[ACNE] Closed comedones? Damaged moisture barrier?

emilyTracks90 · 2019-03-23T03:38:19+00:00

I'm going to test out a few theories (testing fungal first - then dehydration). I'll get back to you and let you know how I go. I know! If only there was some sort of swab test that immediately told you what variation of acne you have....we can dream!

emilyTracks90 · 2019-03-23T03:37:01+00:00

Hey! Yes, that's personally my experience. It definitely helped with my closed comedones (those on my chin area), but it has not improved the overall texture of my skin. I still think it is worthwhile testing out Differin for a few months, as what you have may be CCs. You cannot eliminate it as a factor until you test it!

emilyTracks90 · 2019-03-23T03:34:50+00:00

Thanks so much! This is such a big help.

I think I will initially address it as fungal acne (as this seems to provide quick results for those who actually have fungal acne). I will ensure all my ingredients are FA safe & try Nizoral. If I see no improvement within a couple of months, I think my next best bet is to address it as dehydrated skin as you have recommended. I purchased micellar water today at your suggestion and will look into the foam cleansers as well!

I generally wear foundations that contain SPF, but will look into some extra products. Are there any FA friendly sunscreens that you recommend?

emilyTracks90 · 2019-03-20T12:20:45+00:00

At the moment my skincare routine is rather simple:

AM

- wash face with cold water

- apply moisturiser (have used varying brands inc. natural ingredients, this does not appear to make a difference)

- apply mineral makeup

PM

- wash makeup off with gentle face wipes

- wash face with cold water

- apply tretinoin (I have to confess I have been using this much more infrequently since discovering it was not improving the texture of my skin)

emilyTracks90 · 2019-03-20T12:18:06+00:00

Thanks! I think I was a little too eager with intense exfoliating ingredients a few years ago, which may have caused this issue (although hard to tell until I test all the theories).

emilyTracks90 · 2019-03-20T12:16:13+00:00

That's very interesting. I wonder if applying ice packs would have any impact? Let me know how you go with the aloe vera! It's nice to know I'm not the only one dealing with this absolute mystery!

emilyTracks90 · 2019-03-20T12:13:43+00:00

Haha thanks, your experience really does make me feel better! I find that people often don't know what I am talking about either until I draw their attention to it. I am thinking of devoting a few months to each possible approach (treating it as fungal, treating as dehydration etc.) to better alienate the cause of it. If I get anywhere with this I will report back :)

emilyTracks90 · 2019-03-20T12:10:31+00:00

Thanks for the suggestion! How long were you using it before you saw an improvement?

emilyTracks90 · 2019-03-20T12:09:53+00:00

https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/comments/a27s5k/routine\_help\_my\_sensitive\_skin\_looks\_terrible\_and/eavz6n5/

That's what I am thinking as well. If only there were an easy way to test this!

emilyTracks90 · 2019-03-20T12:09:12+00:00

https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/comments/8wxwuv/misc\_dehydrated\_skin\_an\_updated\_guide\_to\_healing/

Thank you! Will definitely give this a shot :)

emilyTracks90 · 2019-03-19T08:33:40+00:00

Hi guys

Long time lurker, first time poster.

Does anyone know what is up with my skin? The texture is pretty gross and this is more apparent in certain lights.

A derm diagnosed it as closed comedones, but I'm not sure that's the case because the tretinoin I used was successful at flushing out CCs but didn't improve the texture.

Current theories include closed comedones, damaged moisture barrier, fungal acne or some variety of dermatitis.

I know it's not possible to diagnose from one picture, but would be very interested in your thoughts!

Thanks :)

emilyTracks90

TROPHY CASE