I’ve struggled with serious acne problems since I was 13. I’ve been on Accutane three times, used prescription creams and gels like Retin-A and Brevoxyl, taken antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline, tried nearly every over-the-counter treatment available, and tested infomercial skin-care systems like Proactiv. I credit Accutane for saving me from a lot of nasty scarring and making high school relatively bearable. Unfortunately, it’s a fairly drastic treatment with a lot of potential side effects. Even though I made it through several rounds with little more than chapped lips, I’m reluctant to go back on it just to control what is now a relatively mild acne problem. Plus, now that I’m nearly 28 and fighting a receding hairline, I’d rather not take anything that lists hair loss as a potential side effect. (I know I’m not painting a very flattering mental picture of myself for those of you who have never met me. I assure you I’m quite sexy in person as long as I have my drugs and creams and a wind machine.)
As a guy with problem skin AND the cheapest gay man alive, I’m always on the hunt for cheap, effective skin-care products. That’s why I was thrilled to discover acne.org. In the “store” section of the site, you can purchase an 8 oz. bottle of 2.5% benzoyl peroxide cream for around $16. (No, I’m not getting a commission for this, although I really should be. If you know the guy who runs acne.org, hook a brotha up. I’d gladly accept cash compensation or free pimple cream.) Acne.org also offers cleanser and moisturizer, but I haven’t tried them. The moisturizer doesn’t make Frugal’s “Favorite Things” because it doesn’t have any SPF. Why does this matter? Because mamma is pasty, honey-child, and she hisses like a vampire at those deadly UVA/UVB rays. (I swore when I started this blog that I’d never queen out and refer to myself in the female third-person. I am deeply sorry. I know I have let many of you down.)
I should also note that I’m a bit of a moisturizer polygamist. My cabinet is full of half-empty bottles, and I have a hard time committing to any particular brand. Lately I’ve been using Cetaphil’s Daily Facial Moisturizer, which keeps my milky-white complexion looking supple and lovely. However, I reserve the right to rekindle my love affair with Aveeno at any time. As for the acne.org cleanser, it’s not a bad deal at seven bucks. However, I’ve been using the AcneFree cleanser for a while now. I think it’s pretty similar, the cost is comparable, and it’s available at my local Target.
LOL @ “and a wind machine”
Personally I don’t go anywhere without a baby. They make awesome fashion accessories.
as a pasty reader i have to say my new favorite face lotion is Eucerin Extra Protective Moisture Lotion with SPF 30. It has the highest SPF i could find in the drug store and was the cheapest.
some other stuff to try for acne:
-Taking a goodly amount (1000 milligrams plus) of vitamin C internally. Combined with a low-fat diet, it seems to help a lot.
-Aloe Vera gel-get your skin really gloopy with it and leave it 2 times daily. Grow your own aloe, too-you can’t kill the stuff.
-I have oily skin, so mixing a half-and-half paste with antibacterial soap and baking soda, rubbing it gently onto my face, and rinsing, doesn’t dry it excessively.
A few years ago I went to a dermatologist for a skin condition and when she asked what body wash and moisturizer I used (it was Dial and I forget the moisturizer brand), she upbraided me and said Dial was the worst thing for my skin and to use Dove. For moisturizer, she recommended Cetaphil, even going so far to say she kept a small tub of it on her bathroom sink and applied it everytime she got out of the shower.
I have dry skin and can testify that Cetaphil works great! It doesn’t have any perfume-y scent, but it’s kept me moist. The Dove’s helped too. In fact, one of the only reason I buy dead trees on Sundays (the newspaper, silly!) is to scour the coupons for Dove coupons! Tee-hee!
I love that you queened out! Work it girl!