Acne.org Products
Noooo, you don't deserve a scar, none of us does
We're already going through this acne hell undeservedly, so at least we could have no reminders of it
but it is how it is... Some of us get a second hell after escaping from one (cured acne - left with acne scars).
Ah, but wrap the ice into something soft and clean and don't press the cyst
Haha fair point! I hate how even when you succeed in getting rid of any amount of acne your face barely even looks any better. I haven't got a huge amount of active stuff right now but the amount of hyperpigmentation on my face is unbelievable!
Thanks for the advice on using ice! I was careful not to press and all last time but this was at the stage where my face was so inflamed that it hurt to move it in any direction and any contact, no matter how soft, hurt regardless. Luckily it's improved massively since then so hopefully I will have more success with this method this time around! 
Hello everyone. This thread has been very helpful for me. Just reading everyone's post gives me a perspective of how acne can psychologically affect people. I have severe acne and oh my it's so terrible that it has affected my life. I don't go out during the day. To eat, I wait until it gets dark first and then go through a drive thru. It's just embarrassing. I have to fix my car, which will require me to go out during the day. I need to do that today or tomorrow because I'm moving next week to transfer to a UC. I feel like I'm complaining to much 
I`ve got one or two small spots and some bits of hp but apart from that, my skin is pretty clear. The most important thing is that right now I don`t feel that bothered about them which is real progress for me. Up until recently, even the most minimal of breakouts would leave me feeling hideous and ugly and although I`d love to be 100% clear, I can live with it.
Had a CBT session today which went well - however, I found out that after today, I only have two sessions left. I was told that apparently, if you have CBT via the NHS you only get allocated twelve sessions. I have had twelve sessions to date and because my therapist felt I would benefit from another couple of sessions, I have been allocated two further sessions but after that, that`s it. It`s a bit of a shock but having said that, a lot of the benefits I have gained from CBT has come from the work that I have done away from the sessions anyway. I`ve got notes that I have written up on all of the sessions I`ve had and all of the tehcniques that I have learnt. I know what I need to do and from here on in it is up to me to apply what I`ve learnt whenever I fall into negative patterns of thinking. Right now I`m doing okay as I feel that my skin is pretty clear. The real challenge for me will be if I do breakout again at some point in the future, how I react to it.
It will seem like a big change but try not to worry about it because with your notes and everything it sounds like you're very well prepared for finishing your CBT course. Think of it as an opportunity to be more independent and really in control of your own life and thoughts! That way it will seem more liberating than scary.
Thanks Moonlit River. I know the theory and what I need to do so whilst a support mechanism is not going to be there in a couple of weeks time, I have all the tools at my disposal to continue the work I have started during the CBT course.
Had a bit of anxiety earlier when I went shopping after work. I was in the queue for the self-service checkout (I still use these more often than not but I`m working on that)) and the customers` immediately in front and behind me seemed to be right on top of me. No idea why but all of a sudden I was convinced that they were looking at me,studying my skin and noticing all my flaws and how horrible I look. It was a relief to get out of the supermarket and get home. Looking back now though, I`m able to rationalise the experience. It was just my thoughts - no one said anything or looked at me in disgust and no one was physically sick. The episode shows that I still have to keep working on myself but it is a whole lot better than it was a while back.
Reading some of your recent posts, I know that you are going through a really difficult time at the moment. You`ve always been really encouraging to me on these forums and I really appreciate that. You don`t have to take me up on it but if you ever want to vent or even just talk, don`t hesitate to PM me.
When did not picking my face happen? I gave myself some limitations (picking only ONE spot in the morning and NONE at night), and ended up just not picking.
My skin is so healthy (despite a spot or two) because I'm not abusing it. I feel relieved but afraid of myself. I'm afraid that I'll fall back into not being able to control my compulsions to pick at my face. There are so many aspects of my life that I have to fix, and I'm glad that I'm forcing myself not to hurt my own face anymore. I think this is the thing that keeps my face at least manageable.
I still worry about my face so much. I worry that someone will think "oh, she's pretty...but she wears too much makeup over her skin...oh, that's because she has acne...what a pity..." There's nothing I hate more than being pitied...in fact, it infuriates me. But I convince myself that's what people are doing when they look at me. Not picking has taken some of this away, and I'm on my way to forgetting to think this way. Sometimes I feel like I'm another person that I have to "babysit" -- I watch my own actions to correct them.
