My 3 step approach to treating Acne - Part 2 Treatment Products | Dr Sam in the City

[@amiraie7786]

It takes a day or two to ruin your skin and months to fix it!

[@matthewbull1081]

Thats so interesting with the azelaic acid because in australia, you can buy a 20% cream of the shelf even

[@freyaamelia4324]

Please could you do a video on prescription creams? And how to deal with the side effects and tips? :) Love your videos. You have explained the whole process which my derm never does! :)

[@preetisundaram]

Hi, Dr. Sam. I found your videos recently and am so very happy to have finally found answers to a lot of my skincare queries. I was wondering if you could do a video abut hormonal acne and how to deal with it. I have PCOS and endometriosis and as a result have been getting huge cystic acne on my cheeks. I have tried everything I can think of to deal with it but nothing has worked so far. I would greatly appreciate any recommendations.

[@Bacteriophagebs]

I'm a male in my late '30s and I still have acne worse than most teenagers, and not just on my face. My skin is so oily that nothing OTC can damage or dry it out, short of wart-removal products. Every dermatologist I've gone to has just thrown different antibiotics at the problem, which not only have annoying side-effects, but also don't work at all. After decades of trying every type of product and combination thereof, I finally found one combination of things that works if used regularly. It's also inexpensive. WARNING: This is for that rare person like me for whom OTC products are simply too weak to treat, much less damage, our super-oily skin. It would probably destroy a normal person's face. It might be good for spot treatment, though. Also, if I mix some up and let it sit for more than a couple of weeks, it gets much more potent and can kill the outer layer of even my skin, causing flaking. You've been warned. 1. Put some aspirin in a container with just enough water to fill in the gaps between pills. The pills will absorb the water and get soft, and you can mash them into a paste. 2. Add a benzoyl peroxide mask to the paste. 3. Add retinol cream to the paste. 4. Mix. 5. Apply to face as a mask for 10 minutes. 6. Rinse. I use approx. 50% aspirin paste and 25% each of benzoyl peroxide mask and retinol cream, though I don't measure it and it doesn't seem to matter if the proportions are off. After 10 minutes, the mask dries out, so it doesn't really matter if you leave it on longer, though it will begin to flake off after a while. The benzoyl peroxide can bleach clothes if rubbed on them or splashed on them while rinsing, so it's best to be topless when using this. Yes, I have tried using all of these things separately. No, it doesn't work nearly as well. Retinol cream actually makes me break out worse when used as directed. Yes, I've tried everything else. EVERYTHING. I've been a pizza-face for TWENTY-FOUR YEARS, I've had plenty of time to try every acne remedy on the internet.

[@cv3083]

This routine seems a bit abrasive to the skin. I know you made a note that this was for the most severe and rare cases, but there’s a strong chance that this measure to dry out the skin is causing the skin to overcompensate and become oilier. I don’t want to diagnose you online... that’s not my place but I really do feel you would do better by treating your skin gently and kindly. I speak from experience. Something that helped me was using products that promote good barrier function (when it is disrupted, the skin can become extremely acneic). I went from breaking out from nearly everything I tried to hardly breaking out at all. The skin needs that protective layer.

[@m.l.9332]

This series has made me completely rethink my approach to my acne! So determined to clean my routine up. Dr Sam, about the Medik8 Beta Gel, I'd really like to give it a go but I see that alcohol denat is the 2nd ingredient on the list! I've been avoiding alcohol like the plague as I understand it aggravates sensitive skin. Do you have thoughts on alcohol - is it unjustly vilified?

[@missf79]

Hi Dr Sam, thank you for these videos such a surprise on a gloomy Monday! I have Rosacea and Acne on the one cheek. I have been given Azelaic acid in both 15% and 20% to see which works best. I have been using the Finacea gel for about 6 weeks and at the beginning my Rosacea was clearing up but then I started to get an acne breakout along my jaw and on my Rosacea patch so I introduced the 20% which seemed to make my Rosacea worse, I have been on Erythromycin 250mg for well over 6 weeks 1 twice daily but can't seem to control either condition, my skin feels like Rough and dry and I don't know which its related to. My routine is Avene extra gentle cleanser, Azelaic acid, Obagi hydrate and Neostrata sunblock morning. Nothing else. I would be so very grateful if you could offer any advice as I'm really at the end of my tether with it! Thanks x

[@carolinace7]

Where can i find the names of the products mentioned here? Thanks great video

[@DrSamBunting]

I have just listed the products in the description box below the video. Thanks for watching.

