Since I was 14 I've always had really bad spots, when they first appeared 7 years ago I went straight to the doctors, he told me that it was not acne that I had, just really bad teenage spots (just on my face not on my neck or any other part of my body). I was given a thick white greasy cream to apply to my skin twice a day, I tried this for about 6 months and it didn't help at all.
I was then put on some tablets (1 a day I think) and some much stronger clear cream that I remember being so strong it burnt my eyes if I put it on my skin too near them. After about 2 years and very little improvement I stopped taking the tablets and stopped applying the cream and went on setting my own regime to try and clear up my skin.
This did help a lot, and now the skin on my face is much more clear (I'm now almost 21). Over the past year my neck has begun to get more and more spots just under the jawline, and its seems no matter what I do I cant clear them.
My regime at the moment is as follows.
When I wake up I wash my hands with anti-bac soap, then clean my face and neck with a kind to skin cleanser/moisturiser in warm water and letting it drip dry.
When I get home from work I wash my hands again, then get in a hot shower, apply shaving foam (non soap and sensitive skin) shave my face making sure to avoid any spots, I no longer shave my neck as to avoid spreading spots + there is not a great deal of hair growth. I then exfoliate my face and neck, when I'm out the shower I splash my face with cold water to close pores and once again let drip dry.
Just before bed I wipe my face with a sensitive skin cleansing wipe.
I cant think of anything else that I could do to prevent spots forming and would love if someone could point me in the right direction as to where I'm going wrong or what other products I can use
Sorry for such a long post, I feel this is all relevant, although I've probably still missed out some info :p
Since I was 14 I've always had really bad spots, when they first appeared 7 years ago I went straight to the doctors, he told me that it was not acne that I had, just really bad teenage spots (just on my face not on my neck or any other part of my body). I was given a thick white greasy cream to apply to my skin twice a day, I tried this for about 6 months and it didn't help at all.
I was then put on some tablets (1 a day I think) and some much stronger clear cream that I remember being so strong it burnt my eyes if I put it on my skin too near them. After about 2 years and very little improvement I stopped taking the tablets and stopped applying the cream and went on setting my own regime to try and clear up my skin.
This did help a lot, and now the skin on my face is much more clear (I'm now almost 21). Over the past year my neck has begun to get more and more spots just under the jawline, and its seems no matter what I do I cant clear them.
My regime at the moment is as follows.
When I wake up I wash my hands with anti-bac soap, then clean my face and neck with a kind to skin cleanser/moisturiser in warm water and letting it drip dry.
When I get home from work I wash my hands again, then get in a hot shower, apply shaving foam (non soap and sensitive skin) shave my face making sure to avoid any spots, I no longer shave my neck as to avoid spreading spots + there is not a great deal of hair growth. I then exfoliate my face and neck, when I'm out the shower I splash my face with cold water to close pores and once again let drip dry.
Just before bed I wipe my face with a sensitive skin cleansing wipe.
I cant think of anything else that I could do to prevent spots forming and would love if someone could point me in the right direction as to where I'm going wrong or what other products I can use
Sorry for such a long post, I feel this is all relevant, although I've probably still missed out some info :p
Hi Misterb68
Just been reading your post and couple of things jumped out at me. Hope I can help.
I'm a Facialist and am trained in Chinese Systems of Analysis with Eve Taylor (Systems of Analysis is a three dimensional approach used during consultation to detect the causes of common skin problems, taking into account physical issues relating to the stomach, elimination/circulation, hormones, the liver and the lungs, as well as emotions. However I do not diagnose medical conditions.
Some suggestions are:
Breakouts on the jawline usually points to hormonal imbalance,
Chin area points to the Kidneys - could be if your not drinking enough water to flush out the toxins.
Stress levels hormones can influence the adrenal glands and kidneys.
So balancing the hormones is very important and drinking lots of water. Maybe go to a health shop ask for something to help balance the hormones.
Cutting right back on caffeine based drinks including tea, coffee and fizzy drinks and following a balanced diet will make a big difference too.
And eating before 7pm before the digestive system slows down for the evening also makes a big difference.
With regards to your skincare regime firstly I would avoid wipes like the plague as they contain stripping alcohol. Many people with oily skin or acne who use astringent and high alkaline products in hope they will strip their skin of the perceived evil that is 'oil', end up in a vicious circle. This is because the skins protective oils and water have been stripped away, disrupting the Acid Mantle (a slightly acidic film of sebum/oil and sweat on the surface of the skin which protects it from bacteria and infection and maintains the ph balance (4.5 - 5.5). Bacteria thrive on alkalinity so this acidity keeps them at bay, making the skin more prone to infection, damage, premature ageing and those nasty bacteria can thrive merrily away. The immune system then responds in producing more sebum which is further stripped and eventually ANGRY SPOTS occur and even DEHYDRATION!
I would look at using a natural and essential oil based skincare range. Essential oils are loaded with oxygen and detoxinate, hydrate and oxygenate the skin.
Why is oxygenation important to the skin?
Well a lack of oxygen and lots of sebum gives bacteria a wonderful place to thrive. The immune system's response is to produce even more oil and eventually breakouts appear. This applies to all skin types! The oxygen in essential oils kills bacteria, regulating sebum (oil) production and in turn switching off the immune system response and healing the skin.
I would also recommend this basic skincare routine using a purifying but hydrating range. Do this twice daily
1. Cleanse - dry face with clean towel (if your skin is oily letting it drip dry could encourage your skin to produce more oil)
2. Apply a treatment facial oil* designed for a problem skin - amazing products the drip feed the skin throughout the day
3. Spritz over a toner (this will lock in your facial oil as oil and water don't mix and also hydrates the skin)
4. Apply moisturiser - acts a barrier for moisture loss
NB Avoid washing with hot water as this will over stimulate the oil glands. Lukewarm is best.
*Here is an article I wrote on Facial Oils and why they are my MUST have product even for oily skins [url]Rituals Beauty: My Must Have Product - Eve Taylor's Facial Oils[/url]
I've had fantastic results with clients from Eve Taylor's range. The Purifying range is very hydrating and has a fantastic reputation alongside the No 3 Facial Oil.
If you haven't heard of the range: Eve Taylor is one of the longest professional aromatherapy skin and body care companies in the world. None of the products contain Mineral oil, Lanolin, SD alcohol, or artificial additives and are not tested on animals.
You won't see them in the shops, you can either find a trained therapist or order online through them at .
I would also recommend calling head office and ask if there are any therapists in your area who could do an analysis of your skin, they are an amazing bunch and the products are very reasonably priced, but results driven.
ps Eve has an OBE from the Queen for her services to Aromatherapy so she knows her stuff!
If you do change your skincare it is quite common to have a temporary Acid Mantle reaction here is a blog I wrote on it [url]Rituals Beauty: Skin Gone Crazy After Change in Skin Care?[/url]
Wow that was long. Really hope it helps and makes sense to you. Feel free to ask if you need more help.
Best of luck
oh I would also make sure you when you are washing your hair you do it before your skincare so your removing any remnants of shampoo etc.
Also look at your shaving products, I would recommend switching again to a natural essential oil based range again Eve Taylor do a mens range inc shave products.