Acne Scarring

[SaadMalik]

Assalaam Alaikum brothers/sisters,

Most of you probably aren't too familiar with me, as I don't post around the forums much at all. Though I've been roaming around the communtiy for a while. I decided to visit you guys here today, as I've been going through a problem for a while [Acne scars], which I've asked many people about it in the past few months. I thought I'd post here and see if there are any more suggestions since this is a big community with many different people..

A few months back, during the Ramadan of 2006, I had a minor acne breakout. It wasn't anything serious, considering my age, because I'd get zits from time to time - as many teens experience this. So I thought it would be the same routine; they'll just come and go as usual.

Though this time, they stayed on my face. And as weeks went by, more started to form. They really started to irritate me, as they hurt alot and looked horrible. So I tried many different ways to get rid of them - just like I did for my previous zits or anything. Nothing would work at all...

I spent hundreds of dollars on different medication, as this started to really become serious. I had acne/pimples all over both sides of my cheeks. Just so you know, I've been a card performer for a while, and this was something I had to take care of asap knowing I work with different people in close-up conditions. After many different medication, and few months, the pimples had stopped growing. But now, I was stuck with one huge problem - which being Acne Scars. I was really afraid of this, yet it happened. I went to my dermatologist last month and he gave me some tablets and face creams I have to apply every day.

It's almost been 2 months, and I've noticed very little to know difference. I didn't want to get much into detail, as the post is already quite long - but it started to hit me emotionally ALOT. I lost alot of self esteem and confidence in front of people. I stopped performing and communicating with many people. I'd have people ask me EVERY day about my face, and still do to this day.

Does anyone recommend any medication or techniques on getting rid of these left over scars? Since there are many different people here, I'd thought some of you might have experience with this your self or others you know.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you,
Saad

[The acne scars are basicly just marks from where the acne use to be; which is on both sides of my face. No indentions or anything.]

[MG]

mix Olive Oil and black seed oil togther and put it on your face, its very good for skin.

Also, get fresh ginger (zanzabil) peel it, slice it, boil it and then drink it (Add sugar for taste) do this daily, it contains sulfur and is excellent for skin, hair and nails.

The only other thing i can suggest is also keep yourself dehydrated with water throughout the day.

if it continues maybe go see a herbalist or skin specialist?

another good oil is what is called Bio-Oil whihc u can get from your local pharmacy that is supposed to effective in removing marks or pigmentation on skin.

[Hafsah]

havent really got any advise..but whats a card performer?

you could try using zam zam on ur face :)

[Ebony]

If you have acne scarring, theres nothing really that can "fix" them. Most women tend to hide it under make up. But poor men are left with nothing to do.

Insh'Allah try mixing lemon, olive oil to a few tablespoons of gramflour and apply that to the scars every so often. They might fade/change colour so as to not appear so obvious.

But as far as the scars disappearing or improving? That may not happen :(

[Salman Al-Farsi]

exercise.

[SaadMalik]

Thanks for the quick replies! Really appreciate it!

MG, thanks for the suggestion. I'll sure tell my mother about that and give it a try! :P
Though how many times a day should I put the oil on my face and drink that zanzabil thing? As I mentioned in my post, I did go to a dermatologist twice in the past 2 months, and been on the medication he provided me with ever since. But I've seen very little to no difference since I've been using them.

Hafsah, a card performer is mostly known as a Cardician. Basicly, cardicians are people who handle cards alot, as in Magicians, Entertainers, Gamblers, etc. I've been doing card magic/flourishing as a hobby for over 2 years - but now days mostly stick to flourishing. Here's an example of what card flourishing is: [its a video I made for a class project]
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=1766990893

Thanks again! Any help/suggestions is appreciated.

-Saad

[SaadMalik]

If you have acne scarring, theres nothing really that can "fix" them. Most women tend to hide it under make up. But poor men are left with nothing to do.

