119 replies to this topic

[hopeful87.]

Hi...

I recently had a bad break out (never had one like this before). I was prescribed doxycycline, yaz, duac and differin to help treat it. I'm still on this regimen (2 months in). However, I don't think the differin is doing much as far as helping the post inflammatory marks go away. I have scheduled a visit with my primary care physician to see if I can get a referral to see a dermatologist or if she can prescribe me something to help clear up my marks. I do have indentations in my skin ...

My questions are...

If my marks are similar to yours, what did your doctor prescribe you?
Will retin a do a better job to help my marks/scars than differin would?
Do you think at home microdermabrasion will help my indented scars over time?
Can anyone recommend a good brand for home microdermabrasion?

Those are the only questions I can think of at this time... I would appreciate any help or advice. I feel like this is going to be a long journey, but I'm willing to ride it out if it'll help me get healthy skin again.

As embarrassing as it is, I've attached pictures below...

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[almost pretty]

hi,
sorry you are dealing with this! aha/glycolic acid is good at treating red marks. aqua glycolic and alpha hydrox are supposed to be pretty good drug store products. a good rx product for the marks is finacea.

[hopeful87.]

Thank you so much. I'm getting good coverage with make up but I'm not really leaving my house unless it's for work. I can't wait to have my life back. I know I shouldn't let this get to me... but going from clear to this and suddenly left me with a whole lot to deal with emotionally. Have you heard of retin a micro doing any good? I just want to be clear by the end of this year... or at least within half this year if possible

[Idolator]

I know exactly how you feel, I've had red marks similar to that, but over the past two months I've been able to get them atleast 50%-60% better than what they were. Most of mine are completely faded now or on the verge of being faded 100%. I had them covering my entire cheeks and temples, and a tiny amount on my forehead and chin.

Here's what I've been doing:

I bought Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar and apply it to my face two times a day with a cotton ball. I started out doing a mixture of 50% ACV and 50% water, but later bumped up to 100% ACV after a month. I can honestly say that 100% ACV has improved my skin much more quickly than 50% did, it's astonishing results.

After applying Apple Cider Vinegar, I apply Cetaphil moisturizer to my face. Depending on how fresh your red marks are, you can also apply globs of moisturizer to your red mark, over and over and over, throughout the day. Because for whatever odd reason, that seems to help in getting rid of fresh red marks. It worked for me, so give it a shot.

I've also been taking several vitamins/supplements; Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Fish Oil, and an Apple Cider Vinegar tablet.

I try to drinks TONS of water throughout the day too.

Make sure when washing your face, don't use a harsh cleanser or soap, use something like a Skin Sensitive Bar, you can get them at Target.

Last week I also got a Red Light Therapy device for $50 on eBay, and it's working pretty well so far. I use it 3 times a day on 12 different places on my face, so it takes me 36 minutes a day to do.

Stay FAR AWAY from anything that has benzyol peroxide in it. Because while it does help with acne incredibly, it will only make your red marks worse and delay the healing process of them. I believe that benzoyl peroxide could have actually been responsible for some of the hideous red marks I currently have. Although the DKR Regimen actually made my face 100% clear of acne, I stopped doing it because I'd rather get rid of these damn red marks than prevent a couple of pimples from coming in.

I tried Retin-A too, and it only made me face look WAY WORSE than it was.

So, those are all of the things I've been doing, and something within all of that seems to be helping my red marks and the little bit of acne I still do get.

Good luck!

Edited by Symmetry, 19 January 2011 - 06:39 PM.

[Lvl2]

Once upon a time Differin used to come in a liquid that you could rub on. It worked like a charm, sadly their newer products don't seem as effective. It was even exfoliating to the skin, helping get rid of the discoloration. I use Retina-A but it doesn't help nearly as much. Lately I have been using Ole Henriksen Truth Serum (every night) and Sheer Transformation (every other night) and a moisturizer on top. It seems more effective since it doesn't dry me out as much!

[Lvl2]

P.S. The closest thing I have found to real microdermabrasion is dr. brandt microdermabrasion exfoliating cream. The texture is very similar and it really works. Big but though: If your skin is irritated, wait until it's calmed down before using it. Otherwise it can cause scaring. Also NEVER EVER scrub or exfoliate when using retinoids (ex: Differin) You could damage your skin. Go to a professional.

