As I type, my face is burning because I applied some e45 cream and my skin is too sensitive to tolerate it.
I'm starting to think I'll never have clear skin and its a very depressing though.
I hope you're all have better luck than me.
- Natalie
Sunday, 23 December 2012
My skin now
I am so disheartened right now; my skin possibly looks worse then it ever has before.
As I type, my face is burning because I applied some e45 cream and my skin is too sensitive to tolerate it.
I'm starting to think I'll never have clear skin and its a very depressing though.
I hope you're all have better luck than me.
- Natalie
As I type, my face is burning because I applied some e45 cream and my skin is too sensitive to tolerate it.
I'm starting to think I'll never have clear skin and its a very depressing though.
I hope you're all have better luck than me.
- Natalie
Tuesday, 18 December 2012
A visit to the Dermatologist
Today I went to see a dermatologist and explained that NOTHING seemed to be working! My acne is on my face, arms, back, chest... It's starting to make me self conscious about the clothes I wear and I'm starting to avoid eye contact with people again.
The Dermatologist I saw was so nice; when it comes to my skin I usually get embarrassed but he put me at ease and also looked a little bit surprised when I reeled off the list of treatments I've had.
After looking at my skin with a magnifying glass he confirmed my skin was bad (and that was the best it's looked in a while) and said he wanted to put me back on Roaccutane. It's quite common for people who have taken R to be put back on it as acne relapses do happen and I have no problem with taking it; however, my mother is. Before I went she told me to take that as a last option so I asked the Dr if there was anything else I could try*.
So the good Doctor has prescribed me with two things: Trimethoprim (a very strong antibiotic) and Epiduo (a gel with a strong % of Benzoyl peroxide and can cause peeling).
I need to go back in 3 months and if this doesn't work it's back to R for me!
- Natalie
* I said this also because I knew if I opted for R straight away I would have to wait a month after having blood tests etc before I could actually start taking it. This way I get treatment now and can have blood tests ready for my next appointment if I need to.
The Dermatologist I saw was so nice; when it comes to my skin I usually get embarrassed but he put me at ease and also looked a little bit surprised when I reeled off the list of treatments I've had.
After looking at my skin with a magnifying glass he confirmed my skin was bad (and that was the best it's looked in a while) and said he wanted to put me back on Roaccutane. It's quite common for people who have taken R to be put back on it as acne relapses do happen and I have no problem with taking it; however, my mother is. Before I went she told me to take that as a last option so I asked the Dr if there was anything else I could try*.
So the good Doctor has prescribed me with two things: Trimethoprim (a very strong antibiotic) and Epiduo (a gel with a strong % of Benzoyl peroxide and can cause peeling).
I need to go back in 3 months and if this doesn't work it's back to R for me!
- Natalie
* I said this also because I knew if I opted for R straight away I would have to wait a month after having blood tests etc before I could actually start taking it. This way I get treatment now and can have blood tests ready for my next appointment if I need to.
Tuesday, 11 December 2012
Celebrity Skin
If you became famous would you discuss acne and your problem skin in an interview? I wouldn't; it is not something I would want to point out to people who would undoubtedly want to take photos of me at my worst! Because of this it always gets me interested when a celebrity talks about their problem skin and how acne, or any other problem, affects them.
I was reading an article today in which the wonderful Emma Stone spoke about how she suffers from acne and it often has to be airbrushed out of her movies. By looking at her I never would have guessed that she has cystic acne! She credits her make up artist with being able to cover it but admits to having taken Roaccutane and stated that she gets Cortisone* injections for it (ouch).
She told refinery29.com that her acne is stress induced and described it as "debilitating and embarassing".
She also used one of my favourite sayings when it comes to acne "no pain no gain". Too true.
I have so much respect for Emma; sure she's the face of Revlon but nobody would have expected her to be so honest about her skin.
http://www.refinery29.com/emma-stone?page=1
There is a link to the interview, have a read and let me know if you agree!
- Natalie
*a steroid injection into a cystic spot which reduces inflammation and swelling within around 24 hours.
I was reading an article today in which the wonderful Emma Stone spoke about how she suffers from acne and it often has to be airbrushed out of her movies. By looking at her I never would have guessed that she has cystic acne! She credits her make up artist with being able to cover it but admits to having taken Roaccutane and stated that she gets Cortisone* injections for it (ouch).
