22 replies to this topic

[Nasser1]

Hi ,

This is my fist post in this forums. I have been reading to find a solution for my skin problems and hope you guys would help out and guide me through what's best in my case.

I was fortunate thatI didn't suffer from acne in my teens but ocationally i will have one or two pimples not acne. However, in the last three years my facial skin specially the upper cheeks have changed in terms of smoothness, texture and pores. I also developed pitting that I have no idea where they came from as I didn't have acne, Anyways, I have them and I need to face them and hopefully will get rid of them. I am attaching photos so you can see better what I am referring to. In photos I am applying vitamin e this is why it looks oily.

Please help me out. What kind of treatment should I look for or should I look for products like retin a ?

I am not able to see a dermatologist but will be able in June maybe, so until then I thought I would share my problem.

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[Zante]

This is similar to my current state (29 years of age). I did have very bad acne as a teenager, though scarring seems to have been minimal. I wonder if what you have here might merely be enlarged pores?

It is certainly worth seeing a dermatologist, as the treatments they offer often have the side effect of shrinking pore size and, therefore, should be able to offer a more targeted approach. I plan to do the same thing soon, so don't make the mistake of assuming I'm the voice of experience. I use Gamma Hydroxy cream before bed and wake up with my skin looking a lot better. Dont use too much though as its possible to irritate the surface, which is completely counter productive.

Edited by Zante, 04 April 2012 - 01:32 PM.

[Nasser1]

I don't think they are large pores. I don have large pores myself but the ones I pointed in the pics with circle are pits. I thought of using retin a to lessen their appearance. I would go for laser but as I have dark skin I am afraid of worsening the situation instead of improving it.

Thanks Zante. Have you used trention before and do you think it would help ?

[Nasser1]

Anyone ?

[SoontobeMD]

From the picture it appears to be ice pick scarring. TCA cross is an effective treatment for some people, but it has caused complications for others. I would look more into it and see if you believe it will be an effective treatment for you. Good luck.

[Nasser1]

Thanks, What about dermarolling ? Will it help in my situation ?

[SoontobeMD]

It may, but the problem with ice pick scarring is that for effective results using dermarolling you would need needles long enough to impact the base of the scar. Ice pick scars tend to have deeper bases than most other scars.

[Nasser1]

I am not sure if using long needles will cause more scarring in the surrounding skin ?

I thought of chemical peels but not sure if will help in my case.

[Zante]

Someone posted about a high tech version of dermabrasion using a special type of instrument. It shot small degradable particles into the dermis to initiate a wound healing response via the trauma. Unfortunately it's lost as the thread has been deleted, along with the research I had done and posted.

Edit: Do a youtube search for "derma pen".

Edited by Zante, 06 April 2012 - 10:14 AM.

[Nasser1]

Thanks again Zante.

I know that my scars are probably nothing compared to some people here. I just want to work on my appearance and fix what I can fix. I don't mean anything

Anyways, currently I can't seek a dermatologist advice but will do so in June. Until then I will do my job with researching the best option I have.

What do you think of "

Fractional non-ablative skin resurfacing " ? Will I benefit from it or will I risk my face for more scars ? I have to put into consideration my dark skin which is probably not safe for lasers but the dermatologist I know is a very honest and I know he will not risk my face for money. Can he adjust the setting to suite my skin color ? What about peels ?

[Zante]

I'm definitely not an expert and my interest in this can only be described as passing. My feeling is that lasers and peels are fairly high stake treatments, there's a lot which can go wrong. Furthermore, they are expensive and provide little to no security (you won't be able to claim for damages and anything which does go wrong is, at worst, irreversible).

As you've stated, it's a well known fact that lasers aren't recommended for those with darker skin because of the changes they can induce in pigmentation. It's for this reason that I'm going to try out the dermapen with platelet rich plasma. I don't know if I should expect vast improvements as, if I'm honest, the product seems to be over marketed and makes claim to all kinds of things (even hair restoration) despite the absence of evidence.

I'm planning to see Dr Chu (UK) as he's written papers on the subject, some of which address the use of the dermapen vs derma roller methods.

Whatever you do is going to be some sort of voyage of discovery. Trial and error is a big part of this, unfortunately. The most you can do is minimize the risks.

[Nasser1]

I agree with you but not with the discovery thing. I am sure there are people here who are dark skinned and have similar scars like me. I would like to know their experience with treatment and which is best and what should I avoid.

I think if was a girl I will get more attention lol . Thanks for the feedback.

TCA cross is something in my mind and don't think I will do it my own. I will need to ask the derm but I am sure he doesn't offer it but will try to see his opinion.

[Nasser1]

I am using differin cream but my skin is so sensitive. I apply it 3-4 times a week until my skin adjust to it. I was thinking of using differin first and work my way up to a stronger cream like retin-a.

To be honest I am not noticing any good results with differin though I am only 2 weeks with it. In fact, the scars seem more obvious.

I don't know if I should continue or stop differin.

[Nasser1]

Anyone ?

I don't understand where these pitted scars are coming from. It seems that I get them more nowadays than before. I don't understand, I don't have acne and didn't have acne in the area highlighted. I know they are not so bad but I guess with the rate I have now my cheeks will be covered with them. What's the problem with my skin why it's pitting itself when I don't have acne in the first place ?

Anyways, I stopped using differin. I don't think it's causing any permanent bad to be honest. I think it just makes things look worse at the beginning that will improve with time, but I am scared I will get IB that will leave me with scars. I thought the best thing is to wait until I see my derm so I don't risk doing stupid thing.

What do you guys think the best way to soften their appearance ? I am not looking for lasers as I don't think my case need lasers but what about peels ? would I benefit from them ?

[Lange]

What about skin needling with an individual needle? That would allow you to get inside of the scar, perhaps?

[Nasser1]

What about skin needling with an individual needle? That would allow you to get inside of the scar, perhaps?

Do you mean needling at home ? or going to the derm ? Actually I trust my derm, I remember once I wanted to do chemical peel and I was begging him lol but he refused and told me to come in winter as I live in a very sunny city. Unfortunately, I will not be able to see him until June.

I am not sure if he does skin needing ,, But I will ask him about it, also what about peels ? Will it benefit my skin ? Do you people think it's hard to treat ?

I will keep you guys updated in whatever treatment I will go for and update the thread. I still need your opinions in the above questions.

Also I need to know what type of scars they are. I thought they are Ice pick scars but after researching, they seem that they are not ice pick. Ice pick is very deep that you can't see the base of it. Mine looks like small holes 4 or 5 beside each other but I can still see the base and when I stretch them they despair completely.

[Nasser1]

Actually I was mistaken, when I stretch them they don't disappear like other pores I have,

[Lange]

You could do either.

I'm using a 1.0mm dermaroller right now and it seems to be working well after a week, although I'm assuming it is just microswelling.

At any rate, peels do help a bit. They helped two rolling scars and a boxcar I have. I'd say the improvement was around 20% to around 40%.

[Nasser1]

How long does this microswelling last ? so basically you will need to stop needling to see if you actually benefiting from it or just as you said the effect of microswelling. I wish you all the best with it and please get back to us ... I will try needling but not now. I mean if it can't help it won't worsen the case anyways or is there a risk ?

What kind of peels have you had ? Do you think the results are permanent because I've heard some people saying they benefited from peels but after months their skin got back to what it looked before the peel. Also because of my dark skin, I need to be cautious with peels otherwise I will risk more damage.

Edited by Nasser1, 26 April 2012 - 02:29 PM.

[Nasser1]

guys, do you think I am doing more harm than good if I try different procedures to treat what I have ? I mean some people told me to not do it but I am bothered with them .