Getting rid of spots without visiting the GP

the_devil_made_me_do_it

For some reason I have started getting spots. My skin is fairly normal, no particularly dry or oily areas.

I really don't want to go to the doctors if I can help it, so if anyone knows how I can get rid o these spots it would be much appreciated.

They are mainly chin and jaw area. I wouldn't care I've never had spots in my younger days, it's a fairly recent problem.

marrowgirl

I get spots along my jawline and it tends to be hormonal for me and gets worse when I eat lots of nuts so it could be have a look at your diet in case you are eating more of something like that. I found drinking more water (2 litres a day) and less caffeine helps when I have a breakout and doing an DIY aspirin mask (as this contains salicylic acid.)

Oh and I also get them if I am stressed as then I tend to touch my face more (usually putting my head in my hands when people are winding me up!)

comeandgo

Ask a chemist. They can advise.

Bath_cube

I got terrible spots on my chin pre period as a teen. My family doctor prescribed quinoderm which did a good job without making my skin dry. You can buy it without a prescription from boots or superdrug for about four pounds or under. Don't try acne gel it's awful smelling like peroxide and dries your skin out.

jenniewb

I've always been under the impression that spots around the jaw and chin are hormonal, but I also remember an article telling me that this is a very general understanding and that it could just as well be related to bacteria from touching your face, irritations from clothes (scarves, roll neck tops, last years coat...etc) or even from skincare or make up your skin doesn't get on with, the difference with it being on your jaw rather than your cheeks for example is that it's more likely to come into contact with items I've mentioned where as if they are on your cheek this can be about bed linen or your forehead being more about your hair or head/hat wear. But this isn't to say anything for sure, it's just to say be aware of other things aside from (and maybe even including) hormones.


Have you tried anything already? The easiest thing to get your hands on would be salicylic acid and you can get this from a few brands. If money is no object I can recommend the Origins On The Spot which combines this as well as witch hazel and tea tree oil, it's the one I've had the most luck with. Clinique do something similar and you get more for your money but I don't think it works as well (though it does help). The Ordinary are a new brand (I think Asos sell them and their own brand Deciem also do and a few other brands Fabled, Victoria Heath and I think House of Fraser also do). They have a salicylic acid alone which will last you forever as a little goes a very long way, I've also tried this and does actually help without the usual stinging (maybe I'm just a masochist but I like the stinging part because it makes me feel like something is working and killing the spot!!)


Another thing to ask is if you had tried any new skincare. I usually get spots when I try new skincare if the new skincare has certain ingredients (there is a list!) If you have tried anything new, even if it's just been a new foundation you've been trying on and off for a few days, lay off it and see what happens. I know it sounds pretty obvious and your probably reading this thinking "well duh!" but it's worth mentioning just in case it hadn't been something you'd thought of yet. Take out all new products then bring them back one a fortnight. You should see any reactions within a few days to 10 -14 days in max.


If you can work out the cause this of course will be the biggest help but the best way to help yourself until then is to keep a check on any possible irritants that could touch your face and transfer any bacteria. If you are unsure if your cleanser is taking off all pollution and oils left on your skin, try a toner on cotton wool pads for a little while and look at what comes off on the pads to see if anything is left. This is not the same as using a facial wipe because a facial wipe will often leave a slight residue on your skin which could block pores and cause you problems. The idea of suggesting a toner was to ensure as much debris is removed from your skin as possible which would go against what a facial wipe could do.
Facial wipes are fine by the way if you are used to them and get on with them but if you are currently trying to battle with spots, I'd not use them to try to keep your skin as clear as you can.


If you also keep a diary of when your finding more spots appear, you might be able to work out if it is connected to anything eg being in areas of high pollution, being stressed, TOTM, wearing certain clothes etc and this could also help.


Only other thing to say is; don't pick them!

the_devil_made_me_do_it

Thanks for all the replies.

I think I'm getting spots mainly due to being in a very stressful situation over the past year. I do fully cleanse my skin and even have a couple of days were I wear zero makeup.

My bedding is washed regularly and I wash my pillowcase everyday anyway.