She told refinery29.com that her acne is stress induced and described it as "debilitating and embarassing".
She also used one of my favourite sayings when it comes to acne "no pain no gain". Too true.
I have so much respect for Emma; sure she's the face of Revlon but nobody would have expected her to be so honest about her skin.
http://www.refinery29.com/emma-stone?page=1
There is a link to the interview, have a read and let me know if you agree!
- Natalie
*a steroid injection into a cystic spot which reduces inflammation and swelling within around 24 hours.
Peel
My skin has started breaking out again and making me feel quite self conscious so I decided to book myself in for a Power Pumpkin Peel at the Skin Health Spa.
I haven't had one of these for a while but I wanted to get out of the habit of always opting for Microcermabrasion because even though it gets rid of the skins surface and makes it smooth, it doesn't do anything to prevent breakouts.
Before you have a peel they ask if you have prepped your skin with a recommended cleanser; I already had a Glyco Creamy Cleanser from the Dermaquest range from one of the last peels I had so I was able to book my appointment in rather than having to waste time buying said cleanser and spending 3/5 days prepping my skin. I think this idea of prepping the skin is relatively new as I have had peels before (at the same place) where I've not needed to do anything before hand!
I arrived for my appointment and before it took place I had to sign a dew forms to show that I understood that; peeling would take place in the days following, I should stay out of direct sunlight/use an SPF, and that pigmentation could occur (this is more for darker skin tones). Once that had been done I had the peel!
Now a Power Pumpkin Peel is one of the milder peels they do but it still gets quite hot! they clean the skin before hand and once they have applied the peel they turn on a fan to stop any burning and wash the face after about 10 minutes. If you are used to having peels/treatments then it isn't unbearable, especially with the fan to cool you down, it's the same kind of sensation when you are sat in the sun and can feel yourself burning. If your skin looks like it is becoming irritated then they take it off straight away.
After the peel they tell you now to put make up on for the rest of the day, to not use hot water to wash your face, and to not use any strong cleanser/washes for the next few days. They will most probably try and sell you some neutral moisturisers and cleansers to use after the peel, which I bought because I am a sucker for facial products. I repurchase the Advanced B5 Serum, which I have already posted about, and also the Daily Enzyme Cleanser (both Dermaquest) products.
What comes after a Peel? Why, peeling of course. If you are having a peel TRY not to book in on a Tuesday like I did and then have to spend the rest of the week at work looking like a snake. It makes you look like you have really dry skin and makeup does nothing to help cover it! Book it for a thursday night because the worst of the peeling happens 2/3 days later.
Now I have booked another peel in, they usually say do it for about 2 weeks later. The peel I had cost £95 but if your thinking of having one done ask about any offers they may have on; I manager to get a deal of 3 peels for £125!
Fingers crossed it does my skin some good!
- Natalie
I haven't had one of these for a while but I wanted to get out of the habit of always opting for Microcermabrasion because even though it gets rid of the skins surface and makes it smooth, it doesn't do anything to prevent breakouts.
Before you have a peel they ask if you have prepped your skin with a recommended cleanser; I already had a Glyco Creamy Cleanser from the Dermaquest range from one of the last peels I had so I was able to book my appointment in rather than having to waste time buying said cleanser and spending 3/5 days prepping my skin. I think this idea of prepping the skin is relatively new as I have had peels before (at the same place) where I've not needed to do anything before hand!
I arrived for my appointment and before it took place I had to sign a dew forms to show that I understood that; peeling would take place in the days following, I should stay out of direct sunlight/use an SPF, and that pigmentation could occur (this is more for darker skin tones). Once that had been done I had the peel!
Now a Power Pumpkin Peel is one of the milder peels they do but it still gets quite hot! they clean the skin before hand and once they have applied the peel they turn on a fan to stop any burning and wash the face after about 10 minutes. If you are used to having peels/treatments then it isn't unbearable, especially with the fan to cool you down, it's the same kind of sensation when you are sat in the sun and can feel yourself burning. If your skin looks like it is becoming irritated then they take it off straight away.
After the peel they tell you now to put make up on for the rest of the day, to not use hot water to wash your face, and to not use any strong cleanser/washes for the next few days. They will most probably try and sell you some neutral moisturisers and cleansers to use after the peel, which I bought because I am a sucker for facial products. I repurchase the Advanced B5 Serum, which I have already posted about, and also the Daily Enzyme Cleanser (both Dermaquest) products.
