Adult Acne Battle
I have been dealing with acne ever since I was a pre-teen and things did not get much better for me long term in my adulthood. I've tried and retried so many things in hopes of conquering this self-confidence diminishing battle. As discussed before, I decided to listen to my mother, whom as a Medical Esthetician, knew that my skin issues could not be treated without seeing a doctor. After visiting my esthetician I was instructed to use Toleriaine Purifying Cleanser, the Sulfa-lo bar, and Toleriane Fluide (along with SPF of course). I was also seen by the Physician's Assistant that works in the same office and was prescribed Retin-A (to use at night). After only a week I've seen a major oil reduction in my usually super oily skin. I have a follow up in 8 weeks to see how the Retin-A is working to treat and prevent breakouts. I have been using the Retin-A for a week now and so far so good.
Using Retin-A speeds up the skin's cell turnover rate causing rapid exfoliation, revealing healthier skin. That being said, some peeling may or may not occur. It's also best to ease into a Retin-A because if you go in too strong in the beginning irritation can occur. Years ago doctors advised not to use a moisturizer so that the effects of the Retin-A would be stronger and faster, but that is not really practiced anymore because it's been found that using a hydrator helps drive the product down to cellular level; causing better product penetration.
Before trying something new from a professional, I always recommend asking lots of questions to know the why, how, when, and what to expect. Had I done this years ago my issues may have been long gone. I suppose the best thing about my journey is that having these ups and downs has made me so much more knowledgable, so now I can in turn help others with similar issues and actually understand what they're going through. Please never give up, and always stay beautiful!!
Hormonal Acne Update
Still struggle with my battle with hormonal/cystic acne, but I've seen good days. Since mid January my skincare regimen consists of the Dr. Dennis Gross Color Smart Cleanser, Original Strength Alpha Beta Peel Pads, Clarifying Colloidal Mask, and now the One Step Acne Eliminating Pads. I also use a Trader Joe's Face Wash with Tea Tree Oil, Cetaphil Moisturizer, and Clindamycin topically. Today I also purchased the 30 day Clear Skin Solutions kit also by Dr. Dennis Gross. It comes with the mask and acne pads mentioned above, but also his All In One Foaming Cleanser ($36) and the Hydra-Pure Oil Free Moisturizer ($76).. all for $45. Great value!!
The Color Smart Cleanser and Alpha Beta Peels my complexion looked so bright and clear (aside from ovulating and my favorite time of the month 😑👎). My skin was drastically clear of breakout, which overall made me feel great!! This month during ovulation my hormones got out of wack, so I decided to add the One Step Acne Eliminating Pads. I've heard great things about them combating acne.. including hormonal/cystic which is almost unheard of for something not prescribed. Let me just say.. it stings and itches so bad for like 20 seconds, but quickly subsides. With more use the sensations have decreased. I will alternate 15 days of the Ance Pads and 15 days of the Alpha Beta Peel Pads, so my face won't get used to either product and plateaue/revert back. So far I'm only on day 7 and I'm purging, which is fairly typical. I may tweak the alternating schedule if needed, and will update you on how the cleanser and moisturizer I received in the kit work for me as well. Never give up, and stay beautiful!!
