Can you sort my skin out? Pics attached

[LemonDropsAreSour]

So here goes.

I've always had greasy skin that's prone to break outs but lately it's a lot worse and never seems to clear up and if it does, the next week it's the same. It's sore, uncomfortable and unsightly.

I hardly wear make up anymore and I only use high end when I do and my brushes are always cleaned after.

I'm doing the slimming world diet and drink plenty of water as I'm trying to lose weight. I wash my face twice a day with a clean muslin and St Ives Even and Brighten scrub.

Any ideas?

[halfwitpicker]

I have no idea but I think you could get medication for it? Have you been to a dermatologist or doctor?

[LemonDropsAreSour]

I actually have a doctors appointment on Thursday for it as I'm sick to death of it. I'm mid twenties so I'm definitely past the teen acne stage?

[DollyPartonsBeard]

Caroline Hirons' blog is a good place to start to learn about skincare care.

FWIW I'd stop with the scrub right away - they cause microabrasions which can let more bacteria into the skin. I've always had problem skin and I totally understand the BURN IT WITH FIRE approach but my skin has been loads better since I started treating it with gentler products. At the moment I'm double cleansing with a micellar then an oil balm (M&S Pür) then treating with actives from the Ordinary and using rosehip oil to moisturise.

Good luck at your derm appt.

[KungFuEric]

Just wanted to second the opinion to stop the scrubs, your skin needs kindness.

[minipie]

I agree stop the scrub. Especially if you're doing it twice a day.

I also agree with seeing your doctor. Duac cream is a good place to start, it helps a lot of people (incl me) but it treats the symptom not the cause so may not get rid of it all. It looks like it may be hormonal to me, if so I would suggest Dianette or Spironolactone but these may only be available via a dermatologist I believe.

[Cassimin]

Is it acne?
My daughters skin looked like yours.
We took her to the drs and went through months of pills and potions.
Got referred to dermatologist who prescribed roaccutane.
It was fab. Skin cleared up in no time and 3 years later is still lovely and clear.
They warn on side effects but she only had dry lips.
Her brother had it too and worked great for him.

[Tantpoke]

Stop using the abrasive scrub immediately it is just scratching your skin and making it worse.

You need a course of roaccutane from your GP or get them to refer you to a dermatologist to prescribe roaccutane.

Makeup won't make your skin worse so long as you take it off properly.
It is best if you double cleanse
so first cleanse off your make up using cleanser and flannel off with tepid clean water
then cleanse again to clean your skin.

I dont know what your budget is but I would reccommend for you Murad anti blemish face wash and wash twice with it, gently. Once to remove the make up and again to clean your skin. Only use once if you are not wearing any make up.

As for products afterwards you could try either Paulas Choice 2% BHA liquid or La Roche Posay effeclar duo or both.

I hope this helps.

[Tantpoke]

Vichy dermablend is a really good foundation for your type of skin. If you are buying online and not sure which colour to go for try the new shade vanilla (Boots stock it) its the second shade from lightest.

[Tantpoke]

Oh and when you see your GP do not let him fob you off with trying out antibiotics, say you want roacutane and if he can not prescribe it then you want to be refered to a dermatologist who can asap. Tell them you are a grown up making your own decisions and that this is affecting your life and that you want to tackle it head on without pfaffing around wasting precious time.

[LemonDropsAreSour]

Sounds like it is acne then.

Is Roaccutane hard to get prescribed?

I'm using the scrub twice/three times a week but will bin it now!

I start a new job next week and all I can think about is what people will think about my skin!

[LemonDropsAreSour]

@Tantpoke this is what I'm worried about - my doctor loves fobbing me off. Is there a process you usually go down before being given this?

[Tantpoke]

these videos are really good by Lisa Eldridge re applying makeup for your skin type.

[Tantpoke]

Not really your GP should refer you if you ask to be refered to a dermatologist who is a specialist in skincare (your GP is not a skin specialist)

Your skin clearly needs specialist input.

roaccutane really does work miracles.

[Cassimin]

Think you have to try the other things before they give the roaccutane. We had duac, contraceptive pills, antibiotics before we were referred to dermatologist. Dr said they wouldn't give roaccutane before you had tried everything else.
Think it might be more expensive and my daughter needed to do a pregnancy test every week before they issued the prescription.
In the long run it would be cheaper if they would have just given it in the beginning.
Don't give up if they don't refer you immediately. Just keep going back.
I'm so glad we stuck with it.
My daughter was really upset at the condition of her skin and it really knocked her confidence.

