20 replies to this topic

[TheInsomniac]

So my skin is incredibly sensitive. It doesn't matter how well I take care of my acne/skin because my acne will always become a scar no matter what. This is the result of several years of acne. I'm not sure if this is just simple hyperpigmentation because it does not go away, not even after 4 years. I've tried all kinds of creams and exfoliation but nothing seems to be working. What else can I do?

Also, can someone identify what kind of scarring this is? Keep in mind that the scars are much redder in person than in the pictures.

[mooninja]

try at home chemical peels, i just did a tca... see my gallery pics i posted yesterday ../../..//public/style_emoticons/default/smile.png

[hotburrito]

I really feel for you, OP! My skin scars the same way yours does - I'm also Asian, so our skin is definitely prone to scarring/PIH (you look like you have a few boxcars and icepicks, mostly shallow, and then some severe PIH). On the other hand, I think I heal a bit more quickly - the reason for this might be a variety of factors, but I feel like applying benozyl peroxide with a Q-tip onto my scarred/red areas has helped a great deal because it has bleaching properties. It is also formulated for cuts/wounds and the like, so definitely safe to use on your skin.

Having said that, if your face really hasn't gotten better over four years, I think it's time to see a specialist and discuss laser/chemical options. Many centers do free consultations, so I suggest you take advantage of those. Just be wary because Asian skin IS tricky!

[alwayshope]

Hello Theinsomniac,

Looks like you have mostly PIH. As an asian myself I think PIH is one of the most difficult to treat. It seems like no matter how much time goes by our normal skin regeneration/turn over is too slow. I use a fairly new professional product line that includes a cleanser, brightening cream, glycolic acid and sunscreen. I am always a bit amazed that this product line is not talked about on this web site. One thing I'd like to say is that the one product that really helps me is the glycolic acid. It is fairly strong at 20% but I use it every night at full strength. I wake up every morning with skin that glows and the PIH gradually deminishing. So my suggestion is to speed up the exfoliation process with the right products. Best of luck.

[Ham84]

hotburrito, on 13 December 2011 - 11:04 PM, said:

I really feel for you, OP! My skin scars the same way yours does - I'm also Asian, so our skin is definitely prone to scarring/PIH (you look like you have a few boxcars and icepicks, mostly shallow, and then some severe PIH). On the other hand, I think I heal a bit more quickly - the reason for this might be a variety of factors, but I feel like applying benozyl peroxide with a Q-tip onto my scarred/red areas has helped a great deal because it has bleaching properties. It is also formulated for cuts/wounds and the like, so definitely safe to use on your skin.

Having said that, if your face really hasn't gotten better over four years, I think it's time to see a specialist and discuss laser/chemical options. Many centers do free consultations, so I suggest you take advantage of those. Just be wary because Asian skin IS tricky!

Good post. I agree with you. TheInsomniac has dark red boxcar scars on her temples and cheeks and a few shallow ice pick scars on her cheeks. Possibly rolling scars as well, but it's difficult to see in this lighting.

It is true that scars and hyperpigmentation in asian skin is more difficult to treat than in caucasian skin. Asian skin is so prone of scaring and red marks, so frustrating.

About lasers treatments: my dermatologist said that laser treatments in asian skin can cause new hyperpigmentation, so there's a risk. I actually don't know any asians who underwent laser treatment. I do, however, heard some positive things about chemical peels, even people with darker or asian skin.

But before you decide on treating your scars and hyperpigmentation, maybe it's a good idea to first treat your acne first? You still have active acne on your forehead and a few on your cheeks. Treating scars and hyperpigmentation while still having active acne is usually not recommended.

I'm interested to know your acne history.
- How did your acne happen? Is it hormonal acne?
- What kind of acne did/ do you have: cysts, papules?
- Whenever you had acne, did you pop them?
- Did you ever try and treat your scars in the past?
- How's your diet? You're taking vitamin supplements?
- Where/are you on antibiotics?

Sorry to hear you're dealing with this for over 4 years. So weird after 4 yours your hyperpigmentation is still so red. I understand your pain and frustration, but we're here for you if you need advice.

Edited by Ham84, 14 December 2011 - 09:35 AM.

[TheInsomniac]

Ham84, on 14 December 2011 - 09:18 AM, said:

hotburrito, on 13 December 2011 - 11:04 PM, said:

I really feel for you, OP! My skin scars the same way yours does - I'm also Asian, so our skin is definitely prone to scarring/PIH (you look like you have a few boxcars and icepicks, mostly shallow, and then some severe PIH). On the other hand, I think I heal a bit more quickly - the reason for this might be a variety of factors, but I feel like applying benozyl peroxide with a Q-tip onto my scarred/red areas has helped a great deal because it has bleaching properties. It is also formulated for cuts/wounds and the like, so definitely safe to use on your skin.

