Pimple Patrol

[Happy Domino38]

I remember being really shocked, years ago, when I found out that's it's actually worse for pimples if you have DRY skin! But, it made sense, when the outer layer is dry, it gets flaky, right? Right! Well, that harder 'outer layer' is what keeps the pore from 'breathing' and that plugs the pore which equals ZITS!! When your skin is oily and there's an oily SHEEN on the skin, that shows that the pores are OPEN. It's only when they're CLOSED do they get plugged.

Weird, but true..please insert Twilight Zone music here...

 

[timothy]

Jeff, we quit about the same time it seems. I have noticed a few new sprouts here and there. Bit of oily skin, too. Moreso than before vaping, yeah. Not bad enough to start shopping for astringents and creams and all that, though, 'cept maybe windex.

Guess it takes a while for 20+ years of toxins to find their way out.

BFGW huh.......

 

[jeffree]

BFGW? These acronyms are making me thirsty. So based on Domino's intriguing idea that my skin is too dry, not too oily, even though my nose seems a lot shinier... I asked my wife to give it a closer look. She thinks too dry. I would have never guessed that, and I'm still not sure I believe it. With the PG and all, it does make sense, though. So if that's true, what do I do? I assume that I need a gentle soap, like Noxema, and a moisturizer for my face, right? And for my hair? I've never used a conditioner, but maybe I need one now? Anyone have recommendations for light facial moisturizer and light hair conditioner for my scalp? I'll try anything if it doesn't smell too bad. Any tips for me and others like me? Just remember that the goal here is simply to get rid of zits!

 

[maxx]

One word.....sunshine.....

Our wonderful medical researchers, who find something deadly everyday, have warned everyone for years to stay out of the sun for fear of skin cancer. The result is an epidemic vitamin-D defecit.....and low emotional states. UV light does wonders on acne as well. Peel off the clothes and start worshipping the sun again.

 

[Ankheperure]

I actually have fewer pimples since I started vaping.

 

[jeffree]

Well, you two are sure a lot of help. LOL. I think this Kant tragedy is affecting you, Maxx. I live on the sunny CA coast, where skin cancer is like the common cold, but I'll try some vit D. But what about the witch hazel or Walmart handiwipes that our friends here mentioned? I'm going shopping tomorrow and need a list. So far, I have Noxema cleanser, and then both witch hazel and handiwipes... and vit D? (LOL again~I can imagine the check-out guy at our local Rite-Aid.)

 

[bearscreek]

I still have them after over a year, and I'm 99% sure it's not from quitting smoking because I went for 1-1/2 years once without smoking and had no skin problems that I recall. I think it's the kind of juice I use mostly (Dekang, which has my favorite flavors). I think my skin is better when I use other manufacturers' juices.

 

[maxx]

Vitamin D has nothing to do with the acne that I know of. I just mention it because it is a by-product of sun exposure and a necessary chemical for the body. The UV light is the acne-connected item.

 

[Katya]

Try Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power Scrub. You want to exfoliate the dead surface skin (just don't overdo it). Any Neutrogena or Aveeno oil-free moisturizer will do, preferably with some sunscreen for the day. I like Oil of Olay line of moisturizers, too. Total Effects has some good ones (including one for aging and acne prone skin!!!!). All inexpensive and effective. You can get them at Target, Albertson, Ralphs, any drugstore.

And if you buy vitamin D, buy D3. May not clear the pimples, but just might save your lungs, and bones and help with depression, and a dozen other things. A lot of research, very promising, just google Vitamin D and lungs. I like Solaray D-3 lozenges with xylitol (2,000 IU). They taste great and help fight dry mouth. I get them at Whole Foods, but I'm sure Mother's Market also carries them.

Pantene makes all kinds of hydrating shampoos and conditioners. How on earth can you not use a conditioner in California? Or, if your scalp is really dry, try head&shoulders line with pyrithione zinc. But you have to use conditioner. Even if it rains.

 

[mini_art]

Max is right. I read the news article on it too, about the low vit D because of low sun exposure and the promotion of sunscreen.
however he is also right about the uv and pimples
My son gets them and one of the best things for it is to sit in the sun. Clears him right up.

