http://www.acne.org/messageboard/index.php?automodule=blog Community Blog List Syndication Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:53:39 -0600 webmaster@acne.org (Acne.org Message Boards) IP.Blog 60
I have recently made a switch to my morning regimen (which I am doing everyday)-- wash my face in the shower using Dan's Cleanser, then shave at the sink with Aveeno shaving cream (the non-comedogenic one). Then I follow-up with a pump and a half of the Eucerin SPF daily moisturizer Dan recommends, mixed with 4-5 drops of jojoba oil and a 1/2 pump of Dan's moisturizer all mixed in my palm and then applied. The Eucerin on its own with just a little jojoba does not soak into my skin too well (leaves it looking white), but I think using a little less and incorporating Dan's moisturizer helps it to soak in.

Most of the time in the evenings I have been skipping washing my face. About once or twice a week I do Dan's regimen with his products as I have most previously posted.

I am still enjoying my shaves using the Trac II/Bump Fighter handle combo. I was going to consider trying a DE razor again, and I had one loaded with a fresh blade and chickened out. The first time back with a DE I usually scrape myself, or nick myself, and I did not want to do that if my current setup is working fine for me. I have been incorporating shaving cream because it is a more comfortable shave than just using Dan's soap. It also is not as close of a shave using shaving cream, but for me this is a good thing because it helps prevent ingrowns for me. One of my wishes is for Dan from Acne.org, and the guy from NancyBoy.com (Eric) to get together and make an awesome non-comedogenic shaving cream. Nancy Boy has some of the best shaving creams on the planet! I think Dan and Eric are both in San Fran. Come one, guys, get your heads together and do this!

Also, I am really waiting for Dan to make a nice SPF moisturizer like probably everyone else. Now that Olay Complete is gone, nothing else is really that great I have tried. I stopped using the Olay Defense because it was so damn expensive. The Eucerin gives you at least double the amount for about the same price I think.

Other than that, I think my overall health has improved some. I worked like a dog the last 5-6 months, did not get good sleep, I was under a lot of stress, and I did not really breakout. I did Dan's regimen about once a week as reported, and was not even washing my face most evenings. I am not recommending this, as this did not even work for me when I was trying to clear my skin. However, I think my skin (and general health) have been doing better from a new breathing technique I am doing called "pranic breathing". This is a special breathing technique that is supposed to raise energy levels, help boost your general health/immune system, and help clear your mind for at least a little bit. I cannot say that this has helped my skin, but since I have been doing this I have not really gotten sick and my skin appearance is improved. I am going to continue this and will report back if my skin stays good along with my general health...

Take care everyone]]> Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:27:24 -0600 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:27:17 -0600
my scars make me want to cry.

]]> Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:02:16 -0600

Staying optimistic

I want to start by saying that I am a PhD student in the field of psychology and have spent years learning about how important it is to stay positive. Of course, there are always times that warrant a negative reaction and I am not trying to downplay that. Mainly, I just want to encourage people to try and keep an optimistic outlook when possible.

For example, if you are seeing progress using a new scar treatment, rather than dwelling on how many scars you have left, think about how many you have improved. Ruminating about the negatives won't make your skin any better - and neither will staying positive - but if you can manage to make an optimistic interpretation the whole experience will be more pleasant.

Now, I know that is easier said than done - and optimism can only go so far - the main point is to try and catch yourself when you are ruminating about the negatives and replace those thoughts with the positives.

Don't let it get to you

The other point I wanted to make I think can best be illustrated by my own personal experience. I have struggled with acne for most of my late teens and adult life. Around a year ago I finally conquered my acne and was extremely happy with my appearance for a few months. I was confident about how I looked and was overall more comfortable interacting with other people because of that.

After a few months of this, I randomly decided to look at my skin using a magnified mirror. To my horror I noticed I had indents all over my face from acne scars. Even when I used a regular mirror, there they were - seemingly out of no where! Now of course, they had been there all along - I just hadn't taken notice of them because I was so proud my acne was gone.

Upon noticing my scars, my self-esteem plummeted. I regularly found myself crying at night and feeling uncomfortable letting other people see my face. I think my discomfort even led me to meet less people and not get to know people that well because I was afraid of what they would think of me.

This experience made me realize how central our own views about ourselves are in this whole process. In my case, I looked exactly the same before and after I noticed my scars, but the way I interacted with others was totally changed and my overall mood was dramatically worsened.

I know that my situation is unusual and I am not recommending that we all "ignore" our scars and pretend they don't exist. I just hope that we can all keep in mind that we may in many ways be our own worst enemy. Now I try to keep reminding myself that I probably care more about my scars than anyone else does. In fact, it has really helped and I am slowly starting to regain my confidence and get to know people better - even though I still have acne scars.