[@stephaniec.4384]

These videos are so helpful. Thank you so much! I have two questions though: Would you recommend using lactic/ salicylic acid exfoliating pads/ toners? What is your opinion on clindamycin phosphate? My doctor prescribed me a clindamycin phosphate gel to use just on inflammatory spots. I find that it does work but the effect is quite slow.

[@DrSamBunting]

+Yuja H I prefer using benzoyl peroxide and retinoids as a general rule - AHAs are less helpful and antibiotics can stop working due to bacterial resistance.

[@Jasmineflower124]

i under went acne prescription treatment it all came back. i started walking one-two hours a day within one-two week i had no more break outs and clear skin, apart from pigmentation marks

[@JayandSarah]

Exercise is not effective at treating acne.

[@Jasmineflower124]

@@JayandSarah wow someone replied to my post from 6 years ago!

[@JayandSarah]

@@Jasmineflower124 well, misinformation needs to be addressed because it exists in perpetuity. There is no connection between walking and acne, as I'm sure you are well aware 6 years on from that.

[@Jasmineflower124]

@@JayandSarah lol

[@Diana-mu9vd]

Hi Doctor Sam, glad to find your channel via makeup alley. What do you think about Aczone vs BP? Metrocream mixed with hydrocortisone vs azelaic or finecea? No pustules or other tell signs/symptoms of rosaecea. Diagnosed by a GP (who has added offering skin care treatments) after taking pictures/ scans of skin uploading to a software on computer that detects this + sun damage, bacteria levels etc. Thanks you! Love learning about the skin.

[@clementlang2981]

Thank you very much for all this videos ! Could you please do a video about rosacea acne (adult and mature skin). Can I use a retinoid by suffering from rosacea ? Thank you so much for your answer!

[@rosiethomas5007]

Thank you this video has helped me so much!

[@stonedarrel8185]

If you are acquiring for the ideal acne cures, this acne guide *AcneCureOnline. Com* which you can research in Google, is incredibly recommended. Acne has run in the family and I underwent trying out some cure for acne. Luckily, with the help of this remarkable guide, acne was treated and development was stopped. .

[@kittisonline]

Hi Doctor! Thanks for the informative video. What do you think of the 10-step Korean skincare routine? Do you think it's overboard, or is it a case-by-case thing?

[@DrSamBunting]

As a general approach, more steps isn't likely to mean better results. And who has the time?!

[@rachell5186]

I've been using the Avene Triacneal on your recommendation from an article a few years ago, but I think it has recently been reformulated and named Triacneal Expert with new packaging, as the original one is no longer on the Boots or Avene website. I wanted to ask if you still recommend the new version, as the ingredients seem to have changed with it. Thanks for these videos, loving them!

[@DrSamBunting]

+R Louise retinaldehyde is still the principle active, so yes I think its a good over-the counter choice. Glad you're enjoying them!

[@TheOscrawr]

why does using product on specifically spots and not the entire face cause irritation, eczema etc? mentioned at 7:20

[@cristophersonperez857]

the specific part will get too much of the product to be beneficial. Actives specifically retinoids are very strong

[@Visdemhvemduer]

Thank you for the video, it's super informative for me as I like to keep my skincare routine as effective yet simple as possible and not to overlap or use products that does the exact same thing for my skin. According to your video, you mention that "to some extent" retinol product is good for post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, if I'm already on retinol, should I be using azelaic acid as well? thanks again

[@kellybayliss673]

I am 20 weeks pregnant and have now broken out with horrific acne. I have already been diagnosed with depression with having Hyperemesis gravidarum up until about a week ago and wasn't leaving the house. Now I have broken out with acne all over my chin hairline, it is painful weeping but tight and anything I apply stings. With being pregnant with my first and never having acne before I don't know what I can and can't use. It is really upsetting and is making me feel worse about myself.

[@kekeadams5805]

A lot of these retinoids are discontinued, do you have any other suggestions?

[@evelyncastro1607]

Dr Sam do you recommend a cream with benzoyl peroxide with clindamycin or benzoyl peroxide with saliylic acid?

[@00Gracee00]

So so glad I found this video! I am from NZ and have access to a 5% benzoyl peroxide which I use in the morning after cleansing. I do have one question though: should I add a retinoid product or 20% azelaic product (or both) in my night-time regime. I am a student, on a budget, and have mild to moderate deep acne with scarring. Do all 3 treatments work well together? I have read about using azelaic and BPO together, or retinoid and BPO together but not about all 3 combined. Thanks! x

[@kahte7911]

BP 2,5% on eBay and AcneDerm 20% azelaic as well... work perfectly 🥰

[@stonedarrel8185]

Wonderful acne guide *AcneCureOnline. Com* to have short, sweet and to the point about what foods to avert and maximize consumption for better skin, eliminating acne. It all makes sense. I do agree that the guide can help. You can get the information you need in removing acne successfully. .

