New Here! Question about stubborn dark marks.

[djd]

I didn't know where to post my intro, but I guess I should post here since this is where I'll be spending most of my time! I am 20 years old and African American (think MAC NW45). I made a new resolve to take better care of my skin (I had the same last year :icon_conf ), and decided that the first step was to find a good message board and educate myself on what I needed to do to better my skin.

As long as I don't sleep in makeup, I have the breakouts undercontrol, but does anyone have any remedies for dark marks left behind from acne? Any and all responses will be greatly appreciated!

 

[KittySkyfish]

Hi djd! I'm Kerry from Texas. :icon_chee The most convenient way would probably be to use an exfoliating product like the Olay Microdermabrasion Kit, which is great at smoothing skin out as well as speeding up the fading of discolorations. With this you only need to worry about using it 2x per week versus adding another product to a daily routine.

You can also try using apple cider vinegar as a toner. It's an AHA based toner that will also help speed cell turnover and cut down on breakout regularity. Try mixing the vinegar with water 50/50 to start out with and use it 2x daily. If it becomes too drying, you can either cut back to 1x daily or increase the water.

Also, try creating a mask using generic (non-enteric coated) aspirin and some plain yogurt. This is a great AHA and BHA mask that will exfoliate and purge pores of gunk. Start with 8 or so aspirin and add this to 2 teaspoons of plain yogurt. Let sit for 10 minutes or until the aspirin starts to crumble from the moisture. Apply to clean skin and wait 10-15 minutes, gently massage into skin then rinse off. Follow with a mild toner then moisturize. Try this 1-2x per week! :icon_smil

 

[djd]

Thanks for the welcomes and the suggestions! Looks like I'll be taking another trip to the grocery store!

Question, what is it about the microdermabrasion kit that makes it different from another scrub or exfoliator? I already use a scrub (usually Olay's).

 

[KittySkyfish]

Well, the first part of the kit has *way* more grit to it. It'll feel like a thick paste and the exfoliation is much more effective than traditional scrubs. In the 2nd part of the kit, you'll be applying an activating gel which is a chemical exfoliant that makes the first step foam up a bit. The combined result is very effective and you'll notice a smoothing difference right away. Marks will probably need a few weeks for a big change, but it does speed up the healing process. Before I used Olay's kit, I used Philosophy's Microdermabrasion kit for several years. Both are near identical and I would recommend either, though you'll save about $40 with Olay. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[djd]

I have been using Neutrogena's Advanced Solutions Facial Peel, okay..only twice in like 3 months..but at least I have it! :clap

Would using this twice a week and the scrub/mask once a week, and ACV as a toner twice a day (and sunscreen daily of course) be a good course of action?

 

[Miffy]

In India the punjabis like to use tumeric powder mixed with some water as a mask to lighten their hyperpigmentation. You have to be patient for results and constant with using the mask. If you have lighter or fair skin, it might turn you yellow for awhile though (the powder is a mustardy color.) It's the kind that you cook with. You should use just a little (like 1 tsp or less) mixed with some water and leave it on for around 20 min or so. If you don't already, you should also exfoliate to get rid of the dead skin cells. Just make sure you don't OVERexfoliate /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[Marisol]

 

[djd]

Thanks ladies!

I actually have some himani gold tumeric cream that I was using unfaitfully...I guess it's time to pull that out again!

Off to check out the homade facials thread /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[KittySkyfish]

That would be too much exfoliation! Start slowly. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> Listen to your skin and let it guide you to how much exfoliation it can tolerate. I'd say follow the guidelines of the Neutrogena peel and if it allows 2x per week usage, do that or do one application and replace the other with a home made mask. The ACV toner can be worked in gradually once your skin gets used to the weekly treatments. If your skin starts becoming excessively dry, irritated and stinging, then hold off on any treatments until it calms down, then reevaluate what you're doing and adjust to make improvements.

So, keep it simple, gradually add treatments and listen to your skin! :clap

 

[djd]

Thanks for your response!

Okay, so it does allow for 2 times a week, so I guess I'll use it once a week and use a scrub and the honey mask once a week.

And work the ACV in slowly /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

How often should I use the Tumeric Cream?

 

[djd]

Yup..it's a moisturizer..and I was hoping you would say that /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> :clap

 

[djd]

Oh my goodness! I tried the ACV toner for the first time tonight..and it stunk to the high heavens! WOW! I didn't think I could take the whole application!

 

[Miffy]

Did you use pure ACV or did you dilute it first? If you're using it all over your face I suggest diluting it with water first. I would use pure ACV as a spot treatment for acne and whatnot.

 

[djd]

Yes, I diluted the ACV a little less than 50% ACV to a little more than 50% water, but it still STUNK! I'm still using it though /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[Killah22]

I have the same problem as you djd, I have been using Pro Activ Skin Care Solution and their mask is what helps the dark spots fade. It just takes a lot of patience, rest and drinking lots of water too, and trust me, you will then get there to clearer, greater looking skin.

 

[claudia]

allo everyone, i am new to this board. i am a 28 years black canadian girl. i don't have trouble with my skin, but i always get pimples on that ''time of the month'' that leave dark marks. i have been using palmer's cocoa butter soap, and it work wonder, 3 weeks later, the mark are gone. and it's an amazing moisturizer, i just fell in love with that product.:icon_chee :icon_chee

 

[litlbitprincess]

Welcome DJD I am Susan in Canada. I hope you find something that helps with all this great info!

 

[monniej]

hello djd and welcome to mut. i'm monnie from michigan. the one product i've found that works well is complexion corrector by sonya dakar. it's pretty pricey at $75, but it does a great job of evening out the skin tone in about 3 to 4 weeks. what products are you using currently?

 

[monniej]

hello claudia and welcome to mut. i'm monnie from michigan.

 

[SewAmazing]

Buy a tube of Ambi skin tone cream in your skin's formula. If you use this twice a day, you will definitely see results after about 6 weeks. This is a really good product. Unfortunately, in my area the AA gay men have discovered it, so you gotta grab a tube around here as soon as you see it on a shelf...