I've always been open with you concerning my acne. I've talked about all of the different medications and creams that I've used, how somehow my acne always returns. Now, I'm left with a scarred face, there's lots of ice pick scars from where I've picked and squeezed my spots and I hate them.
When I was around the age of 13 or 14, I'd had enough and went to the doctors to see if my doctor could help me out. On my forehead, spots covered my skin, there wasn't one area that I could see that was flat, it was that serious. I didn't just have acne on my face, it was all over my chest, back and shoulders.
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| Photo Credits: Niamh Mason |
To begin with, I was given several different creams and ointments to try out. I suffered with some terrible side effects. My skin immediately began burning with some, others made my skin red and puffy and others did both. The point in which I realised that I couldn't keep trying any more creams, was when I had to have a day off school because of the reaction. My whole face, chest and back was red, puffy and extremely sore from the burning. I tried covering it up wth correcting concealer but it as just too painful. In the end, I resorted to having cold wash cloths all over me.
From there, I went to visit my local dermatologist. She prescribed my Lymecycline which is a type of antibiotics. I was on that for over a year and it actually worked. Unfortunately, I had to come off of them for a while since they stopped working. I would have mini breaks occasionally as this would happen and then begin them again. One time, this didn't work and consulted my dermatologist. I was then prescribed a different medication. This did nothing and eventually, my acne started to spread to areas like my legs, stomach and down my arms.
I tried lots of different things, like drinking more water, washing my face regularly and cutting down dairy. Nothing seemed to change. When I began drinking more water, I did see a change in my skin, it was definitely more hydrated but didn't get rid of my acne. Washing my face just stripped it of its oils and left my skin feeling dry and tight. As for cutting down dairy, that was useless - I love milk too much.
My dermatologist suggested that I tried Dianette which is a contraceptive that also helps with acne. After looking into this, I decided against it due to its side effects and risks. It's okay to turn down medication if you don't think that it's something that will benefit you but do speak to your GP about the risks that could occur if you do this. There are times where medication is non-negotiable.
So after than, we decided to put me back on Lymecycline and give it a go. Funny thing is, I actually haven't had time to give this another go yet since I've been prescribed some other antibiotics for another issue. This antibiotics has been clearing up my skin too, surprisingly. But I have been taking actions to clear up my acne whilst the Lymecycline has been put on hold.
Although, acne isn't the only problem. I've been looking back at some old photos and my skin looked pretty clear, even when I was on the medication. It's only in the past year that my skin has been getting scarred from picking at the spots and squeezing them. It's an annoying habit I have and it's ruined my skin. Here's a photo to show you how uneven my skin actually is. I had no spots at all when this photo was taken. Oh, and excuse the weird face that I'm pulling, I look a bit deranged.
For my birthday, my mum and sister got me a Garnier skin was and moisturiser for sensitive skin. For Christmas, my grandparents bought me some No7 skincare products and I found some of my sister's old bio-oil. I've been making myself a regular routine to try and reduce my acne and scars by themselves. I'm also choosing to go make-up free less often.
My Challenge
I'm setting myself a challenge to try and reduce my acne and scars by the end of February. I will be going makeup free most days, unless an important event comes up - even for this it will be light coverage and on for a short amount of time. I will be up-keeping my skincare routine whilst trying to drink more water.
At the end of February, I will be documenting my progress and show you in full detail about the products that I've been using and the results. I hope you can support me in this as I hate my skin and really want to take action in order to improve it.
Do you have any skincare secrets? Let me know in the comments below as I'd love to give them a go!
Until next time...
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OOH this sounds good! Let me know if you find some good products as I have spots on much forehead that keep on coming back and back and it’s so annoying! Xx
ReplyDeleteWill do xx
DeleteI've been lucky enough to have quiet clear skin, but I do suffer with eczema - which when it flares up I swear by Body Shop products, my skin loves them! x
ReplyDeleteHan | lifewithhan.blog
I suffer with eczema from time to time too! The Body Shop have some lovely products! x
DeleteI love my Dr. Organic face cream.
ReplyDeleteAbby x | www.exactlyabby.co.uk
I've not tried that brand!
DeleteHonestly, I need the tips! I've been breakout central recently and nothing seems to help. I'm so excited to see you're results, I love things like this xox
ReplyDeleteHaha, I'll keep you updated x
DeleteI love how you've tackled the issue of acne in your post! Whilst I don't have acne, I do struggle with scars from previous spots so I've been wanting to start incorporating Bio-Oil into my skincare routine! Can't wait to hear what you think of it and how you've been getting on!
ReplyDeleteJulia | www.stylewithblondeambition.co.uk
Thank you! I'll make sure t do another post soon! x
DeleteMy skin is always so bad! And its so sensitive to the point that almost everythimg makes me break out! I tried antibiotics but came off them because of side affects, so i tend to sick to ny trusty old sudocreme! Cant wait to see your results!!
ReplyDeleteI get where you're coming from! Neither can I, I'm excited to see how my skin turns out!
Delete