Edited by Lvl2, 19 January 2011 - 06:43 PM.

[KHRESHEH]

I do have the same red marks as you and it's depressing me though...
But what you think about using HYDROQUINONE 2.0% and SALICYLIC ACID 1.5% daily like SUPERFADE cream ?
Could it be effective to fade red marks?

[hopeful87.]

Symmetry - Thank you so much for the detailed response! I'm going to buy ACV the second I get a chance. Do you think I can find it at CVS? I might try Ralphs or Vons if not. I drink or try to drink 2 gallons of water a day... maybe around 3 to 4 bottles of water. Does the red light therapy actually work? How long have you been using it? I'm using DUAC which is a combination of benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin. But only as a spot treatment now. I've heard people have been very successful with Retin-A. I'm scared if I do get prescribed that for my red marks/scars that it'll give me another 'initial breakout'... what do you think could happen?

Lvl2 - Oh my God I wishhh they still had that around! Differin suits my skin so well! I went from using Differin .1 gel and adjusted to it so well over a period of 3-4 weeks that I requested my doctor to bump me up to Differin .3 gel. I love it. I just don't know if it'll do anything for my red marks over time... It has been said that it helps turnover cells faster? Hopefully it somehow targets red marks while doing that? Also one thing worries me. I'm using Differin... but also washing with clean and clear gentle exfoliating scrub... Do you think it could do a lot of damage? I won't be seeing my doctor for another week! Should I stop? And how long do you think I should wait until I start the home microdermabrasion? I have veryyyy shallow scarring and I'd like to get smoother skin and fill in any indented scars while they're still fresh. Technically, I've been acne free on this regimen for the past week. I only have 1 active acne so far (knocks on wood). Should I wait a few weeks? Maybe I'll ask my doctor about that as well. Has this home microdermabrasion helped you with scars (if you had any). Thank you

KHRESHEH - I feel exactly the same way... I've never been depressed over my face. I'm not sure how effective it'll be given the low percentage of the HQ cream. Maybe, since my scars are so bad I'll get prescribed HQ 4%... I am using a salicylic acid wash and toner daily. It's part of Clinique's Acne Solutions skin care system. Maybe that'll help me out a bit? My toner has 1.5% Salicylic Acid in it. It stings but I'm hoping it'll help. I use the toner after my wash and then apply Differin. Hopefully this combo will help me achieve better results? I'll ask my doctor about the HQ cream and see what she says! Thanks!

[Idolator]

Symmetry - Thank you so much for the detailed response! I'm going to buy ACV the second I get a chance. Do you think I can find it at CVS? I might try Ralphs or Vons if not. I drink or try to drink 2 gallons of water a day... maybe around 3 to 4 bottles of water. Does the red light therapy actually work? How long have you been using it? I'm using DUAC which is a combination of benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin. But only as a spot treatment now. I've heard people have been very successful with Retin-A. I'm scared if I do get prescribed that for my red marks/scars that it'll give me another 'initial breakout'... what do you think could happen?

No problem!

I bought my ACV at GNC, is CVS a drug-type store? If so, they should definitely carry it.

You're definitely drinking more than enough water, that's just about the amount I try to drink too.

Today is my fourth day using the red light therapy device, and it seems to be working so far. People usually see results after a week or so.

No to pressure you or anything, but I'd highly recommend that you quit using DUAC since it includes benzoyl peroxide and that will only worsen your red marks. :/

[hopeful87.]

Symmetry - Yea CVS is a local drug store/pharmacy here in LA. I'll see if they have it, if not I'm sure I can just stop by GNC and grab one there I'm not applying duac on my entire face anymore thankfully. I did notice that after my wash and s.a. toner, I would apply duac and see my red marks get brighter in color. Now I just use duac as a spot treatment for active acne. I only have 1 to 2 lesions I'm currently dealing with. I'm really interested in anything that'll help my skin heal faster so I'm giong to ook into the Red Light Therapy. Have you seen your red marks fading? Are you taking any before and after pictures to document your progress? I'd love to see if you have any!

