View Full Version : My skin looks like shit - help
ahmeerah
08-22-2008, 07:15 PM
I have exactly what you are talking about with the texture/tone issue. I feel like my acne is getting better because of diet, but I don't SEE the progress because I can't look past the scars, spots and texture.
I went to a laser center recently for my first laser treatment. I got the CoolTouch done. It targets scars (and wrinkles) by improving collagen production, reduces oil by shrinking the glands and reduces some current acne and redness. It was 125$ and took about 20 minutes. You get numbing creme and the laser goes over your face three times. It didn't hurt but there was a mildly warm sensation. You will see results completely after 4 treatments (1 x a month.)
Its been a week since my treatment and I already notice a decrease in my scarring and redness. My acne is improving as I said, but I can't say for sure how much is due to the laser because of my dramatic diet change. I can't wait to go for my next treatment to see even more improvement!!! I love lasers :)
Diet change. ;D
redhothoney
08-23-2008, 04:06 AM
I use the 24-7 severe acne kit, and wow! After trying EVERYTHING else, besides the new "skin id", murads, etc. It worked for me, but you HAVE to be consistent! I have only sampled murads acne stuff in the store, but the pimple spot treatment seemed to be strong. Also, clinique makes a good spot treatment. Another thing I used with the 24-7 severe acne kit was the pimple drying lotion, it was in a box, clear bottle with pink sulfur/liquid in it, smelled like rotten eggs due to the sulfur, but worked wonders drying out my pimples. I've slacked off on my skin care regime, and now I'm back in the same boat with you. I hope that you try this, because my skin is 23 years old, i'm also on BC, and feeling ya! on this subject.!!
CuriousSeeker
08-23-2008, 09:11 AM
except I swear to god, the androgens made me more into girls. I only ever lusted after women when I was androgen-ed up. Also, maybe it made me more aggressive. I did lots of wrestling and other competitive sports.
;D I've heard many stories just like this! I took a form of testosterone (off it now), and my lust and irritation levels went way up. Thanks for the steroid info - had no idea.
IBI, OTC versions of Retin A did nothing for me but give me some superficial skin irritation. I saw my derm and got the prescription strength that he thought my skin could handle. I get the generic because the brand name is too expensive. I have no way of comparing whether the brand is more effective than the generic because I have only used generic from day one (which was some years ago). Insurance covered it, btw.
Crow2
08-23-2008, 10:07 AM
Flaxseed pills.. My friend who has Lupus introduced me to it.. And, I use this -
I use to have SERIOUS zits, plus I tan and smoke..
I attached some pictures, so you can see the results.. I think they loaded but you know. :P
Both were taken outside in full sunlight. Plus I wanted to add I just turned 47, so you can see the stuff WORKS!
CuriousSeeker
08-23-2008, 10:58 AM
Flaxseed pills.
Any manufacturer in particular?
Crow2
08-23-2008, 12:13 PM
Any manufacturer in particular?
Not really, I have a generic flaxseed oil pill that I got from wal-mart. Horse pills - just a warning. :)
ViolaStrings
08-23-2008, 12:59 PM
Flaxseed pills.. My friend who has Lupus introduced me to it.. And, I use this -
I use to have SERIOUS zits, plus I tan and smoke..
I attached some pictures, so you can see the results.. I think they loaded but you know. :P
Both were taken outside in full sunlight. Plus I wanted to add I just turned 47, so you can see the stuff WORKS!
Dude, I showed pics of you to my BF and he said he would be the happiest man on Earth if I looked like that at 47.
Corey
08-23-2008, 02:50 PM
Taszorac is amazing. But my skin is oily. I'm 37 and still break out. I don't get the cystic type, but small, clogged pore realated stuff. I do use a light moisturizer before I put on tazorac, because it can be irritating. I had very bumpy, red, awful sensative acne skin in school. Now, I get compliments.
But, I have to wear sunscreen everyday and I had an ex who actually admitted he didn't like the shiny, (yet clear and almost zit free) texture of my skin>:(
Umm....did I say he was an ex?;)
scarlett_vancouver
08-23-2008, 04:40 PM
I :heartbeat Tazorac. just started using it again after stopping for a year...what % do you use? Mine's 0.1%, and I think it's a bit strong.
