The Alley Beauty Salon

Connie Corleone · 02-17-2009, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solitairematrix

Is there such a thing as OVER exfoliating the skin?

I've used scrubs once a week. Does the skin get used to them...and over time STOP working? Why I ask is that as stated - I've used exfoliators for the past 5 years and they haven't helped in making the scars lighter.

Scrubs are not going to lighten your spots and neither is a cleanser (sorry Frank). You need something more intense if you really wanna see a difference.

Shoewhore · 02-17-2009, 01:19 AM

There is a difference between acne scarring and the hyperpigmentation/dark marks that result from acne.

Acne scarring looks like pockmarks. For that, I think the only thing that will work are things like peels, microdermabrasion, & lots of exfoliation.

For hyperpigmentation, exfoliation is key. Peels, microdermabrasion, the right scrubs, etc. I tried these things for years and they never worked b/c even though I didn't break out heavily or regularly, every blemish left a mark. Until I worked with my doctor to stop the pimples, I had no progress. She put me on a mild antibiotic along with Benzyclin & Tazorac. No pimples.

I started using a hydroquinone, Origins Modern Friction & Modern Fusion, along with Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansers and the Glycolic wash. I have had like 5 separate individual pimples in over 6 months (only when I stopped antibiotics for 2 weeks and when I got lazy about cleansing my face) so I'm just working on old marks now so I see lots of progress.

gogomickey · 02-17-2009, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by honey

go to dermatologist and get prescription. insurance might cover it + it's a higher concentration than expensive dept. store brands.

~

Your dermatologist should have prescribed a hydroquinone cream like Lustra it has like 4%, anything you buy from the store will be 2% max.

What my dermatologist prescribed was a glycolic acid face wash and face cream in addition to the hydroquinone cream.

The Beauty · 02-17-2009, 02:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shoewhore

There is a difference between acne scarring and the hyperpigmentation/dark marks that result from acne.

Acne scarring looks like pockmarks. For that, I think the only thing that will work are things like peels, microdermabrasion, & lots of exfoliation.

For hyperpigmentation, exfoliation is key. Peels, microdermabrasion, the right scrubs, etc. I tried these things for years and they never worked b/c even though I didn't break out heavily or regularly, every blemish left a mark. Until I worked with my doctor to stop the pimples, I had no progress. She put me on a mild antibiotic along with Benzyclin & Tazorac. No pimples.

I started using a hydroquinone, Origins Modern Friction & Modern Fusion, along with Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansers and the Glycolic wash. I have had like 5 separate individual pimples in over 6 months (only when I stopped antibiotics for 2 weeks and when I got lazy about cleansing my face) so I'm just working on old marks now so I see lots of progress.

Ah yes - thanks for the distinction!! Hyperpigmentation is my problem.

Thanks for your suggestions. I've heard good things about Origins. Time to give them a try!

The Beauty · 02-17-2009, 03:06 AM

Thank you everyone for your tips - I will definitely try some of these treatments out and let everyone know how it works.

P.S. Can anyone recommend a good place to get a foundation tutorial done? I've heard MAC is good... do they have products that work on Black skin? I have caramel coloured skin (best way to describe it, LOL) but with acne, I have dark spots on my cheeks, mostly. I've purchased Maybelliene's Mineral foundation last summer. I purchased several shades to experiment and I looked like I was wearing a mask.

As a result I don't wear foundation/cover-up and have to leave the house with unsightly, unattractive hyperpigmentation (it is surely damaging to my self-esteem).

Any suggestions on foundation would be great as well. Thanks, ladies.

Who?Me? · 02-17-2009, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solitairematrix

Thank you everyone for your tips - I will definitely try some of these treatments out and let everyone know how it works.

P.S. Can anyone recommend a good place to get a foundation tutorial done? I've heard MAC is good... do they have products that work on Black skin? I have caramel coloured skin (best way to describe it, LOL) but with acne, I have dark spots on my cheeks, mostly. I've purchased Maybelliene's Mineral foundation last summer. I purchased several shades to experiment and I looked like I was wearing a mask.

