My difficult oily skin, seborrhoea, acne vulgaris

About 2,000 people took part in the ‘My difficult skin: oily, acne vulgaris’ competition. We would like to thank all participants very much! The competition was aimed at people with oily skin, seborrhoea, acne vulgaris, adult acne. We asked what are the biggest problems with such skin, are they exacerbated in summer or winter? What ingredients in cosmetics or treatments do you avoid or seek out and why? Do you fight the problem with a dermatologist, beautician or on your own? The competition was organised together with the CzasNaZmiane.pl portal.

Below are selected statements describing how you take care of oily skin, with acne, inflammatory changes…

 

Hello, I have been struggling with my skin on my face since time immemorial. It all started with hyperpigmentation around my nose, chin and forehead. This intensifies when exposed to the sun then I am red. I don’t feel good about it because I look burnt. Unfortunately, it’s not the only thing that bothers me, I often get acne, red spots or whiteheads, more and more every day and then they disappear, but unfortunately it’s a problem because I don’t feel like going out on the town with something like this, showing it to people. Unfortunately my skin is combination one day I have dry skin and then when I give foundation it literally falls off while I’m blending. The next day I’ve got all oily and I’m glowing like lights on a Christmas tree. I try to avoid going out because even make-up can’t hide my imperfections. I feel very uncomfortable when my husband tells me that everything is falling off on my face. I have used various preparations unfortunately they helped for a while or not at all. I am helpless. I have been to a microdermabrasion treatment and the effect was good but unsatisfactory. I am looking for cosmetics that will alleviate my symptoms and allow me to put on make-up and go out without worrying.

 

My problem with oily skin is particularly exacerbated in the summer, when it’s hot it glows and pimples appear, this is probably my skin’s biggest problem. I use mattifying creams that have copper and zinc in their formulation, these ingredients inhibit the secretion of sebum, so I can avoid shining. I try to avoid toners and other alcohol-based cosmetics. For my daily morning cleansing I usually use a gentle gel, sometimes I use herbal mixtures. After this I apply a mattifying cream, when I stay at home I try to avoid foundation, but if I do use it, it is oil-free. Twice a week I use a fine-grained scrub. I took this advice from my beautician and I stick to it. Female, 18.

 

My skin tends to be oily, so it is adult acne skin, very problematic, requiring careful and thorough care. I have to choose my cosmetics very carefully, buying alcohol-free ones so that they don’t irritate my skin and don’t dry it out excessively, but have soothing and anti-allergic ingredients. Unfortunately, problems such as excessive shine or pimples can be seen with the naked eye, as it is difficult to perfectly cover up these deficiencies. In my daily skincare routine, I use a deeply hydrating, moisturising cream (as mentioned above, alcohol-free), a face wash and a separate face towel. I also try not to touch my face, so as not to leave unwanted blackheads on my face that can cause more blackheads to form. My complexion is under constant observation by a dermatologist who has recommended that I take medication, namely Isotretinoin, which I am currently taking and which has had very rapid results. Self-treatment of acne can only be limited to good facial hygiene, while from the treatment inside the body (from my own experience) I would not recommend the so-called home remedies which, for example, drinking pansy-violet or not eating chocolate, because this simply does not help, and the focus should be on choosing the correct medications prescribed by a dermatologist. 28 years old.

 

My 30-something skin may not be at its worst but it’s not perfect either. I put my facial skin in the hands of a beautician a few times a year and undergo manual facial cleansing, cavitation peeling, microdermabrasion or dermo-correction – not all at once of course 🙂 My face bears the marks of surprises (that’s what I call pimples), unfortunately after squeezing with my hands – ohjj I did it wrong I know ! At home I have removed all magnifying mirrors. Fortunately, large lesions appear sporadically. Of course some smaller surprises do appear. My biggest bane is blackheads oh how I hate them those little black dots that are visible even under make-up. My skin behaves the same way in every season. The only thing I still want is to find cosmetics that are perfect for my skin….

 

I have struggled with acne ever since I can remember. The first signs of it appeared in me, as they usually do during puberty. Of course, for a teenager, constantly recurring large pimples are the cause of huge complexes. Home remedies, drugstore remedies like masks or cleansing gels did not help. New companions to my misery appeared every day. At the same time, blackheads also started to appear all night long, and my chin was covered in little black dots. Their mechanical removal only caused infection and the appearance of further purulent pimples. I finally decided to consult a specialist – a dermatologist. Of course, my problem was trivialised. All I got was a prescription for a ridiculous liquid that was supposed to dry out the inflammation. And so, I struggled with my problem until I was about 19. Then something started to happen for the better. My face was less irritated, pimples still appeared, pores were still dilated, but these were sporadic and isolated incidents. This made me very happy because I could finally stop being embarrassed. The only problem was that the pimples in the jaw area, which were very painful and pus-like, appeared as a sign of the approaching menstruation. But I was able to cope with this too. Time passed and the acne did not recur until recently. On my skin, firstly lumps started to form, skin-coloured, I thought they would disappear, but they continued to form, the skin became more red, the pores more visible. On my jawline a lot of tiny pimples appeared which, especially under the light, look like a lumpy rash and are very noticeable when touched. On the chin and forehead, huge and very painful purulent pimples appear every now and then. The skin gets oily very quickly. Of course, now I know better how to take care of such skin, so I use enzyme scrubs instead of the mechanical ones I often used when I was a teenager, I use clay masks, I try not to exfoliate – although, sometimes it’s very difficult to stop myself. My dermatologist said that this porridge of mine is encapsulated blackheads, very difficult to remove – it didn’t make me feel very much better. And unfortunately for a long time I can only act on them from the outside, as they are the result of hormonal changes – such are the benefits of breastfeeding:) – and due to breastfeeding, no internal remedies are an option. Unfortunately the remedies I use don’t do much, the pus lesions do dry up a bit, but that’s about it, the skin is still oily in no time, the pores and blackheads are very visible, and overall it looks mega unsightly. There are moments that I feel ashamed to leave the house, because this is not how a 30-year-old woman should look. I have to admit that I am really tired of this acne. I’ve always dreamed of having a smooth face, and unfortunately…. if I want one I have to put a thick layer of foundation on it – which of course is definitely not good for me. It’s nice to feel and look like a teenager – but not necessarily thanks to acne.

