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AIBU?

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Original poster

To be at my wits end about my skin!!

17 replies

fruittella · 09/02/2023 15:37

My skin is just awful. It’s so textured because of a history of acne. I’m 24 and it looks like my skin is genuinely sagging. I look so much worse for it. I’ve attached some (sorry gross!) pictures of my cheeks.

I’ve tried so many things. I have facials and exfoliate, I’ve tried resurfacing paste and retinols, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, SPF, really good skincare routines and just nothing works.

I’ve considered microneeding but it’s an expense I just can’t afford.

Does anyone have any tips? It’s really starting to get me down

To be at my wits end about my skin!!
To be at my wits end about my skin!!
To be at my wits end about my skin!!
OP posts:
Chikapu · 09/02/2023 15:47

Have you seen your GP?

CharlotteRose90 · 09/02/2023 16:04

You need to see your GP if you haven’t already. Your acne is still active which means there’s options to try. Could be antibiotics or accutane.

BabyHobnob · 09/02/2023 16:05

If its still active then I would definitely recommend seeing your GP and pushing for a referral to dermatology. They will want you to try different things before that point, there is a pathway they usually follow of different creams and antibiotics but if they don't work for you then eventually you'll get to see the dermatologist!

Unfortunately it's a bit of a battle and sometimes you have to see different doctors before you find one that actually understands the impact to your mental health. I've suffered with it since my 20s and I'm back at the dermatologist now for it at the age of 41! But I do know other people who've managed to clear theirs up for life.

Other than that it's a bit of a less is more approach, don't use all the harsh scrubs and peels, just cleanse well and use a good moisturiser/sun cream.

Really hope you get some help xx

SleeplessInEngland · 09/02/2023 16:09

Yes, see a GP. Stress any effect it's having on mental health.

Sadly acne still isn't taken that seriously, but its impact can be crippling.

NamelessTemptress01 · 09/02/2023 16:11

I’m a fellow acne sufferer, not managed to control it yet but for skin unevenness/ discolouration I recommend hydroquinone which you can get from websites such as Dermatica. The best thing for you would probably be the Obagi system but it is very pricey so the Dermatica option might be better to try first.

Noicant · 09/02/2023 16:18

niacinamide Is good for reducing the redness. It won’t stop acne but it does seem to help your skin heal a bit faster. You could try mandelic acid for discolouration.

Original poster
fruittella · 09/02/2023 16:36

To be fair it’s only that one big spot that’s active. All of those marks are very flat and they’re not spots at the moment, I rarely get spots now, they’re all scars :(

OP posts:
theoldcatsmells · 09/02/2023 16:48

Do you exfoliate?

Original poster
fruittella · 09/02/2023 17:02

@theoldcatsmells i do yeah 😀

OP posts:
PAFMO · 09/02/2023 17:08

Stop exfoliating and all other actives (vitamin C and any Retinols) for a while.

Strip your skincare back to cleaning it and hydrating it. Niacinamide and /or azeliac will help with the scarring but just repair the barrier now and get rid of the soreness.

What cleanser and moisturizer do you use?

plumduck · 09/02/2023 17:31

Are you concerned with making it appear smoother eg with make up etc or do you want to try and actually make it smoother?

theoldcatsmells · 09/02/2023 17:33

fruittella · 09/02/2023 17:02

@theoldcatsmells i do yeah 😀

Okay. How?

I have gone through awful skin. I got rid of my acne at age 16 with the contraceptive pill. But that was a looong time ago.

I'm 41. My skin has actually never looked better. I use EpiDuo from the GP for acne and it makes my skin very bright and keeps breakouts away.

I use hemp oil at night to even out my skin tone.

I exfoliate using St Ives scrub once every 3 days.

I ensure I have fresh raw fruit and veg daily in a smoothie.

I eat many raw salads.

I take a collagen and Vitamin C gel supplement that costs quite a bit.

I feel all the things I mentioned there contribute to my skin being great and you could look into them.

wot3va · 09/02/2023 17:36

Dermatica. Amazing service. It is an online doctor/dermatologist. I used them and my pigmentation is all but gone. Not sure what product you need but you take photos of your face from all angles and send to them. They then send you the product monthly. Awesome reviews. Would highly recommend

Ireallydohope · 09/02/2023 18:07

Save up for microdermabrasion

35965a · 09/02/2023 18:09

Dermatica or Skin&Me - amazing. They’re online dermatologists and they give you a custom formula based on your photos. Honestly so many people I know have had great results from them.

absolutelyknackeredcow · 09/02/2023 18:13

I had miserable skin and started skin and me (I'm 44). The difference has been astounding

AnnaMagnani · 09/02/2023 18:18

Save up for laser.

Your acne looks well controlled but you have a icepick scarring leftover. You won't get rid of that with creams.

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