Today I'm feeling quite optimistic. I just found out my acne doesn't show up as badly on camera than it does in front of a mirror.
Well after been acne free for more than 4 months ...I got a few breakouts on my forehead, really small tho very light. That made me decide to coomeback to acne.org and check how everyone else is doing.
I'm still taking b5 1.5 grams daily I only wash my face with water in the morning and with lemon at night.
I think the zits on my forehead are due to the fact that I work in a company no AC 90 f so I sweat, dirty n stickyness could b the cause.
I was a bit paranoid today about whether my skin was flaky looking or not. It felt very dry around my mouth and chin but thankfully it wasn't flaky looking. The feeling is annoying though!
I've been feeling good about my skin today. I am still dealing with breakouts and have a few annoying ones on my chin but compared to a month ago, my skin has improved a lot. I have to keep reminding myself of this! Normally I'd be getting big breakouts on my cheeks toward the center of my face, but I'm happy that this area has been pretty clear lately! I'm really hoping it stays this way.
Also planning on starting a new product (with AHA and BHA) tonight to hopefully help with all the hyperpigmention I have.
Hope things are going well with all of you - Hang in there everyone
Not sure if its relevant but 3d printed skin is coming. Could at least solve our scar problems.
http://www.betakit.com/university-of-toronto-team-creates-3d-printer-capable-of-printing-skin/
[Edited link out]
On 8/15/2013 at 8:26 PM, Binga said:Not sure if its relevant but 3d printed skin is coming. Could at least solve our scar problems.
http://www.betakit.com/university-of-toronto-team-creates-3d-printer-capable-of-printing-skin/
[Edited link out]
This will be great for severe burn victims!
On 8/15/2013 at 11:44 AM, MG02 said:Today I'm feeling quite optimistic. I just found out my acne doesn't show up as badly on camera than it does in front of a mirror.
I know how that feels! Whenever I have to be in front of a camera and I feel like people will be able to tell I have acne, I'm usually proved wrong. Also love my makeup artist though lol Glad you're feeling optimistic because of it!
I was a bit paranoid today about whether my skin was flaky looking or not. It felt very dry around my mouth and chin but thankfully it wasn't flaky looking. The feeling is annoying though!
I've been feeling good about my skin today. I am still dealing with breakouts and have a few annoying ones on my chin but compared to a month ago, my skin has improved a lot. I have to keep reminding myself of this! Normally I'd be getting big breakouts on my cheeks toward the center of my face, but I'm happy that this area has been pretty clear lately! I'm really hoping it stays this way.
Also planning on starting a new product (with AHA and BHA) tonight to hopefully help with all the hyperpigmention I have.
Hope things are going well with all of you - Hang in there everyone
Yay! happy for you!
Have you ever used a product with BHA in it before? Just as a heads up, you may experience a reeeeeally short initial breakout that fades really quickly. But it makes your pores nice and clear afterwards. AHA is awesome though for hyperpigmentation! 
Good luck!
My skin is not quite has good today as I think it has been recently. Got some small spots on my neck and jawline and one or two on my cheeks. From a distance they are barely noticeable though.
At work today, my manager gave me the task of training a new lady who has just started in our office. Doing the training wasn`t a problem but it did mean that for most of the day I was sat right next to the lady. I really dislike people getting close up to me - the thought of people seeing my flaws and blemishes really makes me anxious. However, even though it made me a little uncomfortable, she didn`t seem to mind being in close proximity to me and if she did notice any blemishes, she didn`t say anything or seem to care.
It was totally unplanned but in a way it was as useful as a lot of the stuff that I have been doing for CBT. I was inadvertently exposed to a situation that would normally make me anxious and it turned out a lot better than I anticipated. Definitely has given me more food for thought about how people really perceive me.
Hope you are all ok.
On 8/15/2013 at 10:46 PM, heitea said:Yay! happy for you!
Have you ever used a product with BHA in it before? Just as a heads up, you may experience a reeeeeally short initial breakout that fades really quickly. But it makes your pores nice and clear afterwards. AHA is awesome though for hyperpigmentation! Good luck!
