I'm humored by the jealousy comments. With the exception of my scars, I'm perfectly secure with my looks and would never be jealous of someone else because I really believe I have been blessed with attractive features. It has without a doubt given me an advantage in life. However, I have also been humbled by acne and scars. This has made me more aware and sensitive of other people's feelings over how society views attractiveness. I think Green Gables and Lee1234 were simply trying to avoid what's described here, in the rules, by keeping the thread on topic:

http://www.acne.org/...will-be-closed/

Unfortunately, I would say this thread has gone completely off topic and offers very little useful advice as it relates to the original question.

This is not a new issue on acne.org, and I think it's one that people need to be sensitive to. There are many young, impressionable people on this site, who are affected by threads like this. Peer pressure is enough, don't you think?

Thanks to the member who brought this to my attention!

Seeing how this topic has steered away from the original subject, I have to agree with the members saying that this forum is intended to give advice, not to tell people how great they look.

I understand that no bad intentions are involved, on the contrary, but please try to see it from someone else's perspective. Especially those who are not blessed with great facial features (which, of course, is subjective), and on top of that have to deal with acne and scarring. We want them to feel just as good as anyone else, and get the same amount of support. We don't want them to feel like they're fighting a useless battle, only because they may not be as "pretty" by default as someone else. No matter how good your intentions are, commenting on someone's looks can affect other people's perceptions of themselves. Even though all you want is to cheer a person up, it could make another feel down. I'm absolutely convinced that this is not anyone's intention when making a compliment, but please try to keep the aforementioned in mind before posting such comments again. As Green Gables said: there's a personal messenger that you can use. I'm sure the recipient will be just as happy.

Thank you for understanding!

I still disagree but I will stay on topic.

OP whatever you do make sure you know the risks. I have read too many horror stories in this forum and I have been reading it for centuries.

I have acne scarring and even with a simple micridermabrasion they almost ruined my face. I did recover but had a burn for months and a small scar there( not significant though) I took that as a warning side. I would never try acid peels or anything that can leave a dermarcation line like dermabrasion or lasers on darker skin tones. I rather look good in good lighting than bad in any lighting. Well now all the naysayers can say I'm offending those who had procedures gone bad, but I don't care, I hate reading all these stories of procedures making people's faces worse.

By the way I consulted with a very famous doctor twice about my scars, first time he advised me to get a laser (deep fx or total fx, I don't recall) and then years later he told me he didn't recommend it for my skin tone ( mind you I'm not even that dark I can pass for a white person) I guess between consultations he must have ruined some patient's' faces. I didn't have the procedure because I was afraid of the side effects I read in this forum Accoring to him it was safe years back and he never explained the risks back then. I actually appreciated his honesty the second time around. Not many people can admit they were wrong and the procedure he offered was way cheaper than a laser. Never forget some derms are all about taking your money, many don't care about your improvement. Reality is scars are hard to fix, even celebrities have scars.

The only procedures I feel comfortable with are fillers, temporary and permanent. I think that requires a very experienced doctor though and several rounds. You want your doctor to go slow on a permanent filler. I had one round recently and while I didn't see huge improvement I didn't have any side effects. Also my skin looks very natural. I had microdroplet silicone injections with a very famous doctor in my area But I think I will change doctors to one that has ben mentioned on this board.

Be aware though we will never have perfect skin, just less scaring.

I still disagree but I will stay on topic.

OP whatever you do make sure you know the risks. I have read too many horror stories in this forum and I have been reading it for centuries.

I have acne scarring and even with a simple micridermabrasion they almost ruined my face. I did recover but had a burn for months and a small scar there( not significant though) I took that as a warning side. I would never try acid peels or anything that can leave a dermarcation line like dermabrasion or lasers on darker skin tones. I rather look good in good lighting than bad in any lighting. Well now all the naysayers can say I'm offending those who had procedures gone bad, but I don't care, I hate reading all these stories of procedures making people's faces worse.

By the way I consulted with a very famous doctor twice about my scars, first time he advised me to get a laser (deep fx or total fx, I don't recall) and then years later he told me he didn't recommend it for my skin tone ( mind you I'm not even that dark I can pass for a white person) I guess between consultations he must have ruined some patient's' faces. I didn't have the procedure because I was afraid of the side effects I read in this forum Accoring to him it was safe years back and he never explained the risks back then. I actually appreciated his honesty the second time around. Not many people can admit they were wrong and the procedure he offered was way cheaper than a laser. Never forget some derms are all about taking your money, many don't care about your improvement. Reality is scars are hard to fix, even celebrities have scars.