Insh'Allah try mixing lemon, olive oil to a few tablespoons of gramflour and apply that to the scars every so often. They might fade/change colour so as to not appear so obvious.

But as far as the scars disappearing or improving? That may not happen

Thanks for your reply! Yes, sadly I've heard that alot as well from people. My dermatologist even told me that they probably won't ever go away, but might decrease and be less visible - which I'm fine with. As long as they aren't as visible as they are now. Insha'Allah, once I'm old enough to grow a beard, that should also be helping me cover some up! :o

Salman Al-Farsi, thanks for your reply as well. I workout alot - I've been body building since last year, and recently started to do alot of running as well. I heard cardio exercises such as running help the skin as well. So I'll be keeping that up..

Salaam,
Saad

[qasam]

I think these things go away with time, that is if you take care of your skin

[kpuz]

acne.org -> use their 3-step regimen, it works fine for most ppl. If it doesn't work for you, try an antibacterial soap and any toner with alpha glycolic acid 8% in it. it works well for me.

[Te'oma]

One of my daughters had problem acne and the only thing that we found that helped(creams and lotions did nothing) was tetracycline

[kpuz]

if its really extreme, just pay 2000$ for accutane course and you'll be acne free permanently.

[Lambo5688]

if its really extreme, just pay 2000$ for accutane course and you'll be acne free permanently.

my sis got that....i dont know why hers wasn't even that bad.

But Saad, you said you spent hundreds of dollars on medications...so that means you have probably tried most of the brand name chemicals, so now try natural way that some of the sisters have recommended.

And accutaine does really work.

[MG]

Thanks for the quick replies! Really appreciate it!

MG, thanks for the suggestion. I'll sure tell my mother about that and give it a try! :P
Though how many times a day should I put the oil on my face and drink that zanzabil thing? As I mentioned in my post, I did go to a dermatologist twice in the past 2 months, and been on the medication he provided me with ever since. But I've seen very little to no difference since I've been using them.



well i normally drink a mug or half a mug of ginger with sugar added per day, i dont know if their is a specific amount u should drink or not.

Herbalists can be very good sometimes but ive come across ones that jus dont know what they are talking about as well but the good thing is usually u can tell wen they dont know what they are talking about.

Ginger is recommended in islam and i saw a documentary on it the other day and the guy said that he couldnt emphasise enuff how good ginger is for skin, hair nails and thats not inculding what it can do for our internal organs. Mashallah.

[sunrise]

Thanks for your reply! Yes, sadly I've heard that alot as well from people. My dermatologist even told me that they probably won't ever go away, but might decrease and be less visible - which I'm fine with. As long as they aren't as visible as they are now. Insha'Allah, once I'm old enough to grow a beard, that should also be helping me cover some up! :o

Salman Al-Farsi, thanks for your reply as well. I workout alot - I've been body building since last year, and recently started to do alot of running as well. I heard cardio exercises such as running help the skin as well. So I'll be keeping that up..

Salaam,
Saad


Bro it depends on the level of the scarring

It it's just on the outter layer of your skin then all you need is to have patience and when the new skin grows they will fade away and disappear inshAllah...in the mean time all you can do is excersise, drink plenty of water and a MUST is to keep your skin clean and wash any dirt or oil off otehrwise it builds up and causes even more imples so i'd say washing your face twice a day with a mild cleanser, tea tree face wash come to mind but any basic face wash ( the fewer the ingredients the better )

However, if the scarring reaches down into the epidermis layer of the skin ( the layer right at the bottom ) then it's is permenant scarring because it has penetrated all layers and your skin can't renew itself so only scar tissue forms leaving permenant scarring, again it will fade but these will unlikely go away (your dermatologist should have told you all this btw)


From what you described alhamdulilah it sounds like you have the first type so inshAllah just eat well and keep your skin clean and don't touch your face also because your hands can transfer bacteria into your pores clogging them.

