I know we've talked a few times in the past about products for adult acne. Well, I've found a great and relatively inexpensive product by accident when I was looking up some info on epinions.com. It's called "Acne Free" and it is available at Wal-mart. I've been using it for 3-4 weeks and am not quite halfway finished with the product, so I would guess it's about a 6-8 week supply. It is the Wal-mart equivalent of ProActive and it costs ~$19 for the set of medicated face wash, toner, and repair lotion. Within a week I noticed a significant reduction in pimples on my skin. I have mild acne with breakouts before my period and occasional blackheads and bumps. My skin is so much clearer and feels smooth to the touch for the first time in my life since puberty!! The products haven't been too drying either and I have sensitive skin.

Pros: Much clearer skin; significant decrease in oiliness; smoother, softer skin

Cons: don't really care for the smell of the face wash--kind of "mediciny"; the repair lotion is a little bit gritty (not a problem at night, but in the morning if I wait a few minutes after putting it on and then apply a moisturizer before my make-up it's okay)

Overall I am just thrilled with this product and don't feel like I have to cover-up so much with makeup anymore. If only it would shrink my pores down and even up my skin tone a little....

By Amy~moderator on Saturday, July 10, 2004 - 08:44 pm:

Thanks, Pam! I also have mild acne and the other problems you described. I have found a miracle for evening skin tone and shrinking pores with the Oil of Olay Regenerist Line - about $15 per bottle. There are 4 in the line - Regenerating Serum, Perfecting Cream, Enhancing Lotion with UV (moisturizer), and Eye Lifting Serum. I've been using the Regenerist products for over a month now and it is literally like a Fountain of Youth in a bottle. I'm not joking - it is wonderful. Anyway, my problem is the opposite of yours - I need help with my breakouts before my period and the occasional blackheads. The Regenerist line doesn't really help with clearing up acne. Can you buy the "Acne Free" individually? I would probably like to try the face wash. Or come to think of it - I may swich to the Acne Free products right before my monthly breakout. Thank you Pam - I will be trying it out!

By Mommmie on Saturday, July 10, 2004 - 09:37 pm:

Well, I have to try it (although I avoid Wal-Mart at all costs!). I used Proactive for 10 months and there was improvement, but not totally clear, so I stopped it. Then my face broke out even worse! I went to the mall and bought some more Proactive (step 1 which I was out of) and it's back improving again. I do like the smell of Proactive. Smell is a big issue for me. And, I'm only out of the wash. I have a couple of more months or more left of step 2 and 3 from when I originally bought it through the mail. But, after that I should try this Acne Free. It's cheaper!

By Palmbchprincess on Saturday, July 10, 2004 - 10:21 pm:

Pam, thanks so much for posting. I have mild to moderate acne, I've never found a product (RX or OTC) to keep my face and shoulders completely clear! I've heard great things about Proactive, but have been reluctant to spen the money on it. I'll let you know what I think of it after I try it!!

By Mommyathome on Saturday, July 10, 2004 - 11:37 pm:

Thanks for the info Pam! I tend to get breakouts the week before my period. I'll have to try this!

By Pamt on Saturday, July 10, 2004 - 11:57 pm:

Let me know if it works as well for you as it does for me. OH! And I forgot to say...I tried it after being horrible disappointed with prescription meds (Clindamycin--topical antibiotic; tetracycline--oral antibiotic; a prescription strength benzoyl peroxide face wash; Differen--acne gel) that were expensive and prescribed by my dermatologist. This stuff worked better and more quickly for me and I won't be going back to the dermatologist anytime soon.

By Karen~moderator on Sunday, July 11, 2004 - 12:15 pm:

Jules has been using ProActive for a while and swears it's the only thing that's helped her skin, and like you, she's been the whole route with the dermatologist - topical and oral antibiotics, creams, gels, retinA, etc. I'm going to show this post to her. Thanks for sharing!

By Truestori on Sunday, July 11, 2004 - 12:59 pm:

Amy,

My mom loves that regenerating serum also! It caused me to break out because my skin is soooo sensitive! I loved the way it made my skin feel and I was so bummed when my face broke out!

I am not prone to acne but I have heard that Bare minerals aka Bare essentials line of products really help. I have used these for about a month now with no reaction and I love the mineral foundation.

By Amy~moderator on Sunday, July 11, 2004 - 01:45 pm:

Stori - They also have Fragrance Free Regenerating Serum for sensitive skin. Just letting you know

By Mommmie on Sunday, July 11, 2004 - 07:52 pm:

The absolute best thing for my skin was Accutane which I've done twice.

By Debbie on Sunday, July 11, 2004 - 08:05 pm:

Thanks for the recommendation Pam. I use Proactive and swear buy it. It is pricey, but it is the only thing that has ever worked on my face. I will have to try Acne Free and see if I can get the same results for less money.

