I hope some of you can help or shed some light on this:
I'm a black woman. I've got hair on my chin, chest and well ... on the rest of my body I'm quite hairy. I have a problem on my chin, and I'm not sure how to resolve it. I've waxed (warm wax without strips only) my chin area for years, it's not ideal but it's the best method I have found.
The thing is, I can't seem to get rid of the bumps. I've always used tea tree oil after waxing to appease the skin and to limit ingrown hairs and all that. That's what my old beautician suggested. I've also used various products aimed at reducing bumps...to no avail. They're still there and they're very small. Does anybody know of a method to fix this?
I'm also struggling with the marks. I can wax the hair off no problem. But I think anybody who looks at me would still see that obviously something's going on there. I am particularly annoyed @ being stopped in malls and pharmacy by sales people who want to sell me a product to "clear" my skin. In an attempt to fix this, I bought a skin lightening cream that I only used in that area (yeah I was disgusted at myself). I used it for less than 2 weeks, it was lightening my skin, but not the marks. It didn't even make sense.
Right now, I use black soap for cleaning my face. I use a daily microfoliant by dermalogica and raw shea butter to moisturize my face. I also still use tea tree oil before and after waxing.
I'm so self conscious about this. It's really stoping me from leading a normal life. All I've done these years is to stay on top of my symptoms and obviously it's not working. I just want to hide for the rest of my life.
I'm currently wary of seeing a dermatologist. I'd like to find a reputable one, and an expert in black skin. I've had my share of incompetent specialists, so I'm waiting. I don't know about laser because I've done it like 8 years ago and was totally traumatized by the whole thing. I did a test and my skin felt like it was burning despite the anesthetic cream they applied. I don't ever want to do that again... Can't afford it today anyway.
I'm interesting to know what your methods are. What do you do to keep your skin clear and smooth there? I'm at loss