What's a good skin care system?

Question

I have oily skin and tend to break out at least once a month. I've used proactiv in the past, but it stopped working for me after a few months. I also want to brighten up my skin. I;m in my mid twenties and break out more often now than i did as a teenager. I want something that can get rid of the acne, but not dry out my skin. any suggestions?

Answer 1

You might find this information very useful in understanding your condition.

Acne is an inflammatory skin disorder.  Acne is more common in males because androgens (male s*x hormones) like testosterone, stimulates the production of keratin and sebum, which leads to clogged pores.  During puberty, androgens increase in both sexes, making girls in this age group more susceptible as well.  Acne flares up, in older women are also prompted by the release of progesterone after ovulation.

The sebaceous glands, located in each hair follicle or tiny pit of skin, produce oil that lubricates the skin.  These are found in large number on the face, shoulders, back and chest.  If some of the oil becomes trapped, bacteria multiply in the follicle and the skin becomes inflamed.  Acne is not caused by dirty pores, but most likely by overactive oil glands; the excess oil makes the pores sticky, allowing bacteria to become trapped inside.

The exact cause of acne is not known, but factors that contribute to the condition include heredity, oily skin, use of cosmetics, over consumption of drunk foods, nutritional deficiencies, exposure to industrial pollutants, monthly menstrual cycles, and over washing or repeated rubbing of the skin.

The skin is the largest organ of the body.  One of its functions is to eliminate a portion of the body’s toxic waste products through sweating.  If the body contains more toxins than the kidneys and liver can effectively discharge, the skin takes over.  As toxins escape through the skin, they disrupt the skin’s healthy integrity.  This is the key factor behind many skin disorders, including acne.

The skin also breathes.  If the pores become clogged, the microbes that are involved in causing acne flourish because they are protected against the bacteriostatic action of sunshine.  Dirt, dust, oils and grime from pollution clog the pores, but this can be eliminated by washing the skin properly.  

Eat a lot of all kinds of fruits and vegetables.  Eat a diet that is high in fiber.  This is important for keeping the colon clean and ridding the body of toxins.  Raw cabbage is excellent to improve the elimination process of the colon.

Increase your intake of raw foods inclusive of almonds, beets, and cashews.  Eat more foods rich in zinc including shellfish, soy beans whole grains, sunflower seeds, and raw nuts daily.

Eat plenty of soured products such as yogurt to maintain healthy intestinal flora.

Reduce your intake of sweets.  As much as possible avoid stress.  Stress can promote hormonal changes and cause flare-ups.  Many dermatologists also recommend fifteen minutes of sunshine each day, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep for people with acne.

Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water each day.

Answer 2

Just keep washing your face every morning and every night.  I usually use dove face wash in the morning mixed with a little bit of clean and clear morning burst and at night i just rinse and rub an Oxy pad on.  hope this helped  

Answer 3

Iam a Registered Nurse and I specialize in skin care and teen acne.

In my experience of 12 years alot of commercial store bought products DO NOT WORK! They contain way too much benzoyl peroxide which over dries your skin and causes irritations. Often they contain too much of what you dont need, or too little of what you do need!

PLEASE READ THIS WITH YOUR MOM if you are under 18, I have a great solution for you!

Your question is very broad and you need to get professional advice. I will explain why it's a broad question!

Your age plays a role! How old are you? Do you always have breakouts?

However, acne can result from several factors such an increase in hormone levels. In males testosterone or androgens. In females, androgens respectively. The increase in androgen levels can stimulate the oil glands to become enlarged and thus more oil production is produced. An increased oil production can clog the pores with oil or sebum ( white thick substance) which cause the cell walls of the pores in the skin to breakdown. This process allows bacteria to form and thus breakouts develop.

Genetics may also be a cause. It is a myth that greasy food or chocolate causes breakouts.

However, using make-up sponges that are not changed or washed often can contaminate the pores with bacteria which may develop into acneic breakouts.

If you are a teenager ( which I assume that you are) your hormones play a definite role in your breakouts.

If you have severe breakouts than you might need medication. There are many factors.

The most important thing is that you need products that are AGE APPROPRIATE! Every age group has different products appropriate for them. If you are young than you need milder products as to not dry out your beautiful young skin.

The problem with commercial skin products is that they are manufactured for MASSES OF PEOPLE and are not specifically made for different peoples' needs.

Your skin type is different than mine and your age differs from mine so how is it logical that we both use the same skin product for breakouts. We need different strengths of cleansers and toners. Do you kind of understand what I am getting at?

Here is my STRONG SUGGESTION for you. I refer all my students and patients to this website:

www.aboutyourskincare.com

You need to consult with professionals and on this website YOU CAN ASK QUESTIONS FOR FREE AND A SKIN EXPERT/PHYSICIAN WILL ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS. It would be a shame if you dont take advantage of this free service.

Lastly, they have incredible products for breakouts and they make them specifically for every kind of skin type. That means that if your breakouts are more severe than mine, than while we both will buy the same product yours will have stronger ingredients than mine will.

They have a mild glycolic acid cleanser that's great for your type of skin and also a DRYING LOTION ( I have 3 bottles) that you put directly on your breakouts and the next day it's gone. It's truely magic in a bottle.

A basic guideline for properly taking care of your skin is this ( now if you're a young girl you will need fewer products than this):

Night time:

1. Exfoliate the skin

2. Mild Glycolic Acid Cleanser

3. Mild Glycolic Acid Toner ( cleans off the excess debris and balances the PH level of the skin).

4. Drying Lotion used only on breakouts

5. Moisturizer

Morning:

1. Mild Glycolic Acid Cleanser

2. Moisturizing cream

The above is a standard you may need to only use one or two products. Visit: www.aboutyourskincare.com

As I suggested and click on the ASK FOR FREE section send them an email and you will get free expert skin care advice.

Good Luck to you,

Michelle