Facial Cleanser

Melaluaca anti-bacterial liquid soap is the best thing I've ever found for my weird skin. It's expensive, it stinks but it's great.

Me too! I had the same problem and I don't really wear makeup except for loosepowder to control oil. I tried MaryKay facial cleanser 3-in-1. It is reaosnably priced and lasts 6 months or so. Contact www.marykay.com/eslaughter to try this product.

I am 33 and have been using Pro-Active for years and LOVE it!!! Run and go get it. It WORKS!!!! The best thing on the market for bad skin and easy to use!! B.

I "spot clean" my face with tea tree oil, and it is awesome for me! It addresses the impurities in the trouble spots without the harshness of alcohol that's in so many products. I exfoliate with a baking soda and salt mixture (also for brushing my teeth!) and moisturize with Dove facial lotion. Right after exfoliation or at night, I moisturize with a healthy dose Oil of Olay or a little Neutrogena sesame oil (It's so light, not too oily!) or petroleum jelly for babies in really dry/tight spots. (The one for babies is "softer".) Then, steam your face with a hot towel and wipe away excess.

In addition to checking your diet as someone suggested, notice if you sleep on that side of your face more or if you touch that side with your hand more.

I've used Proactive and the product is ok. But I was EXTREMELY disappointed with their service. Unless something has changed, you have to sign up for auto delivery where they send you product every month and charge your credit card for it. After I decided to stop using it I tried to get them to cancel my order but it seems like they suddenly had a "break down" in their system. They kept sending me product every month. I kept sending it back and calling them. I finally canceled the credit card they were using to stop them. But that wasn't the end. At that point I stopped receiving the product but started getting phone calls all the time from them telling me I owed them money. Trust me, they are as bad if not worse then credit card debt collectors. I don't think they are monitored like credit companies are so they can get meaner with you on the phone. The problem was, I sent back all the product they were telling me I owed them for. That's what I was told to do in the first phone call I made to cancel the product. So here I was with about a hundred dollar debt "owed" to Proactive refusing to pay because I canceled the service and they kept telling me there's no record of that (while I probably called them, no joke, 20 times and they probably called me 50 times over the year this all took place) and that I owe them NOW! The last and final harassing call I got was right before I was getting married. As you can imagine I was stressed out beyond belief and that wasn't the best time to be getting pressured by that crappy company. I asked the woman on the phone what they would do if I stopped worrying about all this and just simply refused to pay the $100 dollars that I didn't really owe them in the first place. She said in a really snotty tone, "it's going to effect your credit". At that point all I could think was "BRING IT ON!" So that's it. Now I have a $100 write off on my credit score that I have to wait to have go away. But that's better then the almost daily phone calls I was getting. I should have sued.

I say stay away from Proactive just simply because of their business practices. There are other products out there that are just as good. I believe there is an over the counter product that is exactly like Proactive that was being advertised not too long ago but with out the strings attached. Personally I like Phisoderm face wash with salaic (sp?) acid in it. I've been using it for a long time now and it works great, washes off easily with out residue, and doesn't dry my skin.

Do what you think is right. I don't think the product Proactive is bad just the service to get it. There are so many other choices out there that don't require membership, credit cards, and debt collectors.

Good luck!

two things you may want to check out. Saliscylic Acid soap bar. It will dry your skin out ~ use it as needed. Inexpensive and you can purchase it at any drugstore I think. Secondly and maybe most effective would be grapefruit seed extract. I ordered on line and got stronger version than what whole foods sells. you can take it internally and externally but read up on it and follow instructions. of course LOTS of water ~ detox may be in order as well. if this is a new problem for you, it may be hormonal. I had issues this last couple of years due to hormones and the GSE seemed to be the most beneficial for me. There is also a really great facialist in Westlake (Bee Cave Road) that practices with all natural products. She is wonderful and has been instrumental in getting me back on the road to recovery. Her name is Brenda Keville http://newbeginningswellnesscenter.net/ . I have also used her acupuncturist and can highly recommend her as well. Good luck.

Two real solutions. Don't laugh it really works. Once a week use CREST toothpast (the original ONLY) and once a week use a sugar scrub--using your sugar from your kitchen with a little water. Do them apart by a day or two. Put them on as a paste and keep them on for about five minutes then rinse them off. These are modleing secrets. The toothpast stings but stick with it. If you want these to go away faster use the toothpast everyday for a week---they will be gone. Pro Active--really does not work.

L.

Proacctive was too harsh on my skin. I think you need to have really oily skin for it to work appropriately.

