Too much sun? Diet? Hormones? Allergy? Sand?
Just after coming to Dubai, specifically, right after summer started, I had mild acne appearing in the left side of my forehead. It is a cause of panic because I haven’t had pimples after turning 14. I had visibly clear skin while in Japan (come on, some witnesses come forward please!) and waking up with some unsightly zits is not a joke, at my age now! I am 30, too old for puberty breakouts yet too young for hormone-driven menopausal symptoms!
Though never a makeup person, I follow strict skin cleansing regimen. I don’t use soap for my skin, always a mild face wash, follow it up with a toner and then moisturizer. I exfoliate regularly, drink lots of water, take vitamins and never slept later than 11 pm. I can confidently go out without a tinge of foundation.
Desperate to seek help but too preoccupied with seeing a dermatologist, I begin to self-medicate. I bought Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Cream Cleanser as it promised to wipe out acne with its 2% Salicylic Acid solution. Effective, yet gentle it proclaimed on its label.
What happened next was, the morning after, my face was red and dry, flaky and worse, swollen! I looked like Mohammad Ali after a boxing bout.
I am allergic to most makeup and could only buy a few chosen products so most probably I had a terrible allergic reaction to the face wash. I need to consult a dermatologist because detecting the underlying cause is a medical responsibility. I am never going to experiment again.
Note: So many expat women in Dubai claim to develop pimples/acne after they came here. Looks like I am not alone in this dilemma. Doesn’t make me feel or look better, though.
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{ 6 comments }
My skin is so sensitive too. I use Neutrogena for sensitive skin and only Clinique makeup, if any. Good luck with finding a good dermatologist!
I always have problems with Neutrogena products. It’s too harsh on the skin (even though it says it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin). You can try clean and clear or clearasil though.
i come forward … i always envied your clear skin. i hope you find the product that works for you!
Maybe the heat and humidity combined? All that sweating?
I’m 38 and still get the occasional zit, except now I’ve also got gray hair to contend with (or rather hide) at the same time! Life just isn’t fair sometimes LOL.
could it be something different in your diet?
I have always had issues with my skin. NOt bad but enough to say at 38 enough is enough. When ppl my age are doing Botox (I live in LA remember) I am still trying to clear my acne! I went to a dermatologist. And he gave me a topical that I put on once a day and it has cleared me up. It is called DUAC (not sure what is in it, I can look if you wan). But all I know is that I have to wash my hands otherwise, it bleaches clothes….
I was never bad with pimples but if I had once, which happen often, then I would stay red there for months. So now I don’t have that issue! Now I have to look into botox to get rid of my wrinkles! (just kidding)
Neutrogena is pure poison for me, too.
I have had trouble with pimples and stuff ever since I reached puberty, which was ages ago. It is pretty annoying and I haven’t found anything that really helps. I just kinda got used to look like a teenager in that regard, and just ignore the problem completely (not a very healthy thing to do, I know).
But Neutrogena I tried only once and will never touch it again. I haven’t met anybody yet who can actually use the stuff.
I hope the dermatlogist can help you.
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