Having said that, if your face really hasn't gotten better over four years, I think it's time to see a specialist and discuss laser/chemical options. Many centers do free consultations, so I suggest you take advantage of those. Just be wary because Asian skin IS tricky!

Good post. I agree with you. TheInsomniac has dark red boxcar scars on her temples and cheeks and a few shallow ice pick scars on her cheeks. Possibly rolling scars as well, but it's difficult to see in this lighting.

It is true that scars and hyperpigmentation in asian skin is more difficult to treat than in caucasian skin. Asian skin is so prone of scaring and red marks, so frustrating.

About lasers treatments: my dermatologist said that laser treatments in asian skin can cause new hyperpigmentation, so there's a risk. I actually don't know any asians who underwent laser treatment. I do, however, heard some positive things about chemical peels, even people with darker or asian skin.

But before you decide on treating your scars and hyperpigmentation, maybe it's a good idea to first treat your acne first? You still have active acne on your forehead and a few on your cheeks. Treating scars and hyperpigmentation while still having active acne is usually not recommended.

I'm interested to know your acne history.
- How did your acne happen? Is it hormonal acne?
- What kind of acne did/ do you have: cysts, papules?
- Whenever you had acne, did you pop them?
- Did you ever try and treat your scars in the past?
- How's your diet? You're taking vitamin supplements?
- Where/are you on antibiotics?

Sorry to hear you're dealing with this for over 4 years. So weird after 4 yours your hyperpigmentation is still so red. I understand your pain and frustration, but we're here for you if you need advice.

- How did your acne happen? Is it hormonal acne?
It started out as hormonal. I first got acne around 12 or 13 years old, right during the onset of puberty. But I'm thinking it's also genetic because I'm past puberty now and my dad has pretty bad skin too.
-What kind of acne did/ do you have: cysts, papules?
I'm not completely sure but I think I may have had a mixture of both of them.
- Whenever you had acne, did you pop them?
When I was younger and first started getting acne I did, as I got older i stopped doing it for the most part.
-Did you ever try and treat your scars in the past?
I did. I attempted vitamin E cream, facials and masks, mederma scar cream, Bio-oil, and last year I tried AHA from acne.org but I stopped using it because I thought my skin was starting to get used to it.
-How's your diet? You're taking vitamin supplements?
I'm not taking any vitamins or medication. My diet is probably not the best because I'm a college student right now. I use alot of instant products ( instant pasta sauces and instant soups) and frozen foods, but I mix them with fresh ingredients also. My vegetables and starches almost always tend to be fresh. I rarely (if ever) eat chips, cookies, or candy but I do occasionally eat chocolate (especially now since it's the holidays).I don't eat out often.
-Where/are you on antibiotics?
No, never.

Edited by TheInsomniac, 14 December 2011 - 01:42 PM.

[rugbytackle]

do you go to UNF?

[betsy91]

rugbytackle, on 15 December 2011 - 01:45 PM, said:

do you go to UNF?

wtf lol i would cry if that happened to me

[rugbytackle]

betsy91, on 16 December 2011 - 01:52 PM, said:

rugbytackle, on 15 December 2011 - 01:45 PM, said:

do you go to UNF?

wtf lol i would cry if that happened to me

I mean, if anyone catches me on this site, they're obviously trying to do the same thing as i am (get rid of acne). Not too worried about it, it's not a secret that i have acne or anything. If i was posting emo pics and crying on the site then sure.

[Ham84]

@TheInsomniac: thanks for answering. What are you planning to do for your skin?

Edited by Ham84, 16 December 2011 - 07:01 PM.

[betsy91]

rugbytackle, on 16 December 2011 - 06:12 PM, said:

betsy91, on 16 December 2011 - 01:52 PM, said:

rugbytackle, on 15 December 2011 - 01:45 PM, said:

do you go to UNF?

wtf lol i would cry if that happened to me

I mean, if anyone catches me on this site, they're obviously trying to do the same thing as i am (get rid of acne). Not too worried about it, it's not a secret that i have acne or anything. If i was posting emo pics and crying on the site then sure.

I don't know..... I'd rather not be seen lol plus I've had my break downs on this sight lol

[rugbytackle]

Quote

I don't know..... I'd rather not be seen lol plus I've had my break downs on this sight lol

woops... Well at least you're looking good now! (From what i see in your pic)

To OP: Have you tried derma rolling? I ordered mine a a few days ago, i decided i wanted to do something more physical to my marks rather than depend on endless amounts of creams and dieting. GL

[ILLmatic718]

"luckily" its not real scarring (like pitted). more like post inflamatory hyperpigmentation from inflamed acne. not the type i got, but from my experiance, they tend to have to go away on their own. skin healing topicals may be your best bet.

