I know that a lot of us have problems with pimples. I've found something inexpensive and a little more earth friendly compared to other options. What I do is mix my cleanser...a clean and clear/ neutragina type thing with silica acid and sugar. Many types of exfoliants use microbeads which aren't biodegradable while sugar is. You can mix it with as much sugar to soap as you want.

I thought sugar gave you acne. Microbeads are so small does it really matter that their not biodegradable? Won't the sugar dissolve to quick? Couldn't you just loofah your face?

Quote from: Sharky on August 05, 2011, 11:48:45 AM
I thought sugar gave you acne. Microbeads are so small does it really matter that their not biodegradable?

It might be possible that eating sugar promotes acne but rubbing it on your face is pretty good for your skin. When you consider that each container contains hundreds of microbeads then consider how much you might use per year it adds up. I do remember seeing somewhere that the plastic beads sometimes end up in the same spot (since they have the same density) and really when it's together in a big clump it kind of looks like fish eggs.

Great tip Nygeel, I'm gonna try it thanks!

what is silica acid?

http://planetgreen.discovery.com/fashion-beauty/quick-honey-sugar-face.html

A few days ago my brother suggested changing your pillow case or rotating it often if you sleep with your face touching it. 

Quote from: RyanThomas on August 05, 2011, 03:31:21 PM
what is silica acid?

I got it wrong, silicic acid (I was typing via my cell phone earlier). It's a chemical found in a lot of acne/blemish reducing products. I tend to get something without oil or creams because my skin is very glossy with oils already. This morning I wet my fingers a bit with water, dipped them in a small cup of sugar then put some of my off brand acne fighting facial wash in the hand...rub 'em together then rub on your face. The sugar works to remove dead skin. It's also good to exfoliate before a shave (well, exfoliate then shaving cream...then shave), helps the hairs stand up from what I've gathered.

Quote from: Nygeel on August 05, 2011, 04:36:56 PM
I got it wrong, silicic acid (I was typing via my cell phone earlier). It's a chemical found in a lot of acne/blemish reducing products. I tend to get something without oil or creams because my skin is very glossy with oils already. This morning I wet my fingers a bit with water, dipped them in a small cup of sugar then put some of my off brand acne fighting facial wash in the hand...rub 'em together then rub on your face. The sugar works to remove dead skin. It's also good to exfoliate before a shave (well, exfoliate then shaving cream...then shave), helps the hairs stand up from what I've gathered.

do you mean salicylic acid? because that's what's in most of my products. that sugar (and honey) idea sounds really good though I'm all for natural remedies.

hehe its weird cause since starting E i have amazing skin so many girls are jealous  but yea when i had oily skin like you guys i used to once a month put a super hot like painfully hot damp cloth on my face then wash with a microbead gel and then a skin drying agent followed about 5 min later with skin cream. always did wonders for my skin  but a facial never hurts (that much)

salicylic acid is basically aspirin. comes from willow tree bark It is used in a lot of acne meds.  Unfortunately, I find it in the most unusual places due to an allergy to  it.

Thanks... I actually tried that today and it seemed 2 work.

I seem to find a dab of Purel hand sanitiser on a paper towel (gotta work it into the towel a bit) works well for me. I do that about 4 or 5 times a day.

Quote from: LivingInGrey on August 06, 2011, 05:43:15 PM
I seem to find a dab of Purel hand sanitiser on a paper towel (gotta work it into the towel a bit) works well for me. I do that about 4 or 5 times a day.

Purel has "rubbing alcohol" in it, which dries out your skin.  That's why it works.  If you get one of those little alcohol pads you can dab that on acne too and it works all the same.

just saying i spoke to a dermatologist who i met in my local stop and shop and she told me that exfoliants are to harsh on skin and promote acne development. one should use gentle products she recommended clean and clear daily cleanser and an oil free lotion not sure what its called exactly cuz i got the generic type (much cheaper). just wanted to put this out there but whatever floats your boat.

you can also take 2 vitamin b5 tablets daily. works like a miracle.

Vitamin B-5, eh...? My face is breaking out at the moment, lovely timing as I'm going to meet a lot of new people tomorrow and would like to look at least presentable.