used to break out a lot but stopped in the last 2 years or so), every pimple I get leaves a brown spot behind to add to the abundance of brown spots I have already. I tried a lightening cream awhile back but it made me break out worse. Literally everything makes me break out so I have to be careful with my skin. BUT at the same time I am 30 and new lines and little wrinkles seem to pop up daily! I cannot afford to spend a ton of money on skin care and my skin needs major help. Any tips, suggestions etc? The weird thing is I have actually been eating much healthier the last month or so and drinking more water so that can't be the solution. I don't even want to see a mirror right now :(

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L.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

It is hard to sort through all the suggestions for solutions... but I have to recommend Proactiv, if you haven't tried it... I posted this same answer earlier today... read it if you are interested. Seriously, I used to suffer from acne, used all the dermatologist prescribed garbage, tried every OTC thing I could find, and Proactiv was the ONLY thing that ever worked for me, and it didn't tear my skin up in the process. I think they are selling the kits now for $20, and you'll know by the time you finish that one kit if it's working for you... so you won't be out a fortune if it doesn't... but in my experience, I saw and felt a noticeable difference in my skin in a week or so, with no serious reddening or drying. None. In fact, it actually soothed my skin.

Try it. That's all I can tell ya! And no, I don't sell Proactiv or anything, I just love the stuff.

1 mom found this helpful
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N.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

I have had adult acne for years! I've tried everything from expensive creams and face washes and cheap ones too. I've found Proactiv works best. My skin is super sensitive, but this does not bother me at all.

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J.L.

answers from Chicago on

I would definitely see a dermatologist and get help there especially if you have permanent spots left...Don't try to guess....You'll end up spending more just experimenting...Something is going on..get an expert to help you out.

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D.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

sometimes when you change your diet ..you detox..which leads to...breaking out..unfortunately..
do u wash your pillow cases regularly? i know you've tried bleaching creams but my skin doc sells one that is amazing..his name is Dr Robert Seltzer he's in Pasadena on Green St..he sells a cream called "Enhanced Bleaching Cream" best cream i've ever used..just bought another bottle..has retinoic Acid 0.05%..HQ 4%..KA 3% and HC 0.5% if that means anything to ya..
do u wash your make up off every night? i buy cleansers from Wholefoods..Collective ..well being ..is the brand.. have you tried glycolic acid?
i would go see a skin doc..i think its about $40 for an office visit..if you say you're my friend to Dr. Seltzer he'll give u 10% off..we go way back..
hope this helps..i know how important it is to love your skin..

xo

D. D.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.C.

answers from New York on

Hi Robin. Women's ever changing hormones play a HUGE part in adult acne.

When I was younger I was on Accutane, but I was one of the 8% of people who had their acne return. I have tried the Candela laser. Nothing. I have used Proactiv. I have used Murad. I have tried numerous antibiotics. I could go on and on.

After many, many trips to the dermatologist and many, many cortisone injections on my face I finally realized that my problem was hormonal.

Birth control was my face's saving grace. Now, not all birth controls are good for controlling acne. Our bodies are all so different. Ortho-Tri Cyclen had a terrible affect on my skin, but is touted as a leading pill for helping control acne. I had to try three different pills before I found the one that was right for me. The others caused me to noticeably break out worse.

I'm so sorry you are going through this. I know how exhausting it is. What type of make-up are you using?? I found I needed to switch my make-up when things were getting worse. I now use Bare Escentuals and I try to clean my brushes once a week to keep bacteria from building up.

Like NIkki G. said, I feel your pain. Good luck.

Peace.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.H.

answers from Las Vegas on

I hear you! I am 34 years old and have very sensitive skin prone to break outs. And the past few years have really noticed more wrinkles etc. I have a very hard time finding skincare products that work for my skin. I have found one line that works buts it very expensive so after doing some research I found the web site (plus she has a book) http://www.beautypedia.com/ , go there and check it out BEFORE you buy anything new. Paula Begoun provides free reviews on skin care products and lines, she breaks them down into categories for Acne prone, Sensitive skin, oily etc. Check the reviews on your current skincare, maybe has some irritating ingredients. She provides lists of products that are great for my skin type that are not expensive at all. I have been able to find different drug store products that work great for me.

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P.W.

answers from San Francisco on

Retin-A will turn over your skin cells more quickly and help get rid of the brown spots. Use it sparingly and don't get a lot of sun while using it.

