Acne Support Group
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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 :-)

Visits since 15 Feb 2000

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My supplementation routine plus homeopathy -- Just Me, 23:38:49 03/25/00 Sat
Hi all :-)

I have a headache (ergh - following on from my cranial oesteopathy session this afternoon) and want to go and take a nice warm relaxing bath before I go and meditate so here's posting some as promised Rianne.  By the way Rianne :) - it's great that you're sounding more positive as our thoughts have an effect on our bodies as well - eg hence stress equals spots at times! I know the stress of this week brought me out in some spots ie around the mouth area .... I'm using the NONO Jasmine :) ... it helps speeden it up :)  Yes, for me too tonite it's been 'glued' to my face for a bit (grins)  Have about say 4-5 spots around the mouth area .... small ones but nonetheless they shouldn't be there :)  Been feeling a little nauseaus as well past few days with loss of appetite ... wonder what's up ... hmmm

Ginger - thx again re the Ginger!  Ha ha!  Very funny!  Rianne, thx also re your sharing on the ginger.  I found a link from Mothernature.com on ginger -  Jasmine :-) - thxx for that info on ginger root tincture with the tel nos and stuff.  I'll definitely get some for mom as she loves cooking with ginger and I'm sure she will love it!  :)  If it works for her, I'm sure she'll change over as she's scared of 'dying' - I've mentioned to her so many times that she's a walking chemist as she pops pills for everything everyday ie chemicals eg pills for constipation, pills for travelling, pills for headaches, pills for hayfever and pills for colds!  I keep telling her that people here have overdosed on taking too much medication and she kinda looks at me and says unsurely that she knows what she's doing etc but I'm sure deep down she's a little worried as she was so keen to stop taking the constipation tablets.  My sister said that my mother has been taking those tablets for so long she can't go to the lavatory naturally anymore ... !  :-)

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Okay, Rianne, here goes again the supplements that I currently take, some longer than others, and some new additions lately.
  • Milk Thistle Seed - 250mg 
    (Instruction: 1 tablet 3 times a day).  I usually forget and just take one a day or two at the most.
  • Magnesium - 250mg 
    (Instructions: 1 tablet daily)
  • Calcium - 500mg 
    (Instructions: 2 tablets daily) - gee I didn't realise that as I have only been taking one!  (grins)
  • Iron and Vitamin C - (from Boots) - 1 a day
  • Dong Quai - 530mg 
    (Instructions: 1 or 2 tablets to be taken twice daily) - if I remember I take it twice, otherwise just once
  • Vitamin B Complex with Brewers Yeast and Folic Acid 
    (Instructions: 1 tablet daily)
    (Have to read up whether I need to take Vitamin B Complex when I'm already taking B6 and B3 (Niacin).
  • Vitamin A - 8000 IU from fish liver oils
    Contains Fish Liver Oils 92mg and Vitamin A 2400 ug
    (Instructions: 1 tablet daily)
  • Echinacea - 400mg 
    (Instructions: 1 to 3 tables three times daily).  [I usually only take 3 tablets twice)
  • Selenium - 200 ug 
    (Instructions:  1 tablet daily)
  • Vitamin E - 400 iu (non oily) 
    (Instructions:  1 tablet daily)
  • Burdock Root - 425 mg 
    (Instructions:  1 or 2 tablets two or three times daily)
  • Vitamin B3 (Niacin) - 100mg 
    (Instructions: 1 tablet daily)
  • Chlorophyll Concentrate - 50mg 
    (Instructions:  1 or 2 tablets once or twice daily - do not exceed 6 tablets per day)
    (NB: When you take Chlorophyll :-) your waste products come out green which can be quite a shock if you're not expecting it as you think you've caught some disease!  :-))))
  • Zinc Gluconate - 15mg - 
    (Instructions:  1 tablet daily)
  • Chelated Copper - 2mg 
    (Instructions:  1 tablet daily)
  • Goldenseal - liquid form - 10 drops daily 3 times a day- I keep forgetting!
  • Non-Diary Acidipholus - (keep forgetting to take it!)
  • Evening Primrose Oil - 1000mg x 3 a day
  • Vitamin C - keep forgetting to take it!  :)
  • Vitamin B6 - 10mg - 1 daily as per instructions on container
All the above include live links to MotherNature.com for a full description, guidelines, dosages, etc. I usually buy all my supplements from Holland and Barratt and buy their Good 'N Natural brand ie in bulk ie the biggest bottles.  I check usually that they only contain one ingredient ie if I buy Evening Primrose Oil I make sure there is no Vitamin C in there etc ie that I'm already taking etc.  Most all of the vitamins I take have been from reading articles on acne, and I've have added on herbal supplements lately eg Burdock Root and Milk Thistle.  Echinecea I have been taking for a while, as have been Evening Primrose Oil.

I like Davie's idea about the time release and need to read up on it again.  Also, the intention is that I will soon slowly wean myself off the supplements and replace it with natural foods ie to learn to eat more healthily - so Davie, topic of healthy eating will be on line over the next few weeks :) - I'm going on holiday to Singapore in 3 weeks, so will be off line for a bit.  I will still check in from Singapore on my sister's puter and may post but won't actively take part as much - we'll see!  When I get back, I'll only have a week left with my guys ie at work before I have to say goodbye to them .... and oh, I feel heartbroken, like I'm breaking up with them - this is sad!  (sniffles!).  You know that feeling of a knife through your heart ... that's a little of what I'm feeling!  Okay, power thoughts, power thoughts .. all is well, all is well - out of this situation, only good will come (smiles).

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Homeopathy:

  • Nelsons Sulphur 6c or 30c - for stubborn acne (per instructions on bottle)
    (This usually does the trick for me when I feel an "attack" coming!).  I will usually take them for a few days or about a couple of weeks - you can usually feel the difference)
  • Nelsons Natrum Mur 6c or 30c - for oily skin (per instructions on bottle)
  • Nelsons Hepa Sulph - 6c - for acne (per instructions on bottle)
  • New Era Calcium Sulphate (biochemic remedy for acne & skin slow to heal)
    (every half hour until relief is obtained thereafter 3 doses daily)
    (These are tissue salts and there are completely safe according to my homeopathist)
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Other useful links:
  • The Consumer's Guide to Ginger - from MotherNature.com (includes:  Traditional uses, Benefits and uses,  Recent findings,   Do scientists know how it works?,  Types of products,  Safety) - as we were on the subject of ginger, I took the liberty of checking it out!  :)
  • Treating Acne Naturally - Healing Light, your natural friend - (includes list of supplements and herbal supplements to take for acne)
  • Saw Palmetto - from MotherNature.com (I didn't know anything about this and so found the link - skimmed some as I thought it was just for men and then read the part for women where it says "Saw palmetto is known to stimulate the production of prolactin, a female hormone that, among other things, promotes breast enlargement and milk production ..." (chuckles)!  Now that's something!  I think if women knew that it promotes breast enlargement, they'd be buying it by the barrel (grns)!
  •  Vitamin and Safety Limits by Quest - as shared by Davie (very important and useful - please bookmark)
  •  Homeopathic Remedies for Acne - from MotherNature.com (I highly recommend reading this - as Rianne probably already has as she's taking these (smiles) - homeopathy really does work and you can  usually feel the results - however I found that drinking tea and also alcohol is prohibited while taking homeopathy as it interferes with the aborption etc ... (I know it's a bumm for those that like their odd tipple (smiles)).
Okay, I've been sitting here on my butt for about 2 hours now (grins) and forgone watching any movies tonite ... there wasn't much decent on Sky anyway ... and still haven't posted at my other site as I promised I would today .... anyway, too late now as I'm going for a late night bath!

Nite all :)
Just Me
  p/s Rianne, I also use the Dermalux Lamp, NONO gadget and eat a healthy organic diet of:

  • Organic brocolli
  • Organic pasta
  • Organic apples, pears and sometimes oranges from Sainsburys (For years I never ate fruit as I don't like it but I started buying organic apples around Christmas and they are so yummy - ie just like apples should taste and now I have to eat at least 2 apples a day as I crave them!)
  • Tuna (dolphin free of course!)
  • King Prawns (though lately gone off them as they now taste too chewy)
  • Organic potatoes (ie mashed)
  • Organic cereal (Whole Earth Organic Muesli Swiss Style) - for years I hated eating breakfast or cereals but this one is so yummy!!  I started buying it a few weeks ago and am now hooked!  It doesn't last very long (grins) as I have breakfast every day now (almost) at work.   Cook pasta and tuna with brocolli for lunch and that ties me up for the day so that when I get home I usually only have soup (which isn't organic - only flaw there!).
  • Rice Dream Organic Rice Milk - yummy!
  • Libby's Pure Orange Juice - yummy!
  • Evian Water - been drinking that for years - ie since I was 19 though lately haven't been drinking as much as I should
  • Yogi Bhajan Green Guardian Green Tea withi Kombucha (from Greenlands in Greenwich Market)
Oh, and then there's the skin cleansing routine for my face - ie
  • Wash with Evening Primrose Soap
  • Cleanse with Potters Skin Clear Lotion
  • Tone with Synergie Pore Purifying Astringent With Zinc (you'd be amazed how much dirt is still there even after washing with soap!)
  • HealthAid Vitamin E High Potency Cream to reduce the red scars (really works)
  • HealthAid Evening Primrose Cream High Potency Cream as well which reduces red scars and
  • HealthAid Vitamin A High Potency Cream which has antioxidant properties.  I only use Vitamin E at present.
  • T-Zone Tea Tree Oil (acne/blemish treatment stick)
  • Witch Doctor stick - with witch doctor as an antiseptic/astringent to stop the oil
  • Tea Tree Oil 100% pure essential oil to dab on spots - really works wonders at times!
  • Potters Skin Clear Ointment for mild acne (not sure how good this is though my skin peels some)
  Nite :) JM.
Oh dear! -- Rianne, 20:21:11 03/25/00 Sat
Again! Below was meant to read "another MESSAGE"!!! Ah well, looks like I won't get stolen from you by a big corporation now eh?!!! Love, luck, thanks! Rianne
Below was meant to read -- Rianne, 20:18:27 03/25/00 Sat

Another -- Rianne (age 35) UK, 20:16:17 03/25/00 Sat

Hiya everyone! I've been out all day. Really I would have preferred to spend the day in the cupboard under the stairs because my skin is just sooooo horrible! I get invited to things and I can't say "Oh sorry BUT - I can't come to that because of my acne!!". I'd probably get the reply "Ah well, never mind you're ONLY 35, you'll grow out of it!!!". HA HA HA!! I wish....

Glad you like the paragraphs Just Me!! We'll have to be careful y'know....I could get head-hunted by Bill Gates & then where would we all be??!! Without my fabby brain?? (or should that read flabby?!!!) Hee! (BIG joke!!) Hope everything with the job turns out well Just Me...we know it WILL!!!! Positive thinking are our middle names, right?!!!

I don't know why I SOUND so cheerful because I'm not. This skin of mine is driving me positively NUTS...

Jasmine....I hope that you manage to get the Acidophilus Plus. If you think you need to take them more than once a day you can. (but don't forget they need to be kept in the fridge & taken before food) The ones I take are by a company called QUEST. They're non-dairy and the company is at Quest Vitamins Limited, Birmingham B7 4AP. I've just rung 192 and their telephone number is 0121 3590056. Hope that helps Jasmine. I'm sure they'll mail some to you. They really do make a difference. I've been on antibiotics so long and had recurring problems with trush and nausea and the Acidophilus Plus helped a lot. For thrush I used to use Canestan pessaries & I always take acidophilus every day without fail.

Oh, the things we have to go through eh....

Yes, the ginger is really, really good for nausea. I always have ginger root in the kitchen and if you chop the ginger into very small pieces and add some boiling water & sugar (or honey) then leave it to stand for a few hours it makes quite a nice drink. Either that or you could make the ginger solution quite concentrated and then top it up with lemonade or whatever. Hope this helps too!

I would imagine you'd see a result from the antibiotics fairly quickly Jasmine. Is it quite a high dose, how many milligrams etc.? I forgot which ones you were taking too? Oh, I really hope they work soon for you...I'll keep my fingers (and toes!) crossed for you Jasmine...

Oh, I'm really sorry to hear that there has been arguments and bad feeling on the board. Whatever caused it I really hope it settles down because you are all so lovely & I don't know where I'd be without all your marvellous help. You keep me going when nothing else can & are the only ones who truly understand.... I get so down about my skin... I could tolerate it in my teens but now....I can't handle it sometimes. I hope things turn out alright for all of us... I really do.....

Please take care everyone and I send lots of love, lots of luck and lots of thanks to you all. Rianne.
Ginger -- Jasmine, 19:00:02 03/25/00 Sat
Hi everyone.
RIANNE.Hi,yeh we do tend to post at the same times don't we.I am definitly going to get some acidophilus plus tablets.The site that you recommended to me for the Saw Palmetto doesn't do non-dairy vegetarian ones but they do exist.I don't know if anyone knows of an on-line or mail order health shop that does this.I'd be grateful.I'm sure the thrush is beginning.Did you get thrush Rianne and get rid of it with the acidophilus tablets or do you have to use the normal pessaries and just take the acidphilus to stop it reaccurring(sp?).That's if you don't mind answering these personal questions.Not a pleasant subject.I still feel as if I'm going round in circles as my skin is still as terrible.How long before antibioics kick in and any improvement is seen?How is your skin at the moment?
GINGER.Hi.Cheers for the info on ClearLogix.It looks quite promising.I've just ordered this acnisal face wash so when I've used that I'll probably order the ClearLogix stuff.I'm definitly going to order some ginger Ginger.It's getting really corny now!Cheers Rianne for the tip on it.
JUST ME.Hope your'e O.K.I've been using the No-No.So many spots it has pretty much been glued to my face all day.No improvement yet but it is early days.I know it doesn't stop them just quickens the healing.The health mail order no. that Rianne recommended to me sent me leaflets the other day and they do a ginger root tincture so no tablets for your mum.The no. is 01483-410611 and comes under FSC-Herbcraft Single Tinctures.Ginger root 250mg 30ml bottle 4.99.Hope this helps.That's it then folks.Take care and speak to you all sonn.Love Jasminexx
Ginger con'td --kinda funny, huh? : ) -- Ginger, of course, 17:54:20 03/25/00 Sat
Oh I'm just a barrel of laughs today, huh?!?!? Hey Just Me--regarding me, or uh, Ginger (ok, I'll stop)--yes, an hour or two even, is probably adequate for seeing it work. I wish I'd known about it years ago! It would have saved me a lot of embarassing moments (specifically, spewing in front of others on airplanes), and/or helicopter ride in Hawaii, deap-sea fishing in Florida--and I could go on and on......HA! In the USA, most take the over-the-counter product dramamine--which is a joke. Yes, it can curb the nausea, but it puts you to sleep!!! OH....this IS an acne forum guess I should close.....Hope this helps--and thanks for everything! God bless.
Thx Ginger re Ginger (grins) -- Just Me, 16:23:54 03/25/00 Sat
Hi Ginger :-) - thx for sharing that. I didn't realise you took the Ginger in capsule form! Duh!! I thought you had to like eat a real one (chuckles) or nearabouts ie like a live thing! How long does it take to have effect ie for the motion sickness? Ie like if you're going to drive somewhere can you take it like an hour before? Asking for me and also for my mother cos she suffers badly from motion sickness and takes travel pills every day which is so bad for her! She was taking stuff from the chemist for years ie to help her go to the lavatory cos she's always constipated until recently where I convinced her to change to Ortisan Fruit Cubes which contains a traditional recipe with figs, senna and tamarinds and she likes it and she says it works for her, so thankfully I've got her off the chemical stuff she's been taking for years! With the fig stuff, she doesn't take it every day like she was using the chemical stuff she was taking - I can't remember what they are called - you know what I mean though (grins) I hope! To get her off travel tablets for something natural like Ginger would be great!! Though she won't take tablets - hmmmm, now that's a problem! :-)

L&L,
JM
To Just Me -- Ginger, 16:02:10 03/25/00 Sat
Regarding the Ginger--in the USA, we can buy it (Ginger Root in capsule-form at a variety of stores. Is that not possible in UK? I have a little health food store that a lady runs--just as a ministry. She sells health products and food (organic) at cost, plus 12.5%--a wonderful opportunity, no doubt!!! I can buy virtually any 100-count bottle of herb, for approx. $4.00. It's nice. There are tons of herb sites though via internet--that you could buy from. I'm not much help with an address--haven't got one off the top of my head--hmmm...where do you, that are trying the Saw Palmetto (in UK) buy it? Don't they also sell Ginger Root in capsule form? C'ya.
Money Back Guarantee :) -- Just Me, 01:32:50 03/25/00 Sat
p/s Acne Solution provides a 'money back guarantee' if it doesn't work - so there's nothing to lose!! If I had acne, I'd probably try it!

BTW, I'll have to write to them and tell them that a lot of their links are dead ones (grins)! Gill's site is there too :)

See how late it is now? Geee!!
Acne Solution Herbal Treatment -- Just Me, 01:25:33 03/25/00 Sat
Hi again :-)

AcneTips.com has kindly approved us and added this Chat Page/Board to their site (smiles) - thx guys (to take a look go to http://www.acnetips.com/links.html#links. I'm ticked pink that we made one the top spots (beaming smiles).

I also checked out their product, and it sounds all natural and great.

Acne Solution does not dry up your skin and has no side-effects.
It is 100% natural, with a unique, naturally pleasant smell, and no trace of oil or alcohol. Unlike standard antibiotic, vitamin-A or accutane (isotretinoin) treatments, this solution does not have their side-effects on your skin, blood, or immune system.

Acne Solution can produce noticeable improvements within 24 hours.
The solution is developed by research scientist with proven records in both herbal pharmaceutical and modern medical research. It has been tested for more than 5 years, and has proved to be safe and effective. Its potency has been confirmed by users with different degrees of acne symptoms, ranging from bothersome oily skin to persistent adult acne. Noticeable improvements are usually reported within 24 hours (reduced redness, feeling of softness and freshness, so on). Regular usage has helped sufferers control symptoms and regain confidence.

Acne Solution is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
TCM has an undisputed track-record, unlike other so-called ‘new-age’, ‘alternative’ medicines. TCM has been successfully looking after the world’s most populous country for over 5,000 years. The Chinese enjoys a life expectancy similar to Western Europe, far exceeding other countries with comparable or more per capita income."
Acne Solution Herbal Treatment :- http://www.acnetips.com/solution.html#acsol.

I haven't had a chance to read up all the information, but it looks worthwhile, especially the Chinese Herbal remedy part. They offer a trial period as well. If anyone tries it out, please do share with us how it works for you here!