It is most likely an imbalance in your hormones which is causing the pimples/spots..inshAllah just take care of yoursef and they'll go everyone gets them...and like sis Ebony said girl can cover them with make up guys can't


Your sis

sunrise

[Lu'Lu]

Accutane has lots of really bad side effects...there was case that went to court in the UK as a teenager committed suicide as it made him so so depressed. Accutane is usually the final step in acne therapy, when everything else has failed. Also teratogenic (can damage the foetus if pregnant)..but thats only an issue if you are a woman obviously. :p

There's something here called bio oil. Its meant to get rid of blemishes and scars if you use it regularly. If you cant get hold of it, apply pure vitamin E oil or/and take vit E oil capsules. I've heard its very good...

[Lu'Lu]

P.S DO NOT use hydrocortisone, bleaching/whitenining creams. They are actually steroid creams in v high doses and the reason why the skin looks white and fairer is because it thins your skin!

That includes fair & lovely...for all users out there...

[Lambo5688]

how bout some microdermabrasion?

[Abu_Mohammad_21]

Bruv, use vitamin E lotions.

They are great for removing scars and marks.

[Ruprecht]

Nice card handling!

I wouldn't resort to drugs for slight skin discolouration if I were you.
The cure could be worse than the cause.

From the title and the number of responses, I was imagining massive keloids!

[Kubs]

P.S DO NOT use hydrocortisone, bleaching/whitenining creams. They are actually steroid creams in v high doses and the reason why the skin looks white and fairer is because it thins your skin!

That includes fair & lovely...for all users out there...

lol...what is fair and lovely?

[P3X-018]

Be also carefull with what you eat. Eating too much chocolate, candy, cakes and etc. gives more acne problems. I've also read that eating/drinking milk-products also increases acne, but I'm a little skeptic of that information. Maybe someone have a better info on that?
And indeed excercise really helps.

mix Olive Oil and black seed oil togther and put it on your face, its very good for skin.

Also, get fresh ginger (zanzabil) peel it, slice it, boil it and then drink it (Add sugar for taste) do this daily, it contains sulfur and is excellent for skin, hair and nails.

WOW, I'm gonna try this :D
I've also heard olive oil should be good. And fresh ginger have MANY benefits.

:jkk: for the information. :up:

[sunrise]

lol...what is fair and lovely?


this ridiclous cream that is soposed 2 make ur skin lighter..it should be banned its rasict in the bloomin name golly

[Ruprecht]

this ridiclous cream that is soposed 2 make ur skin lighter..it should be banned its rasict in the bloomin name golly

Great. Now I'll be able to turn a whiter shade of Casper! :D

[sunrise]

Great. Now I'll be able to turn a whiter shade of Casper! :D


loooll i dont even think it works that well my cousiosn from back home love it and use it but i think its useless and they white anyway so its silly

[Ebony]

Skin whitening cream.

Initially when these creams came on the market, they were to even out the skin by clearing it of the blemishes and dark circles. When people realised they could apply them all over and become gorafied, they went crazy and slapped it on every inch of their face (completely neglecting their neck and so looked bizarre)

And now you have a huge mass market for wanting to look "European" (skin colour just being the start of it) in the Indian subcontinent.

[SaadMalik]

Wow! First let me just say, thanks you all VERY much for the replies! Masha'Allah there are many knowledgable people here! I'll try to reply to all of you one by one.

Qasam - That's what most people, including my parents, tell me about my scars. They say that the scars will go away as you grow older. But bro, see the thing is - there is no guarantee on that. I'm 15 years old (turning 16 soon) going through my highschool years, and it's REALLY tough for me being in this situation. That's why I tried so many things and still looking for more stuff to find a way to get rid of this as soon as possible. Yes, time also has its role in it, but I can't just depend on that for the rest of my life.

Kpuz - The three step regimen on their website is mostly for people who have acne and want to stop further from forming. I'm not too worried about that, as the medicine my dermatologist perscribed me with (BenzaClin) already does that for me. It prevents zits from forming if I use it on a daily basis. And as I said, I'm only 15 years old - I can't afford to pay $2000 just for my face. My parents are already starting to get mad at me for spending so much money on medications.

