Face Cleaner

I was wondering if anyone could give me any suggestions on what to use for my face.

I have been breaking out like it's going out of style in all of my problem places. Since having my hysterectomy in March my face is quite oily - I haven't experienced any other hormonal issues other than my oily face and breakouts on my chin.

I am just looking for what works for others so I can try it out and pray these gross breakouts go AWAY!

[Meenah]

Have you tried cetaphil cleanser and moisturizer?

[GreyhoundsRUs]

The best thing I ever did was go to the dermatologist...

He jump-started my clear skin with an antibiotic, Retin-A, and perioxide wash. Life in pimple-ville is pretty much under control

[MDPhDWife]

I too have oily skin and am prone to breakouts. Geez, I thought by the time I got to the age where I needed anti aging stuff that I would've "grown out" of having to use to acne stuff.

I've been using Mary Kay's Timewise Cleansing Bar. The key for me is being disciplined enough to wash my makeup off at night. The other thing I've noticed is once I switched to a mineral foundation, I broke out less. I also do at home microdermabrasion and use a clarifying mask once a month. Both of those products are Mary Kay too. I'm still experimenting with different kinds of mineral foundation, so I haven't found one I'm loyal to yet. As for moisturizers I use Olay with spf 15, but make sure you get the one that's designed for combination/oily skin.

Good luck, let us know if you find something that works well for you!

[bokelley]

I use proactive and really love it! They even have one that is not as strong as the original version.

[Meenah]

I love Retin-A. I rarely write a Rx for myself, but I did for Retin-A.

[Vishenka69]

Mud based facial masks work like a charm for me. I have to do them at least twice a week to see a difference. My favorite are by Borghese, they're pricey so I either get them on ebay or stock up at Bloomies during their semi-annual sales.

I have PCOS and have suffered from breakouts caused by hormonal shifts for a long time. Lately I've been sticking with Philosophy's Purity face wash. It's strong enough to get all the make up off and gentle enough to use right on your eyelids. It doesn't strip the skin completely so I don't feel dried out. I follow up with their Hope in a Jar moisturizer.

What exactly IS Retin-A? What does it do?

I feel like a teenager with my face right now. I just want that nice glowing loveliness... is that too much to ask?!

I bought some Cetaphil - I will start with that. Got some to put in my shower so I remember to do it in the morning, and then one by my sink to wash with at night. I just have to get a good face routine going I think.

[DCJenn]

I also am a Mary Kay girl - I use their entire Timewise product line. I have sensitive redhaired person skin and it's the only wrinkle fighting (which you probably don't need) stuff that doesn't make me break out.

Retin-A is a Vitamin A derivative that essentially functions like a peel, exposing new skin more quickly as I understand it. It's firewater on my skin, that's all I know.

I am trying out the new Olay Pro-X line on my chest though because no one under 80 should have an upper chest that looks like mine. I'm giving it the 8 weeks that they claim it takes and it it's not looking any better I'm going to the dermatologist.

Jenn

[MarissaNicole]

I think I have "hormonal related" acne as well but I've had mine since I've been on BC.... its so annoying and although using Clearasil ultra has helped it I still get several huge craters (for which nothing seems to work) every month!

[Deebs]

I think my parents single-handedly paid for my dermatologist's BMW growing up, and I am so lucky they did. I would go and see what he/she says. As an adult, I have no scarring from acne and I had a ton of it growing up with very oily skin. Cetaphil is a great (and mild cleanser). I also really like Purpose. Many people use acne fighting cleansers, like Clearsil, etc that can make things much worse. While you have oily skin, it does still need moisture and it's possible to dry it out and get rebound oil. Also, if you wear makeup, take it off when you get home and aren't feeling the need for it. If you have more acne on your chin, think about things you may be doing to put more bacteria there (are you on the phone a lot? you may want to do more hands-free). Good luck!

I was having weird breakouts a few years ago and my dermatologist recommended the MD Forte line of glycolic acid cleansers. They're now available on drugstore.com. It has been a magic potion for me. I never have acne (unless I stop using it) AND it erases wrinkles. The acid can be very powerful at first-- you're supposed to start with Level I and work your way up in strength.

Good luck!

[ladymoreta]

I love Mary Kay Timewise, too. I've been using it for years and get a lot of compliments on my complexion. I use the cleanser every night, and the moisturizer with sunscreen every night and every morning before I put on my makeup. Never sleep in your makeup, and don't skip moisturizer, even if your face is oily. I also used the Mary Kay Oil Mattifier a couple times a day when I was really oily at the beginning of this pregnancy, and I think it helped prevent a lot of breakouts.

I agree that you should talk to a dermatologist, since it sounds hormone-related. It will probably resolve faster with some more powerful stuff, then you can go to a good face cleanser for maintenance.

[radwife]

DH uses Cetaphil and has been happy with it. We buy it in bulk at Costco. I use Murad's AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser and really like it. It has little microbeads that scrub and exfoliate and also include some of the Salicylic acids that a lot of the acne creams use.

http://www.murad.com/cleansers/aha-b...g-cleanser.jsp