Help Please!!!Complexion nightmare, is there a problem?

hi,

for the last few years my complexion has been really really really bad(and im sure its getting worst) and im wondering if theres some major problem.  i am an ex-smoker, ive been quit for 3 months, but i have not seen an improvement in my complexion. its also not the first time ive quit smoking ive done it for 9 months and 6 months and ive still not seen an improvement. here is a list of the problems i have

large pores
red, brown, yellow and white blotches
uneven texture - bumps, ripples, saggy areas
extremely oily
the skin is generally not held together well

im just at a loss as what i can do,  ive tried so many different creams, cleansers, lotions. and nothing has helped it.  im beginning to think that maybe its some sort of infection or deficiency.  i have including a photo and i have more photos in my profile, if you would like to look at them.  please if anyone can suggest anything that would be great as this is starting to ruin my life, its getting to the point that i dont want to go out and do things.

thanx

if your laptop screen is bright when you look at the photos, then you may need to tilt the screen to get an accurate idea of the problems i have with my complexion(brightness hides the detail)

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
For such type of skin, it is commonly associated with excessive oiliness and acne. The excessive oiliness of the skin is in turn triggered by the hormonal changes in the body.

Large pores can be easily dealt with proper cleansing and frequent toning and moisturizing of the skin. Other treatments to consider include microdermabrasion, skin resurfacing lasers and chemical skin peels. For the oily skin, use plenty of hot water and soap to prevent the pores from being clogged. Avoid harsh products that strip your skin of oil and encourage flakiness. They can cause a reaction known as reactive seborrhoea, where the oil glands work overtime to compensate for the loss of natural oils.

Avoid skincare products that leave your skin feeling taut and dehydrated. You can use cetaphil and make sure that the rest of the times you wash your face with fresh water. Avoid heavy greasy moisturizers and take a diet rich in proteins but restricted in sugar, fluids and salt. Drink plenty of quality water to keep the skin hydrated and flush out toxins.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.