Definitely have to get to bed now!

p/s AcneTips contacted me last nite to 'approve' the link add to their site and I was somewhat bummed as I had made the decision to close this site down (I was really serious yesterday - it's only thanks to Kaitlin's post that stopped me and I held out for a few hours as I really had enough and it didn't matter how much hard work I'd put into it - I wasn't putting up the the abuse etc. Anyway, I'm glad that things are coming back to normal. Thanks to Rianne and Jasmine (smiles) (and Davie (smiles)) for your enthusiasm and encouragement and affirmation of this site's benefit to all :)

JM :-)
Clear Logic / Salicylic Acid / Clinique / Ginger -- Just Me, 00:48:19 03/25/00 Sat
Hello everyone :-) ... I fell asleep on the sofa as I was so pooped from being up so late last nite (grins)!! (yawns) - just woke up and still in that sleepy mode - so just going to post a wee note and go get ready for bed - think I'm too tired to use my Dermalux lamp tonite so may give it a miss (which would be miss no 6 since I bought it! :-)

Couldn't concentrate at work since I found out that the girl I'm covering for is coming back so headed off home feeling kinda sad but kept the affirmations going, ie that "out of this situation, only good will come" and other affirmations that something better is in store for me and that it's been a great 7 months here and to be open to the good that is in store for me ... etc etc, blessing the situation with love, and releasing it with love. Yes, sometimes easier said than done (smiles) - though thankfully I've been doing this for years and it gets easier with time and I wasn't sad very long. It's all to do with positive self talk and other little new age tools plus self development tools I have been learning the past several years :-) If I keep affirming that 'out of this situation, only good will come' etc, who knows the Vice Chairman that I work for, who I know wants me to stay and be part of the group, and the other MD's etc will try and work out a way that I do become part of the group permanently - and that the girl coming back can work part time which she will probably jump at as I'm sure she doesn't want to come back full time! Whatever happens, I'll handle it (smiles)! Thx for the sweet thoughts Jasmine and Rianne :) - It's all okay! ~~~ Oh, it's okay anyway as I'm floating within the company - left my last boss (ie internally) and came to this department and really really enjoy it - though now that the time is up (aaauuuuuuwww), I'll just float around somewhere else till I find something suitable - though it's really hard to find a job where you get on with everyone and like every aspect of the job. At the moment I'm in a fairly high profile job, ie top management, and I'd like to keep it that way hopefully. :)

Re Ginger ie the product, hey thx for sharing that Ginger and Rianne! Ginger, I get awesome motion sickness too as a passenger though I'm fine as a driver. Yes, I read somewhere too that Ginger is good for motion sickness though where on earth do you buy it? Surely you can't take the natural ginger? Where else can you buy it as i've been looking and can't see anything? Duh me! Help? Thxxx!

Jasmine - yes I can relate to what you mean about us, who have suffered from acne for absolutely ages, eg like 22 years or so, are more emphathic because we have suffered from acne for so long and we would never dream of slagging people off etc cos we know how it feels to be at the other end, ie by having acne so long.

Rianne - wahooo!! Way to go girl - you managed to figure out paragraphs! Hey hey! It's WYSWIG here, ie What You See is What You Get so if you do a carriage return it will come up as a para without having to do a html code!! Wahay!! ~~ (grins) - yes sweetie, this could be renamed the Jasmine & Rianne support site (grins)! ~~ Yes, Rianne, most of us at the site get on really well, and as Davie pointed out to me, a lot of those sharing were like us, ie in their 30s (grins) - so it could also be re-named the "thirty something acne support group" (chuckles!). BTW, when I said earlier that I had 'spoken' with Davie, I didn't mean I'd literally spoken with him, ie on the phone - I meant via email :-) - just to clarify things (grins). We were just talking in general cos I really have enjoyed his input here at the site and Davie has encouraged me and inspired me to do a lot of what I have done and I've learnt a lot from him and I was sad that he was staying away for a while because of the recent events and wanted to express my appreciation etc. So Davie - see ya back here soon okay :-) Will write you as soon as I post this though it'll be a wee note this time cos it's closing on 1am (yikes) - gee I have to hurry up as I have an oesteopathy session in the morning and need to get some sleep!! Getting carried away - as Jasmine says there's usually no such thing as a 'short note' (grins)!

Ginger, thxxx so much for that Clear Logic site - I checked it out and it looks great. The live link is http://www.clearlogix.com/clear.html. Click on the pictures for the description etc. Thx Ginger! This is great! Description sounds great!

I have to close now ... take care and peaceful dreams!

Oh, yes, some new age friends on the internet shared with me some weeks ago (on a completely separate matter) a wonderful site on Metaphysical Healing and Self Defense at http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Villa/8168/! It's got some great stuff on psychic self defence (as we all come across people who zap our energy from time to time, be it at work with co workers or with friends etc - and this site has some great techniques for 'protecting' ourselves against the negative energy fields! I love the part about "sending the person(s) white flowers"!! Enjoy!

Nite :)
JM!
Salicyclic Acid -- Ginger, 22:27:51 03/24/00 Fri
Jasmin: Hi--I bought a product made by Clear Logix--acne night time treatment--it was recommended by a young man on one of these boards. Try looking under www.clearlogix.com and see if that's where it is. I don't have it written down that I can find. All major stores in USA carry it, I don't know about UK. It was only like $6.00. It seems to really cause the layers of skin to come off quickly, and does seem to work well on blemishes. I don't use as often as it recommends since I'm on the accutane. I like it though--and this guy had said he was getting rid of scars with the product! He was using it three times as much as it recommended per day. ?????? Also, regarding the herb Ginger--I've been taking it regularly for about a year now. I have a bad motion sickness problem. I've never had the motion sickness when I take Ginger!!!! It also is a GREAT aid for digestion. It is like a catylst for your digestion system to break things down. My whole family depends on it when having tummy aches or nausea. And it just happens to be my name!!! :)
To Jasmine! We always post at nearly the same time! Hee! -- Rianne, 21:22:07 03/24/00 Fri
Just Me - you don't think you should re-name this the Jasmine & Rianne site do you??!!! Only joking!! Jasmine, please get the Acidophilus Plus capsules...they will help to counteract the effects from the antibiotics. I take 3 every morning (they need to be kept in the fridge after they're opened) because I used to always have thrush (complete with the lovely itch!!! Ouch!!!) with taking antibiotics. The acidophilus are the only thing that helped me & I never miss taking them. They really do a good balancing act on the system. Hope this helps Jasmine. Lots of love, Rianne.
To Jasmine -- Rianne (age 35) UK, 21:10:07 03/24/00 Fri



Hiya Jasmine! Glad you made it to post!! You mentioned salicyclic acid. I bought some Clinique anti-blemish control formula this week and that contains salicyclic acid. It's a concealer but also helps to dry spots up. I've only used a bit of it because my skin was bad and it's quite thick and I ended up looking worse! I think it will be okay when (if!) my skin improves more. I got the 02 shade (light) because the other shade was too dark for my complexion.

I mentioned before that as well as the other vitamins/minerals I'm taking I got the homeopathic remedies too. They're all made by Weleda and I got Pulsatilla 6, Hepar Sulph 6, Sulphur 6 and Silicea 6. It says to take 1 to 2 tablets every 2 hours and that is what I've been doing. I'm sure they're helping. Just another string to our bow Jasmine!!!

I know what you mean about being more understanding when you suffer from something like this. Also when you have other health problems it really does get you down to have something ELSE to cope with!!! I've had a few bad nights this week with pain and one morning didn't get to sleep until 5.30 a.m. which left me feeling like death warmed up!!!

I'm just taking some of the burdock tincture in water....my goodness we should be clear after all this eh???! I have got my routine of "vitamin & mineral taking" down to a bit of a fine art now. It helps me when I am trying things....gives me some hope.

Yes, the Roaccutane is definitely out for me. There's no way anyone will prescribe it because of other health problems I have and the blood test results because of this. Sooooo, I just have to get on and explore other things! The Roaccutane site is good and I've learnt a real lot from it - but as you say (and I say too!) that a lot of it is about Roaccutane and its positive and negative effects. I think it's wonderful for people who can take it and get really great results. But not for me... We're all after the same thing in the end though - clear skin. Hopefully.....

I'm so pleased that Just Me is keeping this site running. I really need the help!!! (huge thanks Just Me!!!) When I heard she was thinking of stopping it I was sooooo disappointed. I thought then that I was going to just abandon the whole thing & not bother looking/posting or whatever. I'd just got used to the site and really felt that we all got on so well, it's great!!!

I've really enjoyed my "chat"! Good luck Jasmine, keep us posted as to how you're getting along....or just stop by for a natter eh??!!!

As always lots of love, lots of luck and lots of thanks to all my friends out there! Rianne.
Me Again -- Jasmine, 20:33:54 03/24/00 Fri
Hi.As you can see I managed to post.Most weird because everytime I pressed send to send my message it was then it said that I didn't have access to the site.I thought I'd been banned!!The two messages below mine didn't appear on my screen until after I posted and yet they were written before mine so I didn't see them till now.Confused.
JUST ME.Yeh sorry to hear about your job.Perhaps she will change her mind again at the last minute or perhaps something better will come up for you.
RIANNE.It's funny you mention ginger because I have just been thinking about that today as I had heard ginger was good for nausea and this morning I got a list of products and prices from that company that you recommended for the saw palmetto tincture and they have ginger on their list.I am also going to order the acidophilus because I'm sure I'm getting the itchy signs of thrush because of the antibiotics.Lovely.That is why I've never taken antibiotics long term before because they always give me thrush and I can never get rid of it whilst being on the antibiotics.It just keeps coming back.I was told it is uncommon to get thrush on trimthoprim so I hope I am just being paranoid.I'll keep you updated on this lovely subject.I'm not actually taking any of the supplements yet as I wanted to get my stomach used to the antibiotics and if I take loads of things at once and feel extra sick I wont know which thing has caused it.I have got my zinc,B6 and saw palmetto sitting here ready though.Keep me posted on whether you think any of it is working for you.I never seem to be able to do a short post.Take care love Jasminexx
Hi -- Jasmine, 20:10:13 03/24/00 Fri
Hi all.Hi JUST ME.I'm glad to hear you are keeping the site open.It would be such a shame to close it just when things are starting to get going.I too like Rianne think this board is better for me to chat as all Roaccutane did was make me very ill and of course the other board is more of a Roaccutane site.Glad you've got the cheque and I'll be using my No-No in a minute.I like the new age stuff you've put on the board and I agree with it.The difficult thing is putting it into practice even though you know these things in theory.
RIANNE.Hi,how are you?You never know it might be fate that you can't take Roaccutane even though I know it doesn't feel like it when your skin is bad.With your health problems it might have done you more harm than good.I wish I had never taken it.I am a strong believer in fate and even though my life has been terrible for the last 4 years I keep going by thinking that this is all for a reason as in I'm destined to experience this now.I'm sure it makes us more caring people to have suffered acne and bad health as I always hear friends etc slagging people by the way they look as in fat etc and I never would critisise people in this way.God I have ranted on and not even about acne.It's putting all the love and peace stuff on the board that has got me going.
MARGARET.I found the Hope in a Jar but I notice that it is for normal to dry skin.I'm not on Roaccutane so my face isn't dry it is greasy,but I am looking for something with salicyclic(sp?)acid in it.I have managed to find a face wash called acnisal and I'll keep posted as to whether it is any good.It is supposed to help clear the blackheads but I think it can be drying.Thanks anyway.
Anyway that's it.Take care everyone.Love Jasminexx
To Jasmine -- Rianne (age 35) UK, 19:23:04 03/24/00 Fri
I can't understand why you can't post Jasmine....gremlins!! Hope you're okay and managing with the antibiotics alright. A good thing I found for nausea when taking some medications is ginger root. Any type of ginger really....I used to get the crystalised ginger from the health food shop. A bit sweet for me though. Hope the antibiotics help your skin to clear soon Jasmine. Sorry to hear about your job Just Me. I hope that something else turns up for you - I'm sure it will!!! I'll send lots of good luck your way okay?!! How is everyone out there? Davie, Marcus, Katy, Margaret, Kaitlin and anyone I've missed!!?? Lots of love, luck and thanks to you all! Rianne.
Jasmine / Burdock Root -- Just Me, 18:22:28 03/24/00 Fri
Hi all :)

Quickie - about to leave work ... Rianne thx for letting me know re Jasmine & thx for letting her know that this Board is now up and running etc... she should be able to get into it now. It was down most of the morning and some of the pm.

I'm a little sad as I've been covering for months for someone while she's on maternity, and we all thought she wouldn't come back as she has two kids, but just was told a few mins ago that she's back in about 6 weeks ... and I'm sad cos I really like these guys that I work with. To put new age positive thinking into practice, "out of this situation, only good will come"! (smiles).

Rianne, I'm glad you like Deepak Chopra's piece on Ten Steps to Happiness ... and I guess you're a little into new age as well ... I think these days most people are as it's the Millenium. From time to time I will probably share snippets here and there ... :)

Okay have to rush ... here's some links I found yesterday on Burdock Root ...

Love & light
JM.
To Just Me! -- Rianne (age 35) UK, 16:25:10 03/24/00 Fri
Jasmine just posted on the Roacc. board and said she can't get through to post here! I've put her mind at rest Just Me! Love to you both! Rianne.
To Just Me!!! -- Rianne, 14:50:19 03/24/00 Fri
A big, big thank you!! I seem to have missed "the fire" somehow!! When I looked earlier I thought "WHAT????!!!" I didn't get chance to do much last night because I'd been for acupuncture & had lots of tasks awaiting me when I got in. Plus getting drenched - I think I mentioned that! Torrential rain AND thunder do not a happy bunny make!! Soooo, I kind of threw in a couple of messages and scooted. Then there is all this!!! Yikes!! Thanks for the new age stuff too Just Me. (did I ever tell you that Glastonbury High Street is my favourite place?!!) Anyway, lots of love & huge thanks!!!!! Rianne.
Sweet Rianne (smiles) and all who share here -- Just Me, 14:21:54 03/24/00 Fri
Hi Rianne (smiles)

Sweetie, don't worry ((hugs)) ... I was feeling the strain last nite from the "flaming" as it's called and as it was continuous and there was no let up, I felt at the time that it was completely out of order and uncalled for and didn't feel all the work I'd put here was appreciated if things were going to be 'trashed' etc. I have slept on things, spoken with Davie (and he pointed out some very valid positive points to me on this site etc etc) and have taken the appropriate steps to ensure that things don't get out of hand here and if that holds up, then the site will stay open. I need it as much as all of you and it's really good to see everyone interact and help each other in such a loving, caring manner :)

It's a new day and a new start and here's to looking forward instead of back at the past 24 hours and don't worry Rianne sweetie (smiles). It's all okay ... (((((( hugs )))))).

Love & Light,
Just Me
Just a quick hi! -- Rianne, 14:09:48 03/24/00 Fri
I've only got a few minutes to post so will have to be real quick. Just Me....what is this about closing the board??! This is so disappointing for me...just when I felt there was somewhere I could feel safe & was getting such great help. You are all such lovely friends and mean a lot to me. I had no-one to turn to before & really loved being part of this because you all understand so well what it is like and I didn't feel so alone. I have only just found the board! (my own fault I know!) My acne affects me so badly that I just don't know what to do. I can't take Roaccutane so sometimes feel really out on a limb. Gill's site is very good but a lot of the letters are about Roaccutane. Please, please keep the board open Just Me! I don't want to argue with anyone. When I first began posting on Gill's site (a long way back now) I used to get some replies that were very harsh but I understood that some people were under stress and I didn't retaliate. I felt that as we were all in the same situation, pretty well, we could stick together and help each other through. Maybe I depend TOO much on these sites really. If this board closes I can't see the point of bothering any more. I probably spend too much time on them anyway!!! You've all been so wonderful & I can't thank you enough for all the help and advice you've given. I'll copy some of the e-mail addresses and then maybe I will be able to have a chat that way. Thanks again and lots of love, lots of luck and lots of thanks. Rianne. (sorry, not a quick message in the end)
Approve Button -- Just Me, 14:04:36 03/24/00 Fri
DUHHH!! I keep forgetting to hit the Approve button! Hit Approve, Approve, Approve, button before it will post sweetie! (grins)! Remember, remember, remember!
Jasmine / cheque arrived in post :) -- Just Me, 14:01:27 03/24/00 Fri
AGE: 35
COUNTRY: UK

Hi all :-)

Quickie - Jasmine, your cheque arrived in the post today; along with your sweet note! Thx sweetie! Hope you're feeling better and that the NONO is slowly working its way through your spots .... yes it does take a long time to use especially when you have so many (yeah I know - I did that last year when I had a batch of like a dozen small ones and it took forever to work on each of them - ie 4 minutes a time at one spot with a dozen spots - there's not enough time in a day to use it 4 times a day! (grins)!

Rianne :) - posted a little taste of new age to give this Board some much needed light (smiles) for the moment and to cleanse the air of the past 24 hours.

Sending everyone much needed love and energy today :) Have to get back to work now ... :)

Just Me :)
Ten Keys to Happiness by Deepak Chopra -- Just Me, 01:34:48 03/24/00 Fri
Ten Keys to Happiness

In his best-selling book, Ageless Body, Timeless Mind, Chopra lights the path from further ahead, where disease and aging and the deterioration of our environment are no longer inevitable. Holding the light, he invites us to follow, to release the debilitating practices of judgement, attachment, and lack of care, and to enter a greater awareness of the wholeness of life.

Synthesizing these teachings into a list of ten keys, Dr. Chopra offers us a simple map of principles in Ageless Body, Timeless Mind.

1. Listen to your body's wisdom, which expresses itself through signals of comfort and discomfort. When choosing a certain behavior, ask your body, "How do you feel about this?" If your body sends a signal of physical or emotional distress, watch out. If your body sends a signal of comfort and eagerness, proceed.

2. Live in the present, for it is the only moment you have. Keep your attention on what is here and now; look, for the fullness in every moment. Accept what comes to you totally and completely so that you can appreciate it, learn from it, and then let it go. The present is as it should be. It reflects infinite laws of Nature that have brought you this exact thought, this exact physical response. This moment is as it is because the universe is as it is. Don't struggle against the infinite scheme of things; instead, be at one with it.

3. Take time to be silent, to meditate, to quiet the internal dialogue. In moments of silence, realize that you are recontacting your source of pure awareness. Pay attention to your inner life so that you can be guided by intuition rather than externally imposed interpretations of what is or isn't good for you.

4. Relinquish your need for external approval. You alone are the judge of your worth; and your goal is to discover infinite worth in yourself, no matter what anyone else thinks. There is great freedom in this realization.

5. When you find yourself reacting with anger or opposition to any person or circumstance, realize that you are only struggling with yourself. Putting up resistance is the response of defenses created by old hurts. When you relinquish this anger, you will be healing yourself and cooperating with the flow of the universe.

6. Know that the world "out there" reflects your reality "in here." The people you react to most strongly, whether with love or hate, are projections of your inner world. What you most hate is what you most deny in yourself. What you most love is what you most wish for in yourself. Use the mirror of relationships to guide your evolution. The goal is total self-knowledge. When you achieve that, what you most want will automatically be there, and what you most dislike will disappear.

