Over 40 and breaking out!!

delfin

delfin

Cathlete
I've always had a battle with breakouts, but now in my 40s, it's like my chin area is a battle zone!! I'm trying a mild benzoyl peroxide lotion (if I try the tough stuff my skin gets so irritated), but the zits keep coming. Any over-40 ladies out there have this problem? Have you tried anything that works? I really don't want to see a dermatologist for pimples at my age.
 
I hear ya! I'm not 40 (yet), I am 33 3/4 years old but get some breakouts. I started using Proactiv and that seems to have helped a lot. I really like the smooth finish and healthy glow it gives the rest of my skin.
 
The cleaner I eat, the better my complexion gets. For me, it's as simple as that. Even around TTOM, the breakouts are minimal as long as I steer clear of junk food. I don't know what your diet is like, but you might want to consider some sort of elimination diet to see if any foods make you break out. I'm 38, by the way.
 
Not 40 yet either but I find that I have problems too.

I started using Proactiv about two years ago and as long as I use it I am good to go.

It seems like it would be harsh but it really isn't. I have a problem with things irritating my skin as well.

I order from QVC since their shipping is so much faster than getting it straight from them.
 
I'm 38 and still have problem skin. I started using this kit I got at Target that says "compare to Proactive" on the box and I haven't had a real breakout since. I think the whole kit was only about $20 and it has cleanser, toner, and benzoil peroxide cream.
 
It hit me last fall! All over my back and now on my chestand heading up my neck. I saw a Dr (general practitioner) 3 weeks ago who put me on antibiotics. It has helped only slightly!

I'm going to push to see a Dermatologist as soon as I have my return visit. I'm 40 and I'm sure they are used to it! I figure it is less embarressing seeing the Dr than walking around with big red pimples!! :-(

BTW: I tried Proactive several years ago and it really didn't work for me.

Good Luck!
Terri
 
I'm not over 40 yet, but still break out .:-( TYou may want to try retin A or tazorac available by prescription. I've used them both and they are great for controlling breakouts. If you have sensitive skin, try retin A. Tazorac is quite drying and causes your skin to peel. On the other hand, it is excellent for reducing wrinkles.
Lorrie
 
Like Lorrie, I'm on Tazorac. I'm also on Klaron, a prescription topical antibiotic. I have very oily skin so my skin hasn't been peeling. It's just been flaking off at certain spots, like the "smile zones", the sides of my nose and mouth. Tazorac is also milder than Retin-A, but it's just as effective. I saw a big, big difference in my skin in 6 weeks. My doctor said she expected only a 75% improvement AT MOST after 6 weeks, and she herself was surprised by the wonderful results of this treatment. So was I. I'd expected to be put on a more aggressive type of treatment, like hydrocortisone injections and oral antibiotics, which I've had in the past.

Different people react to different types of acne treatments, and one treatment may not work for you at all times. I suggest you see a dermatologist and spend your money on something that really targets your problem and works well for YOU. Good luck. :)

Pinky
 
Try B5 supplements!!! They really help your skin to become less oily, and don't seem to irritate or create dryness/ redness. My sister and I have struggled with acne forever (though not 40 yet) and this has worked wonders for both of us. You can get them at www.b5clearskin.com.

Since taking these I have begun recieving compliments on "a beautiful complexion". My doctor even noticed a difference and asked what I was using.

I find that an inside/ outside approach is the trick (combining clean eating/ supplements with topcial treatments). The topical medictions that seem to work best for *me* are exfoliating in naure: salycilic acid, glycolic acid, retinol... But proactive seems to work well for many other people, including my sister.

Good luck!
 
I'm so glad to see this thread! I was taking an antioxidant and it almost completely eliminated my chin breakouts, but I stopped taking it and my chin is a mess.

I'm also going to look into Proactiv.
 
I'm using All Clear by Beauti control. It seems to help ok but before then i was using proactive and that seems to help the best:)
Randi
 
Here are a couple things and I agree with everyone here that we are all different and react in a unique way.

I am 37 and had some pretty bad acne conditions in late high school/early college. I went to a dermatologist back then and was on every anti biotic known to man, even took a course of Accutane 2x. I then had pretty clear skin and yet recently the past year or so my skin has been VERY sensitive and tending to break out under stress.

I read recently that if you are breaking out on your CHIN area only - see if you are using a whitening toothpaste. If you are, stop and go back to a regular one. I did this because I was seeming to constantly have little pimples on my chin. Whether or not this is a 'cure' I changed toothpastes and it worked.

Now the issue was I still was having breakouts. I tried Proactiv but it dried out my skin like the dessert and didn't create results.

