Nothing has worked for me
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free skin care · Thu Aug 09, 2012 8:58 pm

and I have tried alot:(
I have alot of discoloration. I think melasma but maybe really bad sundamage. My face is like 3 shades darker than my neck always with heavy spots of brown patches.
What would really work for me at this point besides lasers/chemical peels?

free skin care · Thu Aug 09, 2012 9:57 pm

What is your ethnicity? That might be good to know from an options standpoint. Anything else you can share about your skin?

free skin care · Fri Aug 10, 2012 9:14 am

OP, have you tried doing some blood tests to make sure that there aren't any underlying health problems, which are causing your skin issues?

free skin care · Fri Aug 10, 2012 9:26 am

Is there a reason why you don't want to do peels? If it's cost, there are great at-home ones you can do at a fraction of the cost of getting it done professionally.

free skin care · Fri Aug 10, 2012 6:07 pm

I am 35 caucasion with blue eyes, brown hair. Dont tan easily and get freckles. I live in San Diego CA.

I do have pcos. I dont take Birth control pills though.

Peels in my opinion are what initially caused my pigment issues to began with and over the years I have had many professional and at home peels of which none ever really made any difference.

I always wear a good sunscreen and have for the past 7-8 years. I Do spend a fortune on skin care and right now I am currently using Bio restorative Journee Neocutis line along with Vit.c serum during the evening 3 times/week. I wash with Cervae.

I just have NEVER experienced what others claim as a postive change in their skin. I feel like I am wasting time/energy. I swear my skin would look no different if I just washed it with plain soap. I dont want to sound so negative but it seems like I am the only one here.

free skin care · Fri Aug 10, 2012 6:37 pm

I'm sorry to hear you so frustrated luvskincare!

I wonder if pulling back and using nothing on your face but, not soap, but oils or a super benign cleanser & maybe moisturizer if your ss isn't enough might be worth a try. Maybe your skin is irritated?

I say this because in the last couple of months I've pulled back on how often I use products, & the intensity & types of exfoliation, etc and I've noticed a world of difference.

And I swear, every week I realize how much I'm sTILL overdoing something - either rubbing in product, how much I'm using, or wiping it off, or even how I apply makeup.

Today I looked at myself in my camera phone and realized that the darker colour I get after applying my (I think perfectly matched) foundation, isn't oxidation, it's redness. And that must only be from my rinse-off ocm, ss, & soft brush makeup application, yikes!

Just something to consider because some of us are perhaps more sensitive than others - or have become more sensitive from all the products. I've never thought of myself as having sensitive skin, so its really surprising & bizarre to me, and the reason I have to keep re-learning to be gentler.. and gentler still.. and then even MORE gentle!

About NEVER experiencing any positive improvements, please try and look at your skin differently. There must have been some changes in texture, or clarity or whatever else which might be good to acknowledge if only to help yourself feel a bit better about your skin... and then maybe that momentum will carry.

All the best, I'm rooting for you! I hope what whatever you do, you come back to advise us of any poaitive changes.

free skin care · Fri Aug 10, 2012 7:19 pm

Thank you. I think I will give that a go. So just cleanser/ss? I never wear make-up so that would be easy. I dont know how though I will ever get my skin back to its orginal shade without a heavy duty regimen.

free skin care · Fri Aug 10, 2012 7:21 pm

Also. I can say 100% that if anything my skin has gotten worse over the last few years since I began really focusing on skincare. That is why I find this so frustrating.

free skin care · Fri Aug 10, 2012 7:26 pm

luvskincare,

I've been there. When I turned 30 I started buying all this skincare and it turned out to be overload. I have a good friend who has had medically-resistant melasms since she was a teen, and the only thing that REALLY helped her was going to Dr. Lancer in LA. Evidently he is extremely pricey, but he will truly help you.

I was surprised to see that her dark )almost black--brown patches with an underlying greyish tint) were almost completely gone the last time I saw her.

She has been to specialists, done Obagi and seen Dr. Obagi for years--was on the verge of giving up until she began treatments with Dr. Lancer.

I know it's kind of a desperate measure to take, but you are in S. Cali so it may be worth a trip up to LA to see what he says.

http://www.lancerdermatology.com/dr-harold-lancer/

--avalange

free skin care · Sat Aug 11, 2012 7:36 am

luvskincare wrote:

I just have NEVER experienced what others claim as a postive change in their skin. I feel like I am wasting time/energy. I swear my skin would look no different if I just washed it with plain soap. I dont want to sound so negative but it seems like I am the only one here.

Please don't feel bad, Luvskincare. There are a few of us on the forum that also have never experienced the claimed results with products. (The best thing I did for my skin was Obagi. It still is the only product line that did what it said it would do, but it is harsh and not for everyone.) Just wanted to let you know that you are definitely not the only one!

free skin care · Sat Aug 11, 2012 9:37 am

luvskincare,

Have you tried the Obagi line? It really is good for pigmentation issues, but it is an intense regimen.

