5 replies to this topic

[allasmomma]

I posted a thread titled "In Need of Advice and Encouragement," but everyone forgot about me. That is mostly because I stopped coming to this site for several months.

As you can see from my before pics I was super depressed. To the point where I didn't want to get out of bed in the morning. I didn't want to look in the mirror anymore. I got so caught up in trying every little wive's tale and secret trick and miracle cure. I was desperate.

I have very dry skin which makes treating my acne more problematic. Strong soaps cause me to turn into the villian "Dandruff Face."

I swallowed my pride and went to the Dr. which was the best decision I made in the long journey to getting my acne under control. She put me on a topical antibiotic and Differin. I'm convinced Differin is what really helped my skin. After two months of:
Morning: wash with Paula's Choice Recovery Cleanser
apply topical antibiotic
Night: wash with Paula's Choice Recovery Cleanser
apply thin layer of Differin, wait 1 hour before going to bed

My acne had definately improved. I went from having pimples all across my forehead and inbetween my hairline & eyes on the side of my face to having only four or five slightly painful pimples. The Dr. said it was good, but we could do better. She put me on an oral antibiotic to kick it up a notch and now I'm clear.

My last menstrual cycle I got one pimple on the side of my face and one pimple on my chin. Two pimples total - AMAZING!

Even though my face was virtually free of zits, I still had/have these red marks. I have always been leery of sunscreens, because I thought they caused me to break out. My Dr. kept stressing the importance of using it and finally I went with her advice and bought some Neutregenia 30 SPF face sunscreen. The VERY first day I used it, I noticed that night my red marks were faded. Now it has been over a week and I cannot believe how clear my skin is. I finally see the person I knew and loved!

I wish the same for everyone here. I hope this offers someone the advice and encouragement they need.

My Regiman:

Morning: Wash with Paula's Choice Recovery Cleanser
Apply topical antibiotic

Lunch time: Take oral antibiotic

Evening: Wash with Paula's Choice Recovery Cleanser
Apply thin layer of Differin, wait 1 hour before bed

Here's the pics. The first two are before (March 07), the third one is after (June 07).

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[maddy001]

The problem with antibiotics is that you have to take them indefintely otherwise acne will always come back. I know that because I took doxy on and off for 5 years and became dependant on it. When resistance finally kicked it, everything just went out of control and left me feeling depressed since I had perfect complexion for 5 years! Nevertheless, its good that its working for you just like it used to do for me. I also never regretted taking doxy on and off for 5 years because it gave me the luxury of having perfect skin which many around here will be willing to do as well.

[eve12]

You look fabulous! Congrats... which Neutrogena sunblock are you using?

[Wynne]

Congratulations on your clear skin! You look marvelous.

[Sound*of*Silence]

You must be thrilled!...Congratulations!..Wonderful improvement!

[allasmomma]

Thank you everyone!

I am thrilled about my face, but scared that any day now I will wake up and realize it was just a dream.

I don't care if I have to take antibiotics for the rest of my life, I don't even care about the belly aches that come with them. I'd do just about ANYTHING for clear skin, like I'm sure anyone who suffers would.

Here's the exact sunblock I've been using:

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