Poor Skin!!!! Adjusting to Washington, DC

Dear Jill,

You might find my blog, Six Strategies for Taming Teenage Acne, helpful - even if you are no longer in your teens! Proactiv is no stronger than the far less expensive zit creams you can buy in any drug store. It will probably give you some improvement in your acne, but it may dry or irritate your skin and, as I said, it's a weak treatment at a high price. You might wish to consider visiting a dermatologist for more effective treatment.

Good luck with your move to DC; I'm a neighbor of yours, as my home is in Chevy Chase and my offices are in nearby Maryand and Virginia! 

Best regards,

Dr. Hema 

I just happen to be a licensed esthetician.  The climate in Florida is more humid than the climate in Washington, D.C.   When you were in Florida, it appears your skin was  properly hydrated due to the humid climate and a light sunscreen and moisturizer was sufficient.  However, when you came to D.C., it appears you needed to hydrate your skin.   You may have chosen products that were developed for a dry skin type.   Your skin type may be oily and the dry skin products may be clogging your pores and causing you to break out.   Proactive works well for people who have acne issues relating to bacteria and excessive oil production.   It appears you only need a light oil controlling cleanser and maybe a hydrating serum to add hydrating to your skin without clogging it.   You can check out this website, www.NaturalSkinJunkie.com.  Take the skin type and skin condition test, before you purchase any products.   This website even takes the guesswork out of using the product.  I hope this helps !!!!

I have struggled with acne since I was in high school.  I've used everything, proactive was one of those things.  Proactive worked to a point but I went back to clearasil (cheaper)...and ruining my shirts I slept in.  

I decided to try another dermatologist and he gave me erthromycin topical.  I used it about 3 weeks and saw very little results but then at about six weeks I realized...I don't have one zit on my face.  That was 3 months ago and I remain clear even through my menstrual cycle.  I also like that the redness is gone and I wear little makeup now.

Have you ever heard of Arbonne Advantage products?  My son uses the products immediately when he has a breakout and the problem is gone within a few days!!  I've never seen any products work like Arbonne products.  You may be using something purchased over the counter that has mineral oil in it (90% of drugstore products do!) Mineral oil seals the moisture in, but also the bacteria, and messes up your skin's natural "cleansing" function.  Also, are you scrubbing your skin vigorously, spreading bacteria around on the surface?  With Arbonne products, you will have 4 steps only. You will wash gently with your clean fingertips using our acne treatment wash, and then use a gentle non-alchohol refining toner that will correctly PH balance your skin to the exact level it needs to be.  Then you will apply a light acne lotion to protect your skin.  The fourth step is very important....a dietary supplement with vitamins, minerals, andL-Lysine, an amino acid, 30-day supply.  THIS SYSTEM WORKS!  ...And it is not expensive!  Beautiful skin is worth it!  I can send you testimonials and pictures.  Email me at lrabits1@cfl.rr.com and let me help you.