I then discovered a clear skin product line through Arbonne. My good friend had had cystic acne all her adult life and started using this line and in 3 days she was acne clear and 3 months later she has the scars and discoloration gone too. I am now an Independent Consultant for them so if you'd like to find out more you can email me at [email protected]. :7 (It is 100% guarantee so risk free)

I also found that Nuetrogena has very good anti-acne products but more for like little pimples - if you have more serious flare ups it tends to be like others said you need to cleanse both inside and out. And avoid stress. I still haven't figured out how to do that!! LOL
 
It may be roseaca, and that won't get better unless treated. I have it. It gets really bad when my thyroid meds are not right. Are you fair complected and do you blush easily? These are two common characteristics of people who suffer from roseaca. Mine started at about 35. My doctor said I was on the young side for getting it. It is fairly easy to control with the right medications.
 
Wow, here I go again. I suffered from acne FOREVER!!! I'm now 36 years old. My skin is still very oily and I have not been able to find products that help with that too much. I HAVE finally found awesome skin care that has cleared my skin up almost 100%. I used to have every kind of pimple a human can have and I tried drmatologoists and pretty much EVERY skin care regime known to man including Proactive. Paula's Choice skin care has cleared me up almost completely. I haven't had a cystic pimple since I've been using her stuff. My husband and friends even noticed how nice my skin looks and I've gotten compliments on my skin which FLOORS me b/c I still don't look at my skin and think it is desirable. Anyway, I can't remember how I discovered Paula's Choice but it is the best stuff I've ever used and I consider it my beauty regime miracle. I am very rigid with my skin care regime. I recommend going to her sight and reading the descriptions of the various products including the kits she has put together for various skin problems then order what you think best fits your situation. That is what I did and I've never been more pleased in my life. You can find this at www.paulaschoice.com. I really can't say enough about this skin care...it is the best in my opinion!!! I wish you all the best.
Angela:7
 
Are you fair complected and do you blush easily?

>
>
Yes! I blush like crazy! The night before last I was at a gymnastics meeting for my DD, and while speaking to the coaches about something, I could feel that heat take over my face. I'm also very fair. If my face doesn't clear up in a week, I'm going to see a Dr. Maybe it is the roseaca you're talking about!
 
You can find this at www.paulaschoice.com.
> I really can't say enough about this skin care...it is the
>best in my opinion!!! I wish you all the best.
>Angela:7

Hi, I am using her 2.5% Benzoyl peroxide lotion because it is less drying than the ones you get at the drug store. This past week I've tried upping the application to 2X a day (and during vacation I didn't use it at all) so I'm hoping that will help... I haven't tried any of the other products there. Is there a facial cleanser you like?
 
Yes...I use the complete line.
a.m.
I wash with the Skin Balancing Cleanser for normal to oily/combination skin then I apply Skin Balancing Toner for normal to oily/combination skin with a cotton ball followed by the 2.5% Benzoyl peroxide lotion.
p.m. I do exactly the same except instead instead of the toner I apply 2% Beta Hydroxy Acid liquid for all skin types (but recommended for oily/acne prone skin).
I think using the Beta Hydroxy Acid along with the benzoyl peroxide is key. When I first started there was some minor surface drying of the skin. The clanser is gentle and takes off makeup too. Everything is ph balanced and my skin doesn't feel stripped even though I used to like the dried out feeling with my old products b/c I'm so oily.
Oh, I also use the Skin Balancing Moisture Gel for normal to oily/combination skin on areas that may get surface dryness and around my eye area.
So, basically, I use 4 products. I have a mask but I don't use it often. The one I have has been discontinued so I would like to try the one they offer now. I would be so sad if this skin care was no longer available. I think I've used it for a couple of years now and I've never stuck with a skin care line that long b/c I used to get so upset over all the money I was spending for skin care that didn't keep my skin clear.
Sorry to go on and on, I really believe in this stuff but I also understand what works for one will probably not work for everyone. It has made a HUGE difference in my skin. When I first started using it my co-worker thought I was pregnant and was waiting for me to make the announcement b/c she said my skin was glowing. Stress, p.m.s. time, bad eating...still clear skin!!!
Angela:7
 
I just went and checked out the Paula's Choice line and was very pleased to see I could order sample sizes!!!!

I'm about to go on Accutane for a 2nd course (x( ) and so I got both types... for oily skin and for very dry skin!

I'm hopeful that some of the products will work for me... they don't seem that expensive, either!

(I'm 29 and have had incredibly cystic acne since I was 13!!! Never thought I'd still be looking at a face full of it at this age!)
 
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