I have thought of doing this for a while but have not yet tried it. I'd love to hear how it ends up working for you and others' experiences.

Thanks Michellica! =)

I left it on for most of the day, and now after washing it off, the actual pimple has gone flat, and there is only very faint pinkness and very slight tenderness around it, and a very small, light brown, flat scab has formed where the pimple used to be. Definitely a massive improvement!! Looks like it will be easy to cover up with a little foundation. Usually this would only have happened after two more days or so!

I'm going to put some more on later and leave it on overnight, and see how it is in the morning.

Will keep posting! I think I might be on to something here! =)

That'd be awesome! You said you also use BP? I am using RAM and it's making me look a mess:(. I wonder if I can use them both (not at the same exact time)?

That'd be awesome! You said you also use BP? I am using RAM and it's making me look a mess:(. I wonder if I can use them both (not at the same exact time)?

Hi again! =)

I've never used Retin A before (I'm assuming thats what you'r referring to), but have been pretty successful with BP. I dont really know whether or not you can use both. Perhaps Retin A in the PM and BP in the AM? I started out just using a BP wash, clean and clear continuous control cleanser, morning and evening, but although it helped, it wasn't getting me as clear as I wanted to be. So I've started washing very briefly with the BP wash, and then applying BP gel afterwards, followed by a moisturizer as necessary. My skin is quite dry and has been flaking a little since doing this, but I'm definitely much clearer, and the dryness is getting better by the day, and I havent been doing this for very long, only 2 weeks or so. I would be about 98% clear if I could just kick the habit of messing with the few pimples I do get. The problem is I make them stick around so much longer, and always regret it afterwards! Usually they're only visible to me, but I'm a bit of a perfectionist. lol... I find that both dairy and sugar at those times of the month make my acne much worse, since they affect hormone levels, so you may want to look into that as well.

Hey there, lol.

Yes, Retin A Micro . Oh, haha, I meant do you think I could use the zinc topically like during the day and continue the RAM at night? I am so desperate right now. I feel like the retinoid is making my skin worse, and I've been using it for almost 8 weeks! I know my acne is mild (well, that's what the derm tells me) but I hate it so. I just started drinking spearmint tea so I hope that helps a little with the hormones.

Grr, PMS break outs suck! That's when we crave sweets the most! Haha.

Hey there, lol.

 

Yes, Retin A Micro . Oh, haha, I meant do you think I could use the zinc topically like during the day and continue the RAM at night? I am so desperate right now. I feel like the retinoid is making my skin worse, and I've been using it for almost 8 weeks! I know my acne is mild (well, that's what the derm tells me) but I hate it so. I just started drinking spearmint tea so I hope that helps a little with the hormones.

 

Grr, PMS break outs suck! That's when we crave sweets the most! Haha.

Lol oh right! Hmmm... The problem with the zinc topically is that it's white, so if you're home alone then you can leave it on throughout the day, but not if you're going out. If you were going to try doing both, maybe try RAM in the morning and zinc at night? Though it may be a bit messy. I personally don't think I'm going to use it for anything more than spot treating. You could maybe try a zinc mask though? Like an aspirin mask...

Have you tried BP at all? It really does work like a charm! You may want to reconsider if Retin A is making your skin that bad... I've heard that with Retin A it gets worse before it gets better, but I doubt I'd personally have the patience to wait for 8 weeks! So good on you! I never had any sort of initial breakout with BP, although some people do, and it never lasts long anyway. My acne is "mild" too, lol

You should try Rooibos tea and Green tea, those help with hormones too, as well as taking vitex (chaste berry) supplements. =) I've never tried spearmint, but I will now, I love my teas!

Oh! and I think you can buy topical zinc oxide which is liquid form, but I don't know if that'd have the same effect =/

I was thinking of just using it as a spot treatment too. Did the aspirin mask work for you at all? I tried it and it didn't seem to do much. Lol, and I rarely go out anymore due to my skin. I know it sounds pathetic/shallow but I'm sick of it and I hate putting makeup on to cover it up. So, I guess it's easier to have patience when you don't go anywhere, haha.

