5 hours ago, Liz28 said:Looks like acid burn, can't believe retin a is that strong, this garbage product should be banned.
Are parts of your skin where you didn't use it still the same?
I know! I believe tazorac is the strongest of them all tho...something I was unaware of...
You can see kind of, a messy line of demarcation where the damage stops.
16 hours ago, Runi_Runi said:17 hours ago, BrokenPorEcelain said:Accutane sounds so harsh for what you've already been through! But I understand. It be uncomfortable. Do you have a job or do you attend school? Things that you have to look forward to? It's always good to have these things, in case it does end up being permanent.
And actually-for me personally-I think it would only be good to have those things if it is NOT permanent...because if it ends up being permanent, I will not continue on with life. And then all those things will become null and void anyway.
You said that most of the stories of retin a damage haven't ended well?? I read that there is improvement after a long time, but it could take multiple years. So you just need to be patient! I think at this point your skin isn't going to heal quickly at all without topicals
Hi! I just made this account to rply to this because it seems like I could lend a helping hand, as I also have had damage from retin a and healed it.
Mostly, I mean. I wasn't prescribed it by a derm or anything. I used my mothers without thinking after seeing it could help with acne. My skin also got really sensitive to everything, burned, looked dry and sunken, formed little lines and pore lines everywhere. My forehead got flaky but didn't peel. It looked as though my skin had lost all the water within it. It looked dull some days and red others depending on what I ate or drank. Can I ask what you use on your face now? You may have said it before...but this thread is really long and I may have missed it. Your photos are helpful, but do you have any after photos with flash as was used in your befores? Or photos of your under eyes? The exntent of the damage can be seen under the eyes easily. You mentioned your upper lids are also affected
On March 18, 2017 at 1:01 PM, ComfyCozy2 said:Hi! I just made this account to rply to this because it seems like I could lend a helping hand, as I also have had damage from retin a and healed it.
Mostly, I mean. I wasn't prescribed it by a derm or anything. I used my mothers without thinking after seeing it could help with acne. My skin also got really sensitive to everything, burned, looked dry and sunken, formed little lines and pore lines everywhere. My forehead got flaky but didn't peel. It looked as though my skin had lost all the water within it. It looked dull some days and red others depending on what I ate or drank. Can I ask what you use on your face now? You may have said it before...but this thread is really long and I may have missed it. Your photos are helpful, but do you have any after photos with flash as was used in your befores? Or photos of your under eyes? The exntent of the damage can be seen under the eyes easily. You mentioned your upper lids are also affected
even the last derm I went to had trouble describing it.
did you visit any doctors during that time?
(Curious as to what your mom said about the issues as well!)
On 4/15/2017 at 0:38 PM, MeteoricAtom said:Hey so I have dealt with the same issues for a few years (not to scare you) after leaving a face mask on for wayyy to long and I took it off and looked like a aged 20 years not kidding. My skin was tight and awful and my acne got worse. I tried soooo many things but after a long time I realized my acid mantle was stripped and that's why our skin looks like this. I highly recommend you try nothing but if you heal your skin barrier your skin will look better. Basically no water, cleaners, moisturizers, no hot showers nothing(even hot shower steam ruins skin barrier) If you want to wash your hair do it in a cool bathtub. Try this for a few months. I've done this for almost a month so far and my skin is so much better it's less red and less tight. I'm with you on this journey and I know it Can heal. I have been depressed about mine too but I have also kept pushing through it and graduated college and got an awesome job and have had 2 long term relationship throughout it with guys who adored me and thought I was beautiful despite my skin. I truley believe the do nothing to your skin will help us both, look up the caveman regimen. Also no showering she says too because of the steam. Let me know how it works for you:)
Wow what kind of face mask? Did it have acids in it?
I'm so happy you had good relationships! I've found that despite my skin, people love me just the same when I'm being happy and myself :]. I may hate my skin, but I've never been rejected. So maybe people don't notice skin so much after all (although i'd say all of us here look a little closer than most, haha). Whenever I mention hating my skin my boyfriend (who has beautiful, freckled, poreless skin. it just gets a little dry sometimes) looks at my face confused and says "i don't understand? your skin is way better than mine. I get these dry spots". I can't even believe it when i hear it! I know our self worth shouldn't reside in how others see us, but it certainly helps to know something that makes you feel awful may not be noticeable to others.
I tried to caveman thing and it ended up not being for me.
I do wish I could stand cold showers though. It seems better for your skin but i'm a wimp lol
I do not desire relationships, a job, career, what have you.
I just want to be myself, inside and OUT. Above all else.
I do not want ANYTHING "despite" my skin.
I just want MY SKIN.,, back to the way it was.
Perhaps you two are highly attractive even besides your skin.
Plenty of people are.
and plenty of people are not.
I have enough other flaws, loss of years, and have had enough terrible things happen to me in my young lifetime to grow from and to get me through the dark side of living...my skin (and basically my whole face as it stands right now) need not be added to that list.
...cannot be.
Besides that, I do not have to do much more than walk past a mirror several feet away, to see what's wrong. I dont have to look closely at all. Before, I could stare into magnifying mirrors and still see nothing wrong. I also seem to have more symptoms than most people dealing with this. Both visually and sensation wise. I'm not sure exactly why that is.
