15 replies to this topic

[smurfo9]

I don't really know if anyone remembers me here, but I used to browse the forums a few years back. I was on the Regimen for some time, but I don't think I really religiously followed it the way I should have, and although it did clear me up somewhat, I ended up quitting the Regimen for one reason or another (probably money related and frustration). But that is the past, and now that I am financially stable, and able to give the regimen another shot, the right way this time (no mixing and matching products, taking it easy with the BP at first).

As far as my skin's history, I believe I started to get mild acne around age 15 (your occasional whiteheads, and blackheads). My skin never severely broke out, it was almost always light breakouts, small enough that I can usually contain them somewhat. I have tried using everything OTC that you can think of, including all of the available BP solutions, SA solutions, cleansers, soaps, lotions, creams, masks, you name it. Nothing ever really worked the way you would hopoe it would. I do remember while on the Regimen the first time that I did get mostly clear, and I think I would have stayed clear if I had the money to continue with it.

So, here I am, 21 years young, and still having the occasional breakouts. Over the past year or so I have been Using a gentle cleanser, along with a Sensitive moisturizer w/SPF in the mornings. I havent used any BP or SA or any acne-fighting products lately, and, although my acne is pretty light-moderate, I still feel down on myself and wish I was clear.

So, to make a long story shorter, I have begun the Regimen. Here is the supplies Im starting with:
-Basis Sensitive skin bar soap
-Neutrogena OTS (very lightly, I don't want to overwhelm my skin as it hasnt seen BP in over a year)
-Neutrogena Oil-Free Mositure SPF15

Im only using the Neutrogena BP until I get some of the gel.

I am very pleased to see that this site has developped so much over the past few years. I remember when Dan was going through everything trying to get the BP solution made, and I am very happy to see that this place is still affecting peoples lives. I hope to share more with you all in the near future, and to offer any advice I may have down the road. For everyone, never give up, there is always HOPE, and, its places like this that can help you to find the "HOPE". Goodnight for now

[Dami4n]

good luck brother
im sure your quite knowledgable now so ill just say:
good luck with your regimen
if you keep it simple it wil work.

[smurfo9]

Thanks

[Brandy]

HI Smurfo!
Your plan sounds good!
Good luck and let us know if you need any help along the way!!

[smurfo9]

Thanks! So far I will say that things are looking Good. I have noticed that I have not had any new breakouts since starting (maybe 3 or 4 whiteheads total), which is a major improvement. And most of my old breakouts have pretty much cleared up.

One thing I have noticed is that the Neutrogena moisturizer kinda irritates my skin, and it makes my skin shine a lot, which isnt necessarily a good thing.

Overall it probably doesnt matter much, as I live in southern california, in the desert, and it has been in the 95+ degree range lately. I work outside, in the sun, doing hard work, so I usually sweat non-stop for probably 5 hours straight mon-fri, so I have to just carry a washcloth around and dab my face as often as possible. It is kind of a hassle with the regimen, as I think as I sweat out so much the BP probably comes off with it, but atleast I have the night to look forward to. Things are still looking good nonetheless.

[Brandy]

sounds like things are going well for you, that's good news!
And yea, just dabbing off that sweat is about all you can do in that situation.

[smurfo9]

Well I have since switched to the Aveeno Ultra-Calming Moisturizer w/spf15, as the Neutrogena has been clumping up with the BP quite a bit, and it stings my face (worse than probably rubbing alcohol would) lol.. I used it last night, and it seems to work well, its not as harsh on my skin as the Neutro either. I will update you guys in a few days to let you know how its working.

[smurfo9]

Just an update for everyone... So far, so good! The Aveeno Moisturizer has helped dramatically, as it doesnt cause any irritation to my face, and it doesnt clump with the BP. I wish it did moisturize more though, but it still works pleasantly. Right now my face is 100% clear, where as before I would get one or two new blemishes daily. I still have a few red marks, but they will fade with time. I do have 2 active spots underneath my chin, but I think that probably has something to do with my razor being too dull, but I got some new blades today.

