Enlux v. Beautyskin diaries

As I promised, I am conducting a purely subjective personal comparison between Enlux bulbs and a Beautyskin lamp.

HISTORY

I have had moderate acne for 30 years, which hadn't responded to prolonged antibiotics, Accutane, topicals, etc, and was becoming progressively worse.

I purchased a Beautyskin lamp 10 months ago. Results were quick - 50% clearance within 1 month, 90% clearance within 3 months and continuing at that level.

When I heard about the Enlux bulbs on these forums I decided to have a go at the elusive 100% clearance!

STUDY

I used the Beautyskin lamp for 9 months; initially for 2 x 15 minute sessions per day, then 1 x 15 session after about 4 months, and maintained at this level. Rotated face about 4 - 6 inches from unit.

3 weeks ago I replaced the Beautyskin treatment with 2 x 15 minute daily Enlux sessions. 2 blue and 1 red bulb. Face about 2 - 3 inches from bulbs. No need to rotate face so full 15 minutes on all areas.

INITIAL RESULTS

Nothing for first few days, then in the middle of the second week I started developing some spots on my chin (the area that was always worst affected). Now at the end of the third week this has developed into a full-blown rash of large, red, pussy and itchy spots all over my chin & jawline - almost as bad as before the red/blue treatment started months ago.

The only difference I've noticed between this outbreak and the old days is there don't appear to be any cysts (at least not yet).

As you can imagine, this is all rather worrying and I'm trying to work out what could be going on. So far I've narrowed it down to a few possibilities:

1) Enlux lamps aren't as effective on me as Beautyskin (for whatever reason)

2) This is a seasonal disorder which is swamping the treatment (I always used to get my worst breakouts in the autumn)

3) I'm over-treating (although I'm not sure why that would cause acne)

4) The treatment is in fact being extremely effective, killing lots of bacteria and bringing the dead material to the surface (this would explain why there are no cysts).

I'm hoping it is number 4, in which case I should see a great improvement in the coming days and weeks. I'll report back.

Beautyskin is working!

I'm 51 and had increasingly bad acne since a teenager. I started treatment on advice from my GP about 16 years ago, which started with antibiotics, some surgery to remove the worst areas of damaged face skin (which left worse scars than the acne, BTW), and finally 2 courses of Roaccutane. This was in the early 90's when not so much was known about the side effects.

I had severe depression and needed to go on anti-depressants for 3 years. I also had severe flaking of the skin, especially lips and inner ears, which I still have 15 years later. Two years later the acne came back, so I went back on a combination of oral antibiotics and benzamycin for a further 8 years (5 of which I took antibiotics continuously).

The acne got progressively worse, and started to include deep cysts which were extremely sore and unsightly and would last months each. In despair I was referred to hospital dermatology departments, who suggested antiseptic face washes (which did absolutely nothing).

I really was in desperation and looked for help on the web. I came across this site and saw the posts about the blue/red lights. As my skin has always cleared up well in the short British summers it seemed worth a try, so I found one 2nd hand on ebay!

I'm now into my third week of 2 x 15m per day and the results are nothing short of miraculous. In that short period of time my skin has cleared to the point where I can go out without using concealing make-up (which I have used for 20 years). I know this is a very short period to predict outcome, but I know my skin well and even accounting for periods of comparative remission it has not looked this good for 30 years. Not only that, it feels better; there is none of the oily, itchy sensation which was almost always present, apart from after a few hours in strong sunlight, which I guess is what this is replicating.

It's early days, but I really believe (hope) this may be the turning point for me. Now I'm registered here I'll post follow-ups as things progress.