Acne Problem Solution?

anyone here knows how to get rid of acne and acne scars?

any beauty product you are using that is effective?

does my food intake also affect why I am having a lot of acnes?
specially forehead, nose and chin?

Comments

  • +12

    Way too many variables. What works for one person, will not necessarily work for another person

    • -4

      ya this is what they said on the internet too, cos different person have different skin type.

      • +16

        Can you put up a MS Paint link so we can see what the issue is specifically?

  • +24

    I think you wanted OzDermatologist rather than OzBargain.

    • -7

      haha! is there such OzDermatologist?

  • +3

    anyone here knows how to get rid of acne and acne scars?

    Try figuring out whats causing it in the first place. Eg. diet, wrong skincare products, lack of skincare products or not doing it correctly, hair etc
    You need to share more info if you want help.

    • I'm trying but I think I have sugar addiction that's why I can help eating sweets. :(

      • +1

        It could be that, It might not be. Just try different things. Something as simple as getting rid of your fringe, double cleansing and using a suitable moisturiser could make a difference.

      • +10

        Sugar is definitely not helping, in any way. Cut down on your sugar as step one.

        Don't go cold turkey, it's IMPOSSIBLE.

        Get an appointment with a dermatologist.

      • ^ what others said, also try organic apple cider vinegar, put some on cotton ball n hold against the acne. Good luck.

  • -4

    Speak to someone at a Mecca store.

    • -1

      are they skin dermatologist there?

      • Mecca is a beauty store so no, there's no dermatologist there but they do have people who can help you with your skin concerns.

      • +7

        Do you know what a Dermatologist is? I suggest doing some actual research rather than buying the bullshit snake oil and old wives tales been pushed in this thread. Or maybe on your way to a Mecca store you should pick up a Peter Brock crystal to make sure your car runs better?

        • -2

          A dermatologist is a medical doctor. They then spend 4 yrs specialising in dermatology.

          • @sarahlump: 4 years? Lol. Try again.

  • +12

    From what i know it is usually one or more of 3 causes.

    1. Hormones - eg puberty or you're very stressed or depressed. This is most difficult to fix.

    2. Diet - you could be eating something unsuitable. This is different for each person. Some people get acne from sugary foods, some from peanuts. You have to figure it out. This usually takes a while as your body's reaction to a change in diet isn't instantaneous.

    3. Problem with skin - this is also dependant on yourself. Some people have really oily skin some people have resilient skin etc. This is where washing your skin and keeping it in good condition matters. Again different for each person.

    If you have acne it is usually a result of one of those.

    As for fixing acne scars, I don't think any products help that much. Overnight lotions and stuff that stay on for long periods would help the most but I don't think they're that effective for scars.

    Good luck

    • -2

      As for fixing acne scars, I don't think any products help that much

      Malin + Goetz Acne Treatment Nighttime works to help reduce scarring when you apply it. Also use Clinique smart serum to help with skin tone

      • +1

        I've tried a couple of stuff for my scars and didn't see any results so I gave up :(

        • What did you use? You might also benefit from speaking to someone at Mecca

      • -1

        will try this but it will takes time. right? like more than 3 months to make it totally disappear.

        • Yes; nothing is instant

    • -1

      I agree, most of the time I am stressed at work and depress with everything.

      Diet wise, my sugar addition I need to stop.

      I tried a lot of products and research a lot about it as well.

      • -1

        If you're stressed and depressed, sounds like you might need to see a counsellor or psychologist …

        • so many things related to acnes.

  • +4

    Go to GP and ask for doxycycline prescription. Relatively safe and not intense like other stronger acne medication. Been taking it for like 2 years now and barely if ever get acne anymore.

    • +1

      Yep, this worked for me in my teens too.

    • I did this 2x already. They said my pimples are not that serious but to me I cannot take it cos I was used not to have any acnes before.

    • thank you ! will try to ask this after the covid 19 subsides so scared to go to clinics and hospitals now.

  • +10

    Like most people you should first visit a GP and then get a referral to see a dermatologist.

    For people on the extreme end of the spectrum it's usually a mixture of topical treatments like climdamcin creams and oral medication such as oratane.

