dejaclairevoyant

Last night I had a total "I don't give a fuck" meal with pizza (cheese free, so more like garlic bread), chips, beans, and all sorts of stuff. The pizza bread was gluten free, but there is still yeast and a bunch of other random stuff in there. I did experience a breakout on my forehead afterward, just like I did the other day with the potatoes. So I'm thinking that my body doesn't care much for starches or yeasts, which makes sense because the kefir I react so strongly to is VERY yeasty. The breakouts that I get from bread or potatoes aren't so terrible though, so I'll keep those foods on my "once in a while treats" list.

I'm happy to report that it doesn't seem like the corn caused any problems. I actually crave corn foods more than bread foods, so I'd be excited to find a nice gluten free brand of tortillas and have tacos again. I haven't had a taco for literally years and years.

Still working on correctly the dryness and flakiness. I sure hope my breakout isn't caused my lessening the amount of BP I'm using, but I guess I'll find out in time. It's strange, because the flakes are only on my forehead, hairline and temples. I don't get them on the lower part of my face at all.

I'm feeling pretty good today! I know I'm probably being a bit premature about it but the Regimen seems to be working SO well for my skin, I've got almost no new breakouts since starting Week 2. I expect more breakouts along the way since that's a given in the what to expect section, but it seems like this might literally be the perfect treatment for my skin. It's been a long time since I've felt this hopeful about the possibility of becoming clear and STAYING clear.

 

Side note: Got my AHA today! I'll be using that on a few shoulder blemishes to see how it works. 

Yay! I'm so glad to hear it's working for you! It's definitely pretty amazing. (Btw--since we keep talking about horror movies, check out a Filipino film called "The Road" if you get a chance. It's pretty creepy and very well done)

Feeling good about my skin today! It's a lot smoother from the SA I've been using. Paula's choice SA came in today. the 1oz bottle is teeny!! I really like the way the gel feels, though. I might just stick with the rapid clear pads after this bottle is done though. or maybe some facewash with SA. So much cheaper.... Also, has anyone seen this blog called "futurederm"? I found it recently, and it's such a breath of fresh air. People like Paula make you feel like everything's bad for your skin. It's such a source of stress for me. Argh. This kind of clears up a lot of that. I find it so much more positive and informative! I hope this lasts!

I'm so glad you're finding stuff that's helping! <3

Update on me: The kefir-induced cyst has healed, but it left behind an inactive red bump. I think it's just leftover stuff that will go down after a few more applications of AHA, but I'm not sure. The ones on my forehead are healing, so I'm free of any actives at the moment.

The problem I'm having now is that I've gotten really dry and flaky again. Not sure why--I'm not doing anything different. I've decided to slowly decrease the amount of BP I'm using, since they say you can do that when you're all clear. I'd like to get BP down to as low a dose as possible and keep using AHA and doing chemical peels because those have the best effect on my skin tone--they just don't stop acne. I hope lessening the BP helps a little. Moisturizing isn't helping. As of now I'm doing 3/4 finger length amount in the morning and full finger at night, and AHA every other night (sorry I'm lazy about changing my signature).

I fully combed out my dreads! It took ages and was super painful but I'm finally done. Such a weird feeling to have straight hair after 1.5 years with thick-ass dreads! I love it though.

Oh--and I've tried another fear food last night: corn chips! Corn was one of the original things I gave up to try and heal my body, along with soy and dairy, etc. I never in a million years would have thought I'd eat it again, but I did (and nothing terrible happened). Hooray for taco salad!

Some people can't handle a lot of fibrous foods (fruits and veggies). You have to do what works for you, not what other people tell you is best. MANY people have had the experience of getting more clear skin after relaxing the restrictions on their diet and allowing some "junk" to be there without guilt or worry.

Experiment with different things and stick with what makes you feel best.

You already know I'm the biggest fan of the AHA ever! You're supposed to wait about 6 weeks to use it. Also don't expect too much results until you're using the full amount of BP. For me it definitely takes a LOT of BP to do the trick.

