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Original poster

Shit skin thread. Sign up here!

89 replies

Clarabumps · 28/03/2015 21:27

I've been on many an acid toner thread in the past and I'm all about the good skincare regime but I feel it's just not enough anymore. I'm having monthly breakouts around my chin area and I finally went to the doctor and told her I couldn't have anymore anti biotics and I wanted a topical retinoid. I now am the proud owner of a tube of Differin gel. Woo hoo!!!

Is anyone else battling the curse of shit skin. I have no bloody wrinkles at 34 but a chin like Mount Vesuvius. So what has worked for everyone?what hasn't worked? Mainly just a support for those who are battling "the spots" bastards

OP posts:
Original poster
Clarabumps · 29/03/2015 17:25

I have a history of anxiety/depression so my doctor is not keen to go down that route.

For those of you that are dehydrated. I used to get break outs on my cheeks quite often but had dry/dehydrated skin. I started using Hydraluron under my moisturiser and I saw a massive improvement. It's a serum by indeed labs(Boots £25 but always on 3 for 2) and you only use a teeny amount. It holds 1000 times its weight in water so it really makes the most out of you moisturiser.

OP posts:
CremeDeSudo · 29/03/2015 20:11

How do you know if you have dehydrated skin? I guess if I did I'd know?

What acid toner are you all using? I've got Ren clarimatte atm but considering trying something else..

MrsPnut · 29/03/2015 20:20

Oh good, it's not just me then. I have had two cycles of roaccutane but the spots have returned each time and I have also had duac which only bleached the necks of my pyjama tops. I have PCOS and spend most of each cycle with massive spots along my chin and jaw line. My skin is really shit despite me drinking at least 3l of water a day.
I'm currently using Korres skincare cleanser for oily skin and a moisturiser for combination skin with a rich night cream once or twice a week because my skin gets very dry.
I've also developed big cysts on my back and neck.

iroblonegen · 29/03/2015 20:22

I used to get massive spots on my chin, until I read something about how chin spots (esp on the sides of chin) are related to the ovaries (not put very well, but I hope you know what I mean), and Agnus Castus can help. So I got some AC and have never looked back. I do still get the odd spot, very rarely. That might be something those of you with spotty chins could try. I get my AC from Prime Health Direct, who are based in Guernsey. (I don't work for them, btw.)

Original poster
Clarabumps · 29/03/2015 21:54

I also didn't know that about the copper coil. I have a copper coil after getting the mirena removed due to my horrific acne. (It was even worse then)

I'm currently using Alpha H a few times a week and Bravura Calendula Toner. It's cheap and very effective. 13% Glycolic I think.

My skin was needing moisture but not dried out as such. It was both dry and oily at the same time which seems daft. Since using hydraluron my cheeks, forehead and the res of my skin seems a lot more plump and nourished.

My make up sits better as my skin is not trying to draw moisture from my foundation leaving it patchy.

I've just found a Back acne breakout. Ouch.

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Sallystyle · 29/03/2015 22:36

I'm on antibiotics for acne. I get many cystic spots which scar.

Having some luck using LUSH Ultrabland cleanser.

I also have dry skin which doesn't help. Have tried La Roche Posay products before. I like them but antibiotics is the only thing that really helps control it somewhat.

Got two new scars from this month alone so hoping bio oil will take care of them as they are so new.

callamia · 29/03/2015 22:42

I'm a week into using Duac, and my skin has cleared up amazingly well. I'm not sure how long I can use it for, or whether there's something that might be better. For now, I'm just happy that the awful spots have gone. I wonder whether I have rosecea, I do tend to be a bit red.

I had a course of roaccutane a few years ago, and my skin has never quite gone back to as bad as it was before that, but it's not great. I'm still breast-feeding, so my current treatment options are a bit more limited.

I use Avene to wash with, and use mineral make-up. I'm also using ren's omega oil serum, and yes to carrots moisturiser - both are good.

Original poster
Clarabumps · 30/03/2015 11:37

So, my spots are on the mend today, significantly smaller and dryer feeling. Nowhere near the big weepy mess that they were 4 days ago. I also rate ultra bland by Lush. It's an amazing cleanser. I think i'm going to have to buy something really gentle as my Oskia cleaner is beginning to get a bit tingly when I use it. It has Vitamin c and other things in it.
I didn't use differin last night as my skin was looking slightly red so I just used my topical ethromycin.

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Original poster
Clarabumps · 30/03/2015 11:39

Iro- What is agnus castus?

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Original poster
Clarabumps · 30/03/2015 11:56

I've just read up about Agnus Castus, very interesting. I'm slightly worried about it improving fertility though. I have three DC and don't want any more (as I'm the most fertile person in the world and have fell pregnant three times on contraception) so that is slightly worrying. ha!

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avagosling · 30/03/2015 15:41

More often than not it's hormonal related. I find Agnus Castus (Chaste Tree) very helpful for this. Also eliminating sugar, dairy and gluten from the diet usually has huge benefits.

