My skin is breaking out badly and without thinking I have been using clearasil this past week, is that ok?

I ran out of my proactive face cream and have just been putting some clearasil on some of my pimples, not thinking there could be something bad in there.

What does you guys use on your face? Is proactiv ok to use at least? My dr. says as long as it doesnt contain accutane, but isnt accutane only an over the counter medication?

Re: My skin is breaking out badly and without thinking I have been using clearasil this past week, is that ok?

I'm sure it is fine, but check with your OB. My doc told me no acne medications, over the counter or otherwise. That includes even your basic things like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide (which is in Proactive), things you would find in the drugstore. Accutane is a very potent prescription-only oral drug that you cannot be on while pregnant under any circumstances. I was on Accutane years ago before I was even close to having kids. Your doc probably meant treatments like Retin-A, Differin, etc. which are also prescription strength and are derivatives of Viatmin A. My doc seemed to feel that anything absorbed by the skin was a drug and should be avoided. My doc may be on the conservative side when it comes to this though. Check with your doc on basic stuff like Clearasil, etc. I've been breaking out like crazy too and it is so frustrating. I use Cetaphil cleanser, Kiehls blue astringent, and Cetaphil moisturizer. I also use an Oil of Olay mask that doesn't have any anti-acne ingredients. It helps a little, but not as good as the things I wish I could use.

Message edited 8/27/2006 11:43:37 PM.

Re: My skin is breaking out badly and without thinking I have been using clearasil this past week, is that ok?

You can use alpha hydroxy acids products becuase they are naturally occurring and fruit-based acids. I suggest the "Alpha Hydrox Souffle" on drugstore.com. Love it!

Re: My skin is breaking out badly and without thinking I have been using clearasil this past week, is that ok?

I use proactive and my doctor said it was fine. You should stay away from Salilycic (sp) acid, but benzoyl peroxide is fine (that is what is in proactive)