im new and my skin is in horrible shape :(
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skin Care and Makeup Forum

Sun Apr 19, 2009 5:48 pm

I'm not exactly familiar with this site, I only saw it for the first time this morning... and I decided maybe you guys could help me... my skin is in horrible condition it seems. I'm breaking out ALL over, cheeks, forehead, just got my chin under control though. But I still have a nose coated in blackheads/red dots my mom says may never go away, and along with pimples, my forehead has scars all over. My chin and one cheek are scarred also.
It's been like this ever since I started my monthly gift of mother nature a over year ago. I've tryed EVERYTHING. I just started a new line of face products, and its okay... but not doing the job...
I'm not sure why my skin is like this, I sacrifice so much for it, so it could be pretty, because I always feel ugly. A little background information is I eat healthy, like today I had cereal that has nuts, grain, and raisins, I had salad, tea, a banana, a smoothie, and vitamin E pills. I always take vitamin E, and try to eat healthy. I go to an esthtician regularly, I get more than nine hours of sleep each night, I have a routine for my face morning and night,I'm stress-free (except for my facial issues), I even wear my bangs back every day because I was consulted to and I use only mineral make-up.
I'm outta' ideas and tired of crying over something I can't seem to fix. I looked into dermabrasion but thats 1500 dollars too much. If I want anything extra done I have to pay for it, were not the richest family in this economy.
With knowing all that, does anyone have any ideas,recipes or tips? This is kinda my last option... Sad

free skin care · Sun Apr 19, 2009 6:25 pm

Manuka honey is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory..

free skin care · Sun Apr 19, 2009 6:36 pm

bitsyrhea wrote:

I'm not exactly familiar with this site, I only saw it for the first time this morning... and I decided maybe you guys could help me... my skin is in horrible condition it seems. I'm breaking out ALL over, cheeks, forehead, just got my chin under control though. But I still have a nose coated in blackheads/red dots my mom says may never go away, and along with pimples, my forehead has scars all over. My chin and one cheek are scarred also.
It's been like this ever since I started my monthly gift of mother nature a over year ago. I've tryed EVERYTHING. I just started a new line of face products, and its okay... but not doing the job...
I'm not sure why my skin is like this, I sacrifice so much for it, so it could be pretty, because I always feel ugly. A little background information is I eat healthy, like today I had cereal that has nuts, grain, and raisins, I had salad, tea, a banana, a smoothie, and vitamin E pills. I always take vitamin E, and try to eat healthy. I go to an esthtician regularly, I get more than nine hours of sleep each night, I have a routine for my face morning and night,I'm stress-free (except for my facial issues), I even wear my bangs back every day because I was consulted to and I use only mineral make-up.
I'm outta' ideas and tired of crying over something I can't seem to fix. I looked into dermabrasion but thats 1500 dollars too much. If I want anything extra done I have to pay for it, were not the richest family in this economy.
With knowing all that, does anyone have any ideas,recipes or tips? This is kinda my last option... Sad

Are you able to go to a dermatologist? What products are you currently using? What is your skin care routine?

free skin care · Sun Apr 19, 2009 6:51 pm

I know retin a is good for acne issues. A clarisonic face cleaning brush may be a good option. It exfoliates and deep cleans.

Whatever you use to wash your face should be ph balanced, no sodium lauryl sulfates. Maybe you are using cleansers that are too harsh.

You should see a dermatologist for some good suggestions. On EDS you can possibly find some lower cost options to what he/she suggests. I know retin a can be purchased at all day chemist in India for CHEAP. And other products can be found on the internet cheaper than a derm office will charge. But the guidance is what you need to get started.

Maybe your insurance can pay for this visit and even for a Rx retin a.

Best of luck... SIS

Mon Apr 20, 2009 4:52 am

fawnie wrote:

Manuka honey is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory..

okay! Do I purchase this online?

