Thread: Any Remedies for Ridding Facial Pimples?

Hi! Recently, I seem to break out with pimples on my face. I am definitely no longer a teenager. I try to keep my face clean and I do not wear make-up daily.

Let me know if you have a proven remedy that I have not tried yet?

Thanks for sharing!

I had a thread on the 'Beauty' forum asking the same question. The ladies there suggested benzoyl peroxide gels you can dab directly on the pimple and lotions and washes that contained salicylic acid. Tea tree oil was also mentioned, which I personally use and like because it shortens the duration of the break out. Salicylic acid works very well because it's oil soluble: it gets into the clogged pores and cleans them out.

If you have sensitive skin you can use these things less often than what's suggested on the packages. Still pretty effective without some of the irritation.

Good luck, I hope you find something that works for you too. : )

Hi there! I'm in my 40's and have had a problem with acne/pimples since puberty. No matter what I have tried it either never worked or made the problem worse.

That is, until I discovered natural masks, the recipe I have been using for the passed month uses only 3 ingrediants: plain, natural yogurt, ripe banana and honey. *I don't claim to be an expert* but just wanting to share what I discovered on Google.

With that said, my skin looks and feels incredible. It's soft, smooth, skin tone is even, clearer complextion, AND pimple free!!!!! I had my period 2 weeks ago, which as you know the primary time for women to break out...I was Zit free! I also live in Illinois where the weather goes from cold/hot-hot/cold and my face feels great!

If you Google, recipes for Natural Face Masks a bunch will pop up depending on your skin type. The recipe I choose was for sensitive skin.
1) Yogurt (plain, natural) hydrates the skin, combined with live clutures also "eats" acne causing bacteria, also minimizes pores
2) Banana, rich in vitamins, potasium, anti oxident, anit aging also hydrates and minimizes pores ( if I recall correctly one of the articles regarding benefits of bananas on sin also suggested that acne can not survive if potasium is present) and reduces the signs of aging!
3) Honey anti oxident, moisturizer, minimizes pores.

IMO: it's worth a try, it's cheap, it's probably in your kitchen, and (for me) it worked wonders!!!

There is also a number of reason of break outs, lack of sleep, not drinking enough water, stress, over washing your face, using too many other face treatments..

I am so behind the times when it comes to navigating around on a computer, I would if I could, post, cut-paste all these links to share..all I did was Google Natural face masks, and the benefits of fruits and veggies on skin. Avocado, cucumber, peas...you name it. Hope this helps! Good Luck!

For spot treatment I really like DHC's Acne Spot Therapy. Also to add to prevention measures above, be sure to wash your pillowcase frequently and clean your phones (and anything else that comes into contact with your face) regularly.

I use a benzoyl peroxide wash and if I break out really bad a treatment I leave on overnight. Before I started using it I was literally covered in little whiteheads but now my skin is clear.

I tried retin-a but I found the peeling too much to deal with so I stopped using it. Also benzoyl peroxide was much cheaper and I didn't need a perscription.

If you do decide to use it start with a low dose 2.5% - 5% and work up to the max you can get without a perscription 10% you may find that you don't even need to go that high.

Originally Posted by Jennah

Hi! Recently, I seem to break out with pimples on my face. I am definitely no longer a teenager. I try to keep my face clean and I do not wear make-up daily.

Let me know if you have a proven remedy that I have not tried yet?

Thanks for sharing!

If you are stressed out, that may be why you are breaking out more often. Are they gooshy whiteheads, or hard red lumps, or some other kind of pimple?

Originally Posted by da Sage

If you are stressed out, that may be why you are breaking out more often. Are they gooshy whiteheads, or hard red lumps, or some other kind of pimple?

Hi da Sage,

I think my menses cycle is out of whack. Well, they start out as whiteheads then swells to red and pop. Now, I have a dark blemish by my chin that isn't going away. I did try using tea tree oil. Now, I'm using toothpaste when I'm home to try to lighten the blemish.
Otherwise, to avoid stares from other people, I do need to use a bit of cover-up as I'm quite fair.