7. Shed the burden of judgment--you will feel much lighter. Judgement imposes right and wrong on situations that just are. Everything can be understood and forgiven, but when you jugde, you cut off understanding and shut down the process of learning to love. In judging others, you reflect your lack of self-acceptance. Remember that every person you forgive adds to your self-love.

8. Don't contaminate your body with toxins, either food, drink, or toxic emotions. Your body is more than a life-support system. It is the vehicle that will carry you on the journey of your evolution. The health of every cell directly contributes to your state of well-being, because every cell is a point of awareness within the field of awareness that is you.

9. Replace fear-motivated behavior with love-motivated behavior. Fear is the product of memory, which dwells in the past. Remembering what hurt us before, we direct our energies toward making certain that an old hurt will not repeat itself. But trying to impose the past on the present will never wipe out the threat of being hurt. That happens only when you find the security of your own being, which is love. Motivate by the truth inside you, you can face any threat because your inner strength is invulnerable to fear.

10. Understand that the physical world is just a mirror of a deeper intelligence. Intelligence is the invisible organizer of all matter and energy, and since a portion of this intelligence resides in you, you share in the organizing power of the cosmos. Because you are inseparably linked to everything, you cannot afford to foul the planet's air and water. But at a deeper level, you cannot afford to live with a toxic mind, because every thought makes an impression on the whole field of intelligence. Living in balance and purity is the highest good for you and the Earth.

Secrets of Serenity by Deepak Chopra, M.D.

Inspirational thoughts excerpted from "Journey into Healing: Awakening the Wisdom Within You" by Deepak Chopra, M.D., published by Harmony Books.

These inspiring thoughts will help you find the place inside yourself where you can be at total peace. What you think and feel can influence your health.

  • When the mind is peaceful, inner energies wake up and work miracles for us -- without any conscious effort on our part.
  • The use of love is to heal. When it flows without effort from the depth of the self, love creates health.
  • Happiness radiates like the fragrance from a flower and draws all good things toward you.
  • Healthy people live neither in the past nor in the future. They live in the present, in the now, which gives the now a flavor of eternity because no shadows fall across it.
  • An intimate relationship is one that allows you to be yourself.
  • Accept what comes to you totally and completely so that you can appreciate it, learn from it and then let it go.
  • When life is full, it is only love, and when awareness if full, it brings only love. Every impulse of intelligence in our awareness starts its journey from the source of life as love.
  • Your mind gives you control, the ability to have any reaction you want.
  • Health is not just the absence of a disease. It's an inner joyfulness that should be ours all the time -- a state of positive well being.
  • Enchantment is our natural state.
  • Attend to your own inner health and well-being.
  • Allow your love to nourish yourself as well as others. Do not strain after the needs of life -- it is sufficient to be quietly alert and aware of them. In this way, life proceeds more naturally and effortlessly. Life is here to enjoy.

    LAW OF DETACHMENT

    In detachment lies the wisdom of uncertainty. . . in the wisdom of uncertainty lies the freedom from our past, from the known, which is the prison of past conditioning. And in our willingness to step into the unknown, the field of all possibilities, we surrender ourselves to the creative mind that orchestrates the dance of the universe.

    To put the Law of Detachment into effect, make a commitment to take the following steps:

    1. Today I will commit myself to detachment. I will allow myself and those around me the freedom to be as they are. I will not rigidly impose my idea of how things should be. I will not force solutions on problems, thereby creating new problems. I will participate in everything with detached involvement.

    2. Today I will factor in uncertainty as an essential ingredient of my experience. In my willingness to accept uncertainty, solutions will spontaneously emerge out of the problem, out of the confusion, disorder and chaos. The more uncertain things seem to be, the more secure I will feel, because uncertainty is my path to freedom. Through the wisdom of uncertainty, I will find my security.

    3. I will step into the field of all possibilities and anticipate the excitement that can occur when I remain open to an infinity of choices. When I step into the field of all possibilities, I will experience all the fun, adventure, magic and mystery of life.



    Spirit to Spirit @ http://www.sdaine.com/spirit/s-chopra.html

    Lighten Up (smiles) -- Just Me, 00:45:37 03/24/00 Fri
    AGE: 35
    COUNTRY: UK

    Heya again (smiles)

    It's not all as serious as it sounds. New Board, new slate and let's start anew ... and carry on as normal. The whole thing went AWOL completely unnecessarily and so out of hand. Nite and ((hugs)). JM :)
    Messages have gone into the archives -- Just Me, 00:21:29 03/24/00 Fri
    AGE: 35
    COUNTRY: UK

    Just to let everyone know that all the messages have gone into the archives (refer top right hand side of page) by default as the files reached over 200k.

    I came seconds close to shutting down the room permanently tonite as I will not stand for shoddy language or behaviour in this room unlike at Gill's site. Kailin's plea made me think twice and I'll reflect on this over the next few days.

    This is an adult mature site with people serious about finding a cure for acne and there is no blame, only differences of opinions. Shoddy language or behaviour will not be tolerated.

    Nite, JM.

    p/s to those who found the information on the site useful and would like to refer to them in future, I would suggest you go into the archives and save the pages onto your hard drive as if I shut the site down it will be permanent. Thanks for the journey and thanks to everyone for sharing. Remember, there is no blame and no competition. I haven't made a decision yet - it's 50/50 at the moment depending on the next few days. Be well :)*
    Hi -- Jasmine, 22:54:59 03/23/00 Thu
    Hi everyone.I'm sorry to see all the friction going on between everyone to do with the zinc issue.Please don't leave the board MARCUS as I would miss you.I do agree with Liz that you have put a lot of time and effort into helping Rianne and myself with information about supplements etc.You have also given me encouragement when I'm feeling so down about my skin.I don't really want to get involved with it all as I don't know how much zinc daily is recommended or safe.I think it is more the fault of all the different sites quoting different safe limits.It has made it all very confusing.I just think it has all got a bit out of hand and it is a shame for everyone to be rowing about it.
    KAITLIN.Hi.I hope you find the L'oreal foundation good if you decide to buy it.
    MARGARET.Thanks for the tip on where to buy the 'Hope in a jar'cream.I'll let you know if I buy it.
    RIANNE.Hi.I'm afraid my skin is no better yet but the main important thing about having been prescribed the antibiotics is I now have the all important word HOPE.I didn't really want to have to take antibiotics but the topicals were just not working and my skin is so bad I couldn't not have anything to help it.I agree that a natural cure would be much better but I can't live looking like this.I have been using the No-No gadget again today but it takes time as I have so many spots.I'm thinking of you too and fingers crossed that your skin stays calmer.I have got a spot on the bridge of my nose and it has made my left eye swollen.Last week it was a huge spot next to my nose and that made my right eye swollen.I can't leave spots like that which is another reason for the antibiotics.The pharmacist I spoke to today said that he had never heard of trimethoprim being used for acne.I must admit the leaflet says it is for urinary tract infections!Just my luck I've probably been given the wrong thing.Anybody else out there had trimethoprim and was it any good?
    JUST ME.Cheers for the info on what you clean your No-No with.Dettol seems like a good idea.I yet again rang Dermalux today as I had no reply from my very assertive e-mail last week!They do normally reply very quickly to me usually to tell me that I will have the bulbs soon so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt that the e-mail went walkies and see if they return my phone call from today.
    Anyway I think that is about it for tonight and speak to you all soon.love Jasminexx
    To Tracy -- Kaitlin-20-Canada, 21:31:06 03/23/00 Thu
    Tracy, the superfit makeup-do you use any cover up with it? And can you recommend any other cover ups by clinique that cover as well as the acne one?

    I tried using it today (the clinique acne control one) and it wouldn't even stay on my face. It literally went to little 'balls' and wiped right off, leaving me with no cover up for my red marks (which I think are actually starting to fade a tad!)

    Becoming quite a pain, I still haven't got the almay one Just Me recommended (they were all out at the store) and need something quick!

    Sorry for posting lots!
    To Everyone -- Kaitlin-20-Canada, 21:23:29 03/23/00 Thu
    Dear Marcus, I have found all of your information very educating, along with Davies (who said he was only stating facts on zinc), Just Me's and anyone else. Everyone is only stating what they know from reading, researching ect. I hope that this little "disagreement" thing does not cause anyone to leave because I have gained very valuable information from all of you.

    Sometimes messages are just misread (I do it quite often & take it to heart-I'm way to sensitive and overthink things) I am assuming Liz knows you and maybe she misread too, but from reading "on the outside" it seems like people are just being misunderstood, maybe not in the best mood or something, and I know that nobody was trying to discredit you.

    I hope you'll stay, I know lots of people would miss you, and I think is interesting how there is so much controversy (not on this board) but on all of the listed sites, and from different doctors ect on zinc dosages.

    Just Me has done an absolutely wonderful job with this board, and its got tons of info. Please stay and contribute!

    Kaitlin

    PS. I hope that noone misreads ANYTHING I have written here. I think you are all wonderful people!
    Didn't mean to post my message twice! Sorry! -- Rianne, 21:22:25 03/23/00 Thu

    Me again! -- Rianne, 21:20:38 03/23/00 Thu



    Sorry Kaitlin, I didn't acknowledge your post...thanks for asking how I was! Margaret, you're welcome...I'm just so glad you've joined us! By the way Margaret, if you don't mind me asking, how old are you & have you had acne very long? (Sorry if you've already told me once....my poor brain doesn't work well at times!!) Love to all. Rianne.
    Welcome to all new comers :) -- Just Me, 20:59:47 03/23/00 Thu
    AGE: 35
    COUNTRY: UK

    A quickie ... in my haste to get to my dinner earlier I omitted to say hello to the newcomers and hello to all others who are sharing today and visiting etc! Hello and Welcome! Hi Margaret - I read your post and thought you'd been here ages (grins)! Hi Ginger, Kaitlin, Rianne (raining there huh - I think it's okay here ... !:) - hi Jasmine ... and everyone else ....

    I'm going to post to my other site tonite which I haven't been at for a couple of days and it's neglected .... will try and come back and answer some posts - if I don't make it - have fun and buenos noches! :)*
    Me again! -- Rianne, 20:43:53 03/23/00 Thu



    Sorry Kaitlin, I didn't acknowledge your post...thanks for asking how I was! Margaret, you're welcome...I'm just so glad you've joined us! By the way Margaret, if you don't mind me asking, how old are you & have you had acne very long? (Sorry if you've already told me once....my poor brain doesn't work well at times!!) Love to all. Rianne.
    ME! Drenched from the rain!!! -- Rianne (age 35) UK, 20:35:11 03/23/00 Thu

    GINGER, I'm really pleased that your skin is getting better...that's great news! I've just looked at the Roacc. board and you asked about what time it was here when you wrote on the Roacc. site. Your time was 8.00 a.m. and your message time on the board was just after 2.00 p.m. Ah well....what's time between friends eh?!! I bought some burdock tincture today....they only had the dandelion and burdock tincture in the shop (I thought that only came as a drink!!!) so I got that! I'll begin taking it later. I've just got in so have a few tasks to do before I can settle down for the night. (and WHAT a night - torrential rain and a real storm blowing out there!!) My acne seems to be settling down a bit, a LITTLE bit, I'm just keeping my fingers crossed. I never build my hopes up now though....that way I don't get let down so much!!! JASMINE, I hope that you are doing okay & that you are seeing some improvement. We both seem to have had a really rough ride these last weeks. I'm thinking of you. KATY, thanks for the information on herpancine...I'll give that number a ring and try that! Thanks!!! Lots of love to you all, good luck and thanks again! Rianne.
    Washing the NONO Gadget -- Just Me, 20:05:03 03/23/00 Thu
    Hi Jasmine - re washing the NONO gadget, yeah, I got confused too with that surgical stuff they were talking about - so I used to clean it with warm water and soap if I remember rightly (the NONO official site says that too) though now I clean it with some dettol ie to disinfect it.

    Dinner almost lukewarm now ... (grins) ... gotta close - byee
    Ginger -- Kaitlin-20-Canada, 18:53:17 03/23/00 Thu
    Ginger: yes, I thought it was a very informative post. My Mum is a nurse, so I've done lots of research and she is very helpful with information as well. My doctor has told me all that stuff, and if I didn't get my blood tests done he wouldn't give me another months prescription!

    I've talked to about 2 people who's doctors just give them a full 4-6 month prescription off the start, then the person doesn't even have to go back for monthly blood tests, or anything! I'd be switching doctors.

    I think your post was very true and pointed out alot of things. Even though a lot of the people on this board aren't taking accutane, its good to know. You should post it on the yellow board. Kaitlin
    To Kaitlin: -- Ginger, 18:16:55 03/23/00 Thu
    Hi--just wanted to respond to your question--I was on accutane in 6-96, 40mg. twice daily for 5 mos.---then off for a two month rest period--back on same dose for another 5 mos. I had mild acne, with an occasional huge cyst on face. The cysts seemed to be getting worse. I also had oily skin. Since then, I have never had oily skin, never had another cyst, but in last month or two, started having mild acne return. It will be three weeks on accutane tomorrow. It's been breaking out in T-zone, minus the forehead. Small ones. Today looks much better--glad to hear that you are doing so well. Did you read my post about accutane accuracy? Just wondering...did your doc tell you all that stuff? Cya.
    Hope in a Jar -- Margaret, 17:17:33 03/23/00 Thu
    To Jasmine - Someone here at my office ordered the Hope in a Jar for me from Nordstroms department store but you can get it from the web at beauty sites like www.eve.com and www.beautyscene.com. I really like it so far and it does seem to be helping. It's true about finding the right beauty regime and sticking to it. I think that is why my skin was getting a little crazy for a while. When you go on accutane and your skin is suddenly so clear sometimes you make the mistake of thinking that you can be a "normal person" again and use everyday junk on your skin. That's what I had started doing and it was bad news. Now I use Neutragena Deep Clean morning and night. In the daytime I use the Hope in a Jar and have stopped putting makeup on my face(just concealler on any little spot). At night I alternate between retin-a microgel and glycolic acid from skinbio.com. I did make an appointment to see my derm this Monday so I will let you know how that goes. Also I do not drink, or smoke or anything and my diet is pretty good(low fat, fruits and veggies) and I do take supplements.
    For Rianne - Big THANK YOU for introducing me to this site. I love it! Just me THANKS to you too! This is great.
    Talk to you all soon! Margaret
    Hey! -- Kaitlin-20-Canada, 16:50:58 03/23/00 Thu
    Just Me, Marcus, Davie, and anyone else who replied re:zinc: thanks for more info., opinions, links, ect. I think I'm am going to break my 50mg tablets in half until I see my doctor next week, then I will ask him what he thinks. If they make them in such high doses, there is obviously a reason, depending on conditions, maybe even weight, I don't know, but until then I'll be safe. So thanks everyone.

    Ginger: I've been on accutane for 2months, 3 weeks. My skin is great-no acne, just loads of red marks on both my cheeks which will fade in time, but always looking for ways to make them disappear faster. How about you, how long on accutane, how is your skin, ect??

    Jasmine: yes, we've got that makeup here. Glad to know there are other ghastly white people other than me. And thanks for the applying tips. Never thought of trying that with foundation, always used cover up as well. How is your skin doing? Improving I hope...

    Tracy: thanks for the info on clinique also. I find that my makeup gets that pinky look as well. It seems when you buy the lightest colors, they look pink and horrible half way through the day. Hopefully the neutral will work for me too. I'll have lots of foundation on hand, between my clinqiue and loreal suggested by Jasmine. I'll be staying home all the time trying on my new makeup!!

    Rianne: hope your skin is doing better too!

    Hope everyone has a wonderful day!!!!!!!!
    :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)
    ZINC -- Davie, 16:26:42 03/23/00 Thu
    AGE: 31
    COUNTRY: UK
    HI ALL,
    I see that ZINC DOSAGE LIMITS(OH NO) have raised their ugly head again. I guess I was partly responsible previously for "PUTTING THE CAT AMONG THE PIGEONS" with this one. Most of you will have read the previous debates on this and by now will probably have made up your own mind. However for those of you new to the board considering Zinc supplementation, these comments are no doubt confusing. I am of course referring to the daily dosages of 100-300mg recommended by some. I do not wish to recommend anything to you, simply present you with the facts and let you make up your own mind. I am not a medical professional and do not profess to be one. My background however is ten years lifting weights and studying bodybuilding nutrition, reading training manuals and mixing with people who nutritionally know what they are talking about. The following are FACTS: -



    1) Most nutritional experts say that there is no need for a normal person to take vitamin or mineral supplements. Vitamins/minerals should be acquired from natural sources.

    2) Bodybuilders take vitamin/mineral supplements because of the stresses they put their bodies through and to supersaturate their systems. If a reaction starts to take place in their bodies i.e. protein synthesis then there will always be enough Vitamins/minerals to act as catalysts.

    3) The upper safe limit for daily supplementation in the UK is 15mg ELEMANTAL ZINC ,exceeding this dose other than on a doctors/medical advice is not recommended.

    4) This limit is not set by one manufacturer. It is set by a board comprising of medical, nutritional and industry experts and adhered to by reputable manufacturers.

    5)The RDA for the UK is also 15mg.

    6)All of the following contain varying amounts of natural Zinc: -Poultry, Meat, Fish(especially oysters, clams and crabmeat), Eggs, Cereal and Cheese.

    7) Elemental Zinc makes up the dosage, not zinc + the chelate. This may be why some manufacturers capsules dosages in mg well exceeds this limit.

    8) Supplemented zinc should be combined with a small amount of copper.

    9) Zinc and Iron may compete for absorption and hence supplements should be taken at different time of the day.

    I’m on 15mg a day, DECIDE FOR YOURSELF!!!.

    For some good basic info on nutrition try http://www.nutrition.org.uk/.

    JUST ME: - SO sorry for getting on my high horse on your board. Outbreak gone as quick as it appeared. Thanks for the replies

    I’M OUTA HERE

    DAVIE
    Zinc - 15mg or 100mg -- Just Me, 15:58:48 03/23/00 Thu
    One of my last words on the subject of Zinc dosages is that everyone has most all the site links here, ie the high dosages and the low dosages, to make up their own choices as to which to go. I am into healthy living, and not polluting my body or overdosing on anything and hence the safety margin and will not personally recommend any antibiotics or Pill eg Dianette because I know from experience that they have side effects. My vision of this site is for alternative treatments for acne instead of antibiotics and stuff as they only serve to supress acne. Yes, antibiotics work and so does Dianette for most though not all people though they do have side effects. I know a lot of people out there have really bad acne and are desperate and will go to any lengths and take anything just to have clear skin ... I cringe when I read it ... cos I'm into healthy living .... I like to think I have an open mind and will let anything be shared in the interests of knowledge etc though no pushing and stating as fact that something is okay when there is an element of doubt.

    Have to go now ... later
    Zinc Safety -- Just Me, 15:39:16 03/23/00 Thu
    Age: 35
    Country: UK

    Hi all :) - the site was down again most of the morning and afternoon.