Mon Apr 20, 2009 4:57 am

jom wrote:

bitsyrhea wrote:

I'm not exactly familiar with this site, I only saw it for the first time this morning... and I decided maybe you guys could help me... my skin is in horrible condition it seems. I'm breaking out ALL over, cheeks, forehead, just got my chin under control though. But I still have a nose coated in blackheads/red dots my mom says may never go away, and along with pimples, my forehead has scars all over. My chin and one cheek are scarred also.
It's been like this ever since I started my monthly gift of mother nature a over year ago. I've tryed EVERYTHING. I just started a new line of face products, and its okay... but not doing the job...
I'm not sure why my skin is like this, I sacrifice so much for it, so it could be pretty, because I always feel ugly. A little background information is I eat healthy, like today I had cereal that has nuts, grain, and raisins, I had salad, tea, a banana, a smoothie, and vitamin E pills. I always take vitamin E, and try to eat healthy. I go to an esthtician regularly, I get more than nine hours of sleep each night, I have a routine for my face morning and night,I'm stress-free (except for my facial issues), I even wear my bangs back every day because I was consulted to and I use only mineral make-up.
I'm outta' ideas and tired of crying over something I can't seem to fix. I looked into dermabrasion but thats 1500 dollars too much. If I want anything extra done I have to pay for it, were not the richest family in this economy.
With knowing all that, does anyone have any ideas,recipes or tips? This is kinda my last option... Sad

Are you able to go to a dermatologist? What products are you currently using? What is your skin care routine?

I could go to a dermatologist, I'd just have to pay for it myself. I just started Zap-It, I was using Proactiv before, and Zap-It isn't getting rid of my pimples at all. I use the Zap-It every night, wash my face, their astringent, their acne medication, then the spot treatment. I do that exact routine every other morning also. If I did it every morning and night my skin would dry out. So on the morning I don't I rinse my face off and only spot treat.
Thank you for your time! I can't do "thank you" buttton yet... Sad

Mon Apr 20, 2009 5:01 am

sister sweets wrote:

I know retin a is good for acne issues. A clarisonic face cleaning brush may be a good option. It exfoliates and deep cleans.

Whatever you use to wash your face should be ph balanced, no sodium lauryl sulfates. Maybe you are using cleansers that are too harsh.

You should see a dermatologist for some good suggestions. On EDS you can possibly find some lower cost options to what he/she suggests. I know retin a can be purchased at all day chemist in India for CHEAP. And other products can be found on the internet cheaper than a derm office will charge. But the guidance is what you need to get started.

Maybe your insurance can pay for this visit and even for a Rx retin a.

Best of luck... SIS

I've never been to a dermatologist, so I don't know what they suggest.. my esthtician always suggests and guides me. But since I haven't been to a derm, I don't know if they are different. I'm not sure what all that stuff you said up there is... I'll have to do more research but I also do a dermabrasion face scrub that deep cleans, then I put on a mask. I do that two times a week... If that's what you were getting at... I'm not sure... lol, I'm new at this... thank you! again i can't do the thank you button yet Sad

free skin care · Mon Apr 20, 2009 5:19 am

bitsyrhea wrote:

I've never been to a dermatologist, so I don't know what they suggest.. my esthtician always suggests and guides me. But since I haven't been to a derm, I don't know if they are different. I'm not sure what all that stuff you said up there is... I'll have to do more research but I also do a dermabrasion face scrub that deep cleans, then I put on a mask. I do that two times a week... If that's what you were getting at... I'm not sure... lol, I'm new at this... thank you! again i can't do the thank you button yet Sad

Hello,
It seems you're starting to have acne. Acne can easily go out of control and leave scars that lately will cost more than a derm's visit to fix!
So, if possible, I definitely suggest you go to a dermatologist for advise and treatment. She/He might prescribe you some antibiotics and tretinoin, etc.

