Help! Dealing with canker sores...

Hey everyone... I’ve been struggling with this breakout issue for quite some time now, and honestly, it’s starting to get to me. I’ve spent hours reading up on everything online, but I feel more confused than when I started! It seems like everyone uses different terms—acne, pimples, breakouts, whiteheads—and I can't figure out if they’re all just different names for the same thing or if there’s actually a distinction I’m missing? If anyone has a moment to clear this up for me, I would truly appreciate it. To give you an idea of what I’m dealing with, they’re pretty much all over my face, mostly concentrated around my mouth, my chin, and up on my forehead. Some of them are these tiny little white bumps, while others are large, angry red ones that really ache. My old habit—which I know probably wasn't the best move—was trying to squeeze them away, but then I'd just end up with these stubborn red marks left behind. I did try using some facial tonics, but they didn't really do much; maybe they stopped one from popping up, but they certainly didn't stop the next five from taking its place! I haven't made the trip to see a dermatologist or a specialist yet, mainly because, let's be real, those appointments can be incredibly pricey. I know specialized skincare products aren't exactly cheap either, but I was hoping to find something else to try before I have to resort to that "last resort" professional visit. I know plenty of you here have likely dealt with this exact same headache, so please, if you have any advice or recommendations on specific creams or products that actually worked for you, I am all ears. I'm feeling a bit desperate at this point and just don't know which way to turn. I've been scrolling through your posts for ages, but with so much conflicting information out there, it's hard to pin down a real answer. I would be so incredibly grateful for any help you can offer—I'm sure you know exactly how frustrating this feels.😢

Go to the beauty forum. A slightly more obnoxious individual is there.😢

You might want to head over to a beauty supply store—maybe Sephora or Ulta—but honestly, I have my doubts that they’ll offer you some sort of revolutionary miracle cure, especially considering how much congestion your skin is dealing with right now. Please, I beg of you, do not go experimenting with those aggressive, high-strength creams on your own.

It is quite possible that you will need to consult a specialist; perhaps start by visiting your primary care physician to see if they can provide a referral to a dermatologist. It might even be wise to request some blood work to check your hormone levels—after all, acne isn't merely a superficial aesthetic concern, is it?

Try to cut back on refined carbohydrates—think white sugar, white flour, and things of that nature—and generally aim to reduce your intake of high-glycemic foods and processed junk food.

Where should I even begin... if you've already tried those over-the-counter acne treatments and nothing seems to be working, I guess the smartest move would just be to see a dermatologist. Honestly, that’s probably your best bet!!
To get an appointment, you'll just need to ask your primary care doctor for a referral to a specialist, and then you're all set...
Once you're there, they can give you some real professional advice on what steps to take next...
P.S. While you're "waiting" for that appointment, maybe try picking up a Sebamed cleansing bar at the drugstore ($9.75). If you use it to wash your face twice a day with warm water, it might help. The most important thing is making sure your skin is totally clean before you apply anything else...
It might also help to grab a Balein facial scrub from CVS once a week—it's pretty affordable (>)... and I think the Garnier Pure cream is actually quite good too. You could try applying that every day after you've thoroughly cleaned your face!!!!
So, yeah... I think those are some basic steps that might help you feel a bit better!
BTW—try not to squeeze or pick at them because that just makes the inflammation worse—unless you're at a professional esthetician's office where they know what they're doing!!!!

Hannah Lopez40 said:...

Personally, I would strongly advise against using an exfoliant—at least not something like Baleine—perhaps try something with much finer particles instead? My skin stays quite clear, yet even the Baleine scrub (you know, the sea salt one) tends to bother me—honestly, I found the Freeman ones from the drugstore to be far more agreeable! If your face is already feeling sensitive, a harsh scrub will likely just lead to irritation. Might it be better to skip the exfoliation entirely and simply use those silicone cleansing pads? I pick mine up at Sephora and they work wonders when paired with a gentle cleanser.

Garnier Pure? Oh, goodness, I find that absolutely dreadful. But, well, I suppose everyone’s skin reacts differently, right?

If you are looking for natural remedies, you might want to browse http://www.herbateka.eu/phorum/list.php?1 (just use the search function 😁).