Pimples Can anyone recommend any remedies?

[gravenewworld]

It sounds like you just have blackheads. Just keep your skin clean.

 

[john16O]

Accutane (or however its spelled)

whatever you do decide to do medication wise, I highly recommend that you do not take this drug. Trust me, I finished my six month treatment and I hated every minute of the treatment. The doctor said that after six months my face would be clear and its going on nine months and I still have redness. I went to go see the doctor and all he could say was that it was due to the weather. That if I lived in a warmer climate where it is sunny out my face would be clear by now. The side affects are severe as well. This drug will dry your whole body out, rectum included. You will not be able to work out(lift weights), go outside in the sun, and many more i cannot think of off the top of my head. TRY MANY DIFFERENT DRUGS OUT FIRST BEFORE YOU DECIDE TO GO ON THE DRUG IF YOU DO DECIDE TO TAKE IT!

 

[Galteeth]

Wow, there is a lot of misinformation in this thread. Acne is primarily caused by the overproduction of sebum by sebaceous glands.
Diet, dirty skin, drinking water have little to no effect.

Retinoids are the only long term treatment.

 

[Moonbear]

Wow, there is a lot of misinformation in this thread. Acne is primarily caused by the overproduction of sebum by sebaceous glands.
Diet, dirty skin, drinking water have little to no effect.

Retinoids are the only long term treatment.

This itself may be misinformation. Part of the issue is not just the overproduction of sebum, but that it becomes trapped by clogged pores, or itself changes consistency to clog those pores. Here's an interesting, recent, review article that basically illustrates the flaws of studies on both sides of the claims. If you have access to the journal, it's worth a read (it's written in very accessible language that even a non-biologist will be able to readily understand).
B. Davidovici, R. Wolf 2010 The role of diet in acne: facts and controversies
Clinics in Dermatology, 28: 12-16.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T5G-4XY22JG-6&_user=10&_coverDate=01%2F31%2F2010&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=036a54077e3feca5615ec54191517c21


I'll quote the conclusion of it here:

Despite the inundation of epidemiologic studies, mostly of unsatisfactory quality, and the abundance of beliefs and perceptions among acne patients about the role of diet in the pathogenesis of acne,74 there is a paucity of reliable information. In the few studies that have been undertaken, no specific foods (including fatty foods and chocolate) have been identified as causative factors.[75] and [76] Yet, the question of whether common perceptions and beliefs prove to be fact or misconception is more than an academic issue. It is of importance due to the practical implications of these beliefs for acne management.

Alas, after reviewing the relevant published data, we can conclude that insufficient serious effort has been invested in investigating these questions, which are prevalent and consistent across different cultures. At present, we are bereft of reliable answers based on scientific evidence. We hope that the day when we will be able to knowledgeably advise our acne patients on the role of nutrition in relation to acne etiology is not too far away.

So, it seems there really isn't reliable evidence either way. Sure, maybe chocolate worsens acne or maybe when hormonal conditions are such that our sebaceous glands are over-producing oils, we also happen to crave that chocolate.

Often the best long-term treatment is simply getting past the age of puberty.

 

[Monique]

Often the best long-term treatment is simply getting past the age of puberty.

Not always, recently I've been in a 'battle' with a cosmetics company about the issue. I started using one of their moisturizers for dry skin and it was giving me really bad acne. I went back to their counter to get my money back, but they advised me to continue to use the product. I stopped when the situation was only getting worse and the acne went away. After two months I started using the product again and the acne came back immediately. Again, I went back to the counter where again they told me to continue to use the product.
After much trouble I received my money back (they carry a satisfaction guarantee), I have e-mail correspondence with the headquarters where they deny that their product can cause adverse effects. I stopped being a client of their product line, I don't want to do business with a company that does not take their customers seriously. Luckily my skin cleared up again, so lest you use the wrong products, it indeed is simply about getting past puberty

 

[Galteeth]

Often the best long-term treatment is simply getting past the age of puberty.

This is probably true for the majority of cases, but the more severe cases can persist well past the onset of puberty, and into adult life.


