My Situation!
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skin Care and Makeup Forum

Wed Aug 21, 2013 10:43 am

I have been trying to figure out things regarding my face on this forum. Everyday I wake up, I want to punch a wall. Last February, I wanted to get rid of some lines around my eyes, so I purchased Aquaglycolic cream. All was well until the end of April. I ran out of my face wash, so I used my wife's. Being a stupid man that I am, I never read any instructions or anything. It turned out to be panoxyl 10% face wash. I did this for 1 week. I would follow it up with the glycolic cream (10% ph 4.4). The following Monday, I noticed something had gone terribly wrong. My face was so tight and pores open everywhere, very rough looking. It still feels and looks gross to this day. I am so depressed. My face is horrid. This had killed my relationship with my wife. I am obsessed with finding out what went wrong and if its permanent.
I can't even look in the mirror right now. I only use sunscreen when I'm going to be in the sun for longer than 30 minutes. I went golfing On the previous Saturday with no sunscreen because (I'm an idiot, I never look at product label or anything). Plus, It was only 48 out that day. I always correlate sunscreen with temp. (An idiot, I know now). I never peeled but did get a little red. Any advice or answers. Can skin be fixed? Could one time in the sun with product on cause this much damage? I now know that I need to wear sunscreen with products, but I was foolish then. The glycolic acid cream is such a high pH, that it basically useless. If it is sun damaged skin, is it supposed to feel awful forever?. I am desperate for your help. I want my life back. I want my family to be happy again. I am always moping. Thank you so much!

free skin care · Wed Aug 21, 2013 10:54 am

I would stop any acid use for now and get some CeraVe to repair your skin barrier. And wear sunscreen every day, no matter what the temperature is.

free skin care · Thu Aug 22, 2013 4:56 pm

Really I don't minimize at all what you are feeling, but goodness - take a breath and try to relax. Your skin is designed to be self-healing and create new cells. You stressed it out by using those products/combo. Treat it very gently because your skin has been is suffering some PTSD...sounds like you are, too. Very gentle cleansing and Google "repair skin barrier" for other suggestions. Obviously no scrubs, acids or exfoliating things like that. I'd use biological oils like coconut, avocado, jojoba, emu, etc. Hemp seed oil is supposed to be fantastic for the skin - by mouth or topical. Sunscreen for sure, every day. Don't expose your skin (or at least, limit exposure) to extreme heat or cold. Other than that, wait and don't punch anything! This too shall pass and I don't know who owes who the apology, but I hope things mend with your spouse.

Have you been to a dermatologist? EDS is great for suggestions but I haven't read many posts that are by doctors, so it's all just personal suggestions.

And pay attention to your diet - eat things to nourish your skin like salmon, nuts, other lean protein, get your EFS, eat clean meaning limit fried foods, sugar and dairy.

Mentally envisioning your skin clear and healthy and glowing is helpful. Being angry and upset and depressed will suppress your immune system and slow down healing. Envisioning what you want to happen gives your mind a goal to work towards. Surely, life is still worth living, even though this has happened.

For depression, anger, etc - try EFT. Go to youtube and check it out.

Best of luck to you

free skin care · Thu Aug 22, 2013 7:18 pm

bethany wrote:

I would stop any acid use for now and get some CeraVe to repair your skin barrier. And wear sunscreen every day, no matter what the temperature is.

good advice.. and dont worry topman118 , I had damaged my under eye area on the right side by a tca peel, it took many months but it recovered n it's good as ever... i think ur skin is dry n irritated... try using argan oil, it suits most skin types, rosehip oil is also excellent for repairing damage but can cause acne in acne prone individuals... tamanu oil is another great option for repairing damaged skin but use in no more than 10% for face, just in case u do use it...

also, use a cleanser only once a day at night, in the morning water is enough...

Thu Aug 22, 2013 9:13 pm

Hi Topman 118,

I can so relate to your experience. I have been suffering acne (for periods extremely severe acne) for about 6 years. Because of the severity and longevity of this problem, I've tried to do so much to 'help'. Even with severe cysts all over my face that used to make it difficult to sleep because of the pain, my family didn't think it was an issue. I basically tried to do my own things to try help it.

