Beauty Products You Are Loving...

[Yimmers]

Chrono, which blogger is this? Most of the K beauty bloggers I follow are video bloggers, so it would be good to expand my list. I also want to try out that shark sauce as well. I am intrigued!!!

Where do you usually get your K beauty products from? Soko glam, Peach & Lily, Glam Glow, Memebox, Amazon?

The main 3 that I check out are:
Kerry at Skin & Tonics
Snow White & the Asian Pear
50 Shades of Snail

I find pricing from the US based vendors to be extremely high and the risk for counterfeit products on Amazon are also very high. Depending on what I purchase and how much I purchase, I use these vendors:

KoreaDepart - shipping is costly because it is based on weight but if you order a huge haul, you still make out better than the US shops because the prices are a fraction of the US shops. I use the slowest mail which is Registered Mail. It was shipped out within the week and I received my package 2 weeks later. It's good for items that are not heat / light sensitive and mainly for restocking. The benefit of KD is that they carry a huge variety of items.

Jolse - my new favourite shop because shipping is already built into the price and if you spend > $40, shipping is free. Their pricing is very competitive in spite of the built in shipping cost. Products are somewhat limited in range but all the well known favourites are easily available. Shipping times seem reasonable - items are shipped within the week. Cosrx items are 20% off on one day every week.

WishTrend - I take advantage of their free shipping item to tack on whatever else I need. Shipping is surprisingly quick but I guess they know it has to be prompt because their Vitamin C serum is time and temperature sensitive.

Chrono, that's great that the spots are fading! I've come across Snow White before, so I'll start following her more closely. While I follow several Kor-Am bloggers, only one does use some K products (but not much) - Raeviewer. However, I do subscribe to Meejmuse's YouTube channel, and she now lives in Korea, so I get to see her talk about the K products.

Jolse looks awesome - I can get my CC refills there!

Since I have sensitivity, I do prefer the Aromatica brand, but apparently it's hard to come by other than the Peach and Lilly website. Thankfully, it's not a huge price jump over websites who ship from Korea if you can meet their free shipping.

And, I picked up a sample of that shark sauce. I am dying to find something to end the redness.

 

[Yimmers]

Chrono, which blogger is this? Most of the K beauty bloggers I follow are video bloggers, so it would be good to expand my list. I also want to try out that shark sauce as well. I am intrigued!!!

Where do you usually get your K beauty products from? Soko glam, Peach & Lily, Glam Glow, Memebox, Amazon?

The main 3 that I check out are:
Kerry at Skin & Tonics
Snow White & the Asian Pear
50 Shades of Snail

I find pricing from the US based vendors to be extremely high and the risk for counterfeit products on Amazon are also very high. Depending on what I purchase and how much I purchase, I use these vendors:

KoreaDepart - shipping is costly because it is based on weight but if you order a huge haul, you still make out better than the US shops because the prices are a fraction of the US shops. I use the slowest mail which is Registered Mail. It was shipped out within the week and I received my package 2 weeks later. It's good for items that are not heat / light sensitive and mainly for restocking. The benefit of KD is that they carry a huge variety of items.

Jolse - my new favourite shop because shipping is already built into the price and if you spend > $40, shipping is free. Their pricing is very competitive in spite of the built in shipping cost. Products are somewhat limited in range but all the well known favourites are easily available. Shipping times seem reasonable - items are shipped within the week. Cosrx items are 20% off on one day every week.

WishTrend - I take advantage of their free shipping item to tack on whatever else I need. Shipping is surprisingly quick but I guess they know it has to be prompt because their Vitamin C serum is time and temperature sensitive.

Chrono, that's great that the spots are fading! I've come across Snow White before, so I'll start following her more closely. While I follow several Kor-Am bloggers, only one does use some K products (but not much) - Raeviewer. However, I do subscribe to Meejmuse's YouTube channel, and she now lives in Korea, so I get to see her talk about the K products.

Jolse looks awesome - I can get my CC refills there!

Since I have sensitivity, I do prefer the Aromatica brand, but apparently it's hard to come by other than the Peach and Lilly website. Thankfully, it's not a huge price jump over websites who ship from Korea if you can meet their free shipping.

And, I picked up a sample of that shark sauce. I am dying to find something to end the redness.

