Skin Problems

[Emily65Roses]

I seem to have really bad skin. Now, it's not like I have a huge acne problem. I have regular zits, nothing huge, no big deal. But I have the worst frickin pores. I have about 1948124 blackheads, and no matter what I do, they do not go away.

I don't wear make-up. Let me repeat that: I don't wear ANY make-up. I mean that 100% literally. I don't even wear chap stick unless I have a cold, and then it goes under my nose.

I've used at least a dozen different face wash things. I even saw a dermatologist a few years ago and used an rx cream and that didn't work either. I am currently using Clearasil Blackhead Control Scrub. It's the best I've found, but I still have way too many blackheads. I've tried Noxzema, Apricot Scrub, Clearasil, Clean & Clear. I've tried all the main options. And nothing ever fixes it.

So I'm wondering two things:
1. Do any of you guys have this problem? Is it maybe CF-related? I'm figuring all the salt everywhere might be clogging the hell out of my pores?
2. Any of you that does have this issue, have you found something that works well for you?

 

[Emily65Roses]

I seem to have really bad skin. Now, it's not like I have a huge acne problem. I have regular zits, nothing huge, no big deal. But I have the worst frickin pores. I have about 1948124 blackheads, and no matter what I do, they do not go away.

I don't wear make-up. Let me repeat that: I don't wear ANY make-up. I mean that 100% literally. I don't even wear chap stick unless I have a cold, and then it goes under my nose.

I've used at least a dozen different face wash things. I even saw a dermatologist a few years ago and used an rx cream and that didn't work either. I am currently using Clearasil Blackhead Control Scrub. It's the best I've found, but I still have way too many blackheads. I've tried Noxzema, Apricot Scrub, Clearasil, Clean & Clear. I've tried all the main options. And nothing ever fixes it.

So I'm wondering two things:
1. Do any of you guys have this problem? Is it maybe CF-related? I'm figuring all the salt everywhere might be clogging the hell out of my pores?
2. Any of you that does have this issue, have you found something that works well for you?

 

[Emily65Roses]

I seem to have really bad skin. Now, it's not like I have a huge acne problem. I have regular zits, nothing huge, no big deal. But I have the worst frickin pores. I have about 1948124 blackheads, and no matter what I do, they do not go away.

I don't wear make-up. Let me repeat that: I don't wear ANY make-up. I mean that 100% literally. I don't even wear chap stick unless I have a cold, and then it goes under my nose.

I've used at least a dozen different face wash things. I even saw a dermatologist a few years ago and used an rx cream and that didn't work either. I am currently using Clearasil Blackhead Control Scrub. It's the best I've found, but I still have way too many blackheads. I've tried Noxzema, Apricot Scrub, Clearasil, Clean & Clear. I've tried all the main options. And nothing ever fixes it.

So I'm wondering two things:
1. Do any of you guys have this problem? Is it maybe CF-related? I'm figuring all the salt everywhere might be clogging the hell out of my pores?
2. Any of you that does have this issue, have you found something that works well for you?

 

[JazzysMom]

I use to have the blackhead problems much more then I do now, but I still have large pores. I started doing what they say not to do. Every morning when I wash up (and at night if I wore make up) I wash the T zone on my face (dont scrub) with antibacterial soap. Yep the same stuff that we wash our hands with. Once a week I use St. Ives Medicated Appricot Scrub. The combo of these two really helps me, but I will say that if I skip a day of washing my face in the morning with the antibacterial soap I see a difference right away. I dont know for sure what causes it, but I am "guessing" it has something to do with the salt we sweat. All I can picture is trying to shove a stone thru a strainer of some sort. Eventually you will get it, but the strainer might never return to the original shape/size. BTW I also found this routine helps with actual acne also especially those under the skin, boil type acne.

 

[JazzysMom]

I use to have the blackhead problems much more then I do now, but I still have large pores. I started doing what they say not to do. Every morning when I wash up (and at night if I wore make up) I wash the T zone on my face (dont scrub) with antibacterial soap. Yep the same stuff that we wash our hands with. Once a week I use St. Ives Medicated Appricot Scrub. The combo of these two really helps me, but I will say that if I skip a day of washing my face in the morning with the antibacterial soap I see a difference right away. I dont know for sure what causes it, but I am "guessing" it has something to do with the salt we sweat. All I can picture is trying to shove a stone thru a strainer of some sort. Eventually you will get it, but the strainer might never return to the original shape/size. BTW I also found this routine helps with actual acne also especially those under the skin, boil type acne.