[californiaEstie]

Hey there,
Clean & Clear exfoliating scrub is probably way too harsh for you. And if your skin gets too irritated your marks will look darker longer! You should ideally be using a gentle non medicated cleanser and moisturizer. The prescriptions are doing the work- if you use stuff like Clean & Clear your face is going to revolt. Too much product you know? I use Differin and it didn't start really clearing the red marks till month 3 or so, so be patient. But when it starts it really works! Same thing for the S.A. toner and wash. At this point you are very early in your treatment and I really think that is probably disrupting things. I would honestly stop using those too. You'd be surprised how well your skin will react when you use gentler, simpler products. I know I was shocked. Give it some thought...

[Idolator]

Symmetry - Yea CVS is a local drug store/pharmacy here in LA. I'll see if they have it, if not I'm sure I can just stop by GNC and grab one there I'm not applying duac on my entire face anymore thankfully. I did notice that after my wash and s.a. toner, I would apply duac and see my red marks get brighter in color. Now I just use duac as a spot treatment for active acne. I only have 1 to 2 lesions I'm currently dealing with. I'm really interested in anything that'll help my skin heal faster so I'm giong to ook into the Red Light Therapy. Have you seen your red marks fading? Are you taking any before and after pictures to document your progress? I'd love to see if you have any!

Oh ok, using it as a spot treatment seems fine then. I should probably be doing the same myself, but I'm kind of scared of benzoyl peroxide now, so I doubt I'll ever be able to get myself to do that.

Yeah, my red marks have been fading A LOT the past few days, I'm not sure if it's because of the red light therapy device, or what, but it's astonishing. I finally feel like I can almost live my life after all these years, and it's just insane...

Unfortunately, I don't have any before pictures that really show how awful my red marks were (As most of them are distant pictures on purpose). However, my friends and I often record each other on my video camera, and I know I've seen some GROSS close-up's of my face on the footage, they were taken before I started doing all of these things to heal my red marks. So perhaps after my face is fully cleared I could take some screen captures of the videos to show what I looked like before and then show my current status too.

[KHowz]

Symmetry - Yea CVS is a local drug store/pharmacy here in LA. I'll see if they have it, if not I'm sure I can just stop by GNC and grab one there I'm not applying duac on my entire face anymore thankfully. I did notice that after my wash and s.a. toner, I would apply duac and see my red marks get brighter in color. Now I just use duac as a spot treatment for active acne. I only have 1 to 2 lesions I'm currently dealing with. I'm really interested in anything that'll help my skin heal faster so I'm giong to ook into the Red Light Therapy. Have you seen your red marks fading? Are you taking any before and after pictures to document your progress? I'd love to see if you have any!

Oh ok, using it as a spot treatment seems fine then. I should probably be doing the same myself, but I'm kind of scared of benzoyl peroxide now, so I doubt I'll ever be able to get myself to do that.

Yeah, my red marks have been fading A LOT the past few days, I'm not sure if it's because of the red light therapy device, or what, but it's astonishing. I finally feel like I can almost live my life after all these years, and it's just insane...

Unfortunately, I don't have any before pictures that really show how awful my red marks were (As most of them are distant pictures on purpose). However, my friends and I often record each other on my video camera, and I know I've seen some GROSS close-up's of my face on the footage, they were taken before I started doing all of these things to heal my red marks. So perhaps after my face is fully cleared I could take some screen captures of the videos to show what I looked like before and then show my current status too.

not sure if you have the cash but if so IPL would work well for those red marks. the medical spa where i go charges by area or for the entire face but if you are only getting your forehead done it shouldnt cost more than $200 a session. it will probably take at least 3-4 sessions to see major results but it really worked for me. i had chemical peels too and they faded the scars some but not nearly as fast as the IPL. you can get it done every 3 weeks too.

Edited by Karen Howz, 20 January 2011 - 01:57 PM.

[almost pretty]

hopeful,
why dont you list your complete regimen. i agree with the poster that said that a scrub is too harsh for you. it seems that you might be on overkill with products which is only going to make your situation worse.

