The Acne Thread

[prettyjuice]

^thank god u said that thing about wheat. i couldnt possibly give up that, too many things have it. i agree with you! im still working on not picking
but i dont get indention scars, but red spots that im hoping arent scars, as they are still new.

 

[happyguy]

what is the difference...

hello. what is the difference between exfoliation and microdermabrasion? i have combination skin and i have a few red dots <thanks to spots> and bumps on my forehead and a few spots. is it wise to use microdermabrasion or exfoliation?

thanks in advance,
happyguy!

 

[Hye Park Lover]

I've always had spots that come to a head fairly quickly, but recently, I've having a break-out around my nose (not actually on the nose) and they've been red bumps that don't come to a head. They're gathering in groups and none of the old products I use seem to make them go down. I don't think there's any stuff inside them, they just seem to be hard bumps. How and what can I use to make them go away?

 

[LucindaMay]

I don't believe that cutting out wheats and grains is healthy though.

Not only are cereal grains deficient in vitamins but many contain substances that decrease the intestinal absorption of many other important nutrients. Both wheat and sorghum are not only low in biotin but seem to have elements within them that elicit a depression of biotin metabolism. Vitamin D utilization by the body can be inhibited by an excessive consumption of cereal grains.

Cereal grains are good sources of phosphorous, potassium, and magnesium, but are poor sources of sodium and calcium. The high phytate content of whole grain cereals forms insoluble complexes with calcium, so that the net effect is a low Ca/P ratio. Phytate is a salt or ester of phytic acid that is capable of forming insoluble complexes with calcium, zinc, iron, and other nutrients and interfering with their absorption by the body. Thus a high phytate content frequently induces bone mineral pathologies in populations dependent upon cereal grains as a primary food source.

Iron metabolism is affected negatively by a diet high in phytate and fiber. Iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutritional problem in the world today. An iron deficiency has been associated with an irreversible impairment of a child's learning capabilities. The bioavailability of zinc, copper, and magnesium in cereal grains is generally low. The absorption of manganese, chromium, and selenium does not seem impaired. Zinc deficiency can result in hypogonadal dwarfism in which there is arrested growth. In countries with high cereal grain intake and hence low zinc absorption, hypogonadal dwarfism is nearly 3 percent and skeletal growth may be limited. The bioavailability of zinc from meat is four times higher than that from cereals.

http://www.mercola.com/1999/archive/truth_about_eating_grains.htm

http://www.mercola.com/2001/feb/28/dangers_bread.htm

 

[Alejandro]

Ah.. thanks for answering.. unfortunately I dont' think a chemical peel is practical for me though... a question though.. how do you avoid sun for 2 months?

I was at home, and I had to have my sister bring my homework home and if I decided to walk outside, I had to wear big sunglasses and a hoodie to cover my face. It's the direct sunlight that's dangerous for your skin while you're recovering, but its nice to stay in a dark room watching movies and eating junk food

Regarding vitamins, here is some great information about them:

Vitamin A (Retinol) a fat-soluble vitamin, plays essential roles in vision, growth, and development; the development and maintenance of healthy skin, hair, and mucous membranes; immune functions; and reproduction.

Vitamin E a fat-soluble vitamin, is an antioxidant vitamin involved in the metabolism of all cells. It protects vitamin A and essential fatty acids from oxidation in the body cells and prevents breakdown of body tissues.

Basically these two are great for skin regeneration, heals up skin faster, and eventually it prevents your skin from premature damaging. When applied to the skin, vitamin E-containing creams or oils are believed to promote healing, protecting cells from free-radical damage. Many people use such products to ensure optimal skin health.

Vitamin A, or retinol works best at night, if applied on the surface of your skin, sunlight will break any benefit that comes from vitamin A, that's why it's mostly used on nightcreams.

 

[daddyslittlegrl8]

Ok, as of late I've been using Biore ice cleaner to control my blemishes and it seems to be working. New blemishes that I've seen form have gone away and that 4th blemish that showed up in my previous cluster has gone. I think my cluster of old blemishes has gotten smaller but they're getting tough to get rid of. If I keep this up, I may not have ot go to the doctor. Other than origins spot remover, could I use this in conjunction with something else to give it the boot?

dlg

 

[Biondina]

Thanks Von, Henrik and Charlotte for all your help.

I tried all that stuff out over the weekend. I swapped cetafil for clarinex, the derm told me to put clindimcyn (or however you spell it) gel on active spots only and on friday I had four HUGE and painful ones on my chin. I started using the gel on friday and they are now gone (just small red marks left now, not raised). Then in the evening I have been putting differin gel on the areas where I am prone to spots (obviously too soon to tell if it's working yet!). the antibiotic cream is workng well though...keeping my fingers crossed!!