What comes after a Peel? Why, peeling of course. If you are having a peel TRY not to book in on a Tuesday like I did and then have to spend the rest of the week at work looking like a snake. It makes you look like you have really dry skin and makeup does nothing to help cover it! Book it for a thursday night because the worst of the peeling happens 2/3 days later.
Now I have booked another peel in, they usually say do it for about 2 weeks later. The peel I had cost £95 but if your thinking of having one done ask about any offers they may have on; I manager to get a deal of 3 peels for £125!
Fingers crossed it does my skin some good!
- Natalie
Sunday, 18 November 2012
Roaccutane in the news
Today my mum pointed out an article in the newspaper which was about Roaccutane, the article being titled "My happy son killed himself after taking the 'wonder cure' for acne".
This story is absolutely terrible and of course depression is something that shouldn't be taken lightly, but is Roaccutane really to blame?
I shared my experiences in some of my previous posts; I was depressed before I started taking R and I know from some of my messages I have received on here that a lot of people have been, this is something that we should share with our doctors as you shouldn't be taking this medication if you. I didn't tell mine because the thought of not being able to take this (what I too thought as a) miracle cure was devastating; I had tried everything else and I felt this was my last option. But had anything gone wrong and I was to fall into a deep depression this would have been my fault.
Before giving me my prescription every month I had to have a blood test, a pregnancy test, and my doctor asked me how I was feeling and whether I was depressed. Every month I said no even though sometimes I felt terribly sad.
I kept a diary and most importantly my parents knew I was taking it so they kept a close eye on me; the parents of the boy the article is discussing did NOT know he was taking it. The hardest part about R is feeling alone and like no one knows how you feel, that's one of the reasons I started this blog. He must have felt so alone and like he was having to hide something.
I also remember that when I first went to see my dermatologist he warned me about the risk between R and depression/suicide, he also told me to thoroughly read the list of side effects in the packet and would ask me about any symptoms each month. Maybe it's the fault of some consultants for not pointing this out or telling people to research exactly what it is we are taking before they prescribe it.
However, for all the bad that can be said about R it has changed some people's lives for the better. Have you taken it? What are your thoughts? Even though it didn't have the results I had hoped for I wouldn't have changed my time taking it, in fact I often find myself wishing I could renew my prescription.
There's a documentary being shown on BBC3 on 26th November called "Dying For Clear Skin" which approaches this subject, for me the most interesting thing will be to see the difference in opinion from those who have taken it and those who have not.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this and I hope you're all well!
- Natalie
This story is absolutely terrible and of course depression is something that shouldn't be taken lightly, but is Roaccutane really to blame?
I shared my experiences in some of my previous posts; I was depressed before I started taking R and I know from some of my messages I have received on here that a lot of people have been, this is something that we should share with our doctors as you shouldn't be taking this medication if you. I didn't tell mine because the thought of not being able to take this (what I too thought as a) miracle cure was devastating; I had tried everything else and I felt this was my last option. But had anything gone wrong and I was to fall into a deep depression this would have been my fault.
Before giving me my prescription every month I had to have a blood test, a pregnancy test, and my doctor asked me how I was feeling and whether I was depressed. Every month I said no even though sometimes I felt terribly sad.
I kept a diary and most importantly my parents knew I was taking it so they kept a close eye on me; the parents of the boy the article is discussing did NOT know he was taking it. The hardest part about R is feeling alone and like no one knows how you feel, that's one of the reasons I started this blog. He must have felt so alone and like he was having to hide something.
I also remember that when I first went to see my dermatologist he warned me about the risk between R and depression/suicide, he also told me to thoroughly read the list of side effects in the packet and would ask me about any symptoms each month. Maybe it's the fault of some consultants for not pointing this out or telling people to research exactly what it is we are taking before they prescribe it.
However, for all the bad that can be said about R it has changed some people's lives for the better. Have you taken it? What are your thoughts? Even though it didn't have the results I had hoped for I wouldn't have changed my time taking it, in fact I often find myself wishing I could renew my prescription.
There's a documentary being shown on BBC3 on 26th November called "Dying For Clear Skin" which approaches this subject, for me the most interesting thing will be to see the difference in opinion from those who have taken it and those who have not.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this and I hope you're all well!
