So this is the first time I have posted here, though I have read the book, and used these forums to look up info regarding my skin issues. I thought it an appropriate place to Vent about a recent "ah ha" moment I've had while going through another one of my recent ventures in discovering what is causing my current acne flare ups.

Yes, I have taken the quiz to determine my "skin type", however I think it changes depending on the season, or any other changes to my routine: hair care products, exercises, clothes, sheets, amount of exfoliating etc. Thus, I have no idea really what I am or could be. Lets say I have acne, on and off since I was about 15. I have taken prescription pills (including accutane), topicals and everything over the counter and under the sun. Tons of people in my family have struggled with acne, so it has a genetic factor. In addition to acne I have: sensitive skin- be careful of what you put on it or near, prone to freckle, rosacea or at least I have a constant pink undertone to skin (people think I have "gotten sun" when I have not), and am white white with dark hair that is prone to ingrown hairs where I shave (yay fun!).

Thus, I have spent most likely THOUSANDS of dollars over the years on cleansers, soaps, hair products, razors, shaving cream, cotton only under wear, work out clothes that don't rub wrong, creams, lotions, serums, medication, and god knows what else!

I didn't know I should have gotten a degree in chemistry to understand what to put on my skin that won't upset it. It would be easier to determine what ingredients should be/shouldn't be in all products that they say I should use:lotion, sunscreen, serums, wrinkle prevention. And the products used to help the issues I have: lotion that treat acne,scars, sundamage, rosacea, dry skin, oily skin and skin in general.

I've put in what adds up to two years on reading bottles, reading books, researching on the internet, in the library, in the pharmacy, doctors office, bathroom looking in the mirror.... I could have written my own book on how frustrated I am, what products not to buy, what home remedies not to do, what books not to buy....

I believe in this day and age, we have the advances in technology and science to cure, yes cure my skin woes (and all of yours out there). But if they had a cure for acne (just like cancer, aids, etc.) people like you and me would not spend thousands of dollars on all of the above mentioned skin care, hair care, doctors visits, prescriptions, clothes, makeup and therapy. It's a conspiracy. I know it. The corporate, beauty obsessed, money focused world at it again.

I am no longer giving into every new product or fad that comes along. Yesterday I went to Winco (yes winco) and bought a bar of aveeno soap ($3) and a jar of Ponds cream ($5) and went to bed on my 2 day old sheets, without a cotton shirt over my hair and slept on my back. No new breakouts today, infact yesterdays are looking better. I will report back on my new, simpler routine. I am just saying, we all need to stay clear of all the junk! they are trying to get us to buy, so that someone will come up with something that ACTUALLY works for EVERYONE.

Ok, my vent is over. I am feeling better already. Maybe this will help clear up that zit on my forehead...