Help with skin :(
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skin Care and Makeup Forum

Fri May 02, 2008 1:14 am

Hi,
My skin is oily/combo skin. I'm 17 and I have a couple of pimples,whiteheads, clogged pores and
blackheads all around my face. I also have had some milia under my eyes since I was about 15.
It's not really the pimples bothering me (I have like 3 small pimples) it's all those bumps on my face and stuff Sad

It really hurts my self confidence and self esteem when I am talking to people up close. Sad

I can't go to a dermatologist. I was wondering if there was a lotion, cream, gel, or something that I could use.
I'm turning 18 in about two weeks and really want a better face. Anxious

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

free skin care · Sat May 03, 2008 9:53 am

help101 wrote:

Hi,
My skin is oily/combo skin. I'm 17 and I have a couple of pimples,whiteheads, clogged pores and
blackheads all around my face. I also have had some milia under my eyes since I was about 15.
It's not really the pimples bothering me (I have like 3 small pimples) it's all those bumps on my face and stuff Sad

It really hurts my self confidence and self esteem when I am talking to people up close. Sad

I can't go to a dermatologist. I was wondering if there was a lotion, cream, gel, or something that I could use.
I'm turning 18 in about two weeks and really want a better face. Anxious

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Yes Help there is. Get on to a well formulation BHA (beta hydroxy acid) to clear up your skin. A very good one to try is from Paula's Choice.com, the 2% BHA liquid. See the write up and reviews at her website. Also over that product use her blemish fighting solution to keep bacteria off your skin. Products are very good for acne conditions. This is what cleared up my chin area.

free skin care · Sat May 03, 2008 10:03 am

Totally agree with acid treatment. AHA, BHA, glycolic acid are all fine. However, make sure your skin is not sensitive and you wear sunscreen with spf at least 30 every day.

free skin care · Sat May 03, 2008 12:52 pm

Look into the Clarisonic skin brushwww.clarisonic.com It's an expensive initial investment that's worth it. Many posters here consider it one of the best things they have added to their skin care.

If you can't afford the Clarisonic, there is what looks like a Clarisonic knockoff for less. HSN has it for $45 with customer reviews available:

Pretika Sonic-DermaBrasion Facial System
HSN Item: 278-319 $45
Cleanse, Exfoliate, Refine and Polish
http://beauty.hsn.com/pretika-sonic-dermabrasion-facial-system_p-3702251_xp.aspx?web_id=3702251&ocm=sekw
This handheld facial care system uses sonic technology to gently exfoliate and deep clean your skin for a radiant, younger-looking complexion in just 4 minutes! The water-resistant SonicDermabrasion™ Facial Brush has a 30-second timer ensuring even exfoliation with the Microdermabrasion scrub, while the Hydrating Firming Complex combats fine lines, wrinkles and discolorations. With two Micro-Fiber Bristle Brush applicators for a fast, easy way to get beautiful, smooth, rejuvenated skin. Rechargeable.

HSN video on it:
http://www.mefeedia.com/entry/pretika-sonic-dermabrasion-facial-system/7895237/

free skin care · Sun May 04, 2008 11:34 am

PSF have a whole range for oily/acne skin. Their products are reasonably priced too. Their are lots of reviews on their product line which i think you should check out.

I do not think its a good idea using products with harsh ingredients as they will make your skin sensitive in the future.

Sun May 04, 2008 1:51 pm

I hit my 30's and my skin can be troublesome. I just started using Eminence Pink Grapefruit-C Gel which is great as it is not oily and absorbs really quickly into my skin. My skin does not seem as congested and I love the smell. It is organic which appeals to me. I can't report the long term results as I haved only used for about 1 month so I will need to keep with it and see how I go.

Sun May 04, 2008 2:27 pm

I have tried the 2% BHA liquid from Paula's Choice but it left my face really dry, red, and flaky.

The Clarisonic brush looks great but it's too expensive for me.

What would be better? AHA, BHA, or glycolic?

free skin care · Sun May 04, 2008 2:40 pm

You need to invest in something to help clean your skin well without irritating it or messing with your skin's protective mantle right now. Can you afford the seeming knockoff of Clarisonic at $45?

Pretika Sonic-DermaBrasion Facial System
HSN Item: 278-319 $45
Cleanse, Exfoliate, Refine and Polish
http://beauty.hsn.com/pretika-sonic-dermabrasion-facial-system_p-3702251_xp.aspx?web_id=3702251&ocm=sekw
This handheld facial care system uses sonic technology to gently exfoliate and deep clean your skin for a radiant, younger-looking complexion in just 4 minutes! The water-resistant SonicDermabrasion™ Facial Brush has a 30-second timer ensuring even exfoliation with the Microdermabrasion scrub, while the Hydrating Firming Complex combats fine lines, wrinkles and discolorations. With two Micro-Fiber Bristle Brush applicators for a fast, easy way to get beautiful, smooth, rejuvenated skin. Rechargeable.