    This is a quickie post to Marcus ... thx for posting the sites regards zinc dosages. I have posted a few weeks ago zinc sites that recommend high limits (scroll down) for people to make up their own minds. Yes, this is an acne support group site yes, for people to share their experiences and what has worked for them and what hasn't. I am not prepared to put people's health or lives (if applicable) at risk by recommending something that may be toxic to them and hence safety first. As my statement says at the top, take what feels right and let the rest go. I'm all for health and safety first and unless a doctor or physician confirms that 100mg is safe for people to take will I personally recommend that people go for it. Yes, everyone can check out the site links and make up their own minds but please do refrain from implying as fact that as you are personally taking 100mg that it is safe for everyone to take. Just because you personally do not see or feel any side effects, please do not suggest to people that this means that it is safe.

    Marcus, I do understand where you are coming from and know that you want everyone to be free from acne, and so do all of us here in the room, however sweetie, my personal opinion is safety first again, having lived longer than you and knowing that side effects take a while to show up. Everyone has free will and at the end of the day it's their free choice. As I've stated before and will continue to do so, when in doubt, please consult your doctor..

    Marcus it sounds like you are seeking for the higher dosage sites because that is what you want to see and confirm (and I understand why you are doing it) and overlooking the sites that give the warning signs - have you even looked at the zinc sites I mentioned below ie with the warning signs? And yes, I have checked the zinc sites that I recommended out and they do relate to acne and not just to general health.

    Thanks again for posting regards the zinc sites and the other information you found on it.

    Later, JM :)
    Accuracy about Accutane -- Ginger--Female--39--USA, 15:34:30 03/23/00 Thu
    Accurate info. regarding Accutane!!!

    I think that there's a lot of inaccurate info. floating around about accutane. I wanted to go over some things in an attempt to clear up some misconceptions. I happen to have a very patient doctor--and his nurse, that take lots of time to answer any and all of my ?'s. 1. In the USA--we have what we call the FDA-that regulates what drugs are considered safe, and what is ever going to make it to the consumer. It takes 10 yrs. MINIMUM--for any drug to be tested...period! 2. Accutane has been on the market here, for 20 years--well long enough time to be able to document long term affects. There hasn't been any. 3. My doctor's office has NEVER seen ONE SINGLE CASE of liver problems of patients on accutane. 4. Accutane is a vitamin A derivative, but that DOES NOT MEAN THAT YOU ARE OVERDOSING ON IT!!! That is why a good doc is going to closely monitor (monthly)your liver, and with that of course, your cholesterol & triglyceride levels is what they are looking for. If your doctor is not doing this...THEN, BE CONCERNED!!!5. Accutane works by shrinking the size of your sebaceous glands, thus diminishing the production of oil. That oil goes into your liver, thus the concern for watching your liver and cholesterol, triglycerides. 6. Regarding depression--there's nothing been proven to be connected to accutane. The highest percentage of people on accutane is teenagers. Let's face it, there is more depression with that age group, social peer pressure, identity pressures, hormone changes, etc. Can we pin that on accutane? And the bottom line is that as acne sufferers, isn't there a lot of depression that just goes along with this dreaded stuff!!!

    I hope that this clears up some misconceptions about accutane for some. We need to be careful what kind of info. we give out. Many are making choices that depend on it.
    Zinc facts -- marcus, 02:48:27 03/23/00 Thu
    Hi, I've just been doing a little research on zinc & effects of overdosing, to put everyone's mind at rest!

    Excessive intake and toxicity symptoms.
    1. Vomiting and intestinal irritation
    2. May impair copper status
    3. Impairment of immune response

    I can safely say I haven't had 1 or 3, as for the copper I take copper supplements!
    Zinc also helps to protect the liver from damage,
    so it would seem to be an excellent idea for anyone taking accutane!!
    SITE 2
    http://www.realtime.net/anr/anrrda.html


    Zinc: This element is important in wound healing. It also functions as an antioxidant, it is helpful in the treatment of acne, It hastens healing of the peptic ulcer disease and burns. The recommended dose is 100mg per day. Chelated zinc will not cause the gastrointestinal distress the inorganic zinc will. Therefore, request a chelated zinc rather than zinc sulfate

    SITE 3

    http://www.jevelle.com/acne_skin_care_alternative.html

    . Increase the amount of zinc in your diet by eating whole grain breads and cereals, fish, free range poultry, and a supplement of, zinc gluconate 30 to 80 mg daily. Aids in healing of tissue and helps to prevent scarring.

    SITE 4

    http://www.absoluteacneinfo.com/zinc.html


    I could post around fifteen other sites but I feel I've made my point! Just me, is it possible that the sites youve been to are for general health? If so the body doesn't need more than 15mg daily, an increased amount of around 50 to 100mg is only needed when tackling a specific problem like acne!!!!
    I realise you may still not agree but I would ask you to keep an opened mind as the facts are difficult to ignore!
    At least 50mg to 100mg is needed to affect acne, we should be incouraging this after all this is an acne site!
    P.S I think H.g said 100mg was fine & he seems to know his stuff!
    Please don't freak out at these last two posts, I just think people should be aware of both sides so they can make an informed decision!!!!!!
    Hey! -- Ginger, female 39 USA, 02:45:27 03/23/00 Thu
    Oh good grief!!!! :( I had a nice long post ready to send, and my finger spazzed out and hit the clear button!!!!!Here I go again for a 2nd time, UGH!!! Computers, got this love/hate relationship goin'

    Rianne, had a long note for you--just got shortened--thanks for words of encouragment--hope that your skin semi-cooperates (complete cooperation would be good too!)with you! Oh yes, I definately can relate to you 100% about the efforts and TIME we put into our skin. AND $$$$$$$$$!!!! I don't like spending this amount of time on anything! Seems like a waste doesn't it? And yet, what choice do we have? I have gotten totally stressed over major events too, and just wondering/worrying about the skin--is it going to go nuts?!?! It's a real drain, isn't it? This am. I couldn't believe all the tiny spots, in a relatively small portion of my face! Unlike anything I would have had pre-accutane too! I used the Amino ALoe Lotion, and the Reconstruction Creme 3-4 times today, and tonight, I'm happy to report that almost all of those little suckers are flat, and just red, but no puss. HALL--LE--LU--JAH!!!

    Kaitlin: thanks for your kindly encouragment! Welcome, too! How long since you were on accutane? How's the skin now?

    By now, I'm forgetting who else I was going to address (as this is now 30 min. later than when I started the 1st post!)
    Think I'm also going through mental-pause--that's kinda like menopause, only worse. :)

    Hey Davie, Marcus, Just Me, Jasmine! Welcome Margaret, Katy!!!

    Couple of comments: Marcus, I have, in my cupboard, a bottle of 100mg. zinc. Now, I don't want to cause a problem Just Me, just want to comment on my personal info. Every book I've read, says 100mg. max. My vitamin book says 100mg. max. Doctor I went to a couple of years ago, said 100mg. max. I personally right now, am breaking mine in half--don't think I need that much while on accutane.


    Regarding Garlic--It's a great herb for general well-being. It's an anti-bacterial, anti-biotic, anti-fungal, and anti-viral!! How's that for anti's??? It's actually recommended in my herb book for acne. I think it has SOME vitamin A in it--so I have to steer clear of it while on accutane.

    Regarding Oregon Grape Root--check this out! "Unlike any other herb know, 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." My book highly recommends it for acne. I've been taking it now for a couple of weeks.

    Guess I should close for now--this is a short book! Hope this may be helpful to someone!
    zinc -- marcus, 00:44:41 03/23/00 Thu
    Just-me. I think you misunderstood my last post. The zinc capsules, as well as all the other vitamins in the same brochure are made by a company called Goldshield, which is a big pharmaceuticals company based in the UK. They manufacture and develop medicines, vitamins and supplements specifically for mail order. Being a company of this kind don’t you think they would have had to research things like that? Also I’m sure they have to follow certain guide lines and that there are plenty of organizations that regulate this area. If this was the case and they are selling potentially dangerous dosages surely they would have been sued and put out of business by now! I just think it would be a real shame to put desperate people off something that could make a real difference! With regards to damage to liver most people on these sites have, are, or are going to take accutane, which in essence is an overdose of vitamin A, very bad for the liver if I’m not mistaken! To be honest if I am doing myself damage with the zinc (which I’m now 100% positive that I’m not!!) It’s not half as much damage as I was doing to myself before when my acne was really bad; I have numerous scars on my wrists to prove it!!!
    My personal instincts would be to follow the advice of Absolute acne web site that recommend dosages of supplements to combat acne! Maybe mussel mag recommends 15mg max because this reflects the max your mussels need! One thing for sure we don’t agree on this issue & perhaps we should agree to disagree!
    Rianne, did you manage to find any advice on this issue!
    Herpanacine -- Katy (UK age 32), 00:16:40 03/23/00 Thu
    Rianne - this is where I got Herpanacine: Healthiskin Skincare Advisory Service, 135 Lower Richmond Road, London SW15, 0181 785 0015. My GP, of all people, told me about this place (fellow sufferer!). It is run by a man called Stan Sutton (or at least was 1 yr ago) who suffered from acne for many years and has managed to beat it somehow using natural/alternative methods, so there might be something in it! The consultation is free,although you do feel pressured to buy their products, but having said that they are willing to give lots of sympathetic phone advice. They can send you bumph on all the stuff they stock like herpanacine and Dermalogica skincare products. As I said before, Stan thought that because of the pattern of my acne, I had a colon imbalance, so the treatment he prescribed was geared towards that (although I have to say I've always felt my colon is pretty healthy!). I can't remember what exactly is in herpanacine, it includes various amino acids and echinacea, I think. It didn't work for me in the end but that could have been for a variety of reasons, including impatience and scepticism!! I'd like to know what you think!! Love Katy
    Hi -- Jasmine, 00:13:48 03/23/00 Thu
    Hi all.This site is getting busier all the time.Hi RIANNE and MARCUS.Glad to see your back and hope you are O.K after your personal troubles.JUST ME what do you clean your No-No gadget with?I noticed it says use a sterile alcohol pre-pad(70% isopropyl)to wipe the lamp.What is that?Do you bother or just wash it with a bit of soap and water.I used it twice today on just the major spots which are about 14 so it all took ages but I will persevere with it and keep you posted.Tomorrow I will start doing 3 times a day.I can't do it on all the spots as there isn't enough hours in the day!!My stomach has been a bit upset today from the antibiotics but I read that this can happen until your stomach gets used to them so I will persevere and hope the extra sickness wears off.I have got an acne book written by Dr.Tony Chu who is meant to be a really good dermatologist and in it he says never just stop taking antibiotics suddenly.You should gradually reduce the dose if you are going to stop them otherwise the acne comes back with avengence.It makes sense if you think about it because the antibiotics are killing the bacteria so I suppose if you just stop the bacteria goes mad.I think that might have contributed as to why my skin suddenly got so bad after I stopped using the Benzamycin gel.Even though it was only a topical solution it still was an antibiotic and since about the age of 17 I have always had some antibiotic on my face.When I stopped the Benzamycin gel I just went straight onto Ketsugo so it was a sudden stop.Only a theory.Another thing in his book which I thought might be of benefit is that he says 'In all patients being treated by antibiotics for acne,an agent that will kill bacteria but to which there is no resistance should be used periodically-that is once a week or every two weeks.One agent usually recommended is benzoyl peroxide."This is to help you not become resistant to the antibiotic so soon.I think it's worth a try because it is not going to make your face sore or dry or anything just putting some Benzoyl peroxide on your face once a week.He also says to use salicylic acid preparations like face wash etc because that helps with the blackheads while the antibiotics help with the inflamed spots.I noticed MARGARET that you said you use "Hope in a Jar"by Philosophy and that has salicylic acid in it.Do you know what percent it has in it and could you tell me where you buy Philosophy products from?Thanks I'd be grateful.I'm in the U.K.If anyone knows about salicylic face washes etc I'd be interested.KAITLIN thanks for telling me your washing regime.It is so hard deciding what to use and then sticking to it.All the stuff I have just splashed out on is for skin that is using drying topical solutions and now the derm has taken me off that I need a whole new regime.At the end of the day I don't even know if it makes much difference.I use L'Oreal Hydra Perfecte Protective Hydrating make-up foundation in pale ivory.It is the only foundation I have ever found that is pale enough and I am the most pale peron I know.I don't know if you can get it in Canada and of course it is the all important non-comedogenic.Quite a good tip for covering the red marks is to put the foundation all over the area and after do a thin dot of foundation on each red mark,let it dry a little bit but not totally only takes a few seconds and then with your little finger gently dab it till it looks blended.Of course it doesn't work on spots that are massive with scabs on them but it is good for covering the red marks.Anyway my posts are always so long.Hope I haven't bored you all.Hi GINGER.Time for bed love Jasminexx
    CLINIQUE -- Tracy, 00:01:32 03/23/00 Thu
    Kaitlin, the foundation I now use is called "Super Fit" and it is the lightest color that it comes in that I use. I always have to tell them NEUTRAL!! I NEED NEUTRAL COLORS!! Because they are always putting pink tints on me. I will look at the color and hopefully it will be the right one for you too. Yes, try a green stick under and maybe even over your foundation. Just be sure what is in it. I have used one before that made my face worse but it had oil in it. dugh....my fault. Gotta run tonight but I hope everyone is doing well. I will chat tomorrow if possible. I really need a home PC. Tracy
    Marcus -- Just Me, 23:36:10 03/22/00 Wed
    p/s Marcus, don't freak out now on my post response to you re Zinc ... I'm just being a bit of a mother hen here tonite (grins)! Be safe, not sorry (smiles). Nite! (\ô/)
    Forgot to hit the Approve Button!! -- Just Me, 23:30:39 03/22/00 Wed
    Age: 35
    Country: UK

    DUH!! I forgot to hit the approve button on my post which took ages to write and I almost freaked out (fits of laughter here!) Hit Approve, Approve, Approve before it will post! (grins)!

    Davie, I'm still in awe if it's really your first time with html ! I've taught so many people over the years and everyone always messes up and you did it all by yourself with no help and just folloiwng guidelines! Okay then you must be one of those gifted extremely computer literate people! Either that or the rest of us are duhhh slow coaches at catching on with our trial and error periods!

    Anyway, gotta get to bed! Nite! :)
    Supplements, zinc, and various responses -- Just Me, 23:25:49 03/22/00 Wed
    Hi all :) --- wow, awesome, ie the posts that are coming through now! Hard to keep up! It's great guys to see you all out there for each other! :)

    JASMINE: - Yes, I'll let you know when I receive the cheque :). Yes, Jasmine - way to go on seeing the main man! Pat on the back :) Hope all goes well with the new creams you are using. Are you taking any homeopathy or supplements? I forget! What about your eating habits? (grins)! It all helps the immune system which we already know is weak as our skins are slow to heal! I know when I get cuts etc it takes ages to heal though now my skin is healing faster (I think I may have already said that last nite ? Duh!! I'm getting punchy cos I'm tired ... been doing some programming and asking for support from the Voy Forum Board and it's time consuming ... !!

    TRACY - hi! Yes, I know all about the painful acne and spots! Ouch! And the lotions we use make it hurt even more and then the skin cracks open! Ouch even more!

    MARCUS: - hi - good to see you back with us :). Re Burdock - I'll post my supplements again etc over the weekend okay including dosage as they're downstairs ... actually wait - it's only one pack so I'll just go get it ..... I buy Good N' Natural from Holland and Barratt at 425mg and just follow the guidelines at the back, ie taking 1 or 2 capsules 2-3 times daily though I usually only take 2 at night though started out taking 2 tablets twice a day, so that's 425mg x 4. I haven't checked out the dosages on the Burdock Root sites yet.... not sure if they have any. MotherNature.com is a good place to look ... I'm not going to do it now as I'll be here forever if I do :)! Over the weekend okay :)

    Re Zinc, don't worry about bringing it up again - it's healthy to discuss especially an issue so important. I don't know whether anyone regularises or checkes what Kleeneze sells and I'm sure they don't check about dosages as they just want to sell goods etc ... and are not really looking out for the individual. My personal instinct would be to follow what the major sites say eg Muscle Mag (as they are way into looking after people's interests and have been going for years - I bought all their mags years ago) and their advice is sound. I'm sure they take their research seriously and that Kleeneze don't do any research at all - but I know what you mean about that if it was dangerous they wouldn't sell it etc ... I guess there are no government guidelines perhaps in the UK to check things out ..I don't know ... Put it this way, you've heard the pros and cons and decided to stick to 100mg despite the safety warnings etc. Let's hope you're okay and that nothing happens cos you know that if anything does happen to you, you're gonna kick yourself and think, hey I heard all the warnings now why on earth did I go ahead and do it, thinking it'll never happen to me? And what if something happens to you that is irreversible? Ie liver damage? Do you think the risk is worth it? At the end of the day the decision is obviously everyone's personal choice. The safety precautions have been advised by most sites and you're the only one controlling what goes into your body. Just be careful.

    For everyone that's new, do read the links below on Zinc and the levels and note that the safety limit is 15mg per day with 1mg of copper per 10mg (that's right Davie?) - any levels higher than that are considered to be toxic - refer to the links for further information. When in doubt, please always consult your doctor. Do not take your health lightly cos it just takes one slip up and you're damaged for life. Marcus for what it's worth, you say you feel no side effects - but what if it's eating away inside you and building up into something big? Do you know for sure that it's not? Just like cancer - people don't know they have it till it jumps up at them and it's been building up all those years ... ! Food for thought! (smiles)! Again, take care and be safe, not sorry!

    JULES - hi! Yes I agree that exercise is great and a definite yes for fitness and health! I believe the article I read in the health magazine was one of those survey things ie where it stated something like "... survey showed that those who practiced outdoor activities eg mountain climbing etc and were exposed to the weather and dirt and stuff had acne ..." and don't think it meant to say that exercise brought on acne - it was the combination of dirt, sun, sweat. I wonder whether body building has anything to do with inducing androgen ie that which brings on acne? Hmmm. .... read the other day that men with acne are prone to baldness (sorrie guys!) ... it's in one of the links I found and maybe shared here ... maybe not ... if I find it I'll post it again ... Thanks Jules! :)

    RIANNE - hi! Re an "abridged version" of what I take now ... I'll post that this weekend okay as I'll have to bring my supplies upstairs and make notes etc (chuckles)!, and at the same time I'll try and find out the safety limits etc if applicable ..! Tea I was drinking tonite was Green Tea with Kombucha as mentioned in my tea post the other night (delicious!) :) Rianne, re
    Burdock, yes you just buy it from Holland and Barratt and away you go .. follow the instructions. It's a herb and from what I've read so far, non toxic etc. Refer post to Marcus re dosage etc. There are also links below on Burdock ... hope you're able to get some sleep tonite - there's nothing worse than tossing and turning .... still at least you had the board and the links and hope
    (smiles) for a cure soon!!

