[Indie'sOK]

I've had acne ever since I was 8 or 9 years old. It's usually worse right around my jawline and neck - not so attractive since my hair is very short so it can't cover all the pimples. Also, I have very oily skin. I've looked for face washes specifically for oily skin, but I can't find anything. Has anyone found any good treatments for acne/oily skin?

Thanks!

[lynn P.]

Hi Indie,
it's hard having acne and you're at the age where its usually most problematic. If over the counter treatments don't work, you may have to go to a dermatologist. I had it when I was your age and it continued through my 20's. Here's a few tips:

1. Never squeeze the pimples and try not to touch your face through out the day.

2. Buy a cleanser specifically for oily skin. I like Terseceptic - it's an anti bacterial cleanser. Wash only twice a day. You can also buy over the counter spot creams that have benzoyl peroxide or salysitic(may have spelled it wrong). Apply those twice a day.

3. If you're wearing makeup - make sure its non-comedogenic - this means it won't clog your pores.

4. Make sure your pillow case is clean. Instead of changing it every night, sometimes I just put an old clean tshirt on my pillow.

5. If you're applying make up, make sure your hands are clean.

If after doing all of this, your acne doesn't calm down, then get a recommendation for a dermatologist. Best of luck Indie

[Indie'sOK]

Thank you Lynn I've been seeing a dermatologist on and off since I was 12, even been put on Accutane which was a nightmare. The only thing that really helped, since my acne is caused by hormones, was birth control pills. I went off them though because I never remembered to take them every day.

[lynn P.]

I was put on Accutane too in my 20's. I didn't know they gave it to child as young as 12. I read about a new 'blue night treatment' - you would have to ask some dermatologists if they've heard of it or google it. Apparately it kills the acne causing bacteria - it would be worth a try since it sounds like the over the counter stuff might not work. You may want to try the low dose birth control pills again and just keep the package where you would remember it - like next to your alarm clock or something. I've never tried that Pro-Active products on TV and I wonder if it works as good as they say?

[Indie'sOK]

I haven't tried Proactive, but I've heard it only works for mild acne. Mine has always only responded to pills, rather than face washes. I'll ask my mom about birth control, but she knows that I'd forget to take it every day without fail, so that's more than likely out of the question. But I'll try the tips you gave me. It's not nearly as bad as it was 3 years ago, thank goodness

[lynn P.]

There's a natural vitamin and herbal supplement but I don't know if it available in the US. I took it for a while for PMS. It's called Estrosense by Lorna Vanderhagen - the ingredients are supposed to regulate the hormonal levels which helps things like PMS, mood swings but it's also supposed to help with hormone related skin problems. The only catch is, it's pricey - $34.00 Canadian. I know it's very hard having acne - it can affect a person's self esteem. Good luck Indie.

[Indie'sOK]

Wow, that is pricey. The thing with the pill that I was on, though, is that it wasn't much better - $40 for a month's supply. I think it was called Ortho tri cyclen lo. I agree with you there - I have memories of this one girl saying things about my skin in 5th grade. Thank you for the advice Lynn

[jerrymichele]

My sister got acne after having female surgery. Can't spell it lol. Anyways she went on Proactive and it really cleared her face. I'm 35 and my skin still breaks out. I hate it. Everytime I try a new soap out comes the breakout, or my cycle.