Saturday, 29 October 2011

Isotrexin

I went back to the doctors on monday because a) I was feeling a bit blue about my skin and b) I had ran out of the last set of tablets he had prescribed.

I asked that  he prescribe me some cream/gel because the tablets didn't seem to have any effect on me! So he gave me some Isotrexin; 2% Erythromycin and 0.05% Isotretinoin in a 30g tube! Now the statistics mean nothing to me but I know that Isotretinoin is the main substance in Roaccutane.

I don't want to start taking R again but I thought that by using a gel cream with a small percentage of isotretinoin in it would both help clear up my face and get rid of some of the excess oil without drying it up too much.

So far it hasn't aggravated my skin, although the gel does dry quickly and leave a sort of white film across areas of my skin.

We'll see how it goes!

- Natalie

Sunday, 23 October 2011

Salcura Antiac

A few weeks ago my mum bought me a present; a 50ml bottle of Salcura's Antiac. I had never even heard of this brand but she had read about it online after it had appeared on Embarassing Bodies (a TV show where doctors help treat embarassing/unusal illnesses, for those who don't know) and had got really good reviews.

Apparently it has won awards and I've been told that dermatologists are recommending it as a treatment before they prescribe Roaccutane! I don't believe that 100% but it must work if it was shown on national TV, it wouldn't be a very good promotion for the company if it had no effect at all...

I decided to have a look on the website and read some of the customer comments and they all seemed very positive; the main area of discussion was how quickly the treatment worked and what a good job it did of clearing spots. Another positive fact was that it is made with all natural products so while it helps clear the skin it has no nasty ingredients in it that could make it worse!

The 50ml bottle was only £9.99 from http://www.salcuraskincare.com/antiac-skin-therapy-spray-33.html so it is relatively cheap compared to some of the treatments I have purchased. It has a spray pump to penetrate the liquid deep into the skin and it is recommended that before you spray it directly on your face you spray some on to a piece of cotton wool and wipe over the worst areas so that you get better results!

My family have commented on the smell, saying that they know when I'm about to walk into the room because they can smell my face first! It is quite strong but when your the one that's wearing it you don't really notice.

Negative point: I have been using it for let's say... 3 weeks? And I have noticed no major improvements, or minor ones at that! But with all the publicity and positive feedback it has been getting it is definately worth a try!

- Natalie

Saturday, 1 October 2011

Sensitive Skin

Happy October!!!

Because of all the products we use and all the treatments we have done to fight acne, our skin can become exceptionally sensitive; if you think about it, some of the acne products we use are made to remove layers of the skin and therefore our skin is bound to be a lot more sensitive than most!

Last week I washed my face with an exfoliator than I had never used before and the next day my eyes were bright red! From the lid and brow section to the "bags" underneath, my eye area was crimson, flaky, and sore. Foolishly I had used a fragranced exfoliator without paying much attention and the outcome was not pretty.

Before I took R my eyes and lips had never been sensitive or prone to drying but during the months I took it and the year after I had stopped taking it I noticed that my skin had stayed sensitive. I altered my whole facial collection to include products that were fragrance free and free of any harsh and unnecessary ingredients. I spoke to my doctor and he said that the act of washing ones face actually damages it more than it does good!

Now, the only thing I was my face with is Clean & Clear Truly Gentle Facial Wash which is soap free with ingredients so mild that it is as pure as water, and it's true! After my eye area became irritated I used this product because everything else made my eyes burn horribly, but this did no such thing and soothed the eye area.

I would definately recommend it's use and will be avoiding harsh and fragranced skin cleansers from now on!!!

- Natalie