HSN video on it:
http://www.mefeedia.com/entry/pretika-sonic-dermabrasion-facial-system/7895237/

If you can't afford that, at least invest in a microfiber/microdermabrasion cloth or sponge. You can get the PSF one here at EDS or do a search here on EDS and you'll find info on many sources. I like the "microdermabrasion" sponges sold on Ebay by Stan or his wife YummySweetz:
http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZthankyoustan
http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZyummysweetz

I fear acids may only further irritate your skin. I especially wouldn't mess with acids right now with summer coming up. Also, I wouldn't use any drying masks with clay in them as it seems something is going on with your skin's moisture balance.

Right now, I would recommend that you try to re-establish a proper moisture balance with your skin. You might want to try an emu oil product. You can read a lot about emu and places to order it here on EDS. I find emu oil very moisturizing but also helps dry out blemishes trying to form on my skin.

free skin care · Sun May 04, 2008 5:40 pm

I'd say the most important thing is to find a really good cleanser because it makes all the difference and gives your skin a good starting point. I know when you have problem skin it's really tempting to use strong, stripping cleansers but they actually make the problem worse in the long run sometimes.
Also making sure that you're skin is properly hydrated is important.
I did initially have good results with the Jan Marini Bioclear but the results did seem to taper off for me after a while but it is a product that I'd go back to at some point and I know it has done wonders for some peoples skin.

So perhaps splurging out on a product like that and then keeping everything else really simple. Cleansers and toners etc don't need to be expensive. PSF are a good line to start with.

free skin care · Sun May 04, 2008 8:02 pm

That's why the microdermabrasion cloth/sponge is so good. You can use it with water alone and get your skin clean. You also can use with cleanser if you want but right now with your skin irritated, you probably want to be gentle. I would try the cloth/sponge first without cleanser. And, then if you feel you need a cleanser to use with the cloth/sponge, try to samples before spending $$ for full size.

If you're interested in cleansers, some makers offer or sell samples to try first. For instance, if you go directly to the PSF site, you can get order samples:
https://www.psfskincare.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?search=action&category=SMPL&keywords=all
Diana Yvonne also has a variety of cleansers (I like their rosehip cleanser but I have dry skin) and you can order samples from them:
http://www.dianayvonne.com/category/179availablesamples/
At Diana Yvonne, you can also get samples of emu oil and squalene to try as moisturizers.

Maybe a cleanser with some salicylic acid or AHA/BHA would be okay later - I don't know as your skin seems irritated right now.

free skin care · Sun May 04, 2008 8:33 pm

My son uses Stridex pads when he gets a spot (I think that it is just as effective as the more expensive BHA toners). DDF sulfur mask is also effective as a spot treatment. Please don't do too much at once though-you might make your skin red and raw.

Mon May 05, 2008 2:50 pm

Right now I am washing my face with the Philosophy cleanser and putting Skinceuticals daily sun defense in the a.m.
I can afford the microdermabrasion cloth/sponge. I'll try to order one soon. Would those do the same things the Pretika or Clarisonic do? Should I use a scrub?
I am also thinking about getting the Country Devine Ultra Emu Oil.
Thanks guys, you've all been really helpful.

free skin care · Mon May 05, 2008 4:48 pm

I'd stay away from a scrub for now.

Try the cloth/sponge without cleanser first. If you need to use cleanser, then use a gentle one with the cloth/sponge.

The cloth/sponge is not the same as the sonic skin brushes but does a good job of cleaning and exfoliation.

My main recommendation for now is to be gentle with your skin and see if it can heal. Use as few irritating products as possible. Clean and moisturize.

You sound like you have some similarities to another poster in a current thread:
http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=367301
While your skin may seem oily, it may be due to a moisture imbalance and harsh items strip your skin further and you get caught in an ugly cycle of putting more products on your face and further dehydrating your skin.

So: for now, I would say clean and moisturize. Don't do anything to compromise your skin's natural mantle right now.

Tue May 06, 2008 3:33 pm

Thanks, I'll take your advice and just cleanse with the cloth and moisturize with the emu oil.
I'll try to save some money for the Clarisonic or the Pretika.
Would the cloth work for the milia too?

free skin care · Tue May 06, 2008 3:43 pm

Yes, the increased exfoliation the cloth provides while cleansing should help with milia.

From http://www.visualdxhealth.com/adult/milia.htm

Quote:

Milia are formed when skin does not slough off normally but instead remains trapped in a pocket on the surface of the skin. An individual milium is formed (derived) from a hair follicle (pilosebaceous unit) or from a sweat gland (eccrine gland). In primary milia in infants, the oil gland (sebaceous gland) may not be fully developed. Secondary milia often develop after injury (trauma) or blistering of the skin, which disrupts and clogs the tubes (glandular ducts) leading to the skin surface. Secondary milia can also develop on the sun-damaged skin of middle-aged and older people.