Te'oma - I've heard of tetracycline before, but was never sure what exactly it does. Can you explain?

Lambo5688 - Yes, I have tried just about most of the brand names. But then again, they are mostly for curing Acne - not acne scars. I don't know much about Accutane, so I'll have to look into that.

MG - Alhumdulilah, thanks for the great information. I'll sure give it a try.

Sister sunrise - Thank you for your reply. Yes, I believe my scarring is on just the outer layer, since they are only markings. I think it was that month of Ramadan that caused this because of my sudden change in diet. Insha'Allah I'll take care of my body more now.

Lu'Lu - Thanks for the suggestion on the Bio oil. I'll be sure to give it a try!

Lambo5688 - Isn't that too expensive as well? Again, I'm only 15, so I can't afford those big treatments my self. I guess I'll try these natural ways first, and if they fail, then look more into the treatments.

Abu_Mohammad_21 - Vitamin E lotions? Hmm, I'll look into that..

Thank you all again for the replies!
And for the females - PLEASE stay away from all that Fair and Lovely crap! I've known so many desi girls here trying to make them selves look lighter from using such things! I even puke when I see heavy make-up! Allah created you the way he wanted to - whats more to add to it? :)

-Saad

[summer786]

lol...what is fair and lovely?

hmmmmm ur obviously not pakistani. its a company that makes beauty products that everyone in pakistan swears by...and they all think it will turn them white.:rolleyes:

but i think its available here in the uk too

[summer786]

Saad, which country are u in? if your in the uk , i can give you some centres that can treat acne scarring....i think they use lasers or something

[SaadMalik]

Saad, which country are u in? if your in the uk , i can give you some centres that can treat acne scarring....i think they use lasers or something
I live in New Jersey, USA. I have been told about that laser surfacing and stuff, but they cost thousands of dollars! As mentioned early, I'll probably give the "natural" ways a try first, before I think about going for these big treatments. (Which I highly doubt my parents would even let me.)

[summer786]

well just in case, start saving up your pocket money, that way you have a last option....when you're 60 :p

[Medievalist]

Saad brother:

1. drink Zamzam water with the intention that through is blessings ALLAH Ta'ala rejuvenates your skin.

2. Try to eat 7 ajwa dates daily.

Also you may want to get checked out by an Aamil. Someone just met his Ustadji after a long time and the Ustadji just randomly asked that are you suffering from stomach ailments along with the problems on your face? He replied in the affirmative. Ustadji replies to the effect that it appears to be the effects of sihr or nazar and in the end gave him 2 ta'weedh - one to soak in water and drink; one to soak in oil and apply to the face. It was beneficial mashaALLAH.

[Medievalist]

hmmmmm ur obviously not pakistani. its a company that makes beauty products that everyone in pakistan swears by...and they all think it will turn them white.:rolleyes:

but i think its available here in the uk too

i hope you aint dissing fair and loveley :nono:

Its a miracle cream. :inlove:

[`asiya]

Saad brother:

1. drink Zamzam water with the intention that through is blessings ALLAH Ta'ala rejuvenates your skin.

2. Try to eat 7 ajwa dates daily.

Also you may want to get checked out by an Aamil. Someone just met his Ustadji after a long time and the Ustadji just randomly asked that are you suffering from stomach ailments along with the problems on your face? He replied in the affirmative. Ustadji replies to the effect that it appears to be the effects of sihr or nazar and in the end gave him 2 ta'weedh - one to soak in water and drink; one to soak in oil and apply to the face. It was beneficial mashaALLAH. :scratch: gave him what to soak in water etc.

[Medievalist]

:scratch: gave him what to soak in water etc.

ta'weedh/ta'weez/ruqya

It was paper with some Quran written on it.

