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Thu Jan 17, 2013 12:01 pm  |
Hi everyone! I am new to the forum and have been lurking and reading for a few weeks. I really need some help.
About 9 mths ago, I got botox as a preventative measure. I was only 26 (27 now). The person who did it was really heavy handed and it made my whole face sag. My face is back to 90% of what it was, though I feel I lost a year of my 20s by looking so much older than I was.
I went to another clinic and thought, well, if I can't have a good face, I will at least have fabulous skin, trying to be positive. I was given Retin-A .5%, but not really told what products it couldn't interact with. I know, I should have researched it  But I am new to all of this and just figured it was like any other face cream.
I used Retin-A over a 3-4 week period. I used it once per week the first week, twice per week the second week, and so on. However, I was still using my other harsh exfoliates, washes, etc at this time too.
You guessed it. I burnt myself. Bad. I have since babied my skin with Neocutis products and gentlest lotions. However, 3 mths out I still have grapefruit texture and wrinkles and track lines.
Can anyone help me? I really wish I never did any of this and hope I am not ruined. I used to be told I looked 18 and now I am no longer even carded....not the worst thing in the world but it has taken its toll emotionally/mentally.
Thank you for your help. Also, to make things a lil more difficult, I am acne prone and can't use oil products. Thank you. |
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Thu Jan 17, 2013 3:19 pm |
I'm so sorry you have had such a negative experience. I understand the need to slow down the clock...so to speak, but personally I don't think botox should be used before 35. I know I may get flamed for that but I'm big on using something when it's needed, or maybe just before, and I actually feel botox can actually promote facial sagging in the future because of all the years of facial muscles not being exercised. I don't mean to make you feel bad, that's not my intention, just to make you rethink about whether or not you truly need it in the future again (well near future).
That being said I'm 38 and I've just started using botox myself. I do like it, but I make sure I allow it to wear off and get some facial exercises happening when it does. So I only plan to use it a couple times a year (it lasts about 3-4 months on me).Having a skilled injector is a must, but even so it sometimes takes a bit of trial and error.
As fort Retin-A I love the stuff, but it must be used correctly. There's lots of info on here about it if you do a search. I'm sure your dr or clinic person told you to use it at night only, perhaps using it twice a week for the 1st month. Also you shouldn't use any other acids when you start off on it, especially if your skin is more sensitive.
My only advice in getting your skin back to normal is use a very gentle cream or milk cleanser, use a good sunscreen during the day (also a must when on retina-A). My skin is also acne prone. I can't tolerate oils with the exception of argan oil. Oils are great for your skin and most high in essential fatty acids. Or a good moisturiser with ceramides (like cerave). You probably need to repair your skin mantle. When its been stripped it can make your skin look worse. Just stay away from acids (even retin-a for now) and other harsh ingredients and then once your skin looks better again you could introduce one product at a time (using it for at least a month before a new one is introduced)
There are alternatives to Retin-A, like retinol. Vit C products are great too, Sunscreen and a good oil, serum or moisturiser,& a gentle cleanser may all you need now. I always thought I needed harsh ingredients for my skin (also acne prone) but when I stopped them and used gentle ingredients and only products with actives (C,A,E) my skin did alot better. It took me about a year to repair my skin too.
Its a bit hard though to comment further without an overall picture of your sincere products and regime.
Just a last thought you could also try facial exercises to get back that 10% sag remainder from the botox. There's lots about it on here.
I hope that helps and with patience and a simple routine you will get there. You are young...I would love to look in my 20s again... so your skin will bounce back with the correct care. Also increase your water intake and take some Omega or fish-oil supplements to help. They are also great for skin. Perhaps seek some professional advice too.
