Weddingbee boards

My wedding's in 26 days, and I'm having acne flare-ups on my chest and arms. I use a gentle acne cleanser and toner 2x per day plus dermatologist-prescribed creams (antibiotic and Retin-A) followed by a "mattifier" to soak up excess oil. I'm not a candidate for Accutane or birth control pills, and Proactiv doesn't seem to do much for me. I have been tanning for the past couple of weeks because I've heard the UV rays can help dry acne, but it doesn't seem to help so far. I may discontinue tanning and go back on oral antibiotics (doxcycline). This has helped with breakouts somewhat in the past, but really upsets my stomach.

Other than that, I guess I should buy a bolero and plan to keep my veil on or wear a wrap as necessary. My gown is a strapless sweetheart, however, and nothing short of a turtleneck will hide chest breakouts.

Anyone else dealing with this? I'm open to suggestions! I feel I've tried absolutely everything under the sun with little relief :-(

Jadeblue- I know this may sound crazy, but I use teetree oil on my face and body. It has a crazy smell (kind of like pinesol and mold,) and it tingles, but I put in on at night and in the morning I notice a difference in my acne. I bought it at Sally's beauty. I used this all through high school and it really worked for me.

Another thing I use is grapeseed oil-- I use it as a lotion and face serum, and weirdly enough I've noticed it clearing up my skin. I did a google search and found that other people noticed this with their skin. I bought grapeseed massage oil, but any type would work.

It's a crazy concept that oil can help with acne, but maybe it's worth a try?

Thanks, LittleAudrey. I will try them both! Do you get grapeseed oil at Sally's as well? I've used products containing Tea Tree oil before (and actually kinda like the smell) but never straight Tea Tree. Will let you know how it does. So frustrating that I've tried truckloads of products (cleansers, toners, shower scrubs, masks, etc.) with little relief!

Yeah, I also got the grapedseed oil at Sally's. It's by the brand Spa Touch. I put a few drops on before bed, and under my moisturizer. It's an awesome eye cream too.

Straight tea tree oil smells really strong, so definitely try this only before bed. It did cause my fiance to break out when he tried it, but if you didn't notice a problem with products containing it, it could be worth a try.

Let me know how this goes! I hope it helps.

I would discontinue proactive immediately if that is what you are using.  My personal experience with proactive is that it was too harsh for my skin and caused more breakouts.  Try a gentle foaming cleanser.  I use Origins products and love them!  

2nd you can get on a multivitamin if you are not already taking one.  And also you can take Zinc Pills (i take 50mg/day).  I take the zinc in the morning and the multivitamin at night.  A third thing you can do is take fish oil pills like 2-3 pills per day...I can't swallow large pills so I don't do this...but the omega 3 is very good for your skin.  Instead of fish pills I make a smoothie for breakfast with strawberry, banana and mango mixed with yogurt/milk and ground flax seed.

I second Origins! I love their products-- I use A Perfect World Serum and it's fabulous.

OK, I'm taking the doxycycline (with yogurt and extra acidophilus). I'm also cleansing the affected areas 2x daily with "problem skin" soap and using toner plus prescription cream and aloe. I added zinc to my daily supplements and am taking Alleve (anti-inflammatory) twice daily. I am about 80% cleared up one week out. I alternate 2 masks -- one with activated charcoal and tea tree oil and the other for reducing redness/scarring. Tomorrow I get a Moor mud wrap that's supposed to further help with inflammation and my MUA is on notice that he may have to use some cover-up here and there. Fingers crossed I won't have to wear it, but I did buy a cute little bolero, just in case. Thanks for the tips, all! I hope you're doing well.