Exfoliating and Facial Scrubs

[CockyRider]

Yo guys, I have been maintaining a good skincare regime for about 2 years now to control my acne. It basically comes down to an acne-fighting cleanser, a toner followed by a moisturizer. But lately, I've been thinking about adding an exfoliating process to the mix twice a week. However, I need a relatively cheap exfoliator from the drugstore, but I can't seem to find one that isn't meant for daily use and it confuses me a bit. For example, this Neutrogena scrub (http://www.neutrogena.ca/cleansers/deep ... ming-scrub) seems to fit in the qualifications of a regular exfoliator, but the company says I should use it everyday, which is weird since I've read everywhere that scrubbing on a daily basis is extremely harsh for the skin. I've noticed that's it's quite common with other drugstorish brands too. Do you think it is because they assume that the person looking for the product doesn't cleanse at all or if it's because the product is not as strong as a ''regular'' exfoliating scrub? Should I just not give a flying fuck and use it like an exfoliator is meant to be used: twice a week, after using cleanser? I don't know if you guys have some experiences with exfoliating and scrubs, but any recommendations would be awesome! I'd really hate spending money on something useless.

 

[Franco]

CockyRider,

This might sound completely counter-intuitive at first, but the way I dealt with my acne is by stopping washing my face with soap/cleansers entirely.

The thing about washing your face with soap (or using other cleansers) is that they are "base" chemicals that destroy all of the "acidic" oils on your face -- which at first sounds like exactly what you want, but it makes you wonder: why does your face produce oils in the first place?

The oils on your face are actually what help prevent bacteria from getting into your pores, which is how acne is formed. So by using soap on your face, you're actually completely stripping your skin of that "shield" to prevent bacteria from getting into your pores, basically giving bacteria free reign to do whatever it wants. I honestly believe the acne industry is a money-hog that just sells products because people are desperate to solve the problem, but no one really attempts to understand the problem at a chemical level, so they buy any products they see on the shelves in a desperate attempt to solve the problem without understanding it.

I haven't washed my face with soap in at least 2 years now, and for the most part, I only get the occasional zit on my face. I used to have acne all over the "T-line" section of my face (forehead, nose, mouth area, etc.), but that mostly stopped once I quit using soap.

However, this doesn't mean you don't wash your face though! It just means you use water only, and you still have to scrub the water into your face to maintain a healthy level of cleanliness. The only downside to this for me has been that my skin is usually more oily, but I find oily skin to be much less damaging to my appearance than acne all over my face.

If you decide to try this out, let me know it you experience similar results. =)

- Franco

 

[CockyRider]

It's funny you mention this Franco, because it's actually something I thought about earlier today, but really wasn't sure about it! I think I'll do my routine tonight and take a break from it for 2 weeks after that! I'll definitely post the results of the experience

 

[Lotus]

Does this apply to backne as well? The past year my back has exploded like never before and i didn't just hit puberty(24) lol, I've tried the exfoliating scrubs and brushes to no avail.

The only thing that consistently helps is the sun. I have oily skin and it helps dry it out.

I've also read backne is different and doesn't function the same way as the stuff on the face, and they are noticeably different and deeper

 

[CockyRider]

Brum,

I couldn't tell you about the specific differences between bacne and facial acne, but I encourage you to try avoiding not only scrubs, but shower gels too (only for your back area)! Just let water (not too warm) pour on it when you shower, twice a day. I know it may seem a bit scary at first, but try it out just a week or 2, just to see how it works for you. On a personal note, I can tell you that my bacne, although it wasn't that much of a problem, got better since I started using shower gel every 3 days instead of every single day!

However, if your back looks like this :

I strongly recommend you to see a dermatologist, if you didn't already do it. Feel free to ask me more questions anytime!


-CockyRider

 

[CockyRider]

Ok, I stopped using cleanser on my face for a week and it didn't work out for me, got breakouts, except on my moustache area ! Still, thanks Franco, I got to know my skin a bit better at least ! So, for now on, I'll continue my usual skin care regime but I will go caveman on my moustache and will exfoliate twice a week !

 

[Zoro]

I had bad skin for a long time.

I was called Pizza Face once and I thought that was a fitting name. (I had high self esteem, didn't hurt I was banging his girlfriend.)