I wish you all the best on this journey and welcome to the forum  |
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Thu Jan 17, 2013 6:10 pm |
Thank you so much!! I am def prob joining the no-botox till 35 club, except for in between my eyebrows. But forehead, under eyes, crows' feet...no. I really support botox as a product, and am not blaming it at all, but it will be awhile before I can trust an injector for other areas of my face. I started doing facial exercises a few weeks ago and though it's not picking up quite yet, it is getting firmer. I think the slack in my face may not be so much from botox anymore, but my muscles are just weak/not toned from going unused for so long. :/
As for the retin-a, I support that as a product too. I just didn't know what I was doing. It taught me a good lesson though: always research your products. For the first 6 wks after my burn, I used just Cetaphil face wash, Cetaphil moisturizer and Neutrogena SPF. Now that it seems strong/not burning/not peeling (but texture is still bad) I am doing the following:
Morning:
-Wash with water
-Skinceuticals alcohol-free toner
-Neocutis Bio-gel
-Neocutis Lumiere eye cream
-Oil free Neutragena SPF 35
After work:
-Wash make up off with Cetaphil
-Skinceuticals alcohol-free toner
-Neocutis Bio-gel
-Neocutis Lumiere eye cream
Night before bed:
-Neocutis Bio-gel
-Neocutis Lumiere eye cream
-Oil free Neutragena moisturizer for sensitive skin alternates with oil free Neutrgena retinol night cream
I have been taking Omega 3 Fish Oil for 2 mths now and evening primrose oil. The evening primrose oil seemed to clear my acne but I am still weary of products with oil. I did take collagen and HA tablets for awhile too, but I didn't feel like they improved anything.
I obviously have spent a lot of money to look worse and try to fix looking worse. Yikes.
Also, thanks for welcoming me the forum. It has been a great resource so far! |
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Thu Jan 17, 2013 7:09 pm |
| skinned1986 wrote: |
Thank you so much!! I am def prob joining the no-botox till 35 club, except for in between my eyebrows. But forehead, under eyes, crows' feet...no. I really support botox as a product, and am not blaming it at all, but it will be awhile before I can trust an injector for other areas of my face. I started doing facial exercises a few weeks ago and though it's not picking up quite yet, it is getting firmer. I think the slack in my face may not be so much from botox anymore, but my muscles are just weak/not toned from going unused for so long. :/
As for the retin-a, I support that as a product too. I just didn't know what I was doing. It taught me a good lesson though: always research your products. For the first 6 wks after my burn, I used just Cetaphil face wash, Cetaphil moisturizer and Neutrogena SPF. Now that it seems strong/not burning/not peeling (but texture is still bad) I am doing the following:
Morning:
-Wash with water
-Skinceuticals alcohol-free toner
-Neocutis Bio-gel
-Neocutis Lumiere eye cream
-Oil free Neutragena SPF 35
After work:
-Wash make up off with Cetaphil
-Skinceuticals alcohol-free toner
-Neocutis Bio-gel
-Neocutis Lumiere eye cream
Night before bed:
-Neocutis Bio-gel
-Neocutis Lumiere eye cream
-Oil free Neutragena moisturizer for sensitive skin alternates with oil free Neutrgena retinol night cream
I have been taking Omega 3 Fish Oil for 2 mths now and evening primrose oil. The evening primrose oil seemed to clear my acne but I am still weary of products with oil. I did take collagen and HA tablets for awhile too, but I didn't feel like they improved anything.
I obviously have spent a lot of money to look worse and try to fix looking worse. Yikes.
Also, thanks for welcoming me the forum. It has been a great resource so far! |
I wont give you advise accept to agree that you need to baby your skin and treat yourself well outside and in!
I am a firm believer that these things that happen can sometimes be a blessing in disguise. I found this forum searching for a solution to my pigmentation issues. The knowledge I have gained as a result is priceless. My skin is so much better today than it could possibly have been otherwise.
Welcome to the forum! Wish you a great skin care journey! |
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Fri Jan 18, 2013 12:30 am |
Yes I agree, this forum is a fabulous place with lots of good advice. But the advise should always be used with caution, common sense and your own research, as you both have done so well.
Skinned1986 your routine seems fine.
Your toner is it exfoliating ? Does it have acids? I find they can add to stripping of your skin, perhaps you could cut back on that for now till your sin recovers?
Also is there a reson you apply your products after work and before bed? You probably don't need to use so much, also costs more $$.
I would still try to find a more gentle cleanser. You would be surprised how good they are. I use moogoo milk cleanser. Its sooo gentle. Also I would use the Bio gel once a day (is that the one with stem cells or something like that?), you could relace it in the morning with a nice antioxidant serum. Perhaps in the future, once your skin settles, you could try out Vit C products?. At your age they would be perfect. But not everyone uses them, just a suggestion.
