Acne Support Group Conversation Room

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Welcome to An Acne Support Group in
Cyberspace's Conversation Room

Hello Fellow Cyberians and Welcome!

The Acne Support Group in Cyberspace
is a support group and chat area for everyday people of all ages and walks of life with acne to visit, discuss, share treatments, support each other, and move through the stressful event of having acne.

This is one of many of the Acne Support Groups out there, with the hope that armed with enough knowledge and support, there will one day come a time when we will all live in a world where we all have clear, healthy normal skin.

Anyone is welcome to post and share experiences and/or just have a general "bawl" about how you feel etc! We've all been there!

Good luck to everyone and remember, take what feels right for you, and let the rest go,
and when in doubt, always consult your doctor :)

Feel free to start your own thread discussion, especially when the Board is quiet. If there is anything you'd like to discuss, take the initiative and others will pick up from your thread. Key is love, support and sharing throughout. If a post doesn't appeal to you, please do skip pass it and start your own thread.
Thx - Just Me :-)

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Eventually....... -- Rianne (35) UK, 07:20:36 04/15/00 Sat

Last weekend I didn't feel very well at all & tried to post but felt so ikky I had to abandon it. Sorry!! Through the week it wasn't much better & I also had stacks to catch up on (work and house-wise) I didn't dare look at the net because I knew I couldn't have torn myself away!

Over the weekend I want to read through all the new mail & share everyone's news because I missed you all such a lot.

Sorry I wasn't here to "wish you off" Just Me. Hope you're HAVING a great holiday though - I'm sure you are!! Good to be able to escape the British weather eh? It's been heavy rain, gales & freezing temperatures here! I'm sure some sunshine will do you the world of good!

Speak to you all soon and send lots of love, Rianne.

Happy Hols! -- Just Me, 23:48:14 04/13/00 Thu
Heya all (smiles)

Still trying to get packed (grins) - and I've like some 8 hours before the taxi gets here! I'm nowhere near done! I'm still clearing up bits and pieces around the house, ie rummaging through things trying to find my camcorder bits and pieces, tripod stands, t-shirts, sun lotion etc etc etc. Don't think I'm going to get any sleep tonite! Maybe a couple of hours ....

Thanks Ginger, Kaitlin, Jasmine and Davie for the holiday wishes :-) ... will try and have lots of fun! :) Will post when I get a chance and hmm, have a couple of wee spots - but that's cos of my period which of all times came on tonite (grrrr!).

Ginger, I figured out your prob the other nite - ie why you couldn't see your post as I couldn't see Davie's that night either and that's cos I was using AOL instead of Internet Explorer / Netscape. When you use AOL, you need to keep hitting the refresh button for your screen to refresh with new messages! It does it automatically in Netscape and Internet Explorer! Hope that helps!

Have to rush - still lots to do!

Oh, Ginger, re searches, I usually find that searching via http://www.excite.com/ usually brings up a lot of goodies! That's where I found the Horsetail and Oregon Grape stuff! Happy hunting and I look forward to reading all your messages ! (grins).

L&H, JM.

Have a lovely holiday! -- Kaitlin, 22:26:57 04/13/00 Thu
Just Me: hope you have a lovely holiday and that your skin impresses your entire family! Have a great time.

Hi to everyone else, been really busy at work this week so can't write much, talk to you all soon.

Holiday -- Jasmine, 09:58:46 04/13/00 Thu
Hi everyone.Hi Just Me.Just a quick one to wish you a happy holiday and speak to you when you get back.Take care everyone.I agree with Ginger.Where are you Rianne?Are you ok.Anyway speak soon love Jasminexx

Thanks Just Me! -- Ginger, 03:54:55 04/13/00 Thu
Hey girl! THANKS for all the links! The last one you posted about Oregon--is the only one that I found, that I was going to share with you!!!! I'm kinda new with computers--barely graduated from emailing, ya know?!?! I'm having fun though, with the wealth of info. out there!

Hope you get the eye/allergy thing under control quickly! Thanks again for all your time--

I'm still clear--with the exception of one tiny little spot that cropped up out of nowhere yesterday :( It's TINY--I can deal with it!

Hi Jasmine, Margaret, Kaitlin and Rianne! Rianne, I'm worried about you! Where are you? Talk to us...PLEASE!!!!

Maurice -- Just Me, 00:10:14 04/13/00 Thu
Heya Maurice .... just thought I'd give ya a reminder that I'm anxiously anticipating eventually hearing from you (grins)! Hope your work is going okay and that you're settling in well. Gotta rush now ... things to do - just came on line to fix some stuff ... itchy fingers!

Oh, by the way I had some tuna (as I was peckish) and guess what?! My left eye started swelling up and getting all red and itchy! Now that's a FIRST! Have I all of a sudden become allergic to fish oils or tuna? DUH! I'm really baffled now! It's still a little red and sore ... and my left wrist has gone all achy like it's broken .... I think I'm cracking up ... anyway had a crazy day - so going to bed now! Nite :-)

Ginger / Horsetail / Grape Root Oregon / Allergies -- Just Me, 21:31:24 04/12/00 Wed
Hi all :-), can't stop, rushing through (grins). Thx for all the replies, Margaret and Katy etc re the skin rash / allergy etc. It seems to have cleared up now, ie with continuing to use Bioforce Lufa Complex, which is a homeopathic remedy for allergies. The skin around my eyelids were peeling and so were they under my eyes and my face got really dry as well as my ears and skin was peeling everywhere. Very strange indeed! I wonder what I was allergic to. BTW, I am not on Accutane or Roccutane - only heard of them some 6 weeks or so ago when I first discovered the Accutane Board by chance ie when looking for info on the Dermalux Lamp. I'm strictly homeopathy, supplements, herbal supplements, healthy eating and Dermalux plus the Nono gadget (smiles).

Ginger (smiles) - thx for the note! I did promise, so I kept my word! It's okay - I got off early today and have the day off tomorrow to do some last minute presents/shopping etc and also packing and more house cleaning! It's been mayhem at work and I'm just pooped! Everyone is so excited - even the cats as they sense something is in the air (smiles). I seemed to have lost the bookmarks that I made the other day (think I've exceeded my limit on the puter or something) so had to do them all again but it's okay. I haven't done as much as I'd like to and I've lost those acne links I found - but I know where to find them, though they'll have to wait till I get back ... and I get back like a few hours before I have to go back to work again so it may be a week or so after I get back that I get my routine going again - it'll be hard enough going to work again!

But I'll be checking in from Singapore on my sister's computer and if time and events permit etc, will post and update on my skin etc! Here are the links as promised! Enjoy!

http://www.naturalhealthconsult.com/Monographs/primaderm.html - Primaderm is a skin cream called "nature's forgotten remedy." Its primary active ingredient is Oregon Grape Root extract (Mahonia aquifolium.). Numerous studies have shown that the extract of Mahonia aquifolium is extremely effective against various skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, candida, dry, scaly skin and other disorders. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties. The most active components of the herb appear to be berberines.
http://www.naturalhealthconsult.com/Monographs/msm.html - MSM is Methylsulfonylmethane or Dimethylsulfone, a source of beneficial biological sulfur. . ...... It has been shown to clear-up acne. (anecdotal)

OREGON GRAPE
Oregon Grape - 1001 Herbs - Suggests using Oregon grape for liver problems, high blood pressure, skin problems, and loss of appetite. Find the recommended dosage.
Oregon Grape - MotherNature.com Health Encyclopedia - States that the herb can be helpful for infections, poor digestion, and psoriasis. Review the active constituents and side effects.
Oregon Grape - Nature's Field - Describes the shrubs, and gives an overview of traditional uses, such as curing sore throats. Learn how to prepare a tea.
Oregon Grape Root - has a direct action on the skin. Therein, it behaves unlike any other known herb. It is used to restore the skin to a smooth, clear condition following any kind of skin disease, or other illness, that may have dried out the skin or produced dermal sores.

HORSETAIL
Horsetail - Botanical.com - Fact sheet provides a description of this temperate plant. Find details on its ingredients, common uses, and preparation instructions.
Horsetail - HealthGate - Medical guide provides a list of this plant's chemical ingredients and uses, and patient precautions for side effects and adverse reactions.
Horsetail - Healthlink.com - Monograph provides a physical description of this medicinal herb. Browse details on therapeutic indications, and dosage instructions.
Horsetail - HealthWorld Online - Overview of this plant includes a photo, and details on its habitat, constituents, medicinal uses, combinations, and preparations and dosage.
Horsetail - Herbal Health Products - Alternative medicine guide offers details on this perennial's chemical makeup, action mechanisms, and therapeutic uses. Link to related products
Horsetail - HolisticOnLine - Resource presents a history and description of this grass, details on active compounds and medicinal qualities, and dosage and safety tips.
Horsetail - More.com - Peruse details on this plant's habitat, health benefits, and chemical makeup. Includes precautions on side effects, and ordering information
Horsetail - MotherNature.com Health Encyclopedia - Features a photo of this stemmed plant, and details on its habitat, traditional uses, therapeutic value, constituents, actions, and side effects

Nite !
p/s Rianne/Jasmine - are you guys okay? Miss your bubbliness and presence! ((hugs)) - hope all is going well!

I have NO idea WHAT HAPPENED!!! -- Ginger, 03:47:30 04/12/00 Wed
Sorry for the double post--it didn't post the first time--so I went back and message was still there! So I sent again--and changed the subject a little!

Just wait..... -- Ginger, 03:43:58 04/12/00 Wed
Just Me: Hey girl! Listen, I think you should just wait until you get back from your trip to talk about the Oregon Grape Root and Horsetail--REALLY! You probably have a LOT to do to focus on your trip, and this is not needed. Acutally, I FINALLY found some info. about the two--and I've bookmarked them--so I'll share them later too! So....let it go.....one less thing to think about...and I completely understand girl! Talk later...

Wait until later.... -- Ginger, 03:38:52 04/12/00 Wed
Just Me: Hey girl! Listen, I think you should just wait until you get back from your trip to talk about the Oregon Grape Root and Horsetail--REALLY! You probably have a LOT to do to focus on your trip, and this is not needed. Acutally, I FINALLY found some info. about the two--and I've bookmarked them--so I'll share them later too! So....let it go.....one less thing to think about...and I completely understand girl! Talk later...

T - ZONE and Neutrogena -- Davie, 22:47:16 04/11/00 Tue
Margaret: -Regards the Body Shop T-Tree Soap. It isn't non-comedogenic, nor is the T-Zone wash. No I don't think it made my acne worse at any time, but as I said I find it slightly drying on my face hence why I cycle it with Neutrogena fresh foaming wash. I mainly use the T-Tree soap on my body in the shower, which has remained 100% clear for some time.

Thanks for the info on Neutrogena washes etc. I presume you are happy with the deap clean cleanser as you are still using that so I might give that a go. I see from their web site that they also have brought out the Extra Gentle Cleanser as a wash bar. There doesn't seem to be a great difference between the deap clean cleanser, Fresh foaming wash and extra gentle cleanser wash bar. Oh decisions, decisions.

Anyway thanks again for the info.

Hope all are well

Davie

Good Morning! -- Margaret, 15:06:54 04/11/00 Tue
Hello everyone. Hope you are all doing well today. Davie- thanks for the info on the tea tree oil. I still fear it, but I like to get different opinions on it and how it has worked for others. Do you think that it ever made the acne worse? Also, is it a pore clogging substance? I have used the Nutragena oil free acne wash, deep clean cleanser and the multivitamin stuff. The acne wash was a little drying, the deep clean I am using now and alternating with the cleanser made for people using accutane, retin-a etc. They are really nice and mild. I don't really remember what the multivitamin stuff was like because for some reason when I was using it my dermatologist told me to stop but I do not remember why. It was a while ago.
Just me - your eye problem is probably an allergic reaction. I have allergies but they do not bother me all the time. It has been about 8 years (knock on wood) since I really had a bad time of it but I rememeber that my eyes were very swollen. Also sometimes topical items can cause the eyes to swell. Some sunscreens do it to me as well as some moisturizers. Sometimes you can develope allergies or reactions to something you have been using for a while. For example, my sister used to be able to eat shellfish and then suddenly one day she was eating shrimp and had a terrible allergic reaction. Now she cannot eat it at all. Maybe the produts you are using on your skin along with the stress are aggravating your skin. Have you tried using Nutragena products? In particular the face wash for people using acne products like retin-a, accutane, or having glycolic peels. It is really good and very mild.
Well I went to the derm last night and he told me to keep using the differin gel and that he would see me in two weeks and discuss doing some peels and maybe a maintenance dose of accutane until my wedding. I pretty much begged him and he agreed that it may be a possibility. So that makes me feel a little better. I think I need it more psychologically than anything else. My face was a little worse last night with two new spots on my forehead which I proceded to pick at and make worse. You would think that by the age of thirty I would have learned that it only makes things worse but sometimes I simply cannot help myself!
I'll keep you all posted on my progress.
Take care everyone.
Margaret

reconstruction cream -- Sam, 09:49:06 04/11/00 Tue
Hey, I have not been here before but I think this is a really good site. I am starting roaccutane in two days and I have ordered the reconstruction cream set. I was just wondering how many times a day I should use each of the creams and when in the day? thanx

Swollen eyes -- Katy - 32 - UK, 00:30:49 04/11/00 Tue
Just Me - I think the puffy eyes are a combination of several things. I have had just the same problem in the last 6 weeks, with a bit of eczema on my eyelids to boot, and I assumed it was just a side effect from Roaccutane (which I finished 1 month ago). However, I managed to go the whole 5 month course with no eye problems until the final month when I got back from holiday (after 10 hours in a very dry cabin) to find that my mother had been ill (she's recovered now) and to start a new job (on the first day of my job I woke up with pincushion eyelids). I've never had eczema before so I put this down to the combination of stress, flying on American Airlines(grrr!) and the dryness of Roaccutane. I think even "good" stress can have an effect - e.g. excitement about going on holiday, or looking forward to starting an exciting new job (in my case) as well as the negative sort. Now for the embarrassing bit. A few years ago a beautician persuaded me to have my eyelashes dyed (cringe!) and, for my sins, I woke up the next morning with completely beestung, pincushion eyes that I couldn't see out of. Apparently this was caused by an infection (unwashed eyelash dyeing kit) as opposed to an allergic reaction to the dye. Never again!

It is interesting what you say about your skin suddenly becoming sensitive to tea tree and "burning". I went through a stage of putting (diluted) lavender oil on my face when my acne was bad, and after a few weeks my skin suddenly objected violently to this and I had burns as well as spots. Great. Apparently your skin can tolerate only so much of an allergic/burning agent before it reacts, like when your hands suddenly react badly to washing up liquid etc. I once taped a raw garlic clove to a horrible cyst on my cheek one night. It did zap the spot but burnt my face too. Remembering all this makes me realise how utterly miserable it is having acne, and I am just glad I have been able to take Roaccutane and get rid of it.

At the moment I am using a very small amount of over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone on the eczema on my eyelids (the dermatologist told me to use this in my final post-Roaccutane checkup, although it says on the packet it's not to be used on the face) which takes the edge off things, although it seems to be clearing up on its own now.

Rianne - thanks for your information about the Sher system (posted ages ago). I was very sceptical about it, but I am really sorry you had to spend so much money. I hope you are having better times with your skin. You mentioned your doctor won't let you have isotrexin, I'm surprised as although it is the same chemical as Roaccutane, as it's topical only, you absorb a negligible amount. Isotrexin also has erythromycin in it, (Isotrex is just isotretinoin) and it is very similar to retin A. Have you come across Differin? This apparently works like a retinoid but is a completely different chemical. Maybe that is a possibility. I really hope you find something that helps.

Best wishes to everyone out there.

Quickie :-) -- Just Me, 23:19:40 04/10/00 Mon
Heya :-) - can't stop, on my way to bed and use the Dermalux etc .... just wanted to say I'm experimenting with some sounds at the moment, and to pls be patient while I find the right water sounds that feels right ... there's so many to choose from and it needs to be put against the background to see it it works ie like trying a dress on (grins).

Ginger, I haven't forgotten sweetie - was hoping to tonite, but only have been on about 10 mins and need to log off. The links will take about at least 45 mins to an hour plus to do - ie to do it properly - tomorrow or Weds at the latest it should be done!

Nite :-)

p/s Hi Margaret - thx for sharing today - it was interesting reading! Hi Davie, Hi Rianne, Jasmine, Kaitlin, Ginger et all! (yawns)

Cleansers -- Davie, 20:43:21 04/10/00 Mon
Age: - 31
Country: - Scotland UK

Hi all hope you've all had a pleasant and spot free weekend!!.

Mainly for Margaret: - Regards Tee-Tree. I use body shop tea tree soap bar for my body and sometimes on my face as well. I find it slightly drying for my face as I was on Roaccutane 6/7 years ago which left my skin quite dry. I don't however find it as irritating or stripping as some other acne type washes/soaps I've used. I alternate with Neutragena fresh foaming wash depending on how dry my skin is. The Tee-Tree works quite well (For me). It comes in a soap bar and also a liquid facial wash. I have recently tried the T-Zone Tee-Tree wash but wasn't as keen on that one (personal choice). Hope this is of some use.

