I have had problem skin for years...I have a Clairisonic, and I think it does help.
After taking two rounds of Accutane, I started to have problems again earlier this year. I was trying to figure out what to do, because I didn't feel like I wanted to take Accutane again. I finally read two books, "Breaking Out" and "The Acne Cure". Both talk about a system of using OTC acne treatments that really worked for me, and my dermatologist has never told me to use these treatments in this way.
I don't remember every specific detail, but it comes down to this: you need a beta-hydroxy acid to get into the pores to get remove the oil and unclog the pores, so you need a salicylic acid product, about 2% concentration. Next, you need an alph-hydroxy acid, 5-10% concentration, to help recondition the surface of the skin.....both of the products help to exfoliate the skin....dead skin cells and clogged pores are part of the problem of breaking out. The key to these products is to use ones that have a pH around 3, because any higher than that makes then ineffective.
In severe cases, it is recommended that you ice the afflicted areas to reduce inflammation, and use a 2-2.5% benzoyl peroxide cream at night. You don't want to neccessarily use the 10% stuff, as it is usuallly no more effective than a 2.5% concentration.
The books recommend certain OTC products with the correct pH, and if you go to
www.beautypedia.com, there is a whole rating system and list of products to find the one that will work for you. I think to get access to the whole list, you have to pas something like $5 a month, but I just did it for one month to get the info I needed, and then I canceled it. This was a great resource for all kinds of things...even makeup, and it is current and up to date. She tells you concentrations and pH values, so you know what to use.
This system, done morning and evening, has helped tremendously. I still have occasional problems, but nothing like before. Technically, you don't need a Clarisonic, or any other exfoliating device when you do this system because you are exfoliating your skin with the acids. I still use my clarisonic anyway...and some people might need to use the sensitive skin brush so as not to over-irritate the skin.
Hope this helps.