I have tried leaving my skin completely alone and it did nothing.
Will be 8 months by the End of April.
Things seem to slowly get worse.
Bottom line is, I am not myself without my skin, and never will be. It's not the only important thing obviously...but it's TOO vital and important to ME to go on living without it. That FACT will NEVER change.
Im very tired..not sure how much longer I can stand this...im trying to stay off the Internet too as I am tired of this disaster (plus my EYES) and tired of repeating myself...thank you everyone for trying to help but can we please keep the conversation to positivity about physically healing and NOT positivity about NOT healing. Or being "okay" with this terrifying damage.
It might be hard for some people to understand...but the latter thought process is very Exhausting and painful to read. And actually only zaps my hopes closer to depletion.
MA, I would also like to know what mask you used as that sounds really dreadful and insane to happen from
such a thing...tho nothing much surprises me anymore 
CC2, I read your private message that you took the time to write me (thank you) but had to stop once you mentioned the dermarolling (or was it pen or stamping?)...either way I will never go that route...too much research and anecdotes I've found are against it...plus my own gut feeling...which I will never dismiss Ever again
To others following, many appointments have had to be postponed due to my ride and also the need to go to them in a certain order which would allow me to rule out underlying problems before going to more dermatologists(already been to so many)...will hopefully update soon...(wanted to say more but this site is painfully laggy on mobile!)
I don't believe you should ignore the rest of the information because you do not agree with one aspect, but that's your choice.
Can you show me the information you've found against it?
I've only seen negative things about the dermapen, with scientific evidence that it causes microtears. These do not happen with a roller (but you should buy them from a reputable place that will not send you one with any bent needles). Or better, a stamp. Which is unable to create tears unless for some crazy reason you pulled it across your face.
I wouldn't have started if I didn't do extensive scientific research on it. I'm a science major. Reading peer edited research journals and such, many of them done in the US, south korea, Japan, and France. Places of skincare expertise with different opinions on what is best, and have read positive things from all.
Including a 250+ long thread that started in 2008 where women started rolling (and many doing it incorrectly!) and actually got to study their progress. I have screenshots of the best success stories. And I know mine, and my mothers. One woman had damage from retin A, IPL, and peels (original issues was retin a, but god knows those other things made it worse!!) and says 80% of her damage is gone. I'd be happy to show you if interested. She had the same problem as you actually! But worse, she said she'd get scars if she just scratched! The roller rethickens skin with collagen.
I'm only explaining because I saw so much positive evidence that it was one of the only things to heal me that it gave me so much hope, without it being in vain.
I spent my derm $$ on good, healthy products with ceramides and lipids and self treatments. There isn't a derm out there that has a magic solution for surface damage that isn't healing itself.
Also anyone viewing, feel free to PM if you have questions about my routine. Along with the rolling, I started using a single needle and rid myself of at least 5 ice pick scars to the point that they aren't really noticeable now (I still have 2 stubborn ones, unfortunately. But I don't expect perfection)
On 4/19/2017 at 8:03 AM, ComfyCozy2 said:I don't believe you should ignore the rest of the information because you do not agree with one aspect, but that's your choice.
Can you show me the information you've found against it?
I've only seen negative things about the dermapen, with scientific evidence that it causes microtears. These do not happen with a roller (but you should buy them from a reputable place that will not send you one with any bent needles). Or better, a stamp. Which is unable to create tears unless for some crazy reason you pulled it across your face.
I wouldn't have started if I didn't do extensive scientific research on it. I'm a science major. Reading peer edited research journals and such, many of them done in the US, south korea, Japan, and France. Places of skincare expertise with different opinions on what is best, and have read positive things from all.
Including a 250+ long thread that started in 2008 where women started rolling (and many doing it incorrectly!) and actually got to study their progress. I have screenshots of the best success stories. And I know mine, and my mothers. One woman had damage from retin A, IPL, and peels (original issues was retin a, but god knows those other things made it worse!!) and says 80% of her damage is gone. I'd be happy to show you if interested. She had the same problem as you actually! But worse, she said she'd get scars if she just scratched! The roller rethickens skin with collagen.
I'm only explaining because I saw so much positive evidence that it was one of the only things to heal me that it gave me so much hope, without it being in vain.I spent my derm $$ on good, healthy products with ceramides and lipids and self treatments. There isn't a derm out there that has a magic solution for surface damage that isn't healing itself.
Also anyone viewing, feel free to PM if you have questions about my routine. Along with the rolling, I started using a single needle and rid myself of at least 5 ice pick scars to the point that they aren't really noticeable now (I still have 2 stubborn ones, unfortunately. But I don't expect perfection)
I'm not trying to get rid of individual scars, I'm trying to get rid of every square millimeter of what my facial skin is now. I've seen damage done purely from only dermarolling (as well as the stamp and pen...yes). I've spoken to people who tried it for this issue and said it was the worst mistake they ever made in trying to heal this. And 80% isn't good enough, I need my skin 95-100 percent back to what it was.
most people I speak to about this, come across what I have, fairly early inTheir panicked research).
