9 replies to this topic

[memorandum]

I haven't been to this site in almost two years, not because my skin was perfect, but because I had to stop the obsession. My skin has gotten mildly better, possibly with age (I'm 21), but it hasn't cleared up entirely. I tend to break out about once a month, which I'm assuming is hormonal and all that jazz (I'm female). The main problem now tends to be leftover red marks and slightly damaged skin from being a teenager and trying every acne regimine on the planet. The break outs I do get now also tend to take forever to heal, and the red marks last forever, as if my skin's regeneration has significantly slowed down.

I'm posting because my parents have recently started pressuring me to see a dermatologist again, an avenue of treatment I abandoned long ago because of a lack of results. They seem to think that microdermabrasion may solve my problem, although I know they haven't exactly done their research. I suppose I'm just wondering if anyone else has experienced a similar situation, tried microderm, or found ways to successfully repair skin without causing extensive breakouts? My fear of going to the derm again mostly stems from wanting to avoid my skin going haywire again. I'm at the point where it doesn't bother me in my day-to-day life, or at least it didn't until my parents made it obvious again. (I know they're only doing it out of the good of their hearts!)

Any advice you have would be great. Thanks!

[willow569]

Hi -

A dermatologist or a good esthetician (one trained in treating acne) may be able to help you with the current problems of marks and mild acne breakouts. If you are still getting inflamed breakouts, I would probably avoid the microderm. I think microderm may help with scars and possibly non-inflamed breakouts, but I think it can irritate inflamed acne and make it spread. It always struck me as odd that one of the "golden rules" among skin care professionals was "no harsh scrubbing", yet when microderm came out, everyone started using it.

What is your current skincare regimen? What products have or have not worked for you in the past?

[almost pretty]

i would recommend trying zum lavender soap. the lavender oil is in this soap is great at fading red marks. its only 5.29 at whole foods.

[memorandum]

Hi -

A dermatologist or a good esthetician (one trained in treating acne) may be able to help you with the current problems of marks and mild acne breakouts. If you are still getting inflamed breakouts, I would probably avoid the microderm. I think microderm may help with scars and possibly non-inflamed breakouts, but I think it can irritate inflamed acne and make it spread. It always struck me as odd that one of the "golden rules" among skin care professionals was "no harsh scrubbing", yet when microderm came out, everyone started using it.

What is your current skincare regimen? What products have or have not worked for you in the past?

Thanks for getting back to me.

I'm extremely wary of microderm for those reasons, too. I'm currently using Clinique acne solutions foam cleanser, Clinique #2 toner, and Neutrogena oil-free moisturizer for combination skin. I've somewhat abandoned an ultra-careful regime, mostly because I can't find the energy for it! I've been thinking that part of my problem stems from a lack of exfoliation, perhaps it's something I should integrate once or twice a week? I feel like my skin doesn't get the chance to regenerate itself, because the few break outs I do get take forever to heal.

I've used about every product out there in the past (both OTC and prescription), and honestly, never seen dramatic results with any of them. My skin used to be worse, but the really bad acne has faded away. I was on antibiotics for awhile, then abandoned that. I think I may look into finding a good esthetician and give that a try.

[A-Shizzle]

I've had a series of 12 microderm treatments over the past year and for me it was very successful. Not only did it help even out my skin tone it also took care of some fine lines around my eyes and helped with my 11. I no longer even have it!
I can't say it took care of all of my acne because I have a whole routine I do so I can't say that micro derm splayed a specific role in that.
If you decide to go the microderm route make sure you pick a good recommended/qualified aestitician.

Good Luck!


Oh, and I just read the post above. If you have an actrive pimple(s) the aestitician will not microderm over those but instead go around them. I had very active chin acne the first 6 months and she never did the treatment over them.

[memorandum]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I'm thinking I'm going to book an appointment to see my derm again, but until then I've changed my skin care a bit. I've started exfoliating and using a mask once a week, both from Clinique, but my skin is mildly breaking out. Not badly, just like little red bumps here and there. Is this purging, or a sign this whole thing is a bad idea?

[Camouflage]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I'm thinking I'm going to book an appointment to see my derm again, but until then I've changed my skin care a bit. I've started exfoliating and using a mask once a week, both from Clinique, but my skin is mildly breaking out. Not badly, just like little red bumps here and there. Is this purging, or a sign this whole thing is a bad idea?

Yea, I know how it feels to have your parents make you self-conscious despite having good intentions. I just wish my parents could pay for me to get treatments. You're very lucky you have that option and dont be scared to take advantage of it. Remember, you dont have to do anything if you dont want to, but seeing a doc will at least educate you on what options you have. I think everyone's skin is unique and it always takes some trial and error to figure out what works best for you. Good luck.