Neutrogena: - Has anyone tried Neutrogena's Oil Free Acne Wash, Deep Pore Cleanser or Multi-Vitamin Acne Treatment?
Would love to hear opinions of these products as I am considering purchasing and it would be good to here an independent view!!

Just Me: - Thanks for sorting my dead links and have a great holiday.

Hope all are well Kaitlin, Rianne, Ginger, Jasmine, Mike...

regards from Glasgow

Davie.

Thanks! -- Margaret, 18:04:09 04/10/00 Mon
Hello everyone. Thank you Just Me and Jasmine for your words of encouragement and for letting me vent. I seem to be doing much better today. I am pretty positive that much of this has to do with stress and my stupid hormones. Today things seem to be quieting down though. I stopped using the philosophy for a couple of days and am just using the differin gel at night and glycoloic acid(8%) from skinbio.com in the daytime. That seems to have helped a bit. Tonight I have an appointment with my dermatologist. What I would like him to do is start doing a couple of light peels and then maybe a maintenance dose of accutane until November but I do not think he will agree to that. Jasmine - are you using any topicals on your face? What kind of cleanser do you use? I think maybe you should try a milder cleanser like the Nutragena face wash that is formulated for people using acne medications. It is residue free so it will not interfere with any medications that you are using on your skin. Are you taking any supplements? I take a multi vitamin (vitamins only), herpanacine, and supplements (zinc, copper, magnesium, calcium). Sometimes I take garlic pills, burdock root, white oak and capryllic acid. What I also noticed is that too much shellfish may make the breakouts worse. Last weekend I ate shrimp and crayfish and it seems that a couple of days after that I broke out. It stinks because I love lobster and crab and shrimp but the iodine may make my skin break out so I am going to stay away from it for a while. Also I am drinking soy milk instead of milk and staying away from milk products and refined sugar. In addition, I have stopped eating meat which is really hard for me. My family is Italian and waking up yesterday to my dad making a sauce with meatballs was murder for me! However I do feel alot better physically since changing my diet. I eat alot of fruit, vegetables, soy products and fish(salmom, bass etc.). Jasmine maybe you should try just using a mild cleanser like the Nutragena one, and asking your doctor about some sort of topical antibiotic in the day and maybe glycolic acid in the evening. The glycolic acid really seems to loosen up anything that is clogging the skin. Also, you may want to try getting some relaxation tapes or cd's. Stress has so much to do with this I am convinced. A couple of years ago I went to a hypnotist which helped me with relaxing and I do believe it helped my skin. Maybe taking 20 minutes 2 times per day to do some guided relaxation will help.
Well I hope this helps a little. If anyone has any questions for me feel free to ask. Thank you all for patience and understanding and shoulders to cry on! It really does help when you know you are not alone.
Bye for now!
Margaret

Horsetail and Oregon Grape Root / Ginger -- Just Me, 10:27:18 04/10/00 Mon
Hi Ginger :-)

The weekend was really busy and I didn't get a chance to post the stuff I wanted to - yes, I found lots and lots of wonderful stuff on Horsetail and Oregon Grape Root plus lots of other links to acne cures of all sorts and it's exciting!! I just haven't had the time to share them here yet as the weekend was spent house cleaning etc in prep for the vacation ... I hope to be able to share it in the next few days - by Wednesday at the latest :-) ... thx sweetie for your patience (smiles). Hope all is well!!

Have to rush now - I am training someone to cover me for my hols

Blessings for a wonderful day!
Later ..... :-) JM

Point Me -- Ginger, 01:53:50 04/10/00 Mon
in the right direction!----Hi Just Me! Glad you got the allergy woes under control! That's good-especially since you are about to leave town! Hey, was wondering....the other day you were saying that you found out a bunch of stuff about acne when you did a search on the herbs horsetail and oregon grape root--WHERE? Most of what I've learned on those two herbs has been in books I've purchased--I haven't been too successful in finding info. on those two, via the net. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong places though--was hoping you could point me in the right direction!

Hello to Rianne, Jasmine, Kaitlin & Margaret! Hoping that all of you are finding solutions for improving skin!

Sunshine and blue skies :-) -- Just Me, 17:00:01 04/09/00 Sun
Hey all :-)

Just a quick update - my oestopath figured I had an allergy of some sorts ie re the puffy eye and sensitive skin etc and I got some Bioforce "Luffa Complex" homeopathic tables for allergies yesterday and it seems to be working as things seem to be back to normal now - ie skin no more sensitive and eye isn't as puffy. Mind you (grins) I also stopped using the Dermalux for 2 days (grins) - though I'm pretty sure that it's not the Dermalux but rather an allergy of some sorts. I hope I'm not getting Hayfever as I've never had it in my life!

Anyway, have a beautiful Sunday :-) JM.

My turn (grins) -- Just Me, 23:43:26 04/07/00 Fri
Hiya - a quickie from me as I have to rush off ... the usual need to catch up on some zzzz's as lately haven't been having much and it's affecting me big time. Mean to get to bed early and get off the puter but getting ready for bed takes ages and there's always side tracks etc etc!

Margaret, I'm sorrie your skin is bad. It could be the stress of the coming wedding that is causing the flare up (?). A possibility - I think mine is cos I'm off to Singapore next Friday (sorrie Kaitlin didn't get a chance to answer you back yet) ... and my skin has been fine but since a couple of days ago when I woke up with a swollen eye (ie like I'd been bitten by a bee - ie all puffed up), my skin has been really sensitive, can't use moisturiser as it kinda burns, can't use any tea tree cleanser lotion as it 'burns', skin is slightly red in places ie by nose and upper lip and neck ie like blushing, and the skin is also tight, like I've been using benoxyl peroxide or something and I haven't for years. Also I developed an acne under my chin, ie under the skin - so it's inside and not showing outside. My hormones are all over the place and my period is overdue. I know this is all to do with my hormones and menstrual cycle - ie that overproduction of androgen thinge. Whenever my period is late, that's when I get problems! Grr! I also think it may be the stress of going to Singapore, thinking I had normal skin again and it flares up thinking of the pressure!

I've been using the Nono on the acne under the skin and it's working - it just feels like an infection under the skin. I try to keep a smiling face throughout this as it helps me psychologically. The worst part is the skin feeling sensitive and tight - I think the airconditioning in the building is also way off course and the atmosphere in the office is too dry and the other girls are complaining of tight skin and eyes too ...

It's very frustrating and I have been racking my brains to figure out what has happened ie why is my skin sensitive all of a sudden, ie from that day when I woke up with a swollen puffed up eyelid and a bad back .... and why has my skin been so tight and sensitive since - I can't figure it out.

If anyone has had that before, ie super sensitive skin, and itchiness around the nose and lip area with tight skin all over and especially around the lip and nose area - and there's a "cure" etc - hey, I'd be grateful to hear it! (smiles).

Also the skin around my eyebrows is really sensitive and they go red after I wash my face ie as does other parts of my face ie red and sensitive ... this is so weird - I wonder if it's the Dermalux! Arrrr! Jasmine, Rianne you think? I'll have to go look at the Dermalux site again - though I'm sure they said there's no reactions to it ....

I can only keep on doing what I'm doing as I know it works and that this is just another hurdle I have to go through as I don't think I'm fully cured yet - it's a lifelong job, ie like exercise - ie you can't just get fit and then decide to quit working out -it's a lifetime of habit changes. I'm positive things will work out and that things will also subside soon and that keeps me going - otherwise I would sit in a chair and cry - though I haven't done that since I can't remember when, if I have at all - though I'm sure I must have.

Jasmine, sweetie, I'm sorrie your skin is bad and that you're having such a hard time. You deserve a break after all this time. I don't know if you're eating right or taking any supplements or just relying on antibiotics. I wish I could reach out and help - though sweetie only you can do that for you. I'm stuck for the right words to say so I'll just close up here as I have to dash off .... We're all here for you Jasmine and we're all rooting for you and wishing you tonns and tonns of luck in beating this menace in our lives. ((((hugs)))) & lots and lots and lots of ((((luck))))). Be strong sweetie!

As I'm leaving on Friday and the working week is going to be hectic next week, I'll be making myself scarce at some point soon as there are a lot of preparations to do prior to leaving and geez I'm nowhere near ready. It's more of a family visit than a holiday as there are lots of things to do family wise. I have school friends there and childhood friends and have to catch up with lots of people as I haven't seen them for about 3 years and some even longer than that and everyone is going to be calling and wanting to spend time with me - yeah I know sounds fab but it's draining and the time passes so fast etc. I'd like to just go for once and just be invisible and just enjoy myself like a tourist instead of having to see everyone (grins) - but I guess that's selfish! Okay, sorrie - gotta go ...

Rianne, Jasmine, Margaret, Kaitlin, Ginger - ((hugs))! Did I miss anyone? Sorrie - ((hugs)) to you too!

The links that Davie provided didn't work (ha - he's human after all (grins)), so here they are again:

http://www.solgar.com/online_reference/antioxidant/adv_antiox_vegi.html - Advanced Antioxidant Formula Vegicaps
http://www.questvitamins.co.uk/index.phtml - Quest Vitamins

Nite, Just Me :)

Hi -- Jasmine, 22:25:22 04/07/00 Fri
Hi everyone.Hope you are all O.K.
KAITLIN.Sorry to hear you have not had a good week.I'm sure once your skin is clear for a while the red marks will go.In 22 years of having acne the last 3 were clear and even though my skin was not perfect the red marks do fade and I looked reasonable.I think that is why I'm extra upset that it has come back and not only come back but is worse than it ever has been.Hopefully the Roaccutane is a permanent cure for you and things will be good for you.
MARGARET.Sorry to hear you are not having a good time either.I hope you are clear for your wedding.I thought you were on Roaccutane.I must have got it wrong.What do you use?No I don't blame you about not putting any oil on your face.I don't either.Things are greasy enough as it is without putting extra on.
Anyway I'll just have a moan myself while I'm here.For anyone that doesn't know the saga I have been using trimethoprim 100mg twice a day for about two and a half weeks.I have just got my new bulbs for my Dermalux lamp as the lamp used to work for me but stopped so I ordered new bulbs in the hope that they had just run down.Well I've been using the lamp for one week.The only other thing I've been using is a face wash with salicylic acid in it for about a week too.So nothing has improved yet and my acne is so bad that everyone stares at me when I go out.I woke up this morning with a red forehead and big red marks going from each ear down the jawline both sides.This is also itchy.When I looked at the side effect leaflet for the antibiotics it said can cause reddening as an allergic reaction.Then I've looked at the bottle of face wash it says can cause reddening.The Dermalux says it is safe to use antibiotics with the lamp.So in a panic I went to the Doctors who didn't know what had caused it but told me to stop the lamp and the face wash but carry on with the antibiotics unless it gets much worse over the weekend in which case stop them too.I can't believe it!!If I have to stop the antibiotics I will be totally back to square one and I have had this really bad bout of acne since November so the red marks and scaring is really bad.I have just got over having an orange face from the Skinoren cream the Dermatologist originally prescribed me.The Doctor said that he didn't think it was the antibiotics because of the way the red marks were down both sides of the face.My theory is that the antibiotics can make your skin sensitive to the sun and even though the Dermalux lamp isn't a sun lamp it is similar and I know that the Dermalux people say not to use the lamp while on Roaccutane as the skin is sensitive so maybe the two together has caused this because I know I'm O.K with the face lamp on it's own as I used it for 10 months.I just have to keep my fingers crossed that it won't get worse as I really need these antibiotics to work.I was in a right state this morning crying etc.as I don't seem to be having any luck at all with all this.I remember once years ago I was using some over the counter cream and also a tanning lamp and a similar thing happened to me down the jaw line.I think it is basically like bad sunburn.Anyway I'll stop going on now but please all keep your fingers crossed for me that it doesn't get worse and I can carry on with the antibiotics.I don't know what I would do if I didn't have everyone here to chat to as nobody else really understands.Hi to JUST ME,DAVIE and of course RIANNE.I do think of you Rianne as I think our stories are so similar especially because we both can't have the Roaccutane.Bye for now.Take care love Jasminexx

Hi -- Margaret, 21:17:41 04/07/00 Fri
Hi everyone. Hope you are all doing well. Just a quick update - I cancelled the order for the philosophy Cleanser and blemish control gel because the gel consisted of oil extracted from just about every living plant on earth. So I just decided to cancel both and keep using the Neutragena. Am I being ridiculous not wanting to use anything with oil in it on my face? I mean I actually fear it. Has anyone had success using products with tea trea oil and rosemary oil etc? My skin is still pretty crappy. Now I have these little red pimples all over (not just around my mouth) and I can't help stressing about it which I know will make it worse. I just feel so sick of this right now. It seems I should be happy about things with planning my wedding and all I can think of is I hope my skin will behave that day. All the money that you have to spend on photographers and all that and what a disgrace if my face ruins it all. I really want my doctor to put me on a third dose of accutane. Does anyone know how many times you can go on it? I know it is awful but I don't know what else to do. I eat right and all that stuff and my skin just keeps on breaking out. Accutane seems to be the only thing that keeps it clear for a decent amount of time. Sorry I am just bitching and moaning here but I have been so upset for the past week. Work and school have been so stressful lately and I am really about to lose it. I wish I could go away to one of those spas where they pamper the hell out of you. My only fear is that I know I will never want to leave!!!
Well thank you all for letting me vent a little. I have a dermatologist appointment on Monday so I will let you know how that goes. Hope you all have a great weekend. Talk to you all soon. Margaret

hello -- Kaitlin, 20:38:09 04/07/00 Fri
Hi everyone! Don't have time to write before I go for the weekend so hope everyone has a lovely weekend, with improving skin!!!!

MANY THANKS -- DAVIE, 11:54:43 04/07/00 Fri
HI ALL,
Just to say many thanks to everyone who responded to my queries regarding EXFOLIATION and T-ZONE products.
It looks like we’ve all had similar experiences regarding these products. I think for myself I’ll avoid the granular scrubs and try one of the wipe on products. Would the spots that appear after using scrubs have appeared anyway albeit not all at once or as I queried before do scrubs actually stimulate the sebaceous glands? (Hmmmm). Has anyone tried CLINIQUES CLARIFYING LOTION of late. I thought this product contained salicylic acid but I see from their web site that it now contains menthol. As for the T-Zone moisturiser, that will be given away to avoid temptation. Have bought Neutrogena’s spot control moisturiser, which has all the key words, so will keep you posted.

ANTIOXIDANTS: -
For all of you who are currently taking antioxidant vitamins and minerals. I have recently changed over to SOLGAR Advanced Antioxidant Formula Vegicaps which combines the antioxidant vitamins with products such as zinc, copper, selenium and carotenoids all in one capsule (you can take 2 a day if required). Quest also do a similar product and I would imagine most large companies will follow on. Anyway just thought I would share the info as it saves you rattling when you walk. I’ve provided the links below (hope they work) and as always make up your own minds.

http://www.voy.com/4529/1/”http://www.solgar.com/online_reference/antioxidant/adv_antiox_vegi.html”

and

http://www.voy.com/4529/1/”http://questvitamins.co.uk/qphsupps.htm”

JUST ME: - Thanks for taking the time to provide the links etc on DHT and Saw Palmetto. Have been looking at some other substances namely Permixon, Indole-3-carbinol and also Chrysin all of which have various links with testosterone to DHT conversion or enzyme-5-alpha-reductase inhibiting factors. Not light reading I’m afraid and I’m just not in the mood as it’s Friday but will keep you posted once I get my head round it all .

Have a nice weekend EVERYONE

Davie

Thank you Ginger!!! -- Just Me, 23:11:50 04/06/00 Thu
Hiya all :-)

Hi Rianne (smiles) - it's good to hear from you again sweetie! ((hugs)) really good! :) - hope you enjoyed your bath! Aromatherapy - ahhhh! Bliss!

Will post more tomorrow ... just wanted to say a big thanks to Ginger for your post and sharing! It's wonderful! You shared some things I didn't even know! Wonderful! You just never know when what you share sometimes can reach out and impact someone else (grins)! Anyway, I did a search on Oregon Grape and Horsetail and Ginger, I came across so much wonderful stuff on acne!! Woww!! Awesome! I've bookmarked them all and will aim to share them tomorrow nite or over the next few days! This is so wonderful! More new things to learn in our search for a cure!

Thank you again Ginger for sharing what has worked for you ... I will read it properly and I know I had some questions - will post in my next posts as it's late and I need to get to bed.

Rianne, I didn't even think of a cold pack for my back! Now isn't that just something! I did ask my oestopath about the REN machine and he said that like pain killers it stopped you feeling the pain which was okay but meant also that your body wouldn't know when it was in danger as pain is good ie it tells you when you're not supposed to overdo something etc ... I will take homeopathy to treat like with like though as I get older etc and take more care of my body, I stay away from pain killers. It's a shame really as I really thought that RENS thing would be great till he popped my bubble! (grins). Thx for sharing it sweetie!

Nite for now! So much to say and so little time!

L&H,
Just Me

Hello everyone!! -- Rianne (age 35) UK, 21:58:48 04/06/00 Thu

I haven't had access to a computer for a few days so I need to do some big-time catching up!!! I've really missed everyone and it's great to be able to chat again with people who KNOW FROM EXPERIENCE what this acne-thing is like!! No-one else can understand....REALLY understand.Hopefully over the next few days I'll have chance to look through all the links posted here too. I need all the ammunition I can get to conquer this skin of mine.