*I mentioned individual scars because this is an acne forum, and someone may pass by that finds my success in that department helpful.*
I have done research on complaints. Ive only seen damage done by a derma pen that was not the fault of the user (as bad results from the roller have commonly been because of the user)since it in an in office deem treatment. Even when I google "dermaroller ruined my skin", success stories still pop up. I dont see much that alarms me. But there were posts that included some who seem to be damaged by their roller. You have to look at why. One poster says a they used a 3mm roller- I have never heard of anyone using such a large needle, even on stretch marks. 1.5mm is the largest you should go for the face (the dermis isonly 1.5 mm deep...)Another person was rolling every other day, alternating 1.5mm and .5 which is insane. This inhibits any collagen from forming and instead causes a lot of TEWL and scar tissue since the collagen is constantly being destroyed. You should wait 6-8 weeks in between 1.5mm sessions.Im seeing a lot of mistakes on the part of the person rolling-Including poor topical choice, incorrect needle length, using the derma pen (which WILL cause micro tears), over using the roller, and poor sanitation. One HAS to lift the roller after each pass, as opposed to back and forth, otherwise it can be a problem. It all sounds like a lot, but it really isnt if you research correctly. Just read another where someone applied retina a afterwards and that sounds like a nightmare. Another guy had slight redness for a couple days (normal) and decided to do multiplerounds of IPL after his treatmenthis post was against the roller but the culprit is obviously the IPL (which he realizes later if you search his username). I could go on. Any at home treatment can cause damage if the user has not researched how to properly use it (as we both know). And while ANYONE can have a bad reaction to any kind of topical, the roller is not a topical and is not powered by anything other than your own hand. Topical reactions/chemical burns aren't in the same category as collagen induction therapy. Besides the scientific research, I read tons of success stories and thats what ultimately got me to try it. All in all, I did read a lot of negatives on this search.I went through about 50+ posts and comments where there were complaints, and 99% were because of misuse. And then there were success stories peppered in by people using them impressively well.
I dont think its wise to disregard advice where healing is actually taking place because they are not 100% healed and dont have a miracle remedy for you. Or to interrogate people until they slip up. There is no treatment that you can ingest or put on your face that will immediately heal it.Healingtakes years and during those years, your skin is aging. So your skin will likely not be exactly what it was before. The damage was possibly this bad because a bit of aging and hormonal changes started to happen already (23-26 is a time of hormonal shift, a lot of women experience changes in sensitivity or changes in acne during this time. Also body hair and skin texture changes, sometimes PIH). Shutting down others in healingbecause they aren't at a healing point to be of use to you is lame. Or others who found happiness despite their skin and are telling their story or viewpoint.
I am going to continue what I am doing for the rest of my life because everyone ages, and I am much healthier now.It would be silly of me to abandon my healthy diet just because I achieve the results I wanted, or my skincare routine that works and makes me feel nice because my skin is normal now. Why would I stop? It will always benefit me, and may stave off some aging. Everyone needs a good skincare routine at some point. After 25, your skin starts producing collagen slower and slows down every year after that. My continuation of the roller will only be for upkeep as far as future wrinkles are concerned, and I'll probably do it less frequently once I get to where I want to be. Maybe even get rid of some acne scars while I'm at it. I live in a dry state as well, so hydrating skincare is a must, and Ill enjoy my hydrating skincare forever.
Good luck to you, though it seems that 8 months of no improvement may signal that the caveman routine i.e. do nothing isnt working and you need a multistep barrier repair routine. I hope you can find something else in life other than having perfect skin.
My apologies I didn't mean to make you upset by saying that just offer some hope to you. I used the Aztec clay healing mask. Never use that it will suck all the water out of your skin. Anyways i will pray for you and healing. I promise I will be back to post if/when the caveman fully heals me.
25 minutes ago, MeteoricAtom said:My apologies I didn't mean to make you upset by saying that just offer some hope to you. I used the Aztec clay healing mask. Never use that it will suck all the water out of your skin. Anyways i will pray for you and healing. I promise I will be back to post if/when the caveman fully heals me.
You shouldn't have to be sorry. I'm so surprised that it was just the aztec clay that caused that! I wonder if maybe your skin also had a reaction to a mineral within it. <3 I'm happy that you're still happy though. Good luck with your future healing
Hey okay so look into urea! It helps your skin bind onto water again. Look up eucerin urea 5% face cream, I bought it off amazon from the U.K. I believe. Out of 5 years that is what helped me the most instantly!! Like it's crazy! It helps fix dehydrated skin. Look it up please! It has urea and a small amount of lactic acid. Don't go above 5% urea for your face so I really recommend that kind. Please let me know if that works for you too. I can relate to you so much and swore I would tell you if I found something that helped me! My skin texture is better and the helps with the redness. I've only been using it a few days, will report back with more results:)
also helps with with the tightfeeling and read that it doesn't just coversymptoms like other moisturizers it it's actually gets your cells to wake up and hold water
On 23/05/2017 at 3:32 AM, MeteoricAtom said:Hey okay so look into urea! It helps your skin bind onto water again. Look up eucerin urea 5% face cream, I bought it off amazon from the U.K. I believe. Out of 5 years that is what helped me the most instantly!! Like it's crazy! It helps fix dehydrated skin. Look it up please! It has urea and a small amount of lactic acid. Don't go above 5% urea for your face so I really recommend that kind. Please let me know if that works for you too. I can relate to you so much and swore I would tell you if I found something that helped me! My skin texture is better and the helps with the redness. I've only been using it a few days, will report back with more results:)
also helps with with the tightfeeling and read that it doesn't just coversymptoms like other moisturizers it it's actually gets your cells to wake up and hold water
Is this stuff okay to use even if you don't really have dry skin? My skin texture is appalling, I made a post about it on here which you may have seen (photos attached)
http://www.acne.org/messageboard/topic/365823-orange-peel-skin-disaster-w-pictures/?page=1
as myself and @BrokenPorEcelainhave been dealing with the same issue.