By Marcia on Monday, July 12, 2004 - 12:34 am:

I'm reading that lots of people have tried tons of meds to get rid of acne. Have any of you ever tried a yeast cleanse? A month of mega doses of garlic and night and acidophilus in the morning can get rid of the worst acne. It works from the inside out, rather than just working on the skin.
I know of some people who now have clear skin after years of acne.
Just thought I'd throw in another idea.

By Amy~moderator on Monday, July 12, 2004 - 01:37 am:

Marcia - How would you do that? Garlic? How would you apply it? Could you explain a bit more - sounds like something I would like to try.

By Babysitbarb on Monday, July 12, 2004 - 09:37 am:

My question is would this work for teenagers also?(acne free)
I just finally bought the proactive for my DD's and they have been using it for about a month and a half so far and it doesn't really seem like it's done much for my youngest but, my oldest says it has for her.I would be willing to try the acne free since it is much cheaper. Im starting to think why it isn't working for the youngest is because it's not acne she has and it must be something else. The allergist says it's from the pollen in the air and her allergy's but, I just haven't been satisfied with that answer.

By Pamt on Monday, July 12, 2004 - 09:49 am:

Barb,
Yep! It's for any age and males/females.

By Marcia on Monday, July 12, 2004 - 10:03 am:

Amy, you take it orally. You take garlic before bed, and acidophilus when you wake up, before food. The garlic kills the yeast that causes acne, and the acidophilus replaces the good bacteria. I've always bought my stuff through the same company, because it's all organically food based - nothing synthetic in it at all. I can help you with that if you want. Just e me, and I'll give you more details.
There's a great book called "The Yeast Connection", and it talks about everything that causes yeast, and what you can do about it. I haven't read it, but I've heard lots of people say how helpful it was.

By Babysitbarb on Monday, July 12, 2004 - 10:34 am:

Thanks Pam, I think we will try it.

By Palmbchprincess on Monday, July 12, 2004 - 02:01 pm:

Marcia, do you have to continue on the supplement regimine? Or do you just have to do the one month cycle? How much in each dose? If you'd rather email than post my email is palmbchprincess at yahoo.com

By Mommyathome on Monday, July 12, 2004 - 02:26 pm:

I have a friend that swears by onions! She eats a slice of onion a day. Her grandmother started the process......it's supposedly great for your skin.
And, if her skin is any indication, it works! She has the most beautiful, flawless smooth skin that I've ever seen in my life.
I don't know if I could handle eating onions though!

By Mommyathome on Monday, July 12, 2004 - 02:26 pm:

I have a friend that swears by onions! She eats a slice of onion a day. Her grandmother started the process......it's supposedly great for your skin.
And, if her skin is any indication, it works! She has the most beautiful, flawless smooth skin that I've ever seen in my life.
I don't know if I could handle eating onions though!

By Amy~moderator on Monday, July 12, 2004 - 02:46 pm:

Marcia - my email addy is moonhour 79 @ bellsouth. net Thanks!

By Marcia on Tuesday, July 13, 2004 - 01:22 am:

You just do it for the one month period, but some people do it yearly. I only did it once, several years ago. I have never had acne, but did have lots of yeast infections. I haven't had one since.
The garlic we took was a garlic and onion mix. The formula has changed a bit, so I'm not sure if it still has onion in it.
Now I just take garlic when I feel like I'm coming down with a cold, sore throat, etc.

By Amy~moderator on Tuesday, July 13, 2004 - 07:19 am:

Thanks Marcia - I am going to do some research and possible give it a try. I've heard a lot about the alternate uses of garlic and the positive effects it has on the body. I find it very interesting.

By Eve on Tuesday, July 13, 2004 - 08:35 am:

Thanks,Pam. I'm almost out of Proactiv. I'll give this a try.

The garlic sounds great too. Let me know how it goes for you, Amy. Atleast you know garlic can't hurt you. It's worth a shot.

By Palmbchprincess on Saturday, October 16, 2004 - 01:54 pm:

I love it!! I bought some 10 days ago, and it was $15, and had a bonus body wash with it. I have clear skin (even during my cycle!!) for the first time in over a decade, and NOTHING worked before. It is too drying for me to use 2X a day, but once a day has worked great for me. I'd been putting off using Proactiv because of the cost, considering how little luck I'd had even with prescriptions. This is worth every penny and then some IMO!!! Thanks Pam!

By Mom2travel on Monday, January 17, 2005 - 07:09 pm:

I have used Proactiv and Bare minerals, and love them both, but now am going to buy the cheaper Walmart version, thanks to Pam , and try it out. Bare Minerals is great though for a natural makeup. I suggest buying the set on the info-mercial first (so you get the brushes) then refill what you need at your local Bare Escentuals Store. (Cheaper and you get more product.) Now I want to try Olay Regenerist for those slow but coming wrinkles.