92 replies to this topic

[Sam Witwicky]

First off, I'd like to thank you all for taking the time to help people while giving a big thumbs up to this website/message board. I applaud you

I've never had any acne growing up. My face was clear and healthy to the point where everyone around me was jealous. It didn't matter what I ate, what I'd have to drink, or how much I'd sweat. Never got one zit. Until I reached the age of 17.
I still wouldn't have any crazy breakouts, but I would breakout. I'd get blemishes. It's like a part of my face would just get inflamed and a bump the size of a dime would then appear. It's been like that for the past 8 years (I'm now 25).

4 years ago, I had tried one course of Accutane (3 months), at 40 mg, twice a day. My face was clear as day, afterward. But, shortly after, they came back. I refused to go back on it and decided to stick with less powerful antibiotics. Everything always worked for a little while, but once I was off them, it would go back to the same thing. I've had chemical peels in order to rejuvenate the skin and get rid of marks left by blemishes, for years. They work great for me.

Also, my face is like night and day. The blemishes come, I stay clear, they go. Etc. I notice I get most of them, after I shave (I use an electric razor). So I stumbled onto this website, and decided to give the regiment a try. I, like many, will be posting up a log, hopefully to help others. I mean if I'm going to be a genie pig, why not provide some feedback for those looking for some? So I went out and purchased what was needed for the CSR, and am ready to go.

Before I get started with the logs, I'd like to do to 3 things;

First, point out that I am currently on my second course of antibiotics (42 riva minocycline 50 mg cap). These are taken twice a day for 14 days, then one a day at bedtime. I started this course, today.

Secondly, I'd like to know if this regiment, affects skin color. I am Italian, and have a browner tan than your average Caucasian. If it does affect the skin color, what's the best way to make sure it doesn't affect it to a cynical point?

Finally, any tips for a newbie? Before I get started (tomorrow)? Little tips in order to prevent mistakes and unwanted side-effects? It would be extremely appreciated on my behalf and would encourage me to continue with the regiment.

Now, allow me to list what I will be working with;

• Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser Wash
• Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment
• Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

That is all. I was planning on using the regiment instructions provided here/the one shown in the video, but if anyone has a better formula, feel free to share.

I begin tomorrow. I'm always down for trying new things, I never quit, never let myself get too disappointed, always tell it like it is, love to help, am very social, and love sharing my experiences while answering questions. So I'm a good candidate for the experiment. Hope I got y'all support and that this regiment somewhat works

[Sam Witwicky]

Day 1

Washed with Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser Wash
rinsed, patted dry, washed hands
waited 10 minutes
Applied Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment
washed hands
waited 10 minutes
Applied Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion
washed hands

[Sam Witwicky]

My CSR mistake of the day: using too much moisturizer. That thing took forever to absorb. Note to self; use one pump, from now on. Don't want to make myself prone to irritation. I know it's good to use a lot of it at the start of the regiment, but I used a little much. Looked like I was getting a facial rofl.

[Metric24]

Hey there!

I'm pretty new to this myself, but if I had some advice to give, it would be:take it easy on the BP in the beginning, but DO put more as you go, gradually. If you start with the full amounth(a full finger), your skin will get very dry. But once your skin is ready and you do put more BP, you will see a huge difference!

Good luck! And keep us posted!

[Sam Witwicky]

Thanks for stopping through, Metric. Yeah, I didn't go strong, at all, on the BP. I did my research on here, before starting the regiment. This may sound weird, but I only started today, and only applied the regiment this morning, and I feel/see a difference. We'll see what happens.

I see you're using the N-on-the-spot, as well. And that you are from Montreal, just like me. How long you been on the regiment? Feel free to kick it in here and shoot the breeze with me. And yes, will keep you guys updated, daily.

[Sam Witwicky]

Just repeated the steps, before hitting the sack. Is it normal for your skin/face to look and feel better, after 1 application? Skin looked nice the whole day. Anyway, day 1 comes to a close, we'll see what I wake up to in the morning. Off to bed.

[Sam Witwicky]

Day 2
Woke up this morning, no new blemishes to report. And the ones I did have (left cheek) have dried down significantly. Will be going through the steps, shortly.

I have a question about the moisturizer I've been using. I have no complaints, but the label states that it contains macadamia nut oil. Will this be a problem for me, eventually? As I've seen others say that the Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion, has contributed to their breakouts.

God bless.

[Sam Witwicky]

Alright, went through the steps this morning. Experienced my first patch of redness, right after I put on the BP, during that 5-10 waiting period between applying it, and applying the moisturizer. It was right under my left eye, next to my nose, right before the cheek starts. There was a little bit of burning, nothing major, so I went hard on the moisturizer. That left cheek is where I have the few blemishes I spoke of earlier (in my last post), so maybe I went a little hard on the BP, and didn't smother it around as much, when it comes to that particular area. Anyway, the moisturizer seems to have cooled it off a bit. I'm on those antibiotics, so my skin is a little bit more sensitive.

Tonight, I'll go real easy on the BP, and apply the same amount of moisturizer. Hopefully, it'll rectify the mishap.