Thankyou!
On 4/19/2017 at 9:54 PM, ComfyCozy2 said:*I mentioned individual scars because this is an acne forum, and someone may pass by that finds my success in that department helpful.*
I have done research on complaints. Ive only seen damage done by a derma pen that was not the fault of the user (as bad results from the roller have commonly been because of the user)since it in an in office deem treatment. Even when I google "dermaroller ruined my skin", success stories still pop up. I dont see much that alarms me. But there were posts that included some who seem to be damaged by their roller. You have to look at why. One poster says a they used a 3mm roller- I have never heard of anyone using such a large needle, even on stretch marks. 1.5mm is the largest you should go for the face (the dermis isonly 1.5 mm deep...)Another person was rolling every other day, alternating 1.5mm and .5 which is insane. This inhibits any collagen from forming and instead causes a lot of TEWL and scar tissue since the collagen is constantly being destroyed. You should wait 6-8 weeks in between 1.5mm sessions.Im seeing a lot of mistakes on the part of the person rolling-Including poor topical choice, incorrect needle length, using the derma pen (which WILL cause micro tears), over using the roller, and poor sanitation. One HAS to lift the roller after each pass, as opposed to back and forth, otherwise it can be a problem. It all sounds like a lot, but it really isnt if you research correctly. Just read another where someone applied retina a afterwards and that sounds like a nightmare. Another guy had slight redness for a couple days (normal) and decided to do multiplerounds of IPL after his treatmenthis post was against the roller but the culprit is obviously the IPL (which he realizes later if you search his username). I could go on. Any at home treatment can cause damage if the user has not researched how to properly use it (as we both know). And while ANYONE can have a bad reaction to any kind of topical, the roller is not a topical and is not powered by anything other than your own hand. Topical reactions/chemical burns aren't in the same category as collagen induction therapy. Besides the scientific research, I read tons of success stories and thats what ultimately got me to try it. All in all, I did read a lot of negatives on this search.I went through about 50+ posts and comments where there were complaints, and 99% were because of misuse. And then there were success stories peppered in by people using them impressively well.
I dont think its wise to disregard advice where healing is actually taking place because they are not 100% healed and dont have a miracle remedy for you. Or to interrogate people until they slip up. There is no treatment that you can ingest or put on your face that will immediately heal it.Healingtakes years and during those years, your skin is aging. So your skin will likely not be exactly what it was before. The damage was possibly this bad because a bit of aging and hormonal changes started to happen already (23-26 is a time of hormonal shift, a lot of women experience changes in sensitivity or changes in acne during this time. Also body hair and skin texture changes, sometimes PIH). Shutting down others in healingbecause they aren't at a healing point to be of use to you is lame. Or others who found happiness despite their skin and are telling their story or viewpoint.
I am going to continue what I am doing for the rest of my life because everyone ages, and I am much healthier now.It would be silly of me to abandon my healthy diet just because I achieve the results I wanted, or my skincare routine that works and makes me feel nice because my skin is normal now. Why would I stop? It will always benefit me, and may stave off some aging. Everyone needs a good skincare routine at some point. After 25, your skin starts producing collagen slower and slows down every year after that. My continuation of the roller will only be for upkeep as far as future wrinkles are concerned, and I'll probably do it less frequently once I get to where I want to be. Maybe even get rid of some acne scars while I'm at it. I live in a dry state as well, so hydrating skincare is a must, and Ill enjoy my hydrating skincare forever.
Good luck to you, though it seems that 8 months of no improvement may signal that the caveman routine i.e. do nothing isnt working and you need a multistep barrier repair routine. I hope you can find something else in life other than having perfect skin.
Why is basing your worth and self esteem on being rejected or accepted by men any better-if not worse-than me putting so much weight in my skin/face...??
Again just to clarify...I've got plenty of other things that are important to me...but that doesn't make my skin any less so.
(10 months past now.)