 

^ This.  Starting to think people are reading too much into this.  It's a common interests & peace of mind thing. Let's say, for example, I live in the country. That being said I'd probably want to date a girl that is also from the country. Why? - because we'd share common interests.  Dating a girl from the city probably wouldn't last long as she probably doesn't like mudding or raising chickens/pigs & milking cows. There are always exceptions to any rule but still.

That's just it though. Why would you want to identify acne as an interest? Are you planning on having acne forever? Don't you want to get rid of it? Identifying it as a part of you is keeping it a part of you--or at least helping to do so.

As far as not being judged (responding to the other posts now).... The reason some of you guys are saying you'd want the acne dating site (to not be judged) is the exact reason why I think one shouldn't exist. It is a mistake to be of the mentality that the only way you are safe from judgment is to be with another acne sufferer. I've never dated another person with acne and I've never been judged. And another person with acne isn't necessarily going to be any nicer or any less judgmental than some asshole with clear skin. If anything, they may have more of a focus on acne and pay more attention to your skin whereas a nice, clear skinned person probably wouldn't even notice your breakouts.

I'm feeling really optimistic about my skin today. I started the Regimen last night, and I was expecting some possible new breakouts this morning from the BP and such, but my skin hasn't broken out with anything new yet. PLUS that big ugly new one I got on my chin is healing really nicely, I think the Regimen BP jump-started the process too. I hope things continue to go like this!

Yay! So happy for you. Yes yes yes--get on the regimen train with me and sail off into the sunset of clearer skin. It's amazing. I will never put down BP again. I used to think it caused me wrinkles but I think it was just the acne that messed up the collagen in my skin more than anything. Now that I'm clearing up my skin looks a lot younger too. Eat tons of carrots--I swear that helps.

ps--You doing a regimen log?

I have been getting an hour or two of sun every day for the past few days, and my skin is clear and the red marks are much harder to see due to the tan. Woo!

 

Note: I have close to an "olive" skin tone, and don't burn. So I can lay in the sun for two hours and not burn, but tan really well. 'spose I'm lucky in that way.

 

So lucky! If I laid in the sun for two hours, my skin would probably just shrivel up and fall off my body. haha But the sun always helps my skin, too! Which is why I take vitamin D on days that I don't get much. But a tan on my legs usually helps hide any sort of stretch marks that I got during the fun times of puberty-- so I totally understand how a tan would help hide red marks! Cool!

 

 

Skin update: I've been removing my makeup with oil at night and just rinsing with water in the morning-- and my overall texture is so lovely But I've broken out a little more than I usually do with some whiteheads. booo.. I thought that all my blackheads were gone from using Paula's Choice BHA...but every time I use the oil on my face, I can feel more of the plugs coming out and leaving me with very soft skin where usually I have rough patches. Anyway, not sure if anyone reads my posts....it seems like there's just a few people who respond to each other on this thread. haha My words kind of drift off in the wind here...

I read them! When I'm on anyway. Be careful with oil cleansing. That totally ruined my skin after a week or two. At first the results were amazing, but then I broke out horribly and started getting these really bad infections in my face. I personally think you need to wash your face with soap (you as in, everyone not just YOU lol) but that's just me. Different things work for different people but personally I would never try oil cleansing again after my horrid experience with it.

My skin: Doing okay. Still having the breakout from the kefir. Never touching it again as long as I live. I feel like shit right now because I'm in the process of applying for this writing job for SEARS (big company woohoo) and it's very well paying but sooo stressful. Seriously, I'm doing my app and I almost threw up from the stress. Having to write a large, well-executed piece on the subject of "back up batteries" is enough to make a person want to blow their brains out. So why am I applying to do it as my job again? lol

Oh well... at least they pay you (a measly amount) for the application itself so my time isn't totally wasted if I don't get it.