    For people with mild to moderate acne it's usually doxycycline, easily treatable by GP

    • +5

      Most GPs should be able to deal with mild-moderate acne. Dermatologists are for more serious skin conditions in which are difficult to either identify or require extensive creams and treatments.

      Edit: most specialists will also charge a significant gap on top of medicare for a 2 minute consultation in which they prescribe 1 or 2 creams so defs not worth.

    • the problem is that, my pimple heals within 1-2weeks then scars will stays up to 3months. but as the pimple heals from one part, there will be new coming out from another parts again. so tiring to keep killing them, then will come out to another part again.haays

      • +2

        Scars last forever. These are not scars.

      • +1

        you're experiencing pigmentation due to stress on your skin. Scaring lasts for your whole life unless you undergo like laser or some surgery to remove them. Scars happen, either except them or not it's your life.

  • +2

    Speaking from experience, I suggest seeing a GP and perhaps get a referral to a dermatologist.

    I tried many products you can find from pharmacy, i.e. tea tree oil, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, etc. Yes, if I were lucky enough the treated spots may be recovering, but that wouldn't stop new acne forming. I always have a balance diet and minimising consumption of alcohol and sweets, didn't seem to have significant effect from stopping acne.

    I was given a prescription for Epiduo gel initially by a GP, it did work initially, but slowly lossing effect after around 6 months. And then I got a referral from the GP to see a dermatologist, that's where I got a prescription for Oratane.

    I was scared initially because there are many horrible stories online about the side effects of Oratane. Fortunately for me, not only I handled pretty well with the side effects, I rarely have acne nowadays.

    In summary, I would suggest you to seek professional help. And do remember, you have the options to say no if you are uncomfortable with the treatment they suggested.

    • I did purchase a facial treatment for healing acnes. the assessment to my face is that I got a lot of oil clogs in my pores. (white heads) but my cheeks are very smooth and clean, only my foreheads, nose and chins that give me headaches.

      • The "T" zone.
        As this is OzB, cheap and easy solutions is what we should be offering, as our main qualification is cheap-skatery.

        So I'd suggest:

        1. Twice-daily wash with a mild soap-free solution. Soap is (generally) a touch alkaline and can upset your skin's pH balance. Something like Cetaphil, QV or similar. Use as directed, and don't be heavy-handed.

        2. A cheap toner. Dilute white vinegar with clean water, try half-half at first. Use cotton wool or similar clean applicator on your T-zone. You should see it discolours the cotton as you use it.

        3. A non-comodengenic moisturiser. This just means it's claimed to not clog your pores.
          I like NS-7 and Billie Goat moisturisers. Wife prefers Hatomuji gel.

        4. Ensure you're drinking sufficient water.

        5. Weekly 20 minute treatment (optional but recommended).
          Combine vinegar, lemon (or lime) juice and bi-carb soda. Check online for suggested ratios as I haven't the info to hand.
          You mix that and soak a clean flannel/face cloth with it. Squeeze out excess. Place this on face with you as horizontal as possible so its weight keeps it there, but you'll need to encourage it down either side of your nose. It smells bad, but you will see and feel an immediate difference afterwards.
          Keep it on for 20 minutes, then remove and rinse or wash face with mild cleanser.

        Experiment with these as quantities, techniques and times of treatment will make a difference for individuals. The main variable will be choice of moisturiser, and over-application can make things worse so beware of that.

        Good luck, be tolerant of short-term discomfort and patient for longer-term benefits.

        • Skincare can be hard with so many conflicting marketing claims. But general advise is to avoid fragrances in skin products, and avoid DIY skincare as it can be very easy to do more damage than good without knowing exactly what you're doing.

          All that said, a basic list of some cheaper products (feel free to research all recommended products before trying them):

          Cleanser:
          CeraVe Foaming Cleanser 236ml - $12.99 at Chemist Warehouse OR Simple Micellar Facial Gel Wash 150ml - $8.99 at C/W
          (Both fragrance free and good for sensitive skin without over stripping).

          Toner: (Not a need to do step, but if you want to include it)
          Paulas Choise 2% BHA (salicylic acid) Liquid Exfoliant - $38.00
          (kinda expensive, Priceline have a similar product for $23 but I haven't tried it).