Well I guess I'll come out of the shadows. I've been talking to BrokenPorecelin for a little while now regarding what Retin A did to my skin. I joined this site last year with nothing but good intentions of helping others dealing with acne and it's awful aftermath. My skin was clear and almost blemish free. Now, months later...after first using Skinceuticals retinol .05% for a month then switching over to Retin A .05% for an additional month my skin is unrecognizable. My face is inflamed and my pores are blown open and are "playing connect the dots" forming lines everywhere. My skin is not only dry looking but also dehydrated looking despite the fact that I drink a gallon of water daily. The worst part about this is the dents, cracks, and pockmarks that showed up overnight...In areas where I never had acne. And to add to this, my chin acne has come back with a vengeance due to stress. I really thought I was at a good point with my skin after fighting w/pustular acne for years.
Anyway, I understand where you guys are coming from (H4nnz and BrokenPorecelin and anyone else out there struggling with this issue and your skin changing almost overnight). I think the only thing we can do is help each other move forward and heal, make sure others are aware of the possible negative reactions, and bounce ideas off of each other. Fingers crossed we all come out out of this unscathed.
ETA: yes, H4nnz urea is a good skin ingredient. If you go to nakedchemist site she talks about it and other ingredients for healing damaged/inflamed skin barriers.
Youve been very intense and rude to multiple posters. Im sorry this happened to you and that youre suffering greatly, but others saying that they are healed (maybe not even saying 100%)and you pointing a finger at them ISlame. Nobody is trying to hide anything or trick you. What would anyone gain from that? No one is suggesting that you become more like them. Theyre stating their experiences to hopefully be relatable.
My comments were not to statethat I am universally found to be attractive. My negative feelings about my own skin bothered mefor a long time, despite evidence that it just wasnt as important as I internally made it. It was something I magnified, butgood or bad, went unnoticed by others. I was good at hiding my insecurities when I forced myself into pubic, and realized I was liked most for who I am and not my appearance (especially one feature such as skin). It is also how I react to others, and rarely notice flaws until pointed out by them. This is a common subject on this site, and Ive read others have similar revelations about their skin and scarring, which is nice and encouraging. I said I have never been rejected, meaning bypeople in general. Not romantically. I didn't say by "anyone", at any point. I'm not sure where those "exact words" came from. People have not rejected/critiquedme sociallybecause of how my skin texture appears or scarring. I mentioned my partner (as did another poster) because he getsthe closest to my face. If he doesnt notice, most people wont.Ive felt better seeing other people mention their similar experiences. Its normal for those with scars or damage to fear rejection socially/romantically (despite being happy and successful in other areas). I may not like my skin, but that doesnt mean its more noticeable to everyone. In no way does wanting comfortable social experiences, free of insecurity, mean that my entire self worth hangs on the opinions of others. If that were true, I wouldnt have been able to finish school and pursue other things I love while dealing with damaged skin. My life didnt cease. What a negativeinterpretation you took from that. You really took that and ran with it. Dont create a narrative that isnt there because you need something to use as a personal attack.It would be awfullosing a defining feature!But me personally, I would have to find a way to live around a change and not put my worth in onefeature. I have responsibilities and others that depend on me, so I wouldn't have the option not to. I've volunteered with victims of violence, some of which have been physically disfigured and wereworking on moving on from their abuse. I think I gained a perspective from that. My situation could always be worse.
My response was to your questioning and critique of CIT,that works for me and others with backing. Its fine it you dont want to try it, I just provided information where you critiqued it. Calling it a torture device and claiming it's damaged tons of people,was off. I was comparing my healthy diet to my skincare routine, not accusing you of telling me not to eat well. I wouldn't give up my facial routine that works, just like I wouldn't change my healthy diet. Yes, I believe having a good routine will stave off aging. I didn't say it was wrong to be worried about that, I said the opposite. Everyone ages differently, so you can't compare yourself to others. I never said any part of your damage was from aging. Without prevention, aging will just happen eventually (even with it, it'll still happen one day). Specifically on damaged skin. It's not clear what you're getting at. I feel like you're desperate to find inconsistencies in my posts. Weve only exchanged a few messages, so I don't believeyouve had to repeat yourself much.If you'vehadto repeat anything to anyone, it's likely dueto your long winded posts. It's easy to miss things here and there.
Commenting in response to you and others, relevant to the topic, is not hijacking. Asking others to PM me instead of having them address me in your thread is the opposite of hijacking your post. I offered to give anyone advice or info if its something they want to try, as I have a lot of research and am a nerd about that. Im sure youve PM'd plenty of people mentioning their commentsin other threads.Im not sure how thats implicating youre wrong or that Im trying to get others to follow me? That's some intense "reading between the lines".If someone is interested in a method that worked for me, I wouldnt mind talking about it.
Sorry if my previous post was too straight forward or seemed cold. My last comment was in regard to your skin being your favoritefeature, and that I hope you are able to favorite and feel good about other features as well and enjoy other things again. It sucks to not enjoy things because of damage.
Im going to stop responding to this post now. Much of yourresponse involved taking thingsof context, and adding aforced narrative. Its also just really hard to respond to your quick tempered, rantingstyle of posting.
I do hope your skin gets better, and that you are able to update and help others in similar situations.I also hope you feel better emotionally.