[hopeful87.]

bek_cogent - You're right. And my coworkers warned me as well. Unfortunately, they can't see the severeity of the red marks because makeup is doing well covering my face. But they told me not to even start exfoliating until my skin has healed enough to be able to handle a gentle exfoliator. As for the S.A. wash/toner. I've been using that since my initial breakout. I'm not sure if that is what has helped to diminish the breakout. It is pretty strong stuff. I'm not sure what percentage of s.a. is in the wash but the toner has 1.5% s.a. I like the toner a lot because it helps clear out any dirt that the wash was unable to do so. I'm going to have to find a gentler toner if that is the case. Maybe ACV that Symmetry recommended? By the way, I love the way differin feels on my skin. Thankfully my skin is no longer bumpy. I have 2 active acne at this point and hopefully duac will get rid of them in the next few days. I just hope differin continues to work. I am using the highest percentage offered by the brand (.3%).

Symmetry - I'm so happy your red marks are fading! It must feel great to see such improvement! I can't wait to be in your shoes. I know this kind of stuff takes time and I can't hope for a miracle. And yes I'd love to see pictures when you get the opportunity to put any up!

Karen Howz - I've looked into IPL (did some research online). It looks like such a good option for me! To be honest, I don't care about the money. As long as I can get my skin to the point where I don't have to cake on make up... I'll deal with the rest as time goes by. Do you know if IPL can ever go wrong? My skin is pretty sensitive at this point. Do you think it'll be a good idea to put it through laser therapy? I was getting laser hair removal done (wanted it on my face too so I couldn't have to go for a wax or thread on my own). I had to stop that when my breakout occurred. I initially thought the laser caused my breakout but I highly doubt it... as lasers technically kill bacteria. I still have some skepticism... do you think IPL can cause a breakout? I'm just so happy I got my skin to the point where it's not exploding anymore, I don't want to risk another flare up.

[hopeful87.]

Almost Pretty - I agree! Maybe my daily regimen will give people more insight on what I'm doing right and what I'm doing wrong lol

Morning
Clinique Acne Solutions S.A. Wash
Clinique Acne Solutions S.A. Toner (1.5%)
Differin .3
Clinique's Mositurizer gel
Clinique Acne Solutions foundation
Doxycycline (100mg)

Off to work

Afternoon
Yaz

Evening
Wash with Clean and Clear gentle exfoliator
Clinique Acne Solutions S.A. Toner (1.5%)
Differin .3
Duac spot treatment (clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide combo)
Doxycycline

Note: I have a doctor's visit on Feb 1st. I'm hoping I'll get a referreral to see a dermatologist. I might purchase Cetaphil gentle cleanser and use that AM/PM until my skin is healthy enough to handle a good exfoliator. I'm really interested in home microdermabrasion to help get my skin to be even again. I have pitted scars and some of them I've noticed are filling in slowly. However I'm really intrigued by the dermaroller! It looks so promising! I might buy one for my mom as well (she has perfect skin/perfect complexion) But I'm sure she'll enjoy the extra collegen boost with her retinol regimen. Do any of you have insight on the dermaroller? When do you think is the best time to begin using it? I want to steer away from it for another few months because my skin is still so very sensitive from the breakout. My face broke out early November. And cleared up from active acne by the end of December. And now I have red marks left following this month January. So it hasn't been long at all... I'm so very thankful for this site. Everyone is so supportive and helpful. Thank you again for all the input! I look forward to hearing from you!

[KHowz]

Karen Howz - I've looked into IPL (did some research online). It looks like such a good option for me! To be honest, I don't care about the money. As long as I can get my skin to the point where I don't have to cake on make up... I'll deal with the rest as time goes by. Do you know if IPL can ever go wrong? My skin is pretty sensitive at this point. Do you think it'll be a good idea to put it through laser therapy? I was getting laser hair removal done (wanted it on my face too so I couldn't have to go for a wax or thread on my own). I had to stop that when my breakout occurred. I initially thought the laser caused my breakout but I highly doubt it... as lasers technically kill bacteria. I still have some skepticism... do you think IPL can cause a breakout? I'm just so happy I got my skin to the point where it's not exploding anymore, I don't want to risk another flare up.

yeah the IPL really really works. if it wasnt for IPL my face would have so many scars on it and the best part is that if i have any active acne on my face and they zap it, it goes away alot faster so its a win/win. i never had a breakout after getting it done and if anything it makes my face so much better. i have really sensitive skin and the only side effect i ever got from it was some swelling but that just happened once. it really has help save my skin. i never heard much about ipl going wrong but make sure you go to a medical spa or a doctor's office to get it done and do your research first.

