Q: I want to be sure I am cleansing and moisturizing my VERY ACNE PRONE skin properly. I have literally tried EVERY cleanser and moisturizer possible (Neutrogena, Purpose, Cetaphil, Clean & Clear, Murad, Spa Face, Phytomer, Clinique, Estee Lauder, ProActiv, Body Shop) and medications (Epiduo, Duac, Benzamycin, Differin, Retin A, Cleocin T, even Accutane, and multiple oral antibiotics). The Accutane worked for a while but nothing else really did. The cleansing system that worked the best was Kerstan Florian’s Spa Face. That being said, after reading your list of ingredients that cause acne, I noticed that some of these ingredients are in these products. So I can get the best results from your cosmetics, what products do you recommend that I use to cleanse and moisturize my skin?

A: My first question is, how long did you use each specific product? It seems like you may be going from one product to another without truly seeing if it works right. It takes at least 1-3 months to see if one certain product is working. If you use something for two weeks, and go to another, you are stressing your skin out, and there is no way to tell what is working, and what is making the acne better.

Do you get peels on a regular basis? This is a must. As an esthetician, I have seen great results with facial peels. There are some amazing glycolic/salicylic peels that are done by professionals only that are amazing for very acne prone skin. They are called PCA peels (PCA is the name of the company). The company also makes very very good skincare. pcaskin.com It’s an amazing line (one of the best for acne, in my opinion). The peels in conjunction with home treatment is very effective. However, you have to stay on the program for three to five months. It is not a “quick fix” but it is very effective.

Generally, products that you can buy at the department store or at the grocery store simply are strong enough for persistent acne. period. They are a waste of money. They are mostly for acne that comes and goes, and is not very serious.

I would give PCA a try, but you have to do your homework and find an amazing esthetician. These are very strong peels and in the wrong hands, can really mess your skin up. Research is key.

For more resources, check out Acne.org. It’s the best site on the net for acne answers.

About the Author:
Christopher Drummond

I am a celebrity makeup artist and skin care expert with over 15 years in the industry. I am very passionate about helping women to understand makeup and the products that will help them look and feel better.