I did try Acnecide, but didn't really see even the slightest improvement. I'm also trying Cetaphil cleanser and moisturising lotion, to see if that helps. I do have a salicylic acid toner, but I always for get it's there. So will try that again.

As far as makeup goes, I use No 7 bb cream, but I have read that water based makeup are better, I'm just not sure what to buy. I don't use foundations as I prefer bb/cc creams.

It's just really upsetting that I am now having these breakouts and that nothing I've done so far is helping get rid of them.

AElene

Witchstick can help bring them out and it also soothes the skin. Tea tree might also help, though dependent on your skin type it might be too harsh. If you don't mind the price tag, La Roche Posay do some lovely products which keep the skin clean and clear. You can get it in larger branches of Boots.

I can't think of anything else off the top of my head that's available without prescription. I get a lotion on repeat prescription which is a combination of zinc and alcohol and that seems to work well for me, as I can't take oral antibiotics, which is what doctors often prescribe for acne.

harrup

Good morning

It may sound most odd - but I would highly recommend you try Savlon Cream.

Yup, the bog standard buy-anywhere, cheap, First Aid Savlon antiseptic cream. The main active ingredient is chlorhexidine Gluconate which is brilliant to combat the bacteria responsible for causing...spots.

Years ago I had the same problem with spots along the chin and jaw line - probably self inflicted as I noticed that I was forever cupping my face with my hands in those places -and an odyssey of chemist products, beauty products, dermatologists products followed. At huge cost and very modest success. Some irritated my skin and made the issue worse.

Can't remember how I discovered Savlon, whether someone recommended it or whether it was a fortuitous self discovery, but it absolutely does work. By now all my friends are using it if a spot appears.

Just massage a bit of Savlon on the spot at night or even a few times during the day. After a day or 2 the spot has vanished. And no resting or cupping face in hands!

Good luck
PS There is another OTC medication with the same ingredient called "Hibiscrub" - you'd use it as a soap/cleanser on spots. I have friends whose kids acne disappeared with it BUT , unlike Savlon, Hibiscrub is VERY harsh and drying on normal, delicate facial skin. Because it kills bacteria like Savlon it does work and maybe even faster but use with great caution unless your skin is really robust and/or greasy.

HTH

jenniewb

the_devil_made_me_do_it wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies.

I think I'm getting spots mainly due to being in a very stressful situation over the past year. I do fully cleanse my skin and even have a couple of days were I wear zero makeup.

My bedding is washed regularly and I wash my pillowcase everyday anyway.

I did try Acnecide, but didn't really see even the slightest improvement. I'm also trying Cetaphil cleanser and moisturising lotion, to see if that helps. I do have a salicylic acid toner, but I always for get it's there. So will try that again.

As far as makeup goes, I use No 7 bb cream, but I have read that water based makeup are better, I'm just not sure what to buy. I don't use foundations as I prefer bb/cc creams.

It's just really upsetting that I am now having these breakouts and that nothing I've done so far is helping get rid of them.

Well if you're sure you've ruled out any chance of any bacteria causing this, and your sure it's stress related, you really need to be dealing with the stress as dealing with the spots and not the cause of the spots is just going to feel really futile if they are only going to keep returning because you didn't deal with the cause.


Maybe look at things which could help you with what is causing you to feel stressed. Be it exercise groups, Yoga, Mindfulness or just talking with someone or even going out for the odd coffee with friends. Step it up if you are doing any of those things already but you do find they help with your stress levels because you can treat your skin all you want but if you aren't dealing with the cause, then you're going to find it very frustrating and demoralising if they keep coming back.

ashishverma011

Breakout near chin happens mainly due to hormonal changes. So pamper your skin during periods. clean it properly and use a purifying mask if you can. Try eating food that will help to regulate the hormones. Foods like avacado, sprouted nuts, coconut oil products, egg yolk, cucumber, spinach, turmeric and ginger. I've listed all those things which you can easily find at your home only.

Also, you can try this remedy
Massage your chin with honey for 15-20 minutes and then wash with water mixed with milk. It works for my friend (she has normal skin type- neither dry nor oily). I would suggest use it on your hand first and then go for chin .

if the spots keep coming back, I would suggest you to consult a doctor.