Last year I started with 6 sessions of microdermabrasion at a beautician (diamond head). no real result, no dislodgement of congestion etc.

I then started my own dermarolling even with active acne, as I thought "if my acne is never going away, I at least want some of the scars to go away". I started following the advice of "skin specialists" who would tell me to put 8% glycolic aha cream straight after peeling. My face would sting and go red, and peel for a few days, but I thought this was a normal process. I stopped that after a while. I was using moisturiser during this period.

Then I tried snail cream, which dried my skin out. Then I tried a 500 needle dermaroller which had more tapered ends, which means it almost slices the skin- I stopped after one time.

I then tried to go to another "skin specialist/ beautician" for a 'Green Peel' which was touted as a natural skin treatment to help acne, get rid of scars including hypertrophic scars. It was even on a current affairs tv program here. My skin layer actually cracked and the top layer came off after five days. My skin was very tight and dry after this. The Green Peel may very well work, but my "beautician" told me the special healing creams given with it, that you need to out on a few times a day, wasn't needed. I wasn't supposed to wash my face at all for two days, then use only a very light moisturiser after five days. My skin was basically supposed to 'dry out' to help it crack.

That was in August 2012. In october i went twice to oxygen/vitain C facials and IPL around my jaw/ neck. it calmed my active lesions, but created many new ones.

In December 2012 I started on 0.05% isotretinoin gel (like Retin-A) small pea sized amount only at night. My doctor told me to use it only at night, but did not tell me to start off slowly, using it only twice a week. I did follow his advice of waiting 30 minutes before applying a moisturiser, to make sure my hands were dry when applying the gel, and to use sunscreen everyday (which I've already done since I was in my late teens). My skin purged severly, and was dry but didn't flake. It was a bit tight but nothing major, I kept it well moisturised.

I then went to a skin specialist that was highly renowned. She told me to use the gel twice a day on my face, to not use a moisturiser as I needed to dry out the pimples because my sebum was too sticky, and to not use sunscreen unless I was in the sun for a long period of time. She also performed microdermabrasion (NOT the diamond head one) on my face. Except she would extract my congested pores, then go over each area of my face many times. Basically, instead of a few minutes of microdermabrasion, she would do it over and over again for at least half an hour, followed by an acid peel. Also she prescribed a 15% glycolic acid cleanser and scrub. The directions of the scrub was to use it "3 times a week for acne". She told me to use it twice a day!!!! My skin was very tight, very dry, but she said it was good. I did this two or three times and STOPPED!

Basically, whilst my skin barrier was probably sensitive and dry before because of what I had done (NOTE: I WAITED A FEW MONTHS BETWEEN EACH NEW THING I TRIED) after a few times with her, my skin aged SEVERELY in a few weeks. Large open pores, orange peel texture, scars, dryness, dehydration, and worst of all millions of almost fine lines all over my cheeks that are worse when I smile. I don't have reason to smile though. Neutral

I waited a month or two, with my skin looking even worse, crepey, lined, dull, loss of volume in face etc. I tried so many moisturisers as well (this was in February of this year). Finally my mother saw that my skin looked terrible, and told me to see a paramedical skin specialist she has known and gone to since she was 15. The specialist told me my skin was severely dehydrated, and the top layer ruined. Her recommendation? A series of salicylic acid peels starting very mild and getting stronger as my skin became stronger. She told me to stop anything that was active, and just gave me an oil with vitamins A-C-E-D, and specialised moisturiser etc. She told me a doctor she treated had overused OBAGI (spelling??) peels, to the point that her skin wasn't responding to annoying, had become hard and dehydrated and basically seemed 'dead' but that slowly it took a year but she had normal skin again.

I stopped going to that paramedical specialist after five salicylic peels spaced 2-3 weeks apart, as my acne wasn't improving, and neither was my skin. My gut told me to stop any actives or peels.

