topic Re: First time to the Derm - 2nd Update in Beauty

First time to the Derm - 2nd Update

SouthrnGirl — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 20:20:37 GMT

Well ladies, it has been 10 days since I've seen the dermatologist. I've been doing mostly everything the doctor said to do (except the Vaseline) - Cetaphil cleanser in the am and pm, CeraVe moisturizer am/pm, vitamin C serum in the am, Clindamycin solution, Urea 10%, and no Clarisonic or Purity.

I haven't had a chance to use the Retin-A yet because my insurance company just approved it today (went from $245 to $15 yay!). And I did not use Vaseline for a makeup remover. I just didn't like it. So I used the Cetaphil to remove makeup. It doesn't do a great job as a remover, but it will do until I can go back and get a recommendation for something else.

So, in 10 days time I can tell you I have seen a really nice improvement in my skin - no breakouts at all, good texture, and not dry at ALL. I'm really loving my new routine. I'll have to see how the Retin-A works, and the antibiotic. I don't take the antibiotic until I start having a flare up. Overall, pretty satisfied - so far.

Thanks for letting me share. In all actuality, I don't think I ever would have gone to the Derm if it weren't for reading all the posts and comments here.

Re: First time to the Derm - 2nd Update

Nadine — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 21:35:26 GMT

I missed your first update. Did you mention which vit c serum you are using? Also your derm told you not to use clarisonic? Just more reasons not spend a fortune on skincare products.

Sounds like you're having good results without breaking the bank.

Re: First time to the Derm - 2nd Update

millieshops — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 21:39:36 GMT

On 1/28/2015 Nadine said:
I missed your first update. Did you mention which vit c serum you are using? Also your derm told you not to use clarisonic? Just more reasons not spend a fortune on skincare products.

Sounds like you're having good results without breaking the bank.

Not to use a Clarisonic is an individual decision based on your skin type and issues. What a doctor recommends to one patient often differs for another.

Another good reason, I'd say, not to get medical advice from a bulletin board. Just use what you read here as a starting point to do your own research.

Re: First time to the Derm - 2nd Update

KarenQVC — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 21:53:19 GMT

Congrats! To me the important thing is you have medical backup if something goes wrong with your skin--ever. Best way to go. (I use the Olay gentle/sensitive wipes to remove eye and other MU. Your dr. may have a wipe to recommend. They are so easy.)

Re: First time to the Derm - 2nd Update

I am still oxox — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 22:56:10 GMT

On 1/28/2015 SouthrnGirl said:
Well ladies, it has been 10 days since I've seen the dermatologist. I've been doing mostly everything the doctor said to do (except the Vaseline) - Cetaphil cleanser in the am and pm, CeraVe moisturizer am/pm, vitamin C serum in the am, Clindamycin solution, Urea 10%, and no Clarisonic or Purity.

I haven't had a chance to use the Retin-A yet because my insurance company just approved it today (went from $245 to $15 yay!). And I did not use Vaseline for a makeup remover. I just didn't like it. So I used the Cetaphil to remove makeup. It doesn't do a great job as a remover, but it will do until I can go back and get a recommendation for something else.

So, in 10 days time I can tell you I have seen a really nice improvement in my skin - no breakouts at all, good texture, and not dry at ALL. I'm really loving my new routine. I'll have to see how the Retin-A works, and the antibiotic. I don't take the antibiotic until I start having a flare up. Overall, pretty satisfied - so far.

Thanks for letting me share. In all actuality, I don't think I ever would have gone to the Derm if it weren't for reading all the posts and comments here.

I have been to several dermatogists in my life time and I have never heard of any of them recomending Vaseline, it is thick and clogs the pores.