 

[ckrickett]

I did buy a couple items to test Cosmetic_Love.
I also went for the Joseon Beauty Cream from MemeBox since it was on sale, 20% off first purchase, free shipping and other shops did not have it in stock.
YesStyle is WAY overpriced, which I only discovered after I found other shops.

But that's not why I am here. I am here to announce that my PIH spots are fading!!! Sure, there's still a lot of spots but they are noticeably lighter. The unfortunate part is that I'm not sure which product is doing the heavy work for this.

Yeah it is, but they also have some harder to find things. They have the Shiseido Majorica Line with pretty cosmetics so I got a few things to try. Plus they have some of the cutest stuff. But yes expensive.

 

[ckrickett]

Chrono, which blogger is this? Most of the K beauty bloggers I follow are video bloggers, so it would be good to expand my list. I also want to try out that shark sauce as well. I am intrigued!!!

Where do you usually get your K beauty products from? Soko glam, Peach & Lily, Glam Glow, Memebox, Amazon?

The main 3 that I check out are:
Kerry at Skin & Tonics
Snow White & the Asian Pear
50 Shades of Snail

I find pricing from the US based vendors to be extremely high and the risk for counterfeit products on Amazon are also very high. Depending on what I purchase and how much I purchase, I use these vendors:

KoreaDepart - shipping is costly because it is based on weight but if you order a huge haul, you still make out better than the US shops because the prices are a fraction of the US shops. I use the slowest mail which is Registered Mail. It was shipped out within the week and I received my package 2 weeks later. It's good for items that are not heat / light sensitive and mainly for restocking. The benefit of KD is that they carry a huge variety of items.

Jolse - my new favourite shop because shipping is already built into the price and if you spend > $40, shipping is free. Their pricing is very competitive in spite of the built in shipping cost. Products are somewhat limited in range but all the well known favourites are easily available. Shipping times seem reasonable - items are shipped within the week. Cosrx items are 20% off on one day every week.

WishTrend - I take advantage of their free shipping item to tack on whatever else I need. Shipping is surprisingly quick but I guess they know it has to be prompt because their Vitamin C serum is time and temperature sensitive.

Chrono, that's great that the spots are fading! I've come across Snow White before, so I'll start following her more closely. While I follow several Kor-Am bloggers, only one does use some K products (but not much) - Raeviewer. However, I do subscribe to Meejmuse's YouTube channel, and she now lives in Korea, so I get to see her talk about the K products.

Jolse looks awesome - I can get my CC refills there!

Since I have sensitivity, I do prefer the Aromatica brand, but apparently it's hard to come by other than the Peach and Lilly website. Thankfully, it's not a huge price jump over websites who ship from Korea if you can meet their free shipping.

And, I picked up a sample of that shark sauce. I am dying to find something to end the redness.

I LOVE Meejmuse! I was actually just watching some of her videos now. I paused to check PS!!!

 

[momhappy]

I ordered the Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid. The directions are a little unclear, so for those of you who use it, can you share your routine with it? Thanks

 

[ckrickett]

I ordered the Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid. The directions are a little unclear, so for those of you who use it, can you share your routine with it? Thanks

I use it between my essence and serumss.
so I wash- tone -essence the COSRX -then serums

I have noticed smaller pores and I have been getting less blackheads

 

[momhappy]

Thanks crickett! I hope it works for me too - I hate the pores on my nose.

 

[chrono]

I use my acids right after the wash routine. If you have a pH balancing tone, then I would use it after the toner. For acids to be most effective, it is best applied when the skin is more acidic.

My routine:
Wash -> Acids (wait 20 minutes for it to work and neutralize) -> essence (most are higher in pH than the acids) -> serums -> moisturize.

For those concerned about cost, want a short but effective routine, and want items that are easily available, SnowWhite and the Asian Pear has written an excellent simple routine for various skin types. With my work becoming travel intense as we head in to 2016, I will mostly likely reduce my daily routine to 5 items when on the road as well.

http://www.snowwhiteandtheasianpear.com/2016/03/beginner-friendly-simple-k-beauty.html

 

[missy]

Girls, not to derail this thread but it sort of fits and I need opinions. I could start another thread but I didn't think it was thread worthy LOL. I doubt many people here have any experience with this medication so just thought I would pose the question here and see if anyone has info to share. It has to do with Accutane. Low dose Accutane. I am thinking of going on it (for rosacea and POD) if my dermatologist thinks it is OK and I hear it is also good for actually making pores smaller and that is why I thought of putting this here.

