Went to the dermatolotgist

mandypurdue · 12-01-2005, 04:55 AM

Hi everyone, I just went to the dermatologist and here are a few things that he told me:

1) Use neutragena oil free acne wash

2) He can do a laser treatment on my face to help with the hyperpigmentation caused by the inflamation of my acne and for the poc marks (I only have a few). THere are two different lasers for these and if you get treated with both, it is $200 per session, for one type or the other it is $100 per session. Usually 2 sessions are enough but some people go 5 and are still not happy so you can't say for sure.

3) He gave me ampicilin to clear up what acne I have now (which isn't much right at the moment thanks to the met) and also BenxoClin cream (mixture of a topical antibiotic and benzoyl peroxide) In 6 weeks he will change that to something else.

4)Last, also to help with the hyperpigmentation marks by acne, he gave me a bleaching cream sample to try. You only apply it to the dark areas and it fades them away. He said with that I may not even need the laser.

I hate acne!!! I hope this helps someone.

feelugly · 12-01-2005, 05:19 AM

I have been using neutrogena acne wash cloths and they have been helping me but my biggest porblem is my skin gets very dry and rough. Wondering if you have tried the oil free wash and if it does the same. Thanx for the advice..

mandypurdue · 12-01-2005, 06:06 AM

Hi, I use the oil free and I also use an oil free moisturizer so I do not have a problem with dry spots but without moisturizer I think I probably would. I use Arbonne Clear Advantage Acne lotion. It works just fine for my dry spots.

You know, I feel ugly too a lot. Some days I just want to cry and hide my face. I used to be pretty. I hope we can feel better about ourselves someday. I know it sounds vain. Acne is something that people who do not have it do not understand. They think you just arent using the right creams or you arent eating right or something. No one understands what it's like to go to dermatologists and doctors and have all these problems appearing out of nowhere. You cannot hide your face, you can hide your fat...but not your face. And I feel like I am 75 or 80 years old taking all these pills and I am only 27. Sorry to go off on a tangent, your screenname made me think. Hugs to you.

JanelleMarie · 12-01-2005, 04:49 PM

Thanks for posting! I have a major problem with hyperpigmentation, I wish I could afford the laser treatment. I'm going to look into the bleach cream though, I think I can afford that.

h-bombcured · 12-01-2005, 08:34 PM

i have found that acne is an allergy to gluton and by trying to eat less wheat products it clears up . I also have found that by taking twinlab digestive enzymes every time i eat it helps quicker

ABumpyGal · 12-15-2005, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mandypurdue

4)Last, also to help with the hyperpigmentation marks by acne, he gave me a bleaching cream sample to try. You only apply it to the dark areas and it fades them away. He said with that I may not even need the laser.

I hate acne!!! I hope this helps someone.

I hate acne too and I'm so sorry that you have to deal with it! (((hugs)))

Thanks for keeping us updated on what your derm reccomended. Have you been trying the bleaching cream? If he didn't tell you already, make sure you wear a sunscreen every single day or you will undo any results you get with the bleach. SPF 30 or higher, since you're using a medication. Please let me know how it goes if you can! What did he give you? Tri-Luma by any chance? I hear that stuff is good!

Derms used to tell me that bleaching creams wouldn't help my hyperpigmentation. Is yours brown or pink/red, may I ask? Mine's of the red and pink sort. My derms probably lied to me all these years

One thing that's been helping my post inflammatory hyperpigmentation lately has been both Neutrogena's "Rapid Clear Acne Defense Lotion" and a Vitamin C serum used every day under my sunscreen. You can buy all sorts of Vit C serums, some worthless (ascorbic acid is best, but can be pricey), some very expensive ($110 for CellexC), and you can even make your own at home with ascorbic acid powder/crystals and water (will only be stable 24 hours) or with glycerin (will be stable about a week). Mine is Dr. Varon's brand from Rite Aid and only set me back $19 for an ounce

Vitamin C serums are well known for their ability to help remove redness from the face and even out skintone. They also help prevent skin cancer and aging as it is such a great anti-oxidant. It's helping to keep my skin a wee bit less oily, too. The Rapid Clear is REALLY helping in the oil department and healed up some cysts in just a few days. If you've had cysts you know how amazing that is!