[@kahte7911]

@@stonedarrel8185 I dare to say I've tried it all..

[@bluebananacupcakes]

Thanks so much for this series I was so excited to try some new daily treatment options - sadly you now seem to need a prescription to access Obagi and the Glo-therapeutics option is no longer available. Has anyone come across any other options?

[@sylviewaters4104]

Hi Dr Sam. Love all your videos, they have been so helpful. I was just wondering what to do once acne has cleared up? I will continue to use the retinol at night but am scared to stop the benzoyl peroxide during the day. Should you continue using benzoyl peroxide or will it be damaging to the skin in the long term? Thanks so much!

[@DrSamBunting]

No major need once your retinoid is doing all the prevention work - just use when needed on any new spots.

[@ciaralawlerful]

Has anyone experienced the retinol "purge"? It broke my skin out so much that I freaked and never used it again but I've heard Caroline Hirons etc. talk about the purge?

[@nicolewebster4983]

Thank you, your video's are so informative when trying to navigate the beauty world! My question relates to holidays - I'll be in hot, strong sun in 6 weeks and won't be able to resist sunbathing! Of course will use your recommended SPF, but should I stop using retinol/BPO completely whilst away? I have hormonal acne, and just started following your recommendations: Acnecide BPO AM/Medik8 Retinol PM. About to change cleanser/moisturiser brand to try LRP Effaclar H Cleansing Cream & moisturiser. Many thanks in advance

[@dianehutchinson9257]

Nicole Webster Hi! I can't remember the exact videos but she has addressed this topic and her answer is don't stop your products because you should NOT be sunbathing, not ever! She recommends sunscreen, long shirts and pants, hats, sunglasses and staying out of the sun. Not the answer you want to hear, but that is what I have heard her say in the past...

[@raynahuang173]

Thank you so much Dr Sam for these informative and useful videos and I really love your channel. I remember you said that powder is not good acne prone skin but I found most of the liquid/cream/serum foundation are way too oily for me. I don't have much acne but my makeup tends to melt in the afternoon during the day. I always go for sheer to medium coverage. I wonder if I can use Jane Iredale Purepressed foundation as the base after I apply an oily free physical sunscreen. I do have occasion break out and combo skin, would these products help? thank you so much. xx

[@isabellebertrand4833]

Thank You so much for these videos! I have been struggling with acne my whole life (I am 38) and was very confused by the role of each single molecule I was using. Things are so much clearer now and I hope I might win that war with acne one day...I am strongly allergic to benzoic peroxyde. Is there an alternative you would recommend in the morning? Something which would be a good antibacterial and anti-inflamatory?Thank you very much for your help!

[@DrSamBunting]

+Isabelle BERTRAND try Azelaic Acid. I find it to be very useful in those who are sensitive/allergic to BPO.

[@honeyyeyes]

@@DrSamBunting do you have any recommendations on a good azelaic acid?

[@keepthesummeralive]

Hello Dr Sam, I have a question regarding starting slowly with the products eg. using one thing in the morning on one day and give the evening treatment a rest on that day. I was wondering what do I do instead? So on the days that I don't use the new products in the evening or morning. Do I still do the same cleaning process but then no creme or lotion? Thank you in advance. I live in Germany and hope that your suggestions may help my hormonal angry skin. Klara

[@DrSamBunting]

+Mrs Writer Just moisturise after cleansing on days off.

[@AlineSeiler]

Hi Klara, deine Frage ist zwar schon 3 Jahre her, aber ich dachte ich antworte dir trotzdem. An den Tagen an denen du Morgens z.B. dein BPO Gel benutzt und danach Sonnencreme wäscht du dir Abends das Gesicht und trägst dann nur deinen Moisturizer auf, ohne den Treatment Schritt. Morgens dann umgekehrt, nur Gesicht waschen und Sonnencreme, Abends dann Waschen, Retinol und deine Pflege. LG Aline

[@binakoju5128]

I have been following you regularly doctor..and i find your advice very helpful I have been suffering from hormonal acne since my teenage years..30 yrs old now and have undergone lots of antibiotics and accutane as well..after accutane i dont have any acne but left with brown spots..also because of contraceptive pill in conjunction witn accuatane have got melasma on my cheeks As per your advice i have started using LRP redermic at night time but it stings on my face and my skin goes red with dryness next morning..is it a normal reaction? Or do u advice glycolic exfoliants...also i use LRP sunscreen everyday as u always advice.. Sorry for my english Thank you very much

[@betht3738]

What retinol is used in the la Roche posay Redermic R? Using for aging rather than acne?