The point of all this???? I'm not sure. Some of it is probably a release of pent up anger in words. But I also wanted to offer some perspective in regards to going to a dermatologist/skin specialist. As you can read above, every skin specialist has essentially helped my skin into ruination, especially as I was following the directions explicitly. And any dermatologist I went to told me "what can you do" or "we don't know" or prescribed more retinoids etc. If you do go to specialist, research, research, RESEARCH before doing anything!!!!!!

Atm I am using a gentle natural hemp seed oil cleanser, OCM, aloe Vera direct from the plant, and CeraVe. I haven't really seen an improvement yet (it's been almost two months) but my skin has continued to deteriorate, so maybe that's progress in itself. I'm about to start on Epionce products.

In regards to the depression etc. Well starting with my acne, I've been severely depressed over my skin, and yes I've wanted to punch walls (may have done also a couple of times). When people say to just try keep living, I appreciate that they *try* to help, but-as with anything- unless you're suffering it yourself, you can't relate. My severe acne has kept me from having much of a social life for the last few years (I'm in my early twenties). Now with this ruined skin on top of it, I barely go out. I avoid the sun because it shows my scars worse than ever. I have panic attacks. And I keep getting told by my family that it is my fault, because I did this stuff to myself...I suppose in a way it is half my fault. I did see out these specialists. But I just tried getting "professional" help and it was the worst idea I have ever done. So take any 'professional' advice with a grain of salt is my advice.

If there is a solution, I think it may lie with people who have experienced similar symptoms. Some threads you may want to check out:

http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=46697

http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=49211&postdays=0&postorder=asc&&start=0

http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=47384

http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=45477

http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=44866

http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=44885

http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewtopic.php?tid=49123

They all seem to have experienced same/similar symptoms. Maybe check out the Hayflick limit thread also:

http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewtopic.php?tid=11323

I would definitely look into products for skin barrier repair like CeraVe or Epionce.

Goodluck.

*dream*

free skin care · Thu Aug 22, 2013 9:26 pm

Oh *dream* my heart just breaks for you after reading that. Sending you love, light, and lots of healing energy.

free skin care · Thu Aug 22, 2013 10:16 pm

Hi Dream, you didnt mention accutane, have u tried it? It's a strong medicine but if the case is severe then why not.. it has helped lots of people with severe acne... I hope you do find a solution to your problem soon.

free skin care · Fri Aug 23, 2013 3:14 am

Right now, you need to be super gentle to your skin. A gentle cleanser and moisturizer (CeraVe is a excellent rec) and sunscreen when you're going out, no matter what the temperature is, and that's IT, except for maybe some Jojoba or Emu oil after moisturizing. It's going to take time, as in months, but it will get better. Just don't stress it out anymore. A woman on this forum went through the same thing, and this is basically what she did, and she said after a year her skin looks younger than it ever has before. People underestimate just how much dry skin can age us and ruin our skin's texture. This woman also swears by Hyaluronic Acid pills, but I've taken them and noticed no difference, but they definitely won't hurt you to try- and as I said, she swore by them.

Good luck, and remember it isn't the end of the world, it really isn't. I say that as someone with psoriasis, whose psoriasis will cover my entire body if I'm not CONSTANTLY on top of it and treating it (which entails wrapping myself in plastic wrap every night, it's not fun in the Vegas heat). You've got to remember your blessings, and I don't say that to diminish your pain- I do understand it- but sometimes we all need a little perspective.

This too shall pass.