<3
5 hours ago, ComfyCozy2 said:Youve been very intense and rude to multiple posters. Im sorry this happened to you and that youre suffering greatly, but others saying that they are healed (maybe not even saying 100%)and you pointing a finger at them ISlame. Nobody is trying to hide anything or trick you. What would anyone gain from that? No one is suggesting that you become more like them. Theyre stating their experiences to hopefully be relatable.
My comments were not to statethat I am universally found to be attractive. My negative feelings about my own skin bothered mefor a long time, despite evidence that it just wasnt as important as I internally made it. It was something I magnified, butgood or bad, went unnoticed by others. I was good at hiding my insecurities when I forced myself into pubic, and realized I was liked most for who I am and not my appearance (especially one feature such as skin). It is also how I react to others, and rarely notice flaws until pointed out by them. This is a common subject on this site, and Ive read others have similar revelations about their skin and scarring, which is nice and encouraging. I said I have never been rejected, meaning bypeople in general. Not romantically. I didn't say by "anyone", at any point. I'm not sure where those "exact words" came from. People have not rejected/critiquedme sociallybecause of how my skin texture appears or scarring. I mentioned my partner (as did another poster) because he getsthe closest to my face. If he doesnt notice, most people wont.Ive felt better seeing other people mention their similar experiences. Its normal for those with scars or damage to fear rejection socially/romantically (despite being happy and successful in other areas). I may not like my skin, but that doesnt mean its more noticeable to everyone. In no way does wanting comfortable social experiences, free of insecurity, mean that my entire self worth hangs on the opinions of others. If that were true, I wouldnt have been able to finish school and pursue other things I love while dealing with damaged skin. My life didnt cease. What a negativeinterpretation you took from that. You really took that and ran with it. Dont create a narrative that isnt there because you need something to use as a personal attack.It would be awfullosing a defining feature!But me personally, I would have to find a way to live around a change and not put my worth in onefeature. I have responsibilities and others that depend on me, so I wouldn't have the option not to. I've volunteered with victims of violence, some of which have been physically disfigured and wereworking on moving on from their abuse. I think I gained a perspective from that. My situation could always be worse.
My response was to your questioning and critique of CIT,that works for me and others with backing. Its fine it you dont want to try it, I just provided information where you critiqued it. Calling it a torture device and claiming it's damaged tons of people,was off. I was comparing my healthy diet to my skincare routine, not accusing you of telling me not to eat well. I wouldn't give up my facial routine that works, just like I wouldn't change my healthy diet. Yes, I believe having a good routine will stave off aging. I didn't say it was wrong to be worried about that, I said the opposite. Everyone ages differently, so you can't compare yourself to others. I never said any part of your damage was from aging. Without prevention, aging will just happen eventually (even with it, it'll still happen one day). Specifically on damaged skin. It's not clear what you're getting at. I feel like you're desperate to find inconsistencies in my posts. Weve only exchanged a few messages, so I don't believeyouve had to repeat yourself much.If you'vehadto repeat anything to anyone, it's likely dueto your long winded posts. It's easy to miss things here and there.
Commenting in response to you and others, relevant to the topic, is not hijacking. Asking others to PM me instead of having them address me in your thread is the opposite of hijacking your post. I offered to give anyone advice or info if its something they want to try, as I have a lot of research and am a nerd about that. Im sure youve PM'd plenty of people mentioning their commentsin other threads.Im not sure how thats implicating youre wrong or that Im trying to get others to follow me? That's some intense "reading between the lines".If someone is interested in a method that worked for me, I wouldnt mind talking about it.
Sorry if my previous post was too straight forward or seemed cold. My last comment was in regard to your skin being your favoritefeature, and that I hope you are able to favorite and feel good about other features as well and enjoy other things again. It sucks to not enjoy things because of damage.Im going to stop responding to this post now. Much of yourresponse involved taking thingsof context, and adding aforced narrative. Its also just really hard to respond to your quick tempered, rantingstyle of posting.
I do hope your skin gets better, and that you are able to update and help others in similar situations.I also hope you feel better emotionally.
<3
You're joking me right?
I haven't been rude to anyone.
I've been upset in general.
Noreading between the lines necessary to see that much.
I go from feeling bad and about to reach outan olive branch to immediately being slapped in the face with it.
I guess we shall just agree to disagree on a lot of things.
Im not completely in the right as far as misconceptions and excessiveness gobut you are nowhere near exemptfrom being in the wrong either.
And good luck in your own endeavors, in your own way of doing things. Keep in mind I wrote my response mostly side by side to reading yours so I only knewyou were "done" by the very end.
Im not going to adjust what I said , however.
We'veobviously both spent more time than is worth it on this.
Clarifying and Unclarifyig and so on and so forth.
Woahhhhh. Ok I'm glad that's over with!
This forum is filled with people who obviously care about their skin and our faces are without a doubt a huge part of our identities...I mean that's the whole point of being on this site right??? And it's also the sole purpose of needling...to better your skin and find remedies that work.
We come here for support and guidance and all of this unnecessary bickering is not solving anything. I'm glad Comfycozy found a routine that works for her. In fact, I too promote the use of the derminator/needling as it has done great things for my skin over the past few years, but I'm not telling BrokenPorecelain to try it because I already know her issues with it. Although, I haven't come across any horror stories regarding it either unless it was misused. But the word "misuse" is broad and can cover a huge spectrum of why adverse results can come about. This definitely belongs in the Derminator/dermaneedling thread lol. Anyway, back to the point...Sometimes you just have to agree to disagree!