Take home message

So what I hope you take away from this post is this: Try and stay optimistic and remember that people will love you and care for you based on what is on the inside, not what is on the outside ]]> Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:51:46 -0600
The Treatment

The 2nd and 3rd treatments were pretty similar to the first. They put numbing cream on my face for around 40 minutes and then the injections themselves only took 10 minutes or so. I could still feel a prick here and there when the needle went to deep, but otherwise it was not painful at all. The swelling and redness was gone within a day so there was virtually no down time.

My results

Onto the important stuff - my results. I have to say that I am extremely happy with how my skin looks right now! I certainly still have indented scars left, but they have definitely improved. I would estimate around 30% improvement in my deeper scars while some of my very shallow scars have all but disappeared.

I am thinking about trying the saline injections myself over the holidays. It didn't seem like Dr. Sire was using any special technique for the injections so I kind of think I could do it myself. I will let you know how this goes if I end up attempting it on my own ]]> Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:15:29 -0600

Let's see. Where to begin?

I am feeling fine, some small headaches but I linked that to my contact wearing and computer staring...some muscle aches in my shoulders, but that is to be expected, nothing this gal can't handle.

Today I went to the mall with my husband and my son to buy the hubby some new shoes. This girl was sitting on the bench near the entrance and called out "ACNE! PROACTIVE!" as I walked by. I started to get angry, but I realized, my ugly can be healed on the outside, this poor girl had some healing over her own to do on the inside. No matter, I hugged my son close and kept walking, head held high. Lord willing, soon I will be fixed!

Had some new breakouts today. Two on my chin. I think I am getting to the "worse before it gets better" part, but I have faith... and I am determined to remain optimisitc ]]> Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:07:49 -0600
Name: Angelia
Location:Tennessee
Age: 29

I have had Acne since getting pregnant in 2002 and hasnt cleared yet. It is mostly cysts with a few white and blackheads. Right now I am having the worse breakout of my life. It's only on my cheeks and below with acne occuring on my back and chest also. It is red and sore to the touch.

Things I have tried:
Laser
Microdermabraison
Glycolic peels
Any OTC Treatments including herbal treatments
Spiro / Metformin
Retin-A

I feel like Accutane is my last resort. I am worried about the possible side effects. My husband and family are really concerned but I think it will be worth it if I can get clear... even somewhat clear.

I am going for my pregnancy test on the 30th of November and hopefully start that day or the next depending on how soon my doctor gets the results in the system. My pharamacy has already pre-ordered the meds for me so that won't be a problem.

I will be posting my before pics soon.]]> Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:46:36 -0600 My skin is actually looking pretty good. It's a little flushed, and definitely flaking a lot. But the blemishes I've been getting definitely go away quickly, and then the skin covering them flakes off immediately once the inflammation subsides.

My nose, cheeks, and forehead look unusually clear. My chin has some healing to do, although the pimples in that area have shrunk. Right now, the only problem area is around my hairline. And my back has a few spots too, but nothing is especially oily or inflamed. It mostly looks like my skin is just trying its best to heal by shedding a lot.

My lips are constantly a bright red hue. They don't feel so great, but I think they look good with a little color and some aquaphor to moisturize.

So far, the side effects have been varied and fairly random. I still have been taking claravis with fatty foods, but my body seems to tolerate it now. I'm fine enduring the side effects as long as they don't habitually affect my daily life.]]> Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:06:39 -0600 I am not digging my skin right now! at all.
I'm pretty sure it might have to do with a combination of Initial breakout starting and those wonderful "monthly hormones" but my skin is getting worse, forsure. I thought it was getting better for a while there, such a little trick Claravis is playing on me! (not cool!) I hope this initial breakout doesn't last long, I don't want to look ugly for the Holidays when I get together with all my old high school friends on break and I look worse than they remember. I just can't wait to see results, my skin is just awful, all i want for Christmas is clear skin, LITERALLY, that's what I asked for from my parents was for them to pay for my doc visits, lol. My face is getting more dry, quickly, RIGHT when I get out of the shower I have to put lotion on, and the worst part is, is that I think my lotion (CeraVe) is contributing to the breakouts, has anyone had problems with CeraVe or found an amazing face lotion for using while on Accutane? ALSO- I can't find a good foundation make up, I'm using ALMAY and it basically blows, I'm regretting that purchase. Even though it's not going well right now- I'm being hopeful because I know people have amazing results. I just need to keep my chin up and trust. ]]> Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:49:44 -0600
oh i have a tip for dry body skin

once you get out of the shower, put johnsons baby oil on wet skin..than pat dry with towel.
works better than lotion! ..im totally going to avoid dry body skin by doing this.


<3

i cant wait for the day i get to wake up, and wash my face to clear skin. =)]]> Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:09:23 -0600