For now remember... never squeeze out pimples no matter what!!!

free skin care · Mon Apr 20, 2009 10:58 am

bitsyrhea wrote:

jom wrote:

bitsyrhea wrote:

I'm not exactly familiar with this site, I only saw it for the first time this morning... and I decided maybe you guys could help me... my skin is in horrible condition it seems. I'm breaking out ALL over, cheeks, forehead, just got my chin under control though. But I still have a nose coated in blackheads/red dots my mom says may never go away, and along with pimples, my forehead has scars all over. My chin and one cheek are scarred also.
It's been like this ever since I started my monthly gift of mother nature a over year ago. I've tryed EVERYTHING. I just started a new line of face products, and its okay... but not doing the job...
I'm not sure why my skin is like this, I sacrifice so much for it, so it could be pretty, because I always feel ugly. A little background information is I eat healthy, like today I had cereal that has nuts, grain, and raisins, I had salad, tea, a banana, a smoothie, and vitamin E pills. I always take vitamin E, and try to eat healthy. I go to an esthtician regularly, I get more than nine hours of sleep each night, I have a routine for my face morning and night,I'm stress-free (except for my facial issues), I even wear my bangs back every day because I was consulted to and I use only mineral make-up.
I'm outta' ideas and tired of crying over something I can't seem to fix. I looked into dermabrasion but thats 1500 dollars too much. If I want anything extra done I have to pay for it, were not the richest family in this economy.
With knowing all that, does anyone have any ideas,recipes or tips? This is kinda my last option... Sad

Are you able to go to a dermatologist? What products are you currently using? What is your skin care routine?

I could go to a dermatologist, I'd just have to pay for it myself. I just started Zap-It, I was using Proactiv before, and Zap-It isn't getting rid of my pimples at all. I use the Zap-It every night, wash my face, their astringent, their acne medication, then the spot treatment. I do that exact routine every other morning also. If I did it every morning and night my skin would dry out. So on the morning I don't I rinse my face off and only spot treat.
Thank you for your time! I can't do "thank you" buttton yet... Sad

If I were you I would go to a good dermatologist. You could try all kinds of product lines (people have had success using Karen Herzog and 302 for acne) and spend a lot of money that way but everyone's skin is different and what works for one won't necessarily work for another. A dermatologist would be able to access the particular kind of acne that you have and suggest a treatment plan. Esthetecians can be good but they try to push the products they sell which may not work for you. I think to spend less money in the long run it is better to see a dermatologist and get his or her recommendation.

free skin care · Mon Apr 20, 2009 12:00 pm

Hi Bitsyrhea! First, I'd like to let you know that I understand how upsetting acne can be. I suffered with it for many years -- through my teens and early twenties. You don't say how old you are, but I'm guessing that you're probably in your early teens based on your recent posts. I must say that I agree with all the others who are encouraging you to see a good dermatologist--this is a must!! There are some really effective prescription medications to treat acne -- which is the route I went when all the other over the counter remedies failed. They were a total waste of my money (and my parent's, at the time. I ended up taking a prescription called Accutane which is an excellent treatment for severe acne. It is a 4-6 month regimen and is an oral medication. It literally changed my life at the time! As I said before, I took it in my early 20's (I am now 46) and my skin cleared up completely! It is not necessarily an easy way to go ... your face/breakouts often will get much worse at first and there are numerous trips to the derm's office. Even though I used it several years ago, it is still frequently prescribed. My 15-year-old daughter had a friend who completed an Accutane cycle less than a year ago. Beautiful results, too. I know this post is long, but I hope it gives you and your parents something to think about. If you do a google search, you'll find a lot of good information. Good Luck! Keep us posted!

Mon Apr 20, 2009 1:39 pm

kims wrote:

Hi Bitsyrhea! First, I'd like to let you know that I understand how upsetting acne can be. I suffered with it for many years -- through my teens and early twenties. You don't say how old you are, but I'm guessing that you're probably in your early teens based on your recent posts. I must say that I agree with all the others who are encouraging you to see a good dermatologist--this is a must!! There are some really effective prescription medications to treat acne -- which is the route I went when all the other over the counter remedies failed. They were a total waste of my money (and my parent's, at the time. I ended up taking a prescription called Accutane which is an excellent treatment for severe acne. It is a 4-6 month regimen and is an oral medication. It literally changed my life at the time! As I said before, I took it in my early 20's (I am now 46) and my skin cleared up completely! It is not necessarily an easy way to go ... your face/breakouts often will get much worse at first and there are numerous trips to the derm's office. Even though I used it several years ago, it is still frequently prescribed. My 15-year-old daughter had a friend who completed an Accutane cycle less than a year ago. Beautiful results, too. I know this post is long, but I hope it gives you and your parents something to think about. If you do a google search, you'll find a lot of good information. Good Luck! Keep us posted!