Coconut Oil! Just buy it in the food section and dab it on. Works wonders.
Your skins absorbs it fast so good moisturizer and bacterias cleanser as same time.
Doesn't stay oily.

I strongly recommend Paula's Choice. It did wonders for me. Her products totally changed my skin in 2 weeks. She also does a lot of reviews on other brands and explains how ingredients work.

Shop Paula's Choice Skin-Care: Paula's Choice Skin Care & Cosmetics

Important: just because something is "natural" doesn't mean it's good for your skin! There are a lot of natural poisons out there... And a lot of stuff that doesn't do anything helpful. And please only use toothpaste for your teeth... It wasn't made for skin and can even cause irritations.

MEISSOUN

Drinking water can never do harm - but if getting rid of pimples was this easy, nobody would have them...
Blemishes are caused by inflammation or irritation of the skin and these can have many reasons. Some people can eat as much fat as they want and have perfect skin while others only eat one piece of chocolate and break out.

I think there are many myths and half-truths out there about skin problems - it doesn't hurt to get well researched information. And remember that not everything that is written on the Internet or in fashion magazines is true Some beauty editors just need to fill their pages....

MEISSOUN

yes---for Paula's Choice. I've had the peri-menopause acne and her stuff is AMAZING!! She always has deals for shipping. YOu can get samples. She has a $29 retinal which takes 10 years off your face. I've had her stuff for about 10 years now. I don't use her foundations but other than that----all of her stuff is great and great prices. I use the "Clear" anti-acne products(cleanser and toner) and it's great. I don't need spot zit treatment when i use her stuff.

Frankly, I think I'm breaking out from STRESS at the moment. I find it so crazy that my dry, dry skin keeps popping up with acne!!

I´ve used Paula´s Choice for more than 10 years also-
my face is all clear and smooth now,which is frankly amazing to me after having such problematic skin that I´ve been on antibiotics and Accutane for several rounds

Not only that,but bumps on back of arms(keratosis pilaris)are completely gone:
Never have any problems with eczema anymore(cortisone,never again),ingrowns after hair removal also disappeared PLUS I save a ton of $

You can use her system FREE,without buying anything from her!

Start from the very beginning by going all "Sherlock" on your cleanser,toner and everything that touches face skin.
HERE you can easily check if your products can irritate(contribute to inflammation)or is clogging:Beautypedia: skin care and makeup reviews brought to you by Paula Begoun, a.k.a., The Cosmetics Cop and creator of Paula

Battle plan against acne&blackheads:
Cosmetics Cop: Skin Care & Makeup Tips & Reviews

Emma, what do you use on your arms? Still trying to figure out which product would work best. I have had bad skin on my arms for as long as I can remember... That's why my costumes all have arm bands and preferably sleeves

MEISSOUN

The 2%BHA body lotion;
I thought that the goose bump-y skin on my arms that sometimes got inflamed just were my skin "looking that way",and always covered them up.
When I saw her body care section mentioning keratosis pilaris I started treating with the body lotion and an alcohol free 2,5% benzoyl peroxide(Panoxyl Aqua Gel) and they disappeared

Now I only keep up the regimen with the body lotion,and they have stayed away for many years(hurra!)

I LOVE Paula's Choice products and I also love the Clarisonic face brush - amazing product!
Amazon.com: Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System - White: Beauty

Many people can't fathom doing this, but try going primal. Eat good, healthy, whole foods - cut out grains, sugars, legumes (mostly soy) and bad oils, and increase your fat and protein intake. I have lost 20 pounds so far eating this way, but the most wonderful thing is, my chronic cystic acne on my back and shoulders has completely cleared up. My face has also cleared up and my skin looks awesome. :) I've had bad acne for 13 years and no product has ever helped. Check out Mark's Daily Apple and the forum on there to find out more about the primal lifestyle.