 

I’m a woman, I’m 34 years old. I have skin problems, especially in winter and autumn. My skin is oily, it gets shiny and unrefreshed in no time even though I use mattifying cosmetics, Apart from this fact, I am prone to acne lesions (especially in winter). I use antibacterial and anti-sebum cosmetics. Unfortunately, the effects are usually short-lived and unsatisfactory. I also go to a beautician for cleansing treatments.

 

I am 25 years old and have unfortunate acne and oily skin. This is a fairly common problem. I watch my diet a lot and use drying cosmetics because I have really oily skin – mattifying cream, gel and toner z are my lifebloods. As long as I don’t forget to remove my make-up it’s fine. There are certainly a lot of ways to get rid of acne and surely each of us should find our own. I, for one, recently read an article where Dr Brumer informed about how to achieve a beautiful complexion in three steps. It really isn’t that difficult. It just sometimes takes a little patience. Personally, my skin recovered after a few weeks of using mineral cosmetics, recommended by a beautician. Ordinary foundations were too heavy, while minerals provide such lightness and smoothness to the skin. Maybe it’s also because they are loose products. These are the first loose products I’ve ever used, but I’m mega-positively surprised that I can look this good. I suggest, in addition to using every available cosmetic, to do a basic hormone test and a general check of your ovaries, sugar levels, to stop using most cosmetics and to limit yourself to a minimum – to see which ones don’t harm you, to look for a “wise beautician” and a lot of patience. Last but not least, I recommend natural soaps for an oily face. My sister uses them and is super satisfied, and with natural oils, her skin starts to work as it should, and not like in the case of drugstore specifics, which replace the work of the skin and thus make it lazy! Tomato soap, for example, is great for enlarged pores. Oily and acne-prone skin does not have to be our bane. We just need to learn how to handle it – it’s just like a guy!

 

The biggest problems I have with having oily skin are…:

– frequent pimples on my chin and right cheek

– shiny skin – not eating foods such as sweets because they cause new pimples to appear I look for cosmetics with as natural a composition as possible, as these are best for my skin. How do I look after my oily skin?

– I cleanse with gel and toner twice a day

– I moisturise morning and night

– I use a mattifying serum

– I scrub once a week and use clay masks twice a day

– I drink a lot of non-carbonated mineral water, eat a lot of fruit and vegetables and take nutritional supplements, because a well-balanced diet has a great impact on the condition of the skin

– I visit a beautician once every two months 🙂 She advises me on products and knows my complexion well. I am a woman, 18 years old.

 

My skin is oily, shiny, with enlarged pores, especially in the central part of my face. Excessive sebum production also occurs on the scalp, which contributes to the unsightly appearance of the hair. These problems have been around since I was young regardless of the season. I have consulted a dermatologist on several occasions, followed a diet, the remedies he prescribes but nothing has had a permanent result.

 

My skin has been having bouts of breakouts recently I got a rash again a month ago. I am in my 30s the acne rash came on in one night along with swelling, seborrhoea and also dryness in some areas. I would like to restore its healthy appearance and improve the skin texture. For me, great ingredients are tea tree and aloe vera , cucumber or sage, green olive. I try to avoid calendula, orchid and berries creams, which make my skin greasy. I have also had microdermabrasion twice and my skin is a little better, but the problems have been recurring for a few years now. Recently I have been on herbal therapy and have been receiving treatment from an energy therapist and my skin is starting to sweat more and everything is coming out more as if it is clearing up. I still have to wait a little for the results, but I am hoping that herbal medicine will help to alleviate the condition a little.

 

My skin behaves differently depending on the season. In summer the condition of my skin is better, in winter worse. Sometimes I use the solarium to improve its condition. I use cosmetics specifically for it: toner, creams, fluids, powders. I have noticed that if I sometimes spend a lot of time taking care of my skin, the results are the opposite of the time involved. I’ve been to a dermatologist but he suggested some treatments that cost a fortune per month and from what I’ve read the results are mixed. I have recently been to a beautician a couple of times for microdermabrasion. The effects are quite nice. I would recommend. I am 23 years old.

 

I had very severe acne in my youth which I treated with a dermatologist. I am now 27 and all that is left are scars and acne lesions. I go to an aesthetician’s office every quarter and have various treatments to reduce my acne residue. Despite this, I struggle with oily skin, especially with sebum secretion. I apply mattifying creams if I can (because, after treatments, I use various ointments and creams). I use fluids for oily skin, which are also mattifying, and I also apply loose powder several times a day.

 

My over-thirty-year-old skin is still oily. I have a problem with pimples, but no problem with wrinkles. I use creams, toners and other cosmetics mainly for acne, but also for oily and sensitive skin. From time to time I go to a beauty salon for a facial cleansing, but also for an almond peel. I look after my skin as follows: I go twice a year to the dermatologist, depending on my funds to the beauty salon once every 2-3 months, I stand in front of the mirror for 10-30 minutes in the morning and evening, and even longer at weekends. I try to choose cosmetics that do not irritate my skin.