[@ANDREAT08]

Hi can you share the list of the products mentioned? I couldn't catch all the names (very technical)

[@locomademoiselle]

Hi there, Please could you suggest similar products that are cruelty free? I.e not tested on animals or owned by animal testing parent companies. Many thanks, Emily x

[@nicolasmith365]

Hi Dr Sam! Unfortunately, I can't see you in person as I am in the U.S. but your videos have been tremendously helpful to me. I have been using Epionce Lytic Lotion and LRP Redermic R since November. I also switched moisturisers to Obagi Hydrate. I have seen a slight improvement in the texture of my skin but continue to have monthly breakouts (I am 38 and have had acne for over 20 years now.....). I am thinking about trying Obagi Clenziderm BPO and Medik8 3TR instead. My question is can I use the Lytic lotion in conjunction with these products as I still have some left? Also, should I wait a while to apply the products after cleansing (I am using Tata Harper Purifying cleanser in the morning and LRP Physiological Cleansing Gel at night)? Thank you so much!

[@nicolasmith365]

+Nicola Smith Hi again! I have a follow up question...... I just started using the Obagi Clenziderm Therapeutic Lotion a few days ago. It is fine when I apply it but an hour or so later my eyes get very stingy and watery. I was wondering if you might have any advice? I am applying it to my forehead, cheeks, chin and jawline in the morning and follow by applying eye cream and moisturiser. Thanks!

[@insomniaresearch]

Are these OTC recommended for teenagers

[@surinabhola3626]

Hi Dr Sam! Can one become reliant upon Benzoyl Peroxide? I've heard that if you keep using it, once you stop your breakouts can be worse without it? In addition to that you mention stopping actives - I'm using Dermaclear Serum which has Azaleic Acid glycolic and Salicylic acid every other day - should I stop this or can I continue this in the morning? Or would you suggest BPO? (I've been using dermaclear for about 2.5 months now and I dont see too much of a difference)

[@drsakshisargam]

Dr. Bunting I am a new follower and a big fan of you. Your advice is priceless. I have extremely sensitive combination skin with moderate amount of rosacea papules and pustules and adult acne on jawline sometimes. I am currently using finacea 15% gel every night all over the face. It stings like crazy for first 20 minutes but the result I am seeing is so worth it. I am 37 and really want to incorporate retinoids in some form in my skin routine but every OTC retinol/retinaldehyde and prescreption tretinoin gives me a rash. I know that azelaic acid a mild keratolytic but do you think it has anti-aging benefits like retinoids and can I use it life long? Can you please advise me a good topical vit A derivative for rosacea prone skin? I would appreciate your help.

[@DrSamBunting]

+Sakshi Sargam Thank-you! Its a challenge with rosacea - but once patients have gone through a 3-6 month treatment cycle with Finacea I often find I can introduce a mild prescription retinoid like Differin. Its best to work with your dermatologist to do this as its not possible in every case. Good luck!

[@drsakshisargam]

+Dr Sam Bunting Thank you so much for your reply Dr.Bunting. I really appreciate it.

[@arlenemckee2413]

Hi there, could you recommend products for my 12 old year niece who is staring to break out with spots around her forehead etc, many thanks x

[@5oupy]

I tolerated benzoyl peroxide but switch to salicylic acid when I found out the benzoyl peroxide can cause premature aging and sensitivity to the Sun

[@quixotic7460]

they all cause sensitivity to the sun, hence the need for using sunscreen every day

[@katieliz]

@@quixotic7460 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/16758568/ nope

[@cv3083]

@KatieLiz Yes, I clicked on the link. While that particular study showed evidence that there are UV protective qualities of salicylic acid, that does not negate the previous commenter’s assertion that it can make you sensitive to the sun and must take necessary SPF measures to protect the skin. Vitamin C operates in a similar function... you absolutely must wear SPF because it makes the skin sensitive (but it also has an interesting quality in that it makes your sunscreen work better in the fight against UV damage). So your “nope” is wrong. Chemical exfoliates do indeed make the skin more sensitive to the skin (even if it shows evidence of having protective factors; they are not mutually exclusive),

[@julajuleika]

I can't find the glo therapeutics dual advantage cream anywhere... all the online shops are out of stock unfortunately. Is this product discontinued? Or can I still source it via UK pharmacies?