The only procedures I feel comfortable with are fillers, temporary and permanent. I think that requires a very experienced doctor though and several rounds. You want your doctor to go slow on a permanent filler. I had one round recently and while I didn't see huge improvement I didn't have any side effects. Also my skin looks very natural. I had microdroplet silicone injections with a very famous doctor in my area But I think I will change doctors to one that has ben mentioned on this board.

Be aware though we will never have perfect skin, just less scaring.

 

Fillers really interest me, but I haven't researched them enough. If you want to PM me more information, that would be amazing!

Regardless of the procedure, there are risks involved. Few doctors offer permanent silicone fillers for a reason. Silicone in your skin is permanent, and it can move. If you're seriously going to consider this, do your research. Keep in mind, once you put silicone in your skin, it will also complicate your ability to have other treatments, like laser, in the future (if you choose to do so).

I still think a permanent filler would be the best plan for her. Her skin tone is good and it doesnt look like she has sundamage so I really think she should look more into that.

For the type of scars she has I do not think fillers are the best choice. Fillers work best on rolling type scars that need to be raised. Hers are ice pick/boxcar looking, and texture problems. Also the scarring is extensive meaning they are not concentrated in one area rather they cover the whole of both cheeks , too much for fillers alone.

Though there are risks as with all treatments laser is the only thing that will help you. I would suggest a combo treatment like fraxel repair and subcision for the scars the derm thinks would respond. I would look into asking your derm to order cutegenix for post procedure care. I am planning on having my treatments done next week and have been looking into this. It seems to help with recover from laser resurfacing.

http://cutagenesis.com/cutagenix-professional-skin-care-emulsion/

Oh okay I see. I thought these were rolling scars in which it seems like fillers are the best treatment. Maybe then laser would be the best treatment for her.

I still disagree but I will stay on topic.

OP whatever you do make sure you know the risks. I have read too many horror stories in this forum and I have been reading it for centuries.

I have acne scarring and even with a simple micridermabrasion they almost ruined my face. I did recover but had a burn for months and a small scar there( not significant though) I took that as a warning side. I would never try acid peels or anything that can leave a dermarcation line like dermabrasion or lasers on darker skin tones. I rather look good in good lighting than bad in any lighting. Well now all the naysayers can say I'm offending those who had procedures gone bad, but I don't care, I hate reading all these stories of procedures making people's faces worse.

By the way I consulted with a very famous doctor twice about my scars, first time he advised me to get a laser (deep fx or total fx, I don't recall) and then years later he told me he didn't recommend it for my skin tone ( mind you I'm not even that dark I can pass for a white person) I guess between consultations he must have ruined some patient's' faces. I didn't have the procedure because I was afraid of the side effects I read in this forum Accoring to him it was safe years back and he never explained the risks back then. I actually appreciated his honesty the second time around. Not many people can admit they were wrong and the procedure he offered was way cheaper than a laser. Never forget some derms are all about taking your money, many don't care about your improvement. Reality is scars are hard to fix, even celebrities have scars.

The only procedures I feel comfortable with are fillers, temporary and permanent. I think that requires a very experienced doctor though and several rounds. You want your doctor to go slow on a permanent filler. I had one round recently and while I didn't see huge improvement I didn't have any side effects. Also my skin looks very natural. I had microdroplet silicone injections with a very famous doctor in my area But I think I will change doctors to one that has ben mentioned on this board.

Be aware though we will never have perfect skin, just less scaring.

 

Fillers really interest me, but I haven't researched them enough. If you want to PM me more information, that would be amazing!

 

Have you ever tried something like Tazorac, rockmeamadeus? Green Gables was absolutely right when she said that something like Tazorac can work wonders in building up the collagen in one's scarring. I used Taz for over two years to build up my scars before having my punch float procedures done. It definitely helped my scars before they were even operated on.

Also, have you ever considered having a surgical treatment done prior to having laser performed? There are several statements of doctors such as these on RealSelf.com who believe that a multilayered approach can be very good for treating acne scarring on the face; http://www.realself.com/question/rid-acne-scars-cheeks

This is what I am planning on having done since I have already had punch floats and a session of grafts, but I doubt I will even have my first laser procedure performed until the first of 2013.

Although the first doctor in the link, Dr. Philip Young, recommends TCA Cross treatment, which I find pretty risky, I agree wholeheartedly with Dr. Mark Taylor's opinion. It's located below Dr. Young's. My advice is to really do your research about treatments for acne scarring before even continuing to consult with several doctors. Try your best to figure out what is going to be the best method to treating your scarring, so you can get the very most out of any future consults. I'm still trying to figure all this out, myself. So, I feel for your current situation. I can really relate to it.