 

I have skin with acne vulgaris. The symptoms are exacerbated in winter due to the cold weather, which dries out my skin, and the lack of sunshine, which makes my skin better in summer. Since I am seeing a dermatologist as well as a beautician, I try to avoid certain products and use others. The dermatologist recommended antibiotic therapy. I use creams that do not clog my pores and preparations that contain zinc and salicylic acid. I use masks at the beautician to nourish my face and moisturise. On a daily basis (especially now in the winter), I take care to dress appropriately and when I go outside I use creams with uv filters. I also try to eat healthily and hydrate my body.

 

My name is; Justyna I am 21 years old I went through acne for the first time at the age of 13 during puberty after about a year the symptoms stopped but; since the age of 18 I have a problem with acne again and it is aggravated; mostly in the jaw area, cheeks, I get big red pimples; which are sometimes painful and hard to remove which is very uncomfortable.It is most intense in the summer when my skin is exposed to the heat and it looks unattractive, so even in the summer I can’t give up using foundation, but I try to use mineral cosmetics, but I’m not really happy with them because they don’t have perfect coverage; my skin in the T-zone is very oily; it shines, it can’t hide the imperfections; I avoid mattifying and lightening foundations, they clog my pores and my skin doesn’t breathe, so after washing my make-up my acne gets worse.I have used a lot of cosmetics, most of which are toners with a strong drying effect and acne creams; they disappear for a few days or a day. I have tried many different products but I have not found a permanent one that can help me maintain a perfect complexion. I have also tried treatments with a beautician and she suggested a microdermabrasion treatment but after this, the effects were the opposite because the acne worsened by moving all over my face; this lotion set contains salicylic acid which I think could have a very good effect on my inflammations, skin lesions and hopefully permanently 🙂

 

The biggest problems with my skin are worse after summer, sunbathing has a bad effect on my complexion. In cosmetics, I avoid substances such as paraffin and pore-clogging oils. On the other hand, I look for ingredients that help to fight acne, i.e. salicylic acid or antibiotics. I usually have antibiotic creams prescribed by a dermatologist, unfortunately I have had a problem with acne for several years….

 

My skin problems have been going on for a good few years now, even though I’m in my 30s and a grown woman there are still unfortunately days where I look like a teenager, rashy, scratchy etc. My skin is an oily complexion, I try to use cleansing masks, toners, all sorts of specifics also based on yeast. The only effective way was to have my face cleansed by a beautician, admittedly painful, but the effects were visible, unfortunately, as you know, this is not a fairly cheap procedure. As for the worsening of the problems, there is no time of year when my problems go away, they also get worse before my menstrual cycle, like in teenage girls.

 

My skin has always been prone to excessive sebum production. At first I thought it was a normal teenage girl problem that would eventually pass, but my sebaceous glands have not stopped working excessively at all as I’ve gotten older. My face often gets shiny, which is a big problem, especially when I want to look beautiful. I try to take good care of it every day so that I don’t develop additional acne. So far, I have struggled with my problem on my own, without visiting a dermatologist; I have tested many cosmetics, but none have proven to be fully effective. In the fight against oily skin, I have a few rules that I follow every day, first of all I always wash off my make-up thoroughly at night, after every face wash I use a toner with low alcohol content and apply a cream for oily skin. I also use a scrub and a cleansing mask once a week. My make-up bag is also not short of flakes to absorb excess sebum, but I would prefer to eliminate the problem completely rather than reach for the last of the cleansers. I am a woman of 26 and the teenage problem has already started to seriously annoy me.

 

(…) Even though I am already 25 years old, I still struggle with seborrhoea and acne. At the moment, the condition of my skin is not as serious as it was just a few years ago, when my dermatologist prescribed oral remedies such as Roacutane. I must admit that I have noticed a big improvement in my complexion after drastically changing my diet. However, I still develop painful, large and long-lasting inflammation and general impurities in the form of blackheads, whiteheads and sometimes blackheads. At the moment I regularly exfoliate the top layer of the epidermis (microdermabrasion, scrubs, acids) and cleanse manually at the beauty salon. My main goal is to stop/stop new inflammation and to remove unsightly residue in the form of scars, blemishes and severely enlarged pores. So far I have tried most of the known exfoliating treatments, including the painful cryopeeling, after which my face looked like one big scab for almost 2 weeks. I’m currently considering indulging in an Asian peel. I tend to look for exfoliating, antibacterial and anti-seborrhoeic substances in cosmetics, but they need to be gentle or contain soothing substances. I have noticed that during autumn and winter, the condition of my skin deteriorates, due to the fact that my skin is exposed to unfavourable temperatures. My skin tends to “glow” a lot, so I try to mattify it, which can lead to dryness, plus the effects of spot treatments for inflammation, which also have a drying effect. With this mix plus cold temperatures, when pores close, pushing sebum outwards in addition, a layer is formed which makes it easier to clog pores. In the summer I try not to sunbathe and use UV filters, unfortunately the highest filters leave a rather thick film on the skin, which can also lead to clogged pores. When it comes to home care, I change my cosmetics from time to time in an attempt to find the most suitable products for my skin type, but unfortunately I have the feeling that there are none.(…).

 

(…) I am 19 years old and have oily skin (sounded like an AA meeting well the first step is to face the problem. Although this is only the beginning of the iceberg). I’ve been dealing with the problem for a few years now, as I usually do since adolescence. After several years of using various facial gels, kilos of masks applied to the face, the problem still recurs. Often with redoubled force. Finally, in desperation, I went to a beautician, who, of course, cleansed my face and made my face look like a mess for a week, everything healed slowly. It barely had time to heal – the problem was back. Absolutely pissed off at the beautician (whose treatment left me with only scars on my forehead), I kept trying. Enzyme peels, creams, tablets…. My T-zone is the most problematic, and it’s at its worst in autumn and winter (I shudder not even at the cold weather anymore, but at the prospect of spending so many months trying to tame my face, which seems to take on a life of its own during this period). I avoid anything that clogs my pores, I avoid mechanical scrubs that could exacerbate the problem. I try to look for products with AHA and BHA acids and (who would have expected to learn so many things when looking for effective ways to have clear skin) . On a daily basis I use a face gel, an under-eye gel (my under-eye bruises are unfortunately a topic for another essay) and a moisturiser. I also occasionally use argan oil, which I think works best – unfortunately it’s hard to get in Poland in its natural form without chemical additives. Most of the specifics have failed me so far, unfortunately.

