u/MuseeMarmottan

So, I tried the Braun Silk Epilator 7 for the first time as an avid sugar waxer (it’s just becoming a bit inconvenient for me atm). These are my arms around the inside elbow area 24 hours post. I’ve had read dots before that go away after 24 hours, but this is different. It’s like raised bumps and it’s possible to (tmi) pop some of them. I probably did something wrong, or perhaps that area is not well suited for an epilator as my hair is very thin on my arms. But either way, how do I get rid of them asap?

At this point, I don’t know what to do anymore and I’m losing hope. I’ve tried so many things, read so many articles, and I can’t get rid of these Closed Comedones. I’ve spent hundreds of dollars on facials, extractions, even considered laser; nothing works. I don’t know when it started, but I think it started after I picked up the habit of wearing makeup. I’ve discontinued my use for around a month now but it’s still like this.

I’ve gone through all of my products, cut a lot of things out, tried a lot of things (as suggested per instructions): salicylic, lactic, differin, azelaic acid, even tret (which I’ve found I cannot use. And I’m allergic to benzoyl peroxide).

So I decided to just post here, more so as my last resort to see what other people, who might’ve gone through the same thing, can tell me. And yes, I’ve been to a dermatologist. They prescribed me tret and benzoyl peroxide.

Edit: I want to clarify that my center of the face is clear, it’s just the cheeks and upper that’s an issue

Re clarification, I realised I didn’t really explain the backstory that well… but essentially, I’m 18 now, but when I hit puberty ~12 I started getting acne spots here and there. In retrospect it was really nothing, but I felt self conscious and started using makeup. During covid I had lingering congestion but because I wasn’t using makeup it wasn’t getting worse… and then I started going to college and I used makeup everyday and it got to an extreme amount (current). So I’ve cut pretty much everything out but the lingering congestion is still an issue I have to address.

First photo is Day 1
Second is current, 2 weeks

I’ve dealt with Closed Comedones (ccs) forever. Ever since I hit puberty and got maybe one or two active spots and decided to use foundation and cosmetics to cover it up. I just recently found out that it was definitely my foundation and the oils I’ve been using that caused such bad ccs on my face. I can’t do silicones, heavy butters, fatty alcohols, many oils, etc… so I did my due diligence and I did some searching and found Differin. I am using the 0.1% at 3 days a week (a pea sized amount) post shower and after I’ve sufficiently dried my face. I’m am currently unsure if it is making beneficial to me or not and need some thoughts.. I realise there will be a purge and I don’t care much about the active spots but… I do not know if my overall texture (ccs) are getting worse or better?

I’ve since quit foundation and won’t use it again, no matter what. It makes me self conscious when I have to go outside and do something but it has to be done