Here's what turned my skin from bad to clear, soft and silky.

http://www.westonaprice.org/holistic-healthcare/acne/

 

[Franco]

CR,

Ok, I stopped using cleanser on my face for a week and it didn't work out for me, got breakouts, except on my moustache area ! Still, thanks Franco, I got to know my skin a bit better at least ! So, for now on, I'll continue my usual skin care regime but I will go caveman on my moustache and will exfoliate twice a week !

Keep in mind that a giant shift in chemical usage on your body can take some time to adjust! I would probably recommend at least two weeks (but probably three weeks) to see any significant change in results.

That being said, if the "waiting" period seems to be too detrimental, I can understand going back to something that is working for you. If you ever decide to try again, I would try giving it a few weeks to see if there are any significant changes after your body "adjusts" to the change.

brum,

Does this apply to backne as well?

I never had bacne, so I can't really attest to that. However, I imagine the general idea behind my theory still applies (that soap removes oils which prevents acne), so it's possible that it might still work. As I mentioned above for CockyRider, I would give the change at least three weeks to see if your skin clears up. Usually the first week is the worst because your skin has not adjusted to the change yet.

- Franco

 

[Lotus]

Franco,

I have only been washing my back 2-3 times a week, and after doing a little research on causes of acne and what It is... I'm hesitant to go completely soap free.

http://thescienceofacne.com/sebaceous-glands/

I am not going to try to summarize the article, but from it and other links I have found, I have overactive sebaceous glands. My skin is ridiculously oily and I am afraid doing nothing will make it worse.

Next Monday I have a derm appt. so hopefully she will enlighten me

 

[Lotus]

Just wanted to update Franco's post reminded me.

Doctor gave me an antibiotic(Amoxicillin) and combined with Dove bar soap 2 times a week my skin is the clearest it's been in 2 years.

 

[Franco]

brum,

Doctor gave me an antibiotic(Amoxicillin) and combined with Dove bar soap 2 times a week my skin is the clearest it's been in 2 years.

I actually used an antibiotic cream at one point from a doctor and it was decently effective. Most of the marketed stuff seems to do nothing, but prescription-strength stuff seems to help a lot.

I'd be curious about the results if you were to just use the antibiotic but not the soap... if your back is completely clear of acne, then obviously there's no reason to change your method though. =)

- Franco

 

[Lotus]

Franco,

I agree most of the commercial stuff has done nothing for me vs persription level medicine.

But yeah, I am weaning my way off the antibiotic at the same time as the bar soap. My scars have already healed about 90% and it's only been two months. It will be interesting to see how it goes when I'm completely off both at the same time.

 

[Flames]

I've had moderate acne all my life which has gotten better with age.

I very rarely use soap. On the odd occasion it gets bad now or if my skin is suffering I use toothpaste, not soap. A small amount is all you need and obviously keep it away from you eyes. I'm not saying this will work for everyone as people have different tolerance to certain chemical anyway, but it works for me.

Also on my regime is a girly apricot face scrub and also just steaming your face and rinsing with cold water.

Sunlight I've found is important and I'm sure that's a VIT D issue, which can also cause other problem with teeth and bones etc...

My diet is also a lot better than it used to be, though I don't eat a lot of veggies I do eat unprocessed and freshly made meals.

And stop touching your face and keep your hands clean. You'd be surprised how often people touch their faces

 

[Lotus]

I'd be curious about the results if you were to just use the antibiotic but not the soap... if your back is completely clear of acne, then obviously there's no reason to change your method though. =)

So It's been about a month since I stopped using soap completely in addition to the antibiotics. Other then a couple days of high stress I haven't had any serious breakouts. My skin is looking fantastic!

Sunlight I've found is important and I'm sure that's a VIT D issue, which can also cause other problem with teeth and bones etc...

I've noticed this as well. If I spend a day at the pool/beach every week or so it makes a difference.

My diet is also a lot better than it used to be, though I don't eat a lot of veggies I do eat unprocessed and freshly made meals.

I think the last 10% progress I want for my skin comes from this. My diet isn't nearly consistent enough as it could be.

Anyway, don't think I'm ever going to go back to soap