Acne Product. Have you tried it?

Ok here goes! I was having an issue with acne this past year (nothing too severe, but more than I have encountered since I was an early teen), I decided to go see a dermatologist (took a month to get in)... Well of course my face was clear as day by the appointment (lol go figure) but she did write out 2 perscriptions for me! I've noticed that my breakouts are more prevalent during my menstral cycle and winter (oddly enough not summer) and she said this should help! I was perscribed Differen Gel and Triaz cleanser. I am suppose to wash my face in the morning with the Triaz cleanser followed by Cetaphil lotion. At night time I am suppose to wash my face with Cetaphil cleanser, then apply Cetaphil lotion, and then followed finally by the differin gel. Im familiar with the products because my younger sister was on the same regime (except she had to take perscribed pills since her acne is so severe) it helped her a little but nothing significant! I am looking for feedback if anyone has any, or has experience using this product

I will say I have been using samples the past three days (cetaphil wash, lotion, and differen... Haven't gotten the triaz yet)... My face is crusty and dry (which is normal) and things are starting to surface (which is expected)

Any thoughts on these products?

Also as a bonus my dermatologist gave me a pamplet with a Take Charge Now card (for differen gel) once you activate the card you save $30 on your fisrt perscription and $20 on all other perscriptions after that until 2008! I thought that was a great advantage... Triad also has $35 rebate! Im pretty excited to get my skin back in order, without going broke in the process, Hope it works!

My DH used to use cetaphil wash. It bleaches everything! The sheets, the towel, clothes.... His skin was sensitive from using the product and it helped to an extend.

Wow cetaphil is a mild cleanser Im suprised that it would do such a thing Your poor sheets! Cetaphil isn't a perscription just a regular store bought product line... There are no acne fighting agents in it... I wonder what bleached the clothes since there seems to be similar agents that are in shampoo... Sodium lauryel sulfate (helps with sudsing)? I think Im going to use the gentle cleanser, it has little ingredients in it. Thanks for the heads up, I haven't encountered it bleaching any of my apparel yet and hope it never does. Cetaphil shouldnt cause sensitivity since it is for sensitive skin and also fragarance free (but hey everyone is different I must agree)? Maybe he used the daily wash (which I am unfamiliar with)... Well I hope your DH is doing better now... As well as all of your belongings!

I used Cetaphil for years and it served me well. Last year I noticed that I was having a re-occurence of acne due to overly dry skin.

I spoke to a friend of mine who is a skincare specialist (not a dermatoglist) and she told me that Cetaphil has alcohol as one of it's ingredients....and she suggested a cleansing milk.

I now use Vichy cleansing milk and my skin is much easier to deal with.

I suggest sticking with the Cetaphil for 4-6 weeks and if your face is still dry it may be time to go to something that is more moisturizing.

Originally Posted by trixie23

Wow cetaphil is a mild cleanser Im suprised that it would do such a thing

Your poor sheets! Cetaphil isn't a perscription just a regular store bought product line... There are no acne fighting agents in it... I wonder what bleached the clothes since there seems to be similar agents that are in shampoo... Sodium laurel sulfate (helps with sudsing)... I think Im going to use the gentle cleanser, it has little ingredients in it... Thanks for the heads up! I haven't encountered it bleaching any of my apparel yet! Cetaphil shouldnt cause sensitivity since it is for sensitive skin and fragarance free? Maybe he used the daily wash (which I am unfamiliar with)... Well I hope your DH is doing better now... As well as all of your belongings!

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Hmm his was a prescription but that was from over 5 years ago. He has it pretty bad and we just live with it. He did find one pill that worked wonders (name escapes me) but it's very dangerous on the organs. Whatever it's called they will not prescribe it more than 3x's in a lifetime.

I use Loreal's Acne Response. If you use it everyday it really works and your pores are much smaller.

I would have to consult the dermatologist about that! The cetaphil isnt what is drying my face out... It is the Differen gel! I have used Cetaphil in the past (My sisters whenever i ran out of face wash) and had no major issues! I think the perscribed meds are causing the dryness (my dermatologist recommended that is what I use in combination with my perscriptions, most dermatologists recommend a cetaphil regime with their percribed med programs)... I am also using a cetaphil moisterizing lotion, so for now I don't think it is the Cetaphil... It is definitely the Differen gel! Im looking more for opinions on Differen Gel and Triaz since they are perscribed... but thanks for all your tips and personal shared experiences!

Originally Posted by Crazyforinfo

Hmm his was a prescription but that was from over 5 years ago. He has it pretty bad and we just live with it. He did find one pill that worked wonders (name escapes me) but it's very dangerous on the organs. Whatever it's called they will not prescribe it more than 3x's in a lifetime.

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I think what you're talking about is called Accutane. You are right....it can be a very dangerous drug (liver damage, depression....) but it is very effective.

i don't like cetaphil cleanser at all. it's supposed to be ok for rosacea (which i have) but it made my rosacea worse! i usually use purpose liquid soap (by johnson & johnson) and am doing really great with that.

i use metrogel in the morning. i have differen gel, but only use it when i have an acne breakout. i found i don't need it all the time. it works.

Originally Posted by Miss Mew

I think what you're talking about is called Accutane. You are right....it can be a very dangerous drug (liver damage, depression....) but it is very effective.

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Thank You! That was driving me nuts! He has taken it twice so far but the 2nd time was incomplete. He had to go for liver tests and the levels were getting too high. He wants to go back again. He sweats a lot so it isn't just on his face

Originally Posted by Crazyforinfo

Hmm his was a prescription but that was from over 5 years ago. He has it pretty bad and we just live with it. He did find one pill that worked wonders (name escapes me) but it's very dangerous on the organs. Whatever it's called they will not prescribe it more than 3x's in a lifetime.