I did try bp back when I first started treating my acne (probably when I was like 12 or so). I don't really remember if it worked for me or not. I just remember my bleached sheets and clothes, haha. I'm seeing my derm in a few weeks, so I'll make sure to ask her about the bp.

I am trying to jump on the tea wagon, but I don't care for the taste. I know it's beneficial though so I force myself . I'm a little worried about the caffeine? Oh, well, you never know until for sure until you try it!

I must go research the topical zinc oxide now!

I was thinking of just using it as a spot treatment too. Did the aspirin mask work for you at all? I tried it and it didn't seem to do much. Lol, and I rarely go out anymore due to my skin. I know it sounds pathetic/shallow but I'm sick of it and I hate putting makeup on to cover it up. So, I guess it's easier to have patience when you don't go anywhere, haha.

 

I did try bp back when I first started treating my acne (probably when I was like 12 or so). I don't really remember if it worked for me or not. I just remember my bleached sheets and clothes, haha. I'm seeing my derm in a few weeks, so I'll make sure to ask her about the bp.

 

I am trying to jump on the tea wagon, but I don't care for the taste. I know it's beneficial though so I force myself . I'm a little worried about the caffeine? Oh, well, you never know until for sure until you try it!

 

I must go research the topical zinc oxide now!

Lol i've never actually used an aspirin mask before myself... Don't worry I understand about not wanting to go out - its not shallow... I went through a stage like that too, but thankfully my skin is much much better now. My goal is to have stopped picking/touching entirely, and to be 100% clear at least at the times of the month when I'm not PMS'ng. I know that's possible, right? =) I hate that my skin looks bad because of ME. It's self-inflicted, and it'd look great if I could just leave them alone... I hate being such a perfectionist =(

I'd love to be completely clear by january, when my long distance boyfriend comes to visit (yay!)

Btw, green tea doesnt have much caffiene, and rooibos doesnt have ANY, plus its actualyl quite sweet and good tasting especially if you add a little honey. Though Ive never personally found caffiene to affect my acne, only the milk in teas in coffees, and in chocolate.

yes many times.

yes many times.

And it worked well for you too?

Aww, thanks for understanding. I feel like I gave myself worse acne problems by messing up my hormones on bc pills. My doc made me get off of them because my estrogen was at a really dangerous level. I wish I could go back and choose not to take them. They helped somewhat, but I still got the pms bumps. Good luck with the no picking and seeing your boyfriend, yay . I hate being a perfectionist as well. There are plenty of things besides my acne that I am self conscious about, but the skin is what bothers me the most.

I am just a little scared of caffeine because I gave it up a long time ago and I don't know how it will effect me now. Yeah, I don't drink milk anymore and rarely eat dairy or chocolate. Maybe I should take a calcium supplement? Lol

Aww, thanks for understanding. I feel like I gave myself worse acne problems by messing up my hormones on bc pills. My doc made me get off of them because my estrogen was at a really dangerous level. I wish I could go back and choose not to take them. They helped somewhat, but I still got the pms bumps. Good luck with the no picking and seeing your boyfriend, yay . I hate being a perfectionist as well. There are plenty of things besides my acne that I am self conscious about, but the skin is what bothers me the most.

 

I am just a little scared of caffeine because I gave it up a long time ago and I don't know how it will effect me now. Yeah, I don't drink milk anymore and rarely eat dairy or chocolate. Maybe I should take a calcium supplement? Lol

Lol ah you're welcome! I can relate to that feeling of giving yourself acne problems. My biggest issue at the moment is touching and picking, but I have caused myself way bigger problems in the past. At one stage, 2 years ago, I decided to do the "do nothing" regimen - not washing my face at all, and that completely ruined my skin and I went crazy trying all these different products almost weekly changing, and I just made it worse and worse. It took me more than a year to finally get my skin back under control. It was the worst feeling, not ever wanting to leave the house... plus it was totally self-inflicted! A while ago I slipped up a bit and decided to take biotin supplements to help my slow growing hair, despite knowing that biotin is well known for causing bad breakouts. Luckily I stopped taking the supplements as soon as I saw my skin starting to get worse, sold the bottles, and although my skin stayed worse for a few weeks afterwards, it's pretty much back to normal again now. No more crazy supplements for me! I need to keep it simple, cos that's what works for me.