Like I said, a lot of people don't want to even think about giving up their precious breads, pastas, and sugars, including me last year. But now I have 0 desire to go back now. :) Even without the weight loss my clear skin and improved energy and mood is enough to celebrate! Since losing 20 pounds I've started bellydancing again! Yay!

Jenny

so Jenny---what do you eat? Meat, fish, vegetables and fruit?

Acne Face Map - The Location of Pimples and Their Underlying Cause | Skinacea.com

Originally Posted by taji-dancer

so Jenny---what do you eat? Meat, fish, vegetables and fruit?

Hey!

Yes, my husband and I eat a lot of chicken, shrimp, and eggs, with some pork and beef (I like all meat, I just prefer chicken because I am bad at cooking beef). Right now I have pork chops in the oven with assorted steamed veggies as a side. We stopped drinking milk but now use heavy cream in our coffee. Not a lot of fruit because of the sugar content. I used to hate salads and now I look forward to my daily salad for lunch. :) My hunger has decreased so much that I now naturally skip breakfast and only eat lunch and dinner (just no hunger until after noon).

I want to eat more fish but we have a limited budget and the only fish that looks appealing to me are the big hunks of salmon, but they're expensive (I try to only buy meat under $2.50/lb).

So in short we eat more meat, healthy fats, and veggies than before. Occasionally we have a treat of dark chocolate! We've become really sensitive to sugar (and I think dairy as well) now since cutting it out - if we eat some ice cream at Coldstone Creamery we both feel like crap right afterwards.

I hope I posted this picture right - but I wanted to share this picture of my progress thus far. My face was HUGE at 187! Yikes! I started at 188 and my goal is 135-140 (where I feel most healthy and comfortable with my body). Almost halfway! :)

Jenny

Yes, but don't use soap. It dries out the skin and the materials that keep soap in its solid form can clog pores > more pimples....

MEISSOUN

Originally Posted by aixsponsa

Many people can't fathom doing this, but try going primal. Eat good, healthy, whole foods - cut out grains, sugars, legumes (mostly soy) and bad oils, and increase your fat and protein intake. I have lost 20 pounds so far eating this way, but the most wonderful thing is, my chronic cystic acne on my back and shoulders has completely cleared up. My face has also cleared up and my skin looks awesome. :) I've had bad acne for 13 years and no product has ever helped. Check out Mark's Daily Apple and the forum on there to find out more about the primal lifestyle.

Like I said, a lot of people don't want to even think about giving up their precious breads, pastas, and sugars, including me last year. But now I have 0 desire to go back now. :) Even without the weight loss my clear skin and improved energy and mood is enough to celebrate! Since losing 20 pounds I've started bellydancing again! Yay!

Jenny

I was going to ask if anyone had any luck with less chemical processes- I went "poo free" several years ago and my hair looks amazing- I mostly did it because it's cheaper and easily dovetails into my life.

I've NEVER been big on face products- so not using them was more simple and I rarely if ever use foundations/powders/creams or anything unless I'm performing or having a big thing and I clean that off immediately. I find foundations and what not make me breakout- but eating healthier "clean" diet definitely helps.

I could probably clean more up out of my diet- since I eat a fair bit of dairy and my goldfish aren't exactly "clean" either I don't think. but it definitely helps- I wish I could find some sort of less harsh chemical cleanser product to help my face feel a little more fresh since a good wash definitly wakes you up and makes your skin feel amazing!

Originally Posted by Jennah

Hi! Recently, I seem to break out with pimples on my face. I am definitely no longer a teenager. I try to keep my face clean and I do not wear make-up daily.

Let me know if you have a proven remedy that I have not tried yet?

Thanks for sharing!

My heart goes out to you! This happened to me last year--bad.

Plus, living in Turkey, it's customary for friends, associates and complete strangers to ask earnestly, with curiosity and concern: "What happened to your face?" "What's that on your face?" "You have zits! What are you doing about it?"

It was AWFUL.

