Skin problems: whiteheads on face

Euskadi1946 · Dec 23, 2004

Hey guys,
I don't know if any of you have exp. in dermatology, but if u can help PLEASE DO! I had perfect skin until suddenly, after my 26th b-day my face started to break out. I have been told I have whiteheads, but I don't know what to do about them. I have tried EVERYTHING...I think. Right now I am using a Benzoyl Peroxide face wash and cream. They help a little, but the whiteheads keep coming back. I mostly get them on my forehead, cheeks, and jawline area. BASICALLY, all over my face. If anyone knows of anything please let me know...I am desperate to get my clear, unscarred, evenly toned skin back!:imbar
PS I don't have health insurance, so any OTC med advice would help.

Wow Ketcia are you in nursing school? It could be caused by stress. I've heard that steaming the face to open the pores, then scrubbing the face with a gentle exfoliant, rinsing with cold water, patting the skin dry and applying an oil free moisturizer is great. What ever you do, don't pick at them.

SmilingBluEyes · Dec 23, 2004

If you are not super-sensitive, you COULD try a gentle exfoliating agent for the face. Just stay away from "peach pit" ones...they are way rough and actually cut the face in tiny, microscopic abrasions. Also, try one of the more gentle astringents out there.....test a bit of your skin first w/any new product to see if you are sensitive or not before jumping full-in, to avoid severe reactions. Another product to try if you are not sensitive is one that has salycilic acids in it...but beware, some sensitive types cannot handle these and can break out, also. I found these to be particularly helpful for my skin problems.....

Also peel masques work wonders, too. But again, be sure to test small amounts before using them over the whole face.

You see, The trick is to exfolliate......you need to get that dead layer off, and then, keep it clean! Good luck!

Karina212 · Dec 23, 2004

I have the same problem and I'm 27! I always had crystal clear skin until I hit my early to mid 20's and it just got worse. I tried everything OTC and nothing worked. I just got an RX from my doctor for Benzaclin. I know you said you dont have health insurance but maybe you could ask your family doctor to somehow help you out. Or maybe you could ask your pharmacy much it would be without an RX plan. I have been using it twice a day for two weeks and I haven't broken out once! If you don't want to do this, you could try getting a facial at a reputable spa. They may be able to offer good suggestions. Good luck!

Hey guys,
I don't know if any of you have exp. in dermatology, but if u can help PLEASE DO! I had perfect skin until suddenly, after my 26th b-day my face started to break out. I have been told I have whiteheads, but I don't know what to do about them. I have tried EVERYTHING...I think. Right now I am using a Benzoyl Peroxide face wash and cream. They help a little, but the whiteheads keep coming back. I mostly get them on my forehead, cheeks, and jawline area. BASICALLY, all over my face. If anyone knows of anything please let me know...I am desperate to get my clear, unscarred, evenly toned skin back!:imbar
PS I don't have health insurance, so any OTC med advice would help.

YoungWiseWoman · Dec 23, 2004

Thanks for all of the quick responses guys! I think I will try exfoliating, which seems to be the general concensus. I have been asking for gift certificates for Christmas to a spa to get a facial because I heard that they really help too. I am thinking of trying Proactive, but I am a little skeptical.

I will let you guys know what works...something has to!

fiestynurse · Dec 23, 2004

What you have is adult acne, which usually appears along the jawline and hairline. Adult onset acne usually involves normal or combination skin or even dry and/or sensitive skin, rather than the oily skin that is typical of juvenile acne. Most acne products are developed for juvenile acne and contain high concentrations of benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, azelaic acid and other agents that can be excessively drying and potentially irritating to adult skin. Adult skin may not tolerate persistent use of these agents and skin sensitivity may become problematic. The benzoyl peroxide that you are using may be making it worse.

ProActive is good, but a little expensive. Use soap-free cleansers and alcohol-free toners. Always follow-up with a moisturizer. I would recommend some of the Neutrogena skin care products. Neutrogena is very similar to ProActive.

In addition, are you on any medication that could be causing the acne? Birth control pills? How is your diet? Do you take a multi-vitamin? Are you under a lot of stress? What kind of cosmetics do you use?

I have had acne problems on and off my whole life and have passed that on to both of my daughters. My 15 year old is having good results from the ProActive. My 20 year old uses Neutrogenia and is on a birth control pill that actually helps her skin. I make sure to take very good care of their skin and mine because I had an older sister who had terrible acne and was left with horrible scars which she finally got rid of through lazer treatments. Don't let your acne get too bad before seeing a skin doctor. Call around and find someone that charges reasonable fees and tell them that you don't have insurance. Good Luck!

Achoo!, LPN · Dec 23, 2004

I had the same problem. I use the Loreal Pure Zone line. It has a mild cleanser, toner, and lotion. It's basically like proactiv. I get all 3 for about $25 and it works great!

acgemt · Dec 23, 2004

I use St. Ive's Apricot Scrub - Medicated. I highly recommend it to anyone. Plus it leaves your skin feeling so soft...its in a white squeeze bottle. Hope this helps!!!

GingerSue · Dec 24, 2004

this is an skin-care recipe I noticed but never yet tried:

- use mashed strawberries and a little bit of honey mixed together for a mask that helps acne and leaves skin soft.

begalli · Dec 24, 2004

- use mashed strawberries and a little bit of honey mixed together for a mask that helps acne and leaves skin soft.

ummmm...that sounds yummy!

FarmgrrlRN · Dec 24, 2004

I use Neutrogena Multi-Vitamin Acne Treatment for breakouts and Cetaphil as a cleanser (very gentle stuff). The Cetaphil can be pricey at the drugstore (~ $7-8/bottle) but Costco sells the same size bottle for 2/$10.