Thanks crickett! I hope it works for me too - I hate the pores on my nose.

Of course it is too strong and dangerous a med to take just for that reason so I am for sure not recommending it to you momhappy since fortunately you have no other skin issues.

I am considering it for my Perioral Dermatitis and Rosacea. The dose I am considering is very low at 10 mg 2-3 times a week. Does anyone have experience with this medication?

Currently I am taking Oracea (40 mg) but have developed GI issues that are not pleasant at all. My GI doctor feels that Accutane might be worse than Oracea (potential for developing Colitis on Accutane) so I am between a rock and a hard place and looking for some real life experience. Seeing my dermatologist tomorrow and I will see what he thinks but we did discuss it last year as a possible option.

Thanks and again I am sorry if it is too much of a derailment.

 

[chrono]

Missy,
I am sorry to read of your ongoing skin issues but feel free to post away. I have no experience with Accutane but I hear so many differing stories/experiences with others using it. All I know is that it is extremely strong and extremely drying.

 

[missy]

Thanks Chrono. There really is no clear answer for me in terms of which would be best. No treatment is ideal and I am just trying to weigh my risk vs benefit ratio. If I insist I bet my dermatologist would allow me to try this med but I don't want to make a mistake. I will see what he thinks tomorrow. The Oracea for the most part keeps my paps away but I never fully recovered from my bout with POD Oct 2014 and I have some redness/inflammation and enlarged pores there. Factor in my most recent GI issues that perhaps can be attributed to the Oracea (doxycycline 40 mg) and it sets my head spinning. If I am becoming intolerant to Oracea I would be more prone to trying Accutane but the specialists are just not sure if my latest sxs are Oracea related. I discontinued Oracea for 2 weeks no change in sxs but I could tell my POD was starting to get angry and act up so I had to go back on the Oracea. OY what a saga. Sorry to clog up (haha get it clog up) this thread.

 

[marymm]

Missy, years ago (sometime in the 1990s), I took Accutane for several months (?), less than half a year anyway. It worked very very well for me. I had zero side effects other than somewhat dry skin that was easily addressed. I was on birth control at the time (and would have been required by my doctor to use some form of birth control while on the medication), and also even then knew I would not be having children. The persistent cystic acne on my face was cleared up and never in the passing years has it reoccurred.

Back then, I believe it was a non-controlled prescription but from what I understand now patients have to be registered by the doctor/dermatologist on iPledge and then the prescription has to be verified by the doctor/dermatologist on iPledge and if a child-bearing age the patient must use two forms of contraception.

It is unclear to me whether/how today's Accutane may differ from the 1990's Accutane but I think the active ingredient (Isotretinoin) is the same.

 

[momhappy]

Since I can post my thoughts/opinions in here without having them attacked , I thought I'd add a few new favorites. I used my 15% at Sephora and splurged a little. I love YSL's Glossy Stains, so I thought I'd give their Tint in Oil gloss a try. They go on glossy/oily, but after the shine wears off, you are left with matte color for hours. I purchased a light coral color because I don't like to go bold with lips and I still have to apply it sparingly or the tint/stain feels too much for me. I liked it so much, I ordered the nude color and the copper color (neither of which they had in stock at my local store). The copper might end up being too much color for me, but I thought I'd give it a try anyways. I also purchased a light hair oil from Ouai that works well - I use it both before styling on wet hair and after on dry hair for smoothing. The scent is floral (reminds me of Lilly of the Valley flowers), but it's not overpowering and I'm sensitive to fragrance. The final product is the Color Control Cushion Compact by Amorepacific. It is a lightly tinted SPF 50 and although it's pricey ($60) I really like it because it doesn't feel like sunscreen and it doesn't leave that whitefish residue behind.

 

[House Cat]

Girls, not to derail this thread but it sort of fits and I need opinions. I could start another thread but I didn't think it was thread worthy LOL. I doubt many people here have any experience with this medication so just thought I would pose the question here and see if anyone has info to share. It has to do with Accutane. Low dose Accutane. I am thinking of going on it (for rosacea and POD) if my dermatologist thinks it is OK and I hear it is also good for actually making pores smaller and that is why I thought of putting this here.