Thanks for the warning!
I have used BHA before but always ended up stopping early because it would break me out! I always just thought my skin didn't like it and for some reason never thought about it being an initial breakout
But now I know to stick it out if it happens
High, lengthy shower water pressure on my face dries my skin out and prevents me from breaking out.
But it makes the texture look terrible. All rough, pasty and red. I wasn't aware of how bad it was until today when I saw myself in a well-lit mirror for the first time in weeks (my bathroom at home is dimly lit).
Tomorrow I'm going camping for 3 days, with my girlfriend and 3 people I don't know well. Not enough time to take a shower break for a few days and build some healthy skin back up. Craaap.
My skin is not quite has good today as I think it has been recently. Got some small spots on my neck and jawline and one or two on my cheeks. From a distance they are barely noticeable though.
At work today, my manager gave me the task of training a new lady who has just started in our office. Doing the training wasn`t a problem but it did mean that for most of the day I was sat right next to the lady. I really dislike people getting close up to me - the thought of people seeing my flaws and blemishes really makes me anxious. However, even though it made me a little uncomfortable, she didn`t seem to mind being in close proximity to me and if she did notice any blemishes, she didn`t say anything or seem to care.
It was totally unplanned but in a way it was as useful as a lot of the stuff that I have been doing for CBT. I was inadvertently exposed to a situation that would normally make me anxious and it turned out a lot better than I anticipated. Definitely has given me more food for thought about how people really perceive me.
Hope you are all ok.
Oh man, Ive been there. Im always the person that has to train the new guy. I feel the same way you used to feel. I hate having someone in close proximity like that. And in my pessimistic mind, I know that maybe they didnt notice, or didnt care, or didnt say anything, but if they did, would they really ever tell you? So in my mind, its just as bad because I think its repulsive and disgusting, and they must too, even though they didnt say anything. I dunno, do you get what Im saying? I dont need someone to make a horrid face when they see me for me to not feel comfortable; I only need to look in the mirror and not like what I see for me to get myself down. No one's ever said anything about my skin; in fact, most people that I tell that Im having a problem w/ it, tell me they dont notice anything. Thats no consolation because I can see it, and Im not blind, and thats good enough reason for me to be pissed off, upset, anxious, angry, and then I start to self loathe.
Every day starts same as the next. I used to not be able to sleep until I got all these psych meds, so thats not a problem now. But from 505am when I wake up and go into the bathroom to take a shower, until 930pm when I decide to lay down and watch TV, my obsessive thoughts will not stop. I never expect anyone to say anything about the condition of my skin; but they dont have to, its my own thoughts that matter. And when your own thoughts are distorted, you quickly begin to spiral.
I am truly glad that the CBT you received has helped feel more comfortable in uncomfortable situations. I am seriously contemplating going back, maybe to someone new, and putting forth a real effort, cuz what Im doing every day to myself is not helping the situation.
My skin is not quite has good today as I think it has been recently. Got some small spots on my neck and jawline and one or two on my cheeks. From a distance they are barely noticeable though.
At work today, my manager gave me the task of training a new lady who has just started in our office. Doing the training wasn`t a problem but it did mean that for most of the day I was sat right next to the lady. I really dislike people getting close up to me - the thought of people seeing my flaws and blemishes really makes me anxious. However, even though it made me a little uncomfortable, she didn`t seem to mind being in close proximity to me and if she did notice any blemishes, she didn`t say anything or seem to care.
It was totally unplanned but in a way it was as useful as a lot of the stuff that I have been doing for CBT. I was inadvertently exposed to a situation that would normally make me anxious and it turned out a lot better than I anticipated. Definitely has given me more food for thought about how people really perceive me.
Hope you are all ok.
Oh man, Ive been there. Im always the person that has to train the new guy. I feel the same way you used to feel. I hate having someone in close proximity like that. And in my pessimistic mind, I know that maybe they didnt notice, or didnt care, or didnt say anything, but if they did, would they really ever tell you? So in my mind, its just as bad because I think its repulsive and disgusting, and they must too, even though they didnt say anything. I dunno, do you get what Im saying? I dont need someone to make a horrid face when they see me for me to not feel comfortable; I only need to look in the mirror and not like what I see for me to get myself down. No one's ever said anything about my skin; in fact, most people that I tell that Im having a problem w/ it, tell me they dont notice anything. Thats no consolation because I can see it, and Im not blind, and thats good enough reason for me to be pissed off, upset, anxious, angry, and then I start to self loathe.