JUST ME - oh, it sounds like you have been having an awful time with your back. One of my friends has just bought a TENS machine from Boots chemist and she swears by it for getting rid of her back-ache (sciatica - trapped nerve). Maybe you've already tried that approach though. The hot baths are good aren't they?! Great stress busters too! Do you use aromatherapy oils in the bath? I'm a compulsive aromatherapy oil user!! I just love them! Another good idea is a wheat heat pack which you can pop into the microwave. Cosy too!

That's good JUST ME that your acne didn't scar. Mine has scarred terribly - my skin is very, very badly pockmarked. That upsets me just as much as the acne.

JUST ME - I took my DermaLux on holiday, but only in the UK. I didn't (or couldn't really) if I went abroad. BUT maybe you can find a space in your hand-luggage? (You've probably explained earlier why you can't take it. I've had to kind of whizz through the messages a bit tonight but I'll read them more in-depth later).

KAITLIN - I did get a reply from Dr. Fintsi!!! I received a brochure this morning and they carry out the Exoderm procedure in London. I don't know how much it costs though. When I find out more KAITLIN I'll let you know. Probably expensive do you think??!!!! Aaaargh!!!

DAVIE - I know what you mean about exfoliating the skin & sometimes I have done this way too much. I've used so much on my skin over the years (24 of them with the beloved acne!) that at times it has looked like raw meat (albeit raw meat with spots! BIG groan). To wash my face I normally use Tea Tree T-Zone Gel Wash (from Superdrug or Boots chemist). But, this morning I got my parcel with the Liz Earle "Cleanse and Polish" face wash and I used that. It comes along with 2 muslin cloths which help to rub away any dead skin cells. It seems quite nice - and non-irritating too. Only time will tell if my skin will respond to it. Nice to have you back DAVIE by the way!!

Oh, I also got my Creme de La Mer "oil absorbing lotion" this week and it really is terrific! It's sooooo kind to my skin (my skin needs kindness after all these years of abuse!!) and feels lovely to use. It really plumps up the skin and it feels so comfortable afterwards. I use that during the day and at night smother my skin with the Eryacne 4% antibiotic gel. My skin seems to be settling down a bit.......but it is no way marvellous! But a bit better!

Hiya GINGER! Thanks for your message! Sorry I went missing for a while! Hiya to JASMINE too!

MARGARET - Thanks for listing what you take and use. I haven't tried the Erythromycin wipes. I did use Benzamycin gel but I found it really greasy somehow. I also found Ketsugo (the shark's fin "remedy" I think) the same.....sooooo oily. Yes MARGARET, I've used Retin A too. I started off with the low strength and then progressed to the higher strength. It made my face very sore though and didn't really have much of an impact on the spots. It improved my scarring once!! I sat out in the sun accidentally and my skin went a boiled lobster colour and peeled off in chunks!!! But then later the scars seemed to want to come back.... moan, moan, moan!!!

Well, it's quite late and I'm going to "do a Just Me" and have a long, hot soak in the bath!! (plus lavender bath oil, scented candles and Gregorian chant! Relax-vous time!!)

Love and thanks to everyone & it's good to be back!!! Rianne.

Good info. Just Me! -- Ginger, 17:45:20 04/06/00 Thu
You know Just Me--someone (can't remember who--giggle, giggle)once said, "The one who has nothing to gain, no way to profit" that is helping a person, TRULY is a caring individual!!! Thanks again, for all the time, energy, and effort you put into helping those that have acne. Bless you my friend.

Now, I need to go to all the sites mentioned, and read up! I've been time-challenged here lately--ha!

KAITLIN: I know sweetie, how you feel. I DO!!!! Accutane DOES make my skin clear up, and smooth out. Experienced that 4 yrs. ago too--and that time was for occasional cyst--and mild/moderate acne. But gotta say, THIS time,--is MUCH smoother, quicker. I'm doing a few things different this time around. And needed to mention that this time went on accutane--as skin was starting to break out mildly in T-zone only. No cysts, no oily skin. Having said all that--here is what I'm doing differently this time:

1. Drinking 8 cups of water per day, minimum.
2. Taking "Bio E with Selenium" by Solaray--which is 400 IU of vitamin E, 100 mcg. of Selenium, and 1600 mg. of Lecithin
3. Taking a B-complex supplement--50 mg. twice daily
4. Taking Calcium/Magnesium sup.--500/300 ratio
5. Taking Primrose Oil--1000 mg. two to three times daily
6. Taking the herb "Horsetail"--it is chalked full of silica, which is one thing that keeps our skin smooth and taut--it also has a tremendous effect on hair and nails! Collagen and silica is something we lose as we get older--that's why kid's skin looks so smooth and taut! They have plenty of both of these!
7. This one is just temporarily-- for just one month--and then I won't take it again, is Oregon Grape Root, in capsule form. I take two, morning and evening. Listen to what my herb book says about Oregon: "Unlike any of herb known, Oregon Grape has what seems like an almost direct effect on the skin. It has been used to restore the complexion of the skin to a smooth, clear velvet-like texture, following any kind of disease or other illness that may have dried out the skin or produced sores.
8. Lastly, and topically, the Reconstruction Creme--it IS kinda greasy--but healing. It's perfect for dry skin--ACCUTANE skin! I also use the same company that makes it, there Amino Aloe Lotion-has Chamomile in it, Vitamin E, Aloe.

This Oregon grape root also helps with: Conditioning your blood, Blood purifier, Digestion (promotes), Eczema, Jaundice, Liver problems, Skin diseases, and Staph infections.

Kaitlin--maybe this herb would be good for you. I can only tell you that my skin is asounding me, and others right now. I do hope that you'll see the same right around the corner!!

Email me if you have any questions!

Hi to Jasmine, Rianne, Margaret, and Davie!

Acne cures / treatments -- Just Me, 16:25:54 04/06/00 Thu
Hello Kaitlin!!! Good to hear from you !! :-) This is rushed ... I came on to just post this .... take what you need and let the rest go and when in doubt, please consult your doctor. Kaitlin, will come back later and chat :-) ((hugs))

ACNE
http://naturopathic.org/articles.lay/ART.Acne.RBS.html
Ruth Bar-Shalom ND and John Soileau ND

Acne is a common inflammation of the hair follicles and oil-producing glands of the skin. Pimples and black heads are usually found on the face, neck, and upper body. Acne is caused by the in;crease in hormones during the teenage years or before a woman's period and by bacterial infections of the skin.

The skin eliminates wastes from the body through sweat pores. For that reason, constipation or irregular bowel movements can aggravate the problem and need to be taken care of while dealing with acne.

THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS ARE USED FOR ACNE AND CAN BE TAKEN UNTIL SYMPTOMS IMPROVE:

1. Zinc Sulfate ; 50 milligrams, 2 times per day. If Zinc Picolinate is used, 50 milligrams is taken only once a day.

2. Vitamin A ; 100,000 Units per day for a maximum of 2 months. Vitamin A may have a toxic effect on the liver and needs to be used under a physician's supervision. Pregnant women (or women who may become pregnant) should not take more than 10,000 Units per day.

3. Vitamin C ; 1,000 milligrams, 4 times a day. The dosage is reduced if diarrhea occurs.

4. Vitamin E ; 600 Units per day.

5. Vitamin B6 ; 100 milligrams per day if acne is associated with the menstrual period.

6. Kyolic, or deodorized garlic ; 10 to 16 capsules per day, depending on the severity of the acne and until symptoms improve. Reduce this dosage gradually, over a 3-week period, to 4 capsules per day.

7. Evening Primrose oil or Linseed oil ; 2 capsules per day.

Most of these supplements can be taken in a multivitamin tablet and extra Vitamin A and Zinc.

THE PROPER DIET FOR ACNE WILL INCLUDE:

1. Increasing the fruits and vegetables in the diet. Eat at least 2 pieces of fruit and 1 cup of vegetables daily.

2. Eliminate sugar and sugar containing foods because sugar increases the fats that are secreted by the sebaceous glands. These are the glands that are infected when a person has acne.

3. Limit junk foods, fatty foods, fried foods, and milk products. All these foods tend to aggravate this condition.

NOW, ABOUT THE HERBS USED FOR ACNE:
A tea can be made from equal parts of Oregon Grape Root, Dandelion Root, and Burdock Root. Brew 1 teaspoon of this mixture per cup of boiling water. Simmer 5 minutes, then steep for 15 minutes. Up to 6 cups per day for 12 days are taken, or less if nausea or an upset stomach occurs.

PHYSICAL THERAPY MEASURES INCLUDE:
Exposing the skin to sunshine and fresh air or to the light of a tanning lamp, but not long enough to burn the skin. Remember that overexposure to tanning lights may increase the risk of skin cancer.

HOMEOPATHY
Silica 6c and Hepar sulph 6c: Each day, 3 pellets of Silica in the early morning and afternoon and 3 pellets of Hepar sulph at noon time and in the evening. The pellets are dissolved under the tongue.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dr. Ruth Bar-Shalom and Dr. John Soileau practice in Fairbanks, Alaska

Supplement Guide - Safety Limits by Quest

As with certain foods, high levels of nutrients can be dangerous. This is why when Quest Nutritionists are formulating food supplements care is taken to provide nutrients within safe limits. By following the directions on the label, it is not possible to overdose on a nutrient. However, when combining a number of supplements, it is important that the sum total of a nutrient does not exceed the safety guidelines.

Safety guidelines adopted by reputable supplement manufacturers in the UK are published in the recent report, "The Safe Use of Supplements Benefits Good Health", Council for Responsible Nutrition, March 1999.

Micronutrients	Long Term	Short Term	Unit
Vitamin A*	2300	7500	mg
Vitamin D	10(a)	50	mg
Vitamin E	800	>800(b)	mg
Beta Carotene	20	>20(b)	mg
Thiamin (B1)	100(b)	100(b)	mg
Riboflavin (B2)	200(b)	200(b)	mg
Nicotinamide (B3)	450	1500	mg
Nicotinic acid	150	500	mg
Pyridoxine (B6)	100	200	mg
Folic Acid	400	700	mg
Vitamin B12	3000(a)	3000(b)	mg
Biotin	2500(b)	2500(b)	mg
Pantothenic Acid (B5)	1000(b)	1000(b)	mg
Vitamin C	2000	3000(b)	mg
Calcium	1500	1900	mg
Phosphorus	1500	1500	mg
Magnesium	300	400	mg
Chromium	200	300(b)	mg
Copper	5	8	mg
Iodine	500	700(b)	mg
Iron	15	80	mg
Manganese	15	20(b)	mg
Molybdenum	200	10000	mg
Selenium	200	700	mg
Zinc	15	50(c)	mg

* Maximum of 800mg for pregnant women, or those who may become pregnant.

1000 mg (mcg) = 1mg (milligram)
1000 mg = 1g (gram)
1000g = 1 kg (kilogram)

(a) allows for contribution from light.
(b) no adverse effect has been established. The limit is precautionary.
(c) higher levels of zinc supplementation should be combined with up to 5mg copper per day.

The Upper Safe levels are not related to the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of a nutrient. Upper Safety Levels are not recommendations for daily intakes, but maximum levels that are safe for people who self-supplement. These levels should not be exceeded except under the direction of a qualified health practitioner.

Hello All -- Kaitlin, 15:46:42 04/06/00 Thu
Hi everyone, haven't posted since last week. Seems like the boards been rather quiet! Anyhow, sorry if I seem like I'm complaining but I'm getting so frustrated with my skin. Its clear right now, but now that its clear it still seems to look horrible-I've got red marks all over my cheeks, and my pores look really huge. Its so stupid, you think "oh if I can get rid of my acne I'll be set" but then you've still got horribly uneven, blotchy skin! I wish I could just have smooth skin like everyone else around me seems to have.

Plus my doctor said I should stay on accutane for another month (after this) and I thought I would be set in another 3 weeks, completely done but he says I should do 5 months instead of 4 which I really can't afford (sucks not having insurance) and now I'm really trying to scramble to sort out the money for it! Oh I'm having such a horrible few days. Sorry for complaining, I know that some of you would probably be over the moon to have no acne and it makes me feel really selfish complaining about this but its just like a neverending battle!!!!

OK, on a happier note how is everyone??

Jasmine: hope the nono/dermalux combination is starting to kick in a work!

Rianne: have you heard anymore about the exoderm procedure from Dr.Fintsi? Did you find out how much it cost (just curious) Let me know if you've decided to go for it!

Just Me: congratulations on your compliments! I think its the best feeling when someone tells you your skin looks wonderful. And now you can show it off to your family when you go to visit and I'm sure that will be a wonderful feeling too. So when are you leaving?

Ginger: the reconstruction creme-does it smooth out tiny bumps (not acne) on your skin and how long until you started seeing improvements? Glad to hear your skin is 95%!!!! thats great to hear!

Davie: I quite like your question-it made me laugh "to exfoliate or not to exfoliate that is the question" In my personal experience, when I use a facial scrub it feels absolutely wonderful! But like the other comments posted, I always seem to bring up spots afew days later. I've got 2 (they are both made by beauticontrol) and one can be used as a scrub or clay mask (when I use this I always get afew spots) then I've got another that is just a scrub, but I find if I use it gently, my face will be ok. They are both for oily/acne prone skin.

Hope everyone else is well!!!

DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) -- Just Me, 14:49:35 04/06/00 Thu
Heya - quickie ...

Davie, you were asking earlier re DHT's ... I was doing a search on androgens and came across this link @ http://www.sawpalmetto.com/.

Quote:
"Today the product is mainly used for the treatment of conditions associated with BPH (nonmalignant enlargement of the prostate gland). Several factors are recognized as playing a major role in the development of BPH. First, functioning testes and a critical level of androgens are essential to the development of BPH. Second, a change in prostatic androgen metabolism occurs that favors the accumulation of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and third, an increase in the ratio of plasma estrogens to androgens.

Recent clinical research appears to have proven that Saw Palmetto extract is beneficial in BPH. Its mechanism of action in the treatment of BPH is reported that Saw Palmetto inhibits the conversion of testosterone to DHT, the agent thought to be responsible for the enlargement of the prostrate. In addition Saw Palmetto extract inhibits the binding of DHT to receptors thus blocking its action. It has also been shown to have an inhibitory effect both on androgen and estrogen nuclear receptors. This is accomplished without interfering with testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, or luteinizing hormone levels. Most importantly, Saw Palmetto does not effect PSA levels, thus it does not mask the ability of PSA tests to detect cancer.

Recently an ever increasing number of companies are marketing Saw Palmetto in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. The mechanism of action is thought to be that by preventing or slowing down the breakdown of testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone, one can prevent or minimize premature male pattern baldness. ......." unquote

Click on the link for the full article. Haven't read it fully - just briefly - it's a little too technical to grasp in a brief viewing! Later! :)

p/s/ also as you're now into organic foods (smiles), a friend gave me a link to a home delivery service for Organic Foods - though not sure if they deliver to Glasgow (grins). The URL is http://www.farmaround.co.uk/. I haven't looked at it yet through read the leaflet and it looks okay! Have a link for organic foods for the US guys as well from a health mag - will post it sometime soon :) - hi to all :) Kaitlin, haven't heard from you for a while - you okay sweetie? Rianne, you okay? .... argh, have to rush off now ... byeeeeee

Homeopathy/Alternative Treatments and Acne -- Just Me, 22:23:30 04/05/00 Wed

Homeopathy / Alternative Treatments and Acne

http://www.acneclear.com/acne-treatment-directory.html - About Acne / Acne Alternatives / Tips on Controlling Acne / Oily Skin / Adult Acne etc etc etc
http://www.medicinecabinet.co.uk/home/enc/homeo/Acne_hm.htm - Homeopathic Remedies for Acne - some new interesting homeopathic remedies that are also new to me!
http://www.acneclear.com/acne_skin_care_alternative.html - Alternative treatments for Acne

Time for another bath now to soothe those aching back muscles! Nite :-), Just Me ..

P/s Davie, I bought some Time Release B Complex vitamins today - will email you soon to discuss further and seek your knowledge etc (smiles).

Jasmine, Kaitlin, Rianne, Dermalux, Androgens ..... -- Just Me, 17:54:23 04/05/00 Wed
Hiya - back from the oestopath's who clicked me back into place :-)! Seems my back was out of alignment - by pure bad luck! I always thought I was one of those fit people who would never have a bad back etc as I am careful etc but since the car accident and whiplash last year I've been a walking medical case!! Still I'm much better now though it's an early nite tonite and another warm bath to loosen up my muscles etc.

Davie (smiles) your questions are so deep they need to be put to a dermatologist (grins)!! (That derm student's site is okay I guess but his answers are short and brief and kinda impersonal. He ought to watch the movie, Patch Adams, and see his 'patient's' as people instead of patients!) ... continuing, then again, I don't feel dermatologists give us the right answers and half the time give us text book stuff as they have personally never had acne! Grr! I used to hate the replies that they gave, ie "You'll grow out of it - you're only 18 now ... yada yada yada !" or "Take the Pill and it'll help clear everything up including regularising your period and it's the ONLY thing that will help you" and don't mention anything about cleansing routines, or topical solutions to use, or diet or supplements or eating fruit and veg or providing self help leaflets etc ... they just give us standard answers and let us get on with it! Humbug! Where was I ?? Lost track now ... oh, yeah, Davie - ermm, I don't have any answers for you on this one as I'm confused about it myself - ie I know I need to exfoliate but don't get the time and don't know what to use - have a variety of things but like you said, sometimes when I like use a mud mask to exfoliate and cleanse the skin etc I break out a few days later! Bah! A friend at work who's 26 who is completely SPOT FREE, says that she finds the same, ie when she uses a mud mask or facial or goes for a sauna etc, she breaks out days later. I wonder why? I guess it draws out the impurities, which is good right? I dunno! Pass!

