any advice about my HIDEOUS skin?!

[Flowerface]

My skin is truly hideous. Pretty much every single pore contains a blackhead, and this has been the case for about ten years (I am 30). I don't drink much, or smoke, wash my face twice daily and steam and use clay masks once or twice a week, but none of this makes the slightest difference. In fact, nothing I have ever tried has made any difference...

I am getting married next year and really REALLY would like to have non-repellent skin for the occasion. Does anyone have any advice for any treatments or products which work? I don't want to say that money is no object (it definitely is!) but I would be prepared to pay for something that actually works...

Thanks!

Retin A cream on prescription from the GP (think it's called tretinoin) reduces blackheads. DS1 had it for acne - he also had loads of blackheads. It takes about 6 months to work, and can cause some redness and drying in the meantime, but you might find it worth it.

I've also noticed that some people recommend the oil cleansing method for getting rid of blackheads: www.theoilcleansingmethod.com/. not tried it myself.

Yes oil cleansing method. It has done wonders for my oily skin. My nose was covered in blackheads, I have none now.

Really oil cleansing method for oily skin??

I've always ignored the oil cleansing method threads as I've thought that's obviously not for my spotty blocked pored oil slick of face.

Should I try it? the thought of putting oil on my face fills me with dread though.

Yes! The worst thing for oily skin is to strip it clean with cleansers etc as then it over compensates and produces even more oil.

Honestly you will be amazed!

Flowerface maybe you should invest in one of these.

They're great, I can't believe that I've let my little secret out.

Oooh, having just read the oil method I think I'd give that a go first. (If others are recommending it).

Another vote here for the Oil Cleansing Method for oily skin. The thing that swung me was someone on the OCM thread using the phrase 'heritage blackheads' and saying that they had gone. My blackheads had been there since my teens and I assumed that they were immovable but within a couple of weeks of OCM I could see a massive difference and now I really don't any and my skin feels wonderful.

I have never used the castor oil, just sunflower, vegetable or olive so you could start today!

Yes, oil cleansing works well for oily and congested skin. Oil actually dissolves oil and congestion.

You could also go and have regular facials. Shop around for places that do deep cleansing and blackhead extraction.

ps. steer clear of things like Retin A or any similar high vitamin A concentration products if you're planning to TTC at any time in the next 6 months as it can cause birth defects!

What about a course of micro dermabrasion think it costs about £50 a time and you need about 6 this reallu helped my younger sisters very acne prone/ congested skin, I had 1 treatment my skin was not too bad but it did clear my blackheads well HTH

That brush thing looks beastly! Just rub your face with olive oil every day, steam and wipe with hot flannel. No cream, no scrubs, no masks. Marvellous skin voila.

Right, I will try the oil. I am going to start trying for another baby next year so don't really want any of those hardcore drugs, which I find a bit terrifying.

I have thought about microdermabrasion (my acne-afflicted friend is a fan) but I am prone to redness anyway so don't really want to exacerbate that.

Dermalogica facial for skin analysis then start using their products (you can buy them cheaper online once you know what you need).
It has changed my life (ok slight exaggeration).

Giving up dairy also cleared up my skin noticeably.

OK - I have just oil cleansed! It feels pretty good, but I was wondering - do you usually use moisturiser too?

.... One other method that's worked for me (after years of open, easily blocked pores)is Sebamed antibacterial cleansing foam.

It's gentle and PH balanced, you apply it and then leave for a few minutes before rinsing off - and when you do it really has got rid of the gunk in the pores.

I wouldn't be without it now. Worth a try - it's not hugely expensive, normally sold in chemists shops or online.

Good luck!

No do not use moisturiser! Your skin will find a new balance. No need to moisturise, your skin sorts itself out. Some people do better with different oils. Very oily skin seems to do well with a drop of castor oil mixed into the olive oil. Others like avocado oil.

And yes, oil and a hot flannel is all you need. Honestly, my skin was an utter disgrace. Spotty, oily, black heads, dry patches, big open pores. Now it is clear and smooth. No spots no blackheads. I wish I knew about oil cleansing years ago.

My skin by the way is a real mix. I'm half white English and half north African. So result I have white but oily Mediterranean skin.

I think we've all been seduced by these lotions and potions. Imagine what it would do to the skin care industry if everyone cleaned their face with oil from their kitchen cupboard.

Hye just read this thread and everyone is advising oil all I now is that make sure the oil is not mineral based as the skin cannot absoeb and olive oil is great but doesnt smell good almond oil or grapeseed oil are lovely.Good luck.

have just started the oil cleansing having also been hugely sceptical / scared and OMG it is bloody marvellous. I splashed out and bought avocado oil at the health food shop (don't ask how much) and am doing about 25% castor oil to 75% avocado oil. It's only been a week but my skin just feels lovely.

My skin's usually combination with tendency to oily. Am also starting to feel an enormous sense of empowerment as it dawns on me that I no longer having to wander the aisles of Boots trying to work out which overpriced moisturiser, cleanser, toner etc to buy...

Much more economical all these natural remedies over time you may not think so at first but you only need a small amount and you will save money eventually and they are fail safe.

I would go to the doctor without wearing any make up and see if you need antibiotics, changing your cleansing routine might just annoy your skin further.

Good luck, I know what it's like putting up with difficult skin.

what about a peel? Haven't had one but you can have peels for acne. They are quire expensive though./

Thanks for all the advice...

I may stick with the oil for a bit and see what happens. My skin does feel nice, I have to say. Some spots have appeared but I choose to think that this is the toxins coming out. Agree that I could save a fortune if this turns out to be the solution!

But I may ask for a Dermalogica facial for Christmas just in case...

I've got the same problem as you, OP. Thought I'd found a solution to my skin with Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish but it just seemed to make my blackheads worse after a while (but it DID make my skin feel nice and not flaky or red).

Those who use the OCM and say their blackheads are gone - are they ACTUALLY gone, or are the surface of the blackheads just skin colour so you can't SEE them, instead of black and visible. i.e. are your pores actually properly clean?

Oh and sorry for the slightly hijack, OP, but I have REALLY oily skin because I have polycystic ovary syndrome. I can clean my skin and you can see the oil starting to appear at the surface of each pore on my skin within about half an hour. By evening it is an oil slick and I will have blotted it with a tissue a few times throughout the day. I even have some on my neck - it's really grim......