[gimnasta]

Hi -

A dermatologist or a good esthetician (one trained in treating acne) may be able to help you with the current problems of marks and mild acne breakouts. If you are still getting inflamed breakouts, I would probably avoid the microderm. I think microderm may help with scars and possibly non-inflamed breakouts, but I think it can irritate inflamed acne and make it spread. It always struck me as odd that one of the "golden rules" among skin care professionals was "no harsh scrubbing", yet when microderm came out, everyone started using it.

What is your current skincare regimen? What products have or have not worked for you in the past?

Thanks for getting back to me.

I'm extremely wary of microderm for those reasons, too. I'm currently using Clinique acne solutions foam cleanser, Clinique #2 toner, and Neutrogena oil-free moisturizer for combination skin. I've somewhat abandoned an ultra-careful regime, mostly because I can't find the energy for it! I've been thinking that part of my problem stems from a lack of exfoliation, perhaps it's something I should integrate once or twice a week? I feel like my skin doesn't get the chance to regenerate itself, because the few break outs I do get take forever to heal.

I've used about every product out there in the past (both OTC and prescription), and honestly, never seen dramatic results with any of them. My skin used to be worse, but the really bad acne has faded away. I was on antibiotics for awhile, then abandoned that. I think I may look into finding a good esthetician and give that a try.

I am a Clinique rep and I would suggest switching out the acne solutions wash for our liquid soap in mild and the #2 for the mild clarifying lotion. #2 clarifying is not good for acne prone skin, but the mild is alcohol free and has a good ph for exfoliation.

As a rep I am not supposed to push the mild at the counter, I am supposed to try and sell the "numbered toners", but I really think the mild is a superior product.

The acne solutions line is being revamped and the wash you are using is being replaced with a formula very similar to the mild liquid soap. The acne solutions cleanser is pretty bad imho, it has the wrong ph for the bha (salycycic acid) to be even remotely effective, and doesn't really clean skin.

But ultimately a dermatologist can be a good idea, make sure you get a good one.

[benne237]

My Derm suggested a series of chemical peels and microderms for my mild/moderate acne. I declined this option, mostly having to do with the price but also becuase I was afraid it would make my skin worse. After I declined, on my next visit my derm suggested accutane, which I start on week ago. Perhaps accutane is a possibility? It is not an easy route to take, but it seems have great results.

[happyskin_2007]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I'm thinking I'm going to book an appointment to see my derm again, but until then I've changed my skin care a bit. I've started exfoliating and using a mask once a week, both from Clinique, but my skin is mildly breaking out. Not badly, just like little red bumps here and there. Is this purging, or a sign this whole thing is a bad idea?

Yea, I know how it feels to have your parents make you self-conscious despite having good intentions. I just wish my parents could pay for me to get treatments. You're very lucky you have that option and dont be scared to take advantage of it. Remember, you dont have to do anything if you dont want to, but seeing a doc will at least educate you on what options you have. I think everyone's skin is unique and it always takes some trial and error to figure out what works best for you. Good luck.

So much info... I have to say that I have spent LOTS of $$ with dermatologists, peels, cleanings, I even tried Accutane ( I did the first treatment but couldn't do the second one... my headaches were very bad.) Anyway, I gave up. I just cleaned my face my CETAPHIL and LOTS of makeup.
UNTIL... I met a friend who sold Mary Kay products. I tried their TimeWise system for Combination to Oily skin and was improving. I was so happy that I began selling the products myself. I still had the occasional break out here and there but I didn't mind - my skin was better.
UNTIL... I met a customer who swore that she needed to use Blemish Control toner every morning and night to keep from breaking out. HEY! That was an idea! I began using the Blemish Control Toner from Mary Kay after I washed my skin in the morning & at night. And once a week I did the Clarifying masks.
I am soooo happy! It worked! As someone else said before - it's all trial and error but never give up! I only found this solution now that I am 35 (I have been suffering with acne since I was 17 - I had cystnic acne for a while, then developed Rosacea... it was hard... Hey, I don't have to go there.)
Just try, OK? Sometimes the simple products... the ones that are over-the-counter & inexpensive get the job done
Good Luck!!
Christine
happyskin_2007@yahoo.com

Current Regimen:
AM
Wash skin with TimeWise 3-in-1 Cleanser for Combination / Oily Skin
Dry skin then clean with Blemish Control Toner
Put on TimeWise Day Solution w/ SPF30
Then follow with TimeWise Anti-aging moisturizer for combination to Oily
Apply foundation

PM
Wash skin with TimeWise 3-in-1 Cleanser for Combination / Oily Skin
Dry skin then clean with Blemish Control Toner
Apply Acne Treatment Gel if necessary
Put on Night Solution
Then follow with TimeWise Anti-aging moisturizer for combination to Oily
Apply foundation

Once per week I use the Mary Kay Micro dermabrasion Kit
Once per week I use the Clarifying Mask