It was at its worst when I was living in agency-provided housing and "eating" (or not eating!) agency-provided "meals" (you call that food?!), but prior to that, I was moving around a lot--I had three or four different residences in Turkey before I finally settled where I am now--and was not eating very balanced meals most of time and skipping meals.

While I was living in the above situation, with little control over my eating and dealing with some relationship stress, my acne was at its worst. Searching everywhere for help, I came across a website called acne.org. His solution calls for large amounts of benzoyl peroxide, moisturizer, diligence, and patience. The BP dries your skin out A LOT. Just keep putting it on there and your skin will adapt. Use a TON of moisturizer. (There's one from the Body Shop that I like a lot. It's called Vitamin E Nourishing night cream.) Use sunscreen moisturizer, too, because the BP makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. Use eye cream, too, because the skin around your eyes will get dry, too. It never hurts to use eye cream, anyway. After a few weeks or a month of diligently cleansing, medicating and moisturizing my skin, I started to see results. People started commenting on it, too. (Of course.) After a month? six weeks? it was SO MUCH better. I was still getting breakouts, but they wouldn't get out of hand. It's been a year now, and I've had fewer and fewer breakouts. I no longer use the BP every day. Just every few days, and just a tiny bit here and there. I've also moved into an apartment with a lovely kitchen and cook all my own food. (I've always preferred healthy food, so that probably helps, too.) I hardly get breakouts at all anymore. I'm so grateful.
Good luck! Hugs.

Originally Posted by Jennah

Hi! Recently, I seem to break out with pimples on my face. I am definitely no longer a teenager. I try to keep my face clean and I do not wear make-up daily.

Let me know if you have a proven remedy that I have not tried yet?

Thanks for sharing!

Hi There,

I am 39 and have had acne since I've been 12! Not the worst kind, but very oily skin that would break out. After having my 3rd boy at 37, my hormones went berzurk with a few boils!!

I have tried everything except Proactive which I know some people swear by. It's worth a shot.

The dermatologist is who saved me! I love my skin doc!!! I am on Accutane which has serious side effects for fetuses so it is major, but it works. I'm no longer having babies, so I am OK with it. I've been on other things before that as well, but this is the one that finally cleared up my skin. The only side effect that I've experienced while on Accutane is dry lips. I'll take that over pimples on my back, chest, face and neck. That's no fun to work on with cover up!

I am a hair stylist by day. Many of my clients have also been on this and it worked great for them as well.

Benzoyl peroxide used with a salicilic acid combination is suppose to help people over 30, bc supposedly more adults are getting acne due to being on so many antibiotics.

I hope some of this helps!

Originally Posted by Dutchbellydancer

Benzoyl peroxide used with a salicilic acid combination is suppose to help people over 30, bc supposedly more adults are getting acne due to being on so many antibiotics.

Glad Accutane helped you!I was a very stubborn case,and even though I cleared up completely on it,it came back after a few months...
One product easily found in US drug stores that is mild,yet have an effective % of salicylic acid and correct ph level is the "Neutrogena Acne Stress Control, 3-in-1 Hydrating Oil-Free Treatment".

About attacking bad skin with diet changes:I did try that,cutting out everything from dairy to gluten to processed foods...however I think a combined attack plan is the best way to go-trying out the Cosmetic Cop "non irritation method"is completely free,plus it doesn´t require you to buy anything from her.

As an example of how products used can change skin completely,here´s a confession:
I eat and drink anything now(processed food,dairy,crisps and candy)AND smoke one pack of Marlboro Reds a day

But skin is perfect (no acne or blackheads anymore)on a regime of:
1.Cleansing oil(link in the "best eye makeup remover"thread)
2.Hydralight cleanser(16oz costs 23.95)
3.BHA 2% (I use the body lotion,since the lower ph level than the one for the face makes it more effective)
4.Hydralight Moisture-Infusing Lotion.