Every day starts same as the next. I used to not be able to sleep until I got all these psych meds, so thats not a problem now. But from 505am when I wake up and go into the bathroom to take a shower, until 930pm when I decide to lay down and watch TV, my obsessive thoughts will not stop. I never expect anyone to say anything about the condition of my skin; but they dont have to, its my own thoughts that matter. And when your own thoughts are distorted, you quickly begin to spiral.
I am truly glad that the CBT you received has helped feel more comfortable in uncomfortable situations. I am seriously contemplating going back, maybe to someone new, and putting forth a real effort, cuz what Im doing every day to myself is not helping the situation.
Goodz19, I can totally relate to everything you have said in your post.
I`ve been in your situation and I still feel like it at times. Even though no one necessarily has to say anything, because you in your mind think that you are repulsive, hideous and ugly, you automatically assume that is what everyone else thinks of you.
I know exactly what it is like to look in the mirror and absolutely detest what you see. I`m ashamed to say this but at times it has gone beyond thinking I`m repulsive, hideous and ugly. I have on occasions shouted expletives at my reflection and spat at it and referred to myself as vile scum. I have on one or two occasions smashed mirrors because of the disgust I feel at what I have seen.
Doing CBT has not only helped me curb the mirror obsession, it has also helped me to realise that all this stuff I feel about myself are just my thoughts and no one elses`. As my CBT therapist says, thoughts are just personal feelings - not facts. I know you probably won`t believe me but what your mind is telling you is not true. Where is the evidence other than what you think you see? Do any of your friends` or family tell you that you are hideous and ugly? You will probably say that people are being nice or don`t notice but trust me, most people are too concerned with their own problems to even notice or care.
As I say CBT has really helped me. It is something that I have to keep working at though as it would be really easy to relapse and go back to the negative thought patterns. I seem to remember you saying that it didn`t work in the past but that may have been due to the therapist or it being the wrong time for you. Definitely think that it is worth another shot - you`ve got everything to gain and nothing to lose.
All the best.
Well today I'm feeling quite optimistic.
My acne has definitely calmed down; I'm about a month into the Regimen, and the pimples are beginning to dry out thanks to the medication. There are still three annoying red pimples on my nose (though one of them is starting to dry out), which constantly worry me since I am starting eighth grade in about a week. I'm afraid of going to school with acne on my face, but it can't be helped; I started the Regimen too late into summer to expect clear skin for back to school. However, I know if I give my skin some time, the pimples on my nose will go away either with the medication or on its own.
As for the rest of my face, there are about two pimples on my forehead (which I cover with my bangs) and three pimples around my chin. There is plenty of hyper-pigmentation around my mouth region as well; I'm hoping they will go away eventually. If that doesn't happen, then I'm afraid I'm going to have to start wearing makeup to cover it up. I personally believe I am too young to wear heavy makeup, so I'm going to think of that as a last resort- just in case the medicine doesn't work out.
For now, all I can do is just wait for the Regimen to work its magic and keep on living my life. I don't really mind waiting. Although acne is definitely a low blow to my self-esteem, I won't let my life revolve around my acne. I need to focus on my school work if I want to go to early college next year, so I can't let myself get worried sick over my skin problems anymore. I'm not going to let me acne destroy me like it did before. Instead, I am just going to try to fix the problem in a calm, reasonable way. If it works, then I will be extremely happy and confident, but if it doesn't... Well I'm just going to have to get over it and move on. My skin isn't perfect, I'm just going to have to accept that and learn to love myself as I am.
Sorry for the long reply, but I really need to vent how I feel. I really want more people to understand that you shouldn't let your skin control your life. So what if you have acne? That doesn't decide who you are or what you can do. Go out, have fun, make friends. Don't limit yourself simply because your skin is not flawless. If you keep hiding from the real world, years from now, when you're old and can't do the things you want to do anymore, you'll think to yourself, "Why didn't I live it up when I was young? Oh yeah... It was because I had acne... I wish I would have just ignored that and done something with my life... But instead I just sat in my room alone all day..."