[Wicketts16]

You need sunblock, your makeup isn't doing you justice, I'm sure. I used to think I didn't need to wear sunblock, because I was only outside when I was driving to work. But then I noticed that the left side of my face was redder then the right, because that was the side still getting sun from the window, YOU DO NEED SUNBLOCK. Also try taking vitamin C, and doing the baby brush method every other night. After you finish the baby brush method try to find a good balm type moisturizer. I use Nivea for men revitalizing after shave, because it has CO-Q10, and vitamin E, for after the Baby brush method, that product definitly doesn't break me out either. I'm sure you can find something like that product for girls.

[almost pretty]

Almost Pretty - I agree! Maybe my daily regimen will give people more insight on what I'm doing right and what I'm doing wrong lol

Morning
Clinique Acne Solutions S.A. Wash
Clinique Acne Solutions S.A. Toner (1.5%)
Differin .3
Clinique's Mositurizer gel
Clinique Acne Solutions foundation
Doxycycline (100mg)

Off to work

Afternoon
Yaz

Evening
Wash with Clean and Clear gentle exfoliator
Clinique Acne Solutions S.A. Toner (1.5%)
Differin .3
Duac spot treatment (clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide combo)
Doxycycline

Note: I have a doctor's visit on Feb 1st. I'm hoping I'll get a referreral to see a dermatologist. I might purchase Cetaphil gentle cleanser and use that AM/PM until my skin is healthy enough to handle a good exfoliator. I'm really interested in home microdermabrasion to help get my skin to be even again. I have pitted scars and some of them I've noticed are filling in slowly. However I'm really intrigued by the dermaroller! It looks so promising! I might buy one for my mom as well (she has perfect skin/perfect complexion) But I'm sure she'll enjoy the extra collegen boost with her retinol regimen. Do any of you have insight on the dermaroller? When do you think is the best time to begin using it? I want to steer away from it for another few months because my skin is still so very sensitive from the breakout. My face broke out early November. And cleared up from active acne by the end of December. And now I have red marks left following this month January. So it hasn't been long at all... I'm so very thankful for this site. Everyone is so supportive and helpful. Thank you again for all the input! I look forward to hearing from you!

i would lose the s.a wash and the scrub and just use a gentle non medicated cleanser. my personal fav is boscia purifying cleansing gel-sold at ulta/sephora. if you want a drug store cleanser, i liked purpose and eucerin gentle baby wash. i didnt care for the cetaphil cleanser. aha is better for marks than s.a. so i would replace the s.a. toner with something that has aha in it. between the aha and the differin, that should be enough exfoliation. i would steer clear of using any manual exfoliators right now including microdermabrasion.

[hopeful87.]

Karen Howz- Thanks so much for your input! I'm definitely going to look into IPL. I feel like Differin .3 is helping my red marks but VERY slowly. Maybe IPL will help speed up that process. I'm sure I would have to stop using the retinoid a week before and after the procedure. I'll ask a derm. as soon as I get a referral from my GP. I would like to be clear by June... or July. Do you think that's asking for too much? I want to start exfoliating once my skin isn't as... raw? So I can at least get rid of the pitted scars that way.

Wicketts16 - I don't use sunblock at all. And I'm the same as you. I do not get any sun whatsoever. I have an office job so for 9 hours of the day I'm indoors. I leave my house when it's dark out and get home when it's dark. But I will try to find a moisturizer with an SPF in it anyway. By the way, I've heard of the baby brush method. When do you think would be the best time to start it? And what type of wash do you think is best to use it with? How long should I do it for and how often would you recommend me doing it without causing any damage? Do you think it helps with indented or pitted scars? I have minor indented scars and I know by exfoliation or even dermarolling I'll get that repaired but I just don't know what the best way to do that is. I definitely don't want to cause anymore damage.

Almostpretty - Thanks so much for the advice! What type of aha toner would you recommend me to use? I love the s.a. toner so much but if it might do more harm then i definitely want to get rid of it. How long do you think I should steer away from exfoliating or using microdermabrasion? Currently I have 1 inflamed lesion. The rest are scars/pigmentation/red marks. When do you think it's best to start exfoliating my skin? Also... do you think differin .3 gel will help with the marks/scars? It has definitely calmed my acne down... but I'm uncertain if it'll do any good with my marks.