Occasionally use PC AHA exfoliators,or Meishoku Detclear Facial Peeling Jelly(an exfoliator without scrub particles)

Ice is often used as a quick remedy to get rid of Pimple overnight. You just need to wrap an ice cube your face will be smoothly and neat and clean if you use some thing you can steaming the face every day and use levandor oil then you see your face is unless ridding facial pimples

Sadly all of these methods are against what derms&skin doctors recommend for healthy skin.
Except for gentle steaming-not up until the point of blushing skin-steaming&icing skin contributes to telangiectasias(AKA "spider veins")

Extreme heat and cold makes the incredibly small capillaries break.
Capillary - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Discovery Health "What causes broken capillaries on my face?"

About lavender oil:http://www.futurederm.com/2009/07/13...friend-or-foe/

Note on my earlier post replying to diet suggestions for acne skin-I absolutely don´t mean to slam a holistic perspective on treating acne.
The whole body responds positively on food containing lots of antioxidants,healthy fats,minerals and vitamins.
And of course I look (and feel better) when I eat&drink healthy,avoiding deep fried fast food,sodas and smoking Was just using myself as an example of what the right products can do for anyone suffering from acne.

Acne is to blame on a complex balance of hormones,skin balance,acne bacteria and inflammation on a cellular level.It can absolutely be battled from several fronts at the same time(beneficial to allover health and looks)
I believe strongly in scientific research and empirical experience of most things in life,including skin care tips:-)

Originally Posted by Dutchbellydancer

Hi There,

The dermatologist is who saved me! I love my skin doc!!! I am on Accutane which has serious side effects for fetuses so it is major, but it works. I'm no longer having babies, so I am OK with it. I've been on other things before that as well, but this is the one that finally cleared up my skin. The only side effect that I've experienced while on Accutane is dry lips. I'll take that over pimples on my back, chest, face and neck. That's no fun to work on with cover up!

I had a acne flare up a few years ago and my dermatologist suggested Accutane. It worked perfectly and my skin in back to normal since then. As you rightly pointed out Accutane (it is a retinoid) is harmful for foetus, hence women planning to start a family soon should not use it. Others who wish to use it, should do so only under a doctor's care.

I know I am kind of late to the question here, but I wanted to share what has worked for me for anyone else out there who is also battling adult acne. I have had it since about 14 and I am now 28. I have always, every day of my life, had persistent, moderate acne that was unstoppable. I tried all the usuals. Various drug store products, Proactive and others kits, facials, antibiotics, diet changes, herbs, the pill, etc. I have not tried Accutane because of the side effects.

The thing that finally worked for me is The Regimen from acne.org
Benzoyl peroxide - how to make it work for you

A few things to note. It is a BP regimen, but the difference is that you use a lot more, apply very gently, and make sure to avoid/use certain ingredients in your products. Other than that, you can use whatever you like as long as it meets certain criteria. I started out with the kit you can buy from the website, but have since then started using different cleansers and moisturizers as I am trying to go more natural with my products. If you follow it, it does work at least in my experience. You can also work up to the full dose slowly, like I did, so your skin doesn't dry out horribly like it will if you ramp up to the full dose after 2 weeks.

BP works by basically forcing oxygen into the pore so that bacteria cannot grow, become infected, and become a pimple. Because of this, your skin can never get immune to the treatment, unlike antibiotics and medications where you may eventually become resistant and your acne comes back.

I also suggest the AHA cream. I really noticed a difference when I started using it not only in skin clarity but overall brightness and complexion.

Good luck!

*edited to add*
Also I want to say I had tried BP before and it dried my skin out terribly and scared me away from using it again for a long time. The key difference is that The Regimen really teaches you EXACTLY how to use it to get the right results and what to expect. Before I just slapped it on without knowing what I was doing and my skin became painfully dry! So don't be afraid of BP, it can work. Now that my skin is used to the large dose it's back to normal. The dryness at the beginning is temporary, but expect to have a while where your skin is not so great. So if possible it helps to start it during some down time. Don't start it right before a big show or your wedding or something!