Follow-ups

So, I have used the illuMask about 15 times, which is half the uses for which it is programmed.  I do think it works to keep the smaller pimples from forming and dries up some of the oil.  I have not used it for 15 consecutive days, however, tho I know it might work its best if I were to do so.  I have decided to space it out (and, in all honesty, some days I have forgotten until after I have applied makeup or my nightly moisturizer combo!!). 

 

I think I will go back to taking Pycnogenol because it will work for my cystic acne that forms along my jawline.  The illuMask is not meant for cystic acne and, besides, it doesn't reach under my chin even if it did. 

 

As for my new "moisturizer," coconut oil, I can't yet say that it is as moisturizing as other actual moisturizers, but I did read in one of my recent Self magazines that Jillian Michaels recommends it for its anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties.  So, if it's good enough for Jill, by damn, it's good enough for Jen!!!  And, as I said in my previous post, I am going not going to waste the jars I have on hand. 

 

Anyone else using natural oils for moisturizers?  Your thoughts?  Do you have more success with one over others?

 

BTW, because I suffer from acne, I don't use it on my face because it is oil.   I have read conflicting info on the use of oil on oily, acne-prone skin.  I am choosing to not add more oil.  Rather, I use a Vitamin C lotion every morning and evening.  I top it with a moisturizer with SPF for the day and a thicker cream at nite.  (I find myself much more dry here in Colorado, than Indiana, so the thick cream was an addition almost right after we arrived!!)

 

 

 



In My Pursuit for Clear Skin

I stumbled upon a "beauty breakthrough" in Cosmo that sounded like it may help me: 

 

The illuMask Anti-Acne Light Therapy Mask, available at Walmart for $30 (which is 30 treatments).

 

Now, I am familiar with light therapy for acne and even had it done once by an esthetician-in-training a few years ago.  I also use a product called Thermaclear, recommended by a friend, which zaps the area onto which it touches. 

 

My biggest issue is cystic acne and I don't think the Thermaclear does much to combat it.  However, I do use it since I bought it!

 

My honey surprised me with the illuMask ~ a belated Valentine's gift, perhaps.

 

I have used it 3 nites now; each session is 15 minutes.  It looks pretty funny on and I am surprised I didn't completely freak out the cats!!  I have to walk carefully down the 2 flights of stairs from our bedroom to the living room, while blindly reaching for the railings!  Then I sit on the couch to watch TV and chat with Chris while it works its magic!  My primary area of concern is my jawline and under my chin, but it doesn't seem that the illuMask reaches that area, unfortunately. 

 

If you recall from a previous post, I was trying pycnogenol for acne, anti-aging and perimenopausal issues.  I took it for 60 days and I truly believe it helped, especially with the cystic acne.  Once I was out of the pycnogenol, it returned, almost immediately.  And cystic acne sticks around for a.very.long.time!

 

So, I am giving the illuMask a 30-day (or 30 uses) try.  If I don't feel it really worked and that the pycnogenol was better, I am returning the mask to Walmart and buying more pycnogenol.

 

BTW, I didn't read the instructions, so I don't yet know how I get more than 30 sessions.  Would seem a waste to not have some way to "refill" the system.   

 

I'll keep you posted. 

 

Oh, and for those of you who aren't dealing with (adult) acne, there is the illuMask Anti-Aging Treatment Mask.  I could try both, as I am dealing with both acne and aging ~ Ugh!