YouLookFab Forum » Topic: My skin woes

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: My skin woes https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-woes Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 29 Apr 2026 19:27:23 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Hil on "My skin woes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-woes/page/2#post-935928 Sat, 18 May 2013 19:45:24 +0000 Hil 935928@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ As I type this response, I have no less than 4 cysts on my chin alone. I feel pretty damn ugly today. Your post and the responses have been more helpful to me than you can imagine. I have no real idea what triggers these breakouts nor what fixes them - it is a luck thing, imo. I love the idea that while people may notice our problems and imperfections, they don't really care. People are not going to love me more or less because of the way I look. And if they do, well they are not worth having around anyway.   Mona on "My skin woes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-woes/page/2#post-935718 Sat, 18 May 2013 10:16:57 +0000 Mona 935718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Isabel, that is a great technique. Thanks for sharing. When I look at my pics from ten years ago, I also think the same thing that i used to be pretty. Although, at the time I never thought I was. Mona on "My skin woes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-woes/page/2#post-935717 Sat, 18 May 2013 10:15:44 +0000 Mona 935717@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Kim, thank you so much for uplifting words. 30 minutes is all it takes.  DonnaF, I discovered Ance.org a few years ago and use Dan's regimen daily. I actually use his products most of the time but I mentioned Proactive as more people are aware of the name and basically they are both benzoyl peroxide but different strengths. I am so glad that your daughter was able to get rid of the bacne. The problem with using benzoyl peroxide is that it makes skin look so dull and llifeless. Thank you for your kind words.  Fruitful, thanks for your detailed reply. I have never heard about Paula's choice but now I am curious. Also, which AHA and BHA do you use? I have used the one from Ance.org's website but it didn't do much for me. I also used jojoba oil sometimes, but the problem with that is that by the time afternoon rolls around, my face is so shiny and oily and i have to use blotting papers continuously. I also haven't found any good foundation that gives me even coverage with a little bit of luminosity. What brand of cosmetics do you use? Isabel on "My skin woes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-woes/page/2#post-935496 Sat, 18 May 2013 00:57:37 +0000 Isabel 935496@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Mona, I love what Suz said. Something that has really come to light for me was when I looked at a picture of myself from about 10 years ago. I said to my husband, " I was cute."  He said, "But you never thought so. "  Then it hit me, when I am 60 will I look back to pictures of now and think that I was "cute".  I probably will. So sometimes I picture my 80 year old self looking back and appreciating it. Then I appreciate it too. But to answer your question, people's faces just don't really jump out at me. It really is a total package.  Fruitful on "My skin woes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-woes/page/2#post-931735 Tue, 14 May 2013 02:30:11 +0000 Fruitful 931735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Mona, I too think you are beautiful (even though you were not asking for my opinion, I can't help wanting to point it out). I have had adult acne since I was about 23, on and off, I currently have 5 pimples settling down from a cystic state (and many more hyperpigmentations). They are really going down right now which makes me feel more at peace, but I try not to get excited about it because I never know if things will be clearing up or flaring up again (most likely the latter).  I agree that people are misinformed about acne, thinking it's about dirt (Mary Douglas who wrote Purity and Pollution would have interesting thoughts on it I'm sure; humans have a great need to divide the world into "clean/pure/safe" and "dirty/contaminated/dangerous"). I have had someone ask me if I'd been hitting the chocolate lately. Unfortunately, not eating chocolate has not cured my acne. I find it better not to discuss it with the general public (who would make it worse with their soaps, essential oils, and toothpaste!) I've read that treating acne is almost more an art than a science (there or so many co-factors and even for professionals, treatment is a bit "this might work", never a certainty). I love acne.org for the real life experiences, empathy, experiments, and seriously intelligent options. There are things I haven't had the strength to try yet (like eating totally like a diabetic should, or ideal circadian rhythm practices, or a proper elimination diet - one woman found oranges were the culprit!), but knowing these options are available to me gives me some peace and hope. I won't try Accutane or birth control but I like knowing I have a