If you've read my previous blog posts, I'm sure you know that I've ranted a lot about my acne prone skin.
I complained, envied other people's flawless skin and at times, I felt depressed. Yes, its true.
Here are some photos of my acne prone skin when it was slightly better. It may not look so bad in these photos but they're worse in real life.
At one point I was desperate to help my acne, I succumbed to collagen. The pictures above were before I started taking collagen.
I saw this in Guardian and thought, what do I have to lose in trying this? Who knows it may make my skin improve.
Here they list all the benefits of drinking collagen which I dumbly believed.
Collagen gave me such a terrible breakout! It was so bad that I didn't want to finish the whole set. My face had huge acne and pus all over. I felt so sad everytime I looked in a mirror. What I got to lose I thought, I lost money and my confidence :( (Sorry I don't have photos of my skin during collagen consumption).
About 3-4 months ago, my skin became real real bad and my mum suggested I go to a dermatologist to get it checked out, and so I went.
I was prescribed with Roaccutane and was told that my skin was highly irritated, hence, I had to stop using my usual skin care routine and change it to the doctor's prescription, which is Papulex.
So far so good. Until I had a super mega terrible breakout. And yes, it hurt. It hurt so bad.
The images below are rather disgusting, so if you don't think you can take it, please do not scroll down.
These white pus papules emerged out of nowhere! They started off tiny and became huge later on. As you can see my face is rather swollen and red all over because of the previous irritation, inflammation and yes, all these new acne breaking their way out. It was so painful.
As time went on, the acne became like this;
My face hurt so so bad. I had -000000% confidence and I felt like I couldn't face the world. My doctor gave me a 1 week MC to rest and heal. Mainly for it to subside.
And every morning when I wake up, I would have the tiniest feel for hope that my face will improve. But I woke up the same or worst every morning. Sometimes I would cry when I'm washing my face, looking in the mirror or when I'm trying to take selfies for my blog post.
Also, I would wear a face mask everytime I go out. Its to protect my skin against dust, but mainly to stop people from starring at me and giving me the alien look. Gosh I hate it.
With much perseverance, things began to look up and my skin started healing bit by bit.
Most of the pus had disappeared but some acne remained. And I got new scars of course, though I didn't prick them.
My skincare routine became so simple that I myself gotten so lazy.
From left to right;
1) Papulex Moussant - Soap Free Cleansing Gel
You can get this from Caring Pharmacy. This cleanser has been recommended by the dermatologist and I've been using it ever since then.
2) Balm Balm - Organic Chamomile Flower Water
I became more paranoid with the face products for my skin, and I fell in love with organic products. My sister got me this mist from UK and its the only toner that I use now. Organic for the win!
3) T3 Mycin Acne Gel
The doctor prescribed me with this gel to reduce the inflammation and acne. You can get this at any pharmacy (eg; Watsons).
And that's my skincare routine! No eye gel, no moisturiser, no sun screen, no nothing lol. I've stopped using sunscreen for a while now to reduce the irritation. However, my doctor advised me to start using sunscreen again. Tomorrow I shall!
Other than that, I've also switched to organic shampoo and organic Essential Oils for healing.
More organic hair products. Love the lavender shampoo!
Since I'm on Roaccutane now, my skin has become rather dry and scaly. Have to stock up on moisture with a simple yet moisturising lotion :)
So, are you curious to know how's my skin condition now? Hehe.
I'm glad to say that there is a huge improvement from before. There are still some red marks from previous acne but I'm just thankful now.
Even the doctor said my skin has improved a lot. I'm so happy to know that! *Sighs of relief*
Do you face similar issues as I do? If so, don't be shy to share your tips! :)
I totally understand your acne depression!
ReplyDeleteI went on Accutane three years ago and it has totally cleared up my acne!
I also think what you eat is a big factor. I found dairy products to cause more cystic acne.
I became vegan this year and my skin has been amazing since!!
Also, drink lots of water!
And in combination of all these things, my moderately bad acne has cleared!
Good luck~