I notice that whenever I breakout, it coincides with an increase of sugar and/or white flour carbs in my diet.

You've already received some great responses..I just wanted to add. Pro Active works well but you have to limit your time in the sun when using it. Also, you can cleanse your skin too much. You might be drying it out which will also lead to acne. If you think this might be the case, try a good moisturizer. I use L'Occitane & LOVE IT! It has a lot of shea butter which is great for the skin. Good luck!!
H.

I loved the way proactive made my face look and feel. I used the 3 step. You can always try it for a couple months and if it doesn't work for you then change or see a dermatologist. I was set up on the auto ship and when I called to cancel I had no problems at all. I was very happy with proactive.

J.,
Hi! I use Mary Kay and would like to give you my beauty consultant's name, number, and e-mail addresss. I love their products and how helpful she is w/ explaining the products and not solely trying to make money. Hope this helps!
A. W.

Lisa Blair
cell ###-###-####
____@____.com

I use a product line called zap-it. Before I used Proactive but the zap-it was only $15.99 for the whole kit and it worked just as well as the Proactive did at keeping my face clear.

My dermotologist recommended oil free acne wash from neutrogena to me. It works. Just use it twice daily.
Hope this helps!
R.

I use Velocity face wash by Mary Kay. I have struggled with break outs all of my life and I have used almost all of the other products suggested here and Velocity is the only thing that keeps my face all clear. And if I run out of the velocity and use something else I immediatly break out.

Lisa

J., I recommend Beauti Control's Acne-Prone Skin line. We sell it in a set. I've noticed a difference in my face. I look younger and feel GREAT!

Our set includes: Skinlogics Clear Deep Cleansing Gel, Skinlogics Clear Blemish Control Tonic(Toner), Skinlogics Clear Oil Control Moisturizer.

All our products come with a money back guarantee. If for any reason, you are not satisfied with our products, you can always return them and get refunded. You will see results in about 4 weeks. It takes a while, but you will be amazed with the results.

You can find out more info. at my website. It's www.beautipage.com/rosalruiz-W. You can purchase products off my website and have it delivered directly to your house.

Good Luck.

Rosie

I had terrible adult acne and scarring due to hormones. I tried Proactive and it dried my skin entirely too much. I would suggest "Special Attention One" it is amazing and I persoanlly have not used anything else since. Here is the link:

https://www.warmspirit.org/ecommerce/control/keywordsearc...

I wish you the best with much sucess!

Hi J.!

I feel the same about my daughter who is also 4 1/2, and my son who is 8 months old. Motherhood is awesome.

I've been using ProActive for a little over a year now, and it works great for me. I saw results in the first few days of using it. ProActive also has other products besides the 3 step cleanser. If you want to start right away, there is a kiosk at the mall, and the 3 step cleanser is $49, but if you look through the newspaper you can find coupons for about $20 if you send away for it. For me ProActive is well worth the $49.

Good luck!

J.

Hi J.. You'd think we'd be over all that face stuff, huh!
Actually,outbreaks in skin can result as a form of something internally goin on. Just like when you eat much of a greasy food, you tend to break out. But on the same note, you don't want to use harsh cleansers which can damage skin! I use & suggest Enfusselle. It is very reasonabily priced & does wonders! www.shaklee.net/healthy

Just a thought. Many people don't realize that they are contaminating their face with their cell phone. Your facial oil gets on there and sits over and over. It gets rancid and collects dirt and then is placed back against your face. Clean your phone with a barely damp soapy cloth often and use a needle or safety pin to clean all the seams. You will be discusted with what turns up. And don't let others use your phone. Their face oil may not be compatible with your system.
This is really the only recently new reason for acne break outs. All the old reasons still apply. I hope this is it cause this one is not that hard to stop.
God Bless

How frustrating! If you are breaking out on one side of your face you might be putting things on that side that are oily or dirty, (i.e. hands, phone, hair, etc.) As for product, I use Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner (which is also oil free) I had a facial several years ago and the technician suggested I only buy cleansers and moisturizers that are alcohol and oil free. The only ones I can find so far are from Neutrogena. Great products by the way and a lot less expensive than other products. When my son and daughter started breaking out I bought some of the toner for them and told them to clean their face with it every morning and every night. Almost immediately their skin cleared up. They still use it and have been able to keep their complexions pretty clear. I hope this helps! God bless!

for those that are proactive fans, i found acnefree at walmart and thought what the heck i'll try it, was looking for me and my 12 yr old son. it works well. my face glows and is soft, is even working on the discolorations from previos breakouts. it's less than 20, so even if it doesn't work for you, you haven't spent a fortune..... good luck

You've received alot of good feedback and it's obvious what works for one may not work for another. My skin is somewhat sensitive, I find changing the product every few weeks works best for me. I can tell when my skin needs the change. Right now I have 3 I rotate: Estee, Lancome and Mary Kay.

