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Fri Jan 12, 2007 12:40 pm  |
Hey you all, haven't posted in a while...
My main concern these days is the skin on my chest and back. I had SEVERE acne in this region for years (ages 14 until recently, and I'm almost 26). To make matters worse, I didn't treat it well: I routinely picked at it and/or tried to use the sun to clear it up.
Right now I'm in a position where I'm very self-conscious of this skin and it affects what I wear and even my sex life. I've got scarring (both white circles with no pigment, and the more traditional brownish acne scars) as well as an uneven, rough texture. The acne is FAIRLY under control due to prescription meds, but still get the occasional zits.
Over the past three months I've been attacking the area with glycolic acid and I think I might have gotten a little overzealous, because the skin right now is fairly red and irritated -- and I can't seem to get rid of that.
To end this novel, my goals are:
1) get rid of the current redness/irritation from the overuse of glycolic
2) smooth out the skin
3) reduce scarring
I would love to be able to wear a bathing suit this summer without shame. If anyone can guide me in the right direction or give me advice, I would certainly love to hear it. What direction should I head: microdermabrasian? A more reasonable use of glycolic?
Thanks!
Janis |
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Fri Jan 12, 2007 1:18 pm |
Yes, definitely a more reasonable use of glycolic. I think you already know this.
I had this problem at one time and the BEST thing for it was Garden Botanika's Skin Renewing Body Lotion. They are having their semi-annual Stock Up sale and I got some more -- 17 oz for $20 or some such.
This lotion made all the difference in my skin, with licorice and bilberry and all sorts of "faders and eveners." Amazing.
No dermabrasion on you chest (skin too thin). Try the lotion. And patience. You'll be pleased. :->
Good luck! |
_________________
tenderlovingwork.com, astonishing handmade gifts |
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Sat Jan 13, 2007 11:35 pm |
Janis,
Check out this thread:
http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=18387&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=back+acne+help&start=50
I had bacne before as well and the Head and Shoulders shampoo cleared it right up- no more occasional zits, and what I had previoulsy is gone.
Plus I have noticed that with continued use, my acne marks are getting lighter and lighter.
I previoulsy had glycolic acid peels done-no help.
I use an exfoliating brush, and put the H&S on there and then lather it on my back. I thought the brush might be too abrasive at first and flare up the acne but it works great- it really makes my back nice and smooth (got it at walmart).
HTH
CG |
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Sun Jan 14, 2007 1:30 am |
Janis, I know how you feel 
When I was in my early teens, my chest and back was constantly covered with either zits, congested skin, sebum plugs, even BIGGER zits, or remnants of their existence. I couldn't even wear low cut shirts because my skin was riddled with spots up to my collar bone!!
Only in the past 1.5 years or so has my chest cleared up completely, and my back has the occasional big zit. But certain products really worsen the problem - such as high % vitamin C serums..
I also never took the initiative to do simple things like exfoliate regularly with pure products ('regular' scrubs may contain pore clogging ingredients) or to apply products to hasten the skin turn over.. thus many of the dark spots on my back still remain.
My advice from experience -
1. exfoliate with microdermabrasion crystals (epidermx II, or pure crystals) on a VERY regular basis - but I think professional spa treatments may be too rough on your already sensitised skin right now
2. do a thick clay mask on chest/back 2-3 times a week, and rinse clean
3. PSF O2 serum
4. wash chest/back everyday with non-film-forming cleanser (no oils, or soaps)
5. use a simple glycerin/water emulsion to help keep the area hydrated, don't dry it out
The chest and back skin is much more resilient than the face, but do take care to not over-treat the area.
HTH |
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