          Serum:
          The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% 30ml - $9.90 at Priceline
          (Great for reducing oil production with consistent use).

          Moisturiser:
          Neutrogena Oil-free Moisture Combination 118ml - $6.99 at C/W
          (Light moisturiser for oily skin).

          A SPF 50+ sunscreen. I like La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL personally.

          Bus as others have said, hydrate, avoid touching your face, cleanse day and night, keep your bedding clean (change pillowcases frequently), and try to stay consistent. Your skin may freak out a little with sudden change.

          Obviously these recommendations are in the realm of physical things you can change, but if you're stressed or have a poor diet, you'll need to focus on these things separately.

  • +1

    I stopped shaving and started wearing a beard to get rid of my acne.

    • luckily im a girl so dont have beard. :D

  • +1

    does my food intake also affect why I am having a lot of acnes?
    specially forehead, nose and chin?

    Yes. If you have a concern on diet, talk to GP and nutritionist.

  • +1

    Apple cider vinegar. Drink it with water and/or apply it to your face mixed in creams. Works great. Google it

    • ya trying this now mixing it with the Indian Healing Aztec clay. this makes my pimples heals faster like 5-7days dried already.

      • Just wow

  • +2

    I get small breakouts that leave scars everytime I drink, which is usually every second weekend.

    I've found that using a combination of mild cleanser, chemical exfoliation, toner and oil-free moisturiser helps.

    I use Alpha-H Triple Action Cleanser, followed by a salicylic acid toner and Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturiser in the morning. Same in the night except every 2-3 days I replace the cleanser with Skinstitut Glycolic Scrub 14% and follow with The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane and then moisturise.

    If I feel my skin is dry in the morning, I follow the toner with The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 before moisturiser.

    • +1

      wow! thank you for this! :) <3

  • +6

    Here are some facts: you can’t get rid of acne scars. If you have pitting, it’s possible to use collagen injections regularly to fill those pits, but that’s extremely expensive and requires ongoing maintenance.

    In terms of getting rid of acne, don’t listen to the bullshit advice you get from people on here, dermatologists have studied for over a decade and have an in-depth knowledge of the best treatment for you. If you have scaring, it’s severe, so you are well beyond seeking treatment from a GP, so get a referral and go see a dermatologist.

    • -1

      not much budget for this,oops! finding the cheapest effective one if possible.

      • +4

        This is your lifelong appearance you are talking about. If you already have scarring you want to a solution immediately. You do not want more irreversible scars. Do not listen to the bullshit advice and old wives tales people are promulgating in here, see your GP tomorrow and get a referral.

    • +8

      It's really weird but this behaviour of extreme denial and avoidance of admitting to the severity of their affliction seems incredibly common amongst those afflicted by severe acne. As is the reluctance and paranoid hysteria about trying Isotretinion (Roaccutane/Oratane), which is the only solution for a majority of those afflicted by severe acne.

      There have been a couple of threads like this on OzBargain and Whirlpool and they all start out with the same plea of "I'm willing to try anything" and then you mention Isotretinoin and they regurgitate a laundry list of excuses and misinformation about why the only proven cure for acne is not for them because of "scary side effects"; meanwhile millions of people around the world take Isotretinoin each year and successfully cure their acne for life but I guess a 75% success rate and the recommendations of countless dermatologists just don't meet their standards of proof.

      It's amazing how people are still so poorly informed about acne and how this vicious cycle of denial, old wives tales, pseudo-scientific topical remedies and an inevitable worsening of their condition seems to plague people with life-changing acne who really need Isotretinoin the most.

      • +1

        We live in a society that produces morons. It's that simple.

      • to be fair its in the financial interest of the cosmetic industry for people to have skin problems so they can sell them snake oil.

        • You're absolutely right, hence there is no incentive for their products to actually work and permanently treat whatever skin conditions they claim to and yet people continue to believe that over-the-counter skincare and cosmetics products really will perform the scientifically-impossible claims made on the packaging and that the entire industry isn't just smoke and mirrors selling the equivalent of healing crystals and snake oil to gullible fools for top-dollar. The amount of money the OP has squandered on ineffective topical remedies by now could have easily afforded him a dermatologist appointment by now and probably a few scripts of Isotretinoin.

