Inflikted Posted April 19, 2019 Share Posted April 19, 2019 I'm a 30 year old guy, and ever since my teens, I've dealt with some very unpleasant chest acne. Getting new acne has slowed down quite a bit, but it still happens on occasion. I'm not really sure what the cause is, whether it's an allergy thing, or what. The worst part is, a lot of the blemishes I've accrued over the years have never really faded out or disappeared. I suppose it's not like anyone else is seeing my chest to know, but I mean, I see it, and I hate the way it looks, and because I'm riding a newfound wave of positivity and optimism, I'm interested in trying to find ways to remedy some of the things about myself that I'm unhappy with. Now, if after a certain period of time, I've not seen any results, I do intend to consult with a dermatologist, but I've really not actively tried to remedy this particular ailment (because I never cared enough to bother), so I'm just curious if there's anything worth attempting before consulting a specialist. Several years ago, I did read about using apple cider vinegar, and I tried that for a bit, and I think it did help to a small extent, but because I was desperate for a quick fix, I think I went overboard with it and/ or didn't use it "correctly", and I freaked myself out because it seemed like it was actually damaging my skin and would've made it look even worse. So, whether or not that's worth exploring again, I'm not quite sure. I hope it's not "too late" to remove these blemishes and clear up my skin...? I mean, they have existed for a long time with very little attempts by me to fix them. I'd hate to think I'll always have this disgusting looking chest, but then again, I suppose I did bring it on myself for not having tried to fix it sooner. Any thoughts? Link to post Share on other sites
CautiouslyOptimistic Posted April 19, 2019 Share Posted April 19, 2019 I have a friend from college who had bad upper back acne (now, this was a lot of years ago...I am 46 and she was a year behind me). Maybe chest, too, can't remember. Turns out she had a dairy allergy she wasn't aware of and she cut out dairy and it cleared up. Just food for thought, no pun intended. I definitely recommend a dermatologist (they can do so much!), but if you decide not to, look into products like Nerium or Rodan & Fields. They sell a lot of lotions and potions to minimize wrinkles, brown spots, etc. I've seen a lot of before/after pics and the look great, although none of that stuff is cheap. These are MLM companies like the old-time "Tupperware" or "Mary Kay" and the like. But, good products. (I don't use or sell either, but have lots of friends who do, and they often get their husbands/boyfriends to use them too, with good results. They are not just for women!) Link to post Share on other sites
basil67 Posted April 20, 2019 Share Posted April 20, 2019 Just a quick comment on the before and after pics: Good lighting and photoshop are things. Not saying they are all fake, but buyer beware! Link to post Share on other sites
preraph Posted April 20, 2019 Share Posted April 20, 2019 It can take repeated treatments and it can be very expensive, but the only one who can get rid of those acne scars is a dermatologist. You should at least go to an appointment with a dermatologist and find out what your options are. I imagine it's laser. It would be a good investment. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Mr. Lucky Posted April 20, 2019 Share Posted April 20, 2019 Now, if after a certain period of time, I've not seen any results, I do intend to consult with a dermatologist Inflikted, do you have insurance through work or other coverage? If so, cut to the chase and see a specialist, they have remedies far beyond any OTC or online cure. Definitely the way to go... Mr. Lucky Link to post Share on other sites
CautiouslyOptimistic Posted April 20, 2019 Share Posted April 20, 2019 Inflikted, do you have insurance through work or other coverage? If so, cut to the chase and see a specialist, they have remedies far beyond any OTC or online cure. Definitely the way to go... Mr. Lucky Totally agree!!! Take advantage of those benefits if you have them. Link to post Share on other sites
thefooloftheyear Posted April 20, 2019 Share Posted April 20, 2019 Most scars cant be remedied without some form of surgery-and even then it can be a crapshoot......If I were in your shoes, id cover it with a tattoo, especially if its localized.... Cheap, fast, no rehab... Before dismissing this idea entirely read some stories about how people have changed their lives and regained their self esteem when a lot of other crap just gave a lot of hope and no results...I did it with a hideous looking scar on my lower abdomen/pelvic area...I don't even think about it anymore... TFY Link to post Share on other sites
I'veseenbetterlol Posted April 20, 2019 Share Posted April 20, 2019 I would go to the dermatologist and skip the "home remedies". I used to be extremely self conscious about my skin. I looked up any and every home remedy to make my skin look better. Nothing worked, waste of time and money. Plus the disappointment was real. Link to post Share on other sites
Author Inflikted Posted April 20, 2019 Author Share Posted April 20, 2019 I have a friend from college who had bad upper back acne (now, this was a lot of years ago...I am 46 and she was a year behind me). Maybe chest, too, can't remember. Turns out she had a dairy allergy she wasn't aware of and she cut out dairy and it cleared up. Just food for thought, no pun intended. It's interesting that you say that, as when I was a kid, I had several allergies, including being lactose intolerant. I seemingly grew out of a lot of those things, though, but I have been wondering if I have some persisting allergies, mainly due to how my stomach gets upset. I've been trying to make mental notes of what I eat and how it affects me, but sometimes it's tough to keep track of what's in what, not to mention, my "results" are often too inconsistent to be able to draw any info from. Inflikted, do you have insurance through work or other coverage? If so, cut to the chase and see a specialist, they have remedies far beyond any OTC or online cure. Definitely the way to go... Mr. Lucky At the moment, I don't, because I just started at my new job, and it might be a little while before I can enroll in their medical coverage. I just thought I'd see if there's anything I could try in the meantime while I wait to be able to get new health coverage. Most scars cant be remedied without some form of surgery-and even then it can be a crapshoot......If I were in your shoes, id cover it with a tattoo, especially if its localized.... Cheap, fast, no rehab... Before dismissing this idea entirely read some stories about how people have changed their lives and regained their self esteem when a lot of other crap just gave a lot of hope and no results...I did it with a hideous looking scar on my lower abdomen/pelvic area...I don't even think about it anymore... TFY Well, "scars" might not be the right word. I don't really know how to describe what I have. There's no, like, surface "damage", it's more just a bunch of reddish blemishes left over from where I had acne previously. As for tattoos, I have nothing against them, but I don't personally think I could "pull it off", lol. In the past, I've thought it might be kinda cool to get a tattoo elsewhere, but I never did it because I just couldn't think of anything I'd want to get on me. In this case, I'd need a fairly big one right in the dead center of my chest, and do I'd really have to come up with something I could commit to, haha. Link to post Share on other sites
preraph Posted April 20, 2019 Share Posted April 20, 2019 You'll have to go to a dermatologist. I promise that nothing you can purchase is going to help. But I've seen a dermatologist on TV laser those off, and there may be something else they can do like chemical peel (very painful -- I'd opt for laser). I have some red and dark spots and nothing works on them, though there are plenty of products that say they do. Link to post Share on other sites
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