1 mom found this helpful
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C.B.

answers from Cleveland on

Extra virgin pure organic coconut oil. Look up Nutiva on Amazon and read the reviews.

1 mom found this helpful

Y.C.

answers from New York on

Just a thought, maybe your skin is staring to clean up from the inside now and is kicking all toxins and that is why you are having so many pimples now?
If you can afford it, go to a dermatologist, your problem could be also for so many reasons including hormonal changes, stress or even dry skin.
Surprising some times my daughter washes her skin so much she gets more pimples, then I ask her to leave her skin rest and just focus in moisturizing and many times this helps her a lot.
So maybe stop using pimple stuff and just get a mild, moisturising soap, and a moisturizing cream for a week?

1 mom found this helpful

N.G.

answers from Dallas on

Robin, go to the dermatologist. Acne and skin problems are very common around 30. Mary Kay, Avon, OTC, ProActiv products can cause more harm than good. The dermatologist will be able to work with your skin type to get you some relief.

I'm fighting the same battle right now, so I know how frustrating this is!! Sorry you're having to go through it. Sometimes I just want to CRY, I hate pimples so much. So, I feel your pain. One of things I'm trying now is birth control, and the dermatologist is trying different creams, but my skin is so sensitive. We'll see... hopefully I find something soon.

Good luck!

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B.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

I hear you. But your breakouts come from the inside, not the outside, creams are no good. www.SoYouWantToCleanse.com has worked for 1000s My husband included.

1 mom found this helpful
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L.K.

answers from Los Angeles on

I've been battling this since I moved to California. I even saw a dermatologist, who prescribed Zoderm, which made it worse. I couldn't take accutane because I'm nursing, and truthfully I hate popping pills anyway. I tried Proactiv, and it just made it worse, too. But I had an amazon gift card and tried the Philosophy On a Clear Day Kit ($35), and that, plus a daily cup each of green and red tea, seems to be helping. I think it's the retinoic stuff that's making all the spots fade and my pores smaller. My husband noticed a difference within a few days. I figure I spend about that much anyway trying out products that don't work, I will stick to what seems to work. I've also heard good things about the Body Shop tea tree acne regimen.

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A.S.

answers from San Diego on

First of all try to avoid some prescription drugs, please. Most prescription drugs are sun sensitive and living Temecula I am assuming you can't avoid the sun. I would go to ralphs, whole foods, or look it up online but aztec secret is an amazing mask that is 100% bentonite clay that you mix with raw apple cider vinegar. It is amazing in the skin and very inexpensive to buy. I have recommended this product to my clients for a few years now, I am an esthetician, and they love it. The raw apple cider vinegar is a detixifier and will help to eliminate the toxic build up of your breakouts. Change your pillow every few days if your face is really greasy, use the mask once a week and then after a month see how your face is looking. I always try the least expensive product then work my way up because I have been there spending hundreds of dollars on skin care items that I didn't like. Murad for acne is another great way to go their product has salacylic acid in it to help with acne as well. Sephora caries Murad and you should get the trial size to see if you like it. Also try a colon cleanse, I know sounds weird but that might help as well. Dr. Natura has the best colon cleanse on the market that I have tried that is easy on your stomach and your not running to the bathroom all the time either. This might help as well since another person mentioned that your body is detoxing and your face is taking the toll. In Chinese medicine where you break out on the face is an indicator of what's wrong with your body. Try the aztec secret abour $5-$7 at the store and murad for acne $35-$45, and maybe even the colon cleanse, $75-$80 if you choose whatever fits your budget right now, but see if that helps and then go a little more money when you can afford it. Right now, I think the mask is the best way to go. It is so amazing, I think you'll like it. I would give you a facial if I could to help you out, using the aztec secret, but I think you'll like the results.

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J.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

I had severe acne for over 30 years, trying everything under the sun, getting frequent facials and using expensive products. 9 1/2 years ago someone sent me samples of a natural-based skin care line, Sensaria Natural Bodycare, and the first time I used it, I fell in love. My skin immediately felt softer and after two months I did not need to wear face makeup if I didn't want to. Now, almost 10 years later and my skin looks better and younger than then.

I became a representative with the company and have had so many amazing results with my customers and there is a one-year guarantee. If you would like more information, please let me know. I offer a first-time discount as well and do in home spa experiences where you can play and try it out in the comfort of your home.

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E.M.

answers from Johnstown on

Contact your Mary Kay consultant. She can help you with products you can afford.