          To be clear, I am no fan of the pharmaceuticals industry for that same reason as it's axiomatic that a healthy populace does produce repeat business, and yet even I can state first-hand that Isotretinoin is simply miraculous when it comes to treating severe acne and the so-called side effects people and mainly acne sufferers at that, always harp on about, are completely exaggerated.

  • +1

    Does anyone know what happened to the guy who was going on a complete 7-day fast to fix his acne?

    • +1

      Probably took a dirt nap.

      • +2

        Looks like he's still around.

  • +3

    Roactane worked for me 35 years ago, only took it for 3 months. Yes I know the side affects so don't bother.

    • +1

      I remember nose bleeds and chapped lips, acnes did go but not permanently. I had to take 2nd and 3rd course but never got permanent cure.

      • +1

        I had dry cracked lips but that was it, back then there was no mention of any really bad side effects. Went for me 99% was really bad on chest and back only though.

  • +2

    3M Acne dressing from Japan, it is a pimple sticker and stick on overnight.

    • ya i used this too when my pimple is really big and got puss. over night it will take out the puss. :)

  • Increase your vitamin A…..that's what's in Roaccutane. Also use rosehip oil to massage into the scarring to lessen. But try not to squeeze instead just dry them out with teatree ointment.

    • -2

      i see will buy rosehip later and will try on to my scars. :)

      • You cannot fix scarring. I’ve told you this. Stop buying snake oil.

        • While the skin is still healing it is possible to encourage skin to heal in a less knotted way to soften scarring by regular massage with an oil like rosehip. If the the skin has healed and the scarring is old then the oil won't help. This was confirmed by my dermatologist.

          • -1

            @Itsellabella: I can tell you for a fact that things like bio oil are just placebos to make you feel like you’re doing something. The Doctors prescribe them as a means to mitigate scarring, but they don’t believe that rubbish, they just give it to patients because otherwise the patients will just keep on asking for something. That’s you red pill for the day, you’re welcome.

            • @[Deactivated]: lol funny, you said only dermatologies/doctors can be trusted. Yet in this reply, you said they're lying…whats next, acne is caused by 5G?

              • @Ughhh: No, I said they are placating you. Doctors do it all the time.

        • +2

          To be fair, for some scars there are treatments to improve the aesthetic and also physical properties of the scarring. I know for sever burns treatments and large skin grafts they recommend 12+ months of pressure bandages to help while the scarring is maturing. It's a little outside the scope of acne scars and this conversation and it falls in line with that you just said.

          Don't bother with snake oil. I've tried bio-oils vitamin a, etc. I've been self-harming for 10 years believe me your scars are there for life just learn to accept them it's really not a big deal unless you make it one.

          • @sarahlump: Yes, I was actually given the initial advice re scarring for deep melanoma cuts and it is more to do with the regular massaging of the tissue surrounding the cut but I have asked Dr is the same applies to acne and she said yes to moisturize the skin and massage will help with any skin healing.

            • -1

              @Itsellabella:

              yes to moisturize the skin and massage will help with any skin healing.

              Yep, and theres research papers to back that. But everythings snake oil apparently, I wonder who they're working for.

              • -1

                @Ughhh: ughhh, I think the people I was talking about are doctors.

  • +3

    If you are a woman, contraceptive pills work wonders. Bit of hormones every day helps a lot, just take it every day, don't bother with the fake pills to get a fake period to satisfy the fake pope.

    • +1

      does contraceptive pills really works?

      • +1

        Yes. Pimples, hair growth, weight gain, etc are all heavily linked to hormones. Especially if you're female, Google PCOS for more info. Idk where you are, but DMK skin care/facials helped me greatly with my skin. I used to be a pizza face, now ppl comment on how beautiful my skin is.

      • Yes, hormones are highly influential on the body so by regulating it you can even out your cyclical changes. It sure as hell helped my skin, moods and having NO periods is great. Never even moved off the basic pill (microgynon/levlen) which is dirt cheap. There are other side effects but I consider it worth it (slight weight gain). Trying out these pills is a hell of a lot safer and cheaper than antibiotics/roaccutane, so should be tried first. Only try those other pills if it does not work well enough for a few months.

