Hello all,

I have suffered with acne for years and years and to cut a long story short I have tried (what feels like) everything. Some have worked, some haven't - but nothing has worked for longer than a year in my own personal experience. As for what type of acne I suffer from, it really varies. Some days it's very very mild, some days it's moderate and sometimes I go weeks with quite horrible acne (numerous cysts around my face). I am almost positive that my acne is hormonal, and yes, I am on the bc pill (Dianette), however, this has not provided a great amount of relief, but I am far too scared to stop it as I've read the countless horror stories.

At 28 years old, I really felt desperate to finally find a way to put an end to this. It causes depression for me and bothers me 24/7. I decided to go for it and proceed with this apparent "revolutionary" INTRAcel treatment. I have searched the web high and low for reviews, etc, but having found much material. If anybody on here has an INTRAcel experience to share I would appreciate it.

If not, I want to share my story with all of you - if it works, I would LOVE to be able to put others in the same direction to help them out and if it doesn't work, I would like to possibly save you 1500 (what 3 sessions of INTRAcel is costing! Told you I was desperate!).

So far, I have had two sessions. I had my first session about 6 weeks ago and my second session one day ago.

THE FIRST SESSION:
I was fairly apprehensive about this treatment and wasn't sure what to expect, especially regarding the aftermath ('purging' terrifies me as it is never a bearable time to plan a breakout, let's face it). I was not scared of the pain, which wasn't that bad at all, at least on my first session. I was expecting to be very red afterwards for a day or two, before becoming wonderfully dry and flakey - as I was warned. As soon as I left the clinic, I wasn't too red - I was slightly pink in areas, but nothing overly alarming. It seemed to go down pretty quickly too, however, I did experience a tight feeling throughout the skin on my face and indeed, because rather dry and flakey, which I hate. This however, lasted only really for a few days, a week at the most and I don't think anybody particularly noticed it, it was more something that I could feel. A few weeks after my first session, I broke out pretty badly - as soon as the first breakout would go away (and by go away, I mean become somewhat in-active but yet stay there all red and bumpy, still). This went on for weeks and it was really getting me down. I'm not sure if this was the INTRAcel, or my hormones, or my stress (I am a highly stressed person), the fact that I had recently started using various new beauty products, or because I was drinking a lot of dairy. I eventually cut down my daily dairy intake and stopped using some of the beauty products and my skin seemed to get better (however, it's only been about a week, so I can't say too much). I have to say, I definitely was not expecting much change early on, as I am aware it's a fairly long process to apparently see the benefits.

THE SECOND SESSION:
So, I had my second INTRAcel treatment yesterday (two out of the three I have booked) and I have to say, it was quite a lot more painful this time around. The lady who performs the treatment did worn me that this time she would be more 'aggressive' in the treatment, especially on my cheeks, which is where I suffer the most from acne/scarring/redness. Boy, was she not lying! It HURT - not totally unbearable, but definite pain. I couldn't wait for it to be over. I was more red/pink in areas this time too - but that has significantly decreased in a day. My skin still feels very 'rough' and quite sore to touch. I saw a few friends today and they assured me that they couldn't tell (they're quite an honest bunch, too, fyi), but it definitely does not my like my normal skin and isn't totally comfortable yet. I almost have this sheeny shiny look too - not necessarily oily, just, a bit raw?

I will keep this updated but if anybody has any specific questions for me please feel free to ask - I'm more than happy to provide as much info on this treatment as I can.