I know you said that you don't wear make up, but have you tried a nice mineral foundation (with sunscreen?) I always feel like I've got an "extra" layer of protection on. And, it may help to blend the tone of your skin and neck.

I understand the issue of products not working. I also never seem to get the amazing results others rave about either. Right now, I'm using a cleanser by 40 Carrots (TJ Maxx purchase) and a glycolic cream -- Walgreen's brand. It seems to do as well as anything!

However, I have since fallen off the Obagi wagon and I plan to restart it in the fall.

free skin care · Sat Aug 11, 2012 9:49 am

luvskincare, I have a hunch that you may have been treating and treating and treating your skin and not giving it a chance to rest and "catch up" from all the damage.

What might be a good way to go, is to use only cleanser & ss, for whatever at least a couple of cycles of skin turnover would be for you at your age (2-4 months?), or more. You may still have the discoloration, but your skin theoretically will be healthier/more resilient and able to accept treatments - maybe even ones you've already tried - without freaking out. Then if you use something which just sloughs off, or works to lighten the surface, you'll at least be more able to detect whether its irritating too deeply (which I'd avoid at all costs if I were you since its probably what has been causing the discoloration) and whether to continue or try something else.

I'd become so used to irritation, I didn't even feel it anymore. Now, I really try hard to focus on my skin after applying or even touching it, looking for any "heaty" feeling. If there's ANYTHING more than that, I know its probably too irritating for me, because of how desensitized I've become. (Note that with my dark olive skin, its been hard to detect redness.)

I don't really know enough about skin recovery to recommend how to treat your skin after giving it that break... there are a lot of knowledgeable people here so maybe they'll have some ideas. The advice sometimes seems pretty sophisticated, using 1 peel, and then another kind until it builds up before doing a 3rd deeper one based on the rate of your cell turnover. I'm not saying peels are the way to go, I'm saying that all that is beyond my scope.

p.s. FYI, as far as soothing my skin these days and perhaps lightening my light hyperpigmentation spots, I've been using a diy KinNiaNag serum, which can be purchased as well. Not sure it'll be right for you, but you might read up on it for use after your break.

just my 2 cents! Smile

free skin care · Sat Aug 11, 2012 11:31 am

luvskincare - have you tried Retin A or other forms of tretinoin?

free skin care · Sat Aug 11, 2012 11:53 am

I used retin-a for a little over a year. Noticed no improvements. In fact my texture for some reason seemed a little worse.
I have overly large pores, ruddy complexion, slightly oily skin with some scarring.My biggest concern though is that my fair skin has been permanently damaged and now is much darker than the rest of my body with large sunspots (2 under my eyes the size of quarters and 1 very large spot on my jawline the size of 1 1/2 quarters. This is what I would love to fix. Even out my skintone and bring it back to its original shade before I damaged it with peels.

free skin care · Sat Aug 11, 2012 12:04 pm

luvskincare, what are you using on your skin now? And, what sunscreen are you using? I looked back over your posts and you posted a photo about a year ago. I am curious if your skin looks the same as last year?

free skin care · Sat Aug 11, 2012 2:05 pm

There is a book called 'The Skin Type Solution' by Leslie Baumann, M.D. where she categorizes your skin type.

Oily, Dry, Sensitive, not Sensitive, Pigmented, not Pigmented, Wrinkled or Tight in lots of different combinations.

She goes in depth naming particular products and what to avoid. She's very good at explaining different conditions and telling you what to do regarding skin care. It's over 300 pages. It has several multiple choice quizzes that you take and depending on your score, your skin is categorized.

Maybe this book would help you decide on a plan. I think the author is highly thought of and I'm sure a lot of people recognize her name. The library might even have the book if you're located around any medical universities.

free skin care · Sat Aug 11, 2012 5:43 pm

I would say my skin looks the same as about a year ago although my pigmentation is a little worse now. Maybe because its summer.

free skin care · Sat Aug 11, 2012 5:49 pm

luvskincare wrote:

Also. I can say 100% that if anything my skin has gotten worse over the last few years since I began really focusing on skincare. That is why I find this so frustrating.