 

My problem is oily skin with seborrhoea. The problem is particularly exacerbated in winter, when the skin requires special care. The skin gets shiny and secretes a lot of sebum. Unsightly blackheads and inflammations appear. My skin is thick, pores are clogged and it doesn’t look attractive. I am still searching for the perfect cosmetics for my skin. A toner works well, I use it after every time my skin comes into contact with water, plus I try to nurture my skin with natural packs, fruit and vegetable masks. I also look after my skin from the inside by cleansing my liver with thistle and eating a healthy vitamin-rich diet.

 

My problem, a big one, is my oily skin, it makes me feel stale and uncomfortable a few hours after applying foundation. I’ve tried many products for oily skin and I’ve spent a lot of money on them, but unfortunately nothing has changed because my skin is still oily and I haven’t found any cosmetics that I can use regularly on my skin. The biggest problem I have with my skin is when I apply make-up 3-4 hours afterwards, the foundation literally runs off my face, my skin feels unnaturally fresh and shiny, sometimes I feel ashamed and want to go to ground. I find that my face gets most oily in the summer, although I also have a big problem in the winter and autumn. The cosmetics I have used so far to help my skin have contained salicylic spirit, zinc, sulphur, tea tree oil, mint and sage. Most of the products I used dried out my skin and nothing else, so they were not worth my money. I didn’t avoid any ingredients when buying new cosmetics for my oily skin, but I did look for salicylic acid in the formulation because it has an antibacterial effect. On a daily basis, I currently treat my face with toners, antibacterial gels, mattifying blotting papers (which are of no use), scrubs, and I try to wash my face quite often during the day, even if I’m wearing make-up, and I should add that the cosmetics I use for make-up are not from the so-called cheaper shelf, because they are properly selected for my skin type (although this doesn’t make much difference anyway). I struggle with my oily skin problem on my own, I am 18 years old and a woman.

 

Female, 24 years old. To my misfortune I have skin with adult acne. Unfortunate because I constantly have to watch out for something! So that I don’t sweat too much, so that I don’t put a dirty phone to my face, so that I don’t eat spicy or too sweet, etc. etc. etc. I’m constantly having to read the labels of cosmetics because the ingredients have changed and they’ve added some ‘fragrance’, but for me it’s just natural cosmetics…. I have to keep an eye on my appointments with the beautician so that my skin is cleansed regularly. Unfortunately, the dermatologist hasn’t become my friend, because he has only made things worse, so I am experimenting on my own…. And let me tell you, the most important thing for my skin is that it is always clean during the day! No daytime treatment is out of the question because it gets oily too quickly…. It’s a hard life I have with this complexion, but how much satisfaction when things start to clear up 😉

 

Hello, I’ve been struggling with acne skin for a few years now. I’m 23 years old and I still can’t get rid of this bothersome problem. I have noticed that my skin goes through ups and downs, there are days when there are no pimples on my face, but this usually lasts 1-2 days and then the acne reappears. I don’t know what to do anymore as this problem is affecting my confidence in dealing with other people. I have noticed that in summer the pimples are a little less, but the unsightly blemishes don’t want to disappear at all and it is necessary to constantly apply thick layers of make-up. I don’t know what to do anymore, I look with envy and admiration at my friends who have smooth faces…. I use a gentle face gel to get rid of my acne, but even though moisturisers aggravate the problem, I don’t want to give them up because I fear premature skin ageing…. I also try to eliminate fatty foods, fast food and sweets from my diet. I drink a minimum of 2 litres of water a day. In the near future, I am also going to see a dermatologist (although I have visited several in the past). I have recently become interested in salicylic acid treatments that reach the deep layers of the skin and I would like to use them in the future. I found out that they eliminate not only acne but also those unsightly blemishes. I am raising money for such a treatment…. I have noticed that Chantarelle cosmetics have very good reviews. And the products with salicylic acid are in the Special Aesthetics line. I’m also hoping to try them to get rid of pimples and acne blemishes. I think the fight against this stubborn problem has to be undertaken anew every day. I want to try drinking a lot of nettle in the near future, I’ve heard that it also has beneficial effects in this area…. But first of all you need to be systematic, use new methods and, most importantly, not give up.

 

My skin is very problematic because it is oily, oily, shiny, prone to pimples and blackheads, dehydrated and sensitive. This type of skin does not tolerate excess chemicals and certainly cannot tolerate ubiquitous petroleum-based ingredients such as paraffin. It is easily irritated by fragrances or dyes, which are completely unnecessary in a face cream. I am very wary of drying alcohols, which give short-lived results. The biggest problem is shine, which is difficult to eradicate in the long term, enlarged pores and frequent pimples. Shine definitely increases in summer, while pimples are more common in winter. A valuable ally in the fight against my difficult skin is hyaluronic acid, which is perfectly and deeply moisturising without being greasy, and the brilliant aloe vera extract, which, in addition to moisturising, can also soothe irritation. In cosmetics, I also love natural organic oils (e.g. argan), which are wonderfully nourishing, softening, protecting against harmful external factors and fighting the first wrinkles!