But yeah, i've heard horror stories about birth control. Apparently it has some serious side effects sometimes too, like even affecting fertility later in life! Good on you for getting off it!

Anyway!

So I left the zinc on again last night, and it didn't do that much more, but it has definitely sped up the healing process quite a bit. I now have a decent little scab which is strangely indented, lol so it looks like i have a little crater, but its easily covered up with a little foundation. I just hope it doesn't leave an indented scar and I have the feeling it's going to! I hope it'll be close to healed by the weekend if I keep taking my zinc every day, and applying the topical stuff at night. The verdict: definitely worth trying! It's no miracle healer, but it definitely helps speed up the process!

Happy Friday!

Ugh, I will never use bcp again unless absolutely necessary. The side effects just aren't worth it.

How's the blemish today? Hopefully it didn't leave a scar and you are clear for the weekend . Unfortunately my period started today (like a week or more early) and I think that's why my skin is worse right now. So weird... I'm usually right on time.

Happy Friday!

 

Ugh, I will never use bcp again unless absolutely necessary. The side effects just aren't worth it.

 

How's the blemish today? Hopefully it didn't leave a scar and you are clear for the weekend . Unfortunately my period started today (like a week or more early) and I think that's why my skin is worse right now. So weird... I'm usually right on time.

Hi there! Sorry for the slightly late reply!

Unfortunately it's left a bit of a dent there, and its not completely healed yet, but theres no more inflammation, and its not at all red or sore, its just a little dent with a tiny scab that can easily be covered with makeup. So I'll just have to wait a few more days. I think it'll go away reasonably quickly but I scar really easily so I'd be surprised if it doesn't leave a permanent dent. I gotta admit though, I was lazy and didn't put any zinc on again this weekend. I don't think it needs it anymore though, seems to be healing fine on its own.

Ugh it sucks being a woman! Lol... How long ago did you get off BCP? it could still be that affecting your cycle?

Take care! =)

sorry for late reply.

It worked for me all the time. Also when I started taking an oral zinc supplement, i never actually needed a topical dose

Hope you had a good weekend. My skin is finally starting to get better after being on RAM for almost 8 weeks. Felt like the IB lasted forever! I'm sorry that you scar easily, but it's shallow right? I have been off BCP for 4 months and this is the first irregualr period so far... weird. I wonde rif my hormones will ever be "back to normal?"

sorry for late reply.

 

It worked for me all the time. Also when I started taking an oral zinc supplement, i never actually needed a topical dose

Hi there! thanks for your reply.

I also take an oral zinc supplement most days. It doesn't really help with active acne, but it does help healing doesnt it! =)

Hope you had a good weekend. My skin is finally starting to get better after being on RAM for almost 8 weeks. Felt like the IB lasted forever! I'm sorry that you scar easily, but it's shallow right? I have been off BCP for 4 months and this is the first irregualr period so far... weird. I wonde rif my hormones will ever be "back to normal?"

Hi there! I did have a great weekend thanks!

Wow thats awesome... patience is worth it isnt it! The little mark is almost gone now, and yes it is shallow which I'm thankful for...

Hmm I have never been on BC before so I don't know how long it affects your hormones for, but I know our hormones are always changing. My menstrual cycle has always been very very regular ever since it started so I'm blessed, but I've always had the PMS breakouts.

Just a thought, have you tried sudocrem? The main active ingredient is Zinc.... There's plenty of reviews for it, and many people get good results.

)

Just a thought, have you tried sudocrem? The main active ingredient is Zinc.... There's plenty of reviews for it, and many people get good results.

 

)

Hmmm that's a thought! I should try that! Does it help for active pimples or just for healing broken skin? Thanks for the tip!

I had active acne, but when I started taking zinc, no more acne. I didnt get even a single zit.

I am taking zinc sulfate as no other supplement was available around me. I am clear after 13 years

will crushed zinc work for red marks?

will crushed zinc work for red marks?

Didn't do for my red marks. I am looking for a whitening cream around.

hey so i think i have some healing pimples.

theres three on my face, and their flat and scabby and red (ones pinK)

should i use it as a spot treatment and for how long? 30 min?