Should I Get Results From My Regimen?
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skin Care and Makeup Forum

Wed Dec 25, 2013 7:03 am

I'm a 23 year old guy and I used to suffer from constant acne. I no longer do as I've been using retin-a 0.05% for the 12 months. Although my acne has cleared, I'm left with moderate scarring, hyperpigmentation and an uneven skin tone. I can't wear makeup to minimise the look of it, so I'm hoping to do that with my skincare regimen.

My regimen is as follows:

In the morning I:
1) Cleanse with Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser
2) Tone with Clinicians Complex Acne Toner (Has 2% BHA along with glycolic acid and has a pH of 3.5)
3) Apply the Skinceuitcals AOX+ 20% Vit C serum
4) Alternate between applying a 20% Azelaic Acid cream and a 2% Hydoquinone cream
5) Then apply the Neutrogena Dry Touch SPF30 Sunscreen

At Night I:
1) Cleanse with the same cleanser
2) Tone with the MD Formulations Anti-Oxidant Spray
3) Apply the 0.05% Retin-a
4) Apply the Olay Regenerist 3 Point Super Serum

I've been doing this for a week now. Am I likely to reduce acne scarring/hyperpigmentation and even out my skin tone by following this regimen? If not, I'd appreciate any suggestions on how I could improve on it. Thanks Smile

Wed Dec 25, 2013 9:39 am

I'd suggest using hydroquinone in pm, as there is some issue that HQ can cause darkening instead when exposed to uv ray

Some users use retin A and HQ together (after a good 1 hour wait time, I think)

I can't comment others, but I do use 15% Azelaic acid (Finacea gel) and Vit C serum (I DIY myself).

Using Vit C by itself has greatly improved my hyperpigmentation caused by acne. I added Finacea to address my clogged pores issue.

So yeah, I think your regime is pretty good.

PLEASE USE SUNSCREEN in AM, either it is raining or sunny or cloudy!!

PS: some prefer pure physical sunscreen (Zinc Oxide based), but I'm not sure how yours is chemical or physical...

If it's chemical sunscreen, please let it absorb for a good 20 mins before exposing your skin to sun.

HTHs

Thu Dec 26, 2013 3:46 pm

Thanks for your suggestions/advice.

I wasn't aware of HQ and darkening when exposed to UV rays. Thanks for letting me know!

And since using retin-a I've always made sure to use sunscreen during the day. The sunscreen I use is a chemical sunscreen. I've read that physical sunscreens are less irritating and may provide better protection, however I've tried a few and they tend to leave a white cast which is why I use a chemical sunscreen.

Thu Dec 26, 2013 10:19 pm

ah yes, I understand regarding the white cast!

You can buy some tinted physical sunscreen, but most of them are expensive for such amount.

Tinting them (DIY) is troublesome too.

I do use chemical sunscreen occasionally. But since I start using physical sunscreen, I love love love it. my new recent red marks(PIH) actually fade.
Using chemical sunscreen before (RoC brand),it protects them, and I get lighter quite few shades, it never darkens my red marks, but it doesn't help on fading them. I guess physical sunscreen (zinc oxide) has healing properties hence the fading of inflammation.

I still use my RoC though, and La roche posay range for swimming/outdoor activity.
I can't trust physical sunscreen for swimming and sweating, they tend to rubbed off, well, at least, on me. PLUS, on my location, La roche posay and ROC products are so pricey, that's why I save them for outdoor use.

you may like to surf on skincaretalk.com forums, it focuses on lightening skin, you can get more information regarding HQ.

I am now trying out 2%HQ + 10% glycolic acid from Alpha Hydrox. Too soon to tell result yet, but my red marks are recent though...so it may take lesser time than those older marks..

Thu Dec 26, 2013 11:58 pm

I would use a tinted physical sunscreen, but I worry that it might look like I'm wearing makeup lol.

A good place to purchase La Roche Posay products is echemist .co .uk I've ordered from them a few times. They're pricing isn't too bad, they sometimes give free samples, and they have free worldwide delivery. escentual .com is quite good as well and they regularly have 20% off sales on French pharmacy brands (I think they charge for shipping though).

Thanks for the website suggestion. I'll check it out.

Automatic Message

If this is your first visit to the EDS Forums please take the time to register. Registration is required for you to post on the forums. Registration will also give you the ability to track messages of interest, send private messages to other users, participate in Gift Certificates draws and enjoy automatic discounts for shopping at our online store. Registration is free and takes just a few seconds to complete.

Click Here to join our community.

If you are already a registered member on the forums, please login to gain full access to the site.