      • Yes…..has worked wonders in evening out my hormones and thus the oil in my skin

      • Hormone therapy works wonders for acne

        • Transitioning to get rid of acne seems a tad excessive.

      • It works differently for different people. I'd suggest the ordinary. their niacinamide, toner, and peeling solution should be great. It's an affordable range with great products. give it a go.

  • I suffered from severe acne as a teenage and nothing worked for me until I saw a GP/specialist who wrote me a script for a medication (I can't remember the product) that cleared everything within 6-8 weeks! However, I was left with a fair bit of acne scarring and being a guy, I didn't think this could be treated without cosmetic surgery. Finally Last year, I googled and decided to go to my local Clear Skin clinic. Their Dermapen treatment definitely caused skin rejuvenation which has lightened and filled in a fair bit of my scars which were on both sides of my face. They said if I treated my scars when I was younger, the result would have been even better as I would have more collagen in my skin. My teenage daughter has started going there for general acne and skin beauty and she say she definitively notice a difference. They have sign-up/referral packages and regular specials. This is my own actual experience and just wanted to say you can reduce acne scarring. There are a many few other skin clinics so do your research but unfortunately they are all closed atm.

  • Free dermatologist advice is the most ozbargain thing to do here! There are a few dermatologists on Youtube who provide a lot of great advice. Davin Lim and Sam Bunting are two favorites. Dr Dray also provides good info but is not everyone’s cup of tea. I’ve improved my current acne situation and over the last year using what I’ve learnt. While i still have some scars, I’ve calmed the redness down and my skin looks a lot better. Good luck!

  • First and foremost, try your best to not touch your face. Your response has answers to them, and hence you have a vicious cycle. You say you are tired of "killing them", yet you complain about having scars. Your hand has germs and bacteria, even after you've washed them, so it is best not to touch your face as much as possible (unless treating for acne, of course). Even resting your hand on your face can aggravate the skin's surface and introduce germs, and using certain harsh soaps can make the skin dry, tempting you to scratch it. My suggestion is to buy as many different types of soap and face cleansers as you can afford, to find that sweet spot where your skin is not dry after use, and doesn't feel itchy. If your skin does get itchy during the day, get a fresh towel and gently rub around the affected area, try not to use the same area of the towel. Focus your mind on something else so you are not obsessed with what's going on on your face (and constantly touching it) like reading a book or watching youtube videos on how to get rid of acne. That was the prevention part.

    If you get breakouts, buy as many types of acne treatment you can, because as stated, not every treatment is for everyone, each product will target different parts of the skin to treat acne. For example, one product targets oily skin (sebum), but in doing so, makes the skin too dry, and being too dry causes skin irritations.

    The fact that we're in a pandemic right now means some of us have to wear face masks, which doesn't help acne sufferers, the skin will sweat and get oily, making it itchy, and you're constantly fixing the face mask, meaning germs are constantly being introduced onto the skin.

  • Reddit has been very helpful with my skin and I suggest checking out some of the skincare and Asian beauty subreddits. Don't get sucked into buying everything at once and throwing it on your face though. Also might be worth ruling out fungal acne just in case.

  • +8

    I'm going to link to the reply I made on another user's acne-related thread.

    There is no topical solution to an internal problem. The causes of Acne are largely genetic and/or hormonal, and have nothing to do with what's happening on the surface your skin.

    Your sebaceous glands, which become blocked and inflamed leading to the formation of pimples, are located well below your epidermis, so any topical skincare products (oils, creams, acids, Benzoyl Peroxide, etc) are completely ineffective in targeting the root cause of pimples; they may at best, lessen the severity of their appearance but any correlation you see between use of a skincare product and a reduction in acne is largely a placebo and/or coincidence.

    All of these old wives tales that people inevitably parrot such as: "don't touch your face", "wash your face five times a day", "use a different towel each time", "change your pillow case each night"; are completely bunk and might even worsen your acne by making your skin extremely dehydrated and hypersensitive.

    Also, links between particular diets and acne has not been conclusively established, even after decades of research.