Thanks crickett! I hope it works for me too - I hate the pores on my nose.

Of course it is too strong and dangerous a med to take just for that reason so I am for sure not recommending it to you momhappy since fortunately you have no other skin issues.

I am considering it for my Perioral Dermatitis and Rosacea. The dose I am considering is very low at 10 mg 2-3 times a week. Does anyone have experience with this medication?

Currently I am taking Oracea (40 mg) but have developed GI issues that are not pleasant at all. My GI doctor feels that Accutane might be worse than Oracea (potential for developing Colitis on Accutane) so I am between a rock and a hard place and looking for some real life experience. Seeing my dermatologist tomorrow and I will see what he thinks but we did discuss it last year as a possible option.

Thanks and again I am sorry if it is too much of a derailment.

Unless I had out of control, cystic acne, I would never, under any circumstances, take accutane. The side effects while taking it and the potential permanent side effects are just too severe.

Missy, your skin won't handle it. Accutane dries out EVERYTHING, your eyes, your lips, your..ahem. When I took it, I remember talking and having my lips split open during a conversation and having blood trickle down my chin. My body skin and hands were on fire because it was so dry. I have very sensitive skin, but I am tough compared to what you have described of your skin.

I had to discontinue Accutane after two months. I couldn't take it.

I remember reading that you eat many fermented foods, are you taking a GOOD probiotic too? Maybe that will help with the symptoms you are experiencing with the Oracea?

 

[missy]

Missy, years ago (sometime in the 1990s), I took Accutane for several months (?), less than half a year anyway. It worked very very well for me. I had zero side effects other than somewhat dry skin that was easily addressed. I was on birth control at the time (and would have been required by my doctor to use some form of birth control while on the medication), and also even then knew I would not be having children. The persistent cystic acne on my face was cleared up and never in the passing years has it reoccurred.

Back then, I believe it was a non-controlled prescription but from what I understand now patients have to be registered by the doctor/dermatologist on iPledge and then the prescription has to be verified by the doctor/dermatologist on iPledge and if a child-bearing age the patient must use two forms of contraception.

It is unclear to me whether/how today's Accutane may differ from the 1990's Accutane but I think the active ingredient (Isotretinoin) is the same.

Thank you Marymm. I am glad it in effect cured you of your cystic acne and how fortunate you only needed a relatively short duration of this drug. I would be on lower dose for much longer if my body could tolerate it that is. I guess I'll see what my doctor has to say tomorrow. I am ready for a positive change but not sure it is the smart/best move for me. Thank you for sharing your positive experience.

 

[House Cat]

I'm not loving the snail eye cream. Does it take a while? I have always used a shisedo product and it works like a dream. This snail cream is leaving me a bit dry and crepey when I am oily to begin with.

 

[missy]

Girls, not to derail this thread but it sort of fits and I need opinions. I could start another thread but I didn't think it was thread worthy LOL. I doubt many people here have any experience with this medication so just thought I would pose the question here and see if anyone has info to share. It has to do with Accutane. Low dose Accutane. I am thinking of going on it (for rosacea and POD) if my dermatologist thinks it is OK and I hear it is also good for actually making pores smaller and that is why I thought of putting this here.

Thanks crickett! I hope it works for me too - I hate the pores on my nose.

Of course it is too strong and dangerous a med to take just for that reason so I am for sure not recommending it to you momhappy since fortunately you have no other skin issues.

I am considering it for my Perioral Dermatitis and Rosacea. The dose I am considering is very low at 10 mg 2-3 times a week. Does anyone have experience with this medication?

Currently I am taking Oracea (40 mg) but have developed GI issues that are not pleasant at all. My GI doctor feels that Accutane might be worse than Oracea (potential for developing Colitis on Accutane) so I am between a rock and a hard place and looking for some real life experience. Seeing my dermatologist tomorrow and I will see what he thinks but we did discuss it last year as a possible option.

Thanks and again I am sorry if it is too much of a derailment.

Unless I had out of control, cystic acne, I would never, under any circumstances, take accutane. The side effects while taking it and the potential permanent side effects are just too severe.