You need to restore (lipids, ceramides etc) and protect (antioxidants, sunscreen) and hydrate your skin (oils, moisturisers, HA serums etc)...you probably don't need so much of the expensive antiaging stuff right now.
Just my opinion, hope it helps. You seem to be doing great so far otherwise, so thats great.
Just stay patient, you'll get there |
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Fri Jan 18, 2013 3:24 am |
First of all my sincere sympathies to you Skinned1986. The whole experience sounds like a nightmare but the way you write trying to look on the bright side of things and keeping a balanced view is very humble and honourable
To be honest with you I really would lay off retin a for now. It is powerful stuff and has the potential to do more harm than good. I would recommend using the most gentle of products - Dr Hauschka is a fabulous brand and very gentle. I would really recommend using that while your skin is recovering. The cleansing cream is very good under normal circumstances but seen as your skin is in need of the most gentle tlc at the moment I would go with the cleansing milk which has no exfoliating particles in it and is very gentle. The rose day cream is a very good moisturiser and I would probably recommend this for you also.
If you have oily acne prone skin it is probably better to look in to your diet and exercise regime to treat it because many of the topical products for such a skin type are aggressive and they are definitely not something you want to use on your skin right now.
I don't know enough about Vitamin c serum to recommend it or not (although I do use it) but that may even be a little strong... It is an acid after all. If you are really concerned about getting vitamin c you can supplement it at night so your body can use it to do it's repairing while you sleep. Some others who are more in the know about topical vitamin c may be able to shed more light here though.
If you are interested in working your muscles without the need to man handle your skin I would recommend getting a tua trend. Go easy with the intensity though and build up gradually. It is possible to work your muscles pretty hard with this machine.
As for the botox where exactly did the person who administered it inject you to cause sagging? Do you know which muscle/s specifically is/are sagging?
I have read on this forum of people using intense dermarolling twice a year as a way to avoid needing botox. If done correctly this is probably a better option than botox for various reasons but you would need to do some thorough research on it and to avoid doing anything like that until your skin has got over its current trauma.
Hope this is helpful |
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Sun Jan 20, 2013 8:05 pm |
Rebecca- I agree! I am learning so much about how the skin balances itself and what can help/hurt it whereas before I thought you could pretty much put anything on it.
Dionie- Good point! I didn't even think of that. I went on the SkinCeuticals website and it said that it IS an exfoliating toner with fruit acids. I think I will set it aside for now! I went out of town to a wedding this weekend and left all of my products except moisturizer and SPF (I hate packing a suitcase full of just facial supplies) and my face did seem softer without toning. The Bio Gel is the one with skin cells. I like it so far and have been using it often because I was thinking the more PSP I put on my face maybe the faster it would heal/promote healing because I read PSP is used for wound care too. Maybe that is incorrect reasoning though? Perhaps less would be more? I will check out the moogoo cleanser though.
Moon- I went in for botox only for the forehead, in between the eyebrows and to raise the eyebrows (I think they put it in the crows feet to give an eyebrow lift?) The woman really wanted to put it under my eyes but I said no, because I had never heard of botox under the eyes and I wasn't quite sure how it would work there. Well, after a wk I was so satisfied with the forehead and crows feet that I thought the lady must be right and I went back for botox under the eyes. Oops. It mad the fat pads (not sure if they are called that) in my lower lids come out so my lower lid was very big/puffy. In addition, it traveled down my face so my cheeks seemed...lower? And I had nasolabial folds. The cheeks are lifting now and very close to where they were. I have been doing exercises to firm it up too. However, the lower eyelids have not returned to their previous state. They aren't as bad as they were at first, but the lower eyelid is still protruding with dark circles. I have went to an ocuplastic surgeon about it to see if there was anything surgical to be done. He said there is but he said he wouldn't do it because of my age. He said I can't predict how the rest of me would age and he would want me to wait till I was in my mid 30s to do anything that drastic. He said fillers were an option in the meantime to at least downplay/conceal it though since I had deep troughs anyways. |
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