- Natalie
Thursday, 6 September 2012
Clarifying Pads
Hello!! I'm sorry I haven't added anything new in a while, I have been absolutely swamped at work but THANK YOU for all the positive comments! I'm glad people are finding this blog helpful, it means a lot.
So for those of you who have read my other posts you will know about my love of Microdermabrasion. I told myself I was going to stay away but I couldn't help myself and last week made my way back to Skin Health Spa for another visit; it makes my skin so smooth and gets rid of all the little lumps under my skin.
While I was there I bought something new... Clarifying Pads from Dermaquest. I know, I know, I am not the biggest advocator of salicylic acid but I haven't used it for a while and as my skin is STILL developing new spots I thought I would buy something to try and stop those from constantly appearing. Because of my oily skin if I use anything with salicylic acid in it too much it makes my skin even oilier to combat the drying effect it has on skin (I can't win), but with these pads you only use them once a week! This is partly because there is 5% salicylic acid in them (and using them more than once a week could really dry up your skin).
This product is not for people with sensitive skin! The first time I used it I found the smell a little overwhelming and I could feel it absorbing into the infected areas.
They cost me £29 and you get 50 pads in the little container.
I'll keep you all updated with how I find them!
Also, something very exciting happened to me recently... I went to the BBC and trained to become a TV/Media make up artist! I had so much fun doing it so if any of you have any questions about acne and makeup then either comment or message me and I'll be glad to help :)
- Natalie
So for those of you who have read my other posts you will know about my love of Microdermabrasion. I told myself I was going to stay away but I couldn't help myself and last week made my way back to Skin Health Spa for another visit; it makes my skin so smooth and gets rid of all the little lumps under my skin.
While I was there I bought something new... Clarifying Pads from Dermaquest. I know, I know, I am not the biggest advocator of salicylic acid but I haven't used it for a while and as my skin is STILL developing new spots I thought I would buy something to try and stop those from constantly appearing. Because of my oily skin if I use anything with salicylic acid in it too much it makes my skin even oilier to combat the drying effect it has on skin (I can't win), but with these pads you only use them once a week! This is partly because there is 5% salicylic acid in them (and using them more than once a week could really dry up your skin).
This product is not for people with sensitive skin! The first time I used it I found the smell a little overwhelming and I could feel it absorbing into the infected areas.
They cost me £29 and you get 50 pads in the little container.
I'll keep you all updated with how I find them!
Also, something very exciting happened to me recently... I went to the BBC and trained to become a TV/Media make up artist! I had so much fun doing it so if any of you have any questions about acne and makeup then either comment or message me and I'll be glad to help :)
- Natalie
Sunday, 13 May 2012
Clear Complexion
Sorry I haven't been on here in a while, I haven't forgot about you all I have just been very busy with work!
Last week I was having a facial, an oxygen facial to be exact which is supposed to help clear out pores. The facial is not why I am posting, while having the facial I was told about a product that the salon owen swears by.... Clear Complexion tablets.
She apparently suffered from acne and was left with spotless skin after taking them, she then recommended them to her boyfriend who was so impressed he "bought out the stock in Asda", so she says anyway.
She has no reason to lie and said that she is such a fan she was thinking of asking the company if she could sell them in her salon!
I think I can spare a fiver to try them...
http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/pages/product_detail.asp?pid=530&searchterm=clear%20complexion&rdcnt=1
- Natalie
Last week I was having a facial, an oxygen facial to be exact which is supposed to help clear out pores. The facial is not why I am posting, while having the facial I was told about a product that the salon owen swears by.... Clear Complexion tablets.
She apparently suffered from acne and was left with spotless skin after taking them, she then recommended them to her boyfriend who was so impressed he "bought out the stock in Asda", so she says anyway.
She has no reason to lie and said that she is such a fan she was thinking of asking the company if she could sell them in her salon!
I think I can spare a fiver to try them...
http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/pages/product_detail.asp?pid=530&searchterm=clear%20complexion&rdcnt=1
- Natalie
Monday, 26 March 2012
Bad Day
During the day my skin gets really oily, all my make up goes cakey, and I feel extremely self conscious.
Today some one said to me; "you've got pen on your face, your face looked so nice before and you've ruined it! Get it off!" It wasn't pen, it was a spot.
What are you supposed to say to comments like that? It is so embarassing! Also, the greasier my skin gets the more powder I put on to cover it.... unfortunately the oil just ruins the make up making my skin look awful!
We all have bad skin days, I just can't wait for the good ones to come!