Missy, your skin won't handle it. Accutane dries out EVERYTHING, your eyes, your lips, your..ahem. When I took it, I remember talking and having my lips split open during a conversation and having blood trickle down my chin. My body skin and hands were on fire because it was so dry. I have very sensitive skin, but I am tough compared to what you have described of your skin.

I had to discontinue Accutane after two months. I couldn't take it.

I remember reading that you eat many fermented foods, are you taking a GOOD probiotic too? Maybe that will help with the symptoms you are experiencing with the Oracea?

Thanks for your input housecat. I am so sorry you had such a nightmare experience with the drug. That is terrifying. The sxs I am experiencing with Oracea is not remediated with probiotics or fermented foods. It has to do with a potential reaction to being on it for 10 years with a short break spring and summer 2014 due to these very same symptoms I am experiencing now. The doctors still don't know what is going on and not sure it is the Oracea.

I really appreciate you sharing this with me Housecat, thank you.

 

[chrono]

I'm not loving the snail eye cream. Does it take a while? I have always used a shisedo product and it works like a dream. This snail cream is leaving me a bit dry and crepey when I am oily to begin with.

I am sorry to read that it's not working well for you. My eye lids were so dry they were crepe-y but they look great now. I did not need any time adjustment as my skin just soaked it up. I dot just a minuscule amount all around the eye area.

 

[ckrickett]

I'm not loving the snail eye cream. Does it take a while? I have always used a shisedo product and it works like a dream. This snail cream is leaving me a bit dry and crepey when I am oily to begin with.

I am sorry to read that it's not working well for you. My eye lids were so dry they were crepe-y but they look great now. I did not need any time adjustment as my skin just soaked it up. I dot just a minuscule amount all around the eye area.

aw I am sorry this isn't working for you. May I ask what shiseido cream you use. I love their products.

I get really oily to and I try to use very stiff creamy eye creams. They don't usually leave me very oily

 

[ckrickett]

I just ordered a small Jar of the Creme De La Mer. I haven't tried it in YEARS (last time it didn't work so well, but I don't think I applied it correctly). I figured I would give it another go and see how it works for me now.

 

[ckrickett]

Thanks crickett! I hope it works for me too - I hate the pores on my nose.

me too. They were so horrible! I have noticed a vast difference, I do hope it works out for you!

 

[momhappy]

I'm not loving the snail eye cream. Does it take a while? I have always used a shisedo product and it works like a dream. This snail cream is leaving me a bit dry and crepey when I am oily to begin with.

I am sorry to read that it's not working well for you. My eye lids were so dry they were crepe-y but they look great now. I did not need any time adjustment as my skin just soaked it up. I dot just a minuscule amount all around the eye area.

This is something that I've been wondering - do most women put product/moisturizer on their eyelids? I always sort of avoid my eyes when putting on product unless I'm specifically applying something under my eyes (for fine lines/wrinkles) like an eye cream. I see lots of older women with pretty nice skin overall, but then they have these crepe-y, wrinkled eye lids (and I don't mean just the eye lid, but the whole area from lids to brows). I'd like to try to avoid this if possible, but I also don't like the idea of getting too many chemicals in my eyes.

 

[VRBeauty]

Two nights ago I use Spalife Soothing Foot Treatment booties for the first time. They're paper/plastic booties that have a wet-ish goo inside them. You slip your feet into them, leave them on for 60-90 minutes, and then rinse. (I secured the tops of the booties with little clips.) They're supposed to remove dead skin and callouses - but you don't see the results for 7-10 days. I'll let you know how it goes! As for the immediate effect - they weren't uncomfortable to use, but I certainly didn't feel at all like I was being pampered in a spa! I found them at TJ Maxx - two packages (treatments) at $1.99 each, so I figured why not give it a try! I have to admit though that in retrospect, I am a bit concerned about soaking up something that absorbs into the skin deeply enough to have that kind of lasting impact...

Well, it's been ten days, and... nothing. No peeling, no sloughing, no softening, no nothing! I have a second one, but I don't think I want to marinade my feet in heaven knows what for an hour for no good reason, so I'll just find a way to pass it on.

Not surprised, but a bit disappointed.

 

[Yimmers]

Momhappy, I do put the eye cream both on my eye lids and under my eye. Just tap it on with your ring or pinky finger.
I guess I wasn't worrying so much about wrinkles there - I used to have pretty dry and irritated eyelids from a sensitivity to rigid gas permeable lens and their cleaning solution.