    DAVIE - hi ... re detoxing from fast foods to organic foods .... I did it gradually ... started around the Christmas time or just before. I can't remember if I particularly broke out though did check my calendar and saw that at the beginning of Feb I had one acne on cheek, but it went really fast and the weeks before that as well I had an odd acne but they were going fast instead
    of staying long. I would think it's normal for the skin to flush out the toxins etc so you probably would outbreak - ie it makes sense. I wish I could remember ... sorrie! It'll pass - promise! Hope it's not bad and that it's only spots and not acne. When you get a chance, I'd be interested in what your eating habits are ie what foods you eat etc! :) Talking of food I owe you
    feedback on some - coming up this weekend - promise! :)

    GINGER - hello and welcome! It's good to have you here with and sharing your experiences!

    KAITLIN - hi! Hope you're doing okay :)

    KATHY P - hello and welcome!

    MARGARET - hello and welcome!

    If I've forgotten anyone - I apologise - I've tried to cover everyone! I've kept some short - I've spent over an hour writing this - yikes where does the time go! I gotta go get ready for bed now - so much for cooking lunch for tomorrow as it's gone 11pm! Never mind ... :)

    Till later, Nite from London!
    Just Me
    FOR ALL -- DAVIE, 23:17:41 03/22/00 Wed
    AGE: 31
    COUNTRY: UK
    Hi All,
    Rianne: Gosh such a long time with this awful condition. Eleven that's young, I was about thirteen or fourteen when my dark cloud appeared. It's been a hard old life but hey we're survivors, one day we will all come out of this stronger people. TRAINING: -Yes my one get out in life. As you've probably seen me posting it's part of a whole big picture, good diet(now organic), detox vits,no caffeine,no alcohol(Bummer),plenty of water, etc, etc. Built all this up through time and yes I do miss a pint with my pals(I still sometimes go but the jokes don't quite seem so funny). Keeping yourself fit is important,walking swimming etc, but sweating your but off at the gym everyday I think, can periodically agrevate acne.

    BURDOCK: -Meant to purify the blood, try http://www.egregore.com/herb/acne.htm. Can't find much on dosages, I tried Mother Nature.com but wasn't convinced. I'm just following the instructions on the package(Using Solgar).

    JUST ME: -HTML it's alot easier than acne!! Thanks for providing us thicko's with the link's.

    Sweet dreams
    SEEYA.
    Not my fault -- marcus, 23:12:34 03/22/00 Wed
    Sorry my girlfriend replied to that last message for me & got it wrong! I'm taking 75mg I was thinking about cutting back to 50mg but decided against it! (I forgot to tell my girlfriend that I didn't cut back!!!!)
    Zinc dosage -- marcus, 23:04:31 03/22/00 Wed
    Kaitlin Hi, I take 50mg at the moment I was taking 75mg but decided to cut down a little after recent info on this site, I think I'll go back up but not sure yet!
    Sorry! -- Kaitlin, 22:48:54 03/22/00 Wed
    Don't know what I did there. Tried to paste in the thing-guess I did it wrong. If I've screwed anything up don't hate me!!! Won't try that one again. :)
    How much Zinc? <B>Age:</B> 20 <B> Country:</B> Canada -- Kaitlin, 22:47:09 03/22/00 Wed
    Marcus: How much zinc to you take every day? Can't seem to remember.

    Goodbye for the day everyone! Kaitlin
    A new twist to the zinc debate -- marcus, 22:18:47 03/22/00 Wed
    Regarding the recent controversy over zinc, I was just flicking through a home shopping leaflet (Kleeneze) & in its supplement section it has 100mg zinc tabs! Surely a reputable company wouldn’t be even be able to sell it in this high dose if it was as dangerous & toxic as some sites would have us believe???? On top of that it’s pure, not even formulated with copper!! I know there are conflicting reports on this issue (as this site has shown) but surely if it isn’t safe to take this higher dose the company wouldn’t be licensed to manufacture it? Personally I haven’t cut down on my intake, I was thinking about it but decided against it, besides I’ve been taking it for almost a year now & have suffered no ill effect! I was very loathed to bring this subject up again as so many people had expressed concern, but after reading the leaflet decided it might be worth a mention as I’m sure other people could benefit from it too!!!! One thing’s for sure, it’s very confusing!!!
    Rianne, It’s good to be back! I read that you’ve been getting lax in taking your supplements (tut,tut) although I know how disconcerting (I must be on one tonight, coming out with all the big words) it can be when you don’t see results right away!
    Any how, the recent research I‘ve been doing should help all the impatient people out there, Rianne (joke) The D.H.T theory was always going to be a long slog while we waited for the herbs to get round our systems & work their mojo! So I thought there must be something we can put on topically that can reduce D.H.T! After a little research I came across Nizoral shampoo, which is used by people at the hair site to reduce D.H.T around their follicles!! Also it is recommended by doctors on numerous sites for a condition called folliculitus (not sure that’s spelt right), which is extremely similar to acne!
    I think it would be worth washing your face with this once a day! Very important, buy Nizoral & not Nizorelle, the latter is a weaker solution!
    Tess, I added a .net to your e-mail address and it wasn’t returned so I hope you got it!!
    Rianne, I was going to suggest warm milk with honey for your insomnia but then I remembered that you’re probably trying to avoid milk like me!
    For Margaret -- Rianne, 21:42:56 03/22/00 Wed

    It is a bit like ping-pong Margaret I agree! It's just that I wasn't sure whether you knew about this site. It's great that you have joined us!! A big welcome! They're all sooooo lovely here aren't they? Hi Just Me! What kind of herbal tea have you got?! Lots of love to you all and a huge thank you too! Rianne.
    For Katy -- Rianne, 21:32:13 03/22/00 Wed
    Thanks Katy! Yes, I'd really appreciate it if you would let me know where you got the herpancine from. Love Rianne.
    Age & Country -- Just Me, 21:31:29 03/22/00 Wed
    Age: 35
    Country: UK

    Hi all :)

    Whew! This room is buzzzing! (grins)! Rianne, I have been working on your suggestion regards everyone's age and country which I think is a great idea. Having thought of various things, I finally decided on a simple html text at the bottom of the page for everyone to copy and paste into their message box before they wrote their post! I trust it should work fine! I have some control as owner of the Board though no control yet over what goes in those little boxes in the message box :) - I may well make a suggestion to the Forum designers for the next version of the Forum!

    Davie I am way impressed with your html and especially if this is your first time! It took me yonks to get to grips with posting a live link and if this is your first time, by jove, I've just fallen off my chair!!! Most people 'mess up' for a while and even the pros mess up (as you can tell from Gill's board (chuckles) and hey, what can I say - well done and bravo!

    To everyone new Welcome to the support group! I'm thrilled that people are touching base and helping each other in their search for a cure for acne and as Davie says, a problem shared is a problem halved (or something like that (grins)! .... I'm off to make some herbal tea, then will be back to answer some posts! :) JM
    Herpanacine -- Margaret, 21:29:57 03/22/00 Wed
    Hey Rianne - I just read your message on the other site(it's like ping pong here :)! The herpanacine has vitamins and some minerals in it. I do not have the bottle - I threw it out when I transferred the remaining pills into a weekly pill box so I would remember to take my vitamins)!! I need more and am going to the health store this weekend to get some. I will let you know what is in it then. I use those clean and clear oil absorbing wipes and let me tell you that by the time I am through with one it is completely clear! I hate this!! What about taking doxycycline(SP)? It is a form of the tetracyclines? I think I took that after minocine. Or maybe Cleocin or Clyndamyocin. My spelling of these medications is horrible as it has been a while since I have taken any. Maybe you could ask about those. Good luck and I will find out about the herpanacine ASAP!
    Later - Margaret
    Great Site -- Margaret, 21:00:26 03/22/00 Wed
    What a great, mature and calming site! Thanks Rianne for posting the address on the Roaccutane site. Rianne - I did poste something for you today(3/22/00) on the other site about antibiotics. Let me know what you think. Good luck to everyone with their individual treatments. Here's hoping that we all find something that works. I have been on 2 courses of accutane. The last ending in June of 1999. My skin now has returned to being oily and is breaking out in very tiny spots. I've been using retin-a microgel since and alternate it with some creams from skinbio.com. In the day I use philosophy's "Hope in a Jar" oil free moisturizer with salycillic acid. I have only been using that for two days now and it seems pretty good so far. I'll keep you posted on it and life after accutane (will there be another course?) Only time will tell!! Also - I take a multivitamin(vitamins only - I am afraid of taking supplements with minerals added because of the iodine), zinc,copper,magnesium,calcium, herpanacine and I have burdock and a slew of other stuff at home which I am thinking of starting up again. I'll let you guys know.
    Good luck to everyone and I'll talk to you soon.
    Bye - Margaret
    Forgot to say.. -- Katy P, 20:13:51 03/22/00 Wed
    Live in London. Age 32.
    Herpanacine (sp?) -- Katy P., 20:07:39 03/22/00 Wed
    Rianne - that's really weird, I just posted a message about herpanicine/herpanacine last night. I haven't seen it mentioned anywhere else. I tried it about a year ago. I could give you the name and number of the place I got it. I think it has various sorts of amino acids in it (lysine?) and other stuff. Everything is worth a try.
    Me AGAIN!! -- Rianne, 19:59:55 03/22/00 Wed
    A lady called Margaret has just kindly posted me a message on the Roacc. board and mentioned something called herpancine. Anyone had any experience of herpancine? I'll look through the archives here and see if there is something about it. Love Rianne.
    Just an update! -- Rianne (age 35 - UK), 19:37:48 03/22/00 Wed
    Ginger, sorry you're having a rotten time at the moment. (hugs!!) Isn't it just awful when you have acne in your 30's??? I've had this since I was 11 years old - so, 24 years in all. A long long time. I hate it, hate it!!!! It's this thing about having to be preoccupied with your skin all the time. I TRY to get on with my life & forget about it but - no chance! It stares me in the mirror daily!!! I am always worried if I have a special social event coming up & thinking please, please skin don't break out too badly for me. I mean, I can organise what I'm going to wear, my hair, my make-up but I feel I have no control over what my skin will do. If my face is full of huge, red spots it hardly matters what I'm wearing does it?!!! I try not to let it beat me and get too depressed but sometimes it just all gets too much for me. No-one understands unless they have been through it themselves. I'm taking the homeopathic remedies on a regular basis and they seem to be helping. (My skin is still NOT GOOD though! Groan! But it has settled down a little bit - a very little bit!!) Anyone tell me more about burdock? Presumably I just buy it from the health shop and take what it says on the box/packet/bottle? (I'll look through the archives) Davie, it seems that working out helps a lot for you. That sounds a good idea! If you have any other tips Davie please let me know. Thanks in advance!! Marcus, how are you doing? It's so funny...when I put all my vitamins, etc. etc. out in the morning there is an absolute HEAP of them!!! We really deserve good skin don't we Marcus??!! A big hello to Jasmine, Just Me and Kaitlin too while I'm posting. I hope that the NONO and antibiotics are helping you Jasmine. Good luck to everyone and lots of love & thanks. Rianne.
    Hi Everyone -- Kaitlin, 17:51:01 03/22/00 Wed
    Hi everyone! Hope skin is all improving..

    Jasmine: you were asking about new washing system. I'm using Johnson & Johnson Clean & Clear face wash and toner (the stuff with the pump, and the orange not green) and it seems to be working great for me. I haven't broken out or had any strange reactions yet and I've been using it for nearly 2 months. Hope that is of some help (if you haven't already tried it)

    Tracy: thanks for the clinique tips. But is the "almost makeup" a foundation or coverup?? I need something that covers all my red marks (not sure if I mentioned that before) I've also got extremely fair skin (so red marks look horrible) When I went to the clinique counter, the lady couldn't find a foundation that matched my skin and was light enough (thats sad, I should really get a tan!) so I ended up just buying the acne control cover up in light, which is still abit dark, but looks ok if I take my time and blend (or die trying!) But please let me know what the other type you have is. And do those green sticks really work. I've looked at them before and wondered....

    Just Me: thanks for the info (almay coverup) sorry to make you scroll all the way down, could of done it myself, just lazy yesterday so my apologies!! Hope your well.

    Rianne: ages and countries is definitely a good idea. I here of so many remedies and think, darn they live in UK or wherever so I can't always get it. So if anyone cares: I'm 20, live in Canada and have had this nasty blessing of acne since about age 10. More severe from 10-16, cleared up from about 17-18, then went haywire again!! (And tried everything under the sun to make it go away)

    Ginger: sorry to here your at the breaking out stage of accutane-it sucks I know. When I broke out it was around week 2, and only lasted about a week. After that I only had a few minor (meaning about 3 huge pimples) breakouts, and have been clear from about 2 months & 1 week. So I hope you get over it soon, its hard, it sucks, but think of how awesome it will be to be clear skinned!

    Hope everyone else on the board is well (Davie, Marcus, and everyone else who I've never ever talked to) Hope you all have wonderful days (or those of you in UK wonderful nights!)
    Me again -- Ginger-Age 39-Female-USA, 16:30:07 03/22/00 Wed
    Just got a reply from the company that sells the Reconstruction Creme--wanted to let everyone know--they can't (or won't), tell me what else is in this product, as it has a patent pending. They said that if I had an allergic reaction to it, to let them know, and they deal with it. ????? So for now, that's it--tea tree oil & centella. I'm disappointed....
    Having an UGH day -- Ginger, 16:04:38 03/22/00 Wed
    My derm's nurse says that I'm at that spot with the accutane, that I'm breaking out--far worse than before accutane! :( Oh, this is fun. I'm thankful for the Reconstruction creme--at least it brings quicker healing of each spot. The breakouts are isolated to the T-zone, minus the forehead (thank you Lord for small favors). The nurse actually said to me that she could PROMISE me that by day 30 (I'm on day 20), I'd be clearing up. Pretty strong words, huh? After reading posts from others now, for a month or so--I'm wondering WHAT to expect! Of course, I'm hoping she's right. We'll see......I'm supposed to see an Endrocronologist Monday--having hormonal/glandular things checked out. I've had trouble with hypoglycemia now for about 4 months. My husband is diabetic. Now we really are OPPOSITE IN EVERYTHING!!! HA! Want to see where I'm at with insulin resistance, possibility of PCOS. Oh the body is complicated....I've been waiting for this appt. for 2 1/2 months...UGH!!!!! Yes, I have this fantasy that he'll find a root problem for the acne (it could happen), and I'll get to quit the accutane and be acne free! Hmmmm...could it possibly be that easy? Probably not from my experiences...HA! Well, I've vented sufficiently....thanks for listening to my babbling.

    How's Rianne? Jasmine? Hope that you're both doing ok, and better. Bubble boy, you're a hoot! Davie, you're encouraging--Marcus, you are too! Thank you Just Me, for all of your efforts in this board..they are appreciated.
    Buying Vitamins -- Davie, 15:21:46 03/22/00 Wed
    Hi ALL,

    If you are NOT interested in Vitamin Supplementation, then skip this one.

    I posted a while back about buying vits online from the States as like just about everything else, it's cheaper over there. Having looked into this a bit further, I reckon that you are just as well buying from somewhere like Holland and Barrett. There are a couple of companies selling online in the UK. I've used Nutravida http://www.nutravida.co.uk/ who give discounts on Quest vits. Their selection is limited, but they are very efficient.

    Happy Hunting.
    Davie.

    Just Me, Have had a bit more time today and read through some of the old postings. I see you have already posted a link to herb safe limits so I'll check this out once I'm back online(one of my questions).
    Seeya
    Detox -- Davie, 09:50:04 03/22/00 Wed
    Hi all,
    Just been catching up with all the new messages as I've been on nights(again!!). Glad to see so many people posting. A problem posted is a problem halved, or something like that!!.

    JULES, MARCUS and JUST ME: - Tanks for the responses regarding exercising and acne. I guess this will just have to be a trial and error experiment for myself(will keep you posted).

    MARCUS and JUST ME:- Marcus glad to see you back!!. I've changed some of my vit/herb supplements and went organic(Pump up the carrots) mainly inspired by yourself and just me. Thanked you both in an earlier posting but just in case you missed it THANKS again.

    I've now been off antibiotics for 11 or is it 12 weeks and don't want to go back. I've trained for years and my diet has been pretty healthy as well, although in the last week and a half or so it,s been improved as above.

    Anyway to cut to the chase. In the last day or so I've had a bit of an outbreak on my forehead which rarely ever gets spots(Yikes). Quite a few small spots!!. The rest of my skin and face is really pretty good and not changed much. I've been hitting the gym hard this week, 5 on 1 off split routine, which might be responsible, hence the posting. However I've also been pretty strictly detoxin for a week and a bit. Did either of yourselves experience anything similar during initial detoxing. Sorry Just me yet another question.

    Must Dash,
    Hang in there everyone.

    Days off at last YIPEE!!!

