7 replies to this topic

[chromeo]

(I also posted this in the laser section.)
Hey everyone, been quite some time since my last post.

I'll jump right in. My problems are an insane amount of sebaceous filaments/pores/blackheads on my nose, upper cheeks, and chin areas, non-inflammatory acne on my forehead, oily/dry combination skin, and frequent face peeling. I currently am not using many products, only Cerave face wash and moisturizer.

Now I have used a TON of products over the years and have found no results due to either the product itself, or lack of consistency. So I decided that I am just so fed up and decided to pursue the best possible looking skin. Just saw a dermatologist yesterday who recommend a simple regimen with glycolic acid, retin A, including the normal face wash, moisturizing and sunscreen. She also wants me to undergo the PPx laser treatment which she claims rids the bacteria from your pores while shrinking them over time. Of course that sounded absolutely fantastic as having the ridiculous amount of pores and gunk inside them makes me self conscious.

I have scheduled an appointment next week and have yet to pay. Any thoughts, comments, or experiences on the specific laser or in general? I am being cautious as and am not fully fledged with going through the treatment just yet. She seemed liked a genuine dermatologist who was thoughtful, knowledgeable, and considerate as she understood money isn't exactly flowing out of my pockets. She mentioned I would probably only 4 PPx treatments at max and then to just continue this regimen she wrote out for me.

ANy help would be most greatly appreciated. If you guys do have any other cost effective method of getting rid of these blackheads/ filaments/ enlarged pores which covers my entire nose and cheek, PLEASE do list a method known to work. Hoping for the best!

[CollectedSoul]

Wow your skin sounds like mine sebaceous filaments/pores/blackheads on my nose, upper cheeks, and chin areas, non-inflammatory acne on my forehead.I have enlarged and scared pores on upper cheeks and chin.I just got a facial and ask the esthetician about my enlarged pores and blackheads.Well she said i pretty much stuck with them that way.I try to keep my pores as clean as i can but damnit their still large.As far as lasers go i have had 3 vbeam treatments and it supposed to help with hyperpigmentation(pih) and supposed to kill the bacteria that causes acne.Well it did really help me with the hyperpigmentation(pih) but i still get some mild acne(think it more to do with clog pores not bacteria).I have also gotten 3 microdermabrasion treatments so far(got a package of 6)not helping with shrinking enlarged and scared pores but makes my skin texture better.I was put on retin a from my dermatologist to use for my acne scars and enlarged pores used for a year didn't do anything for my skin.If it's just blackheads and enlarged pores i won't do the ppx laser treatments.I have spent $900 on the vbeam laser treatments alone and i'm not rich by any means.It did help alot with my hyperpigmentation just not with enlarged pores or scars.I don't know what to tell you that would help maybe try some peels and get a facial every month.The facial won't help with enlarged pores but the esthetician can clean them out and your face will look better.Best of luck to you

[chunkylard]

Best treatment for blackheads hands down is Biore Pore Strips which is a more mechanical approach that's less likely to do harm to your skin. Instead of trying to wash away your blackheads, the pore strips pull them out.

[chromeo]

Hey there collected and chunkylard (lol). Collected you mentioned a facial which I cant exactly afford regularly...(and I'm probably going to cancel the laser unless I find out benefits otherwise). Is there a simple home facial remedy/ peel I can conjure up?

And chunkylard, I used Biore pore strips a few times ages ago and while they only removed a portion of the pores, those pores filled back up in a matter of time. So I guess the more important question is once the pore is cleared, how to maintain and prevent from re-clogging?

Keep the comments coming! <3 I need all the help I can get, so tired of my face.

Oh, and does anyone have any comments regarding the PPx laser treatment?

[CollectedSoul]

chromeo, on 16 December 2011 - 01:26 PM, said:

Hey there collected and chunkylard (lol). Collected you mentioned a facial which I cant exactly afford regularly...(and I'm probably going to cancel the laser unless I find out benefits otherwise). Is there a simple home facial remedy/ peel I can conjure up?

And chunkylard, I used Biore pore strips a few times ages ago and while they only removed a portion of the pores, those pores filled back up in a matter of time. So I guess the more important question is once the pore is cleared, how to maintain and prevent from re-clogging?

Keep the comments coming! <3 I need all the help I can get, so tired of my face.

Oh, and does anyone have any comments regarding the PPx laser treatment?

I get my facials done at a cosmetology school,you could search for ones in your area.They are far cheaper than spas or salons.At home i like to a clay mask twice a week.You could try streaming your face first with a hot towel or even after you get out of the shower,this will help open the pores now apply the mask rince the mask off finish with a little cold water this will help close the pores.As far peels you could do them at home,i never have but know people who do.http://makeupartistschoice.com/ is a good place to get at home peels.Hope this helps

Edited by CollectedSoul, 16 December 2011 - 02:35 PM.

[LiveLaughFart]

i also use the pore strips and they do get rid of the blackheads and gunk in my pores very well.

[CollectedSoul]

i could never get those darn pore strips to work right and their pricey also.Any tips?

Edited by CollectedSoul, 16 December 2011 - 04:54 PM.

[californiaEstie]

I think what your dermatologist recommended is perfect. You don't need to do anything more than that. Even the laser may not be necessary if the glycolic acid and retinoid work well enough. Pore strips will enlarge your pores over time and the next day your pores are "full" again. Using chemical acids and agents will highly diminish the visibility of your pores and help to clear them out a bit.