Incredibly Effective
I’ve been pretty lucky with my skin, but lately I’ve waged an epic battle with what seems to be a combo of rosacea, acne, and maybe some sort of rash. I have fair oily skin. While I hated the oil in my teens, it has served me well as I get older. In my late twenties my derm told me I had rosacea. That explained why the red spots showing up on my face didn’t respond to typical acne treatment. I got it under control and had years of nice skin. I remember getting a facial in my mid 30s and the aesthetician kept remarking about how great my skin was. Recently I was mildly bothered by some flushing and comedones, but not enough to do anything about it. Then I went back to my derm to treat a different issue (stubborn deep pimple that wouldn’t go away). She noted that my rosacea was flaring. She gave me scripts for Veltin gel, Finacea, Avace wash and an antibiotic. Due to the expense, I only had the Veltin and antibiotic scripts filled. I really wish the derm would have told me to ease into the Veltin. While on the antibiotic for 30 days my skin looked great. When I went off and was applying a thin layer of the Veltin gel twice daily, my skin freaked out. I was uncharacteristically patient and dealt with the horrible break out for several months thinking this was the purge period from the Retin A. Every night I told myself that tomorrow would be the day that my skin turned the corner…it never was. Eventually, I abandoned the Veltin and expected my skin would recover back to where it had been before that unfortunate visit to the doctor. It didn’t. It was fiery red and produced little white heads at an alarming rate. After surfing the web frantically, I tried many things. I took Apple Cider Vinegar tablets and applied a 50/50 ACV/water toner throughout the day. It didn’t seem to do much, but I may try it again once my skin is fully recovered. I tried Prosacea, same deal as the ACV…I may try it again when I’m in maintenance mode. I washed my face with pine tar soap. I only tried these things for a short time. My skin was so upset that when I didn’t see progress quickly, it was on to the next thing. Three days ago I woke up and was supposed to volunteer at an outside yoga event. I was looking forward to it, but eventually I decided that the heat was going to be very uncomfortable and itchy for my skin. This was the first light bulb that suggested to me that I might be dealing with something like heat rash. It reminded me of the miserable time as a child when I had poison ivy all over my face. This memory sent me to my medicine cabinet. What did I have that might soothe my skin? I had numerous tubes of hydrocortisone itch creams, antibiotic gels, etc…and a very old almost empty bottle of Caladryl Clear…hmm: Poison Ivy and Caladryl. Now I know I don’t have poison Ivy, but it sort of feels like it and my mother used to slather me with that pink calamine lotion when I had poison ivy; maybe it would feel good now. I tried it and it was ok. Not quite what I was hoping for but it didn’t make it worse. I felt that familiar tightening and drying effect. I decided to go to the drugstore and pick up a bottle that wasn’t 14 years old. I also got Ceravae wash and Jason’s 84% Aloe Vera Cream. My skin started to feel soothed. Last night I noticed it was a soft pink rather than bright red. This morning there were just a few white heads and a definite decrease in inflammation. My s/o remarked about how much better it was looking. So here is what seems to be working for me: Wash with Ceravae 2-3 times a day. Follow with a layer of Calamine. Once dry, put the Jason’s cream over it. I hope it continues to improve. It definitely feels better. I think the Caladryl not only soothes and dries out blemishes, but also provides a protective layer to help your skin heal underneath. The Jason’s cream feels fabulous. I found it at a natural foods store. I don’t think a typical drugstore carries it. Also the Calamine dries whitish which tones down any redness and can be used as a base that helps my makeup stick and look natural.
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