[summer786]

i hope you aint dissing fair and loveley :nono:

Its a miracle cream. :inlove:

lol...yeh i have to admit it is good. Just the way people treat it as if its a miracle............oh. i see youve already done that. :rolleyes:

[sunrise]

I live in New Jersey, USA. I have been told about that laser surfacing and stuff, but they cost thousands of dollars! As mentioned early, I'll probably give the "natural" ways a try first, before I think about going for these big treatments. (Which I highly doubt my parents would even let me.)



duuuude it's just a teenage thing don't be drastic!

God i've known people who had horrible acne and know their skin glows mashAllah wal hamdulilah

i'm sorry i think the West esp America makes it such a big thing your a teenager its 2 b expected!

Just take care of yourself and inshAllah they will be gone beofre you know it inshAllah


Sunrise

[SaadMalik]

duuuude it's just a teenage thing don't be drastic!

God i've known people who had horrible acne and know their skin glows mashAllah wal hamdulilah

i'm sorry i think the West esp America makes it such a big thing your a teenager its 2 b expected!

Just take care of yourself and inshAllah they will be gone beofre you know it inshAllah


Sunrise
Sister, you are most defenitlly correct. It's just that being a teen, every single moment of dealing with it is horrible! Specially when you have to deal with peers your age around you every single day in school!

[summer786]

hmmmm...try drinking AT LEAST 5 mugs (not cups) green tea a day...worked for me...silky smooth skin within days :up: but u gta be committed and eat healthily, be active, etc as well

[qasam]

Wow! First let me just say, thanks you all VERY much for the replies! Masha'Allah there are many knowledgable people here! I'll try to reply to all of you one by one.

Qasam - That's what most people, including my parents, tell me about my scars. They say that the scars will go away as you grow older. But bro, see the thing is - there is no guarantee on that. I'm 15 years old (turning 16 soon) going through my highschool years, and it's REALLY tough for me being in this situation. That's why I tried so many things and still looking for more stuff to find a way to get rid of this as soon as possible. Yes, time also has its role in it, but I can't just depend on that for the rest of my life.



Oh, it's those high school days. Well it is very understandable then, but still the reality is that it'll go away with time(within 6-12months as i've heard) along with that you should start taking care of your skin too. By that i mean with natural stuff, all those fancy things with chemical and lasers should be left for later on as you are still too young for that stuff. Besides this is a teen thing, but if not carefull it might stay with you for the rest of your life.

PS: Try rose water with lime juice. Put that on you face(with a cotton ball) for 30 mins and within 15-20 days the scars should go away. Inshallah :)

[Kubs]

hmmmmm ur obviously not pakistani. its a company that makes beauty products that everyone in pakistan swears by...and they all think it will turn them white.:rolleyes:

but i think its available here in the uk too

Nope, I'm Turkish.

That is hilarious! :p :D Does it actually work?

I've been trying to get a tan for months, unfortunately no difference. I love dark skin.

[SaadMalik]

Being a desi - eating healthy is very tough. Our foods are LOADED with oil everywhere! I've always hated our food for that reason only. I try to have only 1 desi meal a day, but sometimes end up eating dinner after I get hungry from running a few miles. I guess I'll start eating more healthy again as I did last year.

So the first things I'm going to try for my skin are the mixture of Olive oil and blackseed oil applyed to my face. And drinking green tea a few times in the day. Also going to try to get my hands on Bio Oil - but since they are sold out of the US, the shipping rates are as much as the price of the product it self! So it'll cost too much! :-\

Anyways, thanks again for everyone's help! I'll keep you guys updated on how things go!

-Saad

[Al Qadr]

Accutane has lots of really bad side effects...there was case that went to court in the UK as a teenager committed suicide as it made him so so depressed. Accutane is usually the final step in acne therapy, when everything else has failed. Also teratogenic (can damage the foetus if pregnant)..but thats only an issue if you are a woman obviously. :p

There's something here called bio oil. Its meant to get rid of blemishes and scars if you use it regularly. If you cant get hold of it, apply pure vitamin E oil or/and take vit E oil capsules. I've heard its very good...