I get what BrokenPorecelain is going through and I understand her emotional rants lol. As I'm guilty of the same thing. If you aren't currently in her shoes then there's just no way to relate. Even if you had a problem with your skin in the past...the past is just that...the past. Now you can look back calmly in retrospect. And and it's just not the same because her issue is raw and current which brings about so many unwanted anxieties and emotions. She started this thread and is free to express her opinion as is anyone else who wants to contribute. But let's try not to pour salt on the wound.
Now, let's try and get this thread back on track. I'm hoping it not only becomes more of a welcoming place for those of us suffering from Retin A damage, but also a refuge to those with future similar experiences.
Hi, BrokenPorcelain, I have been following you on here and have read most of your posts. I too, had the same damage but from excessive dosage of retin-a though used with a buffer and extremely responsibly (less than a pea size) 1-2 times per week. I too suffered damage in the form of terrible, terrible skin texture and oiliness, orange peel texture, extreme BRIGHT RED insane breakout ALL over my face. It was like a switch was flipped. I cried all day everyday for 2 months. I wasted half of my summer and my face was so beautiful before all of this. The texture, though has seemed to improve, though I still have fine lines under my eyes. After all of this fiasco, when it became too much to handle I went into the derm two months ago and was told I had a severe bacterial infection on my face (likely stemming from the shitty retin-a she prescribed me). I have since recovered by rinsing with very cold water every day, moisturizing with a repair cream while skin is still soaking wet, and never submitting myself to sunshine. Also not touching it. And icing. It got better after about a month as far as the texture issues go. I would suggest a VERY GENTLE and light mandelic acid. It was so soothing to my skin.. I went into a medical aesthetician that was employed through a plastic surgeon's office with my skin in a terrible state to get some extractions done, because at the time I figured, 'what the heck (PS are we allowed to swear on here?) its not like this could possibly get any worse'. She did some simple extractions and the mandelic acid and perhaps a vitamin c cream she used really soothed my skin and helped smooth out my skin as well. I suppose I was also drinking a lot (let's be real-that's all I ever did) when my skin was bad so I was also probably badly dehydrated which made matters worse. I've upped my water since (I've been taking a higher dosage of Spiro as of recently) but I also invested in a high-output bougie humidifier that I run in my bedroom every single night, sometimes during the day. My skin has mostly gone back to normal, but it took ages and I still have heaps of closed comedones all over which I get extractions for. My skin seems to have changed indefinitely but I see improvement most days. I wish you all the best! Get some Xanax girl, if you can. From a doctor of course. It really helps.. It's been my saving grace these last couple of weeks throughout this CC/clogged pore struggle.
15 hours ago, concdead said:Hi, BrokenPorcelain, I have been following you on here and have read most of your posts. I too, had the same damage but from excessive dosage of retin-a though used with a buffer and extremely responsibly (less than a pea size) 1-2 times per week. I too suffered damage in the form of terrible, terrible skin texture and oiliness, orange peel texture, extreme BRIGHT RED insane breakout ALL over my face. It was like a switch was flipped. I cried all day everyday for 2 months. I wasted half of my summer and my face was so beautiful before all of this. The texture, though has seemed to improve, though I still have fine lines under my eyes. After all of this fiasco, when it became too much to handle I went into the derm two months ago and was told I had a severe bacterial infection on my face (likely stemming from the shitty retin-a she prescribed me). I have since recovered by rinsing with very cold water every day, moisturizing with a repair cream while skin is still soaking wet, and never submitting myself to sunshine. Also not touching it. And icing. It got better after about a month as far as the texture issues go. I would suggest a VERY GENTLE and light mandelic acid. It was so soothing to my skin.. I went into a medical aesthetician that was employed through a plastic surgeon's office with my skin in a terrible state to get some extractions done, because at the time I figured, 'what the heck (PS are we allowed to swear on here?) its not like this could possibly get any worse'. She did some simple extractions and the mandelic acid and perhaps a vitamin c cream she used really soothed my skin and helped smooth out my skin as well. I suppose I was also drinking a lot (let's be real-that's all I ever did) when my skin was bad so I was also probably badly dehydrated which made matters worse. I've upped my water since (I've been taking a higher dosage of Spiro as of recently) but I also invested in a high-output bougie humidifier that I run in my bedroom every single night, sometimes during the day. My skin has mostly gone back to normal, but it took ages and I still have heaps of closed comedones all over which I get extractions for. My skin seems to have changed indefinitely but I see improvement most days. I wish you all the best! Get some Xanax girl, if you can. From a doctor of course. It really helps.. It's been my saving grace these last couple of weeks throughout this CC/clogged pore struggle.
Hey Concdead!
I'm also dealing with retinoid damage and was wondering how long it took for you to recover? Your skin has changed indefinitely? The OP has been to several derms. I know that both she and I were told that yeast is playing a part in this mess, but we aren't sure how big a part. Did your derm prescribe something for the bacterial infection? Yes, hydration is important! I was also put on low dose Xanax because of this LOL....awful! I'm glad you're getting better. 