Loved your hula-dancing. Got to ask though: what's with the xmas lights?

Thanks. I dunno, just decoration?

Face looks like flaky shit as promised by The Regimen.  Is God testing me?

It's probably going to be that way for a while. I had major flakes for a LONG time and still have some around my hairline. Once you get about 6 weeks in, you can use the AHA+ lotion and that helps a lot. Using the AHA+ was the biggest step forward I had in my own progress. Skin went from somewhat broken out and healing to 100 percent clear for periods of time. Still have breakouts when I have a trigger like recently, but there used to NEVER be ANY periods of 100 percent clarity. I'm so happy with the AHA, I think it's the best part of the regimen. But you unfortunately have to wait a while before using it.

My breakout is still really huge, red and painful. No change or development or surfacing it. It's probably made worse by the stress of the separation in my relationship, which really, really sucks. I've been having nightmares every night and having a lot of trouble eating. My stomach just feels tiny, like no food will fit in there.

For that bump, I recommend using ice on it a few times through out the day for like 10 mins each, and then apply retin A on it before going to bed~
Personally when I do that to those kind of bumps, they always wouldn't develop a white head and just subside in like couple days.

Thanks for the tip. I don't have any retin A but I do use AHA every other night. I'll try icing the spot. It seems to have finally stopped itching and hurting, so that's good. I figure it will be on it's way to healing by next week.

Brazil is booked for December! 
My face is doing fine, a bit dry, still no breakouts. I'm on my third month with Diane-35, only slight side-affects. 

So happy your skin is getting better!

I had 2 small pieces of candy the other day, and within a few hours I developed a huge swollen cyst on my face. Any time you are on a strict regimen and you have a "cheat" day, your body will need time to adjust. If you want to have the occasional treats, then I think you should reintroduce them gradually and in small amounts at first so your skin doesn't freak out.

Your body won't freak out from adding things to your diet. I'm living proof of that. Your body WILL freak out if you ingest something you're allergic to, though. And that is not something you'll adjust to, in fact it may worsen in time. If you develop a huge swollen reaction within a short time of eating something, that is an allergy. That doesn't happen when you eat something randomly unhealthy. Randomly unhealthy foods could contribute to acne over time, but if you see an immediate reaction to something, you will probably want to consistently avoid that thing.

I broke out the other day literally within 5 minutes of having a drink of that water kefir stuff. It's insane. I broke out from it before but keep doing these occasional experiments and yep, almost every time. I know it's an allergic reaction because the cyst was huge, red, inflamed and very itchy, and regular "acne" doesn't appear within 5 minutes like that. It literally went from perfect, smooth skin to massive cyst in that time. That's probably a hive of some sort, not acne. Which explains why it still happens even while on BP but no other acne does.

Anyway, since I know what caused it, I'm not stressing. I'm not going to drink water kefir ever again I don't think. (I know I've said that before). If it affects my body that violently it can't be good for my insides, either.

I've basically decided that my boyfriend and I are breaking up. It's really just a question of how we go through the separation, at this point. It's going to take some time, and we do really love each other so this isn't going to be one of those "Fuck you, get out of my life" type of breakups. It's going to take compassion from both of us and it's going to be really sad. We held each other and cried the other night because we both love each other so deeply but we both feel it isn't right. I don't want to be with someone this emotionally unstable and who has these types of anger issues. I want a guy who is sweet, kind, and maybe a little "bad" but not MEAN or ABUSIVE to me. A guy with an edge and a guy who makes you cry from screaming at you are not the same thing. I also really want someone who knows what they want out of their career, as I do. My current guy just...is all over the place. He just completed some expensive computer training that took a lot of time, money and effort, and then like a week later he doesn't want to do that anymore and is thinking of going back to school to be a biologist... WTF!? Then of course, I GET GUILTED for not "supporting his dreams?" It's insanity, I put SO much support behind the computer thing, got all excited for him, etc. I've known other people like this, and sadly they are often still bouncing from one thing to another in their 40s and 50s. I'd really like a guy who has a clear direction and knows who he is. Acting the way my boyfriend acts is okay when you're 21 but we're in our 30s now and I feel like a man should have decided what he wants by then, you know? If this was his only bad quality, that would be okay. But that combined with the terrible temper, emotional abuse in the past, etc. It's just too much and I want better for ME. I deserve that....