To Monique: Are you sure the reaction was actual acne, and not some type of allergic reaction?

 

[Monique]

To Monique: Are you sure the reaction was actual acne, and not some type of allergic reaction?

Yes it clearly was and the bad type as well, I was getting cystic acne from it: very painful and hard to treat. I went to a skin specialist who told me I should immediately stop using the product (I should've listened and not be the little experimenter and start using it again after two months to see whether it really was the culprit ).

 

[TubbaBlubba]

Acne... I can't stand it, even if I've never really suffered that badly from it. I especially hate the ones on the sides of your nose, they hurt.

I use hydrogen peroxide disinfectant cream on them. I don't know if it's actually effective, but it'll help against further infection.

 

[kakarotyjn]

Don't touch it,don't do anything to it.Just leave it alone and adjust your living habit.Sleep well everyday,eat more fruits.

It will fade naturally

 

[Mentallic]

Don't touch it,don't do anything to it.Just leave it alone and adjust your living habit.Sleep well everyday,eat more fruits.

It will fade naturally

And what do you say when they come back? Which they will!

I've conducted accidental experiments over the years and came to conclude that when I eat this lettuce salad thing I make (which consists of the ingredients olive oil, salt and white vinegar), I always get more pimples. I can't quite figure out which ingredient is doing this though. If I knew, I would cut down on it. Any ideas?

 

[kakarotyjn]

And what do you say when they come back? Which they will!

I've conducted accidental experiments over the years and came to conclude that when I eat this lettuce salad thing I make (which consists of the ingredients olive oil, salt and white vinegar), I always get more pimples. I can't quite figure out which ingredient is doing this though. If I knew, I would cut down on it. Any ideas?

I got the same symptom as ranger in spring this year.In those days I was in holiday and I sleep very late at night,and my life was not well-regulated.Then I got pimples.

I just took it easy and then they fades.My experience is only this,I'm sorry I don't know more and can't tell you more.

 

[TubbaBlubba]

Pimples can form from a variety of factors. The strongest one is hormonal "imbalances", which can indeed arise from lack of sleep, stress and the like.

 

[magpies]

Not that I ever had any major problems with pimples but does buddhist meditation help clear it up? Just wondering :)

 

[TheStatutoryApe]

I was having trouble with some pimples that would not at all go away. I was making sure to leave them alone and let them go away on their own but invariably I wound up with a tiny white dot left behind because there was still something there under the skin. I had a couple of these that I just left assuming that eventually they would go away but instead they would occasionally flare up again and then go back to their nearly-gone-but-not-completely state. Eventually I got tired of it, removed the little white pips, and they went away.

Anyone else have this happen? I was thinking that it may have to do with my getting older since this never happened to me until a couple years ago.

 

[zomgwtf]

Benzoyl peroxide which you can buy at the dollar store. There is a specific concentration you should use as it's most effective but I can't recall off the top of my head. It's not the strongest though so don't bother doing that The more you apply the better, no joke. Rub that stuff really well into the skin at first your skin might get irritated and maybe you'll start having more pimples but if you keep at it they go away. It really takes 'dedication' in order to keep applying it. I'd say 3 times a day in generous amounts. There are also various face masks you can apply to dry out your face which helps with redness and helps reduce the pimples. I'd say do that like once a night. Get a gentle exfoliating cleanser and use it daily... don't wash your face too much though and when you dry your face don't rub just dab.

If you wash too much and dry by rubbing it will irritate your skin causing more pimples. As well try not to stress yourself out too much over life, that helps a lot
As well don't pop them UNTIL they're ready to be popped. This is a pretty confusing thing but you can tell when the are ready, they have a white head and the pretty much pop when you touch them. Do this GENTLY preferably with Q-Tips as they are soft and can soak up anything dripping out. Then just continue to apply pressure to make sure you get everything out, once blood appears stop applying pressure. If you pop a pimple too early you can get acne scaring which is treatable, but unnecessary.

