A Reader’s Question: Trouble with Oily, Acne-Prone Skin
January 6, 2006 by Christina Jones
Filed under Readers Questions, Skin Care
Tisco left a question for me: Can you give any suggestions as to what I can use to get rid of my acne? I have an oily face but it is really very dry after I wash it in the morning. During the day, I need to apply powder again as it becomes very oily. Would be grateful for your suggestions.
Believe it or not, acne and dry skin can really go hand in hand. Very basically, what happens is that when you wash your face with harsh products designed to clear up your skin, you chemically remove and wash away your natural oils, leaving your skin very dry and unprotected. These natural oils are also somewhat protective in that they will actually inhibit bacteria from entering your skin and subsequently causing infection. And on top of this, the more oil you remove, the more your skin thinks it needs to produce to make up for the loss. So, you do not want to get rid of that entirely.
There are a zillion products out there for acne prone skin, but without knowing what you have tried, and at the risk of sounding like a TV commercial, I have to say that I really am one of those die hard fans of Proactiv Solution. If you haven’t tried it yet, I really suggest you do. I have had adult acne problems since my son was born 8 years ago and major oil problems on top of that since moving to Texas 3 years ago, and as long as I use it, I stay in pretty good shape. My skin never feels dry and my blemish problems are kept to a bare minimum. I haven’t heard many people say that Proactiv was too harsh on their skin, but there are some. If anyone else has favorite acne related products, I would sure appreciate you leaving them in the comments section so maybe Tisco can get a few more good product suggestions! I also feel like my recent use of Origins Plantidote system has helped my skin as well. It is designed to deal with inflammation from the inside out. One more thing that I hear over and over where acne is concerned – if you find something that works, stick with it.
I am going to talk a bit more in another article about the rest of Tisco’s question, in the interest again of not making this one a mile long (this template has some issues where the extended entries are concerned). Hope you will stick with me, and don’t forget to leave a comment to let us know what has worked well for your acne-prone skin!
Technorati Tags: acne, Proactiv Solution, Plantidote
Another product I have to search Ebay for. I have never seen Proactiv Solution in Norway, but luckily Ebay has it all.
I have a couple of beauty questions for you as well, but now I don’t remember them. It’ll probably come back to me soon. 
It really is good stuff, Agathe. They sell it here via infomercials on television and in kiosks in the malls. I have noticed that those who love it, REALLY love it! And yes, thank God for eBay!!
I hope your new site isn’t giving you too much trouble, Agathe, it really looks great! – congrats again on getting it done!
I’ve had really harsh reactions with acne, and for years tried absolutely everything my dermatologist could think of – topical and drug based.
After many years I went on Accutane and that was my solution. It’s expensive as heck and you can’t be on it too long, but it worked. I’ve been on it twice, and each time is a more “permanent” solution. I doubt I’ll ever have to go on it again.
Now, when stress calls and I start to break out I ask my doctor for a new product called Benzaclin, which works really well on sensitive areas (like your chest and face) and works for large and small acne, and blackheads, within days. Gave me perfect skin for my wedding, stress and all
Do you know your skin type? I have learned from “The Skin Type Solution” book that one product is not right for all skin types. I am a OSPW (Oils, Sensitive, Pigmented and Wrinkled skin type)and I like to use Exuviance Blemish Treatment Gel for spot treatments for pimples which you can purchase on http://www.Baumannstore.com!!
I read “The Skin Type Solution” and I’m also an OSPW. It helped me so much to find the right products for my skin and it gives you options because not every product is right for everyone.
I’ve been plagued with oily skin for decades, and tried just about everything, including Proactive, which, yes, does work… but I have very sensitive skin…. Proactive brings on redness.
This year I discovered PanOxyl Bar, a soapless bar embedded with Benzoyl Peroxide. It totally soaks up the oil off the skin, and using it twice a day is sufficient to treat the oiliness. If you want to cleanse between washings, use a mild cleanser or a mild astringent, like witch hazel.
Now if only I could find the perfect cleanser for my skin when winter comes.. then I’m dry and flakey…