Talking About my Skin

Hey Loves,

In an effort to be more open about me and my life outside of fashion I’m trying new avenues to connect with you all. I have to say this will be quite embarrassing to talk about. But maybe you all might have some opinions or recommendations. So one thing you may or may not know about me is that I have suffered from acne since I was about 12. Which is nothing new, I mean a lot of people get acne during puberty. But acne managed to follow me into adulthood. This post is really for women but particularly black women dealing with hyperpigmentation. I hope this inspires someone

I don’t get serious breaks out now, but what I am left with is serious acne scars, MAJOR Hyperpigmentation, and ingrown hairs. The ingrown hairs are what I find to be the worst. My tweezers have become my best friend. Like most people with acne I have used pretty much everything to rid my life of acne. People say “oh just wash your face more”, or “drink more water”, and anyone that suffers from acne will tell you, we wash our face all the time, and we drink enough water to become a fish lol I’ve tried all the products on the market, Proactive, Clean & Clear, Clearasil, Neutrogina, Epiduo, you name it, I’ve probably tried it. Even when eating healthy my skin didn’t change much.

Right now my skin routine consist of Garnier Clean Plus Blackhead Eliminator Scrub, Ocean Salt & Imperialis from Lush. All 3 products keep my skin clean and soft. However my dark spots still remain. But what I have found after doing some research online, the darkness & bumps I get, aren’t from acne, but the ingrown hairs that are trying to make it’s way through the skin. Do you know how embarrassing it is to have your guy tell you the hair on your face is poking him on his clean shaven face?

 

It’s to the point where I’m seriously considering getting laser hair removal. I think that would help a lot of my issues right now. I can’t tell you the amount of times when I’m getting makeup done for a photoshoot or runway show and wondering what the MUA is thinking when she sees the hair on my face. Or sometimes I don’t want my guy to caress my chin because I know I didn’t have a chance to get the hair off my face. I don’t like to shave because that only makes it worse. I make sure that I cover them up when putting on my makeup.

 

Part of my would give anything to have absolutely clear and vibrate skin on my face. To have the bottom half of my face match the top half. For me I don’t need something that prevents acne. I need something that can help me clear my skin, and get rid of these acne scars, because they suck.

By the grace of God, I have never been the one to let my acne get in the way of my life. I’ve never hid behind my acne. I think it’s because I have come to terms with what my face looks like. But that doesn’t negate the fact that I have problem skin.

So I pose this question to you all, what are some products or remedies that have worked for you? And what are your thoughts on laser hair removal?

xoxo
Shay

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20 Comments

  1. Shainna
    April 22, 2014 / 5:57 pm

    OMG I suffer with the same problem it is so embarrassing and was thinking about Laser hair removal myself. However, I am concerned with additional scaring and hyperpigmentation due to my skin tone from the lasering. I would love to see results if you decide to proceed….best wishes you are not alone !~

  2. Shainna
    April 22, 2014 / 6:02 pm

    Laser Hair removal is best. Make sure they have FDA approved lasers for african american skin and hair. I too have this problem. I also have two sisters who had this done (runs in the family) and none of us have scarring. Find a African American dermatologist in your area if you can. They can do wonders! Believe me, this is treatable.

  3. Shainna
    April 22, 2014 / 6:09 pm

    I too suffer from the same problem as a result of PCOS.I am doing laser hair removal and electrolysis. It is better to start it sooner rather than later because the lasers remove black or dark hairs but not white ones or gray hairs I am doing the electrolysis to remove the white hairs. It does work. I have tried it several times without much luck. The key is to find a licensed knowledgeable person who has the correct laser to work on ethnic skin. Stay away from strip malls and chain centers. If you use someone who is knowledgeable, licensed and knows what they are doing you can have great success. I am glad that I found the right person. The laser also helps with the dark areas by assisting with reducing the dark areas. Best of luck! If you need more info let me know because I am happy with my results!

  4. Shainna
    April 22, 2014 / 6:15 pm

    I also have the same issue and I'm considering laser hair removal, I'm in the NYC area so if you find any good opportunities please post!

