AnastasiaB

I'm a newbie and just discovered this awesome site just a few minutes ago. I was getting ready to log off when I saw this topic and I just had to comment!!

I first used Proactiv about 8 years ago and I have to admit that it did work very well. Using the toner seemed to cause me to get more acne and the complimentary skin mask sent in the first order worked wonders.

I never had a problem w/acne in high school but when I stopped getting regular periods, and by regular, I mean, at least every three months, I started getting acne and that's when I started using Proactiv. It worked great and I used it for a couple of months and it cleared my face so I stopped using it. I'd get the occassional breakouts from eating pecans or peanuts, ahh, my weakness but causes my face to look HORRIBLE!! But, I'd just make an extra effort to keep my face clean and all would be fine and dandy.

Then, last year, I started using a new makeup line that shall remain nameless because it wouldn't be fair to put the blame on them; most likely my PCOS was just getting 'worse' and that's what was causing my breakouts. Anyhow, I stopped using that line and went back to Prescriptives (which I absolutely LOVE) and discovered Acne Defense and Redness Relief by Prescriptives. They worked really well, for a while, but are quite pricey for the small tubes and bottles. So, I went back to trying some of my old tried and true regimens like using good ol' Oatmeal as a mask overnight or Cetaphil cleanser. They worked a little but they only seemed to aggrivate my skin. Finally, I decided to try Proactiv again, thinking that if it worked awesomely for me once before, it would do it again. Unfortunately, I guess my hormone imbalance is REALLY imbalanced that much worse, that it didn't work. I've even taken Fish Oil Omega 3 vitamins to help thicken my hair and clear my skin. (Worked well w/thickening my hair but not the clearer, glowing face.)
*Sigh*

At this point, I'm feeling horrible and my face is looking just as bad. I'm disgusted and depressed because my sweetheart of a nine-year old niece, even though she knows that acne isn't contagious, she's timid in kissing me on the cheek. I babysit some other younger children and even though they don't know what they are saying, it hurts when they ask what's wrong with my face.

So, one day, I'm looking through a magazine and see DDF products mentioned available at Sephora (my new favorite store!!) I click on SkinCare and click on Acne Solutions somewhere along the side and look specifically for DDF (Doctor's Dermatologic Formula) and come across the Salicylic Wash 2% ($28/8oz) and 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Gel & Sulfur 3% ($22/2oz). Yeah, seems a bit pricey but this has proven to work sooooo well, that I don't regret spending those $50. I had horrible acne along my jawline and on my cheeks and I thought that even if I found something to stop and prevent the acne that I would have terrible looking acne scars. While my acne isn't completely gone, I have a few blemishes but it is far better than what it was before. I never wore ponytails or scarves in my hair because I didn't want my face being that visible. Word of caution though and luckily the girl at the counter told me this before I left: it is very, very strong. It doesn't sting or anything, but the formula is very potent. I think the bottle for the wash says to use twice a day, but she said to start out using it only at night and to use a really good moisturizer for oily skin. Then to start using the Benzoyl Peroxide Gel two to three times a week, also at night, after using the wash. One thing she didn't tell me but I found out by doing research beforehand, is that the wash and/or the gel, I think the gel, can bleach your clothing. Trust me, if you try these products, you'll love it and wonder why no one had mentioned it before...Also, don't ignore the process of introducing your skin to the products because I know I was desperate for relief and used it according to the directions on the bottle and had super dry skin for days. The great thing about Sephora, if you aren't satisfied or it just doesn't work for you, you can return it. That played a major influence on me considering I, and I'm sure many of you, have bought almost every acne treatment/regimen out there.

I don't know if it's helping remove some of the dark spots on my skin, too, or not but I'm also using something that came in a facial hair removal kit. I know that Vitamin E helps w/scars (yeah, I've tried Mederma too and it just aggrivated my acne) and Sally Hansen has a skin conditioner that has Vitamin E and I think that's what is helping w/the scars and dark spots.

Sephora.com

Sorry, I'm getting lazy with the details but it's getting late and I'm getting that much sleepier. Feel free to email me for more information on the items I have mentioned or send me a message on yahoo:Bunnies_Are_Psychotic.

---Marilyn