Jasmine, good to hear from you! Of course we miss you and wonder how you are (smiles). Thx for sharing re how you fared with the Dermalux. I wonder why it stopped working for you - I thought it was okay but your bulbs just stopped and you were waiting for more. Have they arrived yet? I hope so! Re taking the Dermalux on holiday (grins) - yes I'm in fits thinking about it as I'll already have quite a handful with my luggage and I'm worried mainly that the Dermalux will break as it's like a sun lamp. That would be breaking £200! Ouch! Besides my sister would make fun of me as I'll be staying with her the duration. I'm also spending some time in Indonesia and there's no electricity there ie in the remote parts - ie to see my grandmother whom I've never met! She's 100 years old now! Wow! I'll bring the NONO with me and use it discreetly! I don't want my sister's kids to find it and turn it on and blind themselves! So have to lock it away! The NONO is basically a different version of the Dermalux I figure. Well it works slightly differently. Oh re the meat thinge - it was just an expression ie that my oestopath used ie it was his thoughts as to why my acne had stopped etc. I shouldn't think there is a link with acne and meat - he seemed to think there was though as I guess he's vegetarian! :)

I had a few spots on Saturday and freaked out on Sunday but by Monday they were almost gone (whew!).

Tired now after my oestopath session and need to go get dinner ready .... a link to share :)

AcneNet - a collaborative effort by Roche Laboratories and the American Academy of Dermatology. Interesting articles on why and how acne is formed. Knowledge is power!

Love & Light, JM.

Hi -- Jasmine, 15:28:16 04/05/00 Wed
Hi all.Just a quick message.Hi JUST ME.Those links look interesting I'll have a look later.The Dermalux started working for me after about 8 weeks and worked for me for about 10 months before my acne started coming back.I really thought I had it sussed,finally something to control my acne until it started coming back!Can't you take your Dermalux on holiday with you in your hand luggage?Is the electricity the same voltage in Singapore?If it is I would take it with me.I know you are laughing now but I would.I don't eat meat either(not for about 16 years but still have acne).I also had acne when I ate meat so I don't think it makes much difference.
GINGER.Hi.Thanks for caring where I was.I have left a message on Marcus's board.
Take care all.Hi Davie.Glad to see you're back.Love Jasminexx

Androgen and Women's Health -- Just Me, 13:53:08 04/05/00 Wed
Heya (smiles) - about to head off for my oestopath's and checked my links and yikes, the Androgen and Women's Health's Live Link had an extra " in it which caused it to come up with an error so here it is posted again! :-)

Androgen and Women's Health - The Nation's leading manufacturer of clinically researched naturopathic supplements for Women

Hi Ginger (smiles) - will post back later (smiles) - let's hope we all find something of some use in the androgen article - I wonder whether we all have over production of androgens - I know I do for sure ... :-) I may try that Clear Logic stuff at some stage soon - prevention is always better than cure (smiles). Thx for sharing the link with us! Also really great news that your skin is 95% clear! Way to go Ginger!! Let's hope it keeps improving! YES!!

Have to rush now or I'll be late!

Just Me xx

Thank you! -- Ginger/39/Female/USA, 13:41:18 04/05/00 Wed
Thanks JUST ME!!!

Thanks for all the interesting sites to check into! I haven't done that yet--but looks interesting to me!

Skin is 95% clear--and that makes me one happy camper! :) My goodness it is dry though! I actually moisturize 3-4 times a day! At this stage of accutane (1 month), the Amino Aloe Lotion, does not by itself, take care of the dryness. The Reconstruction Creme does. I continue to use both..

Davie: I really like the Clear Logix--good stuff. Definitely promotes some major exfoliation. Really makes the layers come off. Used it much more in first couple weeks of accutane. At this point, I'm so dry, I don't dare use the Clear Logix. Good inexpensive product to try. I paid $6.00 for a bottle of it. I'll get back to you on the allantoin soon--wanted to find something about it for you--it shouldn't be a problem though for your skin. It's healing.

Jasmine, Rianne--where are you two? HOW are you two? I'm thinking of both of you...

Over production of androgen -- Just Me, 11:49:17 04/05/00 Wed
Heya all - have been busy and haven't had time to post. Davie and I were discussing hormone tests and I'm pretty sure I had all sorts of tests done when I was 18 years old as my periods stopped in their track for 6 months solid which had everyone confused. The hospital took all sorts of tests and came back and said I had an over production of androgen which was causing the lack of periods and acne. I can't remember what the acne was like then (think I must have been on minocin then) - though remembering thinking how wonderful it was not having a period (grins) but also worried at the same time.

Anyway, I checked out some stuff on over production of androgen and came up with some interesting links which I'll share here as I would like to read up more on them later.

Androgen and Women's Health - The Nation's leading manufacturer of clinically researched naturopathic supplements for women
General Information about PCOS (Polycystic ovarian syndrome) - What is PCOS? | What's going on in my body? | What causes it? | How is it diagnosed? | Problems and risks associated with PCOS
The Female Reproductive Systemand Polycistic Ovary Syndrome - a college paper explaining the prognosis
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery - makes interesting reading on acne help etc - Rianne, you'll like it as it has articles on laser treatment for acne etc etc
Department of Dermatology - haven't checked it out but it looks useful with lots of links and search engines ... (feeling cold and need to go take a bath - am at home today - bad back and allergy)

Okay, that's me done for now - my fingers are frozen! Heating is on but the house seems cold! The puter is right by the window and I'm just cold - so need to go take a bath - brrrr!

Just Me :)

Heya Davie (smiles) - good to have you here (smiles)! Typed off line and just came on to post the message :) and saw that you'd posted (smiles) ... later :-)

T - ZONE and ALSO EXFOLIATION -- Davie, 11:16:10 04/05/00 Wed
Hi All,

Ages since I've posted. Hope you are all doing well ( Rianne, Jasmine, Kaitlin, Just Me ...) and good to see some new posters.

T-Zone: - I'm revamping my cleansing routine and recently purchased some T-Zone products, namely a moisturiser face wash and cleansing milk. I like the T-Tree products as I dont find them as harsh as certain other cleansers and soaps and generally get reasonable results with them. I usually cleanse with body shop T-Tree oil soap but as T-Zone have a larger product range I thought I would give them a go. There wasn't much DETAILED info available on the net regarding the products and when I purchased them I was in a hurry and didn't check the ingredients etc (DOH).

Anyway I was disapointed to find out that the products weren't non-comedogenic and there are a few ingredients in there that are setting the alarm bells ringing i.e. Mineral (Paraffinum Liquidium) Oil?, Allantoin?, and Cetearyl Alcohol? Has anyone used any of these products and if so what were the results. I'm only using the wash just now as it looks fairly safe.

Also

Exfoilation:-

To exfoilate or not to exfoilate that is the question. Becoming confused over this one. Some of the derm sites say that scrubs and astringents can agrevate acne. However is it the granular scrubs that cause the problems and is it safe to use products which contain substances such as Salicylic acid which are generally wiped on with cotton wool (I think). Do the scrubs stimulate the subaceous glands into producing more oil?,I don't know. Scrubs make my skin feel and look better but then generally cause me outbreaks several days later. I would like to use something as exfoilation helps lift the hairs and prevents ingrowing ones when shaving.

Any help or comments appreciated. Ginger how is the Clear Logic doing sounds promising?

Regards to all From a Sunny (For a change) Glasgow.

Davie

Hello -- Margaret, 16:44:28 04/03/00 Mon
Hey there everyone. I hope you all had a great weekend.
For everyone wondering about the Herpanacine - I did manage to get some this weekend. It's $20 for 100 pills. The company that distributes it is Diamond-Herpanacine Associates - PO Box 544, Ambler PA 19002. The phone # is 215-542-2981. Their email is Herpana@aol.com. The serving size is 6 capsules and it contains:
Vitamin A - 25,000 IU (as beta carotene)
Vitamin E(as d-alpha tocopheryl succinate) 200iu
Selenium(as sodium selenate) 100 mcg
L-Lysine, L-Tyrosine, Dandelion, Sarsparilla, Astragalus, Lingstrum berry, Echinacea.

I started taking it yesterday. For Rianne - I also take a multi vitamin(vitamins only), zinc (50mgs per day), copper, magnesium, calcium, and vitamin B6. I do not take any antibiotics. For a face washing regime I wash in the morning and night with Nutragena Deep Clean(I also have the Nutragena face wash for people using accutane and retin-a), I use a toner from my doctors office which I love(very mild, does not burn or irritate). At night I use the differin gel, and in the morning I use the Philosophy hope in a bottle with a little glycolic acid from skin bio on any spots. When I get the other stuff that I ordered from Philosophy I am going to give that a go. I ordered the On a clear day face wash and the Out of control blemsih gel which has salycillic acid and glycolic acid. Rianne have you tried using the Erythomyacin wipes? They are like little aclohol pads with medication on them and my friend Jen uses them. She really likes the way they work. Have you used retin-a or any of its many forms? Maybe you should be using something like retin-a or azelex at night and an antibiotic treatment in the daytime. Also I think you should really look into switching your oral antibiotic if you really still feel you need to take one. I've used the erythromyacin gel and I did not like it. It felt a little to sticky or oily or something. I wish you could come to the USA and see my dermatologist. He is so persistant and he is very concerned about the whole cosmetic aspect of acne too. He really fights to keep me clear!
Well I have to go now. Take care everyone!
Margaret

Supplements, eating habits and homeopathy -- Just Me, 23:36:44 04/02/00 Sun
Hi Mike :-)

Just for you and all the others in the future who'll be asking etc, I made the time to put the lists on the main Acne Support Group page tonite ... the direct live link is https://justmegmt.tripod.com/index.html#Supplements and Homeopathy. Wishing us all much luck with the fight for a cure for acne once and for all! Just Me :-)

Hi Mike -- Just Me, 22:52:37 04/02/00 Sun
Hi Mike, hi KM, and all ....

Quickie - bath's running etc ... and need to get the ironing done and it's already almost 11pm ... where did the weekend go?!

Mike, if you go down to "My supplementation routine plus homeopathy -- Just Me, 00:38:49 03/26/00 Sun" - ie further down below, you'll see my eating habits and supplementation etc - ie that works for me personally. It includes links etc to MotherNature.com on the said supplements for each individual to make up their own choices etc ....

I am aiming to shortly put that information along with all the wonderful links here onto the main Acne Support Group in Cyberspace page which I will reformat soon ... hopefully I do it before I go on holiday. Once I get going it won't take too long as the information is already there and I do it for a living anyway, ie all the design work etc ... doing it on the web is just a different way of doing it and learning how to use the programming is the hurdle (smiles)

Nite guys! p/s my spots turned a bit crazy today (boo hoo) but I've been using the NONO and Dermalux and they seem to have calmed down (whew!). I have a hectic day tomorrow with all my guys in and tomorrow is the day we talk about me staying in the team etc ... and I gotta look my best if you know what I mean instead of being worried about my skin (eeeek!). Wish me luck (smiles).

Love & Hugs
Just Me

Skin Regimen -- Mike, 22:18:51 04/02/00 Sun
Hey, I'm new to this board and have been struggling with acne for about nine years now. After undergoing two accutane treatments and modifying my diet (cutting out refined sugars and eating fruit almost exclusively) I've had pretty significant improvement.

JUST ME-- what does your diet and supplement program consist of?

Mike

question -- KM, 12:25:52 04/02/00 Sun
Hello all! I am just wondering if anyone has noticed that applying alpha-hydroxy acid, salicylic acid and benzoyl Peroxide cream to your face seems to increase the pockmarks? Maybe cuz it's supposed to cauze the outer layer of skin to sorta peel off but it also causes the pockmark to get deeper? Thanks for any help or input.

Acne Miracle -- Just Me, 22:46:42 04/01/00 Sat
Hi Ginger :)

I missed your post before I posted! Thx so much for sharing the URL for the Acne Miracle from that guy!

I skimmed through it and it makes interesting reading so far - I've just downloaded the file and will read it tomorrow as I really need to get some sleep :) ... The live link is Acne Miracle.

Thx Ginger!
Nite, JM.

Red Eyes / Oily Skin etc -- Just Me, 22:32:22 04/01/00 Sat
Hi all :-)

I was just checking in on my way to bed and wasn't going to post as I still need to catch up on some zzzzz's and my session at the oestopath's today has made me sleepy (which he says is great!) - and just had to post a weeee note (grins).

Hi Ginger - eeeeek, do you think that means that my liver is toxic? I've had it for yonks on and off and wondered whether it was due to an eye problem I have - ie my eyelids don't fully close when I sleep which means the eyes get really dry overnight and I have to use a cream to moisturise the eyes though sometimes forget and also have to use natural tear drops. Then I wondered whether it has anything to do with acne hence the question .... I have looked at a girl at work who has spots (not quite acne but lots of spots) and her eyes are as white as a baby's and so is another girl's ie who has spots and I just noticed on Friday - ie I never noticed she had spots before till Friday - and her eyes are white too .... thought I'd ask here ... just in case yunno ....

Rianne (grins) - it was me that was talking about red eyes and acne - I thought there may be a connection as I'd been wondering for a while. I guess there isn't - ie if you guys don't have red eyes - so perhaps it's to do with my eyes not being moisturised enough when I sleep. They get hot sometimes too and I wake up with a little conjunctivitis at times in the right eye which is the worst. When I was about 8 or 9 years old I borrowed my mom's sunglasses and stared at the sun for ages, thinking that's what sunglasses were for - I developed serious conjunctivitis and also damaged my eyes badly - the opticians said they're surprised the damage isn't worst than it is. I don't wear glasses - did for a while as I developed astigmatism - but somehow strangely that disappeared.

Re Acne Cures, yes, Ginger, I agree that people who have acne usually are compassionate enough about the condition to share their knowledge freely with others instead of making money out of it as whenever I personally see money being asked, I begin to wonder whether it's a con or true etc. I prefer to believe normal everyday people who have had acne and suffered from it than large corporations who claim something works! I wonder why he's selling his "cure" - you'd think he'd be compassionate enough to give it away free - oh well - it takes all sorts!

Thx guys for the smiles re my clear skin (smiles) ! It'll come your way soon as well (smiles). I developed a couple of spots overnight (grr) - probably the curry I had last nite! (grins). Tummy aches some too - guess my stomach isn't used to all that spicy food anymore as it's now used to organic foods! Boy how am I going to manage in Singapore with all those spicy foods and no Dermalux! Yikes! 2 weeks - gee I'll have some stories to tell re my skin and how it goes! I'm bringing my organic foods with me ie pasta and tuna etc but I know I'll be eating my favourite foods too ... oh well it's only for 2 weeks! I have to bring all my supplements with me as well! Geez!

Rianne, re scars, I guess I've been lucky and don't have any scars ie embedded stuff - only a few around the nose area from when I was a teenager - ie 13 - 15 or so. I have red scar marks ie from the cystic acne but with using the HealthAid Vitamin E high potency cream these past few months, they are slowly fading away. I may have the odd one or two on the cheek - ie that are really small but they seem like they're going too ie and aren't permanent though I've had them a few months - ie dark red scars really tiny - can't even remember how they got there. I could have acne for just 1 day and it would leave a deep red scar. I have some freckles too on my cheeks (from the English side of me (smiles) and the red scars kinda blend in with the freckles. I guess if I looked closely at my face I'd see some scars ie on the chin etc but you'd have to look hard. A dermatologist spots it a mile off! Make up usually is sufficient to hide things and now even just loose powder is fine ... of which I'm really grateful.

My oestopath looked at me the other day and he noticed too that I no longer have any acne and instead of commenting on the acne directly, he commented something about me no longer eating meat ie hence my skin was looking better! I guess he was right cos I no longer eat meat - wow! I only eat tuna, prawns (just) and salmon plus pasta and potatoes (just).

As I was mentioning to Jasmine the other day (ie privately), I remember having one cystic acne on my cheek first week in February (ie that was the last time ever I had acne) and it disappeared in a couple of days or so, ie with using the NONO (and yes Kaitlin, I agree it's a really silly name for a gadget! (grins)) I only get a few spots now but they disappeared in a couple of days and don't grow into acne like they used to - ie I'd get spots and they'd grow into cystic acne.

Re Oily Skin, I took the liberty of looking up some stuff on it from MotherNature:

Oily Skin by MotherNature.com
Oily Skin - On-the-Spot Control by MotherNature.com
Oily Skin - 7 Restoratives for a Happier Face by MotherNature.com

I only skimmed through it - don't agree with all of it - but it's some useful information. Per usual, take what you need, and let the rest go (smiles).

Rianne, was reading in my Shape magazine which arrived today, a para on acne scars.