 

On a daily basis I try to cleanse my skin well 2x a day, avoiding dryness, I moisturise and mattify my skin, while at night, depending on its condition, I nourish or act on it with acids, which work great. I also regularly use a scrub, but I don’t overdo it, up to 2x a week (enzymatic and mechanical alternating). I use a gel and micellar liquid to remove my make-up, and finally I wash my face with toner. I fight on my own, sometimes I go to dermo-consultations, which give me a lot. I am a woman, 30 years old.

 

My problem is oily skin especially in the T-zone, with enlarged pores, blackheads, blackheads, subcutaneous papules on my forehead and hormonal pimples during my period. And all this despite the fact that I am already approaching 30. I used to think that skin problems were the domain of adolescence, that once I stopped being a teenager, the problems would go away. They haven’t. Only one thing has changed: apart from the fact that my skin gets oily a lot, it also tends to dry out, especially during the heating season. Taking care of such problematic skin is hard and requires a certain flexibility. UV protection is especially necessary, the use of filters is an absolute must. At the same time, heavy creams must be avoided, as the skin sweats under them. In addition, the skin needs to be moisturised, both in summer (the sun and air-conditioning wreak havoc on the skin) and in winter (temperature differences, freezing temperatures outside, dry air in the flat from the switched on heaters dry the skin to a crisp, which in order to defend itself produces even more sebum). The period from autumn to spring, on the other hand, is the time for exfoliation, I prefer chemical over mechanical, so as not to carry bacteria all over my face when I happen to have pus pimples. Cosmetics with acids are my firm favourite during this period. When it comes to ingredients I avoid, there are definitely petroleum derivatives, so petroleum jelly, paraffin, mineral oil, etc. These ingredients are desirable in hand or foot creams, but for my clog-prone skin due to their occlusive effect, I try to avoid them. In lotions, gels and toners, I also avoid alcohol, which unnecessarily dries out the skin, further increasing the overproduction of sebum. Favourite ingredients? Definitely antioxidants: vitamins C and E, coenzyme Q10, green tea or grape extract to protect the skin from free radicals and thus slow down skin ageing. Plus moisturising ingredients: d-panthenol, allantoin, glycerine, gluconolactone, hyaluronic acid, lactobionic acid or urea. And the key to taming acne-prone skin: skin exfoliating acids, especially glycolic acid, mandelic acid and salicylic acid. My daily skincare routine? Regular visits to the beautician, and at home I use a toner with mandelic acid to maintain the effect. However, AHA acids have the disadvantage that the skin gets used to them and the effectiveness of exfoliation decreases. Therefore, it is necessary to take a break from them from time to time. Then, one may be tempted to use preparations with BHA, i.e. primarily salicylic acid. Here, the phenomenon of skin habituation does not occur and we can use it at will 🙂 My age: 27 (in January 28), female.

 

Unfortunately, I belong to the type of people who struggle with the problem of oily skin with numerous acne lesions and pimples. I have been struggling with this for a few years now, but nothing seems to bring enough results. Nevertheless, I don’t give up and I take care of my skin as much as I can. My biggest skin problem is pimples caused by cosmetic ingredients that are not tolerated by my skin and the discolouration afterwards. The problem intensifies in autumn and winter, but then I try to fight back with redoubled strength and include acids in my skincare. In my skincare, I avoid comedogenic ingredients, i.e. ingredients that clog pores and contribute to acne lesions. The biggest problem I have is with paraffin. I also try to steer clear of typically anti-acne products that only dry out my facial skin. When choosing products, I am guided by natural ingredients, but I also look for innovations that help with my problem. I like to feel when my skin is hydrated and my skin lesions are calmed. I also don’t forget about UV protection. Sunlight with acne treatment is very important, so I use SPF sunscreen for the day. I try to eliminate the problem myself, but I have used the help of several dermatologists. Unfortunately, they are not helpful in the long run, so I look for information on the internet and take advice from people who have fought acne. I use alternate skincare. A few days of fighting pimples with products designed for oily and acne-prone skin, exfoliation and prevention, followed by deep moisturising and regeneration. This skincare regime suits me best. Age: 38.

 

I have been struggling with oily skin and with acne lesions for several years. I observe some ups and downs. One morning I look in the mirror and think: Oh, it’s almost clear. A few small pimples, blackheads, but otherwise a fairy tale! The next time I look in the mirror and prefer not to look again…. I’m used to the shiny, unmerciful shimmer by now and I know that a miracle won’t happen and I won’t be delighted: What a matte! Dreams…The problems are exacerbated in summer, when the skin is more likely to be polluted, sweaty or irritated by the sun. It’s difficult to find cosmetics for my skin that won’t irritate or harm it. I have to look at the ingredients carefully. No parabens, talc and other nasties, no cloggers. Rule number one: As few ingredients as possible, only natural! Not easy, not easy. I smile when I read the ingredients: Zinc – soothes irritations, regulates sebum production and tightens enlarged pores; clay; herbs; vitamins. On a daily basis, I try to cleanse my face thoroughly. I use cosmetics designed for oily skin. I pay attention to what I eat and drink plenty of water. I fight the problem on my own. woman, 19 years old.

 

(female, 15 years old). I am a teenager, so skin problems such as juvenile acne or oily skin are a daily occurrence for me. I have been dealing with them for a good few years. During this time, I have been able to test many ways of dealing with them and I have also made many observations. Oily skin, and therefore an increase in acne, often occurs in winter when we wear more clothes and our skin has to protect itself more and produce more sebum. In summer, on the other hand, the sun’s rays dry up some of the pimples, so acne is visibly reduced. In my skin care, I use gentle antibacterial gels to wash my face, occasionally some masks, and moisturisers. I wash my face frequently (sometimes even several times a day) and try not to clog my pores with make-up. I also drink pansy tea, which, according to some doctors, cleanses the body from within. I avoid oily or drying preparations as much as possible, as these only increase the production of sebum. It is also not advisable to eat a lot of sweets or unhealthy food such as crisps or fast food. Vegetables and fruit are good for this, as is plenty of water, which cleanses the body of toxins. In previous years, I visited a number of dermatologists, but none of them were able to help me enough. They only prescribed more ointments and tablets. About once every six months, I go to a beautician to cleanse my face of some of the blackheads. The rest of the treatments (if you can call them that) I do myself.