 

[DaveC426913]

I have nothing helpful to add. I'm just taking the opportunity to fly my freak flag.

In my 40s, I get the occasional pimple on my nose or scalp. I can as easily leave them alone as I can easily eat just one Cadbury's Chocolate Mini-egg. i.e. Not.

I have a toolkit like a dentists kit, acquired over years, for dealing with zits, and spend in inordinate amount of time at the bathroom mirror. I think, in another life, I was a dermatologist.

Don't judge me.

 

[zomgwtf]

I have nothing helpful to add. I'm just taking the opportunity to fly my freak flag.

In my 40s, I get the occasional pimple on my nose or scalp. I can as easily leave them alone as I can easily eat just one Cadbury's Chocolate Mini-egg. i.e. Not.

I have a toolkit like a dentists kit, acquired over years, for dealing with zits, and spend in inordinate amount of time at the bathroom mirror. I think, in another life, I was a dermatologist.

Don't judge me.

 

[Leptos]

I've been trying product after product for the past several months and nothing seems to work. Also, I had a clear face until I started college in the spring semester. My acne isn't very visible, but it constantly seems to disappear from one spot to another. When I use acne products my face will seem to clear up, but there will still be very tiny bumps on my face that I can only see when I move close to the mirror.

Is it a good idea to go to a spa for a steam-facial treatment? Also, I'm considering going to a dermatologist, but my last one gave me bad advice, i.e, the product she told me to use didn't work.

 

[TheStatutoryApe]

When I use acne products my face will seem to clear up, but there will still be very tiny bumps on my face that I can only see when I move close to the mirror.

If you are male this may be connected to shaving and irritation of the skin. If you are female it may have something to do with make up.

 

[DaveC426913]

If you are male this may be connected to shaving and irritation of the skin. If you are female it may have something to do with make up.

This is the 21st century; it could as easily be vice versa...

 

[zomgwtf]

If you are male this may be connected to shaving and irritation of the skin. If you are female it may have something to do with make up.

It might also be connected to not continuing to use the product as directed. A lot of times people use the products suggested by the dermatologist and one of two things happens:

a)More pimples appear (normal) so they stop using it and say it's a failed product and complain.

b)Pimples go away so the stop using product too early and pimples ccome back, they then say product failed and complain. This is the most frequent complaint I think.

These products don't fail, it's like saying soap doesn't cut through grease, its just not true unless you have some VERY complicated acne or alergies. In which case you should see your family physician and ask for a perscription to various acne treating meds. Most popular being Acutane.

The same thing applies here however, pimples go away and people stop taking the meds. They WILL come back, almost immediately and in fact they will be WORSE than what they were prior to you taking the meds.

Of course razor burn is completely possible, in order to avoid that just shave properly and use products that don't irritate your skin. (maybe you have sensitive skin) If your a man I'd suggest using Nivea for men line of face products for sensitive faces, they worked wonders for me .

 

[Mentallic]

b)Pimples go away so the stop using product too early and pimples ccome back

I used a product for well over a year and they never went away. Boy did I have bad acne...
But yes I agree with what you're saying. After being on meds for 3 years IIRC, the pimples finally started subsiding, then I eventually stopped them. So for a few months I had clear skin, and now I just seem to be getting a few here and there. But I think it's more from the stress than anything else, and they're definitely not anywhere near as bad as they used to be.

 

[zomgwtf]

3 years, woah. That must have been some very complicated acne .

 

[Mentallic]

So complicated that I still haven't figured them out to this day

 

[TubbaBlubba]

Ugh, I have a cold. I always get more acne when I do.

 

[Mentallic]

That's what you worry about when you have a cold?

 

[TubbaBlubba]

Of course. The other symptoms go away with nose spray and a well measured mixture of NSAIDs.

 

[Mentallic]

And the pimples should die down in a couple days or so after the cold is over. I don't see how you could be dreading pimples when you're about to cough up a lung.

 

[TubbaBlubba]

I don't have a cough, just a throatache and a plugged nose.

 

[Mentallic]

...just...

lol and you're just having a few extra pimples.