Beauty Tips For Body Care
Before and after picturesI've battled acne on my chest and back for most of my adult life (29/m). I wouldn't rate it as severe but it has been enough to objectively not look healthy. I've seen a dermatologist once or twice but the most they've ever done for me is offer me antibiotics, which never did anything. Experimenting with skin care routines and products was always frustrating to me because it's expensive, it takes time to see results, and it's hard to be sure what the results are from. I thought I'd post about what helped me clear up my back, with the goal of giving folks in the same boat a few ideas. Those pictures were taken about 7 weeks apart.I am not a doctor and this advice is not meant to substitute the opinion of a professional. I apologize if I somehow botched reddit etiquette with this post in any way.1. Glycolic Alpha Hydroxy Acid Lotion - I can't say that my back would have healed with just this lotion alone but I do think it has been the most important part. It's a chemical exfoliant. I applied this lotion about every other day, and now just once a week or so. I tried my girlfriend's 17% AHA lotion and it felt like my skin was burning off so I bought some 12% and it was MUCH more comfortable to me and still effective. I bought also a lotion applicator. I used to think I got pretty good coverage of lotion on my back using my hands but this has definitely been a worthwhile investment. On days I don't use this AHA lotion, I use a generic moisturizer made by Vaseline.2. Shower routine and products - I started using this back scrubber with this body wash. The back scrubber is probably #2 on my list in terms of perceived effectiveness, behind the AHA lotion. When I bought that brush and used it for the first time I had buyer's remorse because I thought it was far too rough. The bristles are very stiff and coarse. After a few uses I began to enjoy it and now love it. I really feel that it sloughs the dead skin cells off my back as well as possibly the heads of any whiteheads/blackheads/clogged pores, and evens the texture so I'm not inclined to try and scratch or pick acute spots myself. Game changer for sure. Combined with the body wash (I trust Paula's Choice products; I used their "Resist" BHA lotion with good results) and a few routine adjustments and I think this was an important piece.Those routine adjustments included: switching to sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner (I ordered products by Verb, but I'm sure there are a lot out there) and changed from washing my body first to washing my hair first and then my body. I read a post about that once on this sub and some people couldn't believe that people washed their body before washing their hair. They proclaimed that the residue left over from washing your hair could cause problems. I never thought about it and who knows if it changed anything, but it makes sense. I also started using fresh towels after three washes, when previously I only changed after 5 or 6 washes. i think this makes a difference.3. Sleeping routine - I started sleeping in freshly washed t-shirts. I used to sleep with no shirt, and I think the oils and dirt from my skin would agitate my back despite washing my sheets every week.That's really about it. I use laundry detergent that is marketed towards sensitive skin and I think that helps as well.Bonus tip: Shaving - I used an electric razor most of my life and always dealt with irritation, high frequency of blemishes/pimples, and ingrown hairs. I have recently started shaving using a safety razor (also known as a double-edge or DE razor) with decent shaving soap and my skin is much happier. You will have to learn how to shave again somewhat but it absolutely seems worth is so far. Always wash your face before you shave. I use an alum block after shaving to close my pores before applying my post-shave balm. Shoutout to r/wicked_edge, go there for more info.As you can see my back isn't quite totally healed but it is certainly much more healthy than it was. I also believe that environmental issues contributed to my most recent flare up (pictured), as I had just moved and started a new job and was somewhat stressed.I hope this helps and good luck!edited for formatting
Girls Blog 2015
Submitted by quartercoyote
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