Hope the stuff your derm gave you is helping and keep us updated! Try not to get discouraged... it can take seemingly forever to get things sorted out, but once you do it's so much easier to then just mantain your results.
Dana

lillybonner · 12-15-2005, 10:13 PM

Hi,

I am new to this site and was just reading posts. Really had no intention of posting or registering but I was touched by one of the comments on this thread.

I have been dealing with hormonal related acne for what seems like my whole life even when I was on birth control I still got some ugly big cystic pimples. Even if I only got a couple once a month they would last forever. It's done a lot to make me feel insecure and ugly so when Amanda said that she felt ugly I just teared up. I know how she feels. Sometimes I wouldn't want to leave the house. The worst part was listening to dermatologists who took it lightly. I've lost count of how many times I was told that a couple of cystic acne was not that big a deal. YEAH not for them but definately for me.

I finally have the acne under control, scarring and hyperpigmentation are minimal and now resolve quickly.
Here's what works for me:

AM - SUN TUE THUR SAT
Cleanse MD Formulations Gentle Non-Glycolic Cleanser AM & PM
Apply Cellex-C Vitamin-C serum to dry skin.
Follow with MD Formulations Glycolic Facial Cream
Derma Doctor Sunscreen - very important to keep skin protected. Also helps hyperpigmented areas from getting darker.

AM - MON WED FRI
Cleanse MD Formulations Gentle Non-Glycolic Cleanser AM & PM
Apply NEOVA Anti-oxidant/Copper serum to dry skin.
Derma Doctor Sunscreen - very important to keep skin protected.

PM - EVery Day
Retin-A used twice a week before bed.
On all other nights when I don't use the Retin A I use Derma Doctor Cool, Calm and Collected cream

I know it sounds convuloted and it is unfortunately expensive but I have been able to minimize the breakouts and my skin is starting to recover. The Vitamin C applied to a zit when it's starting out is incredibly effective. Reduces swelling and redness. I love the NEOVA serum because it is helping with the texture of my skin specially with respect to superficial old scarring - not so much on the deeper ice-pick ones but I definately am seeing improvements after being on the routine since April 2005.

The products are expensive but a little goes a long way and I have found that on average I only have to purchase them every six months. It's also considerably less than I spent with my dermatologist and asthetician over so many years with no results - actually at times the stuff they put me on made it worse.

Hope this helps someone.
Lilly

ABumpyGal · 12-18-2005, 08:34 PM

Hi Lillybonner

I'm glad you decided to post! Thank you for typing out your routine, it was very nice of you to share what works for you

When I get more fundage, I'm hoping to have a routine very similar to your own.

I also teared up a bit when I saw Feelugly's user name and when Amanda spoke of feeling similarly

I've had cystic acne since I was twelve and bad scarring since, so I understand. Many times without all my makeup (otherwise known as "spackle") on my face, I DO feel ugly.

Have you tried European sunscreens yet, as in, FROM Europe? They are so much better than what can be had in the US for any price, as they have better UVA filters that the FDA hasn't approved yet for some reason (despite their safe use in Europe in Canada for about a decade). Many people experience fading of discolorations just by using a good European sunscreen for a while. They aren't terribly pricey, but of course you have to order them from Europe (sigh).

I'm interested in copper peptides for scar-revision, but I've heard they don't play nice with Vitamin C and for me right now the C is more important due to my skintone (Type I, never tans, only burns/freckles) and my skin cancer risk. If they could only fix that little problem!

Thanks again! Your routine sounds awesome!

Dana

Fula97 · 12-18-2005, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mandypurdue

Hi everyone, I just went to the dermatologist and here are a few things that he told me:

1) Use neutragena oil free acne wash

3) He gave me ampicilin to clear up what acne I have now (which isn't much right at the moment thanks to the met) and also BenxoClin cream (mixture of a topical antibiotic and benzoyl peroxide) In 6 weeks he will change that to something else.