As a result I don't wear foundation/cover-up and have to leave the house with unsightly, unattractive hyperpigmentation (it is surely damaging to my self-esteem).

Any suggestions on foundation would be great as well. Thanks, ladies.

I'm not a fan of MAC foundation, but most lines nowadays have GREAT foundations for women of color. My favs are:

Bobbi Brown
Makeup Forever HD
Prescriptives (custom blend or ready made)
Chanel

Mineral Makeup is hit or miss. The one that works for me Mineral Fusion

Connie Corleone · 02-17-2009, 10:03 AM

Try using a foundation brush for application. It gives you a very covered but natural appearance. I use Giorgio Armani Luminous foundation and the brush that goes with it.

Shoewhore · 02-17-2009, 02:30 PM

I love the Origins products. So give those a try. BUT you really have to prevent the breakouts from happening or else u will never see results from working on the hyperpigmentation. Trust me, I chased my tail for YEARS and spent hundreds if not thousands of dollars. I tried everything from Obagi to MD Forte. They worked for a while & I saw improvement at first, and then nothing.

See a dermatologist to get to the root of the problem & prevent the pimples in the first place. Also, vitamin A, flaxseed oil, & fish oil capsules work really well to help prevent acne & improve the skin.

As far as foundation, leave it alone as much as possible while you're combating acne. I know it is hard not to cover up all those blemishes, but your skin has to breathe. If you wear foundation, try to keep it to a minimum--like on special occasions. And make sure to always always always cleanse your face as soon as possible. Make sure that your make-up brushes are always clean (use the foundation brush as someone else recommended b/c it will help u apply more evenly).

I recommend Prescriptives b/c they can custom blend the foundation to match your skintone. Looks more natural. I no longer "need" foundation so I just use the Select Tint from MAC which is very light and provides minimal coverage but it does help to even me out.

Good luck! Trust me when I say I know your pain!

The Beauty · 02-17-2009, 02:46 PM

Thanks so much Shoe! Greatly appreciated.

The Beauty · 02-17-2009, 02:48 PM

I was reading up on another thread regarding skin peels (the Skin Culture Skin Peel). I think I'll read up some more on it and try that.

LOVEvsLUST · 02-17-2009, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by honey

hydroquinone consistently for hyperpigmentation.

~

My derm prescribed this to me but after reading about hydroquinone I stop using it. This stuff can cause liver problems.

LOVEvsLUST · 02-17-2009, 03:21 PM

I started using a salt scrub a couple of weeks ago and it's helping. I also apply freshly squeezed lemon to my face two or three times a week.

I might try the mederma someone recommended. I have two old scars on my arm that I got from my oven rack and I want them gone and from what I read mederma gets rid of old scars.

honey · 02-17-2009, 07:56 PM

go a shade darker on foundation. blend into hairline, neck and decolletage.

~

GQ2006 · 02-19-2009, 05:53 PM

I strongly suggest visiting a dermatologist. Most insurance will cover it but if it doesn't, a great dermatologist is a good investment. Stay away from bleaching creams and hydroquinone without consulting with a derm first. Most dermatologists can put you on a skin care regime based on what you need.

I personally don't recommend chemical peels and microdermabrasion. It's not good for Black skin in the long run. Good luck

LOVEvsLUST · 02-20-2009, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GQ2006

I strongly suggest visiting a dermatologist. Most insurance will cover it but if it doesn't, a great dermatologist is a good investment. Stay away from bleaching creams and hydroquinone without consulting with a derm first. Most dermatologists can put you on a skin care regime based on what you need.

I personally don't recommend chemical peels and microdermabrasion. It's not good for Black skin in the long run. Good luck

I only think the derm is good if you have really bad problems. I know a couple of people that use accutine(spelling maybe incorrect) and it help them a lot.

My derm gave me Doxysycline(pills), erythromycin-benzoyl peroxide gel and bleaching cream but after awhile I start breaking out again. When I changed my diet(now mostly organic) and started drinking more water my face hardly ever breakout unless I eat fast food.

Now I'm trying to get rid of the spots and I think it's going to take more time with me because I have lighter skin.

The Alley Beauty Salon

Getting rid of acne scars