Hey guys and girls!
I know I've been quiet for awhile, but that's because I was secretly trying out a new skin care line. :)
As you know, I've suffered from acne for a long time now. Most dermatologists attributed it to my oily skin and sent me on my way with prescription topicals and oral medication.
After doing my own research and through my personal experience, I believe that acne medication,
be it antibiotics, birth control or Accutane, only weakens the body and worsens acne over time.
Example :
I've been on several courses of antibiotics for my skin condition. After each course the acne always returned worse, and also sooner, after stopping the medication. The acne bacteria on my skin has now grown resistant and hence antibiotics are no longer a viable option for my skin woes.
Birth control pills are another option for those suffering from hormonal acne. Till now, I have resisted going down this path as I've come across first hand experiences from friends whose acne cleared up beautifully whilst on these pills, only to come back with a vengeance after stopping. I also think it is a serious matter to artificially manipulate your hormones as they play many integral roles in our bodies. Ironically, I believe this would have been the best solution to my acne problem, since I suspect hormonal imbalance to be the cause of my pimples.
Downsides to birth control as an acne treatment are:
1. not really an option for male sufferers of acne
2. some types of birth control can worsen acne. You need to find the right one for you.
3. clears skin up whilst on it, but acne can worsen once you stop taking it. This isn't good if you
eventually plan to get pregnant.
Finally, we have Accutane. There are many horror stories about its side effects on the internet. When you get prescribed this medicine, the doctor will MAKE SURE you are not pregnant, and do not intend to get pregnant whilst on it. It is basically a high dose of vitamin A and can cause deformities in your unborn child.
I am not kidding when I say Accutane should be treated as a last resort. I was desperate enough to give this a try, but unfortunately (or fortunately) did not finish the treatment as I developed daily headaches soon after starting the medication. I know it was the Accutane causing it, because I never had headaches every day before that. The dermatologist denied it however, and I've stopped seeing him since. (After checking Google, headaches ARE actually a side effect of Accutane. Shame on you, doctor!)
Even after I stopped Accutane, the headaches took awhile to go away (thankfully it did!!). Oh and after all that suffering, guess what, the acne came back anyway.
I'm not saying that acne sufferers shouldn't give Accutane a try. For those of you who do NOT suffer from hormonal acne, Accutane may well be your permanent answer to clear skin. I'm just saying, give it serious consideration before taking the plunge.
What about acne topicals, you say? Well I find most products out on the market to be too harsh and/or drying for the skin (yes, benzoyl peroxide, I'm looking at you). Those prescribed by doctors (Retin A, Differin, etc) badly thinned out my skin and made it super sensitive to the sun. I definitely do not want to swap acne for wrinkled skin.
Anyway enough rambling. This is supposed to be a happy post, because I've finally found a skin care routine that works for me!
I'm glad to say that the products are gentle and non-drying. For once, they help to heal the skin rather than attack it. Although they may be a little on the expensive side, but the products do last a good few months so if you spread out the cost that way they are still affordable.
I will be sharing with you the exact products in a follow up post because this one is already too long! I'm so excited! :)
Speak soon,
PockMarkFats
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