  5. Shainna
    April 22, 2014 / 7:05 pm

    I used to have pimples when I went through puberty and it did clear afterwards. I have to say that once in a while I do get a nasty zit that leaves scarring or pigmentation. I have heard that tea tree oil helps or maybe even the birth control pill (due to the hormones). I cant think of anything else but I hope someone else has some suggestions!
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  6. Shainna
    April 22, 2014 / 8:23 pm

    HUGS!!! I, too, have facial hair and it is the worst. I would get laser hair removal if I had the funds to! Upper lip hair and some long and nasties on my chin : / That said, I think you are radiant! Thank you for putting yourself out there! It's not always the easiest to do : )

  7. Shainna
    April 23, 2014 / 1:46 am

    My daughter, who has very oily skin, hyperpigmentation and heavy facial hair has also been diagnosed with PCOS. Have you been put on birth control? That should help to regulate the male hormones that are having these effects on you…at least that's the theory…
    I admire you for sharing. It is difficult to do and, I believe, for women especially. But by sharing, you help others feel less alone and that is a priceless gift.

  8. Shainna
    April 23, 2014 / 3:08 pm

    finally i get to meet (online though.. he he) some one talking about them hairs below the chin… i actually have hair growing on my chest n chin… mostly i shave…but have found that bi carbonate helps.
    Check out the video below:

    Hope it helps.
    Ilove how you don let the acne ruin your life… am still working to get such a positive attitude

  9. Shainna
    April 24, 2014 / 11:27 pm

    I have this same exact issue and it's so refreshing to find someone else speaking about it! It's so embarrassing. I'd love to get laser removal but it's do expensive!!

  10. Shainna
    April 30, 2014 / 1:09 am

    Thanks for sharing, I know its not easy and I totally understand where you are coming from, esp with not wanting your guy to caress my face/chin. I use pure tea tree oil after I pluckwax and that helps tremendously with the ingrown. Hope that helps. Thanks again.

  11. Shainna
    May 2, 2014 / 1:14 am

    Oh God, I could almost cry. I follow you on Instagram, and you are fab! I was down in a muck, doing research on Black skin and Laser Hair Removal (because that's what I do every single day that I am reminded that I suffer from hirsutism), when I came across your blog post, and I thought, "I know her!" Thank you for being so brave and for posting pictures of your hyperpigmentation! That truly is commendable! I was diagnosed with PCOS a year ago, although I've noticed symptoms 7 years ago, when I was 13. All of my physicians (GP and OBGYN) dismissed my self-diagnosis because I did not fit one common characteristic of PCOS: I was very, very thin. Finally, fed up, I took it upon myself to find an endocrinologist who specialized in PCOS and traveled up the East Coast to NJ for a consultation. Alas, I was given a preliminary diagnosis based on anecdotal and physical evidence, which was supported by several blood tests. I've been put on contraceptives, which have alleviated some symptoms of my PCOS, like amenorrhea, but not my hirsutism. Hirsutism is the worst, especially when it's accompanied by scarring – that, I can attest to. I am also looking into laser hair removal myself, and I have a consultation appointment with an African American dermatologist in 6 days. From calling her office twice, I was assured that she used a laser suitable for African American skin. I will be confirming all of this when I consult with her. Laser on African American skin can be a frightening concept, and although I've yet to start my journey, I'd suggest that you do tons of research! Also, I would suggest that you do some research on PCOS, and visit an endocrinologist if you think that you display some of the symptoms.

  12. Shainna
    May 9, 2014 / 7:57 pm

    Hey Shay,
    Thank you for sharing! I have poly-cystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and one of the side effects of it is increased facial hair. I have the same problem as you with my chin, after my a few years things started to really really get worse and I became very self conscious, embarrassed and stressed about it. So a few months ago I went for my first laser hair removal consultation. I have to say it is the best thing I've done in a long time (aside from getting my new puppy, lol). I thought that the hair on my face was so bad that it would cost all of my savings to have it removed but it was only $600 for 6 sessions. I've been to two sessions and I've only noticed hair maybe twice in months and this is after having to shave every single day. You should definitely try laser, just make sure that the laser is appropriate for your African American skin to prevent burning. I will check when I get home and let you know which laser my technician uses, the NDYag laser is recommend for dark skin as well.

