Uhm, I used to use Pro Activ too and it did nothing for me as well. So, I feel your pain. I saw this commercial today for a product called Skin iD. It's personalized so it's different that Pro Activ. It looked interesting. Maybe you'll want to look into that. Good luck
MrsList09
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Re: Skin...
How long have you been using Proactiv? For me it took longer than average (like 5 months to work fully) and I have horrible skin too. I broke out something fierce recently though due to a lot of stress so it may be stress as well.
I also don't use the cleanser - it's not enough of an exfoliant for me so I use Neutrogena Deep Clean scrub. I also find that if you shake the lotion every time you use it, it makes it last longer. I was finding that in teh last few weeks of the bottle, my skin would get a little worse.
Drink only water, stop eating citrus fruits and tomatoes (very acidic so they can cause breakouts), and continue to use the proactive and see what happens.
Also switch to dye/fragrance free detergent and stop using fabric softener. Rewash all of your towels and bedding. Don't wear makeup until the wedding.
I found that doing all of these things SIGNIFICANTLY helped my skin (until I recently had the Great Breakout of 2008). My skin has been almost entirely clear (with the rare small breakout) for about 3 years. And this is after it being horrible since I was 7 years old (yes 7!!).
twoifbysea
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Re: Skin...
I have INCREDIBLY sensitive skin... I break out hormonally which is such a pain and most products dry my skin out completely and make it blotchy (Pro-Activ turned my face into sandpaper). Products that have very low salicylic acid really work well for me (like 0.5%). MyChelle is a good product line that is all natural, 100% certified organic... I use the White Cranberry Cleanser Concentrate which is like $10 in Wild By Nature. Despite the name, it doesn't smell terrific, but it works without overdrying. Another good line is I-like which used to be called Eminence. They're REALLY expensive but super concentrated -- each time you mix with a lot of water -- and they last for months.
I get salicylic acid peels and a facial every 2-3 months or so which work really well and help to unclog my pores.
twoifbysea
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Re: Skin...
One more thing... if you wear foundation, consider switching to mineral makeup.... Bare Minerals actually started making me break out after a while, so I use Jane Iredale foundation which is amaaaaaaaazinggggg
futureMrsJSL
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Re: Skin...
Different types of peels will help with acne and taking away hyperpigmentation due to scaring. Glycolic peels are great for clearing acne, removing superficial lines, and clearing scaring. The thing is that you will have to do about six depending on condition in order to see good results. I used to go to Fordham dermatology in the Bronx and they were excellent. If your wedding is a couple of months away then definitely look into it and book a dermatologist soon, but I'm sure you'll be picture ready on the wedding day! Good luck.
hogie2be
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Re: Skin...
I am so glad to see this post- (not glad to see how others are suffering of course) but I have been having a particularly henious time with my acne lately- an ongoing battle since I was an infant.
I've tried medication, Proactiv, clinique, dermatologists, I've been doing facials once a month or so for 2 years now.. it is better but not great.. the stress is a killer...
so anyway.. thanks for the advice~
FinallyMrsB18
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Re: Skin...
I have found that Avenno clear complexion pads work. I use one everyday but only once a day, after removing make up and such. If I use it more than once it day it dries me out too much. Then I use their clear complexion face cream. Seems to be working. In between the pads I use plain soap like dove or something gentle.
My issue is not my face right now. It is the backs of my arms. There are no bumps but I have this weird red rash. I have tried using the pads, and creams. Nothing helps. Going to the derm on monday to see if they can do anything in this short time.
lori7570
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Re: Skin...
This has always been a problem for me, but since we got engaged it's been even worse due to being stressed out.
I've used Proactive for a long time, it's not great but I do think it is better. I've never tried anything that completely cleared up my skin.
Look into Zeno. It is helpful for certain kinds of breakouts.
Espo22
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Re: Skin...
Posted by NikkiR515
The only thing that has worked for me is benzaclin but without insurance it can get very expensive!
Proactiv really didn't help and it dried out my skin a lot but when I called to cancel the salesperson convinced me to try their sensitive skin version... Surprisingly, it helped a lot! and it didn't dry my skin out like regular proactiv.
hmmm thats weird bc benzaclin dried out my face even more than proactiv did. It was real bad and i had to constantly put moisturizer on my face all day.
THis is going to sound crazy, but on Oprah they did a special and it was about japanese women having amazing skin, they all do 2 things and supposedly it is amazing. They drink collagen and no its not a chemical lol last time i posted about this everyone thought it was nuts and whether or not it was safe lol. I think everybody thinks of collagen injected into lips and stuff like that but collage is the skin of a cow and has the most protein than the rest of the cow, you can even get collagen in the certain restaurants to eat. Ill post the wikipedia definition of it so ppl dont think its crazy lol. They also give it to ppl for health benefits, but for your skin its supposed to be amazing.
ANother crazy thing is nightinggale droppings, and its something that japanese women have been using for centuries, and has been popular here for years. Many celebrities and high end places do this. And no its not droppings directly placed onto your face, and there is no bacteria in it.
also be careful what foundations you use, if you use liquid foundations or concealers with oil in them, then that can cause your skin to break out. Ive always changed my foundation and have had less problems. I use the lancome pressed powder again, it was all i used to use since im 14, then changed about 2 years ago and went back to it. Or try bare minerals make up and see how it is on your skin
Bride825
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Re: Skin...
how long have you been using proactive??? i've been using it for a year & 1/2 but i didnt see results until a few months into use...so i would suggest to keep using it ...also did ur doctor ever give u retinA??? that worked really we for me too.
Bride825
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Re: Skin...
o sorry i just went back and read that you dont have insurance :(....check out cinergy health at www.cinergyhealth.com they have discount health plans and inexpensive health coverage...hope this is helpful :)
PrincessBride09
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Re: Skin...
Posted by Bride825
o sorry i just went back and read that you dont have insurance :(....check out cinergy health at www.cinergyhealth.com they have discount health plans and inexpensive health coverage...hope this is helpful :)
Thanks. I might check it out. I am a teacher, but I have a leave replacement position and was not given insurance even though the leave keeps getting extended. I figured I would go on FH's insurance when we get married, but I really need it now!
Bride825
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Re: Skin...
thats so funny i'm in the same position!! i was working as a leave replacement too and now i have a part time reading position which also doesnt come with insurance...if you have any questions about cinergy just fm me
QUIA
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Re: Skin...
Awwww. I so understand your feeling.. being african american my skin may be different but I also have terrible adult ance! BUT my sister in law in Caucasian & we have had our nights of crying together because she was going through the same thing... She got married in May 2008. About 9 months before the wedding she started facials at a European Spa in Bayonne NJ. They went into the skin and took out ALL the black heads!! Black Heads that are not visible to the human eye... I went with her.. it was painful BUT worked wonders.. after 5-6 sessions her skin was wonderful.. along with that she received acne facials. I can get the actual information ( name of what they were doing ) the day of her wedding her face was FLAWLESS .. & this was someone who had terrible cycts like ance at times... she has not broken out the same since.. I am also starting the same thing soon. BTW after her skin cleared she started microdermabrasion at the spa