 

[JazzysMom]

I use to have the blackhead problems much more then I do now, but I still have large pores. I started doing what they say not to do. Every morning when I wash up (and at night if I wore make up) I wash the T zone on my face (dont scrub) with antibacterial soap. Yep the same stuff that we wash our hands with. Once a week I use St. Ives Medicated Appricot Scrub. The combo of these two really helps me, but I will say that if I skip a day of washing my face in the morning with the antibacterial soap I see a difference right away. I dont know for sure what causes it, but I am "guessing" it has something to do with the salt we sweat. All I can picture is trying to shove a stone thru a strainer of some sort. Eventually you will get it, but the strainer might never return to the original shape/size. BTW I also found this routine helps with actual acne also especially those under the skin, boil type acne.

 

[Kelli]

OMG, I'm totally in the same boat. My skin hasn't been bad for like 5 to 10 years. And then BOOM, I have zits everywhere. And I have the big under-the-skin type. Well I went to a dermo a month ago, got $500 worth of creams, washes, make up, brushes, etc. Well I still look like crap. And my chest and back are bad as well.

The dr asked if I had a hot tub (and I do) so there is some bacteria in there that is causing a problem. And also the dermo said I need to wash my face before I work out (as if I'd go out of the house without make-up.......I think not). So it's a catch 22. I'm on a form of Doxy for my face but that can take up to 3 months, changed my birth control to Yaz, once again 3 months for a change. So come the middle of summer, I'll have fewer zits. Nothing like being miserable for 3 months.

So I think you are right on with the sweat (telling me to wash before exercise). So I don't have anything else left to do but wait this out. I have a list (from dermo) to tell me what to avoid for breakouts for my skin type. Kind of interesting.

Good luck!
Kelli
29 f CF

 

[Kelli]

OMG, I'm totally in the same boat. My skin hasn't been bad for like 5 to 10 years. And then BOOM, I have zits everywhere. And I have the big under-the-skin type. Well I went to a dermo a month ago, got $500 worth of creams, washes, make up, brushes, etc. Well I still look like crap. And my chest and back are bad as well.

The dr asked if I had a hot tub (and I do) so there is some bacteria in there that is causing a problem. And also the dermo said I need to wash my face before I work out (as if I'd go out of the house without make-up.......I think not). So it's a catch 22. I'm on a form of Doxy for my face but that can take up to 3 months, changed my birth control to Yaz, once again 3 months for a change. So come the middle of summer, I'll have fewer zits. Nothing like being miserable for 3 months.

So I think you are right on with the sweat (telling me to wash before exercise). So I don't have anything else left to do but wait this out. I have a list (from dermo) to tell me what to avoid for breakouts for my skin type. Kind of interesting.

Good luck!
Kelli
29 f CF

 

[Kelli]

OMG, I'm totally in the same boat. My skin hasn't been bad for like 5 to 10 years. And then BOOM, I have zits everywhere. And I have the big under-the-skin type. Well I went to a dermo a month ago, got $500 worth of creams, washes, make up, brushes, etc. Well I still look like crap. And my chest and back are bad as well.

The dr asked if I had a hot tub (and I do) so there is some bacteria in there that is causing a problem. And also the dermo said I need to wash my face before I work out (as if I'd go out of the house without make-up.......I think not). So it's a catch 22. I'm on a form of Doxy for my face but that can take up to 3 months, changed my birth control to Yaz, once again 3 months for a change. So come the middle of summer, I'll have fewer zits. Nothing like being miserable for 3 months.

So I think you are right on with the sweat (telling me to wash before exercise). So I don't have anything else left to do but wait this out. I have a list (from dermo) to tell me what to avoid for breakouts for my skin type. Kind of interesting.

Good luck!
Kelli
29 f CF

 

[Ratatosk]

I don't have CF, but I've had similar problems for years -- gone to a dermo and was put on antibiotics, retin A, benzol peroxide.... Used over the counter remedies from the drug store and more expensive ones from Sephora. Tried sulfur soaps, masks, taking zinc supplements... Sigh, nothing seems to work.

I HAVE started going to have facials a few times a year and don't really seem to notice a big difference, but makes me feel a little better. I go to my dermo for that since I'm such a germaphobe, but I DID notice that the local beauty school offers them for about a third of the cost and am thinking about giving them a try.