LoveSexMoney
08-23-2008, 09:43 PM
Ok, so everyone is talking about the acne but ignoring the texture issues, brown spots from the sun, fine lines, etc. What about those?
one of the side effects of retin-a (or any tretinoin product, taz included) is that with prolonged use (over 6 months) it smooths fine lines because it increases collagen production and thickens the dermis. If you mix the retin-a with a 4% hydroquinone product (I use Obagi Blender) it will rather quickly lighten the brown spots. You should see a noticeable difference within 6 weeks. I'd research it thoroughly though before diving right in, as some people are not comfortable using hydroquinone. Regardless of what method you choose, it's imperative that you use a good sunscreen or risk making the problem worse due to the increased sensitivity to UV light.
jaizaine
08-24-2008, 08:31 AM
Ok, so everyone is talking about the acne but ignoring the texture issues, brown spots from the sun, fine lines, etc. What about those?
I answered that in my post.
jaizaine
08-24-2008, 08:33 AM
Flaxseed pills.. My friend who has Lupus introduced me to it.. And, I use this -
https://secure.myarbonne.com/arbonne/maxxjones.nsf/p1/1?OpenDocument&shoppingcart=1&gclid=CI_Rg9y3pJUCFQZinAod4V07lA
I use to have SERIOUS zits, plus I tan and smoke..
I attached some pictures, so you can see the results.. I think they loaded but you know. :P
Both were taken outside in full sunlight. Plus I wanted to add I just turned 47, so you can see the stuff WORKS!
You are simply stunning. Do u still dance? I work with a woman who is 44 and she has the most toned body in the club. She is beautiful. I really love seeing women in their 40's looking that terrific.
Crow2
08-24-2008, 08:38 AM
You are simply stunning. Do u still dance? I work with a woman who is 44 and she has the most toned body in the club. She is beautiful. I really love seeing women in their 40's looking that terrific.
Thanks and yes.. Also the NutrimenC takes care of that stuff - brown spots, lines. Etc.
Arbonne has other lines of products, you can search and choose the things that you think would work best for you. :) I'm sorry to keep harping on the products and they are slightly expensive, but in my lifetime of beauty product use I've found nothing better.
Corey
08-24-2008, 01:07 PM
I :heartbeat Tazorac. just started using it again after stopping for a year...what % do you use? Mine's 0.1%, and I think it's a bit strong.
I use the strongest one which is a gel. My derms have double questioned me on whether or not I really want to use it because it's so strong, but thats why I use a light moisturizer with it. During the humid months , I break out really easily and when I use this stuff over-night, the breakout is gone the next morning.
I get a bit red sometimes, but I would rather have clear, smooth and slightly red skin than non-red , lumpy, bumpy skin.
Crow2
08-24-2008, 01:14 PM
Isn't the brown spotty-ness caused by hormones? Or am I totally way off base here?
LoveSexMoney
08-24-2008, 01:46 PM
^could be hormones, sun induced, or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (those red/brown spots left over after a zit is long gone.)
Jeska
08-24-2008, 06:38 PM
Crow you look fantastic! I'm definitely stealing some of your secrets ;D
Crow2
08-24-2008, 06:51 PM
Crow you look fantastic! I'm definitely stealing some of your secrets ;D
Water, water water and thank you! :P I also had a thought, to the OP - have you tried a steam bath? I've found that doing some sort of steamy treatment ( I have a facial steamer ) every so often really helps get all the crap out of my skin.
Vyanka
08-25-2008, 07:13 AM
Ok, so everyone is talking about the acne but ignoring the texture issues, brown spots from the sun, fine lines, etc. What about those?
As a topical use alpha hydroxy acid creams, they fade spots. And coconut oil at night.
Vyanka
08-25-2008, 07:20 AM
Flaxseed pills.. My friend who has Lupus introduced me to it.. And, I use this -
https://secure.myarbonne.com/arbonne/maxxjones.nsf/p1/1?OpenDocument&shoppingcart=1&gclid=CI_Rg9y3pJUCFQZinAod4V07lA
I use to have SERIOUS zits, plus I tan and smoke..
I attached some pictures, so you can see the results.. I think they loaded but you know. :P
Both were taken outside in full sunlight. Plus I wanted to add I just turned 47, so you can see the stuff WORKS!