 

[FrockRadar8]

hello. what is the difference between exfoliation and microdermabrasion? i have combination skin and i have a few red dots <thanks to spots> and bumps on my forehead and a few spots. is it wise to use microdermabrasion or exfoliation?

thanks in advance,
happyguy!

I believe Microdermabrasion is a form of exfoliation. Exfoliation just refers to using a substance, either granules or mild acidic tonics to slough away dead skin cells or debree to reveal "brighter, smoother" skin. Microdermabrasion uses very small "diamond" like crystals to exfoliate.

As for those red bumps on your forehead. If they're still on the red sign, that usually means they're inflamed...so I would actually refrain from exfoliating at that stage since it could aggravate your skin, and make it worse. I'd keep treating it with spot treatments, a lot of people have made recommendations about certain kinds on this board. I'd wait for those bumps to either subside or turn into blemishes before I'd exfoliate. I hope that helps!

 

[uliart]

I wash my face with either dove beauty bar ( recommended by my dermatologist) or with shea butter African soap. Both work great. I then use Sea breeze cleansing astrigent for sensitive skin and follow with a cream called nixoderm on areas I know suffer form breakouts. All of these things are very inexpensive, nothing over five bucks, and work great better than the proactive I ordered and the creams I got from the dermatologist.

 

[uliart]

thanks!

yeah, differin was the one I was worried about most cos I'd heard it is really strong. I'll give it a go though. how long was it before you saw any results?

My dermatologist said differn should only be used before bed because if you wear differn out in the sun it will irratate the skin. I works great if you only wear it at night. I saw results the next day.

 

[thovety]

argh, I hate sits!
I get them, but luckily only in my forehead. but because Im a big fan of picking (i've been very good lately though!) I have scars.. well I think they're scars anyway... they're look like brown dots on my forehead, don't know if it makes any sense.
but for a while now I've been using this stuff from the drugstore and it works very well.


Maybe_tonight, even though it's not acne releated - I LOVE your avatar!!

 

[happyguy]

I believe Microdermabrasion is a form of exfoliation. Exfoliation just refers to using a substance, either granules or mild acidic tonics to slough away dead skin cells or debree to reveal "brighter, smoother" skin. Microdermabrasion uses very small "diamond" like crystals to exfoliate.

As for those red bumps on your forehead. If they're still on the red sign, that usually means they're inflamed...so I would actually refrain from exfoliating at that stage since it could aggravate your skin, and make it worse. I'd keep treating it with spot treatments, a lot of people have made recommendations about certain kinds on this board. I'd wait for those bumps to either subside or turn into blemishes before I'd exfoliate. I hope that helps!

Thanks!!! those bumps might be there but DrBrandt pore effect cream and philosophy 'on a clear day' serum is doing a mighty fine job!!!

 

[FrockRadar8]

Thanks!!! those bumps might be there but DrBrandt pore effect cream and philosophy 'on a clear day' serum is doing a mighty fine job!!!

Glad to hear it!

 

[Bonchic]

^^I'm using the Philosophy on a clear day line and I just wanted to warn you to be careful in the sun because the products make your skin sensitive to it and very easy to get sunburn (ouch I did ) also if your skin starts to dry out too much just use the serum once a day and then gradually work it up to 2-3

 

[henrik]

I got my Murad Clarifying Mask today. I just tried it and it seems like a great product. I use Murad Perfect Skin Loation too, and it works great.

 

[greeen]

Actually Origins products are not natural at all. That is just the way that they market themselves. If you take a look at the ingredients you will see a whole bunch of synthetic ingredients.

i knew they were lying to the world..i like that fact that they use natural ingredients but there's alotta crap in their stuff too

 

[prettyjuice]

i have annoying skin. i get pimples, but i get a lot of like, hard little dried up things on my cheeks. its like the pimple dried out before forming. and they hurt when i touch them and buuuuugg me so much. eck

 

[vinylsticker]

I pretty much only get whiteheads on my arms. I guess it's genetic, because it was the same for my mum. It can be pretty annoying though, when I want to wear singlets in summer. Could anyone give me any recommendations to get rid of them?

 

[farico]

sorry to re-post...but

i was just curious...still waiting for some feedback on that book...has anyone tried or head good reviews on it...its seems tempting...

 

[redeemed_by_Him]

hmm....havent heard of tht bk be4 farcio...maybe u shld continue with yr current derm's prescription? cos many of these products are scams..so why waste yr time & money on them? at least by sticking with yr presciption u'll be ensured of results! if ure really interested, maybe u can ask yr derm abt this product? sorry im not much of a help...

in regards to scars caused by acne, someone posted in the previous pages that rose hip oil is very gd in fading scars.. how many times do u apply it? is Kosmea rose hip oil the right one? and....has anyone used Palmer's scar serum? is it any good?

thanks all!