Right now I'm controlling and trying to make it go away by dealing with it through oral medication, topical applications of medication and general skin care and also concealing my skin on a daily basis so that I feel confident enough to face the world.
Here's the rundown of oral medication.
I'm currently taking Diane 35 and tetracycline.
Diane 35 is an oral contraceptive - so I take it to regulate my period which leads to clearer skin. You take it for 21 days (start the first tablet on the first day of your period for the first cycle) and then 7 days of no tablet, during which time you're supposed to get your period. In terms of skin, you produce less oil/sebum/whatever = less acne. Also if your acne is hormonal like mine, you obviously just have to take it to regulate. Side effects for me is dry eyes (contacts intolerance at times), dry lips (lips eczema) and thats about it. There are other side effects - I suggest you ask your doctor.
Tetracycline is an oral antibiotic, twice a day type deal. It basically fights the bacterial infection so that your acne goes away.
You don't have to take both - I just am.
Topical medical applications - Dalacin-T and Differin.
Dalacin-T is applied in the morning, right after toner and before moisturizer. It is an antibiotic, antibacterial type deal. Differin is a skin peeler - its applied at night, again after toner before moisturizer. It is very effective.
General skin care - ok this is complicated so pay attention:
In the morning I wash my face with the Vichy Normaderm Gel Cleanser (Green Tube). Its got salicylic acid in it, which is good for the mornings! Then I use the Dr Brandt No More Blemishes Intensolution as a toner, wait for it to dry (it has a great tingly feeling), use Dalacin-T wait for that to dry and use the Vichy Normaderm Tri-Activ Moisturizer (been discontinued and replaced with Intensive Blemish care) which has all kinds of acid peel type ingredients. Anyway I noticed a big difference after I started using it in terms of acne scar lightening. Then I use the Dr. Brandt sunscreen. At night I use the Eucerin Gentle Cleansing Gel, use the same Intensolution in the morning for a toner, apply Differin and then I use the Dr Brandt Blemishes No More Oil Free Hydrator. This is because the Vichy night cream has Vitamin C in it which causes breakouts for me. I use both the Avene Lip Creme and Eye Cream for the night and day.
Concealment - now this takes a lot of products and a bit of skill.
So here's all the stuff I use to get my face looking from the before pictures to the after.
I started by using Urban Decay Primer Potion on my eyelids (super oily lids), then I moved on and used TheBalm's Liquid TimeBalm Spot Concealer in Honey all over my spots and on some of my scarring with my finger. I then went back to the eyes and used Revlon Colorstay's quad in Charmant (actually it was my first time using it - I don't think the color payoff is very good) and then I used Revlon Colorstay's liquid eyeliner in Brown Black (nicer for daytime looks) and L'Oreal's Voluminous Mascara. After that I set the make-up with Jurlique's Silk Dust Loose Powder in Citrus. I finished it off with my HG daytime blush - Givenchy Le Prisme Blush in Vintage Pink and combed my eyebrows through with Maybelline's Clear Mascara.
I know you can still see the acne and the scarring but I can't do full foundation for daytime, I think its bad for my skin, looks cray-cray and unnecessary. Of course this is for my moderate acne. I'll be doing more posts in the future on specific things I've used in the past and my take on them.