- Natalie
Today some one said to me; "you've got pen on your face, your face looked so nice before and you've ruined it! Get it off!" It wasn't pen, it was a spot.
What are you supposed to say to comments like that? It is so embarassing! Also, the greasier my skin gets the more powder I put on to cover it.... unfortunately the oil just ruins the make up making my skin look awful!
We all have bad skin days, I just can't wait for the good ones to come!
- Natalie
Sunday, 18 March 2012
Clarisonic
To buy or not to buy? That is the question I have been in dispute with for a while.... until last week when in a moment of weakness (or madness) I parted with my hard earned cash to buy one!
What is a Clarisonic?
It is a facial brush that uses a sonic frequency (totalling up to about 300 movements per second!!!) to gently and thoroughly remove 6 times more makeup and 2 times more oil/dirt than any other type of manual cleansing.
Benefits?
Leaves skin feeling and looking smoother
Removes impurities that keep creams and serums from working their best
Gentle enough to use twice a day
Reduces oily areas, dry skin patches and spots
Minimizes the appearance of visible pores
Safe for all skin types
As I said, I was uncertain whether to buy one; I'd heard great things about it but they are undeniably expensive!
Clarisonic Classic: The original cleansing system has 2 Speeds and is priced at £155.
Clarisonic Mia: A newer, smaller cleansing brush with 1 speed is priced at £120. I get the impression this is more of a "travel" version. Also comes in a variety of colours.
Clarisonic Plus: Has 4 speeds, is suitable for use on the face and body, and is priced at £179.
Each Clarisonic comes with sample size cleansers to use with the brush and all of the cleansers can be purchased at any Clarisonic stockist.
http://clarisonic.co.uk/
I splashed out and went for the Clarisonic Plus and with it I got: a sensitive brush head, body brush head, 60 ml Refining Skin Polish, 30 ml Gentle Hydro Cleanser, 30 ml Nourishing Care Cleanser, 30 ml Refreshing Gel Cleanser, and a charger.
You get an instruction manual explaining how the different settings and speeds work and why gentle cleansing is good for acne prone skin.
I purchased mine at Harvey Nichols in Manchester and the saled lady told me that they use the Clarisonic Plus in some of the facials they do there at the Spa!
My skin is so so so so so much softer than it has ever been! I can really feel the benefits of it, it hasn't cleared my acne up but because it is such a deep cleansing tool I feel like I am doing something to help unblock my pores. It's also made it easier for me to apply make up as I have less dry patches.
If the price is something you are unsure about there are cheaper versions out there that are getting really good reviews such as :
http://www.qvcuk.com/ukqic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.432648.cm_scid.KeywordSearch
I'm really happy that I decided to get one, let me know if you have one too!
- Natalie
What is a Clarisonic?
It is a facial brush that uses a sonic frequency (totalling up to about 300 movements per second!!!) to gently and thoroughly remove 6 times more makeup and 2 times more oil/dirt than any other type of manual cleansing.
Benefits?
As I said, I was uncertain whether to buy one; I'd heard great things about it but they are undeniably expensive!
Clarisonic Classic: The original cleansing system has 2 Speeds and is priced at £155.
Clarisonic Mia: A newer, smaller cleansing brush with 1 speed is priced at £120. I get the impression this is more of a "travel" version. Also comes in a variety of colours.
Clarisonic Plus: Has 4 speeds, is suitable for use on the face and body, and is priced at £179.
Each Clarisonic comes with sample size cleansers to use with the brush and all of the cleansers can be purchased at any Clarisonic stockist.
http://clarisonic.co.uk/
I splashed out and went for the Clarisonic Plus and with it I got: a sensitive brush head, body brush head, 60 ml Refining Skin Polish, 30 ml Gentle Hydro Cleanser, 30 ml Nourishing Care Cleanser, 30 ml Refreshing Gel Cleanser, and a charger.
You get an instruction manual explaining how the different settings and speeds work and why gentle cleansing is good for acne prone skin.
I purchased mine at Harvey Nichols in Manchester and the saled lady told me that they use the Clarisonic Plus in some of the facials they do there at the Spa!
My skin is so so so so so much softer than it has ever been! I can really feel the benefits of it, it hasn't cleared my acne up but because it is such a deep cleansing tool I feel like I am doing something to help unblock my pores. It's also made it easier for me to apply make up as I have less dry patches.