[dontgobaconmyheart]

Just to chime in to say that having been there and taken the GP route they would likely be wanting you to try antibiotics (oral and topical)/the pill(specific kinds are used to treat acne). This is not always a bad thing as they could work for you? I was only able to obtain referral to dermatology having used these and not got results. GP may also prescribe duac or similar which is a benzoyl peroxide and antibiotic gel which works for some- this may be worth a try.
Have tried low dose Roaccutane but unfortunately had some unexpected unpleasant side effects and chose to come off of it for the greater good.
Equally I have friends who had no problems with it and it worked a treat! Everyone is different so I absolutely recommend you see the GP to discuss , making sure you firmly state the impact on your life and preference for dermatology referral and stick to your guns.
Otherwise I agree with Previous posters, reduce the abrasion and add in gentle non comodogenic skin routine, gentle chemical exfoliants if you want them.
Hope you can find a solution op!

[minipie]

Yes GP cannot prescribe roaccutane, only derm can, and they will want you to try other routes first. Also if you have any risk factors (eg any MH history, raised blood lipids, liver issues) they may well refuse it.

Actually roaccutane didn't clear up my acne (I'm quite a rarity in this though) but Spironolactone seems to be working (touch wood) so I wouldn't assume that Roaccutane is always best.

[positivepineapple]

I've found an amazing product called Liquid Gold. It contains glycolic acid so may not be suitable for all but if I can see/feel a spot developing. I double cleanse, usually miscellar water and Liz Earle hot cloth, then sweep a little of this over with a cotton pad before bed and this 99.9% of the time stops it dead in its tracks.
I have normal to dry skin with occasional sensitivity, I'm awful for touching my face so get singular spots quite often.
This may be worth a try.


Starring 5% nature-derived glycolic acid (it comes from sugar cane), this overnight treatment harnesses the cell-stimulating and exfoliating properties of alpha hydroxy acids, which melt the 'glue' that binds dulling dead cells to skin's surface, revealing the healthy 'new' skin cells beneath. What's more, by lowering skin's pH (from 5.5 to around 3), this stimulates cellular activity - accelerating repair and renewal processes, as skin works hard to re-establish equilibrium. It bolsters synthesis of elastin and collagen (the 'scaffolding' that keeps skin firm), while penetrating deep within pores to eradicate spot-causing bacteria - while the resurfacing action also helps to diminish visibility of acne scars, dark spots and brown patches, so your complexion quickly looks more even-toned and luminous. A must-have for anyone concerned with skin ageing, sun damage or problem skin conditions - just build up skin's tolerance gradually (to minimise redness). Apply with a dampened cotton pad, once a week for 2-3 weeks while skin acclimatises - then build up to 3 'neat' applications a week, for maximum anti-ageing and skin-brightening benefit.

[donners312]

IPL facial?

[OlennasWimple]

What pharmaceuticals have you tried in the past?

I found Dianette worked really well for me, but then it was withdrawn and Yasmin didn't work nearly as well and made me light headed

The wonder drug for me has been spironolactone, along with a topical antibiotic gel

[mintich]

Theraclear cleared mine up for a year. This is via a private skin clinic. Zineryt lotion from GP has always helped too.

[Fluffycloudland77]

My skins awful if I use grainy scrubs. I use the ordinary alpha hydroxy acid 30% peel 2 x a week instead.

Do look at Caroline hirons cleansing and acne cheat sheets. A good 90% of my skin problems cleared up using her advice.

Have you seen LED face masks on Amazon? There very good at clearing up acne & healing old scars. I take mine on holiday with me. It’s also a good excuse to lie down.

[SluttyButty]

I had this, was pp rosacea. All gp treatments failed so I was referred to dermatology and had a course of isotretinoin and use soolantra too. All gone so not only do I now look normal I am no longer in pain. They don’t prescribe the drug lightly though.

[justbeingmyself]

My skin used to be just like yours and it drove me mad. You have my sympathies.

I used Clinique anti blemish for a couple of months and it went away completely. That was about 8 years ago and it hasn't come back.

I've heard since from others that they don't rate it for various reasons, but it worked for me and I'd never hesitate to use it again.

Best of luck.

[prettymess]

Try acnecide. You can buy it over the counter. It does bleach pillow cases and towels.