"Doctors are using collagen injections or a skin implant called Alloderm to fill in depressed pockets on the complexion, microsurgery techniques to remove and revise the scars and the CO² laser to resurface the skin. Costs and recovery times vary, so contact the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery for more information at http://www.cosmeticsurgery.com/ or 321 527 6713"

Gotta get to bed now .... nite :) JM xx (yawns)

P/s Rianne/Jasmine - how long were you using the Dermalux and how did it work for you? I can't remember ... Rianne I know you said it worked for a while and then stopped? What happened when it worked for you? How did it stop? What happened? Jasmine, same questions etc (grins) - when you're ready :)

p/s Ginger, glad to hear your skin is 60% better than it was! Yes! Here's to Freedom from Acne! Rianne, how is your skin? What's it like at the moment? Painful acne or just lots? How often are you getting them and are you seeing any improvement at all lately? It's oily yes, we all have that - what are you doing regards the oil ie blotting? Using any powder etc so that the oil doesn't clog up your pores? I know obvious questions sweetie - just trying to figure out if we've missed something that you may have overlooked etc that would help in this battle ! Eating fruits? I'm pretty sure me eating fruits and veg helps as well as seriously I would go years without eating one fruit! Thank goodness for organic fruit! :)

p/s Ginger, loved your rambles (smiles)

--- oh my gawd, look at how much I've written - so much for a weee note! (grins)

Response to Rianne -- Ginger, 22:14:04 04/01/00 Sat
Hi again! Here is the website for where I read about liver being toxic, red eyes, etc. http://acnemiracle.anthill.com

This guy makes a LOT of sense, and actually, I believe all of it--I just have to wonder, like I posted to Just Me earlier, that he wants $$$$$ for his information. Maybe he feels that after all the suffering he's done--now that he's cured, he'd like to get rich from his experience. ????

Let me know what you think....

I'm sorry that you haven't been well the last 24 hours--still praying for you. I hope that doesn't offend you. By the sounds of the other board, I'm almost afraid to even say that. Other board is very hurtful right now--I'm not interested in visiting there currently....

Hello to everyone else--Kaitlin, Jasmine, Margaret, Just Me!!!! Hope everyone has a good weekend. :)

Hello there! -- Rianne (age 35) UK, 18:17:34 04/01/00 Sat

JUST ME - It was good to read your message about your skin improving - we just LOVE people to win the battle against acne! It doesn't deserve to beat us does it?!!! Let's hope we ALL get there eventually! There is soooo much information being given out lately - it's just fantastic! This thing about red eyes and liver toxins.....what is that about? I can't find the message with reference to it (on any board!). I'd like to know more! I don't have red eyes (thank goodness, it's all I need on top of this!!) but I would be interested in the liver detox subject. I'm already taking milk thistle and dandelion/burdock - but if anyone has any more knowledge of other things please let me know. I'd really appreciate any help.

JUST ME - do you have an scarring from acne? My red marks always seem to end up as indentations - which is just so terrible for me. Nothing, just nothing will cover up pock-marks.

KAITLIN - I asked my doctor about Isotrexin and he wouldn't prescribe it because it was topical Accutane (I think). He won't let me have anything that has a connection with Accutane because of my health problems. I don't want to go into detail (it gets so boring anyway) but Accutane is out of the question for me. Oh, KAITLIN, I had a reply from Dr. Fintsi!! He gave me the name and number of the doctor who does the Exoderm treatment in London (Dr. Viel I think his name was). London is a journey for me but maybe if the treatment becomes very popular it will be carried out in other major cities eventually. Thanks though KAITLIN for all your help in this!! Please keep me posted with any other details/help won't you? It's really appreciated!!

I've just had a quick look at the Roaccutane site. It seems there are arguments again. It detracts from the main theme though - acne and treatment for acne is supposed to be the topic!

GINGER - I see that you've mentioned the red eyes/toxic liver thing too. I couldn't find it on the Roaccutane site. Have you any details of it? When was it posted do you know? Oh and thanks GINGER for your thoughts. Oh, you are all sooooo kind - just wonderful!

MARGARET - Yes, the ERYACNE 4% is topical Erythramycin. Over the last few days I've been literally smothering my skin with it and it seems to be helping a lot! My skin is looking a bit better thank goodness. I'm not out of the woods yet by any means - so I won't hold my breath. You'll probably find me posting later on saying that I'm breaking out into more new lumps and bumps!! Over the years I've had many tests for any hormonal connection with my acne and nothing was found. Quite extensive investigations and still no solution. MARGARET - the "Never Let Them See You Shine" by Philosophy is good. I don't use it so much now because I'm using the Eryacne. In the Space NK catalogue (where I bought the Philosophy) they have a Samuel Par "Corrector Mousse" and that is supposed to stabilise sebum production. Has anyone tried it? By the way, the Space NK catalogue mail order number is 0870 169 9999 (UK) and it has some really good things in it. MARGARET - what do you take and use for your skin? (I'm sure I've asked before, if you've told me just point me to the archives - sorry!!!)

JASMINE - I hope that you are okay? The Creme de la Mer is supposed to be on its way. I'll let you know when it arrives and what it's like. I haven't had chance to catch up with any news because I haven't been well over the last 24 hours or so. Not a good time for either of us lately I think. Are you going to use your DermaLux alongside the antibiotics or are you going to wait until you finish the course? I hope that they soon begin to work for you JASMINE.

I've just run my hand over my face and it is sooooo oily. Where does it come from and WHY does this happen???? I know it's something to do with testosterone, but why US???? What did WE do????

Anyway, I've rambled....thanks for listening!! Love to everyone. Rianne.

Red eyes -- Ginger, 14:19:12 04/01/00 Sat
Hey Just Me,
I don't usually have red eyes--only when I don't get enough sleep! :) There was a site referred to by someone on yellow board the other day--Acne Cures: BEYOND Acne Treatment--anyway, this guy supposedly has had acne, and is selling his cure. But reading what he DOES offer for free, he talks about when your liver is toxic, having red eyes. While what he says makes absolute sense, I just have to wonder about why he's SELLING the info. Most of us that have acne/had acne, gladly share info. that can help others. Right? Like you....

That's great that you can go see your family and friends....with CLEAR skin! I'm happy for you! :) My skin is about 60% clearer than before accutane. While it's MUCH better, still having a few small breakouts yesterday. Hadn't had any for a couple of days, and thought I was over the breakout period. Now, I'm not sure. I'm thinking, that regarding the reconstruction creme, that it might be best for us accutane users. It IS rather heavy. It's a welcome for someone who has very dry skin, but maybe not for oily skin. Some guy, (I think, Jim), wrote to say that he had a breakout after using it. He said he wasn't sure that it was it--but of course wondered. Everyone can't use the same products though either. There's someone over on that board that is going crazy with his comments about this product and the lotion--and he hasn't even received it yet!!! He's quoting everything I've said about it, and the site you order from. Kinda crazy if you ask me.....

I'm rambling...

Hello Jasmine--how's the skin? I surely do hope that it has continued to get better.

Rianne--how are YOU?

Hi Kaitlin.

Hi Margaret--and welcome!

C'ya

page update!!---> http://members.xoom.com/acnecure -- le, 01:56:58 04/01/00 Sat
hey everyone!! i just updated my webpage!and invited everyone to check out my myth/fact page! Make sure to bookmark this page!
http://members.xoom.com/acnecure

Will write properly over the weekend -- Just Me, 21:59:30 03/31/00 Fri
p/s sorrie - forgot to say - will write properly over the weekend :) Need to get some sleep :) (yawns!) (hugs)

Compliments (smiles) -- Just Me, 21:56:47 03/31/00 Fri
Heya all :-)

Just got back from meeting up with an old friend and her daughter was there (who's known me since I was 18) and hasn't seen me for several months and I got the biggest compliment that we all wish to hear when we have acne, which is "Your skin is looking great and clear"! Music to my ears (smiles). She's seen me through some rough times ie especially when I was in my teens and then in my twenties and I guess all those in between periods as we're close and it was great to hear!

I'm looking forward to going home (ie to Singapore) in 2 weeks time and hearing all the "compliments" from family and friends :-) - it certainly is a boost to the self esteem, which is already boosted and back to normal with clear healthy skin .... and with it comes beaming smiles cos it feels like the fight for healthy clear skin is finally over! Which I think it is! YES! My sister was the worst, ie she older than me and she always, always can't stop the criticism back about anything and especially my skin - ie how come you're in your 20's and you still have acne - or how come you're now gone 30 and you still have acne - ! (grins). It just feels great to have clear skin full stop and I don't need the compliments but all the same it's great to be noticed ie that my skin has cleared up and I'm finally normal! All the hard work with the healthy eating habits and supplements etc have paid off!

Gotta go get some shut eye now --- nite all :-) JM.

Hi -- Margaret, 17:44:23 03/31/00 Fri
Katie - I have been off of accutane for 10 months now. I had two courses - Nov. 1997 - April 1998 (40 mgs per day) and December 1998 - June 1999(80 mgs per day). I was using retin-a microgel since June and now have been switched to differin gel.
Thanks for the info on the isotrexin Kaitlin!

Hi to Everyone!

Margaret

Question for Margaret -- Katie, 16:54:33 03/31/00 Fri
Question for Margaret...how many weeks have you been on Accutane? Great site!! Thanks for all the good info!

Red eyes & acne -- Just Me, 16:34:20 03/31/00 Fri
Age: 35
Country: UK

Hiya all :-)

Quickie question ... can't stop... :) - does anyone experience red eyes at all? I've been wondering for a while whether it's connected with acne, ie people are prone to acne have red eyes etc ... just trying to get a feel for it my theory or guess is right ... feedback appreciated :-)

Hi Rianne, Jasmine, Ginger, Margaret, Kathy, Maurice, Davie and all .... :)

Kaitlin - have a great weekend sweetie! I have to rush off now ... later - byeeee!! Just Me xx

Hi All -- Kaitlin-20-Canada, 15:51:35 03/31/00 Fri
Rianne: Dr. Becker just wrote back to me telling me to go to Dr. Fintsi's web site at www.exoderm.co.il I'm not sure if thats the guy in Israel or not, but he said there is a list there of all the doctors in England. I haven't looked at it yet, so maybe its some info you don't have yet. Hope so.

Margaret: I think the isotrexin is like an topical form of accutane (I think, not positive though)

Hi Jasmine, Just Me, Ginger and everyone else! Hope you all have a lovely weekend!!!

Philosophy -- Margaret, 14:58:58 03/31/00 Fri
The website for philosophy is www.philosophy.com. The phone number is - 1-800-568-3151. It is manufactured by a company called biomedic in Pheonex, Arizona 85034. I ordered the On a Clear Day and the Out of Control blemish treatment. We'll see how they work when I get them so I will let you all know.
Rianne - Did your doctor ever mention a drug called spironolactone? It has something to do with the hormonal part of the whole acne thing. A 43 year old woman emailed me about it and said that her derm was thinking about putting her on it. Maybe you could ask about that. The eracne(sp?) stuff that you are using, is that erythromyacin medication? Have you ever tried the topical forms of tetracycline, cleocin or isotrexin? I have used the cleocin but not the other two. Does anyone know what isotrexin is by the way? I saw it mentioned somewhere on the other site but I am not sure what it is.
My mom went to see my dermatologist last night(she sees him for different reasons) and he promised her that my skin would be great for my wedding. He said I really have to stop freaking out about it though because I am only making it worse. I know that but it is so hard to do when you see the acne on your face and wonder why it should be there when you are trying to do everything right(ie - drinking lots of water, eating right etc.). I really have to start using my relaxation cd's again because I have been under too much stress lately.
Well I have to go now. Hope everyone is ok. Talk to you all soon. Margaret

http://members.xoom.com/acnecure -- dr.le, 04:04:57 03/31/00 Fri
welcome everyone to AcneCure...
please Visit http://members.xoom.com/acnecure

Philosophy -- Margaret, 23:14:55 03/30/00 Thu
Hey there everybody! Hope everyome is doing well.
Jasmine - I have not been able to find any sites that deliver to England. But I did look at some of the other Philosophy products and two more that sound good are "Out of Control" Blemish treatment which has glycolic and salycilic acid in it. It is supposedly oil absorbing, and can be used am and pm followed by a moisturizer. Also- they have a cleanser called "On a Clear Day" which is a wash for oily skin. I think I am going to try to get them in the near future. They sound pretty good so you might want to check them out. Maybe using products from the same line together will help. They also have some sort of oil absorbing stuff called "Never let them see you shine". I like the names of their products too. They have a positive note to them. Hopefully your brother will be able to get them and send them to you. Rianne and others of course - you may want to check them out too. The websites that I have found that have philosophy are - www.eve.com, www.indulge.com, and www.beautyscene.com. I will look at my bottle tonight and see if there is a philosophy website or a 1-800 number to call. The moisturizer is great so far. Not at all greasy which I like and very light. I'll try and find out some more info and let you all know. Take care!
Margaret

Hi all! -- Ginger, 22:06:14 03/30/00 Thu
Hello ladies--

Kaitlin: Hello! Went to the doctor today for 1-month check up. He seems pleased with the progress. Regarding the pore question--Ha! I've found that each time I'm on this stuff, my face feels like it is just tight, period. That includes my pores--they are much less visible on nose, which is really the only place that my pores are visible. Weird, huh? You experience the opposite? The explosions have been over for two days now. I'm verrrrryyyy thankful! Glad to hear that you are clear! That's wonderful! Hope that it has lasting results for you!

Rianne--I'm still praying for you & Jasmine.

Just Me--I'll pray that your job works out too. Sounds like maybe it already is!

Jasmine: I'm sorry that the Reconstruction Creme seems too greasy for you. I really am. That makes me feel bad that I highly recommended it--and you don't feel that you can use it. It there an area of your face that is NOT oily that you could try it out on? I posted the other day with the ingredients. Here it is again: Aqueous cream base, Euclrin, Evening Primrose Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Centella Asiatica and Stellaria Media (Starflower). I have asked them for further information regarding some of these ingredients, the Euclrin and the Stellaria Media--neither of which I have any knowledge of! It still continues to speed healing, amazingly so, for me though. But granted, I'm on accutane--I DON'T have oily skin.

General Chat -- Jasmine, 21:00:33 03/30/00 Thu
Hi everyone.I have just written on the new board.So many to choose from now.
BL3UCHIP.Hi.I'm sorry you are having such a bad time with your acne because of your medication.Yes I had the splash your face with cold water lecture from a friend the other week who of course has not got even one spot.I knew I was going wrong somewhere with my washing regime!!!!I hope if you go on Roaccutane it works for you.I too am hiding out at the moment because my face is so bad so I know exactly how you feel.
MARGARET.Thanks for the info on the Hope in a Bottle moisteriser.I tried to order it from I can't remember now one of the sites you mentioned and right at the end it said U.S.A addresses only.Gutted I'm in the U.K.Anyway My brother lives in America and he is coming over next week so I'll get him to buy it and bring it with him unless you know of any on-line shop I can buy it from that will deliver or are in the U.K.I definitly want to try it because of the salicylic acid in it.
JUST ME.Sorry you haven't been feeling too good.A holiday will help that.Going somewhere nice and hot I take it?
RIANNE.How is your Creme de la Mer cream.Is it non-comedegenic?You sound really down also.I'm thinking of you.I had a look at the exoderm site.It does look good but are the pictures genuine etc.As long as it didn't do any harm it's worth trying even if it didn't work if you know what I mean.We are just the sort to get ripped off by people because of being so desparate for clear skin.Not that I'm saying it is a rip off just that there is so much stuff it is hard to know if something is going to work or if it is rubbish.I dread to think what I have spent over the years.
KAITLIN.Hi.Yeh it was me with the search for the new washing regime.So far I have chosen Acnisal face wash to try which has got salicylic acid in it,no toner yet and hopefully the Hope in a Bottle that Margaret was recommending.I can't recommend any of it yet because I can't recommend when I'm just covered in acne.That would make a good clearasil advert or whatever wouldn't it.Me standing there covered in acne saying Try this product!They always have such clear skin on these spot adverts.It makes me sick.I think you can get blackheads removed at a salon.I suppose you have to have a facial for acne skins.I never have but I know they do it.I suppose just check they will remove them before you have the facial done.I wouldn't say I notice any benefit yet from the No-No but early days yet.I just pray that the antibiotics will kick in soon.Glad your skin is looking good.Fingers crossed for you.
GINGER.Hi.Sorry to hear that your chin has broken out.I must confess to only having used the Reconstruction cream once.It just feels so greasy and my face is so oily and spotty it makes me feel horrible but I will start as otherwise another waste of money and I should if it helps.
Well that's it for now.Speak again soon love Jasminexx

Hello All -- Kaitlin, 16:57:38 03/30/00 Thu
Hi eveyone! Well the time must change in another few weeks over here, cause it hasn't changed yet (or I've just been late for work everyday and noone has said anything!) Funny how things are different like that-my Mum was out buying her mom a mothers day card cause its mothers day this Sunday over there, but here its not until nearly the end of May!! Oh well.