Regarding skin care, I'm a proponent of natural products. The oil cleansing method is great. It might seem daunting at first to put oil on the skin, but it really works. The a combination of jojoba with lavender and/or camellia with tea tree.

CremeDeSudo · 30/03/2015 15:43

I've bought some agnus castus now. I'll try anything!! Could do with some help with Pms symptoms anyway so can't hurt. How long til you noticed a difference?

Three of the cystic variety atm Sad haven't had any for ages! I stopped my antibiotics when I started this routine - do you think it could be something to do with that? Sad

Original poster
Clarabumps · 30/03/2015 15:59

I'm also tempted by the Agnus Castus now. I've tried the OCM and it really didn't work for me. I know it's been a miracle product for others but unfortunately not for me.

What antibio's have you been on Creme and do you feel they were working?

It took me about 6 weeks of my own skincare routine(with Caroline's advice) to see a big difference. I've been doing it since September now and I feel there's nothing I would change. (apart from my cleanser now due to differin irritation)I started off really basic with only cleanse, acid tone, serum moisturiser then started to experiment with the odd product here and there as treatments.

I felt then it was easier to see if a product was making my skin flare up.

I have found that diet helps. If I have sugar/alcohol/anything refined then I get a spot a day or so later. The only dairy I eat is eggs as I'm lactose intolerant. (mmm cheese..sob!! I miss thee!)

OP posts:
Original poster
Clarabumps · 30/03/2015 16:00

sorry miracle solution not miracle product re OCM. sorry. Typo!

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CremeDeSudo · 30/03/2015 17:21

Lymecycline? yes, definitely helped. my skin was awful when I went on them.

It's probably my diet. I can't face cutting out sugar entirely!!

Original poster
Clarabumps · 30/03/2015 17:52

I was on that too but my skin flared up when I came off them. This may sound a bit wahoo but has anyone had a hair strand test for intolerences?

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CremeDeSudo · 30/03/2015 19:12

Maybe it's the same for me then. Rubbish! Am following Hirons spot cheat sheet this evening. Fingers crossed.

No, although I'd be interested in it. How much does it cost?

CremeDeSudo · 30/03/2015 19:26

Pfff...for some reason I feel better about spending £55 on fancy skin care products than finding out if I'm intolerant to anything! Tbh, I'm scared of what I might be intolerant too.. Hmm

Original poster
Clarabumps · 30/03/2015 19:45

I know, I'm scared they come back with a list of bloody everything I love. I've already given up cheese (sob- I still can't talk about it) It was just when I was reading about the copper coil's effects on acne due to copper toxicity(i'm not sure how much truth there is to this to be fair) and I was a bit shocked.

i just wonder if it's a gimmick and they're trying to wangle some hard earned cash out of me because that NOT what SpaceNk is doing

Have you any salicylic acid spot treatment Creme?

I know there's mixed camps about Hirons advice but I've always found her advice spot on. (boom boom! Tish!) SorryBlush

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CremeDeSudo · 30/03/2015 19:58

I've got Neutrogena Visibly Clear Rapid Treatment which apparently has salicylic in it. Fingers crossed it's better tmw!

I'd be curious what they say but I reckon they'll tell me not to eat bread and I don't know if I could give it up!

CremeDeSudo · 30/03/2015 19:58

I don't think I could give up cheese!

Bakeoffcake · 30/03/2015 23:30

I've always suffered from chin spot. (I also have no wrinkles, but that's no consolation when youre spotty!)

If you do have a spot, or several I cannot recommend Sudacreme enough. It really has helped me, the spots seem to go much, much quicker, and don't seem to get as big and nasty.
It is meant for acne and skin conditions, minor burns etc, so it should work. I've only started using it for the last 4 months and I so wish I'd found it earlier.

gingerfluffball · 31/03/2015 00:44

I was totally dubious reading about sudocrem here but have googled it and am eating my words... The active ingredient in it is zinc oxide which thedermreview.com says:

'In topical uses, zinc oxide is thought to prevent acne through sebum reduction and anti inflammatory qualities.'

Plus there's lots of people raving about it on makeup alley although not quite as scientific. Grin I have tubs of sudocrem lying around in preparation for nappy rash so have popped a bit on my face to see what happens. I'm getting dry peeling areas around spots that I'm treating with benzyl peroxide and salicylic acid so if this helps to stop that and help healing I'll be chuffed!

CloserToFiftyThanTwenty · 31/03/2015 01:24

So what do you actually do with Sudocreme? Pop it on individual spots as they appear?

StaircaseAtTheUniversity · 31/03/2015 01:35

Hi all can I join in?

Had rotten spots on and off since I was 22 (29 now) which got better during months 3-6 of pregnancy with DD and then much worse since she was born in July last year. Particularly cystic spots on forehead.

Just started the Clinique anti blemish 3 step system as well as the topical gel and am also using the anti blemish foundation. It's definitely working for me although is somewhat drying. Has anyone else used this range?