24 replies to this topic

[mysecretinsecurity]

Week 6 - Things are finally starting to calm down. My skin has been so incredibly disgustingly dry and bumpy lately, I couldn't handle putting on make up or going out in public.

 

Basically, with Differin...it's drying out your skin. Your skin becomes sensitive (becoming painful, burning, etc.), and you can easily flake off and pimples/skin bleed easily. But that's just what happens when your skin becomes dry.

 

Although I still do have redness and PIH (which is of course what has replaced all of my previous acne)....my skin is becoming more smooth. Yes, I do still have acne, but somehow my skin is less flaky (still flaky, but less). 

 

No, I am not completely satisfied with the results so far, but things are definitely feeling better after what I went through the past few days. 

 

 

Notable notes:

 

- I have been using the St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub ~ it's really nice to get all of the "gross-ness" off on top of your skin, but you do want to be VERY gentle because your skin easily bleeds and tears off because of Differin. **Use only 1-2 times a week**

~ Aloe Vera Gel is AWESOME to apply after using this scrub. 

 

- I have stopped using the Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream after the Differin (as requested by my doctor);

but I still do use the Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 50 in the morning (after washing my face of course). 

 

- I stopped taking minocycline a few days ago. My body was rejecting it...sigh. I wasn't even sure if it was helping, but I've discontinued it.

Edited by mysecretinsecurity, 26 March 2013 - 05:11 PM.

[mysecretinsecurity]

Week 8 - So things have changed dramatically in terms of bumps. But it seems that EVERY single bump on my face has turned into post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. 

I have always been known to get PIH (even before Differin; nothing too worrisome), but they always ended up fading away. But with the degree of it all over my forehead, it's really heart wrenching for me. It's not easy to cover them up either. Can I cry? 

 

Just last week, I was actually almost excited to go to school, because my skin was no longer bumpy. I felt a bit better about myself, just because it was so much better than it was 2 weeks before that.

I still have been getting a few pimples, but it's nowhere near as many as it was 2 weeks ago. TRUST ME.

 

My main issue right now is the PIH, but of course I need to clear all of my acne first. My doctor told me that I have to clear my acne because I can worry about the hyperpigmentation.

But still, if it's there, you want to get rid of it, you know? Especially if it's more PIH then acne. 

 

So that is what is going on as of week 8. I will continue using it, because technically it's supposed to take "8-12 weeks for noticeable results". 

 

 

REGIMEN AS OF NOW (Week 8):                  -excluding weekends/days I don't go out, slightly different regimen for those days-

 

Morning:

- Cetaphil Moisturizing Creme (yes, I'm using it again but only for dry areas)

- Eucerin Redness Relief Daily Perfecting Lotion SPF 15 (only when I feel like my skin is very red in some areas, I try not too put too much.)

- Makeup. (It's not a perfect routine to cover all I want for sure, but it's what I have & what I know. I might have to do some more looking around for better products to cover PIH and such.)

 

Night: 

- CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

- Exfoliator ~ either the St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub or the Cure Natural Aqua Gel (it's pretty cool, it's really popular in Japan.) *1-2 times a week*

- Differin Cream 0.1%

 

Current antibiotic:

- Have been taking Bactrim instead of Minocycline for about a week now; it doesn't seem to be doing much of anything.

 

 

Thank you for reading, I hope you have found this useful and please let me know about any questions you have or anything really.

 

Also, if you have some suggestions on makeup for covering post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and dryness...what works for you. Thanks again 

Edited by mysecretinsecurity, 09 April 2013 - 04:41 PM.

[mysecretinsecurity]

Week 9 - I am trying to focus on the more positive side of things because, I have been pretty negative on this journey so far for quite some time.

 

My skin is so much easier to manage now, it's not those crazy huge and disgusting bumps that are impossible to cover anymore. Now, I just cover up the PIH/redness that is showing on my face. Virtually, there are bumps that are very tiny and small.

 

These tiny small bumps sort of came from no where, because last week my skin was actually smoother. I think it has something to do with the fact that I just had a MASSIVE period. And I mean massive......probably the worst one yet (sorry if it grosses you out, I just thought I should mention it).

I've been under an incredible amount of stress, so that's probably another factor that contributed to the unusually huge period and the tiny bumps on my forehead. 