choice. It makes it feel less like acne is visited on me by some malevolent force! And yes, if you look closely you will find many celebs with makeup covering pimples; (I am sure they are all expected to go on 'tane or we would see more of it). And they are still beautiful. I follow a Paula's Choice regime, mixed with some of Dan's ideas. I try not to draw attention to my skin but if I do, people usually say it is amazing (either they mean the unblemished parts, or when my skin isn't flaring/flaking and I wear foundation, they really believe it's all great!). Except for BP (which I don't like as it flakes and oxidises my skin leaving it dull, so I use it only on active spots), the treatments acne has led me to use (BHA, AHA, occasional jojoba oil, sunscreen) keep my skin even and soft and with a good texture. I only learnt about makeup to cover my acne. I do a clever no-makeup look and I'm proud of that knowledge. I would love to go barefaced but I also really enjoy my Holy Grail, wonderfully textured and shaded, miracle (to me) foundations. I dream of a day when my skin stops breaking out. It has mysteriously happened before, during my first pregnancy when I quit work, and more recently when I took a trip to Sydney (I believe the extra light may have influenced my hormonal system, but acne being what it is I'll never really know!). So I live in hope. I've always just assumed when I'm older, I'll have the means to get something cosmetic done if I have scarring (always hard to tell under the hyperpigmentation). They can do good things with lasers and maybe other treatments. So I think your worry about being old with wrinkles and scars may be solvable. DonnaF on "My skin woes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-woes/page/2#post-931652 Tue, 14 May 2013 00:52:37 +0000 DonnaF 931652@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi, Mona; Sorry but I have never really taken note of your complexion; just notice your gorgeous hair and style.  Actually, I only notice the skin of babies because it is usually so perfect and we all start out that way.  Well, most of us.  I remember that my little brother had clogged pores. :( Do you know about acne.org?  Pretty good reviews of products, regimens, etc.  Dan feels that the 10% benzoyl peroxide in ProActive is overly harsh and recommends 2.5% - 5% as just as effective and not as likely to irritate the skin, and he has recommendations regarding moisturizers.  I think Dan is in his 40s and has to be careful so he doesn't get cystic acne.  He has lifelong side effects from a round of Accutane.  My daughter had pretty bad bacne (back acne), and we got it pretty cleared up using his method, but teen that she was and is, she slacked off and it came back.  But it was an amazing change after a couple months. Most women probably have some physical feature/aspect that they are self-conscious about -- and that no one else notices or even cares about!  Just remember that even models are air-brushed and Photoshopped. Kim on "My skin woes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-woes/page/2#post-931342 Mon, 13 May 2013 17:48:58 +0000 Kim 931342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have a 6'7" husband and I've learned a thing or two over the years about how people "notice" you because of that. When I met my hubby (at 20) all I could see was his height (and his cute face!).  After about 30 minutes the idea of the height difference passed away between us and I no longer see it *AT ALL* even after 30 years! My kids are all tall and I don't notice that either.  But, if I see someone I DON'T know who is 6'7"  I think "Wow, that person is tall..." and I go on my way. Those who spend more than 30 minutes with you in their lives will see past all the outside (if they notice the scars at all) and see the inside (as Suz has already shown).  That's who you truly are and that's what people will remember about you.  Make that part the most beautiful part and that's how you'll be remembered. And to that end I have a big fat scar that runs from left to right, and top to bottom RIGHT ACROSS MY NOSE.  It's been there since I was 16 years old and nobody has *ever* made a comment on it.  I know they may see it, but they probably don't care! LOL Mona on "My skin woes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-woes#post-931317 Mon, 13 May 2013 17:30:14 +0000 Mona 931317@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for your kind words and hugs, Angie, claracluck and Shevia. Shevia, I know it must be hard to deal with both wrinkles and acne. I do the same thing about taking good care of my skin, wear foundation to hide spots and scars and in the end try not to focus too much on my imperfections but some days it is harder than others and all I see in the mirror is scars.  