 

[Defiantgroundhog]

My face got really bad at the start. Lasted a little over a month which seemed like forever! I never had acne problems till I quit smoking. Lucky teenager I know.
More water helped but definitely didn't stop it. I guess with me it just took time for me to adjust. I'm thinking a lot of it has to do with the change in your body. Not just from the lack of chem. but there's probably a slight change in PH and such. More people are probably more sensitive to these changes then others.
I agree that more washing might make things worse in the end. The only other thing I can suggest that the others haven't is using an antibacterial toner before you moisturize. Acne is trapped bacteria. The toners will dry you out so make sure you are using a moisturizer too... which it sounded like that was already part of your plan. Good luck!

 

[Devilooman]

I'll second the Oil of Olay. They have an unscented version for sensitive skin that is really nice and light. It also have 15spf so that's a bonus.

 

[Happy Domino38]

A GREAT anti-acne moisturizer is 'Vichy Normaderm Nuit'. You put it on before you go to bed, that's when your skin usually 'creates' a pimple. (Think about it, how many times do you notice a new 'friend' after LUNCH? Rarely, if ever, they're always there in the MORNING!!) A little more expensive than something from Noxema etc, but, IMHO, WORTH IT!!

As for exfoliating your skin, don't use an exfoliating scrub. They can exacerbate the problem. The only thing your skin needs is a washcloth to effectively get rid of any dry patches while cleansing. Then, you use the moisturizers and you SHOULD be good!!

Hope it helps!!

 

[martha1014]

My face broke out shortly after I started vaping and then cleared up. After a year I have noticed some little red marks (not really a pimple) and dryness. I know vaping drys out your skin. I went to the opthamologist about a month ago and they said my eyes were too dry to prescribe new glasses or contacts. I am now using a moisturing eyedrop. I know it is from the PG.

 

[StormFinch]

For scalp problems try Neutrogena's T-Sal or the generic version most places put out. It's what the hubby's dermatologist recommended to him. I thought it would be too drying because it has salicylic acid in it, but I can use it a couple of times a week rotated with my normal Pantene and not have a problem, and I have extremely dry hair thanks to my thyroid. Head and Shoulders' dry scalp conditioner is good too if your hair needs the extra moisture.

 

[Stephra]

On the other hand, I have psoriasis and very dry skin as in flaky big time.

I have noticed that my psoriasis is almost cleared up and my skin is no longer dry and flaky
!!!!!

Really? I have psoriasis and I've been hoping for an improvement, but no dice. I really need to get back to the tanning bed - it's the only thing that seems to help push it back for me.

 

[mini_art]

Septra my vape mix is pretty high in vg, I think that might have something to do with it too, along with the detox from cigs

 

[jeffree]

Huge and heartfelt thanks to all of you for sharing some thoughtful, helpful ideas with me. I'm sure that other folks on the Pimple Patrol will also benefit from this thread. Later today, I'll be hitting the store to stock up on supplies and will begin the new regimen tonight. I've written down all your tips (inc. vit D) and plan to check things out before deciding. I enjoy researching so that part's good, but the daily upkeep part doesn't appeal to me. Is this what my wife means when she says "beauty requires sacrifice?" Ah well, thanks again, everyone. I'll report back in a week or two.

 

[Tenebrae]

I wonder if it the lack of time spent outside smoking exacerbates the problem. I used to spend at least a half hour a day out in the sun and now I see maybe 5 minutes of direct sunlight per day.

Glad to know I am not the only one still suffering breakouts 4 months in. I did not know that about dry skin. I guess I should moisturize more.

Thanks for the tips all

 

[Firegrl]

Glad I found this thread, thought I was the only one...

I've always had problem skin, but have found ways to keep it under control, that is until I stopped smoking. My face has been breaking out constantly for the past 2 months. It is just now starting to slow down just a little, but with lots of washing and I slather on TONS of acne cream. I still get breakouts, but my face doesn't feel completely bumpy like it did before.

I still wonder if it was the quitting smoking or the vaping that caused the breakouts. I would assume I was getting rid of a lot of toxins, so I always attributed it to that!