Seriously. For all of those hollistic people and whatnot, tihs thread isn't for you.

I've been rid of acne for over a year now due to accutane, which was both a godsend and a curse. After that my dermatologist placed me on tazorac and I used it for nearly a year, like 9 months? I guess it kept the acne at bay. I've had a little bit here and there, but nothing like the cysts that plagued my face.

Anyway, here is me with makeup on:

Without makeup (fresh out of the shower and unshaven, haha):

What do I do? I nuke my face...

I use a few different products:

[url http://www.dior.com/beauty/usa/en/skin_care_by_christian_dior_face_care_body_care_su/vospreoccupations/detoxify_boost/y0638330/py0638330-cdetoxifyboost.html ]Dior One Essential, Super Skin Boosting Serum

Clinique Even Better Correct

Store brand CVS %10 BP foaming face wash

Cetaphil cleanser and Cetaphil moisturizer

I use the Dior product in the morning and the Clinique product at night. It sounds redundant, overboard, a little crazy, whatever. But a few months ago my face still looked like it was ridden with acne even though it wasn't. I just had a bunch of red dots, unevenness of overall tone, rough texture, etc. I obtained samples of both products because I predominantely use those brands for makeup (the counters are across from each other, haha). Both had typical sales pitches and after a couple weeks of debate I purchased both. I was completely at a loss with what to do with my skin because it still looked horrible after year of being done with accutane and after using tazorac for so long. Like it was massively depressing. After playing with both products I decided to just somehow incorporate them into a regimen.

My skin isn't perfect, but its a lot closer. I still have some minor problems. Its doing a lot more than I could have ever imagined. After dealing with bad skin for a few years I was about ready for a deep chemical peel or lasering or something. I almost had convinced my father too because he's deadset against acne treatments completely (ignorant old fashioned tough guy who just believes that it'll eventually go away even though he had it into his thirties from his teens).

Its helped with more than just the red spots/hyperpigmentation. My dark circles (which I generally have to put a tube of super concealer on) have faded to the point of where a little bit of concealer covers them. It also seems to be fading this obnoxious mole that I've had forever on my forhead, just a little bit anyway (does anyone have any ideas for that?). My pores look great. Everything. My skin is just so fresh looking.

In closing, I think that both of these products are great on their own and I'll probably go to using one or the other. I'm not sure. I've had both for a few months and they were both a bit over a $100. Haven't ran out of either quite yet though. I'm hoping within the next few months I'll be wholeheartedly comfortable in my skin. More often than not I don't even wear makeup and if I do its very little. I've been shying away from layering it on, but I still am self concious of my skin. Its hard.

If anyone has any questions let me know.

Best Regards,

Justin

PS: Had to dig this old photo up:

This was pre-Accutane and that was all over my face haha. Glad that's over!