JUICY ZITS

Magic Mike says:
I have frequent breakouts and I have tried everything. I have seen a dermatologist, I am on topical medications right now. I do not have severe acne but I am a performer, so of course I want flawless skin. I never had a skin problem before, but for about one year I thought it would be cool to have a year long tan. Tanning will not help your condition -- sometimes it can worsen it according to my dermatologist. I have had microdermabrasion -- it helps, but it is expensive. I went to a skin care clinic locally. It cost me $125 for one treatment and some people need between one and tweleve treatments. There is no recovery time, which is good and I do intend in the near future having that done or laser resurfacing, which I do not know the cost of. My goal is to have flawless skin like these guys you see in all of these boy bands. A lot of what you see in photos is make-up and airbrushing, but good skin I think needs a doctor's help.

markie asks:
is there any way i can get rid of my zits on my face with out using drugs or pads? thanks.

Linda asks:
How do i get rid of pimples?

Reply: If you are having problems with zits, you might need to see a doctor. If your problems are serious you should consult with your parents, and see a dermatologist, if necessary. See above and below for additional suggestions.
 
Mark M. says:
I have found the following works quite well:
Take 500mg of Buffered Vit C in the morning & at night.
Avoid foods with saturated fats & sugars.
Try to eat foods with soluble fibre.
Avoid any face creams with Mineral Oil as an ingredient.
Use a gentle, natural face scrub once a day to help reduce scarring.
Try to sleep so you feel slightly cold.
Avoid caffeine & chocolate.
Avoid anywhere with cigarette smoke.
Remarkably this works quite well.

Malika asks:
My name is Malika and I wanted to know if Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash works? I have a pimple under my nose and it isn't going away so I popped it. Can you please tell me how long it will take for a pimple go away? It is really embarrassing when people look at my face.I don't want them to see a pimple!

Reply from chaosCath:
Dear Malika,
First let me compliment your parents on their choice of your name. Lucky girl. It's gorgeous. And the sooner you can get past worrying about one pimple the more you will shine. It's hard. I know. In our culture we focus and are taught by the media and advertising people that we should strive for perfection. Well, perfection isn't real. It is an illusion. Magazine models are airbrushed. They get zits. Big fat juicy ones. So there's something you have in common and hey probably don't have a name as gorgeous as yours.
I can't really say much specifically about Neutrogena except that in my experience it is just as good as stuff that is a whole lot more expensive. The key to beauty is good health, both inside and out. Find out who you really are. Then be yourself. Love every little imperfect part of you and you will draw friends (and boyfriends!) like a magnet. Do you expect the people you love to be perfect? Take care, chaosCath
 
Christa asks:
Hello! i am 15 years old and i go to a dermo.. but it seems like my face just keeps getting worse. I feel so ugly with all of these disgusting Zits all over my face! what should i do? i wash my face twice a day -- i have prescriptions from the dermo and everything.. you said something about a facial.. do dermos recommend that or is it good for you face? thank you.

Reply from chaosCath:
Dear Christa,
Sweetie, this is a tremendous time of change for your body and unfortunately it can be a pain sometimes. The dermatologist can try different things and should until they find what woks for you. Facials can be very good, especially gentle ones which stimulate your face. The best thing you can do though, is to eat healthy foods, get a good sweaty workout doing something that's fun (dancing? kickboxing? hiking? whatever), drink barrels of water, and most importantly relax. Yup. Relax. Be kind to yourself. Look in the mirror each day and love one little part of your face and then move on to another part the next day. If you don't love your face, others will be able to sense this. People are drawn to people who love and respect themselves. This is not about being stuck up or anything. It's a healthy love. When you love and like yourself you glow and people are drawn to that energy. So be good to yourself Christa. Remember you are not alone. Lots of us go through this and...it will get better.
Take care, chaosCath

Fred says:
Yo pat dog. Try that proactiv shiznit, and it will work. If you're only 11, you have years of pain ahead of you if you don't take action. Peace out G, and keep it real.

Nadine says:
I have had acne for awhile. I know that there is no magic cure. I never really paid attention to my skin for about a year and a half, it only got worse. It started clearing up when I started to shop for acne products. Then my skin would get better but It would start to peel or even feel tight against my bones after washing it. I then found I have pretty sensitive skin so washing my face too much or not enough makes me break out and also I try not to let my hair or hands touch my face or rub my face too hard when washing it. Hints and tips: Use an exfoliater no more than 2 times a week. Use some sort of medicaton on trouble spots (shop around). And when putting on make-up, put on acne med until it dries, put on a non-comedogenic facial moisture, then non-comedogenic make-up. Most of all try not to stress, a few zits is not the end of the world, instead of hiding your face in a pillow you should go out, walk the dog, go play basketball, kick it with your friends, anything.