Just curious about what happened when you used the above togther. When I used the neutragena acne wash and used the Benzaclin about an hour later my face started burning and started to peel the next day. I can't use the wash with the benzaclin.

mandypurdue · 12-19-2005, 05:39 AM

Bumpygal, the derm. gave me Lustra-Ultra but to be honest, I haven't even tried it yet. Two reasons, first, I read the website and it said the same thing, that it is NOT a bleaching cream and it only works on sun damage spots. Second, I wanted to see how the other stuff worked before adding a third thing to it. The nurse sent me samples and never gave me any instructions as to when to use it or how often or anything! So I have not tried it but after my next appt. I will ask him about what I read and if he still says use it, I will try it. I thought maybe the nurse sent me the wrong stuff since the derm. said bleaching cream but the website said that stuff is not a bleaching cream. ??? Oh well! One more question, what type of make-up or "spackle" do you use? I do look OK with my makeup on, but not too great. I used to not have to wear make-up and I really don't like the way it feels or looks so I feel like someone else now that I am forced to wear it everyday. I am forced to or I would look like a total freak. Either way I am uncomfortable but life goes on, right?

Lilly, thank you for sharing your routine with us! I will have to try it if this stuff doesn't work! I haven't heard of those brands so I'm not really sure where to look for them but I'm sure I can find info online. Thanks again!

Folashade, I had that happen also, but what I started doing that seems to work, is I wash my face, then I put the Cetaphil lotion on my face and let it sit for a few minutes and then I put the BenaClin on. So far so good. The dryness went away right after I started doing that.

So far, it has been two and a half weeks and while I notice my face is somewhat clearer, I am still getting plenty of breakouts and cystic pimples. They do seem like they are going away faster though. I don't know, two weeks is too soon to tell anything tough. I turely appreciate everyone's support and input. You are great girls to post with!

ABumpyGal · 12-21-2005, 07:05 AM

Hey Amanda

Quote:

Originally Posted by mandypurdue

Bumpygal, the derm. gave me Lustra-Ultra but to be honest, I haven't even tried it yet. Two reasons, first, I read the website and it said the same thing, that it is NOT a bleaching cream and it only works on sun damage spots. Second, I wanted to see how the other stuff worked before adding a third thing to it. The nurse sent me samples and never gave me any instructions as to when to use it or how often or anything! So I have not tried it but after my next appt. I will ask him about what I read and if he still says use it, I will try it. I thought maybe the nurse sent me the wrong stuff since the derm. said bleaching cream but the website said that stuff is not a bleaching cream. ??? Oh well!

Now what the heck is that?? Just thrust some tubes at you and assume you'll figure it out? Geeze! I really hate doctors sometimes!

Tell ya what I'll do... a lot of ladies over at Makeup Alley use this stuff. I'll ask them and see what they say. They are VERY knowlegeable over there, kinda like a Soulcysters for makeup and skincare. I'll ask if it's good for anything beyond sun damage and just how to use it. At least then you'll know. These ladies will dish up the truth, derms.... well. I have heard great things about Lustra though!

Quote:

Originally Posted by mandypurdue

One more question, what type of make-up or "spackle" do you use? I do look OK with my makeup on, but not too great. I used to not have to wear make-up and I really don't like the way it feels or looks so I feel like someone else now that I am forced to wear it everyday. I am forced to or I would look like a total freak. Either way I am uncomfortable but life goes on, right?

Awwww, I hear ya there

(((hugs))) I'm rather used to wearing makeup, so I'm not sure if the type I wear would drive you nuts or not, but it sure does cover a lot of sins! Right now I'm on a budget, so I'm limited to drugstore makeup and my favorite right now is this stuff by Maybelline called "Oil Control Quick Stick". It comes in, well, stick form like a huge lipstick and you kind of dot it on and just rub it in. Taaadaa! Done in a minute! You can vary the coverage by how much you put on, and it can double as a concealer. If I put just a teeny bit on it looks like I'm not even wearing makeup, just like my skin is nice and even. I really slather it on if I'm going out though, as I don't want to sweat it off dancing or something horrid like that! It sounds like it would cause zits, or the oilies, or feel like a mask, but really I find it one of the best drugstore foundations I've used yet. Hasn't caused a zit for me yet, even after the unfortunate night I committed the sin of sleeping in it!

There's also tinted moisturizers these days which give great, natural coverage. I've only used a friend of mine's in a pinch, but I rather liked the look... very natural. On Makeup Alley all the ladies seem to like Cover Girl's version, of all things. CG Smoothers I believe it's called? I've never tried it, but they rave about it.