I dont want to encourage this to anyone, but I have only been using a very small amount of BP during the day during the week. Since I live in such a hot and dry place, I am constantly sweating during the day at work (I work outdoors), and the BP/Moisturizer gets around my eyes too much and causes a lot of irritation all over. So I will make sure to keep everyone updated on how this is working. I do load-up on the BP at night though, and it seems like my face is getting used to this stuff again, which is a good thing.

I hope everyone has a great memorial day tomorrow!

[Brandy]

sounds good Smurfo, you are one of the lucky one's to have early on improvements!
You have a great holiday too!

[smurfo9]

Just wanted to let everyone know that I broke out last night, on both sides of my cheeks. Its not bad, its only like 2 or 3 on each side, but still aggrevating since I had an Interview at work this morning, perfect way to start the day. Whats really weird is that I never have any problems on my cheeks before, maybe its just coincidental. I think these could have been under the skin for awhile, so Im going to stick with the regimen. No big deal really, im not going to let it spoil my day, these will probably clear up in a day or so. My guess is that the cause of these could have been so many things, like irritation from shaving, smashing my face into my pillow at night, touching and feeling how smooth my face has gotten... It probably all is a contributing factor, so I need to work on eliminating my old habits.


Thats all of the news for now, I hope everyone has a great day.

[smurfo9]

Well I had another breakout today. This time I got a few whiteheads on my forehead, and two on my chin/under my mouth. I am thinking this has to have something to do with me using both the aveeno ultra-calming cleanser and lotion. It is either one of those, or it is the neutro on the spot (which I highly doubt).

I honestly think it may be just the aveeno cleanser, because I started using that 3 days ago and something broke me out since then (in places I never get breakouts like my cheeks). I switched back to the basis soap, and I am going to try and keep using the Aveeno moisturizer. The only other moisturizer I have is the Neutrogena stuff, and when I started using it, it really irritated my skin. I really hope this aveeno ultra-calming moisturizer is not the culprit, as my skin loves the texture and the way it works. I have read a few posts about other people developing red bumps all over their face from this stuff, but this hasnt happened to me, so I am hoping that it really is non-comedogenic like the bottle says. If I keep breaking out, Im going to give Aveeno a friendly call...

[smurfo9]

Alright everyone, just giving an update to anyone thats interested. I guess it has been 1 month since I started the regimen again, and I have to say that I am very pleased with it. I have not had any major breakouts in the last 1.5 weeks or so. I do, however get a whitehead here and there maybe every 2 days, but its nothing like before when I would get new ones everyday. My forehead is 100% clear for the past week, and that was my biggest problem area before starting the CSR.

BTW, I am still only using BP at night, and I am up to 2 full fingers for my entire face of the Neutrogena OTS. I hope everyone else is seeing success, and I will update you all later.

[Brandy]

Smurfo,
just popping in to check on your progress!
Sounds very good, keep up the good work there!

[No I'm Amy]

This sounds pretty good. Keep it up!

[smurfo9]

Alright everyone, its been awhile, but I have been sticking with it. I have continued using the Basis Sensitive Skin Bar Soap, along with Dans CSR Gel, and the Aveeno Ultra-Calming moisturizer with spf 15. My skin is clearer and healthier than it ever has been. I havent had a major breakout in ages it seems, and I rarely get any new flare ups at all, its really great!

Also, to those interested in only using BP once a day, it has worked for me. In the morning I wash, then moisturize, no BP applied. In the evening I wash, apply enourmous amount of BP, and thats it. I dont even have to moisturize at Night, as the CSR gel does not dry me up... I dont want to preach that this will work for everyone, I just know that it has worked wonders for me. I hope all of you that might get discouraged about your skin realize that this regimen really does work! You just have to stick with it, and use the products that are tried and true.

Hope everyone has a great day! Any questions at all, just holler...

[Brandy]

Good to see you back Smurfo!
Congrats on the great results! Keep up the good work!!