 

[packrat]

Missy, I have a couple threads floating around here regarding Accutane. I've been on it five times. And I still break out. I've been to two dematologists in the last couple years to see what is new and improved in the skin care world since I last took Accutane--- and there is nothing new. Nothing that will do the work of Accutane without the possible harm that can come from it. You do still need to be resistered in the national database and you do still need to use two forms of birth control, not just one. You will need to read a booklet and initial some things regarding your physical and mental health. You will them need to have blood work done and a urine hcg. And then you will go the next month using two forms of birth control. Then you will go back to the dr and do another urine hcg and then you will be given the prescription. You will go in for monthly urine hcg and blood work. And continue to use two forms of birth control for the entirety of your treatment and for one month following the end of your treatment. It is a HUGE deal to be on this medication. Some Drs and others make light of it like its no big deal. I have decided against going back on it for a sixth time. I believe part of the health issues I have now we're exacerbated by Accutane. The benefit of my skin being pretty is not worth making things worse for me physically and mentally. And that's not guaranteed that it would but I will not take that chance.

 

[House Cat]

I'm not loving the snail eye cream. Does it take a while? I have always used a shisedo product and it works like a dream. This snail cream is leaving me a bit dry and crepey when I am oily to begin with.

I am sorry to read that it's not working well for you. My eye lids were so dry they were crepe-y but they look great now. I did not need any time adjustment as my skin just soaked it up. I dot just a minuscule amount all around the eye area.

aw I am sorry this isn't working for you. May I ask what shiseido cream you use. I love their products.

I get really oily to and I try to use very stiff creamy eye creams. They don't usually leave me very oily

http://www.shiseido.com/super-corre...52104662,en_US,pd.html&cgid=skincare-eye-lip&

I have been using this for years. You do need to be sparing. This bottle lasts for almost a year.

 

[missy]

Missy, I have a couple threads floating around here regarding Accutane. I've been on it five times. And I still break out. I've been to two dematologists in the last couple years to see what is new and improved in the skin care world since I last took Accutane--- and there is nothing new. Nothing that will do the work of Accutane without the possible harm that can come from it. You do still need to be resistered in the national database and you do still need to use two forms of birth control, not just one. You will need to read a booklet and initial some things regarding your physical and mental health. You will them need to have blood work done and a urine hcg. And then you will go the next month using two forms of birth control. Then you will go back to the dr and do another urine hcg and then you will be given the prescription. You will go in for monthly urine hcg and blood work. And continue to use two forms of birth control for the entirety of your treatment and for one month following the end of your treatment. It is a HUGE deal to be on this medication. Some Drs and others make light of it like its no big deal. I have decided against going back on it for a sixth time. I believe part of the health issues I have now we're exacerbated by Accutane. The benefit of my skin being pretty is not worth making things worse for me physically and mentally. And that's not guaranteed that it would but I will not take that chance.

Thanks packrat. I just found your Accutane thread and read it and it was very informative and helpful.

I don't think I will be asking for this drug. I knew about the potential side effects but after reading your thread it hits home more than just reading impersonal scientific info if you kwim. Anxiety attacks, suicidal thoughts, IBD, Ulcerative colitis etc. all potential effects just scares the crap out of me.

My issue is not just wanting pretty skin (though I miss my pretty skin believe me and it would be so nice to have it back but it has been a long time since I had pretty skin anyway) but just not being uncomfortable all the time. My face hurts because it is so sensitive and I was hoping for some relief regarding that. There is a level of irritation and inflammation that is always present but I can only imagine what Accutane might do to this too so I think I will pass. Add to that the fact that I seem to get lots of side effects that are considered rare from other meds and it is not a good combination or risk for me to take.

I will talk with my dermatologist tomorrow anyway and just see what he has to say but I think I will either have to stay on the Oracea or find another med. Not that I can think of anything I can try that I haven't already.

Thanks girls for all your input. Accutane does seem like a miracle drug for many and I am glad it has helped some of you.

 

[packrat]

I'm on my phone and having a hard time for whatever reason...did you say part of the issue is rosacea? Have you tried Soolantra/Ivermectin? The current dermatologist gave me a sample just in case it's been rosacea this whole time rather than acne but it didn't help me so I assume it's not rosacea. Worth a shot tho if you haven't tried it. He and a couple nurses raved about it. And when I had one of my skin heat treatments the woman doing it did as well.