[@wero8102]

Hello Dr, I am currently using Cerave foaming acne cleanser and Cerave Daily moisturizing lotion. I have acne but also post acne pigmentation i want to add retinol but should i wait until all my acne pimples go away? Can i continue to use Acne Foaming cleanser which has Benzol Peroxide? Or should i stop using it whem usimg retinol ? Thanks

[@madhurima5496]

Can I apply a moisturising gel or cream moisturiser after applying retinoids? I have an ointment which has Beta-white, tyrostat and melanostatine 5 will that be effective for dark spots?

[@zainabnoori7015]

i have small acnes on forehead and iam very red on face. what do you recommend?

[@mariaportokalla8098]

Hello! I started using the routine you suggest and I see a huge improvement on my acne. Problem is I'm trying to get pregnant and I'm not sure what products I should avoid. Are there any acne treatments safe for pregnanncy?

[@cv3083]

Azaelic acid. No retinoids or salicylic acid.

[@Libraprincessx]

I'm currently using the doctor Dennis Gross beta alpha hydroxy acid peel pads would you consider these as a good treatment or not?

[@DrSamBunting]

Yes, Beta Hydroxy Acids are helpful in oily skin with inflamed blemishes.

[@annamaral1]

Dr. Bunting are you expected to break out more in the first few months of using prescription strength tretinoin? I have strength 0.05. I would really appreciate your reply .

[@DrSamBunting]

Yes, this is very common. Up to a quarter of people will experience this. Dropping the frequency of your retinoid to every other night until it reduces can help!

[@annamaral1]

Dr Sam Bunting I only use it three times a week and I still get very irritated and break out more. My acne is due to high levels of androgens and food allergies. I have never tried using it over moisturiser would that help?

[@anonymous4142]

I don't have full face of acne and spots but I break out sometimes and have spots on my forehead that take a wile to go and leave marks and I suffer from uneven skin tone and pigmentations does this method and products still apply to me or its just for people with sever acne etc ? Thank you so much

[@DrSamBunting]

Yes it still applies, if they bother enough for you to try to prevent them, rather than just reacting to them.

[@ellenk.2799]

Hello Dr Sam! What do think of lierac fluide matifiant (www.newpharma.be/pharmacie/lierac/468602/lierac-prescription-fluide-matifant-anti-imperfections-flacon-50ml.html). I would like to switch to that one but since i'm currently using avene triacneal, i dont know if my skin would tolerate it... :/

[@remyleigh7535]

Do you HAVE to use retinoids at night?

[@DrSamBunting]

+Remy Leigh its recommended as most are inactivated by UV exposure. Plus nighttime is ideal for stimulating regeneration and repair after daytime exposure to UV and pollution.

[@remyleigh7535]

Why no mention of duac??

[@stephaniec.4384]

+Remy Leigh I think she didn't mention duac because it is a prescription product. She says she is only mentioning over-the-counter products in this video.

[@preetichhandamohapatra7244]

Dr I am applying differing 0.1 percent adapelene for a few days now daily night - i wash my face, apply cerave pm moisturizer and on top apply differin. Is it the right way or I should apply differin first and then at the end moisturizer ? My face is quite red with a few new break outs - pls advise!

[@beverlysimple411]

space out your application to allow your skin time to adjust. Ideally, you want to start every fourth night and then every month you up your frequency.

[@preetichhandamohapatra7244]

Beverly Simple thanks doctor. Does differin adapelene 0.1% over the counter what we get in the USA helps in reducing fine line and betters the skin texture?

[@beverlysimple411]

To my knowledge, experts say the research is thin. Some experts go as far as saying that because differin works on specific receptors dealing primarily with desquamation the possibility of differin helping with anti-aging is likely to be nonexistent. Based on the papers I have read, retinol is a better option for both acne and antiaging. The ordinary has a whole range of inexpensive retinols, which I do plan to try out for myself. Hope this helps.

[@preetichhandamohapatra7244]

Beverly Simple thank you doctor! then which one I should use? Do I need to get anything specific prescribed or anything available over the counter in USA?

[@beverlysimple411]

over the counter like skincetucals, the ordinary, and paula's choice is fine, and so is prescription strength.

[@przybyemzdaleka5640]

What exactly is Fopobiacne Secrets? How does this thing really work? I notice many people keep on speaking about this popular acne treatment.

[@sumraeram6353]

Can we use niacinamide and vit c together in am routine?? Can nursing moms use topical retinol???

[@Berkay-xl4hu]

My room is too hot right now