Accutane? that kinda sounds familiar, no idea where though. I did try a prescpription medication, Tretinion cream, that totally killed my skin- like that was the worst thing anyone could ask for.. So I've been hesitant to get prescriptions, I'll ask though! Smile

and I'm in my early teens but I've had acne for a LONG time.

jom wrote:

bitsyrhea wrote:

jom wrote:

bitsyrhea wrote:

I'm not exactly familiar with this site, I only saw it for the first time this morning... and I decided maybe you guys could help me... my skin is in horrible condition it seems. I'm breaking out ALL over, cheeks, forehead, just got my chin under control though. But I still have a nose coated in blackheads/red dots my mom says may never go away, and along with pimples, my forehead has scars all over. My chin and one cheek are scarred also.
It's been like this ever since I started my monthly gift of mother nature a over year ago. I've tryed EVERYTHING. I just started a new line of face products, and its okay... but not doing the job...
I'm not sure why my skin is like this, I sacrifice so much for it, so it could be pretty, because I always feel ugly. A little background information is I eat healthy, like today I had cereal that has nuts, grain, and raisins, I had salad, tea, a banana, a smoothie, and vitamin E pills. I always take vitamin E, and try to eat healthy. I go to an esthtician regularly, I get more than nine hours of sleep each night, I have a routine for my face morning and night,I'm stress-free (except for my facial issues), I even wear my bangs back every day because I was consulted to and I use only mineral make-up.
I'm outta' ideas and tired of crying over something I can't seem to fix. I looked into dermabrasion but thats 1500 dollars too much. If I want anything extra done I have to pay for it, were not the richest family in this economy.
With knowing all that, does anyone have any ideas,recipes or tips? This is kinda my last option... Sad

Are you able to go to a dermatologist? What products are you currently using? What is your skin care routine?

I could go to a dermatologist, I'd just have to pay for it myself. I just started Zap-It, I was using Proactiv before, and Zap-It isn't getting rid of my pimples at all. I use the Zap-It every night, wash my face, their astringent, their acne medication, then the spot treatment. I do that exact routine every other morning also. If I did it every morning and night my skin would dry out. So on the morning I don't I rinse my face off and only spot treat.
Thank you for your time! I can't do "thank you" buttton yet... Sad

If I were you I would go to a good dermatologist. You could try all kinds of product lines (people have had success using Karen Herzog and 302 for acne) and spend a lot of money that way but everyone's skin is different and what works for one won't necessarily work for another. A dermatologist would be able to access the particular kind of acne that you have and suggest a treatment plan. Esthetecians can be good but they try to push the products they sell which may not work for you. I think to spend less money in the long run it is better to see a dermatologist and get his or her recommendation.

I understand exactly what you're saying about the differences, I'm going to ask my mom if I can go to a derm instead... because my esthitician only has a few lines of products. Are you familiar with the Melaleuca products?

free skin care · Mon Apr 20, 2009 2:24 pm

bitsyrhea wrote:

I understand exactly what you're saying about the differences, I'm going to ask my mom if I can go to a derm instead... because my esthitician only has a few lines of products. Are you familiar with the Melaleuca products?

I have never heard of the Melaleuca Zap-it products you're using before so I just looked them up quickly. I've never heard of melaleuca oil so I don't know how effective it is. But, obviously it isn't working for you. I think getting an opinion from a dermatologist is your best bet. Let us know what you end up doing and what happens.

free skin care · Mon Apr 20, 2009 3:12 pm

The only thing that worked for my teenage son is the Acne LightStim
He has been on several medications from the dermatologist but this has had the best results by far. Lots of positive comments from his fellow students and co-workers.