 

Female, 25 years old. My skin care? A river topic. I am one of those affected by papulopustular acne and, unfortunately, not only on my face. Like probably many people with this problem, I have a certain obsession with skincare products. As my cosmetic awareness and ability to analyse ingredients has increased, I find it easier to choose the right products for my skin. In summer, when the sun diminishes acne lesions, I use white clay masks and a light snail mucus cream-gel (in addition to daytime sunscreen, of course). However, after summer the changes start to intensify and, as the sun is then hidden behind clouds, one may start to “acidify”. I then use a cream with glycolic acid (6%) and retinaldehyde (0.1%) on my face at night and a tonic with salicylic acid for acne on my body. During the winter period, acids are my greatest friend. In my ‘acne-fighting first aid kit’ I also have kojic acid (to fight hyperpigmentation), lactic acid (good as a quick and gentle facial scrub) and gluconolactone (which I haven’t used yet). What do I avoid? I avoid all kinds of soaps that irritate my skin and comedogenic products (heavy foundations in particular). And although my face looks tolerable, the biggest problem I have is normalising the skin on my décolletage and arms, even on my neck. I’ve tried dermatological treatments, but apart from super excessive dryness, the therapies have had no effect. I am now considering antibiotic therapy (tetracycline), which my GP suggested. This is a taxing therapy, so it really is a last resort and a difficult decision for me. I am overcome with laughter and at the same time disintegration at the memory of my aunts’ chatter that “it will pass with age”. I’ve been struggling with this disease (because it’s a disease that not only mutilates and disfigures the body, but also the mind – it causes a loss of self-confidence and constant shame) for a good few years. Theoretically I am healthy and practically I do not look like a specimen of health 🙁

 

y pimples are a curse, especially that I am not a toddler. My skin looks greasy, shines, runs off and the years don’t disappear. I rush to the treatments, I do not spare money for acids, Two weeks – a revelation! After this time everything comes back… Every morning I cleanse myself, have a light breakfast, then work, dinner, children, by the evening it will be over quickly Washing off the make-up is the main thing, but further on, hard work. To the kids, I’m a proud mother, and I have pimples like a teenager. A woman of 35.

 

I have struggled with oily skin since I can remember. I had hoped that now as an adult these problems with glowing skin and blackheads would no longer affect me, yet I still have this problem. I often have to wash my face so I don’t look like I’ve smeared a bar of lard all over my face. It’s a nuisance because there isn’t always access to water and I don’t always have soap with me so I can get rid of that holy face. I think these problems are exacerbated now in autumn and winter. I am struggling with this problem myself, although I can’t count how many products I have tried. Rarely has one helped me for long. My biggest problem with caring for this type of skin is that I can’t apply any day cream. I feel bad about it. I feel that even though the cream is for oily skin, it makes my skin even oilier. The fact that I often have to wash my skin means that I don’t use colour cosmetics, because correcting smudged mascara or eye shadow would take extra time, which I don’t have enough of anyway.

 

I am 44 years old and have acne. Admittedly, I don’t look like my teenage niece, but still, to have skin problems at this age is a terrible worry. Acne appears regardless of the season, but is more intense in the summer. I have an oily complexion with enlarged pores that still look unclean despite visits to the beautician. There is nothing I can do about it. I think a lot of factors contribute to why I have these and not other skin problems. Life and work stresses are probably the main factor in my problems. The other is not knowing how to take care of it. I receive a lot of cosmetic samples from beauticians, but they wreak a bit of havoc on my face. These are mainly cosmetics for oily, acne-prone skin. Rather recommended for young people. Firstly, I change cosmetics too often, and secondly, none of these cosmetics have alleviated my complaints enough for me to seriously focus on a full-fledged treatment. So I continue to search with hope. (…)

 

I am an owner of oily skin with a tendency to acne. My acne lesions are aggravated in the second half of the cycle and also in autumn and winter. To be honest, I find this quite bothersome as, at over 30 years of age, I still feel like a teenager. I have also noticed that the lesions are exacerbated by citrus fruits and chocolate, which is why I avoid these ingredients in my diet and cosmetics. I try to eat lots of fruit and vegetables and foods rich in vitamin A, B2 and B5. When it comes to cosmetics, I choose products that contain fruit acids, bee putty, zinc oxide or benzoyl peroxide. So I reach for products that absorb sebum, mattify the skin and dry out the lesions. My daily skin care regime consists of systematic cleansing with an antibacterial gel, toning with an antibacterial toner and acne masks that mattify, dry and treat the lesions. I also use acne creams daily. During the day, I use mattifying blotting sheets. I try to avoid foundations as they block my pores and thus aggravate the problem. In my fight, I use the advice of both dermatologists and beauticians as they complement each other and show greater improvement. I am female and 31 years old

 

I have struggled with oily skin since I can remember. I had hoped that now, as an adult, these problems with glowing skin and blackheads would no longer affect me, yet I still have this problem. I often have to wash my face so I don’t look like I’ve smeared a bar of lard all over my face. It’s a nuisance because there isn’t always access to water and I don’t always have soap with me so I can get rid of that holy face. It seems to me that these problems are exacerbated now in autumn and winter. I’m struggling with this problem myself, although I can’t count how many products I’ve already tested. Rarely has one helped me for long. My biggest problem with caring for such skin is that I can’t put any day cream on. I feel bad about it. I feel that even though the cream is for oily skin, it makes my skin even oilier. Because I often have to wash my skin, I don’t use colour cosmetics, because correcting smudged mascara or eyeshadow would take extra time, which I don’t have enough of anyway. That’s why I focus on taking care of my skin in the evening.