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M.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Make an appointmet for a consultation at a medical skin spa. Your consult should be free and they will be a good source to discuss with you what could be the problem and offer solutions. They can even prescribe if that is what you need. They can also address the scarring issues that you have and let you know what is available for that. I get vitalize peels and have really found they have helped. There are also many laser procedures that can help that.

I am not a fan of dermatologists for 'cosmetic' issues. Only if you go to a cosmetic derm will they really talk about how to address acne and the scarring it leaves behind. Regular derms make you feel like you are wasting their time.

J.J.

answers from Los Angeles on

exfoliate. Try an at home mini microdermabrasian. The brown spots after pimples is likely blood trapped under the skin. very warm wash clothes to soften the skin, exfoliate, and they should go away. I bought a reasonably priced (under $20) microdermabrasian scrub from Sally. It works great. Ive used baking soda too and it also works to gently scrub off surface dead cells.

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D.T.

answers from Los Angeles on

ARBONNE ADVANCED RE-9 is amazing!!

I am now 51 and have been using for 6 years!!

Love it!!

www.beautifulfreedom.myarbonne.com to view and order to have shipped direct to your home.

Email me if you prefer a sample first!!!

____@____.com

Good luck!

B.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

Try not to touch your face with your hands. Stress can do it as well.

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J.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

Face Reality Acne and Skin Care Clinic changed my life. (www.facerealityacneclinic.com) Just to let you know I am 36 and in no way get anything from the company for this endorsment. But quite honestly I was in my early 30's, starting to develop lines and wrinkles, and STILL suffering from acne. I tried it all, proactive, dermatologists, diets and nothing seemed to consistently help. Every morning I would wake up and the first thing I would do is wonder if some new "issue" had popped up on my face during the night.

Even though their offices are in Northern California they have an excellent "long distance" client program. The are professional and VERY reasonably priced. Going to Face Reality was the best thing I could have ever done for my skin. I especially like Laura (owner) and Julie but everyone there is fantastic. I wish you well to a clearer complexion and hope you find a program that works for you soon.

Best of Luck,
J. Golde
www.waterotters.com

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D.G.

answers from Las Vegas on

I would see a dermatologist just to make sure your 'pimples' and brown spots are nothing more than just that. Then try some of the remedies suggested by the other moms.

R.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

I know you will think this is gross but since I was a very young I would break out a lot, my mom had a Aloe Vera plant so what I did was cut a piece of the end, then slice it open, then I would rub the gooey part all around my face, let it stay for 10 min. (it will dry up so try no to speak), then I wash it, do it everyday or every other day and you will notice smooth skin, acne will disappear and wrinkles will not be so visible. It really works for me, so try it it is inexpensive and although a little gross you get great results. If this is not your thing just google natural facial masks, most of them will have ingredients that you probably have at home and will be very easy to prepare. good luck to you.

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S.W.

answers from Syracuse on

Try ProActiv. You've probably seen the commercials. It works.

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L.L.

answers from San Diego on

I heard something recently that makes a lot of sense. When it comes to your face you want to be sure that every product you use is from the same company. Skin care companies design their products to reinforce eachother (so that we can get the FULL benefit of what they are supposed to do). So if you are using a moisturizer from one company and a face wash from another you are not going to get the maxium benefit AND it can cause "wafare" on your face.
I hope this helps.

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J.W.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi, this is J.. I would like to recommend to you a non toxic natural and safe skin care. This product is proven and with healing effect. Therefore the brown marks that your pimples left behind will be deminished very soon. Would like to give me your email so that I can send you my website to you.
Keep in touch with me at ____@____.com

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A.P.

answers from Eugene on

I've always broken out some, but after I went of birth control and got pregnant things got really bad! I finally discovered that I have to use oil free moisturizer on my face. Ever since I did that it has completely cleared up (and it took me forever to figure this out). Look at everything you put on your face. Is anything new? Have your hormones changed at all (pregnancy, breastfeeding, birth control)? And slow try eliminating things to see if it makes a difference.

T.S.

answers from San Francisco on

If you have health insurance see a dermatologist for the best care. If that's not an option, look on some reputable medical websites (like mayoclinic.com) for advice what you can do on your own. Acne can be caused by many things including stress and hormones. Are you on the pill? I couldn't believe how much my skin cleared up after I want from a high dose estrogen pill to a low dose one, HUGE difference! Good luck :)

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