I have melasma too although it might not be as resistant as yours. I've had good luck with Vitamin C serum & cream and Retin A used together. I like Perricone's High Potency Evening Repair followed by his Vitamin C-Ester at night. In the morning I use SkinActive's Vitamin C serum and their Antiaging cream. SkinActives does have an inexpensive Vitamin A cream for $30 but I haven't tried it. They also make Be Kind Rewind for age and sun spots that I've been using on my arms and chest which has been lightening the spots. I've been using it for about a month and the spots are still there but lighter. Perricone products aren't cheap so you might want to try samples at Sephora. QVC also sells kits that are very well priced. Here's a description of High Potency Evening Repair:

-Patented Alpha Lipoic Acid (300% more than in previous formula): Protects the cells to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while refining the skin's texture.
-Patented DMAE (150% more than in previous formula): This time-erasing contouring wonder firms tones restores elasticity and diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
-Retinol (in highest available over-the-counter concentration): Exfoliates naturally and non-abrasively encourages skin renewal and resurfaces skin for a smoother more even appearance.

Here's a description of Vitamin C-Ester:
A smooth antiaging cream that treats loss of firmness, discoloration from sun damage, uneven skin tone, and wrinkles.

Vitamin C Ester 15 is scientifically formulated to help boost collagen production, smooth skin texture, and dramatically brighten its appearance. While imperfections, fine lines, and wrinkles are diminished, redness is minimized and suppleness is restored, creating a visibly glowing, radiant complexion.

Also, another person mentioned Lancer cosmetics. Nordstrom's carries this brand. I haven't tried it so I don't know anything about it. They have a three piece kit called Lighten Brighten & Tighten for $115.00. Here's a link to the kit:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lancer-dermatology-lighten-brighten-tighten-set-nordstrom-exclusive-178-value/3311093?origin=category&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=600

free skin care · Sat Aug 11, 2012 5:57 pm

Thanks for all the great advice ladies. I really do appreciate it.
As far as melasma, I am not to sure that is what is going on with my skin. My dermatologist that I have seen before tells me its not melasma just sun damage and she put some black light on it to see how deep the pigment was and she said it was superfical not deep at all so I wonder why all so far nothing has worked? Unless I really do have Melasma and thats why I am finding it so hard to lighten???

I am using Neocutis Journee ss at the moment.

free skin care · Sat Aug 11, 2012 6:04 pm

luvskincare wrote:

Thanks for all the great advice ladies. I really do appreciate it.
As far as melasma, I am not to sure that is what is going on with my skin. My dermatologist that I have seen before tells me its not melasma just sun damage and she put some black light on it to see how deep the pigment was and she said it was superfical not deep at all so I wonder why all so far nothing has worked? Unless I really do have Melasma and thats why I am finding it so hard to lighten???

I am using Neocutis Journee ss at the moment.

If your skin still looks like the photo, you do not have melasma. I am just going off of that photo, but your skin did not look badly sun damaged to my eyes at all. I could not see any difference in the face/neck skin but I can't see that much of the neck in the photo. Have you tried an all physical sunscreen? How long have you been using the Neocutis Journee? Sorry for all the questions, but I am trying to get a picture of what you are using now, how long you have used the product/s, etc. It helps to know all that when people are trying to help!

free skin care · Sat Aug 11, 2012 8:06 pm

In person you would be able to see the blotchy/hyperpigementation. It honestly looks like I tan my face even though I try hard to avoid the rays. And it has been this way for about 5-6 years now.I really think it all happened after I had a tca/jessner peel and didnt protect my fresh skin as much as I should have. My skin now is probably very photosensitive.
I always use a ss that has zinc in it. Right now just cervae cleanser, neocutis journee, and vit.c

Sun Aug 12, 2012 12:16 pm

Have you tred meladerm? It really worked for me. I don't have melasma but did have pigmentation problems. Also I used fresh vitamin a I ordered from nufountain.

free skin care · Thu Aug 30, 2012 11:12 am

I don't know what to say! You have tried everything to improve your skin, but maybe you are over-doing it? Your skin has to heal first.
I would go to a specialised dermatologist for your problem. You may probably need a different type of laser treatment targetting this area for sure. Since you don't like the heavy regimen, I would suggest seeing a doctor/dermatologist.....
BTW, are you using a sunscreen after the laser and/or peel that you had before?

luvskincare wrote:

and I have tried alot:(
I have alot of discoloration. I think melasma but maybe really bad sundamage. My face is like 3 shades darker than my neck always with heavy spots of brown patches.
What would really work for me at this point besides lasers/chemical peels?

free skin care · Fri Aug 31, 2012 10:27 pm

Well since this post I have decided to take it easy on my skin. Right now all I am doing is
washing with Cervae and using Neocutis Bio-restorative sunscreen and at night I wash again with Cervae and alternate between Cervae moisturizing cream and Jojoba oil. I did order the Sea Buckthorn oil and will give that I try for a little while and then maybe when the weather changes here I will try to fight this blotchy, sun damaged skin.

free skin care · Tue Sep 04, 2012 7:46 pm

Oh No..............
It appears that now that I have cut the acids out my skin is starting to break-out with blackheads and bumps like I am a teenager:(
What should I do now????

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