All the best,

Cherry

Regardless of the procedure, there are risks involved. Few doctors offer permanent silicone fillers for a reason. Silicone in your skin is permanent, and it can move. If you're seriously going to consider this, do your research. Keep in mind, once you put silicone in your skin, it will also complicate your ability to have other treatments, like laser, in the future (if you choose to do so).

 

Regardless of the procedure, there are risks involved. Few doctors offer permanent silicone fillers for a reason. Silicone in your skin is permanent, and it can move. If you're seriously going to consider this, do your research. Keep in mind, once you put silicone in your skin, it will also complicate your ability to have other treatments, like laser, in the future (if you choose to do so).

 

True but I yet have heard of any complications of microdroplet silicone. Also there is no incentive in offering a $300-$600 round of fillers when you can make more money in a laser procedure which takes probably less time than injecting scars over and over. I would definetely make sure I would go to a good doctor. You are right it is very hard to find a doctor who does this procedure. Metro areas with a lot of AIDS cases tend to have the most since it has been used in those patients for years. Well you need an artist more than a doctor.

Lasers might work for the OP since her skin is pretty white but she needs to make sure she goes to someone with years of experience and even then there are risks involved. OP just research this board there are many topics on lasers. I do know a woman who had a flesh eating bacteria on her face, she was very white and she had no complications. I am yet not impressed with any laser case I have read in this forum, and I am scared to death everytime I read anything with the word acid on it because sometimes it ends up horribly. I think money will be better spend in temporary fillers but that is my opinion of course. The OP needs to make her own research and make sure she knows the risks. There are too many greedy derms out there.

OP one thing I noticed with my skin is that it can't take liquid foundation. I think you need to reconsider your makeup choices if you are still breaking out. If you are not using retinA give it a try. Your scars won't dissapear but it will improve your texture a little. I personally only wear powder and some concealer when I really have to. I also think powder looks more natural on people with facial scars. I really don't know what you are using though.

Do you have make up on in the pics?

Also, if you go for the treatment, can you post what treatment it was and all those details? My skin looks the same as yours kinda (but I still have red marks on the scars).

OMG! I've finally found someone who has almost the same scarring that I have! Unfortunately, I stopped Diane about 4 months back and my skin is breaking out with small white heads Please keep us updated on what treatments work for you! After my acne problem is resolved completely, I'll look into laser. Pleassseee keep me informed. I wish you all the best with the procedures Chin up, you are a beautiful person.

I say Fraxel Repair.

Okay everyone who I spoke with about my dermatologist consultation, I just came back from one today.

I had one that was earlier, but things came up with a family emergency and then work...needless to say, I just got around to it.

I was going in for a free consultation just open for any advice, but really expecting to talk on laser treatments because in my mind, that's the only solution at this point.

Going to the dermatologist is pretty nerve-wracking. I have never been to one and I have had acne for 12 years--I realized it was totally absurd to have fear or wait that long after today. The place was reputable, it was in a very nice area of downtown, and the people who worked there were SO nice and welcoming. They understand the sensitivity of this issue, and you can tell they do everything to comfort you.

Going anywhere in public, let alone a very chic part of downtown, without makeup was pretty much the worst. However, it was kind of liberating and I didn't come across too many people.

Straight off the bat, she asked me how long I have had it, my nutrition, and what I have done up until now to combat acne. She took notes while I tried to rattle off every method I have used and she seemed to have heard it all. She only chided me a little when I mentioned I have used chemical peels at home from MUAC--She said they aren't mixed at the specific levels for each individual's skin and if you put things like that on skin that isn't properly cleaned and prepped professionally, it can make your skin erupt more.

She took me into a room where I laid down (it was like a spa, with some calming music~~) and examined my skin under a bright light. She told me I have boxcar, and rolling, but 'very small, fortunately!'. She said she doesn't see any icepick.

So, she told me she recommends me to start off with a facial (extraction, brushing with salicylic acid, etc. etc.) and then she will prescribe to me Retin-A. She told me it would be my 'best friend', helping smooth out everything and produce collagen--nothing new there. After 1-2 months of being on Retin-A she recommended I do a VI peel. I haven't heard too much on this one, she said it combines mixed amounts of glycolic, TCA, phenol, and some other things I didn't catch. She said she does a ton of them, and they really make a result after one treatment.

She told me to expect a lot of smoothing out and improvement just from this alone. She told me it will never be perfect, but it will be at a point where I won't feel the need to cover it with makeup. If I want to do laser after that, she talked briefly of the ActiveFX and DeepFX they offer. I told her I want to start off simple and see where I end up, and not jump right into laser and she agreed.

