I have really had it with my skin....HELP

i am 33 and have the worst skin. i have horribly clogged pores, acne and large pores. i have been to the dermatologist and have been prescribed every topical cream and antibiotic you could imagine. i have used EVERYTHING from the drugstore and sephora as far as acne products. i have also been using pro-active for the last few months and now that has stopped working. i take off all my makeup at night and wash with a mild cleanser in the shower in the morning. i use a mask and a scrub once a week, so i don't think i am overdoing it with the cleansing. have gone for facials but they are too expensive and i cannot afford it anymore.

besides from walking around with a bag over my head, anyone have any other ideas?

Re: I have really had it with my skin....HELP

how about a holistic approach? Maybe see a naturopath/nutritionist or acupuncture?

I don't have experience with your skin problems but have you tried another doctor? Sometimes different docs see different ways.

Also, are there things that trigger a worse skin day?

Like I said, I don't have experience with this I just thought I would throw that out there.

Re: I have really had it with my skin....HELP

I am almost 30 and I've been feeling that my skin has been changing ever since I had my DD. It's flaky, sensitive and I have large pores and I get huge pimples, much worse than I've ever had in my life. I'm going to a derm for the first time in a couple of months but I'm asking for a routine and product recs, not prescriptions of any kind. I'm asking about BHA and anti-aging products too.

In the meantime, I switched my cleanser to a deep cleanser with BHA at night only (which I leave on my skin for a couple minutes), followed by an exfoliant and then a gentle cleanser in the morning. This has improved the clarity in my skin and made it appear smoother.

I use a moisturizer in the morning, under my makeup but still looking for the right one. I'd like to start using a night one too but I want the derm's guidance before I buy one.

My next step is switching make-up brands. I switched to Laura Mercier last Fall, mostly because I was bored with what I was using. I alternated between the tinted moisturizer and regular foundation and I believe the regular foundation is the biggest culprit of my latest skin problems. I'm switching back to Bare Minerals this week.

Eventually, I'd like to not have to wear makeup. One can dream, can't they?

Re: I have really had it with my skin....HELP

I have similar problems - acne, uneven skin tone, large pores, etc. I've tried all the products, even ProActive. On the recommendation of someone on here, I bought the Neutrogena Rapid Clear line and for the first time in my life, I am pretty happy with my skin. I have actually walked out of the house without makeup, which I NEVER do. It hasn't cleared it up completely, but it definitely looks a thousand times better and new breakouts are minimal.

If you haven't done it yet, I would also recommend switching to a mineral powder foundation. I find it helps tremendously as well.

Re: I have really had it with my skin....HELP

hows this for weird- my sister told me that she overheard colleagues at work talking about how they use head and shoulders shampoo (not with conditioner) on their faces and backs to help handle their acne. she did an internet search and found hundreds of people who do this, too - with incredible results- something about the zinc in the shampoo is supposed to help... isnt that weird? but hell, she's trying it and ill see how it goes in a few weeks!

Re: I have really had it with my skin....HELP

Message edited 3/22/2009 6:02:00 PM.

Re: I have really had it with my skin....HELP

I have also tried just about every product under the sun for my skin...I have large congested pores and very oily skin. I try out all the expensive products but nothing really seems to work...and I keep going back to Clean and Clear Blackhead Cleanser...I think it really works well...

Also the other day I bought some stuff at Clinique that seems to be working...it's the Acne Cleanser and Toner...I don't remember the exact name...and I also bought some of their pore minimizer. It seems to instantly reduce the oiliness of my skin and does make the pores appear smaller.

I have also been trying to drink A LOT more water...because I think maybe that has something to do with it.

And, I constantly am swiping my face with those oil blotters.

Good Luck!

Re: I have really had it with my skin....HELP

Neutrogena definitely! I always had problems with my skin since going off BCP and have tried everythig from Drs and Dermatologists also. I just tsarted using the pads and gel from neutrogena and its getting so much better!!!!!

Re: I have really had it with my skin....HELP

my skin is a mess due to diet and stress!

i know that when i eat sugary foods it will show on my face. same with white flour products. which sucks but i'd rather have better skin ~

not sure what your diet is like but it's worth trying.

this was in the times the other day - sugar/acne connection