2 replies to this topic

[faiintx]

* please read whole thing *

I have a class trip in March, and I really want to have good skin for that.
Unfortunately, I have a bunch of scars on my face from picking, but I don't really know what exactly they are.

http://i39.tinypic.com/25koeh0.jpg
in between my forehead. (got this in early November)

http://i41.tinypic.com/nlr7u9.jpg
a mark on my nose. it doesn't look too dark in this photo, but in real life, it sometimes appears worse. i do think it is fading though...i don't know.
also, in that same picture, i have small acne scars from scratching off pimples on my forehead...got all of these in early/mid November

it sucks because about 7 months ago, my skin was almost flawless i miss that.

My routine, which I have been following for a month now:
MORNING
- Wash face with Clean & Clear exfoliating scrub
- Use Dial Soap
- Ambi Fade cream for dark spots (everything except for the mark in between my eyebrows)
- Use an aloe-based lotion for healing damaged skin on the mark in between my eyebrows
- Lightly moisturize with Aveeno lotion (my skin isn't really oily, nor is it too dry, so I only need a bit of moisturizer)

AFTERNOON/MIDDAY
- Rinse face with water, sometimes use Dial soap if I went out anywhere
- Apply Aloe Gel lightly all over face (this really makes skin soft)

NIGHTTIME:
- Use Noxema to cleanse pores
- Turmeric facial mask (Turmeric + milk) for 10 minutes; wash off in shower
- Clearasil if I have active pimples; I have mild acne, so I sometimes get small pimples which I NO LONGER PICK! I
- Ambi Fade Cream
- Diluted Apple Cider Vinegar as toner. before I go to sleep.

anyway, i have two main concerns:
1) how long (how many months) will these take to fade?
2) What should i do? I'm going to a dermatologist next week, so is there any specific medications i should ask about (ex. Retin-A)?


Also, I don't wear make-up to cover these up. I feel more uncomfortable with make up on, because I'm always worried about if it's smeared off or not, plus I don't have the time/money to invest in high-quality makeup. I think the time/money would be better spent improving the appearance of my natural skin. I don't really mind having these so long as they're faded by March...that's the goal!

Any help is greatly appreciated!

[nomit]

That completely depends on your body; no one can tell you for sure if they'll be gone by then. I can tell you, however, you're almost guaranteed to see improvement in their appearance by March. Maybe not 100% gone, but significantly less prominent.

If you're up for it, tretinoin (Retin-A) has helped with these pigmentations in some (most) of its users. AHA & BHA might also be worth looking into if you're looking for a cheaper (albeit less effective) alternative. Keep in mind that for either medication you'll need to be patient with your expectations; you won't see results in the first two weeks or anything (though you probably will by March if you start relatively soon).

Edited by nomit, 25 December 2011 - 12:38 AM.

[Endurability]

Marks fade differently for everyone. You should stop using that Dial soap on your face. I'm pretty sure that kind of soap can be very drying to the skin which isn't good.