Please don't live like that. Don't have any regrets; do what you want to do, say what you want to say, never let acne control your life, what you do, the people you see, or who you are. You are you, you are beautiful, and you deserve happiness, so if you lock yourself up from the world because you don't feel beautiful enough... Screw the world! Get out there anyway! You don't know how much you're missing! One thing's for sure, you'll be a lot happier if you stop focusing on your skin and just have fun. You are your worst critic, so stop focusing on your flaws and see your true beauty.
Feeling pretty good today - I took some update regimen progress photos and was SO surprised when I compared them to ones I took a week before starting the regimen! I knew my skin had improved but I didn't think it was by so much. My camera isn't the best quality though as it makes it look like my hyperpigmentation isn't that bad - but in 'real-life' / when I look in the mirror they are darker and more obvious looking. But I can still see that my skin has improved so much. I'm hoping the regimen continues bringing great results and hopefully I'll get to the point where I stop breaking out. It has decreased but I do still break out a bit.
The only annoying thing is that my skin has been a bit flaky yesterday and this morning since starting AHA but it isn't terribly bad.
so BLAH lately. My skin texture is awful but everything new I put on my skin just irritates it so I'm leaving it alone. I'm getting high frequency next week, that always helps. In other news, after over 2 years of quitting smoking, I had a few cigarettes today. My body is probably confused. It's been a hell of a year, probably the most difficult year of my life and I'm so glad acne.org exists because only people here understand the psychological impact of acne and scarring. I hope everyone is doing well, or at least better than I am right now.
so BLAH lately. My skin texture is awful but everything new I put on my skin just irritates it so I'm leaving it alone. I'm getting high frequency next week, that always helps. In other news, after over 2 years of quitting smoking, I had a few cigarettes today. My body is probably confused. It's been a hell of a year, probably the most difficult year of my life and I'm so glad acne.org exists because only people here understand the psychological impact of acne and scarring. I hope everyone is doing well, or at least better than I am right now.
I'm really sorry to hear you're having a hard time. It's so frustrating how little control we have over our skin really. Sometimes I think products make a difference other times I'm not so sure and if everything is irritating you I guess theres not much you can do other than give it a bit of a rest! I hope you're not giving yourself too much of a hard time over the cigarettes. Do you think you will be able to stop again? I'm so glad I never started because I really don't think I could give it up if I had so I think two years is really impressive! You're so right about this place and understanding about the psychological impact of acne and scarring - it is huge and people don't get it.
I am actually verging on euphoric about my skin today! I keep looking in the mirror and smiling!! My skin is 100% acne free, and it isn™t even dull or dry or flaky or oily... It actually looks glowing and radiant!! People keep telling me how well I look If only I had known it would only take two side effect free months on Roaccutane!!! I still have over 100 red marks but they have faded so much that they are mostly covered with green cream and foundation so that I don™t feel I have to spend hours painting each one with concealer every day “ I just do it if I want to look particularly good and even then it doesn™t take me half the time it used to I worry the green cream makes me look a bit of a funny colour... but my dermatologist recommended it so I gave it a go and it does help cover but I'll try without it tomorrow. I do have some shallow scarring which none of my potions will hide but it's not too bad really, unless you're right up close in good light my skin looks pretty damn good (with makeup on.)
However... I have WASTED a HUGE amount of time recently OBSESSING about my post roaccutane skincare regiment - basically planning an aggressive red mark fading campaign with retin-a aha bha vitamin c, other antioxidants and cell communicating ingredients... I'm frustrated not being able to do much with topicals whilst on roaccutane and I'm tempted to start now because my skin isn't the slightest bit dry or irritated but I guess I should leave well alone...
Middle of the month, how would I not get some breakouts They're so punctual that I don't even have to be suprised over getting few pimples here and there after being completely clear for 3 weeks. But I noticed that they get less each time - last month I had only 5 breakouts during my ovulation, this month - 3 so far, can ofc get more. I'm really sick right now, so I guess the breakout can be stronger this time, especially with all those weird things happening to my body lately.