Ginger: I actually haven't finished my course of accutane yet (hope I didn't confuse you, sometimes I type stuff in so fast then don't read it till later and it makes no sense whatsoever!!) I've just finished month 3 today, and I'm going to the doctor after work to get my last months supply. He said that because I wanted to stay on the 40mg/day, I would probably have to do a 6 month course, but my skin has been clear for 3 weeks (except for the few spots from monthly issues) that I think another month will do it fine. Plus, my acne was more on the mild side to start with, so we'll see. Did you notice when you were on accutane before(or now) that your pores seemed to look bigger? And did they shrink down after accutane? I'm not even sure if thats possible, but hey-I can dream!!!

Rianne: figures as soon as I say "oh yes, Dr Becker got back to me within 24 hrs blah blah blah..." then I send him another email and he still hasn't written back. Oh well, I figure if I haven't heard back by the end of today, I'll just keep re-sending the same email till he gets annoyed enough to reply!!

Just Me: lucky you, going on a vacation!! I can't wait to go this year and get a tan (I'm white as a ghost!) and I'm so tempted to go tanning now because the snow is almost gone and the weather is great, but I have to wait 1 more month till done accutane. So get a wonderful tan for all of us whiteys!

Jasmine: hope your doing ok. Is the nono (what a silly name) helping at all yet? It sucks that your antibiotics take so long to see improvement, but hey-they could be the exact ones you need and clear up your skin wonderfully!!! I hope so for you. I remember you saying on the other board that you thought you had become "immune" to your dermalux from using it for so long-maybe now that you've had such a break it will work wonders again. Take Care!!! :)

Hi to everyone else!

Hello everyone! -- Rianne (35) UK, 14:17:32 03/30/00 Thu

Thanks for your message Ginger! Last night I put enough Eryacne on my face to sink a ship!! I was soooo fed up with it and ended up squeezing too. NOT WISE!!! My skin looks a bit better today - I have also put on as much Eryacne again as I dare! Maybe that helps - I don't know.

I have posted off another e-mail to Dr. Becker re the Exoderm and hopefully he will reply real soon. He did last time - which really impressed me! I'm so fed up of this scarring (the acne is bad enough but the scars they leave with me are terrible - they're permanent! At least for now anyway.) Not everyone ends up with pock-marks - I must just have that type of skin. Lucky I guess. (Feeling sorry for myself now) I have to be so careful because I don't want to leap into anything that may make my skin worse. It's a very thin line I tread. I couldn't stand "worse".

Just Me - I hope everything goes well with your job - it sounds like it just may eh?!!! I'll keep fingers & toes crossed for you!

I too have a sun lamp from Argos - I may dig it out of the cupboard. My DermaLux lamp just doesn't work for me now. I maybe should give that another go - but it takes up a lot of time somehow and then when nothing happens I get so disappointed.

Yes, a bit of a sleepless night Just Me!! No reason for me being up that late - just couldn't sleep! Moan and groan again!!

Hope everyone is alright? Speak to you soon, meanwhile, send my love. Rianne.

To: Bl3uchip -- Just Me, 10:44:53 03/30/00 Thu
Hi Bl3uchip - sorrie forgot to mention you in my earlier post! Hope all goes well for you with your derm today and that everything starts healing soon and getting back to normal. Good luck!!

Various :-) -- Just Me, 10:33:08 03/30/00 Thu
Hi all :-)

Heya Maurice :) - (grins) - as you've probably figured by now, the titles somehow won't accept html ! Waiting to hear from you when you have time to spare and by now very intrigued! I have a feeling your information is going to be as interesting and eduational as Davie's has been and is! :) Look forward to it!

Kaitlin - hi - I'm doing okay - work is okay - we're stilll putting up our request for the extra person in the team and need to present it to higher management. Fingers crossed - the next few days are going to be vital! I think we have a fairly valid case for the extra permanent person and it'll work out well! We think that the girl who's returning from maternity won't stay long as she has two kids and she lives a long way away which means she'll be away from them for about 12 hours a day ie including travelling time and won't be able to do any overtime which is needed ... so hence more support for my case (smiles). Thx for asking sweetie!

Re the spots, yeah, I had a small break out around the mouth/lip/nose area and a couple of other places not all at once but one after the other, yeah partly stress and parly cos I'm due soon and my hormones are going haywire! I was feeling rather ikky last week ie nauseaus and loss of appetite and still am ... and also am due on shortly hence the flare ups. With the hormonal changes which must be mega, feeling weepy and stuff when watching movies and will have a sniffle, craving for chocolate and some foods eg curry (grins) and when I do eat them I don't really like it cos it taste ikky as I prefer the organic foods now ... also coming on with a cold/flu like symptoms so all in all .... hmm, I think I could do with snuggling up in bed watching tv for a couple of days with some herbal tea (smiles). Re the spots, I've been using the NONO on the small ones and they're disappearing as fast as they appear (thankfully) and also using the Dermalux still. Think I'm on Week 6 now of using the Dermalux Lamp though I've missed about 6 sessions in the 6 weeks (grins). Taking Sulphur (homeopathy) when I feel a spot coming on ie those times when you can feel it and it hurts a little ... and that helps as well. I wish I was eating better and more, but the appetite is just not there! Grrr!

Talking of the Dermalux lamp, last October I bought a face sun lamp as I'd read somewhere that it helps with acne ie dries it up and stuff. I used it for one session ie 10 days or so and it seemed to help. I haven't had time to use it again as it's time consuming ie takes like 10 days or so for a whole tanning session and you have to spend about 30-40 mins each session. I just didn't have the time and kept missing some. As I'm going on holiday in a fortnight I have been thinking of using it again ie to get a head start on a sun tan as I plan to go without make up (yikes) (smiles) - though I think I can get away with it now ... with just using Corn Silk Loose Power (which is translucent) and serves to absorb the oil. I don't use make up weekends now and it's okay. With a tan on the face it helps hide the red scar marks which take time to fade but with the Vitamin E Cream from HealthAid that I'm using, the red marks have faded over 50% as mentioned before. Face Sun lamps cost about £50 from Argos (that's where I got mine). I've also at some time used Alvychy (spelling?) Face Tanning lotion (ie to get a fake tan) to hide the blemishes /red scars etc and that has helped as well - if anything it's a booster (smiles). It's non condogemic (spelling?) duh!

Hi Jasmine - let us know when the Dermalux bulbs arrive! I like using the Dermalux as it seems to 'dry' up the skin but not too dry! The tanning lamp dries it up a lot - but probably cos it's for longer.

BTW, does anyone know of any great exfoliating ways/creams/ stuff etc? Most of us have oily skin but with the creams we use, we also have flaky skin, if I'm not mistaken, cos I know I do - ie not everywhere but in patches here and there where I use Potters Mild Acne cream which contains Zinc amongst other things my skin gets dry and flakes some. I haven't been very good at exfoliating and most exfoliating creams don't seem to work ...

Have to rush for now - hi Ginger, Rianne (yes, I changed the clocks here sweetie - and missy - what were you doing up so late last nite? (grins)) ... hi Margaret, Davie - oh, yes Kaitlin, Davie reads in (smiles) and will join us again when he feels the time is right etc (smiles).

Love & Light,
Just Me

Checking in..... -- Ginger, 05:09:44 03/30/00 Thu
Hello Rianne, Kaitlin, Jasmine, Just Me:

Kaitlin--to answer your questions: I'm on day 27 of accutane--just got through the explosive week of it. The explosion "seems" to have subsided--we'll see...nose is completely clear--forehead is almost clear--cheeks are 98% clear--sides of mouth and chin, well, is a different story. Mostly red marks, but a few that are still bumpy. I'm sucking down water like there's no tomorrow--that really does seem to help. Mostly just dry lips and face. They are manageable though. This is the third time on accutane. Last time was two consecutive courses, for an occasional cyst, and mild acne. Had oily skin too. That was four years ago. Never have had another cyst, never had oily skin again. Mild acne started a few months ago--seemed to be getting worse. My derm. wanted one last shrinkage of sebaceous glands. I personally, do believe that the accutane DID do a great part of that already, since I've never had the cysts again, or oily skin.

As far as supplements, I take vitamin C--anywhere from 1,000 to 3,000 mg. per day--depending on severity of skin breakout. Since I can't take a multi vitamin right now (no intake of vitamin A, while on accutane), everything is supplemental. I take a B-complex 50mg. twice per day. I take 3,000 mg. of primrose oil. I take 50 mg. of zinc per day. I'm going to start on a selenium supp. soon. I did take about 5-6 herbs pre-accutane--but some of them have vitamin A in them--so had to quit. I do continue to take Oregon Grape Root--a great tonic for all glands, with a direct effect on the skin--and Burdock root, for purifying my blood. Also I take Ginger--for aiding in digestion and as needed for motion sickness woes. Oh! Forgot that I take Chromium--which aides in skin infections, 200mcg. twice daily. I eat a lot of soy products too, which are great for protein! How long since you were off of accutane? How long that your skin has been clear?

Rianne, I'm sure hoping that your skin does a turn around--I'm praying for you.

Jasmine, have you been trying the Reconstruction Creme?

"talk" to you all later--

For Kaitlin -- Rianne, 00:49:00 03/30/00 Thu

Thanks for posting the last message Kaitlin! It was really kind of you to do that for me and much appreciated!! If you find any more details for me I would LOVE to hear more!!! Thanks again Kaitlin! Time for bed - it's 1.45 a.m.!!! Love Rianne. (ps. Hope you altered the clocks 1 hour forward on Saturday Just Me!!!!??)

Rianne-Exoderm -- Kaitlin-20-Canada, 22:33:38 03/29/00 Wed
Rianne: I didn't know if you contacted Dr. Becker again, but I sent him another email earlier today asking for the names of the people who perform it in the UK. I told him that I contacted the Dr. in Israel and he hadn't got back to me, so we'll see if he writes back.

Hi to Jasmine, Just Me, Ginger and everyone else (davie too if your reading:)

Ginger: i can't seem to remember how long you've been on accutane for now (must be my old age!) How is your skin doing now? Mine was completely clear for nearly 3 weeks, then yesterday I got afew little spots (shouldn't complain) and I'm sure its just from a 'monthly thing.' Anyways let me know how your skin is progressing with treatment. And are you taking any extra vitamins or anything?

Jasmine: hope you get your bulbs soon. You be triple battling your acne between nono's, dermalux and antibiotics! Kick that acne in the butt!

Just Me: hope things are good with you or getting better (work) take care :) Hows your skin. You had mentioned you got some spots a while back (from stress I'm assuming)Hope its all under control...

Back to work. Talk to you all soon!!!

Hello everyone! -- Rianne (age 35) UK, 22:04:35 03/29/00 Wed

HELEN - baking soda, I'd never thought of that! I will give that a try!! I'll try anything HELEN if it might help!!

KATY and MARGARET - I still haven't spoken to anyone about the Herpancine. I've been sooooo busy these last few days but will make it my priority as soon as possible. My skin is still not good and I can't wait for it to improve. The oil it produces it just unbelievable. As we all know oil = spots. BIG GROAN!!!! (no joke though) (poor old me)

KATY - the Sher system I tried a few years ago. Basically it is a cleansing & make up programme. It also involves lots of splashing with water!! I was so convinced it was going to work that I stopped taking antibiotics. Oh Boy - did I pay for that!!! I drove to work one day and turned around in the car park and came straight home - my skin just looked HORRENDOUS. Maybe it does work for some people, I'm sure it does. BUT I wasn't one of them unfortunately. The people who run it are very nice and really helpful. It was expensive though - I spent about £200 on the "kit". Maybe I should have continued with the antibiotics while I was using it - but that defeats the object really.

Yes, the Exoderm looks good....but I'm still not sure.... I would love to be able to improve this scarring though - it really is very, very bad. Lots and lots of pockmarks and not a lot of skin in between.

A big hello to Just Me, Jasmine, Kaitlin and Ginger!! Time to turn in I guess, it's 11 o'clock and I have to be up early in the morning (another groan!). Please wish me no more new spots in the morning!! Some hope...

Love, luck and thanks! Rianne.

anybody with thyroid problem on Ro_A -- bl3uchip, 18:54:00 03/29/00 Wed
Have been acne-prone since 15, now 27, but always have thought it manageable. However, lately got this thyroid problem and had to take medication for it (PTU). And boy! was it bad for my acne (an understatement really!) All of a sudden, my face swelled up into large pus-filled red blisters, been having problems sleeping lately as the sides of my face have become tender and throbbing at times. To all you guys who have become agoraphobic, I know what you mean. I used to be not generally squeamish about the way I looked, acne and all, but when I started having these really BAAAADDD episode, I've shut out all contact with the outside world. I simply couldn't stand the "oh-you-poor-thing, here-lemme-give-u-some-advice, told-u-to-wash-your-face-with-cold-water" condescending attitude of people. Ahhhh, here I am spending a fortune and cold water's gonna do it?!!! Or the "ewwww-don't-you-wash-your-face-what's-wrong-with-you" looks that I get.

Anyways, will be off to do some bloodwork tomorrow before I go see my derm. Have been trying to put off Roaccutane for years now, thinking I don't need something that drastic, but with this latest episode, I don't seem to have a choice. Just wanna know, if there's anybody out there who's had the same problem as I. Anybody who has taken thyroid medication and had aggravated acne as a result, and if they've taken Ro_A. Please e-mail me. *Bl3uchip* (female, btw)

<B><i>Hi just Me</i></B> -- Maurice, 13:48:00 03/29/00 Wed

Hi Just me

My, how this board has progressed. Hope your keeping well. Will write something more substancial next time, honest

Maurice

Me! -- Rianne, 09:11:07 03/29/00 Wed

That p.s. doesn't make sense! That's what happens when you rush!! Someone here now....must must go. Aaargh! Rianne.

To Katy -- Rianne, 09:08:52 03/29/00 Wed

Sorry this is only a very quick post, I only have a minute! The Sher System failed me completely...maybe it works for other people but it did nothing for me!! I'll write more later, really sorry this is so rushed!! Lots of love to everyone, Rianne.

(ps. I didn't want anyone rushing out any buying and getting disappointed!)

Baking Soda -- Helen, 03:52:06 03/29/00 Wed
I forgot to mention that if you add baking soda to a non-foaming cleanser, it makes a very good, gentle exfoliant. (This tip courtesy of "The Beauty Bible" by Paula Begorne.)

Baking Soda -- Helen, 03:52:00 03/29/00 Wed
I forgot to mention that if you add baking soda to a non-foaming cleanser, it makes a very good, gentle exfoliant. (This tip courtesy of "The Beauty Bible" by Paula Begorne.)

Baking Soda -- Helen, 03:02:48 03/29/00 Wed
This may sound a little weird but I have found that baking soda or bicarbonate soda (depending on where your are from) helps to reduce the redness in my acne. You mix it up with water to make a thick paste and put it on the spot. I find it works best when the spot is actually forming.

As it will show up on your face, I tend to put it on at night and in the morning the pimple is reduced. If I get it early enough it actually stops it forming!

As I can't always access the web, please e-mail me if you try it & let me know how it goes. Together we will beat acne.

Salicylic Acid-the Benefits -- Ginger, 23:17:30 03/28/00 Tue
This all came from Avro-www.avrocos.com/beta.html--What is Salicylic? Willow Extract-an extract of Salix Alba. An Efficacious Safe Remedy for Problem Skin. A Dr. Kligman, Professor emeritus of Dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, who took part in the American Academy of Dermatology meeting held in San Francisco in March, 1997, said this: Salicylic Acid is a superior exfoliant that improves the appearance of aging, sun-damaged skin without all the irritations associated with the popular Alpha Hrdroxy, Glycolic Acid.

"Salicylic Acid is effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improving overall facial texture because it exfoliates both the skin surface and within the pores, without all the irritations commonly associated with the Alpha Hydroxy, Glycolic Acid." It has been found that Salicylic Acid is effective with as little as one-fifth the concentration typically found in products containing Glycolic Acid, the most commonly used Alpha Hydroxy Acid. In a single study comparing a 1.5 percent Salicylic Acid product and a 8+percent Glycolic Acid product, the Salicylic Acid product was shown to be more effective exfolient. It's superior exfoliation action is thought to be attributed to it's lipid-or oil solubility. It concentrates its exfoliation action in the lipid-rich outer layers of the skin, where the skin's natural rate of exfoliation reduces with aging, causing a build up of dry, dull skin flakes.

This is interesting info!!!! I've been using the Clear Logix, which has Salicylic Acid in it-- now for a couple of weeks and like it very well! I can't use it too often since I'm on accutane, but it does seem to work well--even had a small scar on nose that it fixed. It was a brand new scar.

Various things! -- Katy (UK age 32), 23:05:53 03/28/00 Tue
I have just looked into this site again and it seems a lot of "stuff" has been going on! I do hope everything is resolved now as I think it is a very calming and helpful site and a bit more geared towards us 30 somethings than the other board.

On the quest for non-Roaccutane cures, has anyone heard of the Shere (sp?) system? A friend of mine did 1 day's temping as a receptionist at their HQ in central London (!), and they apparently have a "water based system" that helps various skin conditions including acne. She didn't get much more information from them, she said they are quite secretive about exactly what this system is until ya pays ya money!! I'm not convinced that a "water based system" can help anything so obviously metabolically/hormonally controlled as acne but this is just to let everyone know they exist!

Rianne, did you speak to the Healthiskin people about Herpanicine? I would be interested to know how you got on.

