Derma Klear Akne Soap

I was blessed to have this suggested to me a few years ago. It has been a tremendous product!  I have sensitive, combination skin.

I was living in Austin, TX and found that my normal moisturizer routine was enough to not cause me any dry skin and/or irritation from it.

However, when I spent time in Vegas and used it, I had to moisturize more because the extremely low humidity there, affected my skin much differently after using this product.  Thus, if you live in a low humidity area, you've been forewarned, have moisturizer on hand if you don't already.

I can make no guarantees about its efficacy for all; but hopefully if you try it, you will find it to be fine for you!

I was told to buy this sulfur soap at Whole Paycheck and it cost $9 a few years ago.

Buy online for as low as $4 and change from Pure Formulas:

 http://www.pureformulas.com/rewards-intro?refCode=ZJNYZXS

Pressed Powder = A Big No No for Acne Goals

One of ways that I decreased my acne many years ago, was to quit using pressed powder when it finally hit me that not only was I exacerbating my acne issues by pressing oil back into my skin, but the bacteria was being absorbed into the applicator pad, then laying on top of the powder and contaminating the powder.  Which I was then applying repeatedly, thus, the vicious acne cycle continued!

This compact is a staple item in millions of women's makeup bags.  

It was a little tough at first to not use it when I saw some shine on my face; but quite honestly, after a rather short period of time, my face actually stopped being so shiny and my decreased acne proved it to be a very wise choice.

The only time I use powder now, is in loose powder form, applied LIGHTLY with a brush, that gets washed and left out to dry thoroughly.

It is so rare that I use even that, I can tell you the last time did, was August 2012.   Trust me, try giving it up and see if you don't get clearer skin!

Chronic pain means I don't have the energy to care what I look like and wear makeup, as the rule; but when I do, here are my recommendations for quality products that work great!

 Revlon

I absolutely LOVE their ColorStay Blemish Concealer!  It comes in multiple shades so if you tan in the summer, you can get a darker one for then; and if you're naturally pale like me, they've got you covered!  (Pun intended...)

What's awesome about it is that it not only does not add to acne issues but has medicine to help resolve them!  

There are many days where if I am going to bother putting anything on my face when I leave the house, I use  this concealer stick and that's all!  

They are very reasonably priced but being a savvy shopper, I always buy them when Walgreen's or CVS is having a BOGO or coupon special. 

I have also found them online at competitive prices at drugstore.com

Clinique

 Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion

It does a great job on combination skin!

 Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup

When you put regular foundation over acne, you are simply adding to the problem. But when I use this product, I am adding to the solution!

 Put their All About Eyes under yours, and in seconds, you will not believe how good this thin, fragile skin area looks and feels!

Acne Solutions Oil-Control Mask

Everyone needs to use a great facial mask on a regular basis. Which type and how often is dependent upon your specific skin.

7 Day Scrub Cream is good too but the natural exfoliator above is much cheaper and softens your skin too!

Norwegian

Sea Kelp

I used to take 225mcg (micrograms) of this type of kelp supplement daily and believed it to also be a positive contributing factor to my successful acne management. 

A speculation confirmed by this sentence found in the herbwisdom link below:

[Because it has a natural antibiotic synthesized into it, kelp assists the body in fighting off infection,]

Whiteheads are pus, which is a bacteria, i.e. infection, so it makes sense that kelp has also helped!

http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-kelp.html

Peanut Butter

& Nuts

My second favorite Baskin Robbins flavor is their Peanut Butter Chocolate ice cream.  BUT, what I have discovered is that eating peanut butter is, (for me) a GUARANTEED NASTY ACNE BREAK OUT OF HUGE BOIL LIKE CYSTS THAT TAKE WEEKS TO RESOLVE.

Ditto eating almonds, cashews, pistachios, etc...not being trained in dermatology nor as a dietitian, I have no ability to explain why this is the case; I just know that IT IS the case. 

So, once a year, I buy two quarts of this ice cream and I eat all of it in a week or less! 

That way, I get my bad breakout all at once, deal with it, and it's done.  And after gorging on this rich delight, I'm sick of it to the point that I can resist it for another year!

Remember people, making positive life/health changes isn't necessarily about complete denial of all pleasures, so much as it is, implementing discipline in reducing the frequency of things that cause our bodies to not feel/be/look their best. 

This is a generalized statement about eating and should not be misconstrued as permission or encouragement to indulge in harmful, addictive and/or illegal behavior.