I have soar-throat, swollen gums, wisdom-tooth pain, soars all over my tongue and EXTREMELY painful chapped lips, with a layer of hard skin (feels like my lips are wounded, seriously) which doesn't get softer with vaseline and is painful to take off. I still drink a lot, so I don't understand what's happening, my mouth is in pain and I can't eat anything, damn...
I`ve broken out a little on my cheeks and neck in the past couple of days. Not sure why exactly - it could be down to my daily cappuccino per day, lack of sleep or my genes rearing their head again.
It`s not terrible but when I was shaving this morning, some of the negative thoughts about being ugly etc did start to kick in. Managed to distract myself and get away from the mirror before it got too bad though.
This afternoon, I did my charity work as I normally do on a Saturday afternoon. It is customer facing and as I have a mild breakout, I was a little worried about what the customers would think of me. However, no one said anything, seemed to notice or care. I know it might not sound like much but every time I successfully negotiate a social situation like this, I consider it to be a small triumph. Hopefully the day will come where I do not even think about my appearance, skin etc at all.
Middle of the month, how would I not get some breakouts
I have soar-throat, swollen gums, wisdom-tooth pain, soars all over my tongue and EXTREMELY painful chapped lips, with a layer of hard skin (feels like my lips are wounded, seriously) which doesn't get softer with vaseline and is painful to take off. I still drink a lot, so I don't understand what's happening, my mouth is in pain and I can't eat anything, damn...
HI Pianina,
Glad your skin is improving I'm not a doctor, but your symptoms are really indicative of Oral Thrush. I've had it once and those were pretty much my exact symptoms (besides the wisdom teeth pain). Look at your tongue-- is it pink like it supposed to be or does it look a little funny? Stress can bring about Oral Thrush...it's a yeast infection of the mouth. Look it up and see if you think that might be it. When I can't eat, I'm super miserable! haha, so I hope you can resolve this!
Middle of the month, how would I not get some breakouts
I have soar-throat, swollen gums, wisdom-tooth pain, soars all over my tongue and EXTREMELY painful chapped lips, with a layer of hard skin (feels like my lips are wounded, seriously) which doesn't get softer with vaseline and is painful to take off. I still drink a lot, so I don't understand what's happening, my mouth is in pain and I can't eat anything, damn...
HI Pianina,
Glad your skin is improving
Hi Heitea,
Thanks for your reply! It could be some milder form Oral Thrush, because my tongue is white and looks quite sick. But I have no painful white lesions that seems to be a common symptom... And I did have loads of stress lately, no wonder my body is totally falling apart, lol. But your post about me possibly having oral thrush made me realize it's time to visit a doctor, so thanks! )
And anyway, stress, daily tears and mental load didn't affect my skin at the slightest, even though it gives me other problems, like some mysterious symptoms in my mouth and bloating... But my skin seems to only get worse during ovulation and nothing more in this world, lol...
The breakout that I mentioned yesterday, has unfortunately got a little worse today and I`m getting what looks to be a cyst on the left side of my neck. It`s sooo frustrating because I go through periods where I am more or less clear and then I breakout again. There is absolutely no pattern or consistency either and it really messes with my head.
I`m afraid I`ve lapsed a little bit today and indulged in quite a bit of mirror checking. Certainly haven`t liked what I`ve seen and right now I don`t feel or look the greatest. I was supposed to see my sister and nephews today but I cancelled because I didn`t want to go out. Feel bad about that now though. My nephews always look forward to seeing me and they are too young to notice or care what I look like. Because of my stupid hang-ups, I`ve let them down. All in all a pretty poor day but hopefully tomorrow will be better.
I`ve resisted for a long time but this evening I have made the decision to completely give up caffeine. My diet is ultra-strict apart from having a cappuccino every day or every other day. I`m really loathe to do it as it is the only vice or treat that I have (that sounds pretty pathetic) in my diet. However, I`ve been browsing through some of the threads on the Hormonal and Diet and Holisitic forums and so many people seem to think that giving up caffeine has helped them I`m going to give it a try. Also going to try to get back into a better sleep routine as I haven`t been sleeping that great recently. Not entirely sure how successful these measures will be as I`m pretty sure the reason I continue to breakout is genetic but I`m going to give them a try.