So, she spoke of how much she loved skin, she told me I was 'beautiful' even with the acne, told me to change my diet up, and recommended me to more common and simple methods than the more expensive laser. So I feel good about that consultation, and I am going to do what she recommends. I'll post what happens in a few months from now!

Oh and to everyone asking if I had makeup on in the photos, I did. I am posting a few more where I have absolutely no makeup on(taken before the dermatologist), so it's more accurate. But really---makeup highlights the indents, just covers the redness of active breakouts. If I had no redness, I wouldn't wear makeup at all, my scars look smoother without it!

Thanks for keeping us all updated, rockmeamadeus.

"She told me it will never be perfect..." So glad that you went to a derm that was honest with you about that.

Very glad to hear that the derm recommended that you use Retin A for the scarring to build up the collagen. That's what helped me so much.

Hello rockmeamadeus,

please continue to keep us updated!

Hey guys, sorry for the lack of updates.

My derm forgot to prescribe me Retin-A when I was there, and I planned to go in ASAP to get that plus a spot treatment (she offers them free to deter people from picking their skin!) but A LOT of things came up in my life that just made me put all of this to the side.

Also I cannot afford the Retin-A for a few weeks now, because of some issues.

So, I haven't really started anything yet. Within the next month I plan to start the Retin-A, and then I can update after I have been using it for a month or so. The big thing is the VI Peel my derm plans to give me after being on Retin-A for 2 months, which she says will create an amazing difference.

Meanwhile, I have been following her advice as close as I can. I cut out all caffiene (coffee, diet soda, etc). I drink only water and have gotten to be addicted to green tea, so I drink 1-2 cups a day. I cut down a lot on the amount of empty calories and processed junk I eat. I try to eat basic, at least for a while to kind of clean up my skin as much as I can without topicals.

The texture of my skin seems to be smoother on it's own, I just use Physician's Formula Wrinkle Formula & Deep Moisture Repair. Staying out the sun, and also collagen forming from so many past self-administered peels are all reasons why it seems to be smoother even without treatment, I believe.

I think after Retin-A and the VI peel, my skin will be improved enough for me to regain confidence, and ditch the makeup. I really, really can see the light at the end of this tunnel.

Here is a picture of my skin. Still bad, had a bad menstrual breakout I am trying to clear up. But, honestly everyone---diet matters! Sleep matters! Water matters! I know it's repeated over and over, but it MATTERS. REALLY.

Hey guys, sorry for the lack of updates.

My derm forgot to prescribe me Retin-A when I was there, and I planned to go in ASAP to get that plus a spot treatment (she offers them free to deter people from picking their skin!) but A LOT of things came up in my life that just made me put all of this to the side.

Also I cannot afford the Retin-A for a few weeks now, because of some issues.

So, I haven't really started anything yet. Within the next month I plan to start the Retin-A, and then I can update after I have been using it for a month or so. The big thing is the VI Peel my derm plans to give me after being on Retin-A for 2 months, which she says will create an amazing difference.

Meanwhile, I have been following her advice as close as I can. I cut out all caffiene (coffee, diet soda, etc). I drink only water and have gotten to be addicted to green tea, so I drink 1-2 cups a day. I cut down a lot on the amount of empty calories and processed junk I eat. I try to eat basic, at least for a while to kind of clean up my skin as much as I can without topicals.

The texture of my skin seems to be smoother on it's own, I just use Physician's Formula Wrinkle Formula & Deep Moisture Repair. Staying out the sun, and also collagen forming from so many past self-administered peels are all reasons why it seems to be smoother even without treatment, I believe.

I think after Retin-A and the VI peel, my skin will be improved enough for me to regain confidence, and ditch the makeup. I really, really can see the light at the end of this tunnel.

Here is a picture of my skin. Still bad, had a bad menstrual breakout I am trying to clear up. But, honestly everyone---diet matters! Sleep matters! Water matters! I know it's repeated over and over, but it MATTERS. REALLY.

 

I totally managed to clear my skin 100% by using only water to wash my face with a microfiber cloth for absorbing oil and exfoliation. Non-dairy diet. No junk food. Drink lots of water and green tea. Take zinc every other day or so. Washing my face with water only was an important step.

Hey guys, sorry for the lack of updates.

My derm forgot to prescribe me Retin-A when I was there, and I planned to go in ASAP to get that plus a spot treatment (she offers them free to deter people from picking their skin!) but A LOT of things came up in my life that just made me put all of this to the side.

Also I cannot afford the Retin-A for a few weeks now, because of some issues.

So, I haven't really started anything yet. Within the next month I plan to start the Retin-A, and then I can update after I have been using it for a month or so. The big thing is the VI Peel my derm plans to give me after being on Retin-A for 2 months, which she says will create an amazing difference.

