Battling with acne as a teen can be horrible but battling acne as an adult is even worse! I have struggled with acne since I was 14, from the tiny pesky bumps to the cystic painful ones which make you cry, I have had them all.
Along the years I have tried many products:
Oxy, Akne-mycin, Proactiv, Clinique, Mario Badescu.. you name it, I most probably have tried it. At 16, I was regularly taking pills from a skin doctor to keep my skin clear. I stopped after 2 years thinking they were gone for good. I was wrong! They came back eventually, and it got so bad- to a point where it hurt so much and there were clusters of bumps on my cheeks, forehead, even chest. Waking up to blood on my pillowcase was nothing new.
One doctor recommended
Roaccutane but I was hesitant because of the side effects. After some research I decided to take
birth control pills to control my hormones. Within a few months, everything cleared up. They worked very well, my skin looked SO GOOD.
Then about 5 years ago, I started to become more aware of the things which I put in and on my body and I figured if the problem is internal, the more reason for me to heal naturally. Taking pills didn’t fix my acne, it just suppressed it. So I stopped taking the pills and tried more natural approaches. I still get break outs these days, but they aren’t as raging and clustered anymore.
All the harsh acne skincare I used over the years has left my skin very sensitive, dry (on the surface) and to make matters worse there are many tiny bumps under the skin along my jawline. I would upload pics, but I will spare you the horror (note: it looks like milia but dozens and dozens of them. Ick). The beautician whom I visited mentioned that they were all “stuck” under my skin because the surface is too dry and I need to soften the layer of skin before they can pop out.
Many people think that suppressing pimple is better than having it grow and pop. I feel that the saying “better out than in” applies here.
The reason why a pimple forms is because the pore is congested, so if all you do is push it back down the hole, it WILL come back out- so why not get it out and let it heal (using the proper products, not squeezing and poking- that only damages your skin).
My skin condition has never bothered me (much) because my cheeks and forehead are relatively clear and who notices/looks under your jaw anyway? But the older I get, the more I feel the need to get rid of these bumps. I want to maintain my skin and let it be the best it can be. I can fake a smooth face with makeup but I would much rather have a smooth canvas to begin with.
So, yesterday I picked up the credit card and signed up for an intensive facial package. A huge chunk of my saving is gone, but it will be worth it. Using luxurious serums and skincare will not get rid of these impurities, and not to mention be a total waste on my current skin condition. Into storage they go.. (waves to SK-II) for now. The beauty house which I signed up with gave me a cleanser and moisturizer which would be better for my skin. I’ve never heard of the brand
Tedoger before so I did a little Googling..
“Lab TEGOR was founded in 1933 in Spain. Combining the reach of traditional medicine and naturopathy, the company has developed unique solutions using natural ingredients under professional cosmetological line TEGODER COSMETICS. Created in their own labs, these products which combines skincare, spa therapy and homeopathic remedies are for salon and home use.
Our products are the reflection of the perfect combination of the most modern and rigorous natural active principles.”
I've used them last night and this morning (they smell lovely! despite the weird name) and will write more on the products I am using. Before pictures were also taken this morning so hopefully I will see improvements in a month.
Maybe sometime in the near future I will be able to pluck up the courage to post these pictures. Wish me well on my journey to achieve clear skin!