[TheInsomniac]

betsy91, on 16 December 2011 - 08:27 PM, said:

rugbytackle, on 16 December 2011 - 06:12 PM, said:

betsy91, on 16 December 2011 - 01:52 PM, said:

rugbytackle, on 15 December 2011 - 01:45 PM, said:

do you go to UNF?

wtf lol i would cry if that happened to me

I mean, if anyone catches me on this site, they're obviously trying to do the same thing as i am (get rid of acne). Not too worried about it, it's not a secret that i have acne or anything. If i was posting emo pics and crying on the site then sure.

I don't know..... I'd rather not be seen lol plus I've had my break downs on this sight lol

lol no I don't go to UNF. I guess asians do look similar though!
@ham84: That's why i'm on this site to see if I can get any advice on what to do next. I thought that's why you were asking for my acne history?

[betsy91]

rugbytackle, on 16 December 2011 - 09:33 PM, said:

Quote

I don't know..... I'd rather not be seen lol plus I've had my break downs on this sight lol

woops... Well at least you're looking good now! (From what i see in your pic)

To OP: Have you tried derma rolling? I ordered mine a a few days ago, i decided i wanted to do something more physical to my marks rather than depend on endless amounts of creams and dieting. GL

That is with LOADS of makeup and faraway pic! In person it's so different

[Tyga]

betsy91, on 17 December 2011 - 01:58 PM, said:

That is with LOADS of makeup and faraway pic! In person it's so different

So what you are a girl, and girls are allowed to wear makeup. I am a guy and honestly I'm not trying to wear makeup in public.

[betsy91]

Tyga, on 17 December 2011 - 02:22 PM, said:

betsy91, on 17 December 2011 - 01:58 PM, said:

That is with LOADS of makeup and faraway pic! In person it's so different

So what you are a girl, and girls are allowed to wear makeup. I am a guy and honestly I'm not trying to wear makeup in public.

Yeah but guys don't look much different whether they have acne or not. At least not to me I'm not all woah. With girls I feel like it's different. And I used to be really pretty a few years back with perfect skin and I dated a guy with lots of acne but I never cared. It was nothing to me. If anything when guys have acne scars sometimes its kind of attractive. They look all tough and tough. I dunno I'm just trying to make you feel better.... But it's the truth

[rugbytackle]

betsy91, on 17 December 2011 - 02:57 PM, said:

Tyga, on 17 December 2011 - 02:22 PM, said:

betsy91, on 17 December 2011 - 01:58 PM, said:

That is with LOADS of makeup and faraway pic! In person it's so different

So what you are a girl, and girls are allowed to wear makeup. I am a guy and honestly I'm not trying to wear makeup in public.

Yeah but guys don't look much different whether they have acne or not. At least not to me I'm not all woah. With girls I feel like it's different. And I used to be really pretty a few years back with perfect skin and I dated a guy with lots of acne but I never cared. It was nothing to me. If anything when guys have acne scars sometimes its kind of attractive. They look all tough and tough. I dunno I'm just trying to make you feel better.... But it's the truth

I mean, i have acne but i havent lost any sense of whether or not i look good. I've had a few moments were i'm uneasy but you just gotta remember who and what you are can never change, no matter what's on your face. None of my friends (girls and guys) have acne but if i act like im different from them, then i am. I think im pretty confident in my looks and personality which is why i have the friends i do now. That "used to be pretty" needs to go.

[betsy91]

rugbytackle, on 17 December 2011 - 03:09 PM, said:

betsy91, on 17 December 2011 - 02:57 PM, said:

Tyga, on 17 December 2011 - 02:22 PM, said:

betsy91, on 17 December 2011 - 01:58 PM, said:

That is with LOADS of makeup and faraway pic! In person it's so different

So what you are a girl, and girls are allowed to wear makeup. I am a guy and honestly I'm not trying to wear makeup in public.

Yeah but guys don't look much different whether they have acne or not. At least not to me I'm not all woah. With girls I feel like it's different. And I used to be really pretty a few years back with perfect skin and I dated a guy with lots of acne but I never cared. It was nothing to me. If anything when guys have acne scars sometimes its kind of attractive. They look all tough and tough. I dunno I'm just trying to make you feel better.... But it's the truth

I mean, i have acne but i havent lost any sense of whether or not i look good. I've had a few moments were i'm uneasy but you just gotta remember who and what you are can never change, no matter what's on your face. None of my friends (girls and guys) have acne but if i act like im different from them, then i am. I think im pretty confident in my looks and personality which is why i have the friends i do now. That "used to be pretty" needs to go.

Yeah I know=\ it's just hard for me because I'm majoring in broadcast journalism. I decided this before I had acne. WTF can I do with that degree now that my face is messed up=\ thats why I'm so stuck in the past.... It sucks. Thanks for the kind words lol.

[Daria Morgendorffer]

mooninja, on 13 December 2011 - 04:59 PM, said:

try at home chemical peels, i just did a tca... see my gallery pics i posted yesterday ../../..//public/style_emoticons/default/smile.png

Hey moonninja,

how was your scarring been since doing the tca peel?