My journey into the Acne world began in my teenage years like most people. I tried everything there is for acne. Unfortunately none of them seem to agree with my skin. The acne got worse and worse with each growing year. At the time my friends’ acne started to clear up, it was like mine was just gathering momentum to come out. It became bigger, more irritating and always left worse scars on my face. Amongst the products I tried are Ten O Six cleanser, benzyl peroxide, GNLD products for Acne, Tazorac, Retin - A, Marykay time wise products and acne gel, proactive, Clean and clear, Neutrogena, and many more. I even had my Dermatologists prescribed antibiotics for me.
One lesson I learnt is that all these products work and are good. The problem is with my skin. I just had to identify the ones that agree with me. Every product I ever tried was recommended to me by people who have had acne at one time or the other and who have achieved good results with them (their faces as evidence). With each trial most times, I never achieved any meaningful result and sometimes wished I never tried. A lady I know whose acne was worse than mine achieved excellent results with Proactive, I on my part did not!
Talking about the social stigma that comes with having acne all over your face especially when the person in question is a lady. I never liked taking pictures and if I had to, I always preferred taking it alone. This is due to my fear of looking horrible in group pictures. I tried avoiding parties or get together and substituted with reading or watching movies at home. It took extra effort and God’s help for my acne trouble not to give me low self esteem.
The best way to combat acne is to believe that there is a solution out there for you. Don’t ever condemn any product or make people to dislike any acne product out there just because it never worked for you. All you have to do is with every failed attempt, encourage yourself and move on to the next solution until you find what works best for you.
There is a myth that certain foods are responsible. While some people say food might be, others disagree totally. I found out that food generally is good for the body and should be consumed. The problem comes with the digestive system of those with acne. It simply regard some food as ‘dirt’ and therefore refuse to take them in. These ‘dirt’ is what makes us to break out.
I started to drink Aloe Vera. I make mine at home. I buy the aloe vera, wash and cut into tiny pieces (like dice) and put in a bowl. I then add hot water, cover it and allow it to cool. I usually try to drink it before going to bed at night and also first thing in the morning (I drink it in small proportion!). In less than 2 weeks after I started, I noticed a reduction in the way the acne comes out.
I use the 3-in-1 cleanser to wash my face both morning and night and also use the moisturizer during the day time (my advice is this – if it works, stay with it). The only other product I still use is Retin-A cream in the night sometimes after washing my face before going to bed. I noticed that during my years of fighting acne, I always felt a difference while using it which is why I include it in my routine.
Since I started with these products, I have noticed a remarkable difference. A lot of people have called to ask me what I am doing differently. I am so happy now that I look forward to taking pictures and going out with my friends!
I must say here that the Aloe vera drink is very bitter. I know there are some Aloe Vera drink that have been produced to reduce the bitter taste. This might be preferred by those who feel the home made is too bitter for them to drink. It takes extra effort and determination to drink it (ask me!!!). For me, I had little or no choice than to give it a trial when I did (I have been with acne for almost 20years!). I told myself that if I could spend a lot of money on products and believed they will work, why not spend a dollar ($1.00!!!) to buy the aloe vera and see what results it will bring. I am glad I did.
I am sharing my story to encourage those who are still fighting with acne not to loose hope or be discouraged but to believe that their own solution is round the corner. They just need to keep trying until they find it.
For those who like me have found a solution that works, please feel free to share your story with me so others can read and be encouraged!
Need I say that I am not the only one who is happy my acne is finally going, my family too is.
Thanks.