One thing I did see on another site was an aspirin mask. Apparently people make a paste out of cheap aspirin and swear by it. Haven't tried it yet though. Suppose the salicilates in the aspirin as similar to the salicylic acid in acne soaps & creams.

 

[Ratatosk]

I don't have CF, but I've had similar problems for years -- gone to a dermo and was put on antibiotics, retin A, benzol peroxide.... Used over the counter remedies from the drug store and more expensive ones from Sephora. Tried sulfur soaps, masks, taking zinc supplements... Sigh, nothing seems to work.

I HAVE started going to have facials a few times a year and don't really seem to notice a big difference, but makes me feel a little better. I go to my dermo for that since I'm such a germaphobe, but I DID notice that the local beauty school offers them for about a third of the cost and am thinking about giving them a try.

One thing I did see on another site was an aspirin mask. Apparently people make a paste out of cheap aspirin and swear by it. Haven't tried it yet though. Suppose the salicilates in the aspirin as similar to the salicylic acid in acne soaps & creams.

 

[Ratatosk]

I don't have CF, but I've had similar problems for years -- gone to a dermo and was put on antibiotics, retin A, benzol peroxide.... Used over the counter remedies from the drug store and more expensive ones from Sephora. Tried sulfur soaps, masks, taking zinc supplements... Sigh, nothing seems to work.

I HAVE started going to have facials a few times a year and don't really seem to notice a big difference, but makes me feel a little better. I go to my dermo for that since I'm such a germaphobe, but I DID notice that the local beauty school offers them for about a third of the cost and am thinking about giving them a try.

One thing I did see on another site was an aspirin mask. Apparently people make a paste out of cheap aspirin and swear by it. Haven't tried it yet though. Suppose the salicilates in the aspirin as similar to the salicylic acid in acne soaps & creams.

 

[coltsfan715]

I have been fortunate enough over the years to never have a continuous acne problem - but do have occasional breakout issues.

1) I ALWAYS breakout badly on my neck and chest when I am on prednisone - doesn't matter how much I wash my face and neck/chest or what I wash with I breakout horribly on higher doses of prednisone. Also I breakout with some forms of meds. I know Nexium caused some major breakouts for me - but I am meaning more pimple type breakouts.

2) blackheads - I have had issues with the areas around my nose for years but nothing really rampant. I at times when I had major oil issues would even use a not so wet alcohol pad to clean my nose - yes crying and if they are really wet the vapors would mess with my nose, but overall didn't hurt anything for me.

I have used alot of different stuff over the years and nothing has really worked better than any other treatment except for proactive which I have used more recently. That seems to best at keeping my skin clear - IF I use it consistently everyday, but if I am sporadic with it I really don't see improvement.

For me I have had good results with just plain old Soap and Water washing and using a basic astringent to finish off my face washing.

Also not sure if you do this but when you wash your face put a warm rag over your face for a short while - heat opens your pores - and when you finish washing your face place a cold rag over your face for a while - the cold will close pores. The blackheads can be a problem if your pores are large and if you do not give them some assistance to tighten up. I am sure you knew that anyway - but I have found that not only does a cool rag on my face after washing feel good but it helps my face feel cleaner as well and tighter.

Take Care,
Lindsey

 

[coltsfan715]

I have been fortunate enough over the years to never have a continuous acne problem - but do have occasional breakout issues.

1) I ALWAYS breakout badly on my neck and chest when I am on prednisone - doesn't matter how much I wash my face and neck/chest or what I wash with I breakout horribly on higher doses of prednisone. Also I breakout with some forms of meds. I know Nexium caused some major breakouts for me - but I am meaning more pimple type breakouts.

2) blackheads - I have had issues with the areas around my nose for years but nothing really rampant. I at times when I had major oil issues would even use a not so wet alcohol pad to clean my nose - yes crying and if they are really wet the vapors would mess with my nose, but overall didn't hurt anything for me.

I have used alot of different stuff over the years and nothing has really worked better than any other treatment except for proactive which I have used more recently. That seems to best at keeping my skin clear - IF I use it consistently everyday, but if I am sporadic with it I really don't see improvement.

For me I have had good results with just plain old Soap and Water washing and using a basic astringent to finish off my face washing.