Meanwhile, I have been following her advice as close as I can. I cut out all caffiene (coffee, diet soda, etc). I drink only water and have gotten to be addicted to green tea, so I drink 1-2 cups a day. I cut down a lot on the amount of empty calories and processed junk I eat. I try to eat basic, at least for a while to kind of clean up my skin as much as I can without topicals.

The texture of my skin seems to be smoother on it's own, I just use Physician's Formula Wrinkle Formula & Deep Moisture Repair. Staying out the sun, and also collagen forming from so many past self-administered peels are all reasons why it seems to be smoother even without treatment, I believe.

I think after Retin-A and the VI peel, my skin will be improved enough for me to regain confidence, and ditch the makeup. I really, really can see the light at the end of this tunnel.

Here is a picture of my skin. Still bad, had a bad menstrual breakout I am trying to clear up. But, honestly everyone---diet matters! Sleep matters! Water matters! I know it's repeated over and over, but it MATTERS. REALLY.

 

Thanks so much for updating your thread. Looking forward to hearing about your results with Retin A. Best of luck!

Can I just say something that anyone who posts pictures here completely barefaced will understand....it is damn freeing to post pictures of yourself looking (what you think) is your most disgusting and have no one react like, 'OH MY GOD, EW YOU LOOK SO UGLY, EW, EW EW'

I just want to say, I didn't even realize it until I looked back through this thread and all the pictures I took that I would cry if anyone I knew saw them, and I didn't even think too much on it. That's awesome.

 

Hey guys, sorry for the lack of updates.

 

 

My derm forgot to prescribe me Retin-A when I was there, and I planned to go in ASAP to get that plus a spot treatment (she offers them free to deter people from picking their skin!) but A LOT of things came up in my life that just made me put all of this to the side.

Also I cannot afford the Retin-A for a few weeks now, because of some issues.

 

So, I haven't really started anything yet. Within the next month I plan to start the Retin-A, and then I can update after I have been using it for a month or so. The big thing is the VI Peel my derm plans to give me after being on Retin-A for 2 months, which she says will create an amazing difference.

 

Meanwhile, I have been following her advice as close as I can. I cut out all caffiene (coffee, diet soda, etc). I drink only water and have gotten to be addicted to green tea, so I drink 1-2 cups a day. I cut down a lot on the amount of empty calories and processed junk I eat. I try to eat basic, at least for a while to kind of clean up my skin as much as I can without topicals.

 

The texture of my skin seems to be smoother on it's own, I just use Physician's Formula Wrinkle Formula & Deep Moisture Repair. Staying out the sun, and also collagen forming from so many past self-administered peels are all reasons why it seems to be smoother even without treatment, I believe.

 

I think after Retin-A and the VI peel, my skin will be improved enough for me to regain confidence, and ditch the makeup. I really, really can see the light at the end of this tunnel.

 

Here is a picture of my skin. Still bad, had a bad menstrual breakout I am trying to clear up. But, honestly everyone---diet matters! Sleep matters! Water matters! I know it's repeated over and over, but it MATTERS. REALLY.

 

I totally managed to clear my skin 100% by using only water to wash my face with a microfiber cloth for absorbing oil and exfoliation. Non-dairy diet. No junk food. Drink lots of water and green tea. Take zinc every other day or so. Washing my face with water only was an important step.

Glad to hear you are feeling better! Going to the derms is scary for sure.

I must say though that the peel is pretty weak and in all honesty will not do much at all for your scarring. I have had several and trust me it will be a waste if this is what you are trying to treat. You will have to have more aggressive treatments to correct your scarring. I still think subcision or fillers or laser are going to be your best bet for the rolling scars and maybe cross for your boxcars on the apples of your cheeks. The peel will make your skin lookm better for a few days because of the swelling but thats about it.

Can I just say something that anyone who posts pictures here completely barefaced will understand....it is damn freeing to post pictures of yourself looking (what you think) is your most disgusting and have no one react like, 'OH MY GOD, EW YOU LOOK SO UGLY, EW, EW EW'

how somebody can tell OH MY GOD, EW YOU LOOK SO UGLY,when in reallity you are very pretty ,you need more self confidence girl

Can I just say something that anyone who posts pictures here completely barefaced will understand....it is damn freeing to post pictures of yourself looking (what you think) is your most disgusting and have no one react like, 'OH MY GOD, EW YOU LOOK SO UGLY, EW, EW EW'

I just want to say, I didn't even realize it until I looked back through this thread and all the pictures I took that I would cry if anyone I knew saw them, and I didn't even think too much on it. That's awesome.