From http://www.dermadoctor.com/pages/Newsletter56.asp

Quote:

Milia can be the bane of your existence, particularly when they continue to form despite your best efforts at keeping your skin “clean”. Unfortunately, cleanliness isn’t problem. The skin’s ability to naturally exfoliate is.

Milia are deep seeded white bumps that form when skin cells become trapped rather than exfoliate naturally. The trapped cells become walled off into tiny cysts that appear like white beads below the surface of the skin. Milia can occur on the skin or even on mucous membranes such as the inner surface of the cheek or the vermillion border of the lips.

free skin care · Tue May 06, 2008 5:03 pm

Hello, help101.

I guess you can get more confused than enlightened when there are so many different approaches to your challenge.

However, I agree on staying away from acids in your age.

As a cheap substitute for Clarisonic, I will suggest a manual brush (we all used manual toothbrushes before the electric ones hit the market).

The Body Shop facial brush sells for a few dollars and has got rave reviews here:

http://www.epinions.com/reviews/The_Body_Shop_Facial_Brush

Sat May 10, 2008 12:54 pm

I got the emu oil and the cloth in the mail yesterday. Do I use the cloth twice a day everyday? It said to only use once every 7-10 days. I'm using the Ultra Emu Oil from LB Processors. I'm not sure if it's from the emu oil, but I got a couple of new milia around my eyes. Sad

Sat May 10, 2008 1:23 pm

I agree with lunarmm, your skin sounds very delicate and irritated. If the directions for the cloth say once a week, then just go with once a week while you figure out how you will react to it and while your skin heals a bit.

In a perfect world, I'd say go consult a dermatologist, but you said that isn't an option right now. There are lots of derm sites on the internet though, blogs and such that are great for advice and have loads of resources available. Right now I'm loving thedermblog dot com - in addition to the great posts he also has lots of other resources and blog links in the sidebars.

Best of luck to you, I know skin troubles can be very stressful and annoying to say the least.

free skin care · Tue May 13, 2008 4:10 pm

Hi,

I've been away for 5+ days.

Help101, how is the cloth working for you?

I don't think your issues will go away overnight but the longer you go with a simple routine, I think things will clear up.

Most people use the "microdermabrasion" cloth once a day without any problems. Maybe you can build up to that usage.
Let your skin's reaction be your guide.

Tue May 13, 2008 8:21 pm

I've only used the cloth once cause it said to use it once a week. So I can't really tell the difference. I kinda like the emu oil.
I've gotten two new pimples on my nose though. I usually never get them there. Sad

I also got two new milia under my eye.
I'm not sure if it's from the emu oil or the cloth but I'll stick with it for a little bit longer.
How many times a week should I be using the cloth. Could the emu oil have given me the milia or the pimples?
Welcome back lunarmn and thanks for all the help!

free skin care · Tue May 13, 2008 10:35 pm

Since you said you only used the cloth once, what have you been doing to wash your skin?

I would start cleansing your face using the cloth with water only - twice a day (morning and night). Cut back to once a day if twice a day is too much for your skin.

Wed May 14, 2008 11:09 am

I have been using my cleanser, but stopped last night.

free skin care · Wed May 14, 2008 11:13 am

Septembergirl wrote:

Hello, help101.

I guess you can get more confused than enlightened when there are so many different approaches to your challenge.

However, I agree on staying away from acids in your age.

As a cheap substitute for Clarisonic, I will suggest a manual brush (we all used manual toothbrushes before the electric ones hit the market).

The Body Shop facial brush sells for a few dollars and has got rave reviews here:

http://www.epinions.com/reviews/The_Body_Shop_Facial_Brush

I haven't even used it yet (it's on its way! Smile

, so maybe a recommendation is a little premature, but it looks like the Pretika brush is a great knockoff of the clarisonic for less than 1/3 of the price of the clarisonic. Nemo has already tried it and he says that he couldn't tell the difference between the pretika and the clarisonic.

free skin care · Wed May 14, 2008 11:54 am

Stop using the cleanser right now as it may be contributing to your breakouts.

Try using the cloth with water only. The little scrubbies of the cloth will do a good job of cleaning without cleanser.

As I suggested previously, try using it twice a day (morning and night). Cut down to once a day if the exfoliation it provides is too much.

The good thing about the cloth is it's "manual" -- you determine with your pressure how vigorous you are. So go gentle at first - (1) so your skin can adapt to it; (2) because your skin is in a sensitive state right now.

Wed May 14, 2008 12:13 pm

I was kind of suspecting that the cleanser was causing breakouts.
I'll only use water and the cloth and the emu oil from now on.
Thanks! You've been really helpful! Smile

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