Also not sure if you do this but when you wash your face put a warm rag over your face for a short while - heat opens your pores - and when you finish washing your face place a cold rag over your face for a while - the cold will close pores. The blackheads can be a problem if your pores are large and if you do not give them some assistance to tighten up. I am sure you knew that anyway - but I have found that not only does a cool rag on my face after washing feel good but it helps my face feel cleaner as well and tighter.

Take Care,
Lindsey

 

[coltsfan715]

I have been fortunate enough over the years to never have a continuous acne problem - but do have occasional breakout issues.

1) I ALWAYS breakout badly on my neck and chest when I am on prednisone - doesn't matter how much I wash my face and neck/chest or what I wash with I breakout horribly on higher doses of prednisone. Also I breakout with some forms of meds. I know Nexium caused some major breakouts for me - but I am meaning more pimple type breakouts.

2) blackheads - I have had issues with the areas around my nose for years but nothing really rampant. I at times when I had major oil issues would even use a not so wet alcohol pad to clean my nose - yes crying and if they are really wet the vapors would mess with my nose, but overall didn't hurt anything for me.

I have used alot of different stuff over the years and nothing has really worked better than any other treatment except for proactive which I have used more recently. That seems to best at keeping my skin clear - IF I use it consistently everyday, but if I am sporadic with it I really don't see improvement.

For me I have had good results with just plain old Soap and Water washing and using a basic astringent to finish off my face washing.

Also not sure if you do this but when you wash your face put a warm rag over your face for a short while - heat opens your pores - and when you finish washing your face place a cold rag over your face for a while - the cold will close pores. The blackheads can be a problem if your pores are large and if you do not give them some assistance to tighten up. I am sure you knew that anyway - but I have found that not only does a cool rag on my face after washing feel good but it helps my face feel cleaner as well and tighter.

Take Care,
Lindsey

 

[dramamama]

Proactive, proactive, proactive. The BEST stuff EVER!!!! All of my actor friends have been using it forever. I have personally been using it since 99 and LOVE it!!!!!

When in LA it was every actor's secret.

I wish I had before and after photos..... but I don't really.

I also believe that probiotics help.....my husbands skin is beautiful since we have introduced probiotics to his diet. Good bacteria fights bad baceria everywhere. he doesn't use proactive.

 

[dramamama]

Proactive, proactive, proactive. The BEST stuff EVER!!!! All of my actor friends have been using it forever. I have personally been using it since 99 and LOVE it!!!!!

When in LA it was every actor's secret.

I wish I had before and after photos..... but I don't really.

I also believe that probiotics help.....my husbands skin is beautiful since we have introduced probiotics to his diet. Good bacteria fights bad baceria everywhere. he doesn't use proactive.

 

[dramamama]

Proactive, proactive, proactive. The BEST stuff EVER!!!! All of my actor friends have been using it forever. I have personally been using it since 99 and LOVE it!!!!!

When in LA it was every actor's secret.

I wish I had before and after photos..... but I don't really.

I also believe that probiotics help.....my husbands skin is beautiful since we have introduced probiotics to his diet. Good bacteria fights bad baceria everywhere. he doesn't use proactive.

 

[littledebbie]

I'm a proactive girl myself. It works really well for me, I have turned at least 8 people that I know of onto it and they are still happy with it. i have been using it probably 6-7 yrs now. I still have an zit or two here and there but it is NOTHING like before. and yah I have big pores but so does my dad I think it's just hereditary for me, but at least now they are big but clear.

Also, I have been told the apricot scrub is actually rather hard on your skin. the little granual things that are "buffing" away dead skin are also nicking and cutting into healthy skin leaving tiny cuts for dirt oil bacteria etc to settle into. So while immediately your skin might have a nice Glow and feel smooth... long term it's not a good idea.

 

[littledebbie]

I'm a proactive girl myself. It works really well for me, I have turned at least 8 people that I know of onto it and they are still happy with it. i have been using it probably 6-7 yrs now. I still have an zit or two here and there but it is NOTHING like before. and yah I have big pores but so does my dad I think it's just hereditary for me, but at least now they are big but clear.

Also, I have been told the apricot scrub is actually rather hard on your skin. the little granual things that are "buffing" away dead skin are also nicking and cutting into healthy skin leaving tiny cuts for dirt oil bacteria etc to settle into. So while immediately your skin might have a nice Glow and feel smooth... long term it's not a good idea.