4 replies to this topic

[wilddd]

Alright, let's start with the background: I am a 23 year old male. I had mostly "mild" acne in high school, I'd say it was about average for teenage boy. Around 20 years old it got worse- cysts, more breakouts. I'd say its definitely "moderate" now, nothing that will scar but annoyingly persistent. A couple years ago I found this site and tried "the regimen" for a few weeks but gave up mostly because of laziness. Lately I've been getting frustrated that I haven't grown out of my acne yet at age 23 (which I have now learned, from this site, is more common than I thought). So a couple months ago I browsed here again, tried the regimen again and gave up after 4 weeks, due to frustration of what you guys call the "initial breakout" and redness. Looking back, I think I gave up too soon, as well as rushed through the steps and not being gentle enough. Also, I occasionally fall back into my WORST habit concerning acne- picking/popping my zits! I do this always out of frustration that IT JUST WON"T GO AWAY! Ok... So I'm starting this log to hopefully get motivation to stick with it through the breakouts, be patient and gentle, break bad habits, and finally get clear!
So here are some pictures of my most annoying spots, to keep track of my progress-
Some jaw action- [attachmentid=6846] forehead annoyances- [attachmentid=6847]
This guy came outta nowhere today, just in time for work! [attachmentid=6845].
Ok, products: Alot people here say the Purpose Bar is too drying, but it doesn't affect me too much, plus I use the lather for shaving and I is the least irritating thing I've found for that purpose. So thats what I'm washing with. I'm starting with the Neutrogena On The Spot cream but will probably order the gel if its as good as everyone says it is. I hated the redness when I tried the regimen the last time, so I'm gonna build up REAL SLOWLY this time. Once again, I'm trying patience this time. Tonight (day 1), I only used this much- [attachmentid=6848] . For moisture I'm using the Cetaphil with spf.
Ok, thats it. See ya in a few days.

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[Brandy]

Hi,
I just wanted to wish you good luck!
Your choice of products looks good! If you have any trouble, gimme a holler.

[ami24]

Hi, just wanted to wish you good luck!

i'm on day 43 myself. patience is key, changing pillowcases is important, and MOST IMPORTANT is KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF OF YOUR FACE! seriously i've learned this the hard way and now i never touch my face except when doing the regimen. if i have an itch (and it happens) i use a tissue to gently blot the area that itches.

take care, update often

[wilddd]

Thanks for the encouragement guys.

Day 4 updates:

Active spots linger on, but are smaller. Maybe a couple new ones, not too noticeable

LOTS OF REDNESS, ALREADY! I'm still only using that small amount of BP (shown in picture in 1st post) morning and night and I'm already noticeably redder. So whats up with that?

Its HARD not to touch my face! But I haven't broken down yet. I went to the movies last night (to see Casino Royale, which by the way kicked ass) (I'm a dork), and it seemed like my face was just a magnet for my hands! Every 5 seconds I would start to rest my chin on my hand!

You know what helps? Not looking in the mirror. I used to check the mirror obsessively. I'm trying not to, and it really helps keep my mind off my skin and on better things!

So... there it is

[wilddd]

Day 5: Redness, wtf

Seriously, its friggin winter-time in upstate NY and I look like I'm sunburnt? Skipping the BP in the morning for today and possibly tomorrow to see if redness decreases a little; Will start to "re-build" BP even slower if I get a handle on this redness. ALSO, is the Cetaphil w/ spf moisturizer contributing to the redness? It seems to, maybe its in my head though...

No serious breakouts yet. A couple whiteheads. Last night I had a few belts of whiskey, which usually gives me a mild breakout or under the skin zit the next morning, but not this time- hooray (other the liquor, diet does not seem to affect my acne. Its strange, beer or wine never make me breakout, but liquor sometimes does).

Alrighty