1 reply to this topic

[philliesfan]

Hey everyone, this is my first post on Acne.org but I've been using the regimen for around a month.

I am currently taking minocycline orally and using dan's BP and my acne has really cleared up nicely ...but of course I'm still left with some red marks (maybe 5 or 6 light marks, and 1 healing but extremly stubborn wound/scab)

I've been holding on to Dan's AHA for a little while waiting for the appopriate time to introduce it into my regimen but I'm not sure how/when.

I don't have terrible acne scars but I do have a little redness from previous marks. I'm leaving for Florida in 2 weeks and I'm hoping I can at least get the redness under control by the time I leave.

...Also, I have one REALLY stubborn woundish scab thing from a picked pimple. I have been applying neosporin on it for at least a week and I have to say I'm really not happy with the results. I've had this sort of thing happen to be many times (but I'm done picking), and I really just want it gone so I can continue to progress with my skin. If you have an suggestions I'd appreciate it. (I have a tube of neosporin, A&D ointment and scarzone) I'm not sure if you would call it a scar yet because it seems to be in between wound/scar...its ugly lol

[Cocobo]

I understand your confusion on AHA+, it took a few days of me poking around on the website to figure out exactly what Dan was getting at - his information on it is scattered everywhere. Here is what I have collected:

-Introducing AHA+ into your Regimen is ideal around/after 5 weeks, but can be done as early as 3 weeks in.
-It may be used as a spot treatment, and also helps red marks from old acne to fade.
-It may replace your moisturizer - Dan recommends 2-3 times a week, at night. When doing so, use about a finger's length, give or take.
-Burning after application is completely normal and actually should be expected. It is, however, extremely mild burning when you use the right amount, and is not bothersome in any way in my opinion.
-It is very likely you will have a purging period after starting it, but after you purge it makes your skin look great.
-It helps fight acne.

Now for my experience and advice:
1. For 2 days, apply a little underneath the jaw line in the morning and/or at night to see how your skin reacts.
2. If reaction is good, start spot treatment. With either the morning or night regimen, or both, apply a small amount to active pimples and any red marks you are particularly sensitive about. Use about a dot when its coming out of tube for red marks (just a small squeeze).
3. If reaction is good, start substituting that for nightly moisturizer 1 night a week.
4. If reaction is good after 2 weeks, start substituting that for nightly moisturizer 2-3 nights a week.
5. If needed or desired, you may escalate to nightly if your skin still reacts well after 2 weeks.

When I say skin reacts well, I mean that you don't look extremely red, swollen, etc. I do not mean you get a breakout. The breakout is part of the purging process.

As for your scab thing healing, it's up to your body at this point but you can encourage it. Your immune system and skin turnover rate are what determines that - and you can help your immune system by taking vitamins, exercising, eating right, etc. and you can help your skin turnover rate by using AHA+!