Interesting how different doctors believe in different things

Re: First time to the Derm - 2nd Update

SouthrnGirl — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 23:07:40 GMT

On 1/28/2015 I am still oxox said:
On 1/28/2015 SouthrnGirl said:
Well ladies, it has been 10 days since I've seen the dermatologist. I've been doing mostly everything the doctor said to do (except the Vaseline) - Cetaphil cleanser in the am and pm, CeraVe moisturizer am/pm, vitamin C serum in the am, Clindamycin solution, Urea 10%, and no Clarisonic or Purity.

I haven't had a chance to use the Retin-A yet because my insurance company just approved it today (went from $245 to $15 yay!). And I did not use Vaseline for a makeup remover. I just didn't like it. So I used the Cetaphil to remove makeup. It doesn't do a great job as a remover, but it will do until I can go back and get a recommendation for something else.

So, in 10 days time I can tell you I have seen a really nice improvement in my skin - no breakouts at all, good texture, and not dry at ALL. I'm really loving my new routine. I'll have to see how the Retin-A works, and the antibiotic. I don't take the antibiotic until I start having a flare up. Overall, pretty satisfied - so far.

Thanks for letting me share. In all actuality, I don't think I ever would have gone to the Derm if it weren't for reading all the posts and comments here.

I have been to several dermatogists in my life time and I have never heard of any of them recomending Vaseline, it is thick and clogs the pores.

Interesting how different doctors believe in different things

I agree! It's the one thing that I didn't agree with trying. But she did tell me that was "her personal decision" and she wasn't necessarily prescribing it to me.

Re: First time to the Derm - 2nd Update

SouthrnGirl — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 23:09:22 GMT

On 1/28/2015 Nadine said:
I missed your first update. Did you mention which vit c serum you are using? Also your derm told you not to use clarisonic? Just more reasons not spend a fortune on skincare products.

Sounds like you're having good results without breaking the bank.

Nadine, here was my first update:

UPDATE! I just got back from the dermatologist. Amazingly insightful! I brought with me all of my current skin care: Philosophy Purity, Clinique cleansing balm (I switch back and forth sometimes because Purity dries me out; CeraVe AM and PM; CeraVe Eye Cream, Philosophy Vitamin C Powder and Serum; Revlon Color Stay foundation, Bare Minerals foundation, Tarte foundation (I alternate); Clarisonic.

She said to toss the purity, the clarisonic, the Clinique, and the Revlon. She said a true mineral foundation is best. She also said the Tarte is good, and recommended the Benefit powder foundation that can be used with a brush or sponge.

She said to keep using the CereVe AM/PM, start using Cetaphil face wash, and she said I could still use the vitamin C serum and CeraVe Eye Cream if I wanted. She said there was nothing in there that would hurt or interfere. She said to use Vaseline with Cocoa Butter to remove eye makeup (completely shocked me).

I was heartbroken about the Clarisonic but she said there is no effective way to get all the dirty oils that build up and seep into the bristles, and that you would have to change the brush head too frequently which would be cost prohibitive. She did not say it caused broken capillaries, etc. In the garbage it goes.

She gave me a prescription for Retin-A to use .025%, a prescription for urea 10% to be mixed with the Cetaphil, equal parts, let it set on my face for 30 seconds and then rinse off and then cleanse my face. She gave me an antibiotic prescription for Minocycline and said when I see the first sign of a flare up to take a 7 day round of antibiotics and then stop. Lastly she gave me a prescription for Clindamycin 1% solution. She said she wanted to start with an aggressive plan for a month and then re-evaluate to see if we need to stay with the same plan or change it.

This seems like a lot but I'm willing to try it. I told myself I would do whatever she suggested and toss products she thought were not good for me. So that is what I'm doing. Even though I hate to.

Re: First time to the Derm - 2nd Update

suzyQ3 — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 01:30:18 GMT

I doubt that your derm is alone in recommending petroleum jelly. Yes, it's thick, but it does NOT clog pores. Texture and the ability to clog pores are two very different qualities. See this info on many credible sites, including HERE on futurederm. com. But if you just don't enjoy using it, I'm sure you can find a reasonable alternative.