[Brandy]

My CSR mistake of the day: using too much moisturizer. That thing took forever to absorb. Note to self; use one pump, from now on. Don't want to make myself prone to irritation. I know it's good to use a lot of it at the start of the regiment, but I used a little much. Looked like I was getting a facial rofl.

Hi Yezzir!
Yea, I read some reviews on Cetaphil lotion before I used it, and most said that a little goes a long way.
I've been using only a pea-sized amount (on half of my face only as I am 'experimenting' lol) and that seems to do the trick! Play around with it and find how much you need for your skin to look and feel 'normal'.
Good luck!
And holler if you need help.
I check in the Logs often, but am in the CSR forum most of the time. Questions do get answered quicker in there.

[Sam Witwicky]

Yeah, hence my reason for making a thread in there, as well. Not only did it get me answers to my questions extremely quickly, but it got you to come and check my log out, I see

Your 2 cents is always welcome in here, Brand'.

[Sam Witwicky]

Here's a question: Can this regiment help heal, not-so-deep, scarring? Because I've noticed, just tonight, that a scar on my right cheek, got less noticeable. Wow.

[Sam Witwicky]

Did the regiment last night before bed time. Little bit of burning and I still have a hard time with the moisturizer. I'm really have to go with a small amount from now on. Or else it takes forever to absorb.

Day 3
Woke up this morning, face improving, only one new blemish to report, nothing major. Right underneath my lips, left hand side. Pretty small. Everything else looks great. Including that one scar I was talking about. Seems to be slowly healing (I'm still in shock).

Going to go through the regiment again- will try to finally get the moisturizing thing right, so I don't spend 15 minutes on it! I can't be blamed though, looks like I have to go with only a pump!

[Sam Witwicky]

Alright, just went through my nightly routine. New blemish has dried out, old blemish is almost gone, scar is healing, no new blemishes to report.

One question though: The BP goes in pretty quickly into my skin. I use maybe 2/3 of my index finger. I take my time to spread it so that it absorbs like Dan instructs, but it doesn't take that long. Normal?

[Brandy]

Yezzir,
that's good that the bp soaks right up in your skin! Alot of people complain that it takes forever to get it to absorb, so if it is going on without a hassle, I think that's great! Plus, you are still in the beginning stages so you are using less bp. When you are able to work up to the full 2 squiggly lines worth of N on-the-spot bp, it will likely take a bit longer to get it all absorbed. Just continue to be gentle and take your time. Being gentle is an important component of the CSR.

How is less moisturizer working out for you?

[Sam Witwicky]

^Fantastic. Takes less time to put on and still works effectively. Are you doing the same?

Yeah, I think the time I wait in-between the cleansing and the BP, is the key. In my case, the longer I wait before applying the BP, the better my skin absorbs it. So I wait anywhere between 5-10 minutes.

Always nice to get your insight on things, Brand'. How's everything going on your side? Me;

Day 4
3 days in, and everything's great. I know the antibiotics are starting to kick in and helping to some degree, but the CSR has been doing most of the work, so far. Drying up a couple of blemishes, killing off some blackheads, and rejuvenating my skin. Not to mention, fixing up a scar or two. My only complaint, is the redness. Can't wait until those stages of the regiment come to an end.

[Brandy]

I've noticed the same thing with my skin, in regard to waiting. The more time I wait between washing and applying bp, the easier it absorbs. If my skin or my hands are damp at all, it does take much longer.
I used the Neutrogena on-the-spot for the first year I was on the CSR, and it does tend to begin drying quicker than the CSR gel. The CSR gel is, well, a gel and it stays wet a bit longer (I think anyway). But both products have worked well for me, just an fyi.
Yes, I'm using just a small amount of the Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion (Equate version) and it is working very well for me. My face feels very soft but I have to remember to keep my hands off! lol. No touching!
Redness is part and parcel with the CSR in the beginning and it should improve in time, although ime it is less with Dan's gel than with on-the-spot. So if you ever get a chance to try the gel, you may experience the same. Who knows!?
It sounds like you are doing well. Have a lovely Sunday!

[Sam Witwicky]

^Thanks Brand'.

Day 5
Almost a week now (4 days in, 8 applications) and I've only had 1 or 2 new blemishes pop up, while on the regiment. The ones I had prior to the CSR, have healed significantly, most the blackheads on my nose have vanished, and my face looks and feels better and healthier. Again, can't wait for the redness to stop. I don't get it severely, but I'd like to have none, obviously.

All and all, so far, so good.

[Sam Witwicky]

One new blemish on my chin to report. And 2 little white heads on the left hand side above my lip. These are the side-effects of shaving, for you. Though, I haven't broke up from the shaving, the CSR is helping. Everything else looks great. Come of little hicups, here and there, but overall, content with everything. I will go through the regiment in an hour or so, and we'll see what tomorrow brings.

[Sam Witwicky]

Sorry for not posting updates yesterday, I was pretty busy.

Day 6/Day 7
Blemish on chin and white heads are all gone, however, one new blemish popped up. But, nothing major and nothing else to report. Everything's fine skin-wise.

[Sam Witwicky]

Oh, I forgot to mention, that my face/skin has finally grown accustom to the CSR. No more redness for me.