If the price is something you are unsure about there are cheaper versions out there that are getting really good reviews such as :
http://www.qvcuk.com/ukqic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.432648.cm_scid.KeywordSearch
I'm really happy that I decided to get one, let me know if you have one too!
- Natalie
Thursday, 15 March 2012
2nd N Lite attempt at the Private Clinic
For those of you who have read stories on the internet about N Lite miraculously curing acne after just one treatment; that is not always the case. Believe me.
As I've always said, treatments work quicker the milder the acne and once again I was left disappointed that I did not have clear skin immediately after.
Laser helps reduce spots by killing bacteria at the root of the problem, I wish it could do it a little bit faster...
So after my last appointment was cancelled I eventually returned for part 2 of my 3 course laser treatment.
I have come to realise there are two things I dislike about the laser:
I am a bit worried though that this is the best my skin will ever be, I'm hoping that a third and final laser session will help kill any remaining bacteria!
- Natalie
As I've always said, treatments work quicker the milder the acne and once again I was left disappointed that I did not have clear skin immediately after.
Laser helps reduce spots by killing bacteria at the root of the problem, I wish it could do it a little bit faster...
So after my last appointment was cancelled I eventually returned for part 2 of my 3 course laser treatment.
I have come to realise there are two things I dislike about the laser:
- how uncomfortable it is on thin skin (especially around the nose and lips)
- how it singes the hairs on you face and make you smell slightly burnt.
I am a bit worried though that this is the best my skin will ever be, I'm hoping that a third and final laser session will help kill any remaining bacteria!
- Natalie
Saturday, 3 March 2012
Cancelled appointments
I'm still going ahead with the laser treatment but unfortunately it hasn't really gone as planned! Since I last wrote I have had 1, yes 1, laser session.
I went back 2 weeks ago to have my second of three sessions but when I got there the Laser had broken! It was very embarassing, apparently they had been trying to contact me but they didn't have my number bla bla bla. Anyway, because at my inconvenience of coming in when I couldn't have my treatment they gave me a free peel! It was very kind of them and I honestly did not expect them to offer me anything so I was delighted.
They said they would call me when the machine was fixed and they did, now I have another appointment... next week.
That is nearly 7 weeks since I had my first session and I'm feeling quite sad because there was nothing I could do but wait for this appointment; it could have been a day later, a week later, I didn't know so I put my usual facial routine on hold (because you can't use strong face washes/creams/take medications 48 hours before the treatment) so I feel like I have done nothing to benefit my skin!
And since my last appointment my cheeks have broken out with large, superficial whiteheads! I'm counting down the days until I can get my treatments back on track!
- Natalie
I went back 2 weeks ago to have my second of three sessions but when I got there the Laser had broken! It was very embarassing, apparently they had been trying to contact me but they didn't have my number bla bla bla. Anyway, because at my inconvenience of coming in when I couldn't have my treatment they gave me a free peel! It was very kind of them and I honestly did not expect them to offer me anything so I was delighted.
They said they would call me when the machine was fixed and they did, now I have another appointment... next week.
That is nearly 7 weeks since I had my first session and I'm feeling quite sad because there was nothing I could do but wait for this appointment; it could have been a day later, a week later, I didn't know so I put my usual facial routine on hold (because you can't use strong face washes/creams/take medications 48 hours before the treatment) so I feel like I have done nothing to benefit my skin!
And since my last appointment my cheeks have broken out with large, superficial whiteheads! I'm counting down the days until I can get my treatments back on track!
- Natalie
Saturday, 14 January 2012
The truth about N-Lite Laser treatment!!!!!
Many of you will have read my previous posts about N-Lite Laser, about how I found it painful and I felt it had no effect on me. This is because I was not given all the information needed to prepare myself for this treatment and the people operating the laser were, for lack of a better word, incompetent.
On my first treatment I was A) not given a patch test and B) not given any information to prepare me for the laser.
The reason I am so angry about the way I was treated is because I have started visiting a new clinic where the care and support is overwhelming, it makes me realise how the last place I visited only cared about the £££.
Last thursday I went for a consultation at The Private Clinic in Manchester, like others who have visited them I had seen their success stories in magazines and on TV. I was a bit nervous about going in because it looked quite "posh" and as a 21 year old graduate with acne that is the last thing I feel. The lady on reception was lovely and took me in to a homely waiting room and offered me a drink! I filled in a form detailing my acne history, naming all of the medications I had taken (the ones I could remember) and waited for the nurse.