I use Loreal's Acne Response. If you use it everyday it really works and your pores are much smaller.

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Hmmm how strange I'll post a link so you can confirm we are talking about the same thing... My sister was using cetaphil 5 years or more ago and it wasn't perscribed... Is this the stuff?

http://www.cetaphil.com/products/Cle...aspx#Cleanser1

Was he using something else in combination with the Cetaphil since it is not an acne fighting product line (maybe it was back then, I am unaware)? My sister was perscribed pills she had to take daily, I also do not remember the name, all those acne pills have more risks than benefits it seems!

Im glad the Loreal is working for you... I tried Clinique (omg my face broke out bad, luckily they refunded me full price) and I have used the Neutrogena and Aveeno line... No such consistant luck with either of the above listed...

I think I will stick with this for this now because it isn't going to cost me as much as I thought. Since I have an activated discount card for differen my first perscription is free and every refill after that is only $5 through 2008! The Triaz on the other hand (with my insurance coverage) is $40 a month... There is a $35 rebate with each refill so it will be about $5 a month as well! There was no limit listed on the rebate, I will have to see if they will allow me to do it with every refill!

Originally Posted by trixie23

I would have to consult the dermatologist about that! The cetaphil isnt what is drying my face out... It is the Differen gel!

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yep. that stuff dries skin out. my DH actually stopped using it because his skin dried out so bad.

We'll see what I think of the Cetaphil cleanser, Ill give it about a month... If im not a fan Im not sure what to use that is moisterizing, non-comedogenic, and fragrance free? Also with no acne fighting meds... Any suggestions?

Originally Posted by trixie23

Well see what I think of the Cetaphil cleanser, Ill give it about a month... If im not a fan Im not sure what to use that is moisterizing, non-comedogenic, and fragrance free? Also with no acne fighting meds... Any suggestions?

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i used to use a neutrogena products, before the rosacea. i liked them when i was able to use them.

Originally Posted by littleraven7726

yep. that stuff dries skin out. my DH actually stopped using it because his skin dried out so bad.

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Yeah my dermatologist told me it would and to stick with it, or cut it down to every other day if I have too... Ive only been using it for three days and I look like the crust queen! I know alot about skin since I am a licensed Barber/Cosmetologist (I had to learn all about aesthetics, skin diseases, etc) so I am aware of what to expect.... But I love getting feedback from those that have already experienced the product!

I use something Rx by my dermotologist way back in HS and part of college. It was something like Benzoletic...?? Anyways I think they changed the formula and that's when I switched.

Right now I'm using Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleanser

The one thing that I found out is that certain beverages help with Acne. I avoid soda as much as possible...especially Mt. Dew. For some reason I tend to get huge pimples for that soda. Also lower your caffiene intake about a few days before your "monthly friend" visits.

Also, check your birth control. I was on one that made my face break out twice as much. Once I switched to Ortho-Tri Cyclen my acne greatly improved.

Finally if none of these are the cause, just drink water and try to avoid touching your face after moiterizing (or resting your hand on your face). That's where I get most of my breakouts. Also try switching makeup products. don't use pressed powder, but loose powder, etc.

Originally Posted by trixie23

Yeah my dermatologist told me it would and to stick with it, or cut it down to every other day if I have too... Ive only been using it for three days and I look like the crust queen!

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that's what happened to my DH.

i don't use a moisturizing wash, but i use "clean and clear morning glow" moisturizing lotion after i wash my face and use my metrogel in the morning. for whatever reason morning glow moisturizer is light enough not to make me break out, and doesn't bother my rosacea.

I only drink about 2 sodas a day (not full ones, cans) and it is caffine free! I don't consume much caffine really (because I am not suppose to have it)! There actually is no scientific proven fact that certain foods cause acne, however personal experience may prove to the individual that their face may breakout when eating certain foods! No scientific evidence but we all know after experience certain items that may effect our skin, health, hair, attitudes, etc! I try not to touch my face (its hard not resting your head on your hand sitting at a desk all day) and I try not to touch my face in general! As for my birth control I am on a generic pill called Kariva ( I did a trial on yasmin but wasn't able to afford it, was $50 a month with my crappy insurance) so Im stuck on generic birth control pills since the name brands are way out of price range! I told my gyno that I wanted something tht wouldn't affect my acne and that is what she perscribed (less cramping as well)... Not to mention the way I am on the birth control I only get my period once every three months (kind of like seasonal)... As for makeup... I dont wear foundation... I put a little concealer under my eyes, always clean my make-up brushes, etc! I have recently been using the Loreal mineral foundation (which actually is light and hasn't effected my skin)...

Originally Posted by littleraven7726

that's what happened to my DH.

i don't use a moisturizing wash, but i use "clean and clear morning glow" moisturizing lotion after i wash my face and use my metrogel in the morning. for whatever reason morning glow moisturizer is light enough not to make me break out, and doesn't bother my rosacea.

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I've used morning glow cleanser not the lotion... what is metrogel? Something you were perscribed? Is it for Rosacea? Im glad that you rosacea is under control and that you found something cost effective to work with!

Originally Posted by trixie23

I've used morning glow cleanser not the lotion... what is metrogel? Something you were perscribed? Is it for Rosacea? Im glad that you rosacea is under control and that you found something cost effective to work with!

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Metrogel is prescribed for rosacea.

That is what i figured. Why cant we all just have flawless skin (well I know why but its nice to dream)!