Fri Aug 23, 2013 3:47 am

Bethany, thank you, especially for your help.

daler, when my acne was very severe I was on accutane. It calmed it down some. I was on it for a year and a half, but two weeks after being off it, it all came back. For the last year or two my skin has fluctuated between mild to moderate. I am looking at Photodynamic Therapy with red light as my next thing, but only after I've seen improvement from my skin and the barrier. I'm waiting at least another 4-6 months before doing that. Thanks for the suggestion though!

ellaelise, it is good to have perspective, I know sometimes I loose sight, and think I'm the only one. I am definitely doing as simple a routine as possible. CeraVe moisturiser, 100% natural hemp seed and daisy oil cleanser, aloe Vera straight from the plant as a 'toner' and tea tree oil to spot treat. I do OCM 2-3 times a week. I have done that for almost 8 weeks actually, introducing the OCM after about 5 weeks. Now I have just introduced a Ceramide serum, a few drops I mix with CeraVe to include Ceramide dominance in my moisturiser, as per the suggestion from the Dr. Thornfeldt thread.

http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=49278

I am doing PRP also, but that's not invasive at all. It hasn't made much of a difference yet. Confused

*dream*

Fri Aug 23, 2013 4:04 am

Anyway, maybe it was wrong for me to post my experiences, as I really don't want to detract from topman118, since this is essentially his thread. I just offered it to help him see he is not alone, to become aware through research of the procedures you have done, and to keep his chin up. But I thank all for the kind words.

Smile

Fri Aug 23, 2013 4:12 am

ellaelise wrote:

This woman also swears by Hyaluronic Acid pills, but I've taken them and noticed no difference, but they definitely won't hurt you to try- and as I said, she swore by them.

I also ordered Hyaluronic Acid supplements by Source Naturals with the patented BioCell Collagen. I also ordered Lipowheat Ceramide supplements. Maybe topman118 can look into those?

free skin care · Fri Aug 23, 2013 8:46 am

Dream - wow, you've had a tough time. For some reason as I read your post the idea of allergies popped into my head; some kind of environmental or food allergy that was suppressed while you were on the Accutane. If at all possible, look into a NAET practitioner in your area. It could be something you don't even suspect as the possible culprit, and solve-able. Hope this helps.

Sat Aug 24, 2013 5:43 am

Thanks chocolate, I'll look into that. I guess, like topman118 the real anxiety lies not just with the physical evidence on the skin, but with the worry that it will be permanent, and of not truly knowing what the condition is. For me, they have said ruined skin barrier and hay flick limit. When I researched hay flick, and the possibility that my skin has used up its 'quota' for regeneration, it definitely made me feel worse.

free skin care · Sat Aug 24, 2013 9:50 am

Of course the Internet is great for research and information and all that, but please don't resign yourself to something you read there as inevitable. Let me tell you on a personal level, I've been told a few health conditions I've experienced were 'permanent' and I never believed them, just found other ways to resolve them--including, regularly visualizing that area or issue as healed. The body has amazing healing capacities, so keep that foremost in your mind. It would be helpful if you mentally and clearly envision your skin as you want it to be, healthy and glowing and clear and all that, and really try to connect with feeling how nice that will feel when you see that in the mirror. That way it will give your mind something to work towards, healing-wise. If you are feeling negative emotions all the time, in my opinion, that will stunt healing. Anything you think and feel and believe is instantly translated to your body; it's the way our systems work. Thoughts become things, so think positive, because there is truly a lot of power in that alone. To deal with those conflicting emotions of depression, anger, self-blame, whatever - check out EFT on youtube and the websitewww.emofree.com . Works great, easy, effective, and will help lots. Sending you some positive energy!!

The only time I would be positive that someone has absolutely, totally used up their cells' physical regeneration ability is when they draw their last breath.

free skin care · Sat Aug 24, 2013 10:56 am

Chocolat wrote:

The only time I would be positive that someone has absolutely, totally used up their cells' physical regeneration ability is when they draw their last breath.

Agreed!

free skin care · Sat Aug 24, 2013 11:06 am

bethany wrote:

Chocolat wrote:

The only time I would be positive that someone has absolutely, totally used up their cells' physical regeneration ability is when they draw their last breath.

Agreed!

very nicely said Chocolat... we just need to provide the right environment.

free skin care · Sat Aug 24, 2013 3:18 pm

Topman, please don't be so down on yourself. There's no need to use terms like "being the stupid man", or "I'm an idiot". Check yourself, its unnecessary - we've all made similar mistakes. Keep in touch and we'll all help you with this.

