I've been touched by the outpouring of support and mail I've received from readers who've been concerned about my sad cystic chin moment. I feel the love, and appreciate all the tips SO much, and this leads me to suspect that I have some sisters out there who have also dealt with the perils of adult acne and we can all share the pain. We're in this together! You are not alone! So um, if anyone was wondering, here's how everything shook out...

Just like Phil Collins, I could feel it coming in the air tonight, well, last night, and it wasn't pretty. The entire left side of my chin throbbed as I fell asleep, and this morning, I awoke to a scene that may best described as the antithesis to some fairy princess shit with a bird singing on her shoulder. That's right, I trudged to the bathroom, looked in the mirror and faced my fate: Indeed, a large, grotesque-looking red bump had formed on my chin, so large and  bright in fact, that it resembled that horrifying scene in Alien, where at any moment a hideous something might pop out and attack the nearest living creature (me) or anyone else unfortunate enough to get a close look at my chin without cowering in fear or turning to stone.

Question: Where do we go from here?

Image via Clearogen

Okay, so I've been on the Clearogen acne regimen for about two months, which I think is ample time to see if this stuff really works or not. Some of you may recall we discussed Clearogen here awhile back, and the company claims that their three-step acne system is TOTALLY different from others because it addresses hormonal acne (even though I saw no mention of any topical ingredient that might do this on any of the labels--why? Oh right, because arguably, this can't be done.) Still, I think most of us adult acne sufferers are so desperate to treat breakouts related to crazy fluctuations in androgen and testosterone levels and PMS we'll believe anything and I was at least willing to give it a shot. Duh. Anyway, personally, I had really high hopes for this batch, even though I felt a bit like, "Okay, the possibility of this stuff actually working is about as likely as Jesus' image appearing in a Cheeto." But I digress...how it all worked out, after the jump!

Image via Murad

Dear Product Fiends,

I am so glad to have found your blog and I really enjoy all the insights and recommendations you include there. I am now hoping that you can advise me with a specific skincare issue.

I recently gave birth to my first child--a few weeks ago! She is beautiful...oh, that baby skin! But the pregnancy really took its toll on my own skin. I had a lot of nasty, painful breakouts in the first trimester, then only an occasional one thereafter. No more breakouts since delivery, either. What I do have, though, is a map of red scars (no pitting, thank goodness) mainly across my upper lip and the sides of my chin, among elsewhere. Most of these marks are from months 2-4 of the pregnancy (is it odd that I can remember that?!).

So my question is this: what can I do to lighten/get rid of them quickly? I have considered fading creams and over-the-counter peels (Dr. Gross, Philosophy, etc.) but I would rather take the plunge and go medical if that is my best bet. Should I pursue the Fraxel laser? Stronger peels? A part of the reason that I want something that works fast is that covering these marks has become tedious and time consuming. Mineral makeup will work pretty well, but now that baby is here I really do not have time or energy to do that every day. When I go back to work in about six weeks, though, I'll need to be presentable.

I really appreciate your wise advice! Best,
Anna

My Dearest Anna,

Ah, the joys of womanhood. More on that thought, after the jump...