Say NO!!! to ACNE.

Sooo this is my very first blog!!! :] I want to share my terrible acne experiences with you all since I know 85% of teenagers between the ages of 12 and 24 suffer from acne and sadly 25% will develop permanent scars. And unfortunately, only 11% of people who suffer actually seek for help (The American Dermatologist Association). I want that percentage to increase. I might not drastically change that but it's great to know that I'm at least trying to! I'm not perfect either or close to it but I know that I have some important things to share. Since technology definitely change people's way of life, I'd thought it's a great opportunity to reach out to people online! Everyone goes online!

So let's begin!

I think I began to develop acne in middle school. I was outside a lot so I believe that humidity and environmental pollutants affected my skin a lot. And I was too young to realize any skin care regimen. Or was I not aware of it maybe? Also, skin sensitivity runs in the family. And I was going through puberty. Those crazy hormones. Anyways, it didn't get worse until high school began. I began to notice a lot of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and all that crap! Honestly, this is gross but I had volcano-looking pimples. They were so fat and red...they literally looked like they were ready to erupt and spurt out lava but instead, pus. ARGH! GROSS RIGHT? They were mostly on my big fat forehead. And I'd get random ones here and there on the other areas of my face. My skin is a combination of dry and oily. The thing is I didn't know that back then so I didn't really know how to fix it!

The important thing I learned about nursing (random but relevant in some sort) was that to alleviate or cure something, you must determine the cause first then seek for help. Sounds simple right? But people tend to forget that. People usually try to get rid of acne through squeezing it out or conceal it without even treating it first! No doubt I did it also. Definitely a NO-NO! Squeezing it will leave you a crater and you are making it worse by scattering the infection from the pus somewhere else on your face!

The important detail about treating acne is preventing it! Of course sometimes we can't help to expose ourselves outside or stress or physical irritation but what we can do is before and after school or work or whatever, wash our face with a facial cleanser and bring some oil-absorbant sheets! And you know what really helps also...OIL CONTROLLING LOTION OR MATTIFIER. Seriously for those people with oily skin, I highly recommend you to get one. IT'S A MUST-HAVE. Lifesaver, I tell you! Acne is mainly caused by excess production of oil in the sebaceous glands! So damn control that oil!

#1 Prevent acne or/and prevent getting any more!

Here are some products I recommend:

• Clean & Clear® Oil-Absorbing Sheets - $5.29 This is definitely inexpensive! There are other brands as well that work. For instance, the Walgreens version works! and for a cheaper price. If you notice that you are slightly getting oily, grab a sheet and start dabbing that oil away! Don't wipe it. Wiping/dragging your skin will definitely irritate your skin! So be gentle!


• Mary Kay Oil Mattifier - $15 THIS STUFF IS GREAT. This strongly controls your oil for at least 8 hours. Good enough for me! If you need it more under control, just squeeze a little and you're good to go! The only con about this is you can't order it online, you either meet a beauty consultant the website recommends you or she/he meets you. Free consultance. It's a hassle but no shipping fee. I mean if you want to try other Mary Kay products, she/he is willing to help you for sure! But for me, I just want the product! Haha! Otherwise, this is a five-star product!


• Cosmedicine Medimatte Control Lotion with SPH 20 - $42 Okay I know. It's PRICEY. But it's definitely works just as well as Mary Kay Oil Mattifier does. It also has more content that Mary Kay does. This has 1.35 fl oz compared to .6 oz you get from Mary Kay's. This also has a control spray version for $35 and it has 2.0 fl oz. I've only tried the control lotion. If you want to be more definite with where you put your lotion on then I recommend the lotion (which I do because I have dry/oily skin combination). But if you oily skin overall, then the control spray would probaby fit you more. For dry skin, don't worry! I don't think it will make your skin drier unless you don't use a moisturizer. So use one! :] and don't forget to drink lots of water!!!
  

Anyways, so now you're doing your job preventing that damn oil from overexceeding. But what if you already have annoying acne???

#2 Clean then #3 Treat

Here are more trustworthy products!

• Aveeno Active Naturals Clear Complexion Foam Cleanser $7.29



• Neutrogena Acne Stress Control Oil-Free Power-Clean Scrub $7.99



• Origins Checks and Balances™ Frothy face wash $18.50



• Lancôme 'Crème Radiance' Clarifying Cleanser $24



• Shiseido Brightening Cleansing Foam $34
  

Finally treat with...

• Differin (Gel, not cream) NOTE: THIS STUFF IS THE BEST! It works faster than other products I've used for directly treating acne (Murad, Neutrogena, etc.) This saved my life! especially in high school. Be ready to say goodbye to acne! The only thing is you need to consult a doctor to get a prescription for this! There are different strength levels too so you really need a doctor to determine what fits for you best.


• Nature's Cure 2 Part Acne Treatment $9.99 This is probably the second best. Contains benzoyl peroxide, what you need to treat acne. It works well also but not as fast as Differin but honestly, this is effective and speedy compared to other brands. I stopped using Differin because I don't get as much pimples as often and as worse. So this treatment works. Also, very affordable! Comes with vanishing cream and a homeopathic medicine to internally balance your hormones especially monthly cycles. They also have a kit for the males! So you ladies spread the word!

*Important note: Most acne treatments cause dryness, burning, itching, etc. So make sure you observe for those side effects and if any of those worsen then consult a doctor. If not, it's normal and make sure to drink adequate water and use a moisturizer with SPH!!!*

FINAL STEP: MAINTAIN!

So once people recover, they like to think it's over. Of course not! You need to maintain and be consistent with your own regimen to prevent acne occurrences again. You need to take care of your skin anyway! Our skin is our first defense mechanism! So stay consistent! Don't be lazy!

Again...PREVENT...CLEAN...TREAT...AND MAINTAIN!

and an important side note, DO NOT TOUCH YOUR FACE!

I hope this helps you guys. I listed the products I've tried or currently use. I wouldn't list any that I haven't or have but they suck. Pick what fits you and your budget! Also, I'm sure there are other great products as well. Just make sure you do your own research like look for reviews online or ask any of your friends, etc. If you have any suggestions or questions, ask away!

Thank you and ENJOY :o]

Sincerely yours,

Khat