It is pricey but worth it. Only wish I knew about it sooner.

http://www.lightstim.com/acne-skin-care-light.html

free skin care · Mon Apr 20, 2009 7:36 pm

You must start with good cleansing. Even though you do not any makeup but sunscreen can cause of pimple.

Tue Apr 21, 2009 2:00 pm

milbader wrote:

The only thing that worked for my teenage son is the Acne LightStim
He has been on several medications from the dermatologist but this has had the best results by far. Lots of positive comments from his fellow students and co-workers.

It is pricey but worth it. Only wish I knew about it sooner.

oh my gosh! that looks so cool! it really works? what were his conditions before that it really helped on?

Tue Apr 21, 2009 2:02 pm

jom wrote:

[quote="bitsyrhea" I understand exactly what you're saying about the differences, I'm going to ask my mom if I can go to a derm instead... because my esthitician only has a few lines of products. Are you familiar with the Melaleuca products?

I have never heard of the Melaleuca Zap-it products you're using before so I just looked them up quickly. I've never heard of melaleuca oil so I don't know how effective it is. But, obviously it isn't working for you. I think getting an opinion from a dermatologist is your best bet. Let us know what you end up doing and what happens.[/quote]

Last night, I asked my mom about going to a derm and told her all the benefits, and the only thing she could say back was, "I'm so glad it rained today." Mad

free skin care · Thu Apr 23, 2009 10:53 pm

bitsyrhea,

Go towww.mariobadescu.com and fill out their skin type questionnaire. They will send you samples of what is recommended for you which, from what you describe, will be their Acne line. I started using Mario Badescu products 3 years ago and my skin has been clear for 3 years. It is the ONLY thing that has worked for me in skin care. Also, I take an Omega-3 supplement everyday and drink at least a liter of water everyday. These things combined have given me the best skin of my life. I had breakouts every single day of my life from the age of 13 until I was 30. If it worked for me, I know it can work for you.
Best of luck to you sweetie!
Ali

Sun Apr 26, 2009 8:43 am

alilicious wrote:

bitsyrhea,

Go towww.mariobadescu.com and fill out their skin type questionnaire. They will send you samples of what is recommended for you which, from what you describe, will be their Acne line. I started using Mario Badescu products 3 years ago and my skin has been clear for 3 years. It is the ONLY thing that has worked for me in skin care. Also, I take an Omega-3 supplement everyday and drink at least a liter of water everyday. These things combined have given me the best skin of my life. I had breakouts every single day of my life from the age of 13 until I was 30. If it worked for me, I know it can work for you.
Best of luck to you sweetie!
Ali

thank you! ill fill that out right now. I make sure to drink four water bottles a day, not sure how much that adds up to but... it's alot compared to what I used to...

free skin care · Sun Apr 26, 2009 10:43 am

I understand that, particularly in these tough economic times, your parents may be reluctant to pay for a dermatologist visit. But, if your family has health insurance, it may be covered if the acne is severe, which it sounds like it is. Also, your family doctor may be able to diagnose and prescribe something--next time you are there for a check up or vaccination or whatever, be sure to bring this up. Finally, you might think about contributing to the cost of the dermatologist visit by offering to contribute part of your allowance or earnings towards it. That will let your parents know how much you care about this issue and also show that you are willing to be responsible and help to pay the expenses for treatment.

If you can't get your folks to let you see a dermatologist no matter what, here's a suggetion for an over the counter product that may help. My daughter has struggled with serious acne every since she was in her early teens. She says that using a BHA product (in her case, Paula's Choice) has helped her the most of all the over the counter products available.

Good luck with this, and let us know how things are going. We're all pulling for you!

free skin care · Sun Apr 26, 2009 2:15 pm

jom wrote:

bitsyrhea wrote:

I understand exactly what you're saying about the differences, I'm going to ask my mom if I can go to a derm instead... because my esthitician only has a few lines of products. Are you familiar with the Melaleuca products?