    You need Isotretinoin (sold under brand names such as: Roaccutane, Oratane, etc.).
    Especially if you don't want to be left with even more scarring as time goes on. Any acne severe enough to leave permanent scarring is going to be recommended a course of Isotretinion by a dermatologist, because that is the only proven and as-close-to-universal-as-possible treatment there is.

    Get a referral from your GP, see a dermatologist and get this chapter of your life over and done with. The dermatologist consultation may be a bit pricey but you'll likely need just one; Isotretinion pills are dirt cheap in Australia.

    /Thread

    • -2

      All of these old wives tales that people inevitably parrot such as: "don't touch your face

      are completely bunk and might even worsen your acne by making your skin extremely dehydrated and hypersensitive.

      Do you have any evidence of that? Because that goes against what a lot of credible people have said, ie dermatologist.

      • Yes, dermatologists I've consulted with in the past have told me exactly that.
        Excessive/obsessive cleaning of any part of the skin can cause dermatological issues such as Dermatitis and increase the risk of infectious skin disorders, because unbelievably enough, your skin 's function is that of a barrier to keep moisture in the body and harmful agents out of it; and by constantly applying various abrasive chemicals onto it excessively, you destroy that careful balance of microbiota that maintain your dermal health.

        It's the exact same reason childhood allergies and asthma are absolutely sky-rocketing in the Western world. An overly sterile environment during childhood that does not promote a healthy human microbiome or immune system development.

        The bottom line is, the OP needs to stop listening to people on the Internet and go and see a dermatologist, who I would bet good money will recommend them a 6-month course of Isotretinoin (probably 20mg/40mg per day).

        • Yes, dermatologists I've consulted with in the past have told me exactly that.

          Huh…so the dermatologist told you that there's no problems with touching your face all the time?

          your skin is designed as a barrier to keep moisture in the body and harmful agents out of it;

          Yes, but do recognise that a lot of people have dry skin, and thus the barrier is weakened. Without products like moisturisers, which some like to call snake oil, you're more likely to develop skin issues, not to mention you may look 10x older. I dont disagree that excessive cleaning is bad though, excessive anything is bad.

          I noticed huge changes from just changing my cleaning routine, getting rid of my fringe and cutting out milk.

          • +1

            @Ughhh: That's great. You're not a doctor. The OP needs to see a doctor. Amar89 is correct in pretty much everything he says.

            • +1

              @[Deactivated]: Neither are you.

              Do you think its not possible for one to share what their doctor told them?

              The fact you don't see a problem with constantly touching your face, says a lot about your credibility.

              • +1

                @Ughhh: I touch my face at least 100 times every day. I've not had a pimple in a decade. your whole skin, every single bit is covered in germs and dirt and gunk and acid and all kinds of nasty stuff. I don't know why you think your face is covered in different stuff then your hands.

                Actually a large amount of your skin is covered in shit for most of your life as well.(like actually shit)

                • -1

                  @sarahlump: Not everyones skin is the same, some people have sensitive skin and are more reactive to bacteria etc.

                  To assume that just because you have no reaction, therefore no one else could possibly have an reaction, is inconsiderate to say the least.

              • -2

                @Ughhh:

                The fact you don't see a problem with constantly touching your face,

                I'm not sure you understand what skin is.

                It's designed to be fairly impermeable and to stop anything from actually getting into the body.

                You seem think it's paper mache that absorbs anything and everything it comes into contact with and sound like you truly believe the marketing literature on cosmetic products where they say hilarious crap like cleansers will "wash away pollution" that accumulates on your face from being outside.

                The frequency with which you touch your skin is so low on the list of casual factors for acne severity that it's not even worth discussing compared to the strongest influences which are your genes and hormones and there is not much you can do to change the former and a lot of complications in attempting to regulate the latter.

                For goodness sake, have you seen the skin of indigenous peoples around the world like the Inuit, Khoi San, remote Papua New Guineans or Amazonian rainforest tribes? They live their entire lives without access to a bottle of Clearasil or Neutrogena facial cleanser, they quite often wipe their asses barehanded and their faces come into contact with so many pathogens and bacteria over their lifespan and yet those primitive people will have skin that hasn't seen a single pimple in their entire lifetime.

                This thread is becoming an absolute showcase of ignorance par excellence.

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