Suz, what a kind and generous soul you are! You have just proved what Zap said earlier that people do notice these scars but they don't judge you based on this. Your words mean a lot to me and I will remember these next time I start feeling insecure about my appearance. Jaime on "My skin woes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-woes#post-930901 Mon, 13 May 2013 01:49:20 +0000 Jaime 930901@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Mona I just read through this. I am about 10 years older than you and indeed am dealing with wrinkles and acne at the same time. Neither is severe but it is still extremely frustrating to have clogged pores and lines (to say nothing of melasma and dark spots, my other bain) at the same time. I am diligent about skincare and sun protection and do what I can with foundation and focus on my clothes! I wish I had met you in person so I could second Suz's beautiful words, but I will say my impression of you from your pictures is of your great hair and beautiful face! Anonymous on "My skin woes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-woes#post-927643 Wed, 08 May 2013 17:32:02 +0000 Anonymous 927643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ that was lovely Suz Suz on "My skin woes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-woes#post-927569 Wed, 08 May 2013 15:51:53 +0000 Suz 927569@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Mona, unlike the others here, I have met you in person. Let me tell you what I saw:  Beautiful, huge, deep, rich, thoughtful, kind, eyes that filled with the light of laughter at the slightest invitation.  A glorious, thick mane of hair.  A graceful tilt of head.  Full, luscious lips and a lovely smile.  A fit, curvy body with perfect posture.  A superbly stylish outfit.  Carefully chosen jewellery and accessories.  A careful, thoughtful, gentle, intelligent manner. Did I see a woman with skin problems? NO.  Did I notice a scar or two?  Well, not at first. It took a while. We'd been talking some time, sitting face to face at very close range. When I did notice, I thought - "Oh, acne is so awful to deal with; she must have had some rough years as a teen. I'll bet she has gained understanding from that. Perhaps this is why she is wise beyond her years."  That is how this observer saw you.  Angie on "My skin woes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-woes#post-927555 Wed, 08 May 2013 15:09:46 +0000 Angie 927555@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have no advice to offer, but want to give you lots of hugs. (((HUGS))). You are a beautiful woman and that is all I see. xo claracluck on "My skin woes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-woes#post-926984 Tue, 07 May 2013 19:32:52 +0000 claracluck 926984@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ mona I know you are going to get to that place,it took me along time to accept myself and you will too. Mona on "My skin woes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-woes#post-926956 Tue, 07 May 2013 18:59:11 +0000 Mona 926956@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Mo, I go through the same thing. I have spent most of my life hiding behind makeup trying to conceal acne and scars. I think I am getting so tired of it as I age. I hope your skin improves as your enter 50's.  Zap, thanks for the advice about accutane. If I ever decide to go that route, I know I can count on you for input and advice. claracluck, I guess the stage I am going through is really trying to own these scars and generally I do well but there are days when I need a little pick-me-up and there is no better place for this than YLF. Keep loving and living your life. Thanks Vicki, I never would have thought that you have acne as you look so beautiful in all your pics and if I remember correctly, you even model for a magazine. I am so sorry that you had to deal with some negative people in your life.  Kristin, thanks for big hugs. I hope your face clears up soon. A, I have tried that antibiotic off and on many times. I hope it helps with your acne. I will read the book you mentioned. There is nothing better if I can control it with diet. mtgirl, this primal diet looks interesting. I will research it on google and see how I can incorporate that. thanks so much for the link. Sugar is the biggest culprit for me. If I have a piece of cake, I am sure I will get new pimples in next new days. Kellygirl, you make me laugh! I would never want anybody to ever notice the hair on my chin!! Thanks for the encouraging words. kellygirl on "My skin woes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-woes#post-926814 Tue, 07 May 2013 14:38:35 +0000 kellygirl 926814@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm sorry that you have to deal with this, Mona. I truly believe that most people don't notice skin especially when the person has a nice disposition. I think sometimes self-concsiousness is conveyed to the other person very subtly. You are gorgeous and so stylish and I would focus on that--not something you don't have a lot of control over. One of my best friends had terrible acne as a teen and suffers from adult acne now--I never even noticed until she told me. I guess what I'm trying to say is that we are often more critical of ourselves than others are.  Now, the opposite kind of holds true as well. If you are unpleasant, mean and  yell at my kids, I will notice every tiny hair growing on your chin and that you shouldn't be wearing leggings as if they were pants! LOL! (Just kidding--sort of, well, not really.)  