I have never heard of the Melaleuca Zap-it products you're using before so I just looked them up quickly. I've never heard of melaleuca oil so I don't know how effective it is. But, obviously it isn't working for you. I think getting an opinion from a dermatologist is your best bet. Let us know what you end up doing and what happens.

Melaleuca is melaleaca alternifolia I imagine - which is Tea Tree Oil. Smile

Suggest seeing you GP or a derm, medical intervention can control acne ver effectively along side an appropriate skincare regime. You could try a glycolic acid based skin care line such as MD Formulations or MD Forte but it sounds like you really need a prescription med to get it under control.
Long standing acne can leave a lot of devastation in its wake both on you skin and emotionally so please do try to convince your mother to let you see a medical professional.
Acne sucks - I suffered but not too severely and now its finally gone looks like I am developing Rosacea. Sad

Fri May 01, 2009 5:23 pm

flitcraft wrote:

I understand that, particularly in these tough economic times, your parents may be reluctant to pay for a dermatologist visit. But, if your family has health insurance, it may be covered if the acne is severe, which it sounds like it is. Also, your family doctor may be able to diagnose and prescribe something--next time you are there for a check up or vaccination or whatever, be sure to bring this up. Finally, you might think about contributing to the cost of the dermatologist visit by offering to contribute part of your allowance or earnings towards it. That will let your parents know how much you care about this issue and also show that you are willing to be responsible and help to pay the expenses for treatment.

If you can't get your folks to let you see a dermatologist no matter what, here's a suggetion for an over the counter product that may help. My daughter has struggled with serious acne every since she was in her early teens. She says that using a BHA product (in her case, Paula's Choice) has helped her the most of all the over the counter products available.

Good luck with this, and let us know how things are going. We're all pulling for you!

Thank you

, I offered to help pay or pay in all for a derm visit, ill keep trying. Last time I was prescribedd by my doctor my whole face started peeling.. and it didnt even get rid of my pimples! > Sad

. But Im willing to give it a try Very Happy

Fri May 01, 2009 5:25 pm

Lucia wrote:

jom wrote:

bitsyrhea wrote:

I understand exactly what you're saying about the differences, I'm going to ask my mom if I can go to a derm instead... because my esthitician only has a few lines of products. Are you familiar with the Melaleuca products?

I have never heard of the Melaleuca Zap-it products you're using before so I just looked them up quickly. I've never heard of melaleuca oil so I don't know how effective it is. But, obviously it isn't working for you. I think getting an opinion from a dermatologist is your best bet. Let us know what you end up doing and what happens.

Melaleuca is melaleaca alternifolia I imagine - which is Tea Tree Oil. Smile

Suggest seeing you GP or a derm, medical intervention can control acne ver effectively along side an appropriate skincare regime. You could try a glycolic acid based skin care line such as MD Formulations or MD Forte but it sounds like you really need a prescription med to get it under control.
Long standing acne can leave a lot of devastation in its wake both on you skin and emotionally so please do try to convince your mother to let you see a medical professional.
Acne sucks - I suffered but not too severely and now its finally gone looks like I am developing Rosacea. Sad

Aww! Rosacea!? Thats terrible! After you get your acne under control too... :/.
What does glycolic acid do?

free skin care · Fri May 01, 2009 7:18 pm

Since your mom won't take you to the dermatologist my advice would be to experiment with different lines (but try to avoid lines with harsh chemicals because that could just make your acne worse). I've heard that LUSH's coalface soap is supposed to be really good for acne and oily skin, so I'd give that a try. I can't really help you though because I don't have acne, but my friend had it and uses Neutrogena and Vichy which cleared up her skin.

Sat May 02, 2009 7:57 am

Annonymous wrote:

Since your mom won't take you to the dermatologist my advice would be to experiment with different lines (but try to avoid lines with harsh chemicals because that could just make your acne worse). I've heard that LUSH's coalface soap is supposed to be really good for acne and oily skin, so I'd give that a try. I can't really help you though because I don't have acne, but my friend had it and uses Neutrogena and Vichy which cleared up her skin.

Haha, great minds think alike.. thats what ive been doing. But I havent tried those yet.. Smile

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