Yer, I was jus readin the side effects online :rubeyes: http://www.skinsite.com/info_accutane.htm


Hmmm, I dont think all these creams/lotions and potions work that well. Its what happens on the inside, not a load of other chemicals on ur face. So like as others said before, drink loads water, and try to have lots of fruit/veg esp at brekkie time. Blackseed oil mixed with olive oil seems fine, and zamzam water, puttin it on ur face with intention... From my prophet medicine thread (hehe)

Prophet :saw: said: “The water of zamzam is for whatever was intended behind drinking it”


Umm Salamah narrated “The woman who has just delivered would remain for forty days afterwards (without praying or fasting). One of us would then overlay Warss (Ceylon Cornel tree) on her face to help against spots.”

Abu Hanifah, a linguist, said, “Warss doesn’t grow in the wild. Rather, it is cultivated. I think that it is only grown in the Arab lands, especially in Yemen.”

The best type of Warss is red with little bran. It is used as an ointment to treat spots, rashes and pimples appearing on the skins surface.

Warss has similar benefits to sea Qust, and if used as an ointment can relieve vitiligo (skin condition where there is patchy loss of pigment), rashes, pimples and ulcers.

At-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah narrated that Anu Hurairah related from the Prophet Muhammad :saw: that he said:
“Eat the Zait and use it as an ointment, because it is produced by a blessed tree.”

All kinds of olive oil soften the skin and slow the aging process.

[MG]

Yer, I was jus readin the side effects online :rubeyes: http://www.skinsite.com/info_accutane.htm


Hmmm, I dont think all these creams/lotions and potions work that well. Its what happens on the inside, not a load of other chemicals on ur face. So like as others said before, drink loads water, and try to have lots of fruit/veg esp at brekkie time. Blackseed oil mixed with olive oil seems fine, and zamzam water, puttin it on ur face with intention... From my prophet medicine thread (hehe)

Prophet :saw: said: “The water of zamzam is for whatever was intended behind drinking it”


Umm Salamah narrated “The woman who has just delivered would remain for forty days afterwards (without praying or fasting). One of us would then overlay Warss (Ceylon Cornel tree) on her face to help against spots.”

Abu Hanifah, a linguist, said, “Warss doesn’t grow in the wild. Rather, it is cultivated. I think that it is only grown in the Arab lands, especially in Yemen.”

The best type of Warss is red with little bran. It is used as an ointment to treat spots, rashes and pimples appearing on the skins surface.

Warss has similar benefits to sea Qust, and if used as an ointment can relieve vitiligo (skin condition where there is patchy loss of pigment), rashes, pimples and ulcers.

At-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah narrated that Anu Hurairah related from the Prophet Muhammad :saw: that he said:
“Eat the Zait and use it as an ointment, because it is produced by a blessed tree.”

All kinds of olive oil soften the skin and slow the aging process.


Warss (Ceylon Cornel tree)


any one know whre i can get hold of the above by any chance?

[sunrise]

Salam bro Saad

You know some people think it's to do with food but i doubt it highly, obviously too much of anything isn't good for you, but mashAllah i know some sisters from the Asian sub-continent and oh lala mashAllah their skin is loveeeely and clear and some people from a meditterean background who mostly eat food and fresh vegatables etc who have had pimples but alhamdulilah with time and just taking care of your skin inshAllah they will go, and your like just in the middle of it, it's a teenage thing, you'll soon grow out of it

Sunrise

[Missy]

I had an outbreak aswell when i was in my teens and it left alot of marks, but thankfully after a few years they lessened. Not saying their completely gone but not as bad as they used to be. Just be patient and don't put urself down because of them, cos ppl judge u on character not appearances.

Would u urself treat some1 different if they had spots or marks so why should u do the same to urself!

Neways i like the ginger idea, might try that myself.