Hey guys, sorry for the lack of updates.

My derm forgot to prescribe me Retin-A when I was there, and I planned to go in ASAP to get that plus a spot treatment (she offers them free to deter people from picking their skin!) but A LOT of things came up in my life that just made me put all of this to the side.

Also I cannot afford the Retin-A for a few weeks now, because of some issues.

So, I haven't really started anything yet. Within the next month I plan to start the Retin-A, and then I can update after I have been using it for a month or so. The big thing is the VI Peel my derm plans to give me after being on Retin-A for 2 months, which she says will create an amazing difference.

Meanwhile, I have been following her advice as close as I can. I cut out all caffiene (coffee, diet soda, etc). I drink only water and have gotten to be addicted to green tea, so I drink 1-2 cups a day. I cut down a lot on the amount of empty calories and processed junk I eat. I try to eat basic, at least for a while to kind of clean up my skin as much as I can without topicals.

The texture of my skin seems to be smoother on it's own, I just use Physician's Formula Wrinkle Formula & Deep Moisture Repair. Staying out the sun, and also collagen forming from so many past self-administered peels are all reasons why it seems to be smoother even without treatment, I believe.

I think after Retin-A and the VI peel, my skin will be improved enough for me to regain confidence, and ditch the makeup. I really, really can see the light at the end of this tunnel.

Here is a picture of my skin. Still bad, had a bad menstrual breakout I am trying to clear up. But, honestly everyone---diet matters! Sleep matters! Water matters! I know it's repeated over and over, but it MATTERS. REALLY.

 

I totally managed to clear my skin 100% by using only water to wash my face with a microfiber cloth for absorbing oil and exfoliation. Non-dairy diet. No junk food. Drink lots of water and green tea. Take zinc every other day or so. Washing my face with water only was an important step.

 

It's true, seriously....I think my acne can be attributed to digestive issues and a childhood of Hamburger Helper for dinner. I only wish my mom was a crazy health nut, I probably could have avoided all serious breakouts and scarring altogether. Ah well....

 

I totally relate to the feeling of being apprehensive about putting photos of yourself, and wondering if those viewing your thread would think that your scarring looks heinous or not. However, after I posted my first series of photos on my own thread, I quickly got over that feeling. Like you, I also consider it pretty awesome that people are so supportive and helpful here on Acne.org.

Also, I wanted to say that even if you were brought up with "health nut" parents, your predisposition for acne and scarring might still have always been there. My mom tried to cook decent meals for my siblings and I while we grew up, but she believed that giving cow's milk to us was "healthy". It was probably okay for my brother and sister, since they don't have the skin issues that I do, but since my mom wasn't educated about the potential dangers of dairy for those with hormonal issues, she had no way of knowing that I shouldn't have had it as a younger girl.

At least you are learning this stuff now, and you're still so young!

Glad to hear you are feeling better! Going to the derms is scary for sure.

I must say though that the peel is pretty weak and in all honesty will not do much at all for your scarring. I have had several and trust me it will be a waste if this is what you are trying to treat. You will have to have more aggressive treatments to correct your scarring. I still think subcision or fillers or laser are going to be your best bet for the rolling scars and maybe cross for your boxcars on the apples of your cheeks. The peel will make your skin lookm better for a few days because of the swelling but thats about it.

 

I don't assume this will be the end of my treatment, but for a first step I think it will help a lot. I have done mild peels at home and have a lot smoother appearance than I did even 2 years ago because of them, and I know the VI peel is not the strongest out there, but I think as far as making my skin appear more even and healthy, it will do wonders. As far as the deep scars on my temples and cheeks, I'll probably learn to live with them or in the future go for more agressive treatments. I think after using Retin-A Micro and THEN having this peel will just overall make my skin a lot more clear looking than it is now.

My derm even told me that a scar is a scar, but getting rid of blemishes, discoloration, redness, all of those kinds of things can really make for a nice result even if the scars still remain. I am not seeking or expecting 100% smooth skin where I look great in every lighting, but I am completel content with that.

Right now I know that if I get my skin looking more healthy, the scarring wont bother me as much. Also, I won't have to wear so much foundation, which only makes my scarring look worse.

Can I just say something that anyone who posts pictures here completely barefaced will understand....it is damn freeing to post pictures of yourself looking (what you think) is your most disgusting and have no one react like, 'OH MY GOD, EW YOU LOOK SO UGLY, EW, EW EW'

I just want to say, I didn't even realize it until I looked back through this thread and all the pictures I took that I would cry if anyone I knew saw them, and I didn't even think too much on it. That's awesome.

Hey guys, sorry for the lack of updates.

