HELP with my spots/blackheads!!!!

[squirrelchops]

Hi all,

I am 32 and until recently have been over the whole spotty thing. However recently my skin has become awful again. Mostly lumpy grease spots and blackheads particularly in the chin area but also forehead and side of head.

I have used Clnique 3 step religiously for several years and has been doing me well but the current state of my skin is really starting to pee me off.

Any advice on how to deal with pesky blocked skin in particular please as it feels so congested despite my skin care routine.

Thanks.

[xxvickixx]

Hi, do you have any idea what is causing the spots, I had a terrible time with acne after I had a coil fitted. I am sure that others will be able to recommend products etc. but it is worth considering the root cause.

[glowgirl]

Estee Lauder make up, although on of my favorites, brings me out in spots and under the skin bumps and extra greasiness, Clinique is part of the Lauder group as is MAC and Philosophy, maybe worth a thought.

I would recommend Freederm Gel it has been astonishingly good at clearing my skin after a lifetime of constant battles:)

[flutterbyuk25]

Do you work in an air-conditioned building? Since changing jobs from working somewhere with air-con to somewhere without my skin has been so much better.

Have you spoken to your GP?

x

[ginvzt]

I do feel for you. I am nearly 30 and I still suffer with spots. Nothing helps - but I notice that they are worse around middle of the cycle and in a week before my period starts. I too use Clinique, and it is a bit better, but I still get them!!!!! I haven't found the magic cure yet....

[RoseFairy]

I have noticed more of an improvement when drinking water at least 1.5-2ltrs aday, increasing fruits & veg - ie keeping bowels clear regularly and not clogging system with fatty foods etc; trying to deal with stressful situations asap; cutting out some dairy especialy creamy and fatty stuff , even yogurt! but still having alternatives so still getting calcium. maintaining 3step and keeping skin clean but not overdoing the exfoliation. oh and trying to exercies at least once a week so my face can sweat as well - to clear the pores too.

its taken a few months and using the antiblemish 3step in evenings only but my out breaks are less frequent and skin getting a chance to heal. btw i didn't get on with OCM method - which may suit you if you feel.

[becky_rtw]

Go to your GP - there are plenty of pescribed treatments they can give you such as topical antibiotics - just explain and they will be sympathetic :D

[Piggles12345]

Tea Tree oil works absolute wonders for my flare ups!

I use the pure oil as the blended doesn't tend to work as well.

The pure oil is a couple of quid for a little bottle (I get mine from Superdrug) and it usually lasts me about two months; I use a couple of drops every 3-4 days.

[ClareEmily]

I am 32 and freederm gel over the counter at boots about 8-9 quid is FANTASTIC

[Bitsy Beans]

I found my breakouts improved when I switched to mineral make up. The zinc it contained is good for the skin and I no longer have spots.

You can also try Milk of magnesia on your skin. Cheap and you can get it from chemists I think.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Milk-of-Magnesia-For-Acne&id=2345183

I stress I haven't tried this personally, just heard that it was good for acne, blackheads and oily skin.

[squirrelchops]

Thanks for your replies.

I shall have a look at altering my makeup as that could be making my skin worse, it is a vicious cycle as normally I don't wear foundation daily but have had to as skin so bad but then that could be making it even worse still!

My cheeks are spot free but even they got the odd one recently which is un heard of for me. I have been a bit naughty and been using my OH's roll on presrcribed for acne as i got desperate!

Shall certainly up the amount of drinking water and try to be make up free as much as possible then see what happens.

[fendi-bag-lady]

I used to have really terrible spots and tried everything under the sun to get rid of them! The best thing for me was to stop using anything on my face. Nowadays I just wash my face every morning and night with water no face wash or anything then once a week I try to have a make up free day and use a face mask.

I would defintely recommend going to your GP though. I've been on tablets for my spots for a few years now and its great (except when they won't give you a repeat prescription without them seen you 1st. The 1st appointment is two and a half weeks away and your tablets ran out 3 days ago :mad: but thats another story!!!)

If I ever get any spots now I put sudocrem on them overnight and that takes away the redness and dries them up a bit.

Hope you find something soon as I know ho much it sucks to have spots :(

xx

[glowgirl]

Dont forget to wash your make up brushes once a week, if you dont they can cause havoc on your skin.

[skintbuthappy81]

The best method for blackheads is one of these http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BLACKHEAD-WHITEHEAD-ZIT-SPOT-REMOVER-EXTRACTOR-SKIN_W0QQitemZ260382803414QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_He alth_Beauty_Skincare_PP?hash=item3ca00645d6&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A2108%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50 there are loads on ebay at the minute. After a bath or shower you just run the metal loop over them and it gets them from the root with no scarring, I was very dubious at first but now use it all the time. Highly recommended!!!! :D (can also be used on white spots... I don't get these so don't know how well it works on them)