 

My skin is definitely so much better in terms of texture. I'm not done yet, but I'm definitely happy about the fact that I haven't had a huge pimple in these past few weeks. My skin is finally accepting Differin and letting it in....if that makes sense.

 

So on that note, I would just like to say...if you are considering Differin for yourself, I'd say go for it. Especially if you feel as if nothing is working for you, this will work with time. There is unfortunately no miracle over night cure, so this is probably your best resort if you're looking for something to treat your acne that just doesn't want to leave. 

 

I must also say with anyone getting acne, do NOT get paranoid because that's not what you need. You need to just find the source of the problem and either fix it or get rid of it. (You should know also about how new acne products can "break you out" in the beginning and how that can initially be a good thing, hopefully you know...if not I can elaborate if someone needs a better understanding of that).

It can be hard finding out exactly what it is, and a lot of the times you can't even prevent it or help it.

 

I guess what I'm trying to say overall is: If you feel like you have tried so many things and there is just nothing working and your skin just keeps getting worse and you're not sure why, I would say go to your dermatologist and ask. Don't jump to conclusions!   

Also know that, you are not alone, acne is normal and we're not perfect people. In fact, we aren't people if we are perfect. So don't feel like you have to be!

 

I hope I have been helpful to at least one person documenting this journey for everyone to see. 

 

Take care, if you have questions or just want to talk about what ever you feel is relevant to this topic, just post a reply. 

Edited by mysecretinsecurity, 30 April 2013 - 07:59 AM.

[mysecretinsecurity]

Week 10 - Mixed feelings...although I'd say I am 98% free of acne on my forehead (except this one pimple I formed because I took two naps with my make up on, I was so tired that day)...my skin is in a weird state.

 

It has VERY little bumps and also it seems to be a little indented and/or raised in some areas. Just last week it was just red marks....now my skin is just a little weird on the surface...but only under certain lighting. I checked to see on the site to see if anyone else was experiencing the same thing, and it turns out I'm not alone.

 

It's basically red marks that look a little indented in some lights. It's really odd, I'm going to ask my doctor about it when I come in.

 

Despite that, my skin is very smooth, no acne. Just left with PIH and I'm trying to heal as much as I can with it.

Btw, I'm asian, so it might have some sort of effect to how my skin is reacting and changing...but I'm not really all too sure about those things.

 

 

My face is not in pain anymore from painful acne lesions; I am so thankful for that 

 

 

*I have been using a mask and toner once a week that consists of:

- Apple Cider Vinegar

- Green Tea

- Lemon Juice

- Sugar

- Honey

 

It's flippin' amazing and feels wonderful. It's for acne and scars.

 

 

Thanks for reading!

Again, feel free to ask any sort of questions; I'll find the time in my busy life to reply as soon as I can 

Edited by mysecretinsecurity, 23 April 2013 - 06:14 PM.

[mysecretinsecurity]

Week 11 - Things are about the same as I said last week. My skin has slightly raised and/or indented areas. I'm not sure what they are but I'm going to find out one way or another!

Also I have very little little bumps on the surface of my skin which is really odd to me because I've never had them before.

 

This is kind of crazy to even say this but, my PIH is actually fading.

I am very very picky when it comes to my face (as are a lot of people). I couldn't see the good side of my face for a few weeks......but I remembered how lucky I am to be in a better state than I was before. 

 

It's difficult to try and convince yourself that you are beautiful and that you are getting better when you're the biggest critic of yourself.

 

Overall: My skin is healing, red marks are fading. No more acne...can't believe I'm saying it but it's true.

 

~As far as makeup goes.....

My makeup is good now, good enough coverage to cover my PIH (which is difficult I think for anyone to do); but I'm trying to find a way to create a better makeup routine for warmer weather, yet good coverage. 

It's a struggle for a lot of people when summer comes around, I'm sure!

 

The concealer I recently bought (Cover FX Cream Concealer) is WONDERFUL for covering PIH....but it's a bit too expensive for my taste 

 

 

That is it for today; if you any questions or concerns or whatever really let me know. 

 

*I have started taking a probiotic with the antibiotic, Bactrim. I literally just started it, but just thought I'd mention it.