    Davie 31 UK.
    Ages and countries -- Rianne, 01:19:48 03/22/00 Wed
    Just Me - it would be helpful if people gave their ages (approximately if need be! hee!) and their country. It's nice to know if people are just starting out with acne or like me are in their mid-30's and STILL having problem skin. Also the country helps so that we know if a remedy is recommended from someone in maybe the USA then we would need to know if we could get it in the UK (and vice-versa). It's just a thought! As Just Me would say NITE NITE!! Rianne
    ANOTHER CHAT! -- Rianne, 01:07:27 03/22/00 Wed
    This hasn't been the idea planned when I wrote around tea-time - an early night? Some hope now!! Marcus...it's brilliant to have you back! Thanks sooooo much for the lovely, encouraging messages!! I feel better already!!! We all really missed you! As you'll see the hour is late! I have bad pain from a long standing health problem that I have (unconnected with acne but it's a real so and so!!) and it's not letting me sleep. That's 2 nights this week when I have been affected like this. No zzzzz's for me I guess! I'll be like a zombie when the alarm goes off! Anyone with a cure for insomnia out there??? Marcus, I'm sure you'll be able to come up with something!! Just Me - I'm so pleased that the site is up and running again. The Roacc. site is very good but this is more helpful if, like me, you can't take Roaccutane. Just Me - would you give me an abridged version of exactly what you take for your acne now? Are there any orthodox treatments combined in that? I'm hoping that the homeopathy treatment will help me. Marcus, I haven't taken the saw palmetto for a few days - I will begin again tomorrow. I must learn to be patient with treatments. Jasmine, it sounds like you have had a more productive visit to the derm. this time. He sounds very helpful and has taken you seriously for once. You sound much more positive tonight bless you. Good luck with the NONO too! You asked about cleansers, etc. For washing my face I use T-Zone tea tree oil washing gel. It's in a large clear/green tube and can be bought from Superdrug, Boots, etc. It's good. Then I put on the Eryacne antibiotic 4% gel and then my make-up. My skin is still awful though! Well, it's nearly 1.00 a.m. so I should try and get that early night now! ha ha! Again, glad to have you back Marcus...your suggestions and research were always so good and really helpful. Lots of love, luck and thanks to all my brilliant friends! Rianne. p.s. Has anyone out there heard about the Exoderm Lift? They have a web-site and the before & after picture from acne scarring is truly amazing. I would love to try it but I still haven't been able to find out someone who does the treatment in England. Anyway, sweet dreams everybody!!
    Has anyone heard of Herpanicine? -- Katy P., 00:17:45 03/22/00 Wed
    Hello everyone, this is the first time I've posted. I've been looking at this site and the bright yellow Roaccutane board and I wondered if anyone else knows about a natural remedy I tried around a year ago called Herpanicine. I have to say before anything else it didn't really work for me but I'm wondering if anyone has come across it? I got it from a place in Lower Richmond Road, Putney (for all you Londoners) called Healthiskin (in the phonebook). It was very expensive (about £40) for a bottle of about 200 pills. I had to take 6 a day (I think). Anyway, this place is run by a guy called Stan who has cured his own acne with natural methods. He often "prescribes" detoxifying programmes. He also suggested I took a bran husk powder stuff to clear out my colon (I forget the name as all it did was make me f*rt heinously!) as well as the herpanicine (which apparently cures eczema, psoriasis and herpes as well!!). I'm sure you all know what it's like to be desperate and willing to try ANYTHING so I gave it a go. It didn't work for me but it does apparently have really good results for some people - I keep an open mind. Maybe this is the treatment that will help someone? Or maybe it is all guff! I never know with these things. In the past I've tried all the topical stuff (no good), minocin (no good), Western herbalist (ng), Dianette (vg but high blood pressure!) and I finally have succumbed to that good old toxic liver-frier Roaccutane. Which I have to say has worked stunningly with very few side effects. I hope it stays. So perhaps this is a happy ending for me with good skin at last aged 32? But why do we have to go through all this suffering?
    Re: CoverUps -- Tracy, 00:10:59 03/22/00 Wed
    Kaitlin - sorry for previous message - I forgot to reply to you and kinda feel like an ass because I just figured out your names - Kaitlin - Just Me. See - Okay, now I am in business!! I love Clinique make up and wouldn't put anything else on this sensative face of mine! The acne control make up is too drying. I personally like the "Almost Make Up" which is pretty shear but does have SPF15 and can be moisturizing and is, of course, oil free. I want the coverage but don't like to feel or look like I have a layer of crud on my face. I like to look as natural as possible but little do they know...... I also use another make up for those break out days that has more coverage and comes in a fair enough tint. I will have to look at it tonight and get back to you on that one. I do have a green stick that I use at times from Prescriptive. It works okay. My acne is bad to me but I get that "oh, you can't even tell" from people. My boyfriend is great about it too. He could care less if I was one big zit. Easy for them though because all of my friends have never had to deal with anything like this. It is nice to chat with people who are also frustrated with it. Don't get me wrong - I wish none of you had this problem. I know it's upsetting and great for the self esteem. Anyway - it is my time to go (still at work) but I will look at my make up tonight and tell you the name of the one I am using right now. Keep in mind that I do have fair skin and that is the only reason I have chosen this particular one from Clinique.
    Big hello -- marcus, 23:59:24 03/21/00 Tue
    Where do I begin! Well I’m just about finished moping around and feeling sorry for myself (just about!) Thought I’d drop by and see how my chums are doing!!!
    Rianne, how you doing? Not too good judging from your recent posts! Sorry to have abandoned you in your moment of need! My un-acne related problems are panning out now sort of!!!! Life is hard enough without having acne on top of everything else!!!!!!!! (I’m sure no one on this site will disagree with that!) Rianne, as I’ve said before you’re sooooo very, very brave! (And that goes for Jasmine too!) You manage to find the courage to go out even though your faces are scared! The last time I managed to go out I was so paranoid about the scars on the back of my neck! I can’t emphasise enough the huge admiration I have for you! Rianne I know what you mean about bright lights etc! I used to avoid light at all costs, I think the only time I went out in the daytime last year was on the eclipse, but hey that was a great two minutes! Maybe instead of trying to cure our acne we should all put our heads together & conspire to destroy the sun therefore plunging the world into eternal darkness & never have to worry about people seeing our skin again! (Maybe we should keep that one as our last resort for now!) Anyhow hope to talk to you soon! Btw I’m researching something just for you that seems quite promising!

    Just me, I’m going to pick up some burdock in the next few days along with a few other herbs I’m researching, thanks for the info on it! P.S what dosage do you take!

    Davie S how you doing? About a week ago I bought a multi gym & have had three workouts since, as of yet it hasn’t caused any outbreaks!

    Jim, you found the info in the archives then! I know its early days but have you seen any improvement yet? I also take Minacin, which is one of the vital components in my regimen!!!!!
    Btw this message is posted on both sites because I didn’t want to miss anyone!!!!
    Thanks! -- Tracy, 23:51:49 03/21/00 Tue
    Thanks for replying to me. Two of you replied - I wish I knew your names so that I would know who to address. After I went off of the Tetracycline my face was clear for almost a month. I credited the "Cleasing" tea that I was taking and have now had to stop that for other reasons. Now I am most definitely having some problems with the really deep painful pimples that almost ache. Every doctor I have ever had said that it was from stress. I don't know...I feel pretty good and relaxed. My dermotologist prescribes me things that my Gynecologist says that I should stay away from. Basically what it comes down to is that we are taking care of one problem but, at the same time, creating another. My brother had bad skin in Highschool and now his skin is like porcelian. I guess I just thought I would be the same way. WRONG! I don't even want to think about all of the money I have spent trying to fix something that I may be stuck with into my 50's. Natural sounds good to me but I am almost at the point of giving up. Everyone's body is different and what may work for some could be worse for others. Sorry - just venting. Hope you all have a great week and quit touching your face!! haha Tracy
    Just to say Hi. -- Jasmine, 23:48:57 03/21/00 Tue
    Hi everyone.I posted earlier on the other board because this one was down.It must be so frustrating for you Just Me.Oh yeh your cheque is definitly in the post.Give me a shout when you get it.I'll try not to bore you all with the same story as on the other board but basically I got prescribed Trimethoprim antibiotic at the Derm today.Very uncommon to get thrush on it so maybe I'll be lucky and just hope that I can take it without feeling too nauseous as I do anyway so that is all I need.I think this antibiotic is meant to be one of the more tolerated ones.I suppose I knew deep down that my acne had got too bad for a topical cream to clear it up.It's just been getting worse and worse!!I think even the Derm was shocked because I saw him at Xmas and my skin had only just started to come back after being clear for so long(and I did appreciate every minute of it)and in between Xmas and now I saw another Derm.Well today you would have been proud of me Just Me I made sure I saw the main man.Anyway he remembered me and said oh I'm so sorry for you your face was nothing like that at Xmas and said a cream wouldn't clear it up so chaps I think I have gone from moderate to moderate-severe acne.I think maybe that's the price to pay for having a whole 3 years clear,it's like ha have this much worse than ever.Anyway I have just had the first tablet and I will keep you posted.I am going to start the No-No lamp tomorrow as I'm not going to be using anything on my face.Any tips to a new skin care regime would be helpful.I have to go back in 6 weeks to see how my face has cleared,hopefully a lot.I have done a bit of research and he seems to have given me quite a low dose of 100mg twice a day and the full dose is 200mg twice a day still better to get used to it first.That is about it.Thanks Davie for your comments and Rianne.Rianne how are you feeling about your skin at the moment? I'll also let you know how I get on with this Reconstruction cream when I get it.Well bedtime.At least I don't have to put that itchy Skinoren on anymore.Hi to KAITLIN,GINGER and all love JasminexxSorry ranted on a bit.
    Various responses to posts -- Just Me, 23:28:05 03/21/00 Tue
    Hi everyone :)

    Oooooh, I feel really behind now with the posts (grins).  As the Board was down I thought I could get in an early nite (not!) (grins)!  Okay, I'll try and keep this short as I can ....

    Rianne - hi.  Glad you're sounding a little perkier!  :).  I'm also glad that you're finding useful information and links on this site - that's what it's all about!  The other day I was scrolling down and wahay I came across some stuff I'd posted that I'd completely forgotten about and it was great stuff! !!  Yes, Rianne, I do remember what you and Rob said about your use of the Dermalux lamp ie that it worked for a while and then stopped.  It's in the back of my mind.  I've only been using the Dermalux Lamp for 5 weeks now. I am not sure how much a part the Dermalux is playing on my acne free skin. It mentions on the Dermalux website that it takes 8 weeks to notice any difference ... my gut feeling is that my clear skin is a combination of everything I'm doing ie the supplementation, diet, Dermalux and a little of the NONO which I still use when I get a stubborn spot (I used it last nite and the nite before actually :) - it works for me! - always has though I use it longer than 4 mins - say about 10-15 mins average.

    Yes, Rianne :) - I'm sure one day soon you will be here and shouting at the top of your voice that you are acne free forever and that clear skin is here to stay!

    Le - thanks for the site link - I tried to post a hello message there yesterday but I got booted out of Netscape and didn't get the time to go back in again - will pop by soon and see all the activity there!

    Kaitlin - glad you enjoyed the Kickdog wav file!  It was a hoot!  When I first heard it I had to keep replaying it over and over as I was laughing so hard and I was in hysterics and just had to play it over and over!  Anyone who hasn't downloaded it yet to your own computer, you have a few days / weeks to do so as eventually I'll need the space back as I've saved it on the internet and it takes a lot of space so will be deleting it in a few weeks ie so that link will no longer work.

    Kaitlin - my skin's doing okay thanks.  I have a few small spots - had one on my eyelid the other night and what usaully would grow into an acne just kinda went overnight ie instead of doubling up etc it just fizzled out into nothing and now it's almost disppeared.  So wonderful!  At the first sign of it appearing and getting a little red etc I took Sulphur 30C and that helps too.  Sulphur is homeopathy for those that aren't aware.  It's for stubborn acne.

    Tracy - hi sweetie.  We've all been there.  There's a lot of useful information and links if you scroll down the page - it's all easy to read and links are provided and it's all fairly in the right order to read.  I'm way too tired to post it all again (sorrie).  If you get stuck on anything do ask and we'll do our best to answer.  This site shares acne cures (though mainly healthy cures and non antibiotic) as for me personally I found that antibiotics etc had side effects after treatment stopped and also from treatment, ie the acne got worst after the treatment stopped and eventually one day we have to stop and that's where all that supressed acne comes into play !  So now after 22 years of acne, I've learnt to take care of my body and help it heal itself by feeding it nourishing foods and taking the right supplements etc.  There's also advice on Vitamin E cream which helps with scarring (check below) and also make up creams for cover ups etc.

    Talking of cover ups, Kaitlin, sweetie, you just need to scroll down to check out what I wrote re the cover up stick ... lemme go do it ... it's Almay Lasting Concealer!  :) - and no I haven't had a chance yet to go look for the Clinique make up you mentioned.  So busy lately!

    Rianne, you're doing great on the homeopathic remedies you've chosen for yourself!  Well done!  Yes, they are the right ones for acne okay!  I took them for ages and they did help though they helped more when I started the supplementation though they all took time and didn't happen overnight though now I think they do cos my body has probably flushed all the toxins out as I eat healthily to help my body heal itself faster whereas before I ate fast foods which didn't help.  I heal very slowly ie if I have a cut etc it takes ages to heal though now it's getting better as proved by the acne that's healing faster!  Re my other Board ... hmm, yes Rianne it's new age, ie metaphysics and I've been doing that for about several years now though only discovered the internet about 2-3 years ago, shared and posted regularly at new ages sites and just created my own site a couple of months ago, then this one happened by pure chance, just cos Gill's site ate my messages and the missing letters etc etc etc.  As you get older you want to take care of everything ie mind, body and spirit so hence new age.  I am not mixing the two sites together as they don't really mix ie I don't think those from my site would want to know about acne and those here would really be interested much in new age or anything metaphysical etc ... it's a delicate boundary for me - ie you know kinda like you don't introduce certain friends to certain friends cos they don't have the same interests etc ... ie some are wild and crazy and some are goody too shoes etc (grins) - that's just a sample - you get my gist though!  I'm glad you like this site Rianne, and Davie and Kaitlin and everyone else (smiles).  We're all helping each other and I think it's just great to feel the support in this room which is fantastic!  I'm happy to provide the knowledge that I have etc and you're all doing your part too as you've all contributed too so do pat yourselves on the back too :) cos you've all helped inspire each other and me too - so thanks guys too!  You helped give me the inspiration to go that extra mile (grins) when I was too tired and just wanted to go to bed (like tonight (grins)) !!

    Rianne, thx for sharing that antibiotics affected your teeth - it just gives those out there who are using them and/or thinking of using them, pre-warning of the effects.  I know when you're desperate you'll do anything - though do try and think of the long term damage.  When I came off Diannette some say 4 years or so ago I developed really bad cystic acne and I only had like 2 periods a year (wow huh!).  As desperate as I was I was not tempted to go back to Minocin or Tetracycline or anything else as by that stage I was into healing my mind and soul (ie to improve the quality of my life, relationships with family and coworkers etc etc) and the next step was to heal my body naturally so I went to homeopathy for about 2 years or so.

    Ooooh, gone 11pm already (yikes) ... Davie I'll have to post your reply in another post - sorrie, otherwise I'll be here till midnight :) .... sorrie (smiles). .... Thx for your sharing and it's so great to read your posts as they are really informative and very inspirational!!  Keep up the good work!  Yes, I agree with you and Rianne that we miss Marcus!  Marcus, hope you're doing okay and that you'll be back with us soon .... we miss you and we're thinking of you!!!

    Nite everyone - till later, JM! p/s Jasmine, gotcha message re the cheque - thx! Keep us posted re the NONO. Aren't you tempted to take the cream that Ginger suggested? There are other acne creams that I provided the link for earlier this week ie that were homeopathic and natural etc and had great reviews - I was going to buy the Homeopathic one as that is from Nelsons .... (scroll down for links below). I really really hope the NONO works for you as it does me ... would you consider taking homeopathy as well ie to help it along ie Sulphur or Tissue Salts? When I had really bad acne last year I blitzed on Sulphur and Tissue Salts ....ie which are both homeopathic ... ((hugs)) - eyes need matchsticks now so have to end here

    RE:Excercise -- JULES, 23:15:22 03/21/00 Tue
    Interesting to read the comments about excercise. I agree that body building and the use of steroids may induce acne. However, other forms of excercise have always seemed to improve my skin. I believe sweating is good for the skin. It flushes out impurities and makes the skin tingle. I believe this stimulates healthy skin. Excercise makes the body healthier and therefore more able to cope with fighting bacteria. Types of excercise which I believe are good are tennis, badminton, squash, running. Anything which is cardio vascular (gets the heart pumping!). Swimming is also supposed to be good, but more because of the chlorine.
    Nice board Just Me. I have visited before, but not posted.
    To Rianne -- Kaitlin, 22:38:56 03/21/00 Tue
    Rianne, the girl who posted about the reconstruction creme (Ginger) posted on Sunday night, so if you want to read more about what she had to say, then scroll on down. The web site is: www.ageless.co.za

    Think I might check it out too!
    Update! -- Rianne, 22:25:21 03/21/00 Tue
    So much for the early night eh??!!!
    SPOT UPDATE! -- Rianne, 17:08:53 03/21/00 Tue
    I've just posted a short message on the Roacc. board. Yes, I agree Davie, it is getting a bit strange! Also thanks Davie for your message. I'm now trying yet another treatment for my acne - this time the homeopathic remedy (from a link on this board) which is Sulphur 6C, Hepar Sulph 6C, Pulsatilla 6C and Silicea 6C. I'll keep posting as to how I get along. Just Me, what is your other board? You mentioned new age? I love this site - it's brilliant! With not being able to take Roaccutane this board has more options available so it suits me more. Reading back over the postings and the mention of teeth/tetracycline. I had to have many of my teeth capped/crowned because of the damage from antibiotics. Whilst I was grateful for the antibiotics (which are the only thing that helped - apart from a short respite with the DermaLux lamp) they did affect my teeth. Kaitlin - I haven't tried the NONO. I think because the Clearzone and DermaLux let me down I was wary of parting with yet more ££££'s! This acne is an expensive business isn't it??!! Also it was me Kaitlin who mentioned the bright lights! Awful aren't they??!! Oh, Just Me - I understand your comments about that precious thing called TIME! Never enough is there?? I meet myself coming back all week!! Jasmine, are you okay? I hope that the NONO is helping a bit? My skin is still awful. Please let us know how you are Jasmine...I'm thinking about you! Well, I suppose I'd better get on....I have a thumping headache and feel like I'm getting flu. A red nose and acne will go just wonderfully together eh??! A lavender bath, hot water bottle, pot of chamomile tea and early night with a good book are on the agenda this evening! That and some Gregorian chant & scented candles to relax me! Good luck everyone and thanks for everything! Lots of love, Rianne.
    Cover Up?? -- Kaitlin, 16:56:21 03/21/00 Tue
    Just Me: I can't remember the almay cover up you suggested. My clinique stuff isn't "sitting" right on my face lately. My skin isn't flaky/peeling dry, but it must be dry underneath or something, because when I put the clinique cover up on, it just sort of flakes off and doesn't cover very well. Did you ever try the clinqiue stuff I'm using or find it?

    Davie: thanks for the info on zinc vitamins. I'm not sure if we get that make over here, so I'll have to ask the pharmacist which one to take that combines the both. Thank goodness you can get them together. I only have to take 4 pills/day now, but its 4 too many. I hate swallowing them and don't think I'd want to add another!

    Tracy: Welcome to the board!!!I think we all know how you feel here. I am currently taking accutane (nearly done month 3 and my skin is great!) So whatever questions you have you can email me or just post them here. Also, you said you have tried all the clinique products. I've been using there acne control cover up, but my skin is kinda dry now from accutane, do you know if they have another cover up that covers so nicely, but is not quite so dry?

    Hope everyone is good!
    Supplementation and questions :) -- Just Me, 13:45:14 03/21/00 Tue
    Heya all :)

    Hi Davie, pls do ask away as it helps us all and especially to reinforce things that I already know for me etc and helps others out there reading in and I'm learning lots from the stuff you're posting which is awesome! Thank you!

    Yes, I seem to be pushed for time a lot as I also have another site and board ie new age and I have been feeling a wee bit guilty as I have been spending a lot of time here and not posting and sharing as much there and they were missing me (grins). I'm enjoying discovering what I've discovered so far here and the sharing that I do etc and it's been great. I just have to learn how to do a balancing act (smiles). I also work a full day plus have to do the cooking and cleaning (as much as possible (grins) when I get home and there's only like 3 hours or so from the time I get home to going to bed and my cleansing routine, and using the Dermalux etc. Takes me about 45 minutes to get ready for bed, ie wash face, brush teeth, use Dermalux for 15 mins and then spent about another 15 mins cleansing, toning, using tea tree oil, witch hazel, acne cream (Potters) and wallah, ready for bed - but not before switching all lights off, locking doors and windows, pets to bed etc!