Dream, thank you for sharing that. You're helping a lot of people in similar situations. Please stay a part of the forum for support. Please don't listen to people who try and tell you that you're at fault. You deserve much better than that, I can tell by the way you write. You have every right to feel angry - I feel angry reading your story, so lets all channel that into your healing. Early 20's... I remember feeling the same back then. All I ever wished for was clear skin, and I went on to years of what I'd then have considered then completely clear, healthy skin, and a very active, unencumbered social life which I never thought possible. Lets DO this!

I want to reiterate some of what Chocolat said - don't ever take someone else's word for it that whatever situation you're in is done and permanent. For some reason I've always stubbornly refused this, especially when it came to my health, from when I was a kid, and I've always come out on top.

This MY body, MY domain, and under MY control. No one knows it any better than I do and no one can work it any better than I can.

Of course, this can work backwards. I once made up a story about how I had a rash and couldn't attend school to do a presentation. I'd never in my life had a rash, but described it in detail over the phone. The next day, I got red spots all up and down both arms! I went to school and showed them and was able to prove it! It still freaks me out. I'm sharing this as evidence that this visualization thing DOES actually work.

I've looked into EFT before, and never really could embrace it enough to make it work for me, but I've heard SO many reports about it from people who I believe are very logical, that I keep wanting to give it another try.
Thanks for your posts Chocolat.. everyone!

Great thread!

free skin care · Sat Aug 24, 2013 7:46 pm

Topman and Dream, and anyone else who's interested:

Here's a youtube video (no, it's not mine) that would apply. Watch these with an open mind, especially if you are new to energy work. All you do is tap on the points as she does, and follow along. In case you can't see clearly, the points are:
Side of hand
Crown of head
Beginning of eyebrow by nose
Side of eye by temple, on orbital bone
Under center of eye, on orbital bone
Between nose and upper lip
Center of chin
Collarbone - near the notch
Under arm (about handswidth beneath armpit)
Back of wrist - this is a variation since I've only seen inside of wrist, but OK with me!

Use either hand, tap on either side of the body, or you can use both hands on both sides, once you get to the facial points.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clD3vuQGoJQ

Here's the meditation video she recommended doing first to set your intention:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJ-BTiDi0Mo

I'd do this once or twice a day for a week, see if it makes a difference in how you are feeling, and if your skin is at all different or how you feel about your skin is different. The actual skin renewal may take a while, of course.

I'd be interested in hearing your experience with this. I've used EFT since 2001, have taught it to others, and use it often--used it today for some breathing issues. It sure can't hurt, and I believe will help.

free skin care · Sat Aug 24, 2013 10:03 pm

topman118 wrote:

I have been trying to figure out things regarding my face on this forum. Everyday I wake up, I want to punch a wall. Last February, I wanted to get rid of some lines around my eyes, so I purchased Aquaglycolic cream. All was well until the end of April. I ran out of my face wash, so I used my wife's. Being a stupid man that I am, I never read any instructions or anything. It turned out to be panoxyl 10% face wash. I did this for 1 week. I would follow it up with the glycolic cream (10% ph 4.4). The following Monday, I noticed something had gone terribly wrong. My face was so tight and pores open everywhere, very rough looking. It still feels and looks gross to this day. I am so depressed. My face is horrid. This had killed my relationship with my wife. I am obsessed with finding out what went wrong and if its permanent.
I can't even look in the mirror right now. I only use sunscreen when I'm going to be in the sun for longer than 30 minutes. I went golfing On the previous Saturday with no sunscreen because (I'm an idiot, I never look at product label or anything). Plus, It was only 48 out that day. I always correlate sunscreen with temp. (An idiot, I know now). I never peeled but did get a little red. Any advice or answers. Can skin be fixed? Could one time in the sun with product on cause this much damage? I now know that I need to wear sunscreen with products, but I was foolish then. The glycolic acid cream is such a high pH, that it basically useless. If it is sun damaged skin, is it supposed to feel awful forever?. I am desperate for your help. I want my life back. I want my family to be happy again. I am always moping. Thank you so much!

