Weddingbee boards

I am embarassed to say it, but I have acne, really bad acne.  Up until five months ago it was mostly on my face, but recently it has spread to my shoulders, back, chest and neck.  Needless to say, it is making me very self conscious.  My dermotologist said the acne may be intensifying due to the stress of finishing up grad school and planning a wedding at the same time, or it could just be hormonal.   He has put me on a bunch of treatments, but we're not sure what, if anything, will work.

Hi there,

I used to have acne on my face, and I went to the dermatologist.  I had tried a few things, but it didn't work.  Finally, I was prescribed Duac and Tazorac.  They were both ointments, one for day and one for night.  Helped A LOT! No more acne.  I also used a very mild cleansing soap. Something like Eucerin or Aveeno?  I'm not sure if this will work for you, but maybe it's something you can talk to the dermatologist about.  There is also a soap that is made of Papaya.  I find it at the asian markets.  Works wonders on my skin and is very inexpensive.  

How far out is your wedding?  I also had pretty bad acne for years and FINALLY went to a dermatologist. I don't know why I didn't do it like 8 years prior, it would have saved me a lot of scarring, physical and emotional, and money in failed remedies. The doctor put me on a medication that is like Accutane called Amnisteem. I think I was on it for about 6 months. It was kind of hard (monthly visits to the doctor, lab work, and remembering to take the pills every day), but COMPLETELY worth it. I have not had a zit since. You sound like a good candidate for it. Really you should be asking your dermatologist this advice not a message board. (Except for the cover-ups part).

Hi. You didn't say how far away the wedding is, but let me tell you. I have to agree with the others that say try ProActive.  I SWEAR it will help and help fast for your face.  Within a couple of days.  As for the problems you're experiencing with your back, they have a "Deep Cleansing Wash" it's got a pump on it and it's kinda like a body scrub/wash and that will clear up your back. 

I'm saying this because like you, yes, no one wants to say they have an acne problem. And no one ever really knew I had one, not even the FI and we live together. Well, he didn't know until yesterday. I keep all of those things "hidden" not really "hidden" but it's like you know, your girly stuff you don't want to leave out. I left the stuff in the shower the other day and he came out asking "when did you get this??" Right now my face looks like I have a map to volcano's soon to errupt on it. I lost my job and have been out of work for a little over a month and can't find one anywhere, and we're in the process of buying a house, along with the holidays and planning a wedding. Anyhow, the stress has made my face break out something awful, and my shoulder area as well. I started using the ProActive again two days ago (I don't use it everyday unless I'm having a breakout problem) and already I'm getting better and Thank God... not any worse.

Try it. I swear it will help.

Thank you all for the great advice.  I'm definitely going to be working with my dermotologist to try and figure out the appropriate meds.  I used proactive for about 2 years and I think I became immune to it.  More than anything I'd like to be prepared with some sort of cover up for the day of, just in case... but its a late summer wedding (still 9 months away) so it needs to be lightwieght.  Brandalynn- I think I will look into having someone make one for me... great idea! Thank you!

I third Accutane.  I went on it after trying many different prescriptions and I have been blemish (and scar )free since.  It is hard on you, and you CANNOT get pregnant (unless you want babies with multiple limbs), but it was the only thing that worked for me.  I went and still go to the best dermatologist in Western Canada (ie, highest paid professional in the city of any profession -I'm telling you this because I respect his opinion), and he was emphatic on not using over the counter remedies or Proactiv, which are basically just a bunch of temporary fixes (like toothpaste - it'll clear up a zit, but it's not a long term solution).  Talk to your derm about Accutane, and see if a short course would be right for you.  (thus ends my infomercial, sorry :)

I think oral antibiotics might be a good solution for you.  I have been taking doxyxycline once a day for a couple of years now, and I rarely get pimples anymore.  It's nice because it helps prevent acne on both the face and body, and you don't have to go through a harsh phase as with accutane or Retin-A. 

neutragena body wash for acne is something that i use regularly during the warm months. i've never been a big fan or accutane, proactive, etc. but i field for more "natural-ish" methods.

cetaphil to wash my face in the morning & night.

dotting on some type of  BP oil/ointment at night before i go to sleep/in the day if i'm staying in.

 headbands indoors (greasy hair is a big culprit of mine since my hair splays all over my face and leaves a big fat pimple.. 

i also swear by toners. not the alcohol based types but tea tree oil, and lighter toners that clean up pores and skin (on the body also) try acne.org a good resource to look at what other people have used for their acne treatments if you haven't already :) good luck with your wedding!!