Grado says:
I have had my share of zits. In fact if you think it sucked when you had zits on your cheeks, wait a month, they go away then get them on your forehead and chin. But I read some of the other e-mails and i say the best way to deal with them is to use some proactive.

Jerry says:
Hey! I have problem with zits. Get used to it! you can't go through life without zits. Maybe you will just mature faster than everyone else. Well think of it this way: Later in your life when everyone else is getting breakouts you will already be over pimples. Anyway I have some advice. If some zits are really big, put benzyl peroxide on it. i had a giant one and it went away the next day.

Ruby says:
When you pop a pimple put on cocoa butter -- it keeps it from scarring.

J. M. says:
The worst thing about zits was that my parents thought they were just a part of growing up and were not important or worth treating. So I ended up with scarring, low self-esteem and spent many an afternoon hiding indoors. The sooner your skin is treated the less it will be damaged, and if it reappears, the acne will be less severe. I had to find work [not easy when you have zits] to pay for my treatment and a dermatologist. This took some time. I started off with tetracycline and it cleared up the problem within weeks. The scarring was treated a few years later with a dermabrasion by a plastic surgeon. It smoothed the scars a lot and did not get rid of them fully, but I was happy with the result.
A couple of years later some acne began to reappear in the central panel of my face and my dermatologist put me on a course of Roaccutane which worked and also improved the texture of my skin. This drug has many side effects and is really suitable for more difficult cases. My uncle takes a low dosage of Roaccutane to control oiliness and adult acne, which can appear later in life and which might happen to me too - but it is also treatable. The hardest thing to get back was my self confidence and to forgive my parents who could have helped save me a lot of suffering. Acne is more treatable than ever and you should try to see a dermatologist as soon as possible. Try not to let it take over your life completely - it is a problem that can solved with patience.
Many over-the-counter preparations just mask the problem. Treating the problem soon, and correctly, will mean that you can be happier and more confident and will be free to concentrate on really important things like studying, sport and socialising. It will also be cheaper as it may save you the extra expense of surgery or therapy. Many famous and successful people such as Andy Warhol and Richard Burton also had to deal with acne, and it is worth knowing that dealing with any problem makes you a stronger and more worthwhile person.

Amber asks:
I have really bad acne on my chin, I think it is infected. Well I was wondering what i should use for it? Does Proactive really work? Also, should I see a doctor about it?

Reply:
If you think that your skin is infected, you should absolutely see a doctor about it, as soon as possible, particularly before using any products on it. You should start by checking with your parents about seeing a dermatologist.

Joe asks:
Hi! I am a 15 year old male and I get (on an average) of about 2 to 3 zits a week. Usually only one of them is bad. I can't go more than 3 days without getting a whitehead, blackhead, or a scab from previous zits. I guess I don't have a really bad case of acne , but what can i do to keep them from coming? Do you think i could get a prescribed ointment? I also heard Proactive works good. What do you think i should do?

Kate asks:
My name is Kate and i am 11 turning 12. I first got zits when I was 10. Everone called me pimple face. I still have them. I learned from experience NEVER POP YOUR PIMPLES. I have a question, how do you get rid of pimples????

Kara asks:
I have zits and I have a very bad habit of popping them. I'm afraid that later in my life I will have bad scars and my skin will look all nasty. Please Help!!!

J. M. says:
i used to have a few zits, and they really affected my image, but now, they are almost all gone and are practically invisible..i just wanted to give u some information on how to improve zits..... itry to stay in the sun as much as possible, and use Neutrogena stuff...especially the overnight pore treatment.... that works awesome... thanx

Leanne asks:
Does anyone know any good websites for zits? Does anyone know any fast treatments that work for zits? Does popping help?

Nicki says:
I used to have pretty bad acne. I used a billion cleansers, exfoliants and masks, took litres of vitamins, minerals and other potions, didn't eat sugar or fats and washed my face all day long and absolutely nothing worked. I even spent one thousand dollars and went to a beautician to have weekly facials; there was slight improvement but nothing spectacular. I still got millions of sore, red zits. Then I was referred to a dermatoligist and was taught the proper way to care for my skin. Acne cannot be washed away with some stupid 'clean and clear' cleanser or zapped up with expensive 'clinique' masks. It's all a myth that the beauty industry has created. Acne results from oil BENEATH the skin so no matter what you use on the surface, it won't penetrate through to the real cause. Daily, strong medication and and medical creams and lotions that penatrate the layers of skin are the answer. Drinking gallons of water won't help, going on diets won't help and buying the most expensive skin care range won't either. So give yourself a break and go see a skin doctor; use their qualified advice and not some bimbo models whose getting paid a trillion to advertise it. Later......