I heard it can take 1-1 1/2 years to fully heal from this...
Hey Yola! SO sorry it's taken so long for me to reply. I would say it took me a good 1.5 months to get back to having normalized skin again after the damage.... be patient and be gentle! Cleanse as little as possible, completely eliminate any sort of exfoliation.... What I found helped my skin and I still do this was the ice cold or tepid only water rinse then using a good moisturizer, icing for inflammation and redness as necessary. GET THE HUMIDIFIER. lol. I don't think has changed indefinintely except for the lingering closed comedones which got much worse when I was on the tretinoin and still have yet to leave 
. I did receive bactrim 80/160 2x daily for the bacterial infection and it worked, but slowly.... very slowly. It took about three weeks. My skin was still so damaged-looking and texturally different after that, though. I recommend a vitamin C serum, and actually now that I think about it stay away from the mandelic for awhile, it can irritate and be a bit drying but not very common. I found that eltaMD barrier repair worked reallllly well for me. I actually went through a bottle of it in like 2 weeks. It's spendy but I thought it was worth it and I saw the damage improve much faster than using my other hydrating products.
Hi I have recently joined after getting orange peel skin due to using copper peptides. After constant research I care across this post and wondered if you have seen it. There are a lot of people that have had good results. My damage is from copper peptides rather than retin a but hoping it wont make a massive difference. I think a hands off approach is the way forward.
https://www.realself.com/review/world-fraxel-laser-orange-peel-texture-help-please-read
BrokenPorcelain I really hope you're okay and that you're seeing some form of improvement yet. I really really feel for you and everything that you've written in this thread really resonated with me. I feel much the same way about my skin. It's just something so important to me that I don't think I could live without it. I too have other shit going on.. I was bedridden for most of my early 20s with some not so fun diseases, and basically my skin was just always that one perfect feature that really comforted me and just gave me joy. Having perfect skin was such a big part of my identity. I guess it still is even though it's no longer even close to perfect. I started using retin a almost 3 months ago, mainly for anti aging purposes because I was seeing the effects of physical and mental stress and the toll of a really unhealthy lifestyle (forced by circumstances) and I was feeling like youth and time had been stolen from me. Here I am in my late 20s with no new life experiences since I was like 16 or 17. I didn't want to see these signs of ageing, not yet. My damage hasn't gotten too severe. I have gotten orange peel texture skin now that I didn't have before, mainly on my cheeks although you can see it all over. I don't have the porous texture, but I actually suffered from that earlier in the summer before I started with the retin a. It really freaked me out. I was convinced it was something hormonal as I had lost a lot of weight for no reason just before this happened and had also started noticing some thick dark hairs on the face and body I hadn't had before. The skin felt like some kind of sponge with no elasticity and would crease or wrinkle when I touched it and stay looking that way for hours. This wasn't limited to my face, but I noticed that my calves had like imprints from wearing loose fitting yoga pants in soft elastic material.. the imprints were not even just from the seams, but all over in the shape of the soft barely there wrinkles in the fabric from having been stuffed by my closet... It was insane how hints of wrinkles in soft loose material could leave prints all over my calves that lasted for hours. I was also getting small red bumps all over my face that looked like pimples and itched, but weren't really filled with anything. I was at the end of my stay in another country when this happened, but was returning home in a couple of weeks or something like that. At home I went straight to the doctor and had some blood work done. They didn't check any hormones other than thyroid and that came back normal. I didn't have time to go to an endocrinologist for further testing though before the skin texture was all of a sudden back to normal. I never found out what was going on, but I still suspect it could have been some hormonal imbalance.. or maybe it was stress/nutritional deficiency coming with my random extreme weight loss. I guess what I want to say with this is that the body is really weird and texture like this can be the result of some unknown thing going on in your body and whatever is causing it can spontaneously resolve itself. I know yours is damage caused by the retinoid, but maybe it happened and is still going on because of something going on in your body. Whatever that is could very well spontaneously resolve itself. Even if the tests you've done haven't found anything there could still be something. My crippling disease is one that doesn't show up on any tests, and has yet to be scientifically explained or properly understood. Sometimes doctors skip certain tests too that they don't think could be relevant. I guess I just don't want you to give up yet although that's not up to me. I believe you can heal. It might take some time, but skin is such a bizarre organ. Even if it stays looking the same for a long time with little improvement it's definitely not impossible that it could start changing very rapidly for the better. I also in my teens suffered from the completely bizarre condition called dermatographia which also completely went away one day after a couple of years for seemingly no reason. Anyway I really feel for you, but hope you have the strength to persevere and not give up yet. If it ever comes to that stage when you're just ready to give up and have nothing to lose.. well I would try a stem cell "facelift". As I understand it, it's the injection of specific type of stem cells harvested from your own fat. It's entirely different from the so called fruit stem cell serums or PRP or ampire facial. The stem cells apparently have the ability to rebuild new tissue. I really hope your damage will reverse. Same for everyone else too. Stay strong guys and hang in there because nothing is impossible.