The lady I saw was the kindest and most understanding person you could ever meet. When she asked me to take off a patch of my make-up so she could look at my skin I didn't even feel embarassed! She was horrified at the way my laser treatment was carried out at the place I previously visited as it was not done properly and therefore had no chance of working.
She gave me a list of ways to prepare for laser treatment:
Now the price for 3 treaments at this clinic is quite expensive at £700 but with that you get £40 of skin care vouchers and here's what really made me think WOW; she said that the package would include treatment for my chest and shoulders too. That's something that nobody has ever mentioned to me!
She then went on to tell me about products called CLENZIderm form Obagi, it can only be purchased through prescription and costs an expensive £101 but she said it was guaranteed and if it didn't work I would get a full refund which is quite a promise!
I usually go to these consultations with my mum as I trust her opinion but as I went alone I said I would go home and discuss it with her first and the nurse gave me her moible number incase I ever wanted to talk about my skin! In my mum's opinion I really had nothing to lose, the amount I have spent over the years or products and treatments is easily in the £1000s.... Another thing that surprised me was that the nurse said that after 3 laser treatments there was no difference to the skin they would refer me to their dermatologist and would think up new treatments to help- they never give up on someone!
It just shows how profesisonal they are and all this should definately be taken into consideration when choosing a place to have laser treatment. Just because somewhere is more affordable doesn't make them an ideal choice; it is worth saving up money and spending it on a place run by dermatolgists rather than somewhere that is run by beauticians with little training.
If you go somewhere that doesn't offer you all the information then they probably aren't the best people to trust.
- Natalie
On my first treatment I was A) not given a patch test and B) not given any information to prepare me for the laser.
The reason I am so angry about the way I was treated is because I have started visiting a new clinic where the care and support is overwhelming, it makes me realise how the last place I visited only cared about the £££.
Last thursday I went for a consultation at The Private Clinic in Manchester, like others who have visited them I had seen their success stories in magazines and on TV. I was a bit nervous about going in because it looked quite "posh" and as a 21 year old graduate with acne that is the last thing I feel. The lady on reception was lovely and took me in to a homely waiting room and offered me a drink! I filled in a form detailing my acne history, naming all of the medications I had taken (the ones I could remember) and waited for the nurse.
The lady I saw was the kindest and most understanding person you could ever meet. When she asked me to take off a patch of my make-up so she could look at my skin I didn't even feel embarassed! She was horrified at the way my laser treatment was carried out at the place I previously visited as it was not done properly and therefore had no chance of working.
She gave me a list of ways to prepare for laser treatment:
- Avoid using any type of Retin-A on your skin a week before the treatment and only resume them approximately a week after
- Glycolic Acid or AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) should be discontinued 24 hours before treatment and only resumed 24 hours after
- Anti-inflammatories such as; aspirin, cold/flu treatments, any products containing Aloe Vera, and Antihistamines will reduce the effectiveness of the treatment as they stop inflammation in the skin and should be discontinued 48 hours before treatment
- No smoking on the day of the treatment (which does not apply to myself)
Now the price for 3 treaments at this clinic is quite expensive at £700 but with that you get £40 of skin care vouchers and here's what really made me think WOW; she said that the package would include treatment for my chest and shoulders too. That's something that nobody has ever mentioned to me!
She then went on to tell me about products called CLENZIderm form Obagi, it can only be purchased through prescription and costs an expensive £101 but she said it was guaranteed and if it didn't work I would get a full refund which is quite a promise!
I usually go to these consultations with my mum as I trust her opinion but as I went alone I said I would go home and discuss it with her first and the nurse gave me her moible number incase I ever wanted to talk about my skin! In my mum's opinion I really had nothing to lose, the amount I have spent over the years or products and treatments is easily in the £1000s.... Another thing that surprised me was that the nurse said that after 3 laser treatments there was no difference to the skin they would refer me to their dermatologist and would think up new treatments to help- they never give up on someone!
It just shows how profesisonal they are and all this should definately be taken into consideration when choosing a place to have laser treatment. Just because somewhere is more affordable doesn't make them an ideal choice; it is worth saving up money and spending it on a place run by dermatolgists rather than somewhere that is run by beauticians with little training.
If you go somewhere that doesn't offer you all the information then they probably aren't the best people to trust.
- Natalie
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