 

I am 22 years old and have struggled with acne for 10 years. Before, it wasn’t so problematic due to isolated pimples but it has increased over time. I have tried various dermatological treatments but the effect is only for a while, after a few weeks the problem comes back again. The biggest problem with this kind of skin is when you have to put on make-up and look perfect, which is unfortunately impossible. Mattifying cosmetics can’t mask all blemishes and discolourations, and it’s worst in winter when it’s freezing cold and the dry skin gets greasier and greasier…. I look for cosmetics based on natural ingredients because of some sensitising factors.

 

My problem is acne, resulting from hormonal treatment due to infertility treatment. I have been treated with a dermatologist, using special bespoke ointments, creams, gels and using natural products. I avoid mechanical cleansing of the skin, as such treatment only aggravates acne. During colder weather, acne intensifies. I take care of my skin: I tone, cleanse, apply face and eye cream because I have dark circles under my eyes and it is difficult to cover them. Then I apply a special gel for acne. I try to do my best to keep my skin well hydrated, nourished, able to breathe and look good too, but this acne makes it very difficult for me. I am a woman, 26 years old.

 

Good morning, I am 21 years old and have big problems with acne. As a teenager I didn’t have any major problems with my complexion, it’s only in the last 2-3 years that acne has appeared, which is getting more and more severe and doesn’t allow me to function normally. My skin is in a tragic condition. I struggle with enlarged pores, blackheads, pimples and even dry “cuticles” that are very visible. Watching my complexion, it’s hard for me to tell when the problems actually get worse. In the summer, after sunbathing, things would get better for a while, then a few days later they’d go back to normal and pimples would appear on my face. In winter, my skin is constantly in bad shape. The ingredients I avoid are paraffin, petroleum jelly (in general, ingredients that clog the skin and, as far as I know, are not suitable for acne-prone skin because they promote the growth of bacteria and do not allow the skin to breathe). There’s been a lot of talk about acids lately, so now I’ve started looking for cosmetics that have different acids in them, such as salicylic, almond, etc. Apparently they exfoliate the skin in the right way, have an antibacterial, cleansing effect and reduce imperfections. I take great care of my difficult skin. For the past 3 months, I have even been oversensitive on its care. I wash my face in the morning and evening with a gel, I wash with a toner, at night I use an exfoliating cream with mandelic acid 3%, I also have a spot gel for blemishes, a zinc paste, I do a cleansing mask 2 times a week, I have also tried a patch for blackheads for the day a moisturising and mattifying cream, a good opaque powder, I try to change my towel often, my pillowcase and above all I touch my face as little as possible. I don’t know where I’m going wrong, what I’m doing wrong, because I try my best to make the imperfections disappear and the results are really poor. Maybe the fault lies in cosmetics that are too poor in quality? I happened to consult a dermatologist a few times over the years. I used epiduo gel, which did not improve my skin in any way, and even made it worse because it dried it out terribly. What worked on my face was the antibiotic Zineryt. The first bottle was sensational, the second was good, the third didn’t have the same effect, and eventually my skin got used to the specific product and it stopped working. Consequently, I stopped going to the dermatologist. Recently, I decided to support the action myself with a beautician and 3 weeks ago I went for an appointment. I had an enzyme peel done, a manual cleansing, a cavitation peel, 2 masks, a Darsonval drying. So far I have yet to see results. I’m going for another appointment with a beautician on 26 November. I think; treatments at the beautician and well-chosen, quality cosmetics could help me a lot in the fight against my complexion. It’s making me lose the confidence and feistiness that used to be in me, and add to that hypothyroidism and 7kg in 5 months? Life isn’t perfect, but maybe there’s a chance to make my complexion at least a little bit perfect? (…)

 

They say that life begins after 30 …. I have had problems with my skin ever since I can remember but I thought that I would grow up and my hormones would stabilise it … but nothing … my skin is oily, especially my forehead, nose and chin and the last place where it used to be dry, i.e. my cheeks, has become greasier. I often get pimples, blackheads and pimples, especially before my period and during ovulation to the extent that without the so-called “wallpaper” I can’t move because I look like a nightmare 😀 I have this all year round but a little more in the summer, maybe because of the temperature, sweat and this mixes together and blossoms on the face, and because it annoys me I immediately squeeze and then there are traces and discoloration. I fight the problem on my own, using products designed for oily skin, mattifying and sebum-reducing products to soothe acne lesions and blackheads, as well as a little moisturising, soothing and, at my age, anti-ageing. I change the product range from time to time because I am always on the lookout for new products that meet my expectations, and also, if I use them for too long, my skin gets used to them and no longer reacts to certain ingredients. I’ve been on cleansing and moisturising treatments and it was great… for a while, and then when I got a rash I looked like a teenager going through puberty. I would have to repeat the treatments over and over again, and it’s expensive, so it’s better to use creams, tonics, masks, scrubs, which would help me in this fight. I don’t avoid anything in creams, because they can surprise me, but as I said, I buy those that are designed for my skin. (…)

 