Dude ,Sun is life.Never ever be afraid of Sun. People using sunscreens keep the pores closed to the sun because they are afraid.As a result they get damage.BECAUSE SUN WILL ALWAYS TRY TO FIND AWAY INTO YOUR SKIN TO CLEAN YOUR LYMPH GLANDS.

So keep the pores open while in touch with Sun(imagine your pores are breathing) and dont be in fear.

Suncreens and chemicals harm you.

Use also avocado olive oil mask for repair.

free skin care · Sun Aug 25, 2013 5:50 am

Panos. If you want to spread the word about Sun practices, that is good. And what you need to do is collate clear information and detailed instructions and present the practice with credibility for those new to the idea to fully get the picture.

You could start a thread in Lounge here to spread the word about prana practices.

Throwing out suggestions to do esoteric work with no backup information, to people on a skincare forum is not helpful. It means you lose credibility, by not presenting your suggestions with full information.

Fyi anyone doing sun practice still needs sun protection.

Mon Aug 26, 2013 6:09 am

Chocolat wrote:

Of course the Internet is great for research and information and all that, but please don't resign yourself to something you read there as inevitable. Let me tell you on a personal level, I've been told a few health conditions I've experienced were 'permanent' and I never believed them, just found other ways to resolve them--including, regularly visualizing that area or issue as healed. The body has amazing healing capacities, so keep that foremost in your mind. It would be helpful if you mentally and clearly envision your skin as you want it to be, healthy and glowing and clear and all that, and really try to connect with feeling how nice that will feel when you see that in the mirror. That way it will give your mind something to work towards, healing-wise. If you are feeling negative emotions all the time, in my opinion, that will stunt healing. Anything you think and feel and believe is instantly translated to your body; it's the way our systems work. Thoughts become things, so think positive, because there is truly a lot of power in that alone. To deal with those conflicting emotions of depression, anger, self-blame, whatever - check out EFT on youtube and the websitewww.emofree.com . Works great, easy, effective, and will help lots. Sending you some positive energy!!

The only time I would be positive that someone has absolutely, totally used up their cells' physical regeneration ability is when they draw their last breath.

Hey chocolate, et. al.,

I truly hope my skin hasn't stopped/given up. It just seems to have died/aged so terribly, with fissures and lines and scars everywhere. On top of that I have congestion severely, acne, etc etc. sigh.

Anyway a cosmetic skin specialist told me about Hayflick. I'm dong PRP to hopefully regenerate my skin with the growth factors etc in my plasma. I'm looking into stem cells harvested from fat and injected into my skin as the next step if this doesn't work, and the products I'm purchasing don't give me improvement. My theory being that if my skin has used up its quota for regeneration, then using stem cells could help 'turn that back' if you will, by strengthening and renewing my lower skin layers, so as they move up, and flatten to become my new barrier, it will be healthier.

I'm very desperate to have ANYTHING work at this point, after battling skin issues for six years. I have never found something in all this time that has made me think "yes, that's given me real improvement". No cream, topical, peel, diet, supplement, herbal remedy, prescription, nothing.

Ill give the energy work a try. Like I said, I'm desperate to try anything. I was thinking of going to a reiki healer. I've gone to a prana practitioner before. She told both my mother and I that we had "the energy" or something for prana.

LoriA, I definitely am a fighter, which is partly the reason my skin is the complete mess it is. I always fought for a new way to help my skin, a new practitioner that could have the 'answer', and they ruined my skin more. But I'm gonna try not giving up. The last few days have been really hard, my skin is very very very lined and dehydrated after running out of CeraVe, and I have lots of bumps and pimples which I constantly pick when I'm upset. My facing is a flaming inflamed mess! I've attached my hope onto the hyaluronic acid supplement and cermaide supplement I've started taking the last couple of days, and the Epionce products I'm waiting for.

Anyway, I feel I'm hogging all the attention on this thread. If I find something starts to work, I'm going to post it ASAP, and give back a little help.

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions.

*dream*

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