Here we are at the three month mark. I recently went to the dermatologists office, and after that meeting I have decided to change the direction of my challenge.
At the doctors I learned that the reason my anti-scaring regimen was not working is because I do not have scars. I have inflamed tissue under the skin. This inflammation causes the skin cells to produce an excess of pigment, which results in blotchy marks resembling scars. It actually has a name, but heck if I remember what it is(I probably could not spell it anyhow).
This diagnosis obviously changes the products I need to use to achieve the results I am desiring. I have been prescribed a topical Retin-A product to use a few nights a week, and an anti-redness/anti-eczema cream for both day and night. My doc wants me to continue using my over the counter peels, oh and I will need MORE laser treatments.
This is how I feel I look after a laser treatment
One main thing I made a point to do was to bring in all my skin care products. I wanted her to know what I am doing, and I wanted to know how she would improve my routine. I expected some tips and ideas, but I was not prepared for the intense distaste she had for practically my entire skin care plan. The only things she approved of were my face wash and my peels. We actually got in a bit of a fight because she was trying to convince me that the anti-bacterial essential oils I have been using on my skin actually cause acne. She said I should not use Jojoba and olive oil on my face because "it just does not make sense". Needless to say, she did not make very convincing arguments to back up her points.
It was very hard to not take her comments personally. I spend hours and hours and hours researching products before I ever put them on my face. I read every review I can get my hands on, and I weigh the pros and cons. Having her tell me that according to Western standards my skin care sucked, was a hard comment to hear because it felt like a big 'fuck you' thrown right in my face. I had to remember that she is after all a doctor trained in Western medicine, and I did chose to come to see her. Even though I still disagree with her claims(and I cannot find ONE study that confirms that essential oils cause acne) I am trying to like her for what she is, a Western practitioner(oh and do not even get me started on how she said "there is no definitive link between eating habits and skin health").
Anyway, being around someone who swears on their grave that man made chemicals are more awesome than ones from nature, got me thinking. I am going to do a challenge where I only use commercial skin care products for 3 months. I can tell you right now, this will be the hardest challenge I have EVER done. Even harder than my three day juice fast and my 10 days of no sugar(did not post those online). Using honey, lavender oil and apple cider vinegar is first nature to me now. Natural materials are my go-to product of choice. I am going to use her prescriptions and see how it goes. I am very emotionally attached to my homemade concoctions and all they represent, I will miss them.
I am willing to try a different way of resolving my problem of freaky pigmentation. I am taking a huge leap of faith by doing this challenge, and it is a bit scary...so wish me luck! I will update you soon.
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