frugal acne treatment

[gakline]

Re: frugal acne treatment

I just changed from Doryx to the generic Doxycycline. I called the pharmacy and it will only cost $1.65/ 30 pills. Gotta love generic.

[CJsoccerchic]

Re: frugal acne treatment

Wow what great methods everyone!
I must say what I have used...
If you are in need of a birthcontrol or are taking it, then most definently go with the birthcontrol method, surprisingly, the after effects (besides a good percent of NOT getting pregnant) is A CLEAN FACE! I've been taking the ortho tricyclin from the doctor!

[tesing]

Re: frugal acne treatment

These are all good ideas. I will try some as my acne is bad and makes me feel self conscious. I hope something works.

[Saving in So Cal]

Re: frugal acne treatment

I am a 40 something and have acne since I my early 20s. I have tried most everything available over the counter and by prescription. There is no cure or perfect solution, not even birth control pills (though they have other more obvious benefits).

I currently use the AcneFree regimen and am very happy with the results. This regimen is similar to Proactive, but with a slightly higher percentage of benzoil peroxide (3.75%?). It is available at WalMart and Costco. In addition, I believe either Boodle or Smart Source currently has a $5.00 off coupon. While not cheap, it is cheaper than similar products and certainly cheaper than the thousands of dollars I've spent on other less effective products.

While a good cleaning regimen will go a long way to helping moderate acne, it is important to eliminate those things that aggravate it. For me, hair care products, particularly hair spray, were a major source of aggravation. The only hair care product I use on a regular basis is a gentle shampoo - Nutrisse. It was tough giving up the rest because I don't have cooperative hair. However, I saw no point in having great hair and an irritated face.

Makeup is also a prime source of aggravation. Less is more. Stick to non-comedigenic versions. I have had the best luck with Almay products. Prescriptives is okay.

[Dixiechick]

Re: frugal acne treatment

My routine is very similar to some posted above. I'm 40 and still have acne concerns. This is what I do:

1. Limit my sugar intake. I can tell when I've over-indulged - I breakout. Fat content doesn't seem to bother me - low carb diets greatly improved my skin, but I'm no longer low-carbing currently and I'm doing OK, but not as great.

2. I wash my face 2x daily with the Purpose brand soap. It's a mild cleaner, but cleans very well.

3. I use an astringent 2x daily after washing - one with 2% Salicylic Acid.

4. I also apply 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide gel to my face 2x daily after the astrigent. That helps keep the bacteria from developing. Some may need the 10% - I found that was too harsh for me to use daily. But if I have a breakout attack, I will go up to 10% to help reduce any further bacteria from forming.

5. I use Milk of Magnesia as an oil control in the morning. It also helps reduce any irritations...

6. Do it consistently! Whatever you do...

Good Luck!

Dixiechick

[neguy11]

Re: frugal acne treatment

http://www.acne.org

I learned TONS from that site and have been following "The Regimen."

Basically, lightly wash (no scrubbing!) twice a day. Then use 2.5% benzoyl peroxide ALL OVER the skin.

The nice thing is he sells 4 ounce tubes for something like $8. Good deal considering the 1 ounce tubes cost anywhere from $3-$5 at the drugstore.

It's a great site. The guy who does it had acne and it's all free information.

[Kirbycruiser]

Re: frugal acne treatment

I agree with Saving in So Cal. I too switched to Acne Free after spending tons on Proactive. Acne Free really did work better than anything else for me. One set will last a long time. When it starts to make my face a little dry I stop using it for a day or too. I think using it every other day is best for my skin.

I think this would be the best thing for a teenager. I have tried everything else and nothing worked better for me.