need skincare advice

[SuperSister]

I can help in response to medications, I was on acne medication for several years and it all dried out my skin. The last medication I was on was differin gel, the stuff works great and moisturized my skin at the same time. I didn't believe it would work at first but it was a great product for me. You might want to check with your dermatoligist about it.

~Emily

[aggieAXO]

I used Differin for a bit and I broke out very badly-again. My skin is just to fickle. It accepts low doses of retin A and without Acuutane I would be sooooo miserable rt. now. I used to break out on my chest and some on my back-not anymore-I LOVE Accutane-miracle drug IMO. I would be on it long term if it didn't cause potential liver toxicity (Vit A can be liver toxic in too high a doses) and dry lips. I recommend trying it if you have annoying acne or oily skin-but of course you need to get it through your dermatologist. I had to have liver tests done every 4 weeks to make sure it was not harming mine. Moisturizers make me beak out too-maybe I just haven't found the rt. one. I also do not wear any foundation (except under my eyes) b/c this breaks me out. I work at night and am never in the sun (literally-never).

Originally posted by sigmagrrl
I started having serious issues with my skin after I started losing weight and my hormones went nuts. I am now on a regimen of :
AM: Wash with an anti acne skin cleanser, no toner (it's actually pretty useless for most), Clindagel (prescription), Lustra-AF (for marks and discoloration), moisturizer. I don't use base any more due to the fantastic results. I just use oil absorbing powder, mascara and gloss.
After I workout: splash of water, slight layer of moisturizer (cuz I'm still sweating it off anyway)
PM: Anti acne wash, Differin cream (AWESOME PRESCRIPTION PRODUCT!!), Lustra AF, moisturizer, and I thoroughly cover my lips in Vaseline, (they are so soft ! It's my trademark feature!)

I don't have any dry skin problems now. I think Retin-A and Accutane are WAY too harsh if you don't have cystic or severe acne....They severely strip the skin of natural oils. Younger women are afraid of the word OIL, but you need some, it naturally keeps the skin supple. You'll wish you had some of that oil later, so don't destroy your skin by stripping it and being overly aggressive with your skin by overusing masques, toners, or anything alcohol based...

Also, STAYOUT OF THE SUN!!!!!!!!!! I CANNOT STRESS THE DAMAGE IT DOES THAT YOU MAY ACTUALLY BE FIGHTING RIGHT NOW (meaning, it could be causing what you are questioning)!!!!!!!!

Can you tell this is a topic I relish?? Is this my career calling??

[aggieAXO]

BTW Fuzzie,

the lotion I use is Cetaphil lotion-I guess I just can't use the wash.--great lotion IMO!!!!!!!!!

[sigmagrrl]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by cougar15
[B]

Originally posted by sigmagrrl
Lustra-AF (for marks and discoloration), moisturizer.

I am curious about the Lustra-AF you mentioned in your reply because I have pale skin, which causes any little scar/spot to stick out more. For some reason I have always had dark circles under my eyes so I was wondering if this stuff would help and whether it is prescription. If anyone has advice on how to get rid of dark circles I would appreciate it too! I have been using something my Loreal I think and it hasn't really done anything so I am still hunting.

Thanks!

The Lustra AF was prescribed to me because my acne was leaving scars behind and it's to lighten these scars. As for dark circles under your eyes, I don't recommend it for this. It's may not work. The circles could be hereditary or dietary in nature. Check with a nutritionist who may be able to identify via bloodwork whether or not you are lacking something. Otherwise, it's virtually impossible (I'm sorry to say) to get rid of these. I have them as well, and I have come to just accept them or use a light swipe of foundation over them....