So fed up with spots...

[ToffeeWhirl]

I have started getting spots on my neck, behind my ears and on my jawline. This morning, I have a huge spot brewing on my chin . I don't know why I'm getting them or what to do about it. I tried the oil-cleansing method a few months ago and that was disastrous for my skin, so I've gone back to Liz Earle.

I'm 49. Wondered if it was a hormonal, premenopausal thing...?

Any ideas? I now have wrinkles as well as spots. It's not fair.

[Repunsal]

Pax is spot on (excuse the pun). I have recently had a food allergy test and found out I am intolerant to dairy and gluten, I have since cut these things out and hey presto my skin is glowing. Prior to this I had awful skin with regular spots. I am so happy to have finally found the answer.
It can be a minefield knowing what to do for the best when skin starts breaking out but in 99% of cases acne is caused by sub micro inflammation under the skin.
In most cases it is our diet that is the cause of the problem so if you eat really clean, cut out alcohol and sugar, and drink more water you will definitely see the benefits in your skin.
The work really needs to start from within, and after that you can perhaps treat yourself to some fabulous skincare (Perricone MD).

[VarsityQueen]

I agree DUAC works but it's a pain that it has to be kept refridgerated especially if you travel a lot. It loses its effectiveness if you don't keep it cold and you are also supposed to get a new tube every three months. Agree its better to find the source of the problem be it PCOS, sugar whatever and to keep scrupulously clean.

If trying to bring a spot to a head it's better to use a really rich moisturiser on it until it is ready rather than something which dries it out, that can make it stubborn. I find steam rooms quite good for problem skin and I also use good old fashioned Sudocrem

[Crosseyedcat]

I have had nightmare skin since I was about 13... however, finally in my early 40's I have found something which seems to work - Dr Hanuschka (may be spelt incorrectly...). I have tried absolutely everything - quinoderm/changing pillow cases/antibiotics./scrubs .. by the way agree with keeping hands off face

[Crosseyedcat]

By the way Liz Earle made my skin worse

[DistanceCall]

Washing every morning with Avene Cleanance and a face brush got rid of my spots in my thirties. (The entire Avene range is extremely good, works for sensitive skin, is hypoallergenic and not expensive).

[Isthisme]

I am currently giving Johnsons baby shampoo as a facewash a go (google it in makeupalley) as I have, like stepawayfromecclescakes a rough slightly spotty patch on my chin rest of skin absolutely fine.

Anyway I only started it 3 days ago and already it is clearing.

Might be worth investigating as it is v cheap too, bonus!

[princessalbert]

I have crap skin - am on antibiotics at the moment.

But - what I have been doing is only washing with Cetaphil (yeah, I know it still has the SLS in, but it is gentle and leaves my skin feeling okay). I have avoided moisturising. And avoided make up. Fingers crossed it's not looking too bad at the moment.

I have spent years using face washes/toners/moisturisers - and my face looks much better without.

[beemail]

Any thoughts on scar reduction

[ToffeeWhirl]

Vitamin E cream, beemail. I used Vitamin E oil on scarring from impetigo some years ago. You can also use the oil from inside the gel capsules.

Bio-oil is meant to be good too.

[ToffeeWhirl]

Am still reading and grateful for all the suggestions. Feeling a bit overwhelmed at all the different skin-care products recommended though. Perhaps there is no one-size-fits-all solution. I like Dr Hauschka and Aveda and am tempted by REN and LRP too, but don't have any spare money at the moment, so will have to wait.

Interesting that you also found Liz Earle made your skin worse, Crosseyed.

Two more spots on my forehead today and another one behind my ear .