My derm forgot to prescribe me Retin-A when I was there, and I planned to go in ASAP to get that plus a spot treatment (she offers them free to deter people from picking their skin!) but A LOT of things came up in my life that just made me put all of this to the side.

Also I cannot afford the Retin-A for a few weeks now, because of some issues.

So, I haven't really started anything yet. Within the next month I plan to start the Retin-A, and then I can update after I have been using it for a month or so. The big thing is the VI Peel my derm plans to give me after being on Retin-A for 2 months, which she says will create an amazing difference.

Meanwhile, I have been following her advice as close as I can. I cut out all caffiene (coffee, diet soda, etc). I drink only water and have gotten to be addicted to green tea, so I drink 1-2 cups a day. I cut down a lot on the amount of empty calories and processed junk I eat. I try to eat basic, at least for a while to kind of clean up my skin as much as I can without topicals.

The texture of my skin seems to be smoother on it's own, I just use Physician's Formula Wrinkle Formula & Deep Moisture Repair. Staying out the sun, and also collagen forming from so many past self-administered peels are all reasons why it seems to be smoother even without treatment, I believe.

I think after Retin-A and the VI peel, my skin will be improved enough for me to regain confidence, and ditch the makeup. I really, really can see the light at the end of this tunnel.

Here is a picture of my skin. Still bad, had a bad menstrual breakout I am trying to clear up. But, honestly everyone---diet matters! Sleep matters! Water matters! I know it's repeated over and over, but it MATTERS. REALLY.

 

I totally managed to clear my skin 100% by using only water to wash my face with a microfiber cloth for absorbing oil and exfoliation. Non-dairy diet. No junk food. Drink lots of water and green tea. Take zinc every other day or so. Washing my face with water only was an important step.

 

It's true, seriously....I think my acne can be attributed to digestive issues and a childhood of Hamburger Helper for dinner. I only wish my mom was a crazy health nut, I probably could have avoided all serious breakouts and scarring altogether. Ah well....

 

I totally relate to the feeling of being apprehensive about putting photos of yourself, and wondering if those viewing your thread would think that your scarring looks heinous or not. However, after I posted my first series of photos on my own thread, I quickly got over that feeling. Like you, I also consider it pretty awesome that people are so supportive and helpful here on Acne.org.

Also, I wanted to say that even if you were brought up with "health nut" parents, your predisposition for acne and scarring might still have always been there. My mom tried to cook decent meals for my siblings and I while we grew up, but she believed that giving cow's milk to us was "healthy". It was probably okay for my brother and sister, since they don't have the skin issues that I do, but since my mom wasn't educated about the potential dangers of dairy for those with hormonal issues, she had no way of knowing that I shouldn't have had it as a younger girl.

At least you are learning this stuff now, and you're still so young!

 

I know, I mean't to say that it's obviously in my genetics to be acne-prone and have skin inflammation to things other people don't, and I feel if I had been aware of this when I was young, I could have avoided eating high-sodium, high-dairy, highly processed foods that, for me, caused really bad breakouts that led to scarring.

I never really understood the fact that some people just have a higher tendency to get acne, like how pale people have a higher tendency to get sunburned. It's like a pale person hanging out with their really tan friends, wondering why they don't get blistering sunburns, and sitting in the sun anyway, thinking it can't be the problem because their FRIENDS don't get affected in the same way.

I don't know, it's just all really complicated, isn't it? That's the frustrating part. You spend so much of your time and energy chasing after causes so you can maybe find a solution, but there are so many. I am glad I am learning a lot about my skin now and how to treat it better, but I think the best option is to be at peace with yourself and don't fall into dramatics because of a flaw.

Glad to hear you are feeling better! Going to the derms is scary for sure.

I must say though that the peel is pretty weak and in all honesty will not do much at all for your scarring. I have had several and trust me it will be a waste if this is what you are trying to treat. You will have to have more aggressive treatments to correct your scarring. I still think subcision or fillers or laser are going to be your best bet for the rolling scars and maybe cross for your boxcars on the apples of your cheeks. The peel will make your skin lookm better for a few days because of the swelling but thats about it.

 

I don't assume this will be the end of my treatment, but for a first step I think it will help a lot. I have done mild peels at home and have a lot smoother appearance than I did even 2 years ago because of them, and I know the VI peel is not the strongest out there, but I think as far as making my skin appear more even and healthy, it will do wonders. As far as the deep scars on my temples and cheeks, I'll probably learn to live with them or in the future go for more agressive treatments. I think after using Retin-A Micro and THEN having this peel will just overall make my skin a lot more clear looking than it is now.

