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POSTED UNDER Retin-A Reviews

Perpetual Confidence Issues Due to Acne

UPDATED FROM speckledegg
3 years post

Didn’t last forever

speckledegg
$400
My skin improved from cutting out liquid foundations however the results didn’t STICK so I am on a strict strict skincare regimen and started Tazorac cream, will do a different review for Tazorac alone later. However, so far so good on the Tazorac just saying. And I still believe liquid foundation is rubbish. I will wear it for specific events only, wash face as soon as I can.

Also, I still drink coffee, and am stressed as heck because those are two constants in life, I need an acne treatment that can work despite these things lmao.

Replies (1)

March 14, 2018
Hi I started retin A in January and I still break out though not as much as before. My other issue now is the dry patches, redness and irritation. What have you used that worked to combat those? Thanks and best of luck to us!
UPDATED FROM speckledegg
2 years post

Beware liquid foundation

speckledegg
I never started acutane, however my skin is much better now.

My skin isn't perfect by any means, but it has improved 90%. The cystic type acne that left scars and marks is gone because I stopped using LIQUID FOUNDATION. Specifically, ANY Dior brand face products, makeup or not, because they all have the same fragrance ingredient that I believe is highly irritating to my skin.

I'm flabbergasted that my skin has improved so much just by eliminating this.

I use powder foundation now, Smashbox Halo. No issues.

I never took Acutane after all, just thought it was worth stating here.

I drink coffee.
Sometimes have sweets.
I eat dairy and gluten.
I am stressed as all hell.
I don't sleep enough.
I hardly drink any water.
I use topical adapalene from time to time.

Stopping liquid foundation is what made the most difference!!

Replies (3)

May 18, 2017
I have cut out liquid foundation as well! I never wanted to acknowledge that these products were doing this to my skin until it all went out of control. I started developing cystic acne!!! I stopped wearing any makeup and have been on Retin A for two weeks. I start to see a tiny difference, I still have hyper pigmentation but I'm being positive that I'll have my nice skin back again soon :)
July 31, 2017
Best of luck to you! I'm glad you came around to figuring out what helped! Right now, I have experimented with liquid makeup again (temptation is real) ! But stay away from fragranced products. So far so good! Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion foundation - no issues Burberry Soft Matte Foundation - no issues There are days I alternate with powder foundation, etc. just staying away from all things Dior skin has helped.
September 5, 2017
Estee Lauder products have never given me a problem, but I recognize everyone is different. EL products have sunscreen and I break out if I don't wear makeup due to air pollution. Acne is very stressful and oftentimes due to hormonal changes. May want to consider birth control pill. Wish you the best. Retin-A has offered me significant improvement. Hope you find the same. You will be a wonderful pharmacist--what other people may or may not think doesn't matter. You got to where you're at based on your intellect and drive. You are a pretty young woman and have much to offer the world. You're going to make a great pharmacist cause you will have empathy for those who seek your services. Keep on keeping on...forge ahead...you have a fantastic life in front of you.
March 13, 2018
i am SO happy for you !! and I am SOOOO encouraged by this!! thank you!
UPDATED FROM speckledegg
2 years post

Moving on to Accutane

speckledegg
Topical retinoids, while helping reduce the size and clarity of my pores is not effective enough for my acne. Now, two years later, I am finally starting the process to begin taking Accutane. I will create another review and update there.
All of your comments and support have been so kind, I really do adore the RealSelf community, you guys are great.

Replies (1)

December 16, 2016
I have a problem finding postings when people start new topics/posts. Anyway a friend of my daughter's had horrible acne and went thru the steps you did. I know when she used the topical Retin A her face got worse (like yours) for a while. It was not until she went on the Accutane that the acne finally went away. She also had to start on birth control pills as her MD said absolutely minimal possibility of pregnancy. I don't remember how long she was on the Accutane and if she had any facial treatments afterwards but her skin is now amazing. So hang in there....
May 3, 2017
What are the side effects of accutane in the long run? I know that doctors get profit when they prescribe birth control pills, and starting in young age, messes up your hormones and when you are ready to have kids, most of my friends found it very difficult. Please be careful with messing up your hormones.