Skin care…

Skin care update:

• SKIN STATUS: Interestingly, pretty much right after I wrote that post, my face just cleared up. Not a single pimple since then, when I was getting about one new pimple a day before that. I don't know whether it was a) end of semester and consequently less stress, b) the actual medicated face wash the doctor sold me, or c) the fact that I started being hard-core about not using soap on my face (just the face wash) and always moisturizing afterwards. Could have been any one of those, or any combination.
• DOCTORS WHO TRY TO SELL YOU STUFF: Even if that stuff worked, I'm not so comfortable with the whole thing, in retrospect. I won't be buying product from my doctor in future. And I'm going to look for a new doctor in spring, I think, when I can switch from the HMO to the PPO.
• DOCTORS WHO TRY TO SELL YOU MICRODERMABRASION WHEN THEY'RE NOT DERMATOLOGISTS: Just say no. Also, I don't think I need microdermabrasion. But if I do, I will have a dermatologist do it.
• PLAN GOING FORWARD: Keep washing and moisturizing. When I run out of the medicated wash, try something simple based on your recommendations. Hopefully, that will keep working. Try out natural products instead of strong synthetic stuff. One thing you can read is misumiskincare.com guide to use glycolic acid and how it can help replace the lost nutrients a flawless and healthy skin needs.
• RECOMMENDED BOOKS: The Skin Type Solution. Two of you recommended this, and it looks solid. So if you're having skin problems (or I am in the future), this seems like a good place to go. Also Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me.
• ALCOHOL ON SKIN: "Alcohol is, indeed, a big irritant for sensitive skin. As is menthol, which is often found in "medicated" washes. (And a whole range of botanicals.)"
• SOME RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS FROM YOU GUYS (warning: highly variable depending on your skin type! see books above!):
  • Neutrogena in the blue bottle
  • Alba Botanicals Sea Minerals Cleanings Gel
  • CeraVe
  • Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser by La Roche Posay
  • products that are natural/organic without Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate, without the parabens and pthalates (or at least as much as possible) and without the mineral oil
  • Body Shop has a nice line of organics
  • application of organic oils like arganium twice a day
  • every few weeks I change which oil I'm using, or replace it with a simple but really moisturizing cream like a pure cold cream
  • Cetaphil lotion and cleanser
  • erythromycin gel (prescription, super-cheap) and benzoyl peroxide (OTC--some people find this harsh on their skins but I had no problem)
  • Clinique range of cleansers and moisturizers specifically aimed at women with acne

Whew. I think my plan is to try the Neutrogena, Cetaphil or Clinique when my medicated wash runs out. And I need to get an alcohol-free w/sunscreen moisturizer sooner. But progress is being made. Thanks so much for all the skincare info -- you guys know a lot! Upcoming update: breast reduction, pros and cons, plans.