My derm even told me that a scar is a scar, but getting rid of blemishes, discoloration, redness, all of those kinds of things can really make for a nice result even if the scars still remain. I am not seeking or expecting 100% smooth skin where I look great in every lighting, but I am completel content with that.

Right now I know that if I get my skin looking more healthy, the scarring wont bother me as much. Also, I won't have to wear so much foundation, which only makes my scarring look worse.

Can I just say something that anyone who posts pictures here completely barefaced will understand....it is damn freeing to post pictures of yourself looking (what you think) is your most disgusting and have no one react like, 'OH MY GOD, EW YOU LOOK SO UGLY, EW, EW EW'

I just want to say, I didn't even realize it until I looked back through this thread and all the pictures I took that I would cry if anyone I knew saw them, and I didn't even think too much on it. That's awesome.

Hey guys, sorry for the lack of updates.

My derm forgot to prescribe me Retin-A when I was there, and I planned to go in ASAP to get that plus a spot treatment (she offers them free to deter people from picking their skin!) but A LOT of things came up in my life that just made me put all of this to the side.

Also I cannot afford the Retin-A for a few weeks now, because of some issues.

So, I haven't really started anything yet. Within the next month I plan to start the Retin-A, and then I can update after I have been using it for a month or so. The big thing is the VI Peel my derm plans to give me after being on Retin-A for 2 months, which she says will create an amazing difference.

Meanwhile, I have been following her advice as close as I can. I cut out all caffiene (coffee, diet soda, etc). I drink only water and have gotten to be addicted to green tea, so I drink 1-2 cups a day. I cut down a lot on the amount of empty calories and processed junk I eat. I try to eat basic, at least for a while to kind of clean up my skin as much as I can without topicals.

The texture of my skin seems to be smoother on it's own, I just use Physician's Formula Wrinkle Formula & Deep Moisture Repair. Staying out the sun, and also collagen forming from so many past self-administered peels are all reasons why it seems to be smoother even without treatment, I believe.

I think after Retin-A and the VI peel, my skin will be improved enough for me to regain confidence, and ditch the makeup. I really, really can see the light at the end of this tunnel.

Here is a picture of my skin. Still bad, had a bad menstrual breakout I am trying to clear up. But, honestly everyone---diet matters! Sleep matters! Water matters! I know it's repeated over and over, but it MATTERS. REALLY.

 

I totally managed to clear my skin 100% by using only water to wash my face with a microfiber cloth for absorbing oil and exfoliation. Non-dairy diet. No junk food. Drink lots of water and green tea. Take zinc every other day or so. Washing my face with water only was an important step.

 

It's true, seriously....I think my acne can be attributed to digestive issues and a childhood of Hamburger Helper for dinner. I only wish my mom was a crazy health nut, I probably could have avoided all serious breakouts and scarring altogether. Ah well....

 

I totally relate to the feeling of being apprehensive about putting photos of yourself, and wondering if those viewing your thread would think that your scarring looks heinous or not. However, after I posted my first series of photos on my own thread, I quickly got over that feeling. Like you, I also consider it pretty awesome that people are so supportive and helpful here on Acne.org.

Also, I wanted to say that even if you were brought up with "health nut" parents, your predisposition for acne and scarring might still have always been there. My mom tried to cook decent meals for my siblings and I while we grew up, but she believed that giving cow's milk to us was "healthy". It was probably okay for my brother and sister, since they don't have the skin issues that I do, but since my mom wasn't educated about the potential dangers of dairy for those with hormonal issues, she had no way of knowing that I shouldn't have had it as a younger girl.

At least you are learning this stuff now, and you're still so young!

 

I know, I mean't to say that it's obviously in my genetics to be acne-prone and have skin inflammation to things other people don't, and I feel if I had been aware of this when I was young, I could have avoided eating high-sodium, high-dairy, highly processed foods that, for me, caused really bad breakouts that led to scarring.

I never really understood the fact that some people just have a higher tendency to get acne, like how pale people have a higher tendency to get sunburned. It's like a pale person hanging out with their really tan friends, wondering why they don't get blistering sunburns, and sitting in the sun anyway, thinking it can't be the problem because their FRIENDS don't get affected in the same way.

I don't know, it's just all really complicated, isn't it? That's the frustrating part. You spend so much of your time and energy chasing after causes so you can maybe find a solution, but there are so many. I am glad I am learning a lot about my skin now and how to treat it better, but I think the best option is to be at peace with yourself and don't fall into dramatics because of a flaw.

 

Do you mind listing what you are cleansing your face with? I swear by the water only method. I think everyone should give it a try. I mean I hardly ever break out. at all. I used to be prone exactly like you are. I only break out now when I eat poorly. And its only a spot or two.