    This is a quickie at work ... I have to get back now ... hi Kaitlin, Tracy, Jasmine (hope all is going well at the Dermatologist today), Rianne, Marcus, Maurice et all :) I hope to be able to post tonite and also respond some to Tracy :)

    p/s please do continue the discussions and sharing as it's so great to be learning so many new things and Davie you're constantly sharing new things for me daily which is great!

    Re working out, yes when I worked out I had really painful acne. That was some 10 years ago ie when I was at the peak of my working out ie doing it really seriously, waking up at 5am to work out and then rush to work and if I didn't make it in the morning do it when I got back. I ate healthily and took supplements (though they were body builder supplements to replace lost energy and stuff ie recommended in the body building mags) and I had painful acne ie the kind that really hurts though they weren't big, they hurt. I don't think I was on the Pill or on any antibiotics - actually maybe I was on tetracycline .... I can't remember ... I read somewhere recently that working out and sweating kinda induces on acne ... I noticed when driving past the Woolwich barracks yesterday that the soldiers that were crossing the street had acne and that reminded me of the article and I've also read articles about body builders with acne (some caused by steroids) and also read in some health magazine that people that do a lot of outdoor workouts and are physically active get a lot of acne ie from the sweat etc .... there's obviously more but I can't remember it - that was the gist of what I got ... I wish I'd kept the link where I found it the other day - I'm sure I'll come across it again ....

    Okay, later guys!

    L&H, JM :)
    Vitamins and Herbs -- Davie, 08:43:08 03/21/00 Tue
    Hi folks,
    Just a quickie as I'm just off nights and need some ZZZZ.

    KAITLIN: - With regards Zinc. I use QUEST SYNERGISTIC ZINC which combines 15mg of Zinc with .75mg of copper. This saves buying a seperate copper supplement. I've never even looked at seperate copper supplementation so couldn't advise on "such small doses". However if you wish to go down a similar avenue then QUEST do a multimineral which contains among other minerals 1mg of copper. Hope this is of some use.

    JUST ME: - Tried out a new milk alternative. It's called PRO SOYA SO NICE NATURAL. Doesn't taste nearly as nice as RICE DREAM, in fact it doesn't taste of anything really. On the up side though it contains about 1/20th (I think) of the sugar that RICE DREAM does.(Undecided) Marmite I've discovered is a good natural source of B vits although it's not really organic.

    Just a quickie on training. When you were training did it make your skin worse?

    Also: - I've found lots of links/pages on herbs but can't find much on dosages for detoxin. I am following the advice on the labels but it can be a bit vague.

    e.g. I'm using Good'n Natural 400mg Echinacea capsules from H+B. It states "take one to three capsules three times daily. A variance between 3 and 9 capsules. I've went middle of the road. This doesn't overly concern me but would appreciate some general guidance from yourself or Marcus. Same applies for Burdock Root. You sound really busy so apoligies for all the questions.

    Well I've waffled on more than I meant to
    Take care everyone.
    Fed Up With Acne!! -- Tracy, 00:00:50 03/21/00 Tue
    I am 26 years old and have been suffering from acne since I was 13. I knew that it was natural but it always seemed like I had more than my friends. They never got so bad that they were all over my face but more on my chin. I still get acne but now they are more cystic like and scar even if I don't pick. I have been on Tetracycline (major yeast infections) and tried sumycine which gave me the worst stomach cramps. I am presently using topical creams prescribed to me by my dermotologist but they only treat the acne that has already surfaced. I am now looking into Accutane but am a little skeptical having never used it. If any of you have any info on other things I could try - please let me know. I used to use the Clinique products and everything else that has come out - believe me - I have tried it. I am getting pretty frustrated after all of these years and am scarring a lot easier than I did in the past. Thanks - Tracy
    Too tired to post tonite .... -- Just Me, 23:40:36 03/20/00 Mon
    Heya :) ... got home late .... way too tired to post .. catchup with you guys tomorrow :) Nite ! Peaceful dreams L&H, JM
    Vitamin Time Release -- Just Me, 19:41:00 03/20/00 Mon
    Hi everyone!

    Hi Davie - you read my mind completely and answered just about every question I had on it! I'm speechless! Way to go for mind reading! Thank you for sharing that as it's saved me some research etc - I wanted to be a little knowledgeable before I asked the right questions (grins)!

    This is a quickie - hello !! Davie, Kaitlin and all.... the new Voy Forum Board was up and running as of Saturday night ie with the new Preview before you post part which had me confused a bit to start with! It's for people who need it to check their posts before they post etc! There are a few other new features ie like timings as I was able to now change the timings to UK time (smiles) which is great for us here in England, ie Rianne, Jasmine, Marcus, Davie and myself and all the others reading in that haven't posted yet! :)

    I'm still at work so have to rush now ... will aim to post later tonite !! Later, JM!
    No Brainer... -- Kaitlin, 19:02:37 03/20/00 Mon
    I just about wet myself when I saw my message wasn't posted!! Guess I should scroll down and push the approve button next time! When did that show up>??
    Hello Everyone!!! -- Kailtin, 19:01:32 03/20/00 Mon
    Hi Everyone! Can't really think of much to say today (but have this urge to post anyways)

    Jasmine: how is the nono working for you?? Hope your skin is starting to improve. You've had it for what 5 days now?? Let me know how much better your skin is. I thought I remembered reading it took 72 hrs to start, of course I never believe what those things say!!

    Rianne: have you ever tried the nono thing? Dumb question, as I'm sure you've tried everything you can get your hands on like us all. Hope your skin is improving also.

    Davie: thanks for the info on zinc. I guess I should go out tonight and get some copper. So that would be 5mg/day. I didn't think you could buy such small dosages of vitamins.

    Just Me: how is your skin doing? Hope its all good still. I downloaded your kickdog thing-I think I just about wet my pants. Have to send that one to afew friends!!!

    My skin is doing ok. When I wash my face, and stand afew meters from the mirror, it looks like I've got really flushed cheeks (and nose) instead of those terrible red marks. Of course, if I tried to go out without makeup I'd have to stand atleast a few meters away from everyone (and avoid florecuent (sp??) lights. Oh well, nearly there.

    To whoever was talking about avoiding bright places/lights?? (not sure who) I know what thats like. Even sunlight doesn't seem as bad as some of these florecent lights in stores like safeway or walmart. They show everything!!

    OK enough complaining hope everyone skin is well and take care!!!
    DOH -- Davie, 11:32:28 03/20/00 Mon
    Just found the approve button - So thats where that posting went!!
    TIME RELEASE -- Davie, 11:30:34 03/20/00 Mon
    Hi all,
    posted a huge message on Sunday night and it never appeared(Arghhhhh). Anyway sorry to here that a couple of you aren't doing so well, been there got the t-shirt.

    RIANNE: - Don't give up on the healthy eating. I know it is hard at times but if your body is healthy it can only help to fight infection. Remember you won't have acne for ever so never give up.

    Jasmine: - Hang in there. Tell your derm EXACTLY how you are feeling. Good luck on Tuesday. To calm my skin down I used to use a product called sudocreme which is used for nappy rash, irritation etc. It's not to expensive and is Zinc Oxide based so might be worth a go.

    I see a derm student is posting offering one to ones. Seems to good to be true. Fill your boots everyone!!!

    JUST ME: - Thanks for the links, advice about eggs etc. I'll try H+B again for a non dairy alternative to Yakult. The Rice Dream is great and thanks to you I'm not missing milk at all. Starting some of the other milk alternatives tomorrow which contain less sugar, so will keep you posted. Will also keep you up to date with any other organic goodies I discover for my new EATING HABBIT. Oh while I'm on that subject:- Safeways organic muesli is nice on the down side though the pack I got only lasted about 4 servings(who ate all the pies).

    What happened to my posting, took me ages!!!

    Gills site has gone a bit strange or is it just me?

    Anyway TIME RELEASE: - If vit supplementation is not for you then skip this one!!!

    I'm guessing that your concerned that you are simply flushing away your supplementaion with water. As you are probably aware there are two basic categories of vits - Water soluble and Fat soluble. The water soluble vits are not stored in the body and excess amounts are simply flushed away in your wee. Fat soluble vits are stored in the bodies fatty tissue, hence why it can be dangerous to supplement with these vits when your diet is already rich in these vits. Water soluble vits require to be taken every day whereas fat soluble vits can be taken less often.

    From the vits that I thgink you take, the following applies:- B complex and C are water soluble. Vit E and A are fat soluble.

    MAXIMISING ABSORBPTION:
    Say for example you want to increase your intake of vit C. If you take 1 x 1000mg capsule first thing in the morning then your body will simply take what it requires at that time any you will wee out the rest. There are several ways around this: -

    1) Time release: -Time release capsules are designed to provide prolonged saturation of the body tissue throughout the day rather than in one big surge. This helps the body absorb more of the vitamin as required. Both B complex and vit C are available in time release form.

    2)Split Supplementation: -Rather than taking 1 x 1000mg capsule in the morning, take 1 x 500mg capsule in the morning and 1 x 500mg in the afternoon.

    3) Common Sense: -
    Look at what you are eating at the time of supplementation. There is no point washing down a vit C capsule with orange juice as your body will not be able to absorb all that vit C. Either move your juice or your supplement to lunchtime and then intake some salad/green veg or citrus fruit at dinner time to further enhance your intake.

    General Points: -

    Better to intake natural sources than to supplement but like yourself I want to make sure I'm getting enough of those antioxidants.

    Dosages are for example only. Base dosages on your diet, lifestyle and if in doubt contact your doc.

    Nice to post to you again, great site, keep up the good work and thanks for all the help.

    ps Where's Marcus? Missing his input' and get back to that gym

    Davie.
    http://members.xoom.com/acnecure -- le, 09:12:00 03/20/00 Mon
    I would like to invite every acne suffer...to my web page @ http://members.xoom.com/acnecure
    i'm a future med student ..studing in dermatology, and hope to be board certified in 4 more years!!My plan for this web page is to, help out by 1 on 1 advise, and answer any questions
    Marcus! -- Rianne, 23:14:55 03/19/00 Sun
    I've just posted a message on the Roacc. board - it seems a long time since we've heard from you. I hope that you're okay? Please let us know how you're getting on - I'll be really interested to know how the saw palmetto is working. Good luck Marcus! Lots of love, luck and thanks to all my friends out there! Rianne.
    Green Tea -- Rianne, 22:27:59 03/19/00 Sun
    I'm sorry that I seem to be posting a lot at the moment. I promise that I won't monopolise the site all the time. The site is new to me and I'm so very, very upset with my skin & this site is giving me hope that I may (after nearly 24 years of acne) find something to help me. Thanks Just Me for your encouraging words, I need them & appreciate them so very much. You may remember from my Roaccutane postings that I also used the DermaLux lamp for a long time. Unfortunately it worked for only a few months...when I look through my diary for that period of time it reads things like "my skin is amazing", "this is wonderful", "I can't believe this, I'm so happy!" etc. etc. Then it stopped working totally. Whether I had built up a resistance to it - I just don't know. The same thing happened to Rob (RL) who wrote on the Roacc. site. I also used a thing called Clearzone for several months, this was an electrical contraption which emitted "ozone"....supposedly to destroy the acne-causing-bacteria in the skin. I persevered with this for a long time too...no luck. However, there are so many different links contained on this site I am virtually spellbound. Thanks Just Me for creating this site. I will try to remain optimistic and hope that eventually it will lead to something that will clear my skin. My acne is mega-stubborn and I would love to be able to write here and say "YES YES YES" this actually works!!! Here's hoping! Thanks so much, so very much! Lots of love, luck and THANKS! Rianne. (and HI Jasmine!!! Hugs too!!) (Just Me - I take acidophilus and that sounds like it has the same effect as green tea - replacing the bad bacteria with the good guys?)
    Chinese Herbs -- Just Me, 21:53:44 03/19/00 Sun
    CHL - we've been through this before on the Roccutane Board. I took Chinese Herbs about say six years ago, for a few months. They were specially prescribed by a professional Chinese doctor who came all the way from China and who apparently was very well known. I had to boil them and drink them and it didn't work for me. I see absolutely no point in going into detail about the Chinese Herbs as (1) they didn't work for me, (2) I don't have a clue as to what they gave me as they selected herbs from various jars and they all had Chinese names and each visit they gave me something different. Yes, as you keep telling us it works for you, which is great and I believe you - I've heard lots of stories that it works for lots of people here in London but for me, it didn't. I have spent a lot of time on this Board providing information as to what works for me and not what doesn't. As Chinese herbs work for you, then by all means share with everyone exactly what it is you took and how it works and links etc and let people choose for themselves. I've even provided some links for Chinese Herbs last Sunday (12/3) for people that are interested in pursusing that avenue. Scroll down and you'll find them.
    Green Tea and Kombucha -- Just Me, 21:36:08 03/19/00 Sun
    Hi everyone !

    JASMINE - no worries about the cheque - thx for letting me know :) Sorry you're feeling low about your acne. Hang in there; and keep up with the good work you're doing with the NONO and supplements etc. There's nothing quite so worst as having acne and feeling it ie you can feel the acne on your skin and feel it hurting. When you're ready to share, we'll be here .. :) ((hugs))

    RIANNE - hang in there too and try to persist with the good work you're doing ie for your acne. It'll all pay off - ie like working out - slow and steady wins the race instead of fast and impulsive! There's no speedy cure - though with consistance and persistance, things will change for the better. One day soon, all your acne will be gone! It will happen! ((hugs)) too!

    I was out in Oxford Street today and was looking at people passing by on the street ie the crowds of tourists and locals and I only saw about 2 or 3 people with spots and no one had acne! Everyone that passed me had perfect skin! And hundreds of people passed me! It's like a curse having acne ...! Grrr! I still worry a little that it'll come back if I'm not careful and slip back into old eating habits etc and stop taking the supplements etc. I have some spots and in the past they would turn into acne after a few days but now thankfully these spots are just appearing and then disappearing almost straight after (whew!). Not all of them, but those that stay longer just don't get much bigger and again I'm really thankful. The instinct feeling is that the healing is all happening from within my body and less so because of the creams etc.

    Well re Green Tea, I have been drinking Yogi Bhajan's Green Guardian & Green Balance Ayurvedic Green Herbal Tea which contains Green Tea, Elderberry and Kombucha. I first purchased it last May from the Mind, Body and Spirit Festival in London. It's organic and very yummy! There are other flavours as well but I always come back to Green Guardian and Green Balance. There was an article in last month's Here's Health magazine (Tel: 01858 438 869) on Green Tea and Kombucha. Some highlights are:

    KOMBUCHA is a lichen, a symbiosis of yeasts and bacteria, which looks like a white, rubbery pancake. When fermented with tea mixed with sugar, it produces a vinegary sparkling drink that contains a cocktail of energising and detoxifying organic acids, vitamins and minerals.
    RESEARCH - found glucuronic acid, lactic acid, usnic acid (an antibiotic), folic acid, B vitamins (B1, B2, B6 and B12) bacteria and yeasts.
    HOW IT WORKS - it is thouht that it helps our organs work together, and also acts as a detoxifier. The different acids, vitamins and enzymes in the tea all seem to contribute to holistic healing of the body. Kombucha, like live yoghurt-culture drinks, is full of "friendly" lactic-acid producing bacteria that work probiotically (in accordance with the microbiology of our bodies) to help the digestive system. Kombucha encourages the balance of the flora, which can be upset by antibiotics or the Pill. Kombucha also contains acetic acid, an antiseptic; hyaluronic acid, found in healthy skin; amino acids for tissue building; plus vitamins, minerals and enzymes.
    A MIRACLE CURE - Kombucha has been hailed as a miracle 'cure' for everything from cancer to AIDS, to grey hair and old age. .... though the cure-everything tag is incorrect, there is definite evidence to suggest that kombucha regulates intestinal flora, stabilises themetabolish and the body's pH balance, and is detoxifying.

    The Green Tea I buy isn't sold in Holland and Barratt unfortunately and the only place I can find it locally is at the health shop in Greenwich Market, though I know that some health shops in the West End sell them. If you ring around, you can find them. It's about £2.10 for a pack of 15 teabags. Well worth it! I buy about a dozen packs at a time! Good customer!