Responses & peaceful dreams from London -- Just Me, 22:25:59 03/28/00 Tue
Hi all :-)

Just took a nice long warm bath cos it was so cold today and feel all snug and yummy and woah, I come back on line and lookie at the Board! I can't keep up with it! (smiles) I want to have an early nite so will try and keep this short (grins)!

Jasmine - I'm so glad that Dermalux are finally sending your Dermalux bulbs!! Wahooo!! With all three things ie Dermalux, NONO and the antibiotics, you have a very high chance of your acne improving very soon!! Good luck sweetie! Gotcha mail this afternoon and posted you earlier this evening. Jasmine, way to go on the positive attitude and looking forward to when you get clear skin, which you will sweetie! It's just a question of time! Remember, act as if you already have clear skin, and you will feel wonderful and that gets you one step further psychologically towards your goal (and stomps on that chatterbox in your mind ie that upsets us all!) Also I know desperate (smiles) as I've had my fair share ie of taking homeopathy for days and days and days and using the Nono constantly for hours, and finally a breakthrough!! Spent a fortune on stuff, as Rianne says (grins)

Rianne - re hairdressers, the cringe part of going to a hairdressers is the spotlights above you which shine right on you and not good when you have a flare up period and just want to crawl under the chair and hide! I cringe and avoid looking at myself in the mirror during flare ups as my heart just sinks to the bottom of my shoes when I look at myself. I'm sure we all feel worse than we look as I've seen some people with spots / mild acne and they look okay to me if you know what I mean.

I did a search on Exoderm and came up with a couple as follows, which you have probably already found, by the sounds of it :)

Exoderm Lift by Dr Yoram Fintsi
Exoderm Lift - by Ed Becker

I took a quick peek and it looks great ie the before and after pictures. I don't know anything about plastic surgery or face peels etc but know a friend had some done years ago and she thought they were great, so I guess they work. I thought she had okay skin but she obviously didn't ... keep us posted and as Davie says a problem shared is a problem halved (smiles).

Re oily skin shortly after washing - yeah sometimes I find that too -ie like half an hour or so after washing, the skin becomes oily! Geez! I used to say I had enough oil to build a factory! (grins). These days it's okay - slightly oily but I use the Silk Corn Loose Powder and it tends to absorb it or I blot with a tissue periodically throughout the day.

Hi Margaret :) Hi Kaitlin sweetie :) - sorrie I didn't get a chance to look up the mothernature.com thinge for you re mouth ulcers - off the top of my head I didn't know anything ie homeopathic or otherwise, ie apart from the NONO (smiles). Re job, it's looking promising and my bosses are working with me on a solution and we're getting a supporting memo together (did I already say that earlier today??? Duh!!) - will keep you posted ... whatever happens, I will look at it as a Win Win situation - ie either way I win (smiles) - that way I go in with power thoughts and will make lemonade out of the lemons that I have been dished for now (grins).

Hi Ginger (smiles) - no worries re the new age comment the other day - we've all been going through some stuff these past few days :) ((hugs)). I know it must have been frustrating to want to talk and share about acne especially when you're having a bad day and the Board was quiet which it was that day as it was still 'recovering' from the recent shock waves (smiles) and people were obviously nervous about posting etc for their own reasons. It happens. It's no fun posting when you're all alone so I sometimes just post spontaneously what comes into my head which I did that day ... (grins)! Yes I did spend a lot of time on Sunday posting that piece (or was it Saturday?) and my butt was sore from all that sitting (grins). It was for a worthwhile cause and it was worth it :) Good to have you here (smiles) sharing the wonderful stuff that you do, that you all do (smiles).

Okay, I think that's me done :-) I hope I've covered everyone and everything - if I've missed anything, oooooh, pls remind me or I'll pick it up in the next few days probably and realise I didn't answer .... thx all for sharing and helping each other! A problem shared is a problem halved (smiles) - I like that! Ought to use it as the Board's motto -now that's a thought! Thx Davie!! Hope you're doing okay!

Nite everyone! Peaceful dreams!
Just Me.

For Kaitlin -- Rianne, 21:43:33 03/28/00 Tue

Kaitlin - thanks so much for your help - it's really appreciated! I also managed to contact Dr. Becker (in the USA) and he replied straight away to me too - which impressed me a lot! He suggested that I contact the doctor in Israel (who I think was the founder of Exoderm) to get a list of practitioners who carry out the Exoderm treatment in the UK. I still haven't received a reply from Israel despite sending a couple of e-mails a couple of weeks ago. I managed to get a list of the practitioners names in the UK (I think 3 altogether) but no addresses or contact numbers. Maybe I should contact Dr. Becker again. I know what you mean about photographs - you're never 100% sure - lighting and different elements can alter looks. I'll keep you posted Kaitlin as to how I get on and what I find. Thanks so much for everything though, you're really kind!! Love Rianne.

Rianne-Exoderm -- Kaitlin, 20:17:06 03/28/00 Tue
Hi Rianne! I tried doing a search on aol for exoderm and didn't come up with anything, BUT I did look at it afew weeks ago when it was first mentioned. I thought it was absolutely amazing (before and after) but then those pictures always make me leary thinking "yea like they are real" but I thought I'd write to them and see how it worked. I had to answer some questions about my skin, and got an email back within 1 day from Ed Becker. He said because I only had flat red marks they would fade in time and it wouldn't do me any good, but it might be perfect for you!!! I know it is in California, but you could ask him if he knows of anyone in the UK that peforms it! This might be just what you need. The procedure sounded kinda funny (like you have to wear bandages on your face for about a week, and when they take them off-your supposed to have perfect skin. Don't really remember all the details but you should defininetly send them an email. If you want I can go into my email and check what his direct address was. Take care..Kaitlin

HI Ginger!

Apology -- Ginger, 19:57:26 03/28/00 Tue
Just Me: Sorry about my comment re: New Age the other day. I shouldn't have said that. Will you forgive me? This is no excuse--but had a rotten explosive day with accutane and took it out on you. You have been SOOOOO kind to spend so much time helping others.....I AM grateful--

Jasmine: Regarding the Reconstruction Creme--I just put it on my spots, not on whole face. But...I actually have gotten a reply from the company regarding what the COMPLETE list is on ingredients. They, by the way, have been MORE than compliant with me in answering all questions. Quite frankly, I'm surprised that they gave me the list. They don't even have this product patented, and fear it being duplicated. Here is the complete list: Aqueous creme base, Euclrin, Evening Primrose Oil, Tea tree oil, Centella Asiatica, and lastly, Stellaria Media (Starflower). I was hoping that I'd see some herbs that I recognized in there. I'm familiar with the Primrose Oil and Tea tree oil and the centella (which has amazing healing properties, and may account for the quick healing), but I don't even have a CLUE what euclrin IS--and can't seem to find any info. about Stellaria Media either! Consequently, I've written the company again, and asked for more info. regarding these two items!!! So, if anyone knows more about these two things, I'm all ears....I can say, that after almost four weeks of using this product, I still find it amazing. A little bit of it, goes a very long ways! It does have a greasy feel to it, which sounds bad--but I personally just love it. It's so healing. Jasmine, just put a dab of it on your spots--it won't take much. Maybe you try on a few of them, or ONE if you are leary...I have actually seen major results in the course of the DAY with this stuff. Course, since it's recommended for 3rd degree burns, and open wounds--you KNOW that it is gentle--and it is recommended for acne and a number of other things.

Hi to Rianne--I'm really sorry to hear that your skin is still driving you nuts...oh how I know...I had the major explosive skin for a week on accutane--seems to be moving down my face now. My nose, Praise the Lord, is actually spot free now! I can't believe it--but both sides of mouth, and entire chin has got probably 12-14 spots, that were weird blistery, watery spots. They seem calmer today....I hope....Hi Kaitlin!

Quickie -- Just Me, 19:35:35 03/28/00 Tue
Quickie for the moment - thx Rianne for the prompt - no I haven't been to the Accutane Board for a while - just dropped by there to answer Sonia's post as you'd prompted (smiles). Back later ... JM

Sorry - me again! -- Rianne (35) UK, 19:16:51 03/28/00 Tue

Hiya Just Me - I'm not sure if you look at the Roaccutane board but there is a message on it from a lady called Sonia with a question for you. I just didn't want you to miss it! Love Rianne.

For Kaitlin -- Rianne, 19:12:21 03/28/00 Tue

Sorry Kaitlin - our messages crossed too as well!! The Exoderm you should be able to find via my message to Jasmine. (EXODERM - search - then Dr. Ed Becker - the photo is amazing - let me know what you think please!!) Yes Kaitlin, I would have to pay for it as I don't carry health insurance. I think some of us need a seperate bank account just to cover our "acne needs" don't we?!! Groan!! Love Rianne.

For Margaret -- Rianne, 19:03:56 03/28/00 Tue

Sorry Margaret, I think our messages crossed and I missed yours! I haven't got the herpancine yet - but I will! Please let me know how you get on with it too Margaret! Love Rianne.

Rianne-exoderm -- Kaitlin, 18:33:58 03/28/00 Tue
Nevermind, just saw your message to Jasmine about finding site!

Hello All! -- Kaitlin-20-Canada, 18:33:12 03/28/00 Tue
Just Me: thanks for info (mothernature.com)I'm gonna go look for it after I've posted this message. Hope things get sorted soon with your job, it will all work out I'm sure.:)

Rianne: what is the site for the exoderm? I think I've looked at it before, but can't seem to find it on this site, and can't find it on the yellow board either. But I'm really interested, maybe thats exactly what you need to help your scarring. I'm sure there is something out there, its just finding the right thing. Does your insurance or something cover these procedures, or do you have to pay?
That clinique stuff is a pain when your skin is dry, I'm assuming thats what the eyracene gel does. Oh well, I'm sure one day we'll both find something that covers as well as looking somewhat natural!Take care.

Jasmine: glad to hear you dermalux lamps are finally coming!!!! I remember when I first came onto the yellow board about 3 months ago, you'd been waiting since then, maybe longer!

I can't remember if it was Jasmine or Rianne, but did you ever decide on a new face washing regime??

Does anyone know how to get rid of blackheads? I thought I'd heard somewhere you can go to a beauty salon and have them removed?

Jason: welcome to the board, it sucks at the beginning when your skin breaks out horribly. It's also different for everyone, some people can break out till the end of treatment, and some are luckier (I was) and my skin cleared up nearly completely after about 2 months. I think it depends too on how severe your acne is. I had mild acne and my skin only broke out bad once at about 3 weeks, now I just have afew spots here and there. But my brother had sever acne, and his skin broke out bad throughout the whole treatment. Its different for everyone, hope this helps you and good luck!

Hello to everyone else and take care!

Me again -- Rianne (35) UK, 18:18:24 03/28/00 Tue

Hiya Jasmine! If you just type in "Exoderm" and then search it should come up "Dr. Ed Becker" and go into that link. The pictures - especially the one with acne scarring is quite remarkable. I've tried many other antibiotics for acne Jasmine (mostly the tetracycline group of antibiotics though) and the Minocin MR seem to be the only ones that help me. Even though they don't control it totally now I'm so wary of rocking the boat in case the doctors decide to take me off antibiotics completely. The last time I stopped Minocin I literally couldn't put a pin between the spots they were so bad. I nearly cracked up completely.

The plastic surgeon feels that because the dermabrasion was unsuccessful (I had that twice) then the laser would not help. I think he also felt that it was a lot to go through for no result. I'm very curious about Exoderm, although I realise that I can't go into anything lightly and have to be careful. I don't want to end up looking much worse - I just couldn't stand that. I realise that I will have to get the acne under control before I embark on any scar treatment. Oh, why doesn't it just leave us all alone??!!!

The Creme de la Mer cream was developed by a NASA aerospace physicist called Max Huber. He suffered disfiguring burns from a rocket fuel explosion and wanted something to help his skin. Creme de La Mer took him 12 years to develop. I know it's a heck of a LOT of money but I'm desperate & really hope it might just improve my skin a bit. I know I seem to be clutching at straws but I daren't give up otherwise I'll get just too far down about it all. Whether it will help - I just don't know. I'll keep you posted.....

I'm so sick of it - I know I don't have to describe how I feel - you know....... It just goes on and on and on.....

Oh, I do hope that your skin improves soon Jasmine. Also that when the DermaLux arrives it will do the trick too. I can understand that you will need to try the antibiotics first though.

Do you find that when you wash your face it doesn't take long at all for the oil to re-appear? My skin is soooo oily - no wonder my pores can't cope with it. When I'm out I notice that other people stay "matte" all day whereas my skin always looks so greasy all the time. I hate it!!! I have a few spots too where they began as big red lumps and now the redness and infection has gone they have still stayed as a big lump!! What a horrible skin I have.

The Eryacne gel seems to help the oil a bit....put it this way it doesn't appear as quickly as normal. My skin now is oily and flaky at the same time though!! A wonderful combination!

I realise that I seem to moan for England! Sorry! It is just wearing me down really...

Love to everyone. Rianne.

Hope in a Bottle -- Margaret, 18:14:19 03/28/00 Tue
Jasmine - I am so sorry - The one I have is called Hope in a Bottle. The Hope in a jar has oil in it but the HOPE IN A BOTTLE does not. I really love it and it does seem to help with the spots. Sorry that I have not posted in a while. I only have access to the internet at work and I was out yesterday(tip- do not drink acidy fruit juices and take your vitamins on an empty stomache)! I did that yesterday - big mistake!
I went to the derm last night who has put me on differen gel. I have to go back in two weeks to see him so we'll see how it goes. So now I use the differin at night and the hope in a bottle in the day. My skin is getting better so I am keeping my fingers crossed. Rianne - I did not get a chance to go to the store to get the herpanacine this past weekend. I'm sorry - I have just been so busy with school and work and wedding planning that I am going crazy at the moment. Did you find it yet? Hopefully I will get a chance to go get it this weekend. About the Clear Logix - I've used it before and I liked it. It keeps all the little stuff away but did not really help the cysts. The cystic ones just have a mind of their own! Hope everyone is doing well. Talk to you all soon. Margaret

Dermalux bulbs -- Jasmine, 15:33:45 03/28/00 Tue
Hi all.Nice to hear from you Rianne.The antibiotics I have been prescribed are called Trimethoprim 100mg twice a day.I read in my acne book by Dr.Chu that the dose is double that normally.So will it still work being a less dose.I suppose he has done that maybe because I'm small only 5ft 2inch and because of my bad stomach to see if I can tolerate them.6-8weeks apparantly before I'll see any improvement.The acne support nurse said that it was a good antibiotic.Perhaps if the Minocin is not working well for you anymore you could try Trimethoprim.I'll keep you posted with the progress because if the tablets work on the amount of acne I've got I think they would work for anyone.Perhaps see if they work for me before you make the drastic step of changing over.Why us!!What's the address for that Exoderm site.I saw a programme the other day about that laser treatment for acne scarring and it was quite a major thing.I didn't realise.The woman was put out and the laser basically burns the top layer of skin off and afterwards it is quite bad and the redness takes about 6 months to go.She was pleased with the results though and there was definite improvement, of course still scarred but much better.I have never gone into the scarring issue because I thought you had to get rid of the acne before you could have scarring treatment.I suppose you asked the plastic surgeon about laser treatment.If so why did he say nothing could be done?I'm pretty ignorant on it all.What is meant to be so special about this Harrods cream?Were you recommended it from someone.It wants to work for 100quid.I bet you will use it sparingly at that price.Saying that I would spend anything to get my face clear.Tell me how you get on with it.
JUST ME.Hi.I have just e-mailed you do to with the No-No and funny you mentioned the Dermalux because I have just said in the e-mail that they just rang me and my bulbs are packed up and ready to post.YES I SAID ON THEIR WAY!!!He recommended trying the antibiotics first and when I stop taking them to try the Dermalux again and then I would know if the Dermalux is working for me again but no I'm going to start straightaway as I don't really care at this point whether it is the antibiotics or the Dermalux or a combination of the two.I just want clear skin.I really hope something works for me soon as I can't bear to look like this much longer.If I ever get clear skin again I could always ween myself off the antibiotics gradually and then if the acne came back I would know it was them helping and not the Dermalux.Does this make sense.Listen to me talking about what to do when my skin is clear.I'm just hoping.Thanks for offering to ring for me though.Any luck with staying on with your department yet?
GINGER.Hi.I just received my Reconstruction Cream.I tried it on my hand and it feels quite greasy.Are you supposed to put it all over your face or just on the individual spots?Do you know if it is non-comedegenic?Anyway I'll keep you all posted on that too.
That's it for now.Take care all love Jasminexx

Just to say... -- Rianne, 13:09:36 03/28/00 Tue

Just Me - I would love to be able to go to the hairdressers and feel comfortable. I virtually need an anaesthetic! I'm always thinking "Please DON'T sit me in the middle chair - I want to be in the corner!" Ridiculous.. Would you, Jasmine and Kaitlin have a look at the Exoderm Lift site and see what you think about the acne scarring treatment? I hope that if my skin clears up I'll be able to have some treatment for the scars. The plastic surgeon I saw a couple of weeks ago said there was nothing could be done and that shattered me. My scarring is extensive and awful. Jasmine, I hope you are okay? Take care everyone. Love Rianne.