You sound like a great candidate for mineral makeup though... especially if you don't need much coverage, as in my experience it just doesn't cover all that well. There's tons of brands to try, but many have to be bought over the internet and that's a bit inconvenient... unless you have a Sephora nearby. Some department stores carry a few brands, but not all stores I've noticed. Mineral makeups are just powders that cover better than your average powder, some of them cover quite well, but not as well as conventional makeup in my experience. Because it's a powder, you don't really feel it on your face and it doesn't look all that unnatural. Sadly it just doesn't cover my level of scar redness though.

If you need a bit more coverage, many department store brands carry good powder foundations. I used to love MAC StudioFix as it gave good, natural looking coverage and was reasonably priced (about $24 if I remember correctly). Department stores are great for makeup shopping if you have the money for it... you get to try before you buy, and how great is that? I can't wait until we can afford that again!

Oh, and Lilly's routine really kicks butt!! Some of those products are spendy, but as she pointed out, they last a while and what price results IMHO? I've been having great success with my cheapie Vitamin C serum. I can only imagine what the "good stuff" does! The vitamin C really gets the red out! Plus I'm loving how Lilly appreciates the value of sunscreen. It's so important, especially for those of us using any treatments or trying to fade anything on our face. Just using sunscreen every day helped my redness a lot.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mandypurdue

So far, it has been two and a half weeks and while I notice my face is somewhat clearer, I am still getting plenty of breakouts and cystic pimples. They do seem like they are going away faster though. I don't know, two weeks is too soon to tell anything tough. I turely appreciate everyone's support and input. You are great girls to post with!

I'm glad you're getting improvement, but I'm sorry you are still getting cysts

((((hugs)))) Two weeks is still early, especially for cystic acne treatment, but I wish their were some magical cure so no one would have to experience those

Hope it keeps getting better and I'll get back to you on the Lustra!
Dana

Fula97 · 12-21-2005, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mandypurdue

Oh well! One more question, what type of make-up or "spackle" do you use? I do look OK with my makeup on, but not too great. I used to not have to wear make-up and I really don't like the way it feels or looks so I feel like someone else now that I am forced to wear it everyday. I am forced to or I would look like a total freak. Either way I am uncomfortable but life goes on, right?

So far, it has been two and a half weeks and while I notice my face is somewhat clearer, I am still getting plenty of breakouts and cystic pimples. They do seem like they are going away faster though. I don't know, two weeks is too soon to tell anything tough. I turely appreciate everyone's support and input. You are great girls to post with!

Mandy thanks for your response. I only used the wash that one time. Couldn't take the burning inching peeling thing.

I just went back to using the Cetaphil cleanser and I use the benzaclin in the morning and then put a SPF moisturerisor over it by SkinKlinic (A derm spa in NY)
At night I use a glycolic cream and mositureisor also by SkinKlinic

It takes time but your face will clear up and the breakouts will ease (it is frustrating though)

Most of the time I don't wear makeup that often as I have finally gotten my skin under control ( I did a bunch of glycolic peels and microderm treatments to even out my skin quicker)

When I do wear makeup I wear MAC studio fix I like it because it is all in one powder/foundation in one. Eyeliner, mascara and lipgloss/liner. I used to use Prescriptives photocrome (gets a bit pricey) but is good. When I don't wear makeup I apply MAC concealer

ABumpyGal · 12-21-2005, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by folashade

I used to use Prescriptives photocrome (gets a bit pricey) but is good.

I hear this stuff is amazing and I want some badly... badly enough to save up for it! Would you mind telling me how much you paid for it, if you remember?

TIA!!
Dana

Fula97 · 12-21-2005, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ABumpyGal

I hear this stuff is amazing and I want some badly... badly enough to save up for it! Would you mind telling me how much you paid for it, if you remember?

TIA!!
Dana

With tax it was a little under $40 but well worth it. It lasts a long time and comes in a nice compact and has great coverage

mandypurdue · 12-21-2005, 04:09 PM

Do the glycolic peels and the microderm do what the laser would do? If it's cheaper I want to try that first. Laser is $200 each time...pricey!!

Also, I have no clue where to find prescriptives. I have looked in the dept stores. ???