    Nite! JM.

    p/s LE, your site seems to be working now! I've bookmarked it and will visit!! :)
    Little old me again! -- Rianne, 20:36:54 03/19/00 Sun
    Hi! I just posted a message a few minutes ago and it hasn't come through! I wanted to say thank you to Ginger for your lovely message! I'm gradually working through all the postings and you are so kind & thoughtful! A big hug! Rianne. p.s. Jasmine, are you okay? Thinking of you....
    Chinese Herbs -- Chinese Herb Lady, 20:18:18 03/19/00 Sun
    Hello. To Just Me, I noticed you posted that Chinese Herbal Medicine did not help regulate your menses cycle. Well, as I want people to know that there are Chinese Herbs that are very helpful. The kind of Chinese Herbs that I take have regulated my menses cycle very well and cured my acne. At least from what I have asked you in the past and what I have been reading I don't think you have taken the same kind of Chinese Herbs granules that I have been taking for 1 year and almost 5 months prescribed to me by an Doctorate in Oriental Medicine. What kind exactly did you take and for how long. There are different types of Chinese Herb pills and granules, etc. Also, my Herbs are by prescription and anyone who buys Chinese Herbs in the pill form and doesn't know what they will do and for how long a person has to take them for a particular condition is not a good assessment. I do hope that you can explain in a little bit more detail about your experience with Chinese Herbs. It is sad to me that more people cannot experience the acne free world as I have with Chinese HErbal Medicine not to mention the other wonderful side affects from them. And although most people know that all the different vitamins that are out there are different most people don't know that there are different types of Chinese Herbs and to categorize them into one category would be the same as categorizing all the vitamins as one. And yes, people will take from it what they want and toss the rest.
    And yet me again! -- Rianne, 20:07:27 03/19/00 Sun
    Ginger, thanks for your lovely message too! I am working my way gradually through the site and keep on finding such kindness - you're amazing! A big hug and thankyou!! Rianne. p.s. Jasmine, please let me know how you are. Thinking about you....
    Me again! -- Rianne, 18:06:41 03/19/00 Sun
    I want to say a big thanks to you ALL for your lovely messages and all the information and help that is on this site. It really is a brilliant site (very well done Just Me!!!). Kaitlin, thanks for your message...it's so lovely to have this support! I'm not getting time to post on the Roaccutane board too as well as here....this week has been really hectic, work-wise & everywise!!!!....and I'm just fitting in time to breathe!! I have a pile of tasks just waiting to be tackled. My stress levels are way too high as well at the moment. I feel strung out & I'm not sleeping well. Strangely enough, I have never noticed any difference in my skin with regard to stress levels...sometimes I can be really relaxed and my skin breaks out really badly...other times I can be really anxious and my skin will be fine. It doesn't follow a pattern at all. The same with "times of the month"....it has never affected me that way "skin-wise". Besides, I've had "all that aspect" of it checked out several times!!! My acne just loves me whatever happens and promises to stick with me through thick and thin, storm and sun!! (soooo kind of it don't you think???) Thanks Davie S. for the tip about E45 cream. You're right, it's no good for me. I'll go back to a non-comedogenic moisturiser. I think I only started buying it because I seemed to be spending soooo much on this and that for my skin I felt I needed to cut down a little. But Davie S. the E45 is probably clogging my pores up even more. Jasmine, I hope that everything goes okay on Tuesday. I really feel for you. I hope that the orange colour problem settles down. It sounds such a coincidence that it has started with the Skinoren. How are you getting along with the NONO? Like you I feel so depressed this week, today I feel rock bottom. My skin is terrible....I even have a big red lump coming up in my EAR-LOBE!!! They've also started coming up on my neck and it's ages since I had them there. I haven't even taken my saw palmetto, zinc, evening primrose, milk thistle or anything today....I've been engulfed by apathy (which is disgusting I know - I should get a grip - feeling sorry for myself isn't going to get me anywhere. I'm just so fed up with it all) I think my GP felt so sorry for me when I went last week he gave me TWO big tubes of the antibiotic gel!!! I have such a healthy diet...very low in fat, lots & lots of fruit and fresh vegetables, drink lots of water...and still they come and haunt me! I've tried many, many different diets over the years....some very radical ones and not a jot of difference. 20-plus years is a long time to suffer with something like this. It affects all aspects of my life...over the years when my skin is especially bad I have dreaded going to social events, work, hairdressers, dentists, etc. I hate my skin being looked at in close proximity. I've had 2 dermabrasion operations, several courses of collagen/hylaform injections and many lots of excision work on my acne scars. Just over a week ago I saw yet another plastic surgeon and he was very kind and helpful but said because the scarring was so deep & extensive - and I'd had so much unsuccessful treatment before - he felt there was nothing else he could do for me at the moment. I cried for England afterwards, it just broke my heart. I wear my hair long, not because I want to but to use it as "curtains". When I'm at home (or when I'm alone) I wear it up and off my face. People have said that maybe my hair is causing the spots....but I don't have spots on the back of my neck and that is where my hair clings most! I also keep my hair squeaky clean so it's not that. "People" sometimes come up with the most bizarre remedies, I've had lots of "helpful" suggestions over the years - usually from people who have skin like velvet!! Now though I think most have given up on me or just feel sad that I continue to still have really bad skin. I don't talk about it much because I can't see the point. Only to you....who understand... When I go out I always hope that the lights won't be too bright so I can kind of hide!!! Ridiculous I know.... Ah well....I've rambled on and on... Thanks for listening....you're just brilliant! Thinking of you a lot Jasmine...like you've said before...we'll support each other while we're trying to get through this. Lots of love, luck and thanks to you all. Rianne.
    No-No Gadget -- Jasmine, 14:42:55 03/19/00 Sun
    Hi all.Hi Just Me.I've just noticed my friend has left the envelope behind with your cheque in it so it hasn't yet been posted.Sorry.I'll get him to post it Mon or Tues at the latest.Feel too depressed to chat really as so covered in acne and face has gone a dodgy orange colour.As well as face it is now on back and chest and I even noticed a few small spots have come on my stomach!!!I feel engulfed by it and finding it very hard to cope.Sorry to be so miserable just feel so very low about it all.Still derm appointment Tuesday.I suppose I'll have to have antibiotics as it is on my body.Why has it gone on my body after 22years of it on my face.I always get thrush on antibiotics and it doesn't go away.Does anyone know if by taking the acidophilus tablets whether that would actually keep thrush at bay?Anyway wish you all well.I hope your not too down RIANNE love Jasminexx
    Response from me I couldn't post last nite! :) -- Just Me, 12:43:12 03/19/00 Sun
    Hello everyone!

    Ginger - hello! Thanks for sharing re the Reconstruction Creme at http://www.ageless.co.za/. I'll take a look as soon as I sign on as I'm typing this off line! :) Do let us know what they say about the rest of the ingredients as I'm sure many would like to know! If it works, wahay, it'd be great news for a lot of fellow cure seekers out there with acne.

    I know what you mean Ginger about suffering in silence as I did that myself for 22 years. I never even thought of coming to the net to look for a group to chat with. I've been using the net for about 2 years plus now and I only stumbled on Gill's site by chance when I was looking for information on the Dermalux Lamp which had been recommended in "Here's Health" magazine. The rest is history! Then this site came about. I was amazed to read and listen to people who had gone through exactly what I had gone through and all those years I thought I was alone cos I never really knew anyone in real life that had acne - everyone else around me had pretty much normal healthy skin or just a few spots.

    Le, thanks for sharing your site. I took a look and it came up with a non-existent site. Did you type the URL in correctly?

    I spent like an hour writing a reply last nite but couldn't post it cos the Message Box was missing (chuckles)! So saved it and here it is: Gotta get my day going now so later guys!

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

    Hello all :) - lots of cake today and a wee binge on Kentucky!!  Well, once in a while I guess it's okay!

    Davie, good to hear the organic eating habits is going well!  I make an effort to refrain from using the word "diet" (grins) and change it to eating habits as diet makes one feel like you're depriving yourself!  And I'm not, as I've just changed my eating habits and made them healthier choices!  My body appreciates it!  :)

    So I see you've added Selenium, Burdock Root and Enchinecea.  Way to go!  Keep on sharing regards what you know regard supplementation etc cos I'm learning new stuff from you too, as well all are!  Thx!  So whenever you feel the inspiration coming on, just let it flow, and don't stop yourself and think people will get bored etc . cos people will take what they need and let the rest go :)!  And you will definitely say something that someone out there will appreciate or need to hear etc!  So just follow your instincts!  Rianne, that goes for you too sweetie, ie if you feel the need to share and let it out, just go for it cos I know from personal experience it's a great release! ie to let it out in wriitng .... saves all that hurt, and pain from being stuck inside us ... and don't worry about taking too much space - there's plenty of space here in cyberspace!!  So go for it sweetie!

    Re your question on eggs, from my days when I used to weight train, and I used to read the body building magazines etc, I remember that the bodybuilders would only eat the egg whites for protein and discard the egg yolk as that contained fat and cholestrol and whatever else it did.  I used to think, ohhh, but the yellow part is the best bit (grins)!  Does that help a little?  If you'd like to find out more about bodybuilders diets, there's a whole world out there as well at  http://www.musclemag.com/  where I found this article on Zinc -  http://articles.sportzwire.com/6075513/36700-13770196675.html  (Provided by: Sportzwire.com - 03/14/00 Zinc has been known to boost the immune system and the memory, but beware that supplementation in high doses can produce serious side effects.)  Warns to stick to limits of 15mg per day and to go no higher.  Food for thought and scary!!  I miss my training.  Had a minor car accident last year and still suffering whiplash on left neck which I'm still having oestopathy sessions for weekly.  Also work long hours and by the time I get home I'm too tired to work out and also have my sites to take care of .... all my gym equipment is in the garage and some are in the house just lying there waiting for me to pick them up again!  I tried Tae Bo a few weeks ago ie to break back into working out again and it didn't go too well cos I strained my back with all those kicking movements!  It was fun though and I thoroughly recommend Billy Blanks Tae Bo Workout to anyone!  It's cooolll!!

    Re Lactobacillus acidophilus, how come you couldn't find any non diary ones at Holland and Barratt?  I was there today and I saw loads!!  (grins)  Maybe they ran out in your store perhaps.  I keep mine in the fridge and keep forgetting to take them!  (grins).  Re my questions on Time Release Vitamins .... emmm, not ready to ask yet as I want to do some research and then will ask .... (grins).  You've intrigued me and I just want to find out more about all this vitamin supplementation we're taking etc etc and find some links dah dah dah dah dah !  :)

    Rianne, all the work you're doing with the vitamins etc will pay off, if you're doing it right, ie with healthy eating habits as well.  Do you have probs with your period?  I did since I was 13 ie I have cystic ovaries and had very very irregular periods all my life, (obviously apart from when you're on the Pill), and using Dong Quai (see extensive notes and links below), I'm convinced it's a major contributory factor in regularising my periods.  And once your periods are regularised, then you've won half the battle as all our acne problems stem from our hormones.  It took a while to work - and again I'd say about 3 months to kick in or so.  I still feel it's not quite 'right' as I get the bloated feelings etc but now I'm regular for the first time in my entire life and I'm not on the Pill!  Even homeopathy couldn't work to regularise my periods nor did Chinese Herbal Medicine!

    Re moisturising your skin, you could always try the Vitamin E cream from HealthAid that I have been using for a few months as that serves to eliminate the red scarring.  If you can't find it in any of your health shops, I'd be more than happy to buy some for you from the Health Shop in Greenwich Market and send them on to you.  A tub costs about £3.99 (the last time I bought one) and it will last you quite a while - ie a couple of months or so.  It takes a while to kick in, but when it does, it works wonders!

    Kaitlin - re AHAs - sorrie, I haven't heard anything about that.  $60 is a lot of money!  "She took the money and ran - (chuckles)"!!  Re the Zinc limits ... I don't know sweetie.  Davie seems to think it's okay ...  for the short term, as long as you take your copper dosage.  You could as you say always break them in half so you're only taking 25mg (grins).  Is it pure Zinc - ie have you read the labels to see if it's mixed with anything else?  Hope you enjoyed your dance on Friday!

    I have a headache (happens sometimes after my cranial oestopathy session) - ie I got head spins after the accident (a car ran into me at the roundabout and bumped me about 10 feet from where I originally was.  I was looking right and didn't expect it at all and my foot was on the brake as I was almost about to take off and it caught me completely off guard and my head took a pretty bad flip back.  Strangely none of the cars were damaged in the slightest - only a  really tiny scratch on my car so I let him go without getting his details!  It was my first accident and I didn't know what to do!  I'd been driving for 12 years and never had an accident before till then - that was last May).

    Okay, nite for now.  BTW, Davie, what do you do for a living that entails all this shift work?  Mind sharing?  Weekends I'm in noddy land as much as I can as I get so little sleep during the week!  BTW I slept like a baby last nite!  It was great!  Though I'm still sleepy and I'm going to go play catch up again now!  Feel a little stodgy from that Kentucky!  Yuk!  Prefer the other feeling ie of healthiness of eating organic foods and apples etc.  For years I'd been eating stody foods ie fast foods and take aways and tv dinners and never could get myself to eat healthily till just before Christmas when I tried to make an extra effort to change as I'd had another lump appear a few months earlier (again non malignant) but I wanted to take care of my body ie so that no more lumps would appear.  I'd had a lump removed about two years ago (non malignant) but the doctor wanted to take it out.  It took me a while to heal physically and emotionally.  I didn't want to go through that again and some friends sent me Reiki healing and the lump just went.  I'm sure I got the lumps because of my hormones and all the stuff I'd pumped into my body over the years .... anyway enough said ... gotta go!

    Nite, and best wishes all!  JM.

    Acne SUPPORT group -- le, 04:05:29 03/19/00 Sun
    my own message board is up and running. Please feel free to express yourself through storys, questions, tips
    HTTP://MEMBERS.XOOM.COM/ACNECURE
    A great aid in helping my spots to heal! -- Ginger, 02:36:12 03/19/00 Sun
    I'm currently into week three of Accutane. Still breaking out--I stumbled on to a site a few weeks ago: www.ageless.co.za I ended up purchasing a product they had called "Reconstruction Creme" and also theire "Amino Lotion" Gotta tell you, both are MOST impressive!!! Today, I was out of town, and of all things, woke up to major problems on my nose (just happens to be in the middle of your face too :( ) I was pretty bummed. Thought, no point putting makeup on, won't hide anything. I decided to put on the Reconstruction Creme. It's now 12 hours later, and I'm amazed to say that the blemishes are flat, and WAY smaller!!! This stuff is good at aiding the healing process apparently. If you look at this site, and read about this product, all that they tell you that's in it is tea tree oil and centella. I have emailed them, and requested the rest of the ingredients. Pretty impressive products!!! More than anything I've ever tried, which is now probably getting close to a hundred things!! Both of these products are said to be ok for acne sufferers. These products come from the Republic of South Africa. Thus far, they have been most friendly in my dealings with them. Will see how they respond to my question regarding the Reconstruction creme. I'll keep you posted. Rianne, I was thinking of you especially, as I thought about some help for healing. Bless your heart. I feel for you. I was there this a.m. when I woke up to what I did, and was supposed to go have breakfast with my husband and friends. I ended up having the other wife, come join me in our motel room to eat ours. I had been crying, looked bad. If you can afford 15.00--it really is healing!

    By the way, this board has been very helpful to me--and encouraging. I'm amazed how much better I've felt to hear from other sufferers. I've suffered silently for 25 years.
    Organic Juice & Rice Milk -- Just Me, 16:54:29 03/18/00 Sat
    Hi all :)

    Checking in briefly (mom's birthday today so busy busy!)! Just wanted to post very briefly Davie, that I buy Libby's Organic Pure Orange Juice from Sainsburys and it's yummmmyy (slurp!) (grins)! and re the Rice Milk, I forgot to mention the brand, ie I drink Rice Dream Original Non Diary Alternative to Mil, made from organically grown brown rice. It's yummy!

    Bought some copper at Holland and Barratt today (grins) as I haven't been taking any .... dearie me! Want to start the converstion later about time release etc and also share some other stuff and post some more replies etc ... have lots to share but not the time to do so yet ie not right now ... just wanted to pop in to say hello!

    Hello Jasmine, Rianne, Marcus, Maurice and all. Rianne & Jasmine, I just know in my heart of hearts that you girls can make it and come out like me ... ie beaming and acne free! I never thought it would end for me and now I'm fine and not an antibiotic in sight!! I haven't been on any medication for years ie for acne - came off Dianette some 3-4 years ago and had really bad cystic acne afterwards for ages - probably till only a few months ago. That's the side effect of Diannette, ie you're acne free when you use it as it supresses all your hormones and as soon as you come off it - wham bam, you're suffering like hell! It may feel worth it at the time, ie to have acne free skin but as you get older you care about your health more as you get tired of all the side effects of antibiotics and pills etc.

    Anyway, got carried away - I really have to rush for now ... take care and be back later!

    L&L, JM.
    Hi All -- Davie S, 23:44:37 03/17/00 Fri
    Hi everyone
    Just checking in to see how everyone is doing.

    RIANNE: - Sorry to hear you are having such a bad time. It is probably a long shot but the E45 cream used to cause me outbreaks. Couldn't quite fathem out why the derm used to recommend the same cream for ecema(spelling I think) and acne skins, probably on commission!! Anyway it is not non comedogenic. ROC and Neutrogena both do moisturisers which ALLEGEDLY don't block pores, may be worth a try.

    KAITLIN: - I wouldn't overly worry about the 50mg zinc tabs, 50mg is ok SHORT TERM hence why the product gets licenced. Once your finished them though, best drop down to the 15mg. Remember also that as zinc effects copper absorption to take approx 1mg copper per 10mg Zinc.

    Just Me: - Bought some different milk today in Safeway, will keep you posted. Don't bother buying their organic Florida orange juice it's Yikes !!! Couldn't find a non dairy source of Lactobacillus acidophilus, also tried Holland and Barret without any joy. Thanks for the nutravida.com recommendation, I bought some Quest and Solgar vits and they arrived today(very efficient).

    Have a nice weekend everyone
    Seeya..
    Early nite for me, hopefully -- Just Me, 23:17:07 03/17/00 Fri
    Hi everyone!

    H-e-l-l-o Rianne, at last, sweetie!! You found us and found how to post!!! Way to go!!! We knew you'd find us eventually!! It's great to have you here!! There are a few messages already here for you from people who have been expecting you :)! There'a a lot for you to catch up on ... and it'll take a while! I think it's almost due for the Board to automatically archive itself (I think it does that when it gets up to 200k) and then it archives to the top of the page, ie right hand side. The messages can then be accessed for up to 6 months (they are working on longer messages). I may save them to a separate file on the internet as the messages are invaluable (smiles) and a lot of hard work has gone into them, especially on my part! :)

    Rianne, I will write back in more detail tomorrow etc ... for now this is short as I need to go get some sleep ... I'm way behind this week, this month !! on sleep!!

    Hi Ginger, Kaitlin and all! Kaitlin, I know you've now left for the weekend and won't join us again till Monday as you don't have a computer at home so I'll respond tomorrow. Ginger, yes, water, water and lots of water - 8 glasses they say! I have been drinking Evian for over 15 years and yet I still don't drink enough. I have my moments when I'll drink 2 litres a day ie a bottle and sometimes just a glass or two. Water helps flush out the toxins from your body! And Davie, (groans), I think I read somewhere as well that it flushes out the vitamins and minerals that we take (?) ... think I need to talk to you about that time releasing stuff you were on about and seek your knowledge on the flushing etc .... when you've time ... for me, I'm keeping this short .... just came on to say goodnite and that I will reply over the weekend, ie tomorrow and Sunday properly as I want to get some sleeeeeeeppp!!! I'm so tired! (grins)! I need more time! Ahhhhh!!

    Okay, nite everyone! I'm gonna wrap up now ... Rianne, Jasmine, Davie, Marcus, Maurice, Ginger, Kaitlin and all reading in ... peaceful dreams and here's to "Freedom from Acne"!!

    Thanks for sharing everyone! and thanks for inspiring others with your posts! It makes the journey feel less alone when there are others walking it with us ! There's more motivation in group effort and great support too! L&H, JM!
    Hello!! -- Kaitlin, 21:09:04 03/17/00 Fri
    Hi Rianne!! I'm glad you found your way onto this board and I'm sure Just Me is too (along with everyone else!) There's been messages for you from a while ago from different people I think (if you scroll down a whole bunch) And the messages don't disappear or go funny over here! Take care :)

    Just Me: thanks for all the zinc sites. All of them seem to say "15mg/day" ect. ect. I'm a bit worried now with my 50mg/day bottle. I suppose I could break them in half. But I don't understand if they are that bad to take, why would they make dosages double of what the recommended daily intake is???

    Then I keep thinking, the more I take, the faster (I hope) my skin will heal and make my red marks go away!!! I haven't bought the vitamin E cream yet. Have you heard (or anyone) about AHA's doing similar thing? I bought this jar of Beauticontrol AHA cream (it was $60) and the lady said it would help my skin just never really explained how (she just took her money and ran!!!!!0) I bought it 6 months ago and never really used it cause it made my eyes sting. I've decided though that it was enough money that I'd better give it a go. Just wanted to know if you knew about it doing the same sort of thing for red marks as vitamin e cream might.

    Well, got to go for the weekend. I've been asked to Irish Dance today at afew places (for money! Lucky me!) so I'd better get my butt in gear and warm myself up or I'll have sore muscles for a week. Happy St.Paddy's day everyone!! And someone have a Guiness for me, the ones over here suck!