But also consider your pillowcase may irritate your skin, especially since you say it's one side of your face that is breaking out. I double rinse anything that is going to contact skin. Also don't strip your soft facial skin of the natural oil it needs by over cleaning with chemicals. Good luck.

Mary Kay products are amazing and would definitely help your skin. I have oily skin and started breaking out again premenstrual when I approached my 30's. I prevent break outs with my skin care routine. Changing your pillow case frequently would also help decrease bacteria on your face. Good luck
S. Larsen
www.marykay.com/slarsen444

If you are washing your face too much you could be stressing your skin out. Make sure you are using a mild cleanser and follow with a mild moisturizer. The acne cleanser may be too harsh for your skin and have the opposite effect. Exfoliating is also very important for clear skin. I have heard great things about proactive, it cleanses, exfoliates and then you follow with a moisturizer.

Nutrogena also has a similar product you can buy in the stores. I have not used it, but I love nutrogena skin products.

I use the St Ives olive scrub in the morning and then the St Ives cleanser with chamomile in the evening and follow with Eucerin moisturizer for sensitive skin (SPF 30).

I have super sensitive skin and still have some breakouts, I know how difficult it is to find the right balance of products. Also I find my diet makes a difference in how my skin is. (not to mention hormones!!)

Hope you find the right products!

I started using Cetaphil soap a few years ago when a friend suggested it. I don't have break-outs anymore but do get the occassional small blemish, usually when I'm very stressed.
Cetaphil can be found at Wal-Mart in the face care section.

I know how you feel. I've battled the same issue on my forehead for years now. I never had acne in my teens, but in my late 20's I started getting bumpy pimples! They aren't like the regular acne whiteheads, so I've had a very hard time finding something that worked. Proactiv never worked for me. After trying everything from the pharmacy & grocery store (including Cetaphil) I went to the dermatologist & got some prescription face wash, cream & lotion. That was the only thing that helped. Now that I'm pregnant again I'm not suppose to use that stuff, so I'm back to square 1. Another thing that helped my sister was regular facials, microderm abrasion & chemical peels. But that's not affordable for me. I don't have any suggestions other than not to waste your time & money on Proactiv & to go see the dermatologist. Whatever the doctor prescribes takes a couple of months of regular use to see a difference, but it really does work!

Hi J.,
Since this is one side of your face, your problem may not be with your cleanser. You may want to consider (don't get grossed out, we all do it), drool. If we favor one side when we sleep, that side of our face is in contact with the pillow more throughout the night. If you drool, especially if you just started taking a sleep medication or have allergies, the bacteria can cause our face to break out. Another culprit could be if you changed detergents. Cleaning your pillowcase more often with a gentle detergent may help. Hair products can also irritate skin if your hair is long enough to lay on when you sleep. A low ponytail may help. These are ideas to look into before investing in new face products. If this doesn't work post again. I have worked with some different skin care products and may be able to help.

Blessings,
Connie
Mother of 3 boys, ages: 21, 15, and 10

I'm sorry you are going through that. I never had break outs as a teenager and started getting them in my 20's.
I have tried everything from ProActiv, Mary Kay, Arbonne, Murad, Dermalogica, BeautiControl and none of that worked!
I still have not found anything that works 100%, but my doctor recommended the Neutrogena line and a dermatologist suggested the Cetaphil.
My best advice is to go see a dermatologist so they can set you up with something prescription.
I cannot do that right now with being pregnant.
Remember to not wash too much and change your pillowcase every 2-3 days! Also, don't touch, scratch or pick at your face. That will help!

