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Original poster

Advice for those with acne with pics

65 replies

Daisyandbabies · 28/02/2016 10:45

Hello,
So I wrote on here recently about trying to improve my skin for my wedding in July. I've always had bad skin and am now 29 with some pitted acne scars, uneven skin texture and really large pores. When I'm mid cycle, I tend to get a few spots on my chin but everything was somewhat under control with Proactiv that I order from America.

Decided to try and improve my crappy skin with Effaclar duo acne system. This has amazing reviews and I was so excited to try it and get away from the Proactiv and the benzoyl peroxide in it.
Here's what happened:
Day 1:

Advice for those with acne with pics
OP posts:
Thread gallery
5
ILostItInTheEarlyNineties · 28/02/2016 16:52

Stick with what you know Daisy and have a great wedding.
I think most treatments have to be used for about a month before you notice an improvement so it's cutting it a bit fine with your big day.

CremeDeSudo · 28/02/2016 19:33

I've just bought a 2.5%bp cream on Amazon. I've had it from the Drs before and it's worked..keep meaning to go back to Dr but it's a pain getting there around work and child care commitments!

What's your routine? Do you just keep it simple then use the cream?

Thanks for your post. Hope it's all cleared up for your wedding day!

PinkPjamas · 28/02/2016 19:39

Acnecide from boots worked for me

Original poster
Daisyandbabies · 28/02/2016 20:26

Thanks everyone and happy to hear you've found things that work :)
Fingers crossed this Proactiv clears the test up, using cleanser, toner and treatment twice a day and spot treating with their sulfur mask X

OP posts:
Sallystyle · 28/02/2016 21:31

I'm allergic to bp.

I used retin A with great results for a while. Now I'm back to square one.

I have an appointment on Tuesday and I'm going to ask for a referral to see a derm. I'm sick of trying products and only getting short term results. After changing my routine my skin looked great and I was so happy, then bam it changed again.

I need a professional opinion and some help with scar removal if I'm lucky.

I also have the quite rare combination of dry skin and acne.

Original poster
Daisyandbabies · 29/02/2016 07:03

That's such a shame you are allergic go bp. You will have to perhaps go down the oral route while using something gentle like cetaphil cleanser? X

OP posts:
CakeThat · 29/02/2016 14:50

Omg those photos are bad! Sorry the Effaclar didn't work for you it has done absolute wonders for my skin and I always recommend it to people - maybe I shouldn't anymore! My skin was originally like your worst photo and now I get very few spots at all.
However the bp needs to be used very cautiously, especially if you are prone to rosacea. It was very good at clearing my skin of the large pimples but after a few months my skin became redder and redder and ended up ver sore like sunburn so I was forced to stop using it.

Original poster
Daisyandbabies · 29/02/2016 18:38

It does have good reviews, I was so annoyed that it didn't work for me!
I've used bp for 13 years on and off...the scarring I got when I stupidly stopped it in my quest for perfect looking skin. I just have to accept that I won't ever have really smooth skin because of the acne scars. Thankfully, bp doesn't irritate my skin at all. The WORST thing for me is salicylic acid. Used neutrogina face was with a high percentage of that and woke to a face covered in a sand paper type rash X

OP posts:
CadburysTastesVileNow · 29/02/2016 18:42

I really rate hibiscrub. Did wonders for me.

The acne.org 2.5% BP did a lot, but hibiscrub was what finally stopped cystic spots in their tracks.

itshappenedagain · 29/02/2016 19:05

Have you tried dermologica? I started when I suddenly got acne as an adult and was gutted. I have one of their facials every 6 weeks and use their products daily. It keeps my skin clear even though I wear a face full if makeup everyday!

Original poster
Daisyandbabies · 29/02/2016 21:05

I've never heard of hibiscrub!
Tried dermatologica a few years ago when my acne was under control and I was focused on my scars. Used it in conjunction with crystal clear facials which cost me a fortune and didn't do anything for my scars (which is obvious is retrospect). My spots came back after a while so I had to go back on the Proactiv X

OP posts:
derektheladyhamster · 01/03/2016 07:07

I use hibiscrub too. It helps in conjunction with my prescribed duac. I don't think I'll ever get rid of my spots completely though. Something at the age of 43 I'm having to come to terms with

Original poster
Daisyandbabies · 01/03/2016 07:40

Just looking at the hibiscrub, looks amazing! I didn't realise it was a clearer, I was thinking it was some kind of scrub, haha! It says for hands though, I guess it doesn't matter?

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itsbetterthanabox · 01/03/2016 08:00

It did the same to me. It was expensive so I messaged la Roche posay to complain on Facebook.
They sent me a cheque to reimburse completely and an apology so I think they are a good company. I'd consider their other products still like sun care but the acne stuff was terrible for me! My skin was painful from spots.

CremeDeSudo · 01/03/2016 08:30

Can someone share a link for the hibiscrub you use pls? The stuff on Amazon says it's for small animals?! Can you get it in boots? I've seen lots of ppl on MN recommending it previously but never given it a go..

MarvinGorilla · 01/03/2016 09:08

BP 2.5% also works for me but I'm always concerned that it's got god knows what chemicals in it and it's being absorbed into my skin!

ILostItInTheEarlyNineties · 01/03/2016 10:01

I think it's vigorously tested but I agree. When I first started using bp, I ruined a lovely purple towel with it, my pillowcases and managed to bleach my eyebrows! Hmm

shamonts · 01/03/2016 10:06

hibiscrub and benzoyl peroxide are both incredibly harsh on your skin

dds dermatologist recommended a very simple cleanser.

dd tried everything for 5 years and then thank god was prescribed roaccutane and hasnt had a spot for 2 years.

CadburysTastesVileNow · 01/03/2016 11:51

Boots sell hibiscrub. About £7

FelixFelix · 01/03/2016 12:04

La Roche Posay didn't work for me either. I've tried everything I've seen recommended over the past 10 years of having acne and bi creams etc have ever helped me. I've been seeing a dermatologist since Christmas and I've been on Roaccutane which has been a revelation. I think with some people it needs tackling from the inside rather than using topical treatment. I wish I'd seen my GP and got referred years ago! Here's my results so far after around 2 months of treatment Smile the before photos aren't even my acne at its worst! I'd really recommend seeing your GP if you're struggling to find anything that works.

Advice for those with acne with pics
CremeDeSudo · 01/03/2016 13:21

Ok I've bought hibiscrub. How do I use it? Shall I use it like a toner using a pad?

Ferrerotoffeemint · 01/03/2016 13:25

Roaccutane works miracles on acne plus the spots don't return, nothing in the world works as well.

Original poster
Daisyandbabies · 01/03/2016 13:29

Your skin looks amazing, Felix, you must be so happy! Unfortunately, I can't take roaccutaine as I have a benign liver tumour and it's not good for it X

OP posts:
FelixFelix · 01/03/2016 13:52

Thank you, I never imagined it would ever look this good! That's a shame you can't take it Sad Have you seen your GP for any alternatives at all?

derektheladyhamster · 01/03/2016 14:36

I use hibiscrub as a second cleanser after I've removed my makeup with micellular water