Jasmine / Dermalux Lamp Bulbs -- Just Me, 12:19:41 03/28/00 Tue
Heya again - quickie - Hi Rianne (smiles) (hugs)! Good to hear from you :) .. Jasmine, I came back on quickly to say, have you heard anything from Dermalux yet? If not, would you like to take me up on my offer to call them up and get a definite posting date for you? If yes, let me know - email me and let me know the details etc ie when they received the bulbs in store and anything else I may need to know and I'll make that phone call for you! I'm sure using the Dermalux again as well will help you lots. Gotta rush now ... sorrie couldn't stop longer - lunch is over !

p/s oh yeah, I went to get my hair cut this afternoon and it was a relief to be able to look at myself in the mirror while having my hair cut and not cringe ie like I have been doing the past couple of years ie from the spots / acne ! Jasmine, I've had some spots over the past few days ie around the mouth area (think I may have mentioned this already) and they have almost disappeared with the NONO ... I really hope it starts working for you soon sweetie! ((hugs)).

Here's to Freedom from Acne forever! Best of luck to all! :)

The usual!! -- Rianne (age 35) UK, 12:00:29 03/28/00 Tue
Hello again! I haven't had chance to post much over the last couple of days and I also didn't want to get involved or feel that I had to take "sides". All I want is to find something that helps get rid of my acne & as much information as I can to treat the appalling scarring I have. (There is an Exoderm site which looks promising but I need to find out more about it) I also of course want to help others who are suffering from this too. We all do, I know that! Late last night I wrote a couple of messages but then cancelled them. This last week hasn't been good for any of us (I've written about that on the other board). Anyway enough of this eh...

Kaitlin, yes the Clinique anti-blemish cream is dark really - even in the lighter shade! It's good but I can't use it at the moment because if I put it on top of the antibiotic gel I'm using then it just kind of "rolls" off into little pieces! At the moment I'm using Yves St. Laurent Touch Eclat. It doesn't have any "coverage" but it's the only thing that "sits" well on the Eryacne gel!!

Jasmine, my skin is still lousy too!! This is a nightmare really. I just wonder what I am doing wrong to get skin like this! Nothing I suppose! What is the name of the antibiotic you are taking and what strength is it (mg.)? If it's a strong one it should kick in soon - I hope so - you've been through enough. I hope the NONO will begin working soon too. When I look back at all the money I've spent on my skin I could have bought a small house I think! Maddening.... Understatement! I have just ordered something called Creme de la Mer from Harrods...an oil absorbing moisturiser. £100. A fortune. To think that at 35 I'm still having to spend money like this. I realise I'm just probably totally mad & wasting my money but I just can't tolerate skin like this at all.

Hi Just Me, thanks for all the stuff you posted for me! Hope everything turns out well for you workwise, skinwise, everythingwise!

CHL, I'm not sure whether you come to this site but thanks for your information regarding orthodox medicine and letting me know that you are not taking anything else - just the herbs. They certainly seem to be working really well for you, in all kinds of ways. It's so good when you find something that actually does work!

I'm still taking the same things.....it takes quite a long time to get through them all! I virtually need a bucket to put them all in!

I guess that Marcus and Liz won't post now here but I think that Marcus has hit on a very good idea with the DHT blocker. That would tackle the problem from source. It would help Jasmine and I so much because we can't take Roacuutane and antibiotics just "mask" the problem and we really do need to find something to help us. If I stop taking the Minocin MR (I've said this before I know) my skin is unbelievable. I'd end up with more scarring and there is hardly room on my face as it is.

Davie, I hope that you are okay?

Love to everyone & sorry for the long gap. Rianne

Age & Country / Rianne -- Just Me, 09:07:27 03/28/00 Tue
Age: 35
Country: UK

Hi Rianne :) ... just wanted to say thanks for your suggestion re Age and Country ie to be in a field so that people can input it automatically ie like Name and email etc, as Voy Forums Support thinks it's a great idea and they have put it on their 'ideas' list and will work soon on how to implement it! So thanks sweetie! Love, JM.

Kaitlin, Jasmine, Jason, Rianne and all :-) -- Just Me, 08:12:12 03/28/00 Tue
Heya all :-)

This is a quickie - yesterday was a bit of a downer work wise as most of us were really upset and we're all trying to figure out a way for me to stay with the group and as there are headcounts for each department we need to bring up a valid case etc for having an extra person. So wish me luck :-) - thx Kaitlin for asking. I know it will all work out for the best in the long run as I have all the guys' support! Still a little sad but it'll pass ... power thoughts, power thoughts (smiles)! All is well! Kaitlin, re the supplements for mouth sores etc, I don't have time to find the right link but if you search below and/or find a way to get to MotherNature.com, you can do a search and it'll bring up a list of remedies for mouth ulcers. This is rushed - if you haven't found it by the weekend, let me know and I'll do a search for you! Kaitlin, you're a real sweetie (smiles)! You have a very positive attitude! Way to go girl! Davie is hanging loose for a while and doesn't want to be the catalyst for any more dramas as per last week which is sad cos I miss his input in the room and the challenges and questions etc (smiles). When the time is right, if at all, he'll make an appearance - probably when the fuss dies down. In the meantime, I'm learning from him via post (which is great for me but sad cos the rest of you don't get to share in the knowledge shared ... perhaps later I'll accumulate it if I have the time ... and share here ... we'll see ... things are going at such a fast pace for me these days ... I have to reprioritise ... :))

Jasmine - hi sweetie! Sorrie to hear that things are still bad for you and that the NONO hasn't started working yet. When I had a batch of really bad acne ie just the odd one or two it sometimes took up to a week or ten days before the acne would budge and then I was using it full time, ie cos I had to go to work and the acne was really bad and I had to get rid of it! It took a few days of constant use for it to finally shift ie to move from the stages it gets ie from the hard stage where it's like a stone to the soft and yuk, pus stage. I still cringe when I talk about acne ... gets me all ikky! Though as I was really desperate I used it for like an hour or so at a time for the acne and maybe longer. I was glued to it. I also used pure tea tree oil whenever I was really desperate ie the 100% tea tree oil and that would have some effect ie in drying up the acne and/or making it budge though can get painful when the skin etc starts to break or get red.

Rianne, hope all is well. Figure you're busy .... sending love and hugs your way!

Have to rush .... have a great day :) JM.

P/s Jason if you scroll down below and/or look in the archives, Ginger has recommended a wonderful site with topical solutions for acne ie with saliycic acid etc etc. Good luck !

just started accutane help!! -- jason, 06:15:56 03/28/00 Tue
:) hellooooo people..

I am in week 3 of my 40mg a day roaccutane treatment (actually oratane - same thing different name)and i am covered in acne all of a sudden. Wondering what I can do to stop this episode from scaring!!!! can anyone suggest any topical treatments. I am petrified of perminent damage. I have been hiding in my room. Too ugly to go out. Been lying to my girlfriend.. makin excuses for not goin to see her.. (hehehe i'm pathetic I know) and onthe weekend, end of week 2 that would be, i took ecstasy and everything is OK.. I suggest puttng in eyedrops before hand however. How long till the outbreaks stop!!!! please I need to tell my girlfriend when I can see her.. :) thanx

Hi -- Jasmine, 20:46:01 03/27/00 Mon
Hi all.I've posted on the other board today but just wanted to say Hi.Kaitlin.Yeh I've been using the No-No lamp but so far no improvement.My skin is really bad but I've just started antibiotics so I'm waiting for them to start working hoprfully.Hi Just Me,Hope you are O.K.Anyway speak soon love Jasminexx

Hello Everyone -- Kaitlin, 17:31:14 03/27/00 Mon
Hi Everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend (I had Friday off work so I had a lot of reading to do between both boards this morning!) Glad to see things are settling down.

RIANNE: I noticed you bought the clinique anti acne cover up (is it just me or is the 'light' still rather dark? We've only got 2 shades over here in that specific type) I've tried it on spots, and it didn't really cover, but I found it good for covering old red marks when my skin was oily. Now that its dry, it doesn't really work that great, hope it will work for you!

JUST ME: didn't really catch the whole jist of whats going on with you. Hope your well, things didn't sound too good about your job or something? Anyhow, I hope everything works out and that you are well. Quick question (totally off topic) but since you know quite a bit about supplemtents/vitamins, I was wondering if there was any vitamins you could take to get rid of canker sores or mouth ulcers?? Just curious. Keep up the wonderful work and efforts, this board is great :)

JASMINE: hope your well, hows the nono???

Hi to Ginger, Davie (is he still here?)Katy and everyone else.

Mixture -- Just Me, 08:12:05 03/27/00 Mon
Morning all :-)

Hi Ginger - there's plenty of stuff here on the Board and everyone is free to take what they need and let the rest go. I spent about 5 hours on Saturday posting a supplementation list for Rianne with links and everything else she asked for - the power thoughts were for Rianne and were an after thought. Stree free helps acne and so does the way we think about our lives. I don't have time to cover everyone ie when I post and it's up to each individual to start up their own topic on what they want to discuss and I'm a little too busy to lead the way each time, so please do take the initiative and lead your own way to the topics you would like to discuss. Have to get ready now ... :)

New Age forum or Acne? -- Ginger, 23:26:55 03/26/00 Sun
I guess I'm pretty disappointed--I'm personally not into New Age--but did need support/help coping with acne. The New Age comments are all that is here today. Actually, I've felt like an unwanted pimple here anyway. Let me leave you with a thought: "Jesus said, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father but through Me." John 14:6

Acne Support Group with a twist of power thoughts :-) -- Just Me, 21:19:27 03/26/00 Sun
Heya all :)

Rianne, I meant to say yesterday that I think you're a brave girl for going out with your friends when they invite you out especially when feeling bad about your skin. No way would I do that ... when I had a couple of bad acne last year - ie just one or two really bad ones (rest of face was fine ie just some spots) I would just stay at home or just rush out. I would not go out. Didn't even like friends visiting and wouldn't look at them if they did come round and absolutely hated it when they looked at me with "pity" in their eyes at the state of my skin. Geez, I cringe about it now. There was nothing I could do about it then cos I had the acne and I had to sit it out. Thankfully now I hope that I'll never, never, never, never have to go through that again! ie acne! I still have the red scars from the small acne that I had ie on cheeks like we all do and other small ones and they are gradually fading.

This afternoon after I had a bath and was doing my cleansing routine in the bathroom, the sun was shining through the windows and geez, I still don't like it and cringe as everything is like so magnified and as I'd just come out of the bath I was a little flushed and red etc and it made the red scar marks stand out quite a bit and I just didn't like looking at myself in the mirror. So I can understand Jasmine and Rianne how you guys are crying when you look in the mirror and see acne staring back at you. I have had my fair share of that. But I have the power to change things ie with the NONO and my supplements and eating habits and I'm so glad things are shifting and for the first time in my life, my period is normal and without being on the Pill! Thanks to Dong Quai!

My period is on its way as well hence the spots I guess around the mouth area. The NONO helped and they've stopped growing and have started to go already and that's within 24-48 hours.

My neighbours have been giving me grief this weekend with their loud music (it's an ongoing thing) and I felt pretty miffed about it and thought I'd share with you guys if you're interested as it helps with out parents, friends, family and co-workers. Less stress equals less spots! It all helps.

Nite :)
JM.

"How to Heal Your Anger"

Anger implies we think either we or someone else is not behaving in a manner
we think is appropriate. If everyone behaved and everything happened in
exactly the way we thought it should, then anger would not be necessary.
Anger places blame. Disappointment implies that things are not the way
you'd like them to be, but it doesn't place blame. Anger is specific.

We call our friends and explain to them why we're justifiably angry. We
want others to agree with us and approve of our anger. We want others to agree
that our anger is right and the other person is wrong. We need internal and
external approval that we're behaving and thinking correctly in our state of
anger.

When we feel peaceful, we don't need approval. Needing approval is an
indication that what we're thinking and believing in the moment is probably
not from our Higher Self. When we're thinking and acting from our higher
self, there is a feeling of peace and love and SELF approval. We don't
feel the need to run around asking other people if we're right. When we're
at peace we don't base our decisions on the opinions of others.

Healing your anger involves healing your perception. You need to heal your
perception of the person involved, the overall situation, your part in the
situation, and any number of other variables. It does help to analyze how
and why you feel as you do, however it is not a prerequisite for taking your
situations to God. You don't have to figure it out before you go to God.
That's God's job. You don't have to feel calm and peaceful before you go to
God. God will provide that as well. You simply need to make the choice for
healing. Be willing to accept the possibility of looking at things a
different way.

You can choose anger. As with all things, anger is your choice. When you
choose anger, you are giving the anger your personal power. You are
agreeing to point your life towards the direction anger will take you. In what
direction can anger take you? In what direction can love take you? All
situations contain the same choice. The choice between negative and
positive. The choice between fear and love. (See exercise below.)

KEY WORDS FOR TODAY:

Relax
Breathe
******
Release anger
Accept
Self-Love
Peace

EXERCISE FOR TODAY: Estimated time: When necessary

When we feel stuck in anger, we can shift to another feeling which helps us
go deeper into our subconscious. Staying in the anger is not productive for
long. The following are some examples of what you might be feeling while
you're in the anger. If any of these feel accurate for you, claim the
emotion, feel it, then see what that brings up for you.

"I'm sad... because"
"I'm afraid... because"
"I'm sorry... because"
"I'm frustrated...because"
"I'm disappointed... because"
"I'm worried... because"
"I'm embarrassed... because"
"I'm jealous... because"
"I'm hurt... because"
"I'm ashamed... because"

SELF-DISCOVERY QUESTIONS FOR TODAY:

How long do I usually hold a grudge?
Around whom do I feel the most threatened? and why?
Who am I angry with, right this minute?
How often am I angry with myself?
How do I behave when I'm feeling angry?
How do I behave when I'm feeling loving?
Do I believe anger is strong and love is weak?
Am I afraid to bring my thoughts of anger to Spirit/God?

AFFIRMATIONS FOR TODAY:

I release any past grudges against anyone
I release any ideas of feeling threatened
I relinquish any anger thoughts right now, in this moment
I release the need to be angry with myself
I release the need to be angry with anyone else
I choose to love myself and others, now and always
I know true power comes from the power of love
I'm now comfortable bringing all my anger thoughts to God
I deserve to feel peaceful and loving

Remember... You are perfect, right now, just the way you are.

Sharon Elaine, A.Q.

Thank You Lisa :o)

Acting As If - By Melody Beattie -- Just Me, 11:46:09 03/26/00 Sun
Hiya all :-)

Rianne, yesterday over and over, this passage from one of Melody Beattie's books kept popping into my head whenever I thought of you (grins) and I just had to share it ..... :-) .... have a great Sunday .... and let's hope that extra hour we missed in bed because of the Daylight Time change etc doesn't affect us too much today (yawns!).

Love & Light,
Just Me

Acting as If The Language of Letting Go
Melody Beattie

»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»§«

The behaviour we call 'acting as if' can be a powerful recovery tool. Acting as if is a way to practice the positive. It's a positive form of pretending. It's a tool we use to get ourselves unstuck. It's a tool we make a conscious decision to use.

Acting as if can be helpful when a feeling begins to control us. We make a conscious decision to act as if we feel fine and we are going to be fine. When a problem plagues us, acting as if can help us get unstuck. We act as if the problem will be or already is solved, so we can go on with our life.

There are many areas where acting as if - combined with our other recovery principles - will set the stage for the reality we desire. We can act as if we love ourselves, until we actually do begin to care for ourselves. We can act as if we have a right to say no, until we believe we do.

We don't pretend we have enough money to cover a check. We don't pretend an alcoholic is not drinking. We use acting as if as part of our recovery, to set the stage for our new behaviours. We force ourselves through positive recovery behaviours, disregarding our doubts and fears, until our feelings have time to catch up with reality.

Acting as if is a positive way to overcome fears, doubts, and low self-esteen. We do not have to lie; we do not have to be dishonest with ourselves. We open up to the positive possibilities of the future, instead of limiting the future by today's feelings and circumstances.

Acting as if helps us get past shaky ground and ito solid territory.

God, show me the areas where acting as if could help set the stage for the reality I desire. Guide me as I use this powerful recovery tool to help create a better life and healthier relationships.

Greenlands Healthfood Shop in Greenwich -- Just Me, 00:15:26 03/26/00 Sun
Heya again :-)

I went to Greenlands Healthfood Shop in Greenwich this afternoon after my oestopathy session to stock up on Green Tea, and the owner, S Chong, wished to add his shop details to the internet and asked if I could build a site for his shop. It was quite out of the blue and I was flattered. I have put Greenlands Healthfood Shop details on a page at the Acne Support Group in Cyberspace. Greenlands will probably be setting up an internet mail service etc - all to be discussed in due course. For now, Rianne, Jasmine and anyone else interested, if you go to the link which is:

Greenlands Healthfood Shop

where you'll see his shop address and telephone number and you can contact him directly as he does a mail order service which I didn't realise till I got his business card this afternoon. You can purchase the HealthAid Vitamin E cream ie for scars etc from him and also the Yogi Bhajan Green Tea and Davie, you can buy the cheese alternates etc from him etc and tofu etc etc via mail order if you wish. I'll discuss with him at some stage a list of his products etc and will put them on line for him ... so watch that space (smiles).

Boy my head is about to explode with the headache I have! It's on the left side, where my whiplash is and where my oestopath worked on today .. ouwwww!!

Nite JM.

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