Best wishes!

eeekk! proactive (for me) was aweful. i dont know a single person who used that and it worked. : ( it creates an imbalance in your skin requiring extensive follow up of other topical medications, just to get it under control again.
something i can recomend is witch hazel. its cheap, its natural, and its super efective. its an astringent. you can find it by the rubbing alchol. thats what finally got my acne to clear up. ive had acne for 7 years, and finally beat it a few years ago.
wash your face with your cleanser and follow up with witch hazel on cotton pads like youd do any astringent. and its not all chemically. you can use it several times a day and it wont dry your face out like of ther acne astringents. good luck. : )

After I had my son, my face broke out really bad! I tried everything- proactive, murad, got special facial treatments, tried organic products. A friend introduced me to Arbonne. I used their acne line and it only broke my face out more. I tried aanother one of their lines and i love it! It formulates and works FOR your skin. If your skin is too dry, it'll add moisture; if it's too oily, it won't turn your face into an oil pit. I have been using it for over a year and love it!!
If you'd like to try the Intellegence Line, let me know! emaail me at ____@____.com

-S.

hormones cause breakouts (and stress can cause an influx of hormones, as well as a change in your cycle, diet, pregnancy, and breast feeding.) It might help to use a light no oil facial cream with SPF of 20 o higher. Try not to overwash your face, whatever you end up getting.

After fighting forever with my acne I finally broke down and got some proactive. It works amazingly for me. I stop using it for a while and the acne came back so I started back up and my skin is completely different. I know I sound like the commercial but I would recommend it everyone. It is a little pricey but I also found that the store brands don't work as well as the real stuff. Don't waste your money, just go with the real deal and you will be pleased.

The best and only product I use now are from Arbonne. They are botanically based products and are so beneficial for your skin. If you are not completely satisfied you can get a refund within 45 days of your purchase. You should start noticing your skin clearing up within the first week. Give it a try, you won't be dissappointed. Also check out the members perks, I am offering mamasource members great discounts. If you would like to order, please feel free to contact me anytime. You can visit my website at www.corissabell.myarbonne.com or www.MoreTime4MyKids.com
My phone number and email is below.
You are right...It is awesome being a mommy!!!

C. B.
Arbonne International
Independent Consultant
###-###-####
____@____.com

Hello,
I have a home based business as an Idependent Consultant for Arbonne International. We are a great skin care company. I have some information on this site if you click on Mamasources local business. We have a great acne line called clear advantage.
You can call me at 325*###-###-#### or locate me on Arbonne.com consultant# 15956529
I hope to hear from you soon.
A.

I use Mary Kay, they have several cleansers you can use. Filling out a questionaire will help the consultant fine which formula you need. Also if this is happening to one side of your face its probally your phone or something held to your face building up dirt and oils. Clean your phone with alcohol or something periodically.

J.,
I love Pro Active and I could tell it was working by the next day. I have been using it since 2002. I had a lot of redness and it made it go away as well as any blemishes.
In terms of breaking out on one side of your face, do you sleep on that side or rest your face on your hand or maybe your hair touches that side more?

Hi Jess,,

It is important to keep your bed sheets and pillow cases changed at least once a week. Bacteria from our mouths and oil and dirt from your hair can contaminate your face..also the advise for cleaning your cell phone is great advise...Proactive,,Proactive,,,,Proactive....if you were already thinking of it as you said,,,a great choice!! You will definately see a difference with your complexion!! Blessings!

I had heard about this problem. It could be anything from your cell phone to hair products, such as gel or hair spray. Be sure to clean your phone and/or try not to hold it against your face when you talk. Be sure to only put your hair products on your hair and not your head or face. Good luck.

J. - my mom sells Beauticontrol and they have an acne line. If you haven't had a problem in the past I would think proactive is a little harsh. Email me if you would like her contact info. They also sell products for what age your skin is (some people's skin is much older or younger than their age because of how they have taken care of it.).

Hi J.. I am sure that several others will mention it also, just because it is such an awesome product, but please try Arbonne. I recommend the Anti-Aging line, but we have others too, including an acne line. Please check out my website www.debpinkston.myarbonne.com and contact me (or any other consultant) to get your free samples! Good Luck! D.

Hi J.,
I tried proactive and had a bad experience. It dried my face out so bad it felt like it was burning for DAYS after I stopped using it (I only tried it for a week and a half). Lately I've been using just the neutragena face bar. It seems to really help. I also have hear to wash your pillow cases frequently and now with winter hitting be sure to have a good moisturizer b/c over drying can cause your face over oiling and more breakouts. I'm sure you've heard this all before but I do like the face bar. Good luck

Hi J., I'm a licensed esthetician and have been for over 20 years. I have wonderful products that are completely organic and works wonders and allows your skin to breath. In addition, having your pores cleaned out is very beneificial. A facial is not only great for your skin but it's great to do something nice for us hard working Mom's! If you would like to visit, email: ____@____.com

thanks and God bless.

A little about me: 44 years young;Spa business owner in Brenham, previous in Houston; married to a great guy with 3 beautiful step-daughter's and our son 1 year.

