Beauty Discussions

I think, before you spend a lot of money trying different products, you should visit a dermatologist. He or she can assess your skin and possibly give you a prescription product to help. There are many very good products that address your issues but you have to know how to use them and when so a dermatologist is the way to go. One visit could shed a ton of light onto why your skin is acting up. It may seem expensive to see one but, take it from me, trying tons of skin care products and being disappointed is much more costly both to your wallet and your skin.

There  are loads of products I like but everyone's skin is so different and so varied that I really think getting a professional's opinion is a great first step. If you DO try different products, definitely buy where you can return them if you aren't satisfed with them.

It sounds like you may be like me with your skin type.  I have found that it I use a good face wash (Currently Neutrogena Even... something foaming cleanser) and a good moisturizer I have cleared up a lot of the problems you mention.  The oiliness actually comes from your skin reacting to the excess dryness.  I haven't really found a moisturizer I like yet but I have been using a sample of Garnier nutritionist and I really like it.  One that is thick yet not oily that contains an anti-wrinkle/anti-aging component is yor best bet.  I think you may find the acne subside a little once you get that under control.  A cleanser that really worked well for me was called Ambi though I can't find it at my store anymore. 

Good advice above. And I would second Patty that seeing a dermatologist is the best thing to do first. Your insurance might even pay for it.

If you smoke, stop.  Drink more water.  Those two are controllable factors that may help.  PattyThere definitely had great advice...check with an MD or get a skin analysis at a department store counter that sells skin care (i.e. Clinique).  I have terribly dry skin, esp. in the winter, and I used to have to use gloppy creams just to keep the skin around my eyes and nose from flaking and peeling.  I switched to Biore Foaming Cleanser last Fall, and it is not as drying as others I've tried and takes off my makeup without needing any additional products (the fewer products you have to use, especially ones like toners and cleansers, the better off you'll probably be).  I'm also using Dove Daily Moisturizer, which is both cheap and effective without being greasy.  I tend to be acne-prone, so I was relieved it did not make that worse.  Good luck!

I had almost the same problem and I started using the Shiseido line all their products are alcohol free, that is what was causing the dry tight feeling ater washing, I would recommend the Skincare line but they do have different lines for different problems, the product never made m face oily and i noticed a difference in my pores, they have this one product called skin softner it feels great and you put it on after you wah your face and right before you moisturize it helps the moisturizer sink into your skin instead of sitting on top.  Good Luck

You  also might want to go into a store like Sephora. I have found their sales people to be pretty good at picking out the right products for me.

I have the dual problem - acne & dry skin. My first choice is Retin A. It works on acne, doesn't dry my skin & even helps with my wrinkles. (I am of a"certain age",)  And I know this is a cliche but drink as much water as you can. It really does help. Use sun block. For a long time I made sure I had a dark tan. I used tanning beds & laid out in the sun. My doctor had a fit - especially about the tanning beds. I never used sun screens because I thought they would impede my tan. I'm lucky I didn't do more damage than I did. But take it from somebody with experience - Use sunscreen!

I have to second your sunscreen recomendation. I use it every day in some form or another. I have also started using all natural sunscreens as some of the chemicles in commercial sunscreen are scary.

I agree with Patty.  Get thee to a good Dermatologist.  You'll save a lot of time and money.  And there's a good chance that you'll find simpler products work best.

If you don't want to go to a dermatologist straightup then go to a general practitioner. Your skin is one of the first things to show signs of poor life choices [smoking, alcohol consumption, too much sun, etc.] as well as illness. A good overall examination may yield the reason for your skin problems.  Once the cause of the problem is treated then the skin should improve.