I have started using a new cleanser recommended to me by a poster here (HappyDaze), and it is the first that I've ever had that removes all my makeup (including my waterproof eyeliner).

But not remembering just what your skin problems were, I won't suggest trying it at this point. If I were you, I would stick as closely as you can to your derm's advice.

Re: First time to the Derm - 2nd Update

Nadine — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 01:39:11 GMT

Thanks SouthrnGirl for posting your first message.

Re: First time to the Derm - 2nd Update

wonderfulworld — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 16:15:42 GMT

My derm is big on CeraVe also. Cetaphil. Spf 50 with zinc. Also made by CeraVe. Glad to hear it is all working for you so well.

Re: First time to the Derm - 2nd Update

DL2843 — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 16:20:06 GMT

I have had 2 dermatologists recommend Vaseline as a moisturizer for my eyes and other extremely dry areas.

Re: First time to the Derm - 2nd Update

June Lands — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 16:21:01 GMT

do people with great skin still need to go to a Dermatologist? Are they only for having skin issues?

Re: First time to the Derm - 2nd Update

151949 — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 16:35:17 GMT

On 1/29/2015 annabella said:
do people with great skin still need to go to a Dermatologist? Are they only for having skin issues?

I believe people who have healthy skin still need to go and be checked periodically for any signs of skin cancer. I live in Florida and am an outside person and I get checked once a year. While I am there she usually will do nice things like removing any skin tags she finds. i have some areas of hyperkeritosis and occasionally she biopsies one of those if it seems suspicious to her.

There are dermatologist who are primarily beauty consultants with a doctors license and there are dermatologists who are true medical professionals. It is a good idea to be sure which you are going to before you go. I made certain to find one who was interested in skin HEALTH not one who is a consultant on beauty products. IMO - it is a sin that people's insurance or medicare has to pay for them to go and have a dermatologist tell them about beauty products. Why should everyone else have to pay for this. It is a frequent topic of conversation at my sewing club - what derm does these types of consults and submits the consult to medicare, and gives a Rx for products so insurance will pay for them.

Re: First time to the Derm - 2nd Update

suzyQ3 — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 19:40:41 GMT

On 1/29/2015 happy housewife said:
On 1/29/2015 annabella said:
do people with great skin still need to go to a Dermatologist? Are they only for having skin issues?

I believe people who have healthy skin still need to go and be checked periodically for any signs of skin cancer. I live in Florida and am an outside person and I get checked once a year. While I am there she usually will do nice things like removing any skin tags she finds. i have some areas of hyperkeritosis and occasionally she biopsies one of those if it seems suspicious to her.

There are dermatologist who are primarily beauty consultants with a doctors license and there are dermatologists who are true medical professionals. It is a good idea to be sure which you are going to before you go. I made certain to find one who was interested in skin HEALTH not one who is a consultant on beauty products. IMO - it is a sin that people's insurance or medicare has to pay for them to go and have a dermatologist tell them about beauty products. Why should everyone else have to pay for this. It is a frequent topic of conversation at my sewing club - what derm does these types of consults and submits the consult to medicare, and gives a Rx for products so insurance will pay for them.

The earth just stood still. I actually pretty much agree with your thoughts here.

The OP did have some skin concerns, and I'm glad that her derm made some simple recommendations and, I believe, some prescriptions.

But yes, the derms in my health care group, including the one I see and like very much, don't do any "cosmetic" stuff or really get into discussions about the pros and cons of skin care products. There are no displays or advertisements for products.

My healthcare group has a separate clinic for cosmetic procedures, but there is an extra cost involved.

Re: First time to the Derm - 2nd Update

HappyDaze — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 19:48:05 GMT

On 1/29/2015 annabella said:
do people with great skin still need to go to a Dermatologist? Are they only for having skin issues?

