Acne

[joce]

Ingredients in Cetaphil cleanser: Water, cetyl alcohol, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate, stearyl alcohol, methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben.

Cetyl alcohol is not like isopropyl alcohol. Anything chemical with that OH group hanging off of it is called an alcohol. Cetyl alcohol is not drying at all, just the opposite, it is an emollient that used to be derived from whale oil before they figured out they could synthesize it.

Cetaphil is not drying at all, and is considered good for all skin types. I like Noxema though. I am told the menthol in it is an irritant, but it makes my skin feel good, and after I started using it as a cleanser insteqad of an actual acne cleanser, my acne cleared right up.

My mom has been to a ton of plastic surgeons and dermatologists o) and every one has recommended cetaphil. It is expensive but many stores have a generic version,just check the ingredients. I never realized alcohol was in it so thanks for the explanation!

It should help more because it will not strip the natural oils so it will not cause your skin to produce extra oil.

The only thing that ever helped me was acutane. I still have break outs but not like I used to.

 

[Bailey08]

I think having a gentle cleanser on hand is important. Cetaphil and Cerave are both good -- I think every dermatologist I've gone to has recommended one or the other, or both. Or you could look for a different cleanser without detergents, which may be better. I also like Glytone daily cleanser, though this has glycolic acid so should not be your sole cleanser.

I second the suggestion of getting on a prescription retionol product, probably Retin-A Micro. It's expensive but worth it IMO (I also like the anti-aging effects!). A derm could also prescribe an oral antibiotic if you decide you want one (some people have expressed concerns about antibiotic tolerance, so you may want to do some research on your own and/or talk to your dr before you fill any prescriptions).

And I would suggest getting a toner or another product with salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide, which is what is in ProActive products, can be hard on your skin (mine *hates* it!). The fewer ingredients the better; I like products with just SA and alcohol -- I've been pleased with the products from Anti Aging Skin Care Products, but I'm sure you could find something similar elsewhere.