Anonymous on "My skin woes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-woes#post-926638 Tue, 07 May 2013 02:46:47 +0000 Anonymous 926638@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Here is a good website abut gut flora and how it affects the skin: <a href="http://coolinginflammation.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">http://coolinginflammation.blogspot.com/</a> Anonymous on "My skin woes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-woes#post-926634 Tue, 07 May 2013 02:42:46 +0000 Anonymous 926634@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My acne hasn't totally cleared up, but it has gotten a lot better the last few years (I am 42). I used to wear my hair long so it would cover my face up. The dermatologist trips were very expensive and didnt do anything for my face. Birth control pills totally cleared up my acne, but I do not recommend them to anyone. Once I went off the pill my acne came back. BAD. I started eating a primal/paleo diet and my acne cleared up. Started eating coconut oil - acne came back. Started taking vitamin d pills and the acne came back again. For now, I am eating a mostly primal diet and slowly working on healing my body (coconut oil, vitamins, probiotics). My diet before was based on the "healthy" grains they tell us we should eat. I had a piece of pizza for the first time in a loooong time and now have 5 new pimples. I don't have a lot of acne scars but I always think people are looking at my age spots. I don't have much advice, but I don't want you to think you are alone in this. Anonymous on "My skin woes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-woes#post-926531 Tue, 07 May 2013 00:40:58 +0000 Anonymous 926531@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Mona, I echo the others, you always look so lovely. but I have suffered from acne since my teens. I am now 42 I took Accutane in my early 30's. helped for 5 years. then had a terrible bout again and am now taking a low dose of minocycline. working great but I worry about long term use another thing to try is no or very low gluten. I believe it is relsted to some stomach problems I am having and that my gut effects my skin. read the book 'Wheat Belly', forget the suthor but easy to find and made a lot of sense to me. even my dermotologist recommended the diet. sorry for typos on phone Kristin L on "My skin woes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-woes#post-926500 Tue, 07 May 2013 00:06:46 +0000 Kristin L 926500@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm sorry Mona. I'm not at the stage where I'm worried about wrinkles and acne at the same time yet, but I am starting to wonder/worry how my acne scaring is going to look. I'm sending you big hugs!  @Irene - I have hyperkeratosis on my arms and spider veins on my legs as well. Have you found anything that can help relieve the hyperkeratosis? Vicki on "My skin woes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-woes#post-926478 Mon, 06 May 2013 23:46:48 +0000 Vicki 926478@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Mona, I completely understand what you're going through.  My acne, and occasional cystic acne, started in my teens and even before.  I remember being at a campout with some girls and one of them said, "oh, that's the twin with the pimples."  I wanted to run and hide as far away from that campfire as possible.  Later, in my mid-twenties, and out with a girlfriend, a guy came up to her and said about me, "she's really pretty except for her bad complexion," to which my friend tore him to bits verbally and then turned back to me and toasted me with a sip of something as he walked off. I did go to a dermatologist and things went in cycles, as they do.  Proactive didn't help me, but a Benzoyl-Peroxide scrub did, along with icing the breakouts every night, after washing, and then dabbing them with BPO 10% with a Q-tip. When there was a large cyst that came up out of nowhere, I would go to my dermatologist, or one of his assistants, and they would inject it with something.  I'm not sure if it was an extraction and/or a combination of something to reduce the infection and swelling. You are a beautiful person and you are not alone with this condition.  Many of us have had this same experience.  I've never had it (still not out of the question), but perhaps a light dermabrasion would help down the road or whatever feels right to YOU! Zap gave you some incredibly wise advice.  The people who truly love us, don't care about those scars.  