  13. Shainna
    May 9, 2014 / 8:50 pm

    Let me offer you my advice on how to treat this. I've suffered from this myself and now my skin is smooth and amazing 1- Toss away the tweezers and buy an epilator machine. The more blades the better. They grab the hair from the root and prevents it from growing back. 2 – Buy St. Ives Apricot Scrub. It will lift out the hairs so you can tweeze with the epilator. 3 – Go on Groupon, Living social or any other coupon site for a discount on the laser hair removal treatments. It took me over a year and about $80-100 per month to see a difference in the hair on my face. (Just skip on buying an outfit or pair of shoes monthly and do a laser treatment instead). 4 – Buy Ambi fade cream or skin success with the sunscreen built in. You have alot of scars and need to fade it out. Old habit die hard so you need to go immediately to buy an epilator machine so you can stop tweezing. The twezzers are causing alot of those scars on your face. I haven't had a laser treatment in over 6 months and what little bit of hair grows back it's so thin that i can just use epilator every now and then to tweeze it. Hope this helps!!

  14. Shainna
    June 17, 2014 / 12:44 am

    Laser on a Gentle YAG machine also cleared my skin and rid of the problems. I went for a year (monthly) and now go every three months for maintenance. My self esteem took a huge blow when I had the issues and I felt I could never go without makeup. I was most devastated by the texture. But yes, on a more positive note all of the scarring cleared when the growth stopped. It was like a miracle to me. (I posted this on YouTube as well but I wanted to make sure I reached you. If you do opt for LHR be sure to ask if they have YAG machines which have lasers penetrable to course hair on brown skin). I wish you the best!!! I'm an IG follower, first time blog visitor. I believe I suffer from hirsutism and I have PCOS.

  15. Shainna
    June 24, 2014 / 1:58 pm

    The person that I use for laser hair removal is a licensed esthetician who is certified and trained in laser therapy. They can also charge a little less than a physicians office like a dermatologist. She uses a Cynosure Laser that is also for use on ethnic skin.

  16. Shainna
    September 3, 2014 / 6:19 pm

    See a professional esthetician. Make sure it is one that specializes in African American skin. There are laser treatments available, but the treatments and effectiveness differ on AA skin and hair. I have hyperpigmentation and scarring from facial shingles. It took me a long time to find someone, but I'm making an appointment this Fall to see if I am a candidate for laser treatments.

  17. Unknown
    January 27, 2016 / 5:45 am

    I have this same issue… It's been ongoing for at least the past 15 years that I can think of & I'm 34yo. Please post an update.

  18. Unknown
    January 27, 2016 / 5:45 am

    I have this same issue… It's been ongoing for at least the past 15 years that I can think of & I'm 34yo. Please post an update.

  19. Dark and bubbly
    June 4, 2016 / 10:09 pm

    My chin is a mess with spikey hair and ingrown hairs and razor bumps. Its effects my confidence and so I have just had my first laser treatment. It felt like elastic bands pinging against my skin. After 1 treatment the growth has definetly slowed. I have paid for a course of 8. I very dark and was worried about scarring but after 1 treatment all seems well. There a lot more improvment to be made but Im happier now Ive made a start and seen an immediate result.

  20. Dark and bubbly
    June 4, 2016 / 10:12 pm

    My chin is a mess with spikey hair and ingrown hairs and razor bumps. Its effects my confidence and so I have just had my first laser treatment. It felt like elastic bands pinging against my skin. After 1 treatment the growth has definetly slowed. I have paid for a course of 8. I very dark and was worried about scarring but after 1 treatment all seems well. There a lot more improvment to be made but Im happier now Ive made a start and seen an immediate result.

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