Holy fuck, hot. ;D 8)
That link isn't working for me. :(
Crow2
08-25-2008, 08:38 AM
Just google arbonne :)
Dottie Rebel
08-25-2008, 04:15 PM
I am starting a regimine of Doryx (like tetracycline) and Differin gel today. I also had a consultation for a Laser Genesis treatment, which I've decided to do in the next couple of weeks. I will post before and afters.
pookie
08-26-2008, 12:34 AM
^^^ how much does laser treatment cost?
Dottie Rebel
08-26-2008, 03:19 AM
About $350 a treatment and you need 3-6 for total results.
ahmeerah
08-26-2008, 04:50 AM
Clearing up your skin by changing your diet works phenomenally though. Acne is a sign of your body being too acidic. All you have to do is change what/how you're eating and clean up your gut. If the foods you're eating react in your system in a way producing more acidity, all the external things you do to treat your acne will only take you so far. And the external stuff is more expensive anyways.
Plus what Crow2 said about water, water, water! I used to have horrible skin. Now it's one of my pride and joys! :)
Crow2
08-26-2008, 08:29 AM
Diet and a skin care regime.. It's like weight loss. Exercise and diet.
The outside world influences our skin, pollution, sun..Humidity or a dry climate. How much you party, sleep.. and it goes on and on. Even if you just slap some coco butter on your skin. It helps. :D
ahmeerah
08-27-2008, 08:05 AM
^^^ Yeah. And it can be economical if you do it that way too. :)
HoolaTwist
08-27-2008, 05:57 PM
Diet and a skin care regime.. It's like weight loss. Exercise and diet.
The outside world influences our skin, pollution, sun..Humidity or a dry climate. How much you party, sleep.. and it goes on and on. Even if you just slap some coco butter on your skin. It helps. :D
Slapping some coco butter on already problem skin could make it much, much worse. Agree with everything else! ;D
Lysondra
08-27-2008, 06:06 PM
So um.. I had microdermabrasion 3 days ago and every single fucking day my skin looks better.. Try it!
CuriousSeeker
08-27-2008, 06:21 PM
^Are there different kinds or strengths of microdermabrasion? Was this at a derm's office or a spa?
Lysondra
08-27-2008, 06:23 PM
It was at a derms office. I don't think there's different strengths... just different amounts of times you should get it done depending on severity.
First day you feel almost naked because your skin can BREATHE so much more... a lot more wind feels like it's hitting your face.
Day two some of my acne scars starting fading.
Day three my skin tone started evening.
She says I won't see full results for a week.
I'm going to get it done monthly!!!
HoolaTwist
08-29-2008, 09:47 PM
It was at a derms office. I don't think there's different strengths... just different amounts of times you should get it done depending on severity.
First day you feel almost naked because your skin can BREATHE so much more... a lot more wind feels like it's hitting your face.
Day two some of my acne scars starting fading.
Day three my skin tone started evening.
She says I won't see full results for a week.
I'm going to get it done monthly!!!
I have an appointment for next month to do this, so excited! How much did you pay?
Lysondra
08-31-2008, 06:26 PM
I paid $110 but this is Australia, things tend to be pricier.
Nautilus
08-31-2008, 06:35 PM
what was the pain quotient? any? it's the only thing stopping me at this point.
Lysondra
08-31-2008, 06:36 PM
There was absolutely no pain. It even tickled.
Mind you, I'm going through a phase where I don't feel pain. But I don't think there should've been. It was relaxing.
Lysondra
08-31-2008, 06:37 PM
Also, it's been 6 days now and I see a HUGE difference.
I was actually able to go outside sans makeup with a zit on my face because the zit was hardly even noticeable.
Nautilus
08-31-2008, 06:37 PM
i thought of that after i posted... you lying there getting 80 layers ripped off and laughing...
Lysondra
08-31-2008, 06:39 PM
^ Yeah, haha. But no, it really should not hurt. It's a little tool with a suction cup attached and makes little farting noises. It should not hurt AT ALL.
CuriousSeeker
08-31-2008, 06:43 PM
Congrats on the great results, Lys! Thanks for the info.
malloryknox
08-31-2008, 06:59 PM
IMO microdermabrasion feels like a cat licking you. =) That is how I would explain how it feels.