We don't have to apologize for them or explain them away and we can believe in ourselves and love ourselves as we are. Hugs to you, Mona! claracluck on "My skin woes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-woes#post-926461 Mon, 06 May 2013 23:28:03 +0000 claracluck 926461@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ the great thing about this site is you think your the only one and then.......at 45 I hoped I would have grown out of my dots! as the children call them but it has not happened!and now wrinkles as well sigh.but you know what I just don't care anymore,their part of me scars and all.and really at 45 I have no real wrinkles because of the greasy skin I've had all my life.yes I've got acne scarring and spots but its never stopped me doing, loving and living my life. :) ps I think sometimes we see ourselves in sections notably the things we don't like,when in real life other people see us as a whole package as a whole person . Anonymous on "My skin woes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-woes#post-926438 Mon, 06 May 2013 23:04:00 +0000 Anonymous 926438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Actually, I am pro accutane. My case is very rare, less than 1% inreported literature. I do react very oddly to medicine. Most people just get dry akin and chapped lips. I would not discount it, keep it in your pocket as the last resort. The medicine does work. Mo on "My skin woes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-woes#post-926394 Mon, 06 May 2013 21:48:44 +0000 Mo 926394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I can only commiserate, as I have gotten increasingly worse skin approaching and after turning 40.  I have daily spots now for several years.  I'm not big on makeup but usually only wear it for 2 reasons - acne and to make my lashes darker.  So I just hope I hide it best as I can but, yes, it brings me down too.  I did see a derm and he said that my perioral dermatitis is very hard to get rid of.  Great.  Only hoping that maybe my 50's will bring relief??? Mona on "My skin woes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-woes#post-926371 Mon, 06 May 2013 21:10:33 +0000 Mona 926371@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Mochi, your kind words ring so true.  Thank you donnat, I agree that beauty comes from inner grace and most of the time I believe in that but there are some days when this issue bugs me more than usual.  missvee, the first thing I notice about people is their warmth and friendliness too. The physical aspects come after. Thanks for encouragement. Diana, I would never have thought that your face is asymmetrical. You look beautiful in your pics and thank you for sharing this with me. Actually, I am really impressed by the confidence you exude in your daily WIW's.   Gaylene, my problem is that all the acne meds (topical and internal) dry out the skin in order to keep acne under control. I feel that my skin is very oily but at the same time it does not look fresh and dewy but dry and scaly. This is one of the biggest side effects of using proactive over a longer period of time as dry skin means aging. The story with your friend is very sad but it is heartening to realize that you and your husband didn't even notice the scars.  Irene, "The imperfect perfectionists". I love it. I am touched by the courage and wisdom your comments show. I agree with option #2. Zapotee, I have also tried everything short of Accutane. I am not going to use Accutane as I am too scared of the side effects but I couldn't agree more that the general concept is that if you keep your face squeaky clean, you won't have acne. Nothing can be farther from truth. I once read somewhere that people look for connection not perfection which is similar to your therapist's message. Next time, I start feeling self conscious about my face, I will remember your words that although people notice my scars, they JUST DON'T CARE.  Ruth and annagybe, thanks for your wise words. I have tried many dermatologist over years and have tried several treatment options but nothing has worked for me. The only two things that keep my acne somewhat under control are proactive and less intake of sugar. texstyle, your words make my heart sing. I am feeling much better now as compared to this morning. Your friend must be so brave and I am glad that she was so popular.  texstyle on "My skin woes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-woes#post-926293 Mon, 06 May 2013 19:54:41 +0000 texstyle 926293@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Mona, I agree with everyone else that from all I've seen/read about you,  you are a beautiful person outside and inside. So many people, maybe most people, have some physical attributes that make them self conscious. So of course I would not judge you or your beauty based on some scars or a skin condition. I had a friend in school who was burned badly on one side of her face from a house fire when she was a baby. She was still one of the most beautiful people I knew and I admired her from a physical and mental standpoint - she was popular and everyone seemed to simply look past it. Don't let something like this get in  your way - we all have things we feel are imperfections (I won't list my long list)-- but life and beauty is not about being perfect, it's about feeling love, finding happiness, helping others and things like that. annagybe on "My skin woes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-woes#post-926288 Mon, 06 May 2013 19:50:41 +0000 annagybe 926288@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have adult acne that was driving me crazy. I broke down and went to a dermatologist. The topical Rx lotions I'm on are expensive but cheaper than all the facials and fancy skin care regimens I was doing before. I now only rarely break out. Anonymous on "My skin woes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-woes#post-926234 Mon, 06 May 2013 19:07:05 +0000 Anonymous 