Gah... sometimes I feel like I shouldn't talk so personal on here... but I've really come to view you guys in this thread as friends.

Anyways, I made some new hooping videos with good sound quality if you guys want to see. They are on my blog. http://thecircledanc...ty-hooping.html

Sasch, will respond to your PM right now.

Shipping always costs me at least $10. WTF.

http://25.media.tumb...oqnpoo1_500.jpg

^A semi-recent pic that isn't retouched. It's from a couple of weeks ago and my scars have faded some since then. I have BB cream on.

If you stop, you're going to have to go through the flaky period all over again. I highly recommend you keep going. It's going to get SOOOOO good.

 

I've decided tomorrow that I'm starting the Acne.org regimen. I've got nothing to lose by starting it, and what the fuck, I figure it's worth a try. I'm not gonna be able to buy the products directly from the site, but I'm gonna pick up all the store-shelf items Dan lists as alternatives and I'm gonna follow it as religiously as possible. I've been using Epiduo for a long time now anyways so I figure the majority of my skin is already used to 2.5% bp...so yeah, I'm gonna give this a go and see how it goes. 

 

Why can't you get the products? They are definitely the best. I've used over the counter stuff and didn't get results the way I have using Dan's stuff.

 

I'm on a pretty tight budget right now and I don't have money to waste on all of the products from the site. I think I might order Dan's bp though, pretty reasonable price and the tube looks huge (plus I doubt I'd be able to find any gel-based 2.5% bp anywhere in a store) but the cleanser and moisturizer I'm just gonna get from a store. 

Yeah I was going to say, I can't speak for other lotions or cleansers but when it comes to the medication, you aren't going to find a better price than his.

Good luck! I'm excited for you! I hope hope hope that you get the sort of results I'm getting!

I've been a believer in God for a long time, and acne hasn't really affected things either way. I suffered from some pretty terrible health problems growing up and bad skin problems as well. I'd miss school for weeks due to outbreaks of hives and stuff like that. So I was never blessed with good health to begin with and was used to suffering.

My religion has evolved over time to become some weird mix of christianity, buddhism, taoism, wicca, rastafarianism and some other stuff. I do spells from time to time and practice other rituals. I also pray. I believe in nature and balance and that both light and darkness must exist in the realm we reside in. I've never been one to look at bad things in the world and whine about "How can God exist if there are bad things?" Good things couldn't exist without bad things--it's the yin and yang of the universe. A lot of people don't get that and like to blame God for everything. They don't get that they are responsible for their own lives. God can only help you attract something different. He doesn't change things so you don't have to do any work.

I love my spirituality and my relationship with God. I think it's very unique and cool, and something like acne would never be able to touch that.

You look like a really good looking guy from your pic.

There's a lot of talk in the "how you feeling about your acne" thread about relationships right now. But in general, I wouldn't worry about a relationship and instead focus as much energy as you can into your career. That was what I mostly did during the time my acne and mental health was at its worst. Like me, you're pursuing a career that requires a lot of energy, creativity and passion, and all that can be great distractions from having acne. Plus, as a filmmaker you can have acne or be 10000 pounds or whatever, and people will still like and respect you for your art. If you do cool, creative things people will like you regardless of how you look, ESPECIALLY as a guy. Seriously, there are a lot of not-very-hot filmmakers, directors, producers etc who are married to some hot models and actresses and that's because they have confidence in themselves career-wise. So that's where you should put your focus.

What are you plans as far as film making? Are you going to school for that or do you simply have some ideas to make your own movies? I find that very interesting and cool.