First of all, I would like to write that I am very happy about this competition, because finally I will have a chance to fight for cosmetics that would be really useful for me 🙂 I have a uniquely problematic face, dry in places (on the cheeks), and in the T-zone – oily skin. This is compounded by recurring acne vulgaris. It appeared when I entered puberty and has continued until now – when I am 22 years old. I treated my skin dermatologically, but the teenage acne was stronger than medicine 🙂 I took medication for a long time, but it did not eliminate the problem, and it made me feel worse. Changing to a light diet without salt, ketchup, chocolate and monosodium glutamate helped to reduce my acne. But it didn’t help for long because, you know, it’s not easy to give up fast food when you’re a middle/high school girl. At this point, I am still struggling with acne, seborrhoea and, on top of that, acne scars. Not always successfully , for example during menstruation I lose the battle – but I guess that’s quite normal for young women. If I have to choose whether acne is aggravated in summer or winter, I guess there is no difference for me between seasons because it accompanies me all year round. In summer it intensifies from the sun, and in winter from the cold temperature, the dryness. It is not easy. In general, treatments at a beautician helped me for a while, but nothing stopped the acne from appearing for longer. Nowadays, I only rely on well-chosen cosmetics that contain acids such as mandelic acid (which works well at night), are antibacterial and contain herbal compositions. In my daily skincare routine, I don’t use water to cleanse my face, as I am always accompanied by a feeling of tightness, redness and the water in my area is simply not good for my face. I use a micellar lotion-which works perfectly. I use a scrub twice a week that is suitable for my skin. And I use a mattifying cream every day and a regenerating cream at night. When I can afford it, I try not to apply foundation so my skin can rest from the weight of cosmetics. That’s my story 🙂 Female 22 years old.

 

I am 30 years old, a woman who has her puberty rather long behind her – at least physically 😉 I’m already fighting wrinkles, and here’s such a “surprise” – acne! Acne vulgaris, adult acne 🙁 It tends to flare up in summer, but now it’s far from perfect too 🙁 In cosmetics I look for, among others, D-panthenol because it soothes, salicylic acid because it has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect, acids that reduce discolouration, exfoliate and reduce wrinkles 🙂 I avoid heavy oils, excessive oiling of the epidermis although I take great care of moisturising, but I cannot clog my skin pores. There are quite a lot of problems with this kind of skin – I have to moisturise it intensively because of my age and this is good for pimples. They look unsightly and I cannot enjoy a pretty face or make-up. Dry pimples with spot ointments don’t look nice while they heal either. And all this is followed by discolouration 🙁 (…)

 

My big problem is very badly oily, seborrheic skin, and this problem is particularly exacerbated for me in summer. What bothers me most is the unhealthy, shiny appearance and the fact that the sebum produced in excess builds up on its surface, causing the sebaceous glands to become blocked and the pores to enlarge. In addition, the skin is thick, earthy in colour and prone to blemishes, especially on the lower cheeks. Every day, through proper skincare, I struggle to improve the appearance of my oily skin, restoring a fresh, healthy look, reducing enlarged pores, reducing skin shine, smoothing, eliminating blackhead lesions. I try to do proper skincare only at home, I am not keen on beauty salons. First of all, I thoroughly cleanse my skin with gels, “medical soaps” designed for oily skin. I use a special soft brush to cleanse with circular movements. After cleansing, I rub my face with sage toner. During the day, I apply light moisturising and revitalising creams that are quickly absorbed by the skin and do not leave a shiny film. At night, I apply creams with, for example, fruit acids, which stimulate the regenerative processes. My favourite acids are salicylic acid in combination with glycolic acid or lipohydroxy acid. In cosmetics I look for e.g. sage extract, green tea extract, mistletoe, burdock. For make-up, I use lightweight and oil-free foundations, which will prolong the mattifying effect on the skin on the one hand and even out the skin tone on the other. I remember to use masks. I most often reach for cosmetic clays, green, yellow, red. I am a woman, 34 years old.

 

My problem is adult acne and, in addition, acne scars. The skin problems started when I was a teenager and continue to this day. I had the biggest problem during pregnancy, when acne attacked with double force. After pregnancy, I used all kinds of preparations, went to a beautician and a dermatologist. These visits helped a little, but acne still appears on my face. With my daily skincare I try to avoid pore-clogging and oily cosmetics. I am 32 years old – female.

 

Female, over 40 I struggle non-stop with oily skin. I get new pimples or blackheads practically every day. I fight with different methods. Depending on the season. In summer, the sun’s rays work best for me. When I go on holiday and get a tan, my skin is great, when autumn and winter start my skin looks worse and worse. I don’t apply greasy creams. I use mattifying creams, but only on my forehead, nose and chin. On the cheeks, moisturisers. Topically, when eczema appears, I use various steroid and antibiotic ointments prescribed by the dermatologist.

 

I am in my 20s and a woman. I have been struggling with acne for 4 years. I regularly go to the dermatologist. I have been using an acne treatment. It is better now, but the pimples continue to pop up. I use topical creams, ointments and patches. Sometimes it gets better, sometimes worse. I go to a beautician for manual cleansing. I also use masks for oily skin as well as cleansers, pore shrinkers etc

 

It’s pre-fifties. I have struggled with oily skin, seborrhoea and acne all my life. Acne in particular is on the lower part of my face: chin, jaw, partly cheeks. Until I was in my thirties, I used moisturising creams. There were no mattifying creams on the market at the time. Then only cosmetics for oily and acne-prone skin started to enter. I used different ones. I also went and still go to a dermatologist and a beautician. All in all, I have never completely cured my acne. My skin has changed. Sometimes I don’t know what to use anymore, on the one hand I have to use anti-aging and on the other hand I should use mattifying and antibacterial.

 

My skin is oily, acne-prone and seborrhoeic. Additionally, I have papules and blackheads. I have been struggling with the appearance of my skin for several years. I regularly go to the beautician. I also see a dermatologist. The season doesn’t matter to me, rather the appearance of my skin depends on my diet. I buy moisturising and mattifying cosmetics as well as antibacterial products. My age is 27.