Jada says:
My name is Jada. I'm a 14 year old female and i have a major problem with pimples. I've tried everything but nothing seems to work. I wash my face 2 times a day, use my acne medicine. the only problem i really have is in my diet. Having zits is a very big deal to me because it brings a lot of stress, lack of self-esteem, self-confidence and it brings deep depression. Sometimes i find myself crying almost everyday because of my zits. I also feel bad because there is only one other person in my class and hardly anybody in my school that has acne and i'm sick of my face looking like this when their faces are smooth and clear. None of my friends have pimples and if they do get bumps it's every once in a blue moon. i hate feeling like this everyday. I've had acne since i was about 8 or 9 but it didnt really phase me intil my teen years. My mom said i was going to a dermotologist but she still hasnt called. so when i go i will keep you up to date on how it's going. Oh yeah, i have a question, Do you have any suggestions to help me? and which over the counter facial treatment is the best to use?? please reply soon, i really really need help. thanks. see ya.

More questions from Jada:
I have huge pores and i want to know does this have a big effect on my acne??? My face is not really that oily and its not over dried but i still have a big acne problem. Also, how can i reduce my pore size? To me they're really not attractive , so what can i do to make them smaller???

Stephen asks:
Help me! I look like a pepperoni pizza. Last week I had a zit about the size of a peanut on my forehead. Now instead of going away another zit grew on top of that zit. So it became the size of a strawberry. This morning I squeezed it as HARD as I could and it started to bleed. I couldn't believe it. No puss came out!! Usually if I pop it puss with spurt out and hit the bathroom mirror but this didn't. It hurt so bad it brought tears to my eyes. Now it is even bigger and more red. I can't believe it, I have zits so big they have there own zits. It almost looks like there is a crab apple, literally growing out of my forehead!! Also, to top it off I have a blind date Friday night and the only way she'll find me attractive is if she is blind. What should I do chaoskids?

Megaroo says:
Hi, I have acne. I know it's hard, believe me. But I just try to remember that it will go away. For those of you with just mild pimples, stop complaining, people don't even really realize it if you have like four zits. What I'm talking about is acne, a disease. If you have it, go to a dermotoligist!!! Everybody's body is different, and different things will work for you, but something that I've found works pretty well, although it did take awhile to get here. What's been starting to work for me is called Tazorac. It's new. But for those of you with sensitive skin and acne, Purpose is a very good and gentle cleanser. For back and chest zits, just use clearasil or something (it's what I do), but be sure to do it at night, because it bleaches clothes. Also, don't overwash your face too much, 2 or 3 times daily would be good, because it makes it all icky and dry and red. For red marks, I (gosh this is so dumb and I don't think it's too healthy, but still...) used Visine, that stuff for your eyes, and it worked okay! But Bath and Body Works has a nice astringent that makes blemishes fade, and for other girls, makeup will work. However, your skin does look better if you don't wear any makeup. Well, I think that's about it. Hope I helped someone! Oh and about popping, it's not too good and doesn't work (for me at least), but I do it anyways because I'm like "Just go awaaaaay!" and I would say only pop the ones where you can see the white pus. Yuck. I hate having zits.

R. H. asks:
I am a 15 year old boy who has very oily skin. I don't have all that many pimples because I treat them day and night. But the problem is my face gets covered with a layer of oil you can drown in, in about 3-4 hours. So during the day I have to use these treatment wipes 5 or 6 times when the recommended dose is 2 times. And during the night I have to cover my face with a 'make up like' substance which is clearly visible, so when I go to my friends houses I can't use it, and at parties I can't use it so I end up with loads of pimples, especially on my nose. Is there any way of making my skin less oily without resulting in a mass of pimples?

Katie says:
I am eighteen years old, and i have seen all forms of facial intrusions. i have found that the best way to kill those blemishes is to simply wash most of the oil off your face daily. don't scrub too hard--just hard enough to make it feel "not oily". you can use your favorite mild soap, since the really expensive ones have no greater effect. after several years of this washing, i have had NO GIANT PIMPLES, and few of the little weenie ones. blackheads are also greatly reduced. regarding popping, blackheads are OK to pop, providing you know how without really hurting the skin (they are very hard to pop). whiteheads and "red monsters" are best to be left alone--they will fade within a few days. if it really must die today, it's your choice.