[moggle]

I think all these have been said but might as well add my experience to the mixing pot.
Had 'normal' teenage acne from age 12 that never really went away. Went on pill at 16 which helped, then at 23 changed pill which helped more. At 29 wanted to start a family so came off birth control; spots came back but instead of being all over face, were mostly where you describe - behind ears, along jaw and hairline, and on chin.
Mainly have just sucked it up but I can really see the difference on photos from how I looked a few years ago. Added to which, no baby yet so not even something to make up for looking like crap!
Things that help - I use dermalogica medibac stuff; I also change my face flannell daily and flip and wash pillowcases frequently. Not touching my face also really helps but it's a vicious circle!
The thing that recently has really helped is that we are doing an IVF cycle and I was told by the nurses to drink 2-3l of water a day to help with side effects of the drugs. Have been doing this religiously since Christmas and by 3 weeks in could see a big difference. for about 2 weeks I was spot free completely, then I think my skin adjusted a little and I now have the odd one - but only one at a time not a faceful! Anyway after so many years of my mum telling me to drink more water and me brushing it off, I can't believe it has helped so much. It is a pain in the bum to drink so much though and I know it'll take willpower to carry on after the IVF is finished!! May not work for everyone, but at least it's free!

[ToffeeWhirl]

That's amazing about the water, moggle. How annoying that your mum was right all along!

I hope you get good news about a baby very soon.

[beemail]

Thanks Toffee. Was wondering about bio oil but unsure whether it would be too oily. Will cautiously give it a try though. Is there any laser treatment for scar reduction? Would that kind of thing be available on the NHS?

[ToffeeWhirl]

Yes, laser treatment and dermabrasion are both used as treatments for acne scarring, bee. You can only have the treatment on the NHS if the scarring is causing 'serious psychological distress'. More info about treatments here.

I'm so sorry for your DD. What a horrible thing to have to suffer when you're young.

[ToffeeWhirl]

Hmm, read some reviews and I think you might have to steer clear of Bio Oil on the face, actually.

[thepurplepenguin]

For me what seems to have worked is paring back my routine drastically. As I said up thread quinoderm has really worked for me. I now use it every other night. Am and pm I wash with dove soap and then moisturise with eucerin. V unglamorous, and I know soap isn't for everyone, but my skin looks and feels lovely at the mo. I'm also drinking less wine so it's more hydrated - perhaps it's not trying to compensate by producing grease anymore!!

[Walnut8]

what paxtecum said.

I have tried everything topical and oral. A lot of it is nasty stuff.

Cutting dairy is the only thing that stopped the spots. I still get the odd one, but I would bet a lot of money that if I cut sugar I would have completely clear skin.

[FrugalFashionista]

Penguin what you are doing also works for me. Many creams are just too rich, keeping it super simple works, Eucerin is great. If I get a breakout, salicylates in a form or another clear it quickly.

Re a rough spotty patch, that's how my perioral started (i had one on my chin and another in the moustache area), google some pics and make sure it's not that!

[RonaldMcDonald]

Dr Hauska almost killed my skin

Please try to reduce the things you do to your poor skin.

A basic foaming wash..I use the Olay washcloths in sensitive, v v gentle, rinse with Luke warm water pat dry

I then use a bha...like neutrogena 3 in 1 stress control hydrating moisturiser
On bad spots I use some benzoyl

Sometimes I leave it there.
Sometimes I add some serum...I like the fragrance free Olay regenerist.

The oil cleansing killed my skin
Liz Earle killed my skin...I needed a v simple, effective product regime.
When I did the above my skin became brilliant.
For whomever asked I have had microdermabrasion and a peel and it was excellent for scars

[rollonthesummer]

Can I ask which Eucerin you lot use? I've just googled and there are loads!

[thepurplepenguin]

m.boots.com/mt/www.boots.com/en/Eucerin-Dry-Skin-Relief-Face-Cream-5-Urea-50ml_6765/#un_jtt_addtohome_hidden

This is my one rollon

[BB01]

LRP Effaclar Duo, hot cloth cleanser and Origins Super Spot Remover seem best things I've tried

[BB01]

LRP Effaclar Duo, hot cloth cleanser and Origins Super Spot Remover seem best things I've tried

[Crusoe]

I've always had horrible spotty skin but I have seen a big improvement over the last 6 mths with no alcohol at all, drinking lots of water and using superdrug vitamin e hot cloth cleanser & moisturiser ( so much better than Liz Earle which just made my skin even worse)

[Crusoe]

Oh yes and try and reduce your stress too, my big breakouts now happen when I am really stressed...