I have good skin and just started going because my physician said she recommends that people start visiting a derm yearly from 35 on, regardless if they have any skin issues. It is just one more preventative measure for skin cancer. We do yearly checkups for our main body, etc and twice yearly checkups for our teeth so it only seems natural to also start doing yearly checks for skin. Also, come to find out, certain skin changes, like the color/texture of the skin can indicate health issues, for example, texture changes of the skin on the underarms can be an early indication of diabetes- who knew?

Re: First time to the Derm - 2nd Update

151949 — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 20:50:18 GMT

On 1/29/2015 DL2843 said: I have had 2 dermatologists recommend Vaseline as a moisturizer for my eyes and other extremely dry areas.

Mine recommends baby oil for dry skin and I also use it to remove waterproof mascara.

Re: First time to the Derm - 2nd Update

suzyQ3 — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 21:28:18 GMT

On 1/29/2015 happy housewife said:
On 1/29/2015 DL2843 said: I have had 2 dermatologists recommend Vaseline as a moisturizer for my eyes and other extremely dry areas.

Mine recommends baby oil for dry skin and I also use it to remove waterproof mascara.

Vaseline (petroleum jelly) and baby oil (mineral oil with added fragrance) are two different substances with different properties and varying uses, but both are derived from the same base substance. It's really just a matter of preference.

Re: First time to the Derm - 2nd Update

hyacinth003 — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 22:35:56 GMT

On 1/29/2015 HappyDaze said:
On 1/29/2015 annabella said:
do people with great skin still need to go to a Dermatologist? Are they only for having skin issues?

I have good skin and just started going because my physician said she recommends that people start visiting a derm yearly from 35 on, regardless if they have any skin issues. It is just one more preventative measure for skin cancer. We do yearly checkups for our main body, etc and twice yearly checkups for our teeth so it only seems natural to also start doing yearly checks for skin. Also, come to find out, certain skin changes, like the color/texture of the skin can indicate health issues, for example, texture changes of the skin on the underarms can be an early indication of diabetes- who knew?

Itchy skin can be a sign of diabetes as well as yellowing of the fingernails.

Chronic yeast infections can also be an indication.

My fingernails got rather yellowed shortly before I was diagnosed with diabetes. I was NOT using dark nail polish, so I had no logical reason for the yellowing to happen.

Since being treated, my nails are a "normal" color.

Hyacinth

Re: First time to the Derm - 2nd Update

mbee1967 — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 16:39:38 GMT

I have had acne on and off forever and I am 48. I find that disinfecting the skin with benzoyl peroxide morning and night is how I cleared up my acne. I followed the routine on the acne.org web site. Lots of BP all over the face 2x per day... and lots of moisturizer to counteract the dryness. I used the acne.org BP 2.5% gel and Cetaphil Moisturizer. When my skin is clear and no new acne is forming, I back off the BP to 1x per day. I have started to use Dr. Denese Retinol serum a few times a week at night and her vitamin C pads in the morning. Gentle cleansing with a creamy cleanser is important. I use Albolene to remove all make up and eye makeup. It is fantastic! Kind of like vaseline but it liquifies on the skin. Then I wash my face with Olay Nourishing Cream Cleanser or Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Cleanser. I use Dr. Denese SPF 30 every day!!!

Re: First time to the Derm - 2nd Update

wagirl — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 17:31:48 GMT

On 1/29/2015 annabella said:
do people with great skin still need to go to a Dermatologist? Are they only for having skin issues?

Absolutely---I go once a year for a full body check of the spots and moles and this last time in Nov, a tiny basal cell cancer spot was found and I had that taken care of. I go back in June for a re-check. It was on an area that never gets sun.

Now for the Vaseline issue--you don't glob it on your eye, you let it warm up and melt in your hand and then put it over your lashes---a very small amount goes a long way. Then just gently wipe it off. I have an issue with it being a petroleum product and putting it on my skin, but it works in a pinch. And it does moisturize very well. Have used it on my feet with socks over top.