Claire says:
Here is a reply to a message posted on the chaosKIDS zit site.
Ok, how to get rid of a zit WITHOUT popping it:
1. wash your face 2 times with face wash.
2. put zit cream on at night.
3. avoid makeup and sun block. If you MUST use it, use one that doesn't clog pores.
4. wait for zit to surface and drain on its own. Or you can wait for it to surface and THEN put a warm compress on it for 5 minutes and pop it with a pin (no squeezing) and put the compress back on, letting it drain.. when thats done, put a disinfectant skin cream on to prevent infections. follow with acne cream 30 minutess later

Edwin says:
This is a directed to magic mike (see above).
what's up magic mike, i have a few questions. first whats microdermabrasion? do all dermatologist use this treatment? im on accutane how long till i see results? and last is what do you recommend for me or what else should i try? I have tried lots of medications and i have yet to see results, i'm really tired of my dermatologist cause nothing he prescribes works 4 me. help me mike, please!

Clar asks:
My skin is covered with zits but it's not very serious. My skin is also sensitive. Because of that, I must choose products carefully. Can you recommend me some of the products that can cure acnes for sensitive skin? Thanx.

Amanda says:
Hi, my name is Amanda. I have a lot of pimples everywhere!!! When I go to school I feel everyone is just staring at me!!! Everyday I come home crying, because most of the time people tease me about my pimples. Please, please, please help me. I want to get rid of my pimples! But how do I do that???

Caverinha says:
BIG DUDE answer= DON'T POP THEM!!! because it will leaves scar forever. i know how to make zits go away. try to wash your face twice a day and put some toothpaste on your zits every day for 5 minutes or more. it really works. i have tried it and my skin look much better now. try it!!!!

Vanessa asks:
How do I get rid of zits? I tried everything, but nothing works and I am only 10 years old. Please help me. I want to have clear skin.

Melissa says:
Hi there. My name's Melissa. I've been experimenting with different kinds of treatments for acne. I've noticed there are tons and tons of products that really....well....suck. But last week when I had a huuuuuge pimple that was all red and irritated because I had scratched at it, I decided to just take it easy. Here's what you should do:
1. First, get an egg.
2. Crack open the egg and just take out the yellow yolk.
3. Then, spread the egg yolk on your face and keep it there for ten to fifteen minutes.
4. Then, wash it off with warm water.
5. Take a soft, wet rag and lightly (LIGHTLY!!) rub your face with the rag.
6. Dry your face completely and then take some very good moisturizer (I recommend Oil of Olay) and spread it on your face.
7. Now, I put on some antibiotic ointment and put it on your pimple (This will make it not so red and irritated.)
8. Go to bed.
9. Wake up and notice the difference!
10. When you wake up, wash your face with an acne face wash and then moisturize your face again.
Hope this helps!!
P.S. It's not gonna work for everybody, but for me, it helped. ******

Danielle says:
(This is a directed to magic mike (see above).)
Mike, I don't have severe acne, but like all teens I do get zits. I think stress has a lot to do with it. I know I'm not ugly, but I like to always look my best. When I do get even the smallest zit it's hard to look people in the face without thinking they are looking straight at that zit. Even though I know everyone gets them it doesn't make me feel any better. What can I do? Oh and by the way what kind of performer are you? Just curious.

Ashley asks:
Hi. My name is Ashley. I have a problem with my zits. Most of my zits grow around the top line of my lips. Do you know of any cures for these? I am afraid of putting the zit creams on them because it is right by my lips. If you have any information about what I could use I would really appreciate it. Thanks.

Snyder says:
how to: first off you need to wash your face with warm water and use soap 3 times. do that 3 times a day. then use neutrogena oil free wash and after that, put on rubbing alcohol and then when you go too bed put on neutrogena cream. tooth paste works. well put on for 10 mins and after use salt and water mixed put on for 5 mins. lemon jucie works real good too. i'm glad i could help you.

eboni asks:
I just started using Tazorac and I was wondering does it really work?

Reply:
You should check with your doctor or dermatologist about the use of all commercial skin products. Let us know how it works out for you.

