Acne Subsides, Trigger Finger Returns

Well, the acne on my chin is subsiding--I tried a number of products out of desperation.  I used Zeno (the Zit Zapper), which I find is good if you have a few large postules.  But for the number I had, it can be tedious--2 1/2 minutes per zit.    Proactiv Repairing Lotion was a bit too strong for me, but did work to reduce the widespread outbreak.  So I switched to using Proactiv's Refining Mask, which is milder than the Repairing Lotion--the active ingredient is sulphur, not benzoyl peroxide.  And I increased the application of Azelex cream from 1x to 2x per day.  I think my dermatologist had me using it once a day because I was using it as an anti-aging, rather than acne, cream.  But with the severe outbreak on my chin, I now am using it as anti-acne.  And since they advise not mixing products, I'm not using the Proactiv Repairing Lotion.  But I will if the acne comes back--it's much more irritating, but more effective, than the Azelex.  But I'm hoping the Azelex will prevent new outbreaks, as long as I stay away from the facial exercises that involved touching/massaging the jaw and chin areas.  I also go lighter on the Cerave moisturizer.  But I still need to use an SPF lotion of at least 30; I don't think that's causing outbreaks, but my face is definitely oilier when I use it.  I'm currently using Blue Lizard 30+ sunscreen for sensitive skin.  It has only natural ingredients--zinc oxide and titanium dioxide--which I think is better for my face.  I don't think it causes breakouts, but we'll see.  I use Lancome Renergie Lift makeup, which is FPS 20--OK I think if I'm not going to be doing much outside.  But sun seems to be such a big contributor to aging that I'm trying to be more careful to use stronger (30+) sunscreens if I'm going to be out--which is most days.  Between walking the dog and walking to yoga, I think that's too much for SPF 20.  Cosmetics companies should come up with 30+ makeup so we don't have to add sunscreens.  Just one more layer on the skin that might cause trouble.  Don't care what they say about noncomedogenic--creams and lotions on the face can lad to oiliness, which can lead to breakouts.

It's such a challenge, trying to slow the skin aging while combating acne...I wonder how many other women in their late 50s have this problem?  Makes anti-aging regimes and strategies so much more complicated.  Trying to be more aggressive--using facial massage techniques and facial oil--apparently led to the acne outbreak.  I had started to think I was past that.  The positive side is that I'm less tempted by fancy new products and procedures--they're more likely to mess up my skin than to help it.

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Another aging challenge--trigger finger--reared its ugly head--OK, finger, again.  I had a steroid shot a few months ago (see 3/25 post) when my trigger finger locked up, and I wasn't able to unlock it as I had done previously.  Similar problem today, again the result of our unruly dog.  I was sitting with her on the lawn and was holding her leash--in my right hand, to avoid further damage to my left hand (which has not only the trigger but also a jammed finger).  She tried to lunge at a dog, and I had to grab the leash with both hands to keep her back.  My left middle finger immediately locked and would not unlock.  I recalled my finger being stuck for several hours the first time this happened in March, so I asked my son to check the web for tips on what to do.  Not too helpful--said to unlock the finger with the other hand--but that didn't work in these cases.  I know I need a 2nd steroid shot, but since it's Sunday, I won't be able to get one until tomorrow.  (Everything that should get immediate medical attention always happens on the weekend.)   The few remedies listed were--soak in warm water, take ibuprofen or naproxen, and massage the tendon at the base of the finger.  I did all three--nothing worked, at least not right away.  About 1 1/2 hours later, the finger released on its own.  I was massaging the tendon and had taken 2 Alleves, so maybe those ultimately helped.  But it's a very uncomfortable and scary situation.  I suspect I will need surgery, but will go ahead with the 2nd shot, since that's what the orthopedist will recommend.
Aargh!