926234@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've struggled with both acne and rosacea, and I'm over 50 years old now. To add insult to injury, my skin is very sensitive. My advice to you is this. Seek help from a top-notch dermatologist. Thanks to effective topical medications, my skin conditions are well under control. Hope this helps. I do sympathize! Anonymous on "My skin woes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-woes#post-926220 Mon, 06 May 2013 18:29:21 +0000 Anonymous 926220@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Acne scarring is very hard to deal with emotionally. I do have scars and they affect me some days more than others. I know that we try to reassure ourselves that people might not see them, that they are not " so bad" etc. but I think it is best for us if we just accept them. I actually ended up in therapy a couple years ago, because I ended up taking accutane to treat my cystic acne, ended up with anxiety attacks as a result of it. Part of my psychosis was the issue of my scarring and all of the discoloration left after the treatment. I am going to tell you the one phrase that opened the pandora box for me. My therapist told me that I should not make myself believe that people do not see my scars, that I should realize that people might see them but they just DON'T CARE. Ha! that was so liberating. He then recommended for me to stop trying to conceal them with makeup . He thought that my obsession with covering them up, was adding a great deal of anguish and boy was he right. One day, I just followed suit and never looked back. I still have my bad days, but those are much rare and far in between. I think acne is a devastating and debilitating disease, because it is very misunderstood. I always felt as if people thought I was not doing the right things, almost as if I was causing it. I just want to say that I have been ( or am) in your shoes and I completely understand how you feel. Irene on "My skin woes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-woes#post-926117 Mon, 06 May 2013 17:17:59 +0000 Irene 926117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi, Just like Diana's, my face is also assymetrical (didn't notice that on her though!). I have palpebral ptosis (also known as droopy eye). I am also slightly crossed-eye on my left eye because I can't control all the muscles. Oh, and I also have Marcus Gunn syndrome, which means my left eye (the one with ptosis) winks involuntarily when I open my mouth. As for my skin, I don't have acne but have couperosis, redness, more than the occasional hormonal zit and sensitive skin. I also have hyperkeratosis on my arms and spider veins on my legs which, at 25, make me really self-conscious. My legs look worse than most 40 year-old women's. I still get compliments on my appearance. I'm no model, but I want to become a writer, so it's not like looks are that important in my career aspirations. You can either get rid of those scars -expensive, I know, but maybe you could save some money or something, who knows- or embrace them. I vote #2 since I'm sure once you start you will find so many other problematic areas that need to be fixed. We are made like that. The imperfect perfectionists. Gaylene on "My skin woes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-woes#post-926108 Mon, 06 May 2013 17:07:23 +0000 Gaylene 926108@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well, I can speak from experience on this topic because I've always had temperamental skin that is prone to break-outs. As you've pointed out, Mona, you can take very good care of your skin but have problems regardless of how diligent you are at following your regime. And, yes, you'd be surprised at how common battling wrinkles and breakouts can be in the senior crowd. But you will get some reward as you get older because your face will probably have fewer wrinkles than your friends with perfect, but dryer, skin. My face looks a couple of decades younger than some of my peers because, even in my mid-sixties, I have minimal wrinkling around my eyes, nose, and jaw line. I'm also quite positive that your less than perfect complexion is probably not even noticed by the vast majority of the people who see you on a daily basis. I have a dear friend who was in a horrific car accident when she was in her early twenties. Her face was so scarred that she was unwilling to leave her house for almost two years. When I first met her, in her early fifties, I was totally unaware of what had happened to her. She is one of the most intelligent and alive people I've ever known, with gorgeous eyes and a constant smile. It was only after having known her for a couple of years that she talked to me about the trauma of her accident and pointed out the scarring that still remains despite the plastic surgery she'd ungone. I was dumbfounded when I saw the scars--they were visible but I'd never noticed them before. My husband was also totally shocked; he, too, had never noticed the scars. So, I guess, my point is that we all have "flaws" that loom large in our mirrors but are insignificant to the rest of the world. It's our spirit and personality that get noticed, not a blemish on our skin.