Jenna says:
Look i guess i don't have acne or anything but i do get my share of pimples. I am 14 and it seems like I am the only one with zits. Is there such thing as a no zit face. I am so tired or getting pimples. Please is there something you can do to keep zits away and when do you get to the point where you just don't get them anymore. I read alot of your emails and people say stuff that will help but I want something that is just going to keep me clear like Mandy Moore. PLEEZE! It seems like I get a zit or two on my forehead I pick them which makes it worse but you think if i pick them the big white puss wont be there. So then I get a scab and when the scab goes away I get another pimple. This whole changing body teenage stuff really stinks. I know everybody has to get through it except those few perfect ones. Why can't their be a medication that makes them go away. Pleez help!!!!!

stef says:
Hi. I don't really have a zit problem but my skin is very oily. About popping zits: i don't recommend it for everyone. Everybody has different types of skin that heals differently. I pop mine always but i do not scar. my brother however does and his scar very badly. So if U have THAT date and HAVE to pop then make sure your hands are clean. Put a hot cloth on the pimple. Use Q-tips to help squeeze and draw all of the puss out. Use a cotton ball and hold peroxide for 5 mins. LET IT HEAL. self control is a virtue.
Also i have used many different cleansers. Purpose facial cleanser was good. But you have to do something that is good for your skin. I also notice i have to change face washes with the seasons because my skin is dry in the winter. Keep that in mind.
Egg yolks--
This mask is great for the skin. It leaves it refreshed and feeling great. Take one beaten egg yolk and apply liberally to the face with a cotton ball. Let dry on the skin for 15 minutes, then rinse off with cool water. The egg yolk has a lot of protein and fatty acids in there that will help your skin.
This mask will replenish your skin and tighten up your pores. Mix baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and water into a paste and apply to your skin. Let dry on the skin then wash off with cool water. Take half of a cucumber and cut it into chunks. Add mint extract or mint leaves. Add table spoon of fresh lemon juice, and an eggwhite. Puree in blender until smooth. Add a lil bit of flour depending on thickness. Put mask in the fridge for 10 mins to set. Apply to face. Leave on 10 mins. It will take out oil and put moisture back into your face. I do this twice a week.
Be patient. its never as bad as it seems. Some times you have to go thru the hard parts of life to shape your character and truely make u stronger. keep your heads up -- you are not alone.
i hope i could help -- good luck.

April says:
Hey everyone
I am 14 and as EVERYONE out there, I suffer from zits 2. I had a HUGE whitehead on my nose 1 time, and I put Cortaid (the gel kind that comes in a tube) and but a Band-aid on it and went to bed. The next morning I woke up, and the zit was gone. I have used all that Clinque stuff and really ... it doesn't work too well for me. Stridex face wash works for me. I wash with Stridex 4 times a day. Try that. Also 1 of my friends puts Milk of Magnesia and she doesn't have a zit on her face. So try the Cortaid on a really bad zit, or you can try the stridex ... personally I think that works the best.

Fan says:
Hi everyone! I am 21 years old and I just recently started breaking out and getting some zits. I know it is the worst feeling in the world to have to walk around school with zits. Here's what I do and it really works, trust me. Use Purpose bar soap morning and night (no more that that!) and follow it with Neutrogena On-The-Spot Acne Treatment. If your face feels too dry after applying this cream, use Purpose Dual Action Oil Free Moisturizer. Don't touch those zits. They will go away with this treatment and I have noticed that I have a few marks on my face from where I popped zits. The ones that I completely left alone left no marks. Good luck.

BO asks:
Hi, Im BO,
I was wondering if you had any advice on how to get rid of some scars that zits left on my face? Would any face washes work? Or do i have to go to a doctor? You're probably really busy and won't get a chance to read this but if you do could you reply? Thanks a lot.

Reply:
For advice on facial scarring, ou should check with your doctor or dermatologist.

Alex asks:
i am having LOADS of problems with acne. i have gone to a dermatologist, and tried the following medications: differin gel, benzimicin, minicycline, and there is one other pill i tried that had no effect just like all the others and i can't remember the name. we talked to my dermatologist and he says there is a drug called acutain that he refuses to put me on because of all the "dangers" it can cause. right now i am having SEVERE acne on my face and back, and mild acne on my chest. i am running out of ideas and more people are starting to say things about it because it is soooooo bad. my dermatologist says that shaving can cause acne (wich i do shave) and if i stop shaving i will have facial hair but i don't want any. if there is anything else i can do, please let me know.

Ika says:
Hi there. My name is Ika and maybe I can help with your questions about acne. If you are really serious ... I can lead you to get your skin clear. It is in your hands. Try www.skintek.com. Regards.

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Laura says:
Hi---I'm Laura and I have horrible problems with zits, but just by trying everything I've worked out all the little problems... You asked what to do besides popping zits. My answer is... wash around zits with an exfoliant soap (get it at Walgreens--it's cheap) and then use some kind of oil-absorbing product like a mattifeir or something like that. Luv ya!!