I have milia, little tiny white spots that don't go away by washing, in fact they are caused by washing your face to much. I use pro-activ, it works very well, I have been happy with the product. The spots have not completly gone away, but the pro-activ helps keep it at bay as much as possible. What ever you do, don't mess with them or try extracting, it will only make things worse. Ask a dermatologist. Good Luck!

I used Pro-Active for about 4 years and loved it. At the time that i started i was working in a resturant and needed the extra support from a face cleancer. I used it for several years later until i just did not refill my order. The best thing was that they will mail it to your house ever 60 days or so and draft the money out of your account. It comes at perfect timing and there is no hassel of having to get it at the store.

Good Luck!!!

I have struggled with breakouts for a very loing time. I have tried a lot of products. I did try the Pro-active line and it worked but only for a little while. I wasn't all that impressed with its results. I also tried a product called Cosmedix that I got from my anesthetician, it worked really well too. But right now I'm using a product called Mineral Genesis, WOW i'm loving the results. The cleanser is detoxifying so it goes in and cleans out all the toxins and bacteria that cause blemishes. It is by a company called Sensaria Natural Body Care. I'm a rep for the company and if you would like to try a free sample just let me know. You can see my website at www.mysensaria.com/beckysspa. I hope this helps.

AVON has a great line of acne products called Clearskin. They are inexpensive and work great. My teens and I use them (cleansers, scrubs, pads, moisturizers, etc.). They treat blackheads as well as acne. You can go to Avon.com and order online. Their products are always going on sale. I also found that I actually break out less when I wear make-up. I also use AVON Anew make-up with sunscreen, because I am outdoors alot.

Hi J.,

Have you ever tried the Mary Kay Time Wise cleasner and moisturizer for either normal to oily or normal to dry depending on your skin type? We also have an acne treatment gel that is very gentle. I think the cleanser and moisturizer used in combination would get the ph balance back and help to stop the breakouts your are having. If you are interested in trying these products please let me know. You can either reach via my Mary Kay website at www.marykay.com/hrpowell or my cell ###-###-####. I also offer a 20% discount to Mamasource customers. Good Luck!

H. Powell

I use pro active. It is a great product. I have had acne since I can remember. I cannot use the product twice a day because my skin is sensitive to it. Once a day or even a few time a week now that it has cleared up. Since your acne is only on one side of your face it makes me wonder if its not something else. Perhaps try cleaning phones, pillowcases, what ever your putting on that side of your face. Even couch pillows need a cleaning now and then. Try thinking that direction first and see if that helps. Totally not trying to say your dirty here it just might be something like this you might have over looked. Good luck.

Proactive works! But you have to be very consistent. Also, Neutrogena has great products which is what I use now. I used proactive for a few years but it seemed that after that long period of time it was not as efficient as used to be so I switched to Neutrogena. I would say try Proactive first! Good luck.

Give me a call J.--I would be happy to design a personal program just for your needs. I have 20 years with Mary K. Cosmetics and would be happy to give you a free no strings appointment. ###-###-####--Best Wishes--K.

Like others, I tried everything and found Proactiv to work great for me. It dries out my skin though so I use their moisturizer too and love that also.

You should first make sure it's actually pimples & not the development of Rosacea which is what I have now. I used to have FLAWless skin, I actually got compliments on my complexion but starting in 1998 I started getting these red pimple like things on my face under my eyes like on my cheekbone areas but under my eyes. It just kept getting worse & my face started looking sunburned all the time. People started commenting on that. It just kept getting worse & my face was hot ALL the time like I was embarrased feeling. Finally went to the dermotologist in 2004 & found out what it was & had to start taking prescriptions for it which work really well. If you don't treat it, it can get really bad & even start malformations in some cases. It starts out as blemishes or pustuals which mimick pimples but actually are not clogged pores which is what pimples are, these are on the actual surface of the skin & never go away. They may reduce in redness but you can still tell they're there. Plus you can tell when you try to sqeeze a pimple & you know what that feels like. This feels nothing like it at all, it hurts/stings. If it doesn't go away no matter what you do, then it may be the Rosacea & you should goto the doctor for a proper diagnosis & if it is Rosacea then you'lll hafta take medications & use prescription creams for it but if it is just regular pimples then I'm sure the ProActive will probably work. I haven't heard anything negative about it. Just keep in mind that if you try an astringent such as proactive (just as I did) & the redness actually gets worse then it's probably something other than pimples. Also, you should think about the foods/beverages that you consume, that has a lot to do w/pimples breaking out too. Plus skin apparantly changes as we get older & that may cause pimple breakouts. Best of luck!