 

[sunseeker101]

Hi Missy! It's been a while since I read through the whole thread but I'd like to recommend a 'radical' approach, say, before you head down the road of serious and unpredictable drugs. How about following a diet to lessen or eradicate inflammation in the body? In what is known as functional medicine (medicine in the western tradition with focus on the whole system, with the gut as the first point of interest) mysterious problems falling under the heading of auto immune disease and such are understood to be a manifestation of underlying problems in the gut, giving rise to leakage of gut contents into the rest of the body, which then triggers a tidal wave of immune response, which eventually becomes a traditionally untreatable autoimmune disorder.

In the case where standard traditional doctors can't figure it out I think it might be worth a shot. Drs Susan Blum, Amy Myers and Mark Hyman are functional medicine practitioners, and their books are all over Amazon, here and here. I'm thinking that eating to at least cut out all interference would make finding a cure a lot easier, if it doesn't totally resolve the problem itself. Anyway, the best of luck with it Missy, I hope that in 6 months all of this is a mere memory for you.

 

[missy]

I'm on my phone and having a hard time for whatever reason...did you say part of the issue is rosacea? Have you tried Soolantra/Ivermectin? The current dermatologist gave me a sample just in case it's been rosacea this whole time rather than acne but it didn't help me so I assume it's not rosacea. Worth a shot tho if you haven't tried it. He and a couple nurses raved about it. And when I had one of my skin heat treatments the woman doing it did as well.

Thanks Packrat. I have neurogenic and inflammatory rosacea (flushing/burning) with paps (so type I and II) and ocular rosacea as well as perioral dermatitis (another variant of rosacea). I tried Soolantra when it first came out and unfortunately my face cannot tolerate topical meds. Frustrating. I will say Restasis is an amazing medication for ocular rosacea if anyone here suffers from that form of rosacea or inflammatory dry eye.

Hi Missy! It's been a while since I read through the whole thread but I'd like to recommend a 'radical' approach, say, before you head down the road of serious and unpredictable drugs. How about following a diet to lessen or eradicate inflammation in the body? In what is known as functional medicine (medicine in the western tradition with focus on the whole system, with the gut as the first point of interest) mysterious problems falling under the heading of auto immune disease and such are understood to be a manifestation of underlying problems in the gut, giving rise to leakage of gut contents into the rest of the body, which then triggers a tidal wave of immune response, which eventually becomes a traditionally untreatable autoimmune disorder.

In the case where standard traditional doctors can't figure it out I think it might be worth a shot. Drs Susan Blum, Amy Myers and Mark Hyman are functional medicine practitioners, and their books are all over Amazon, here and here. I'm thinking that eating to at least cut out all interference would make finding a cure a lot easier, if it doesn't totally resolve the problem itself. Anyway, the best of luck with it Missy, I hope that in 6 months all of this is a mere memory for you.

Hi Aeolianarpa, thanks for the links. I have saved them and when I get home today look through the books. I already eat a grain free gluten free dairy free, minimal sugar diet. Honestly I am sickeningly strict with my diet and have not noticed any differences. I made these changes years and years ago (decade ago) with the last 2 plus years really upping the war against sugar and cutting out all processed foods. I also eat fermented vegetables every day for over 2 years now as I know how healthy that is for gut health and overall health. I am sure there is always room for improvement however and I am always appreciative of any recommendations and will check out those 2 books you like. Thank you very much.

Today is D day. Will see what my dermatologist recommends. If anything. I think one of my concerns is he might make me d/c the Oracea but since my GI doctor said I can continue it (but with another med preceding it by 2 hours) I hope he will agree. It's sad I have to take a med to counteract the negative effect of my main med. Something is just not right. I was hoping Accutane might be the miracle med for me but just too risky for me since I am vulnerable to many side effects the average person doesn't get. I thought I was willing to take the risk but the potential that things might get worse and might stay that way (ulcerative colitis is not something you can reverse once you get it) I am not going to risk taking Accutane. Thanks again everyone for helping make this decision a clearer one for me. I appreciate all your input.

Back to your regularly scheduled programming.