Korean Job Discussion Forums

[hanjam]

hey, since coming to korea six months ago my skins gone from barely having a spot in my life to bad, to its current state that can only be described as depressing. my forehead is like the surface of the moon.

iv been to two different dermotoligists with no success, however both of them spoke minimal english.

does anyone know a good english speaking dermatologist?
or have any suggestions of how to get rid of this...i want as many suggestions as possible, eben home remedies! iv tried so much!

cheers everyone, i really appreciate anyting u can tell me xxx

[maeil]

Hiya,

If you look back through the past months and years, you'll find many people who have run into this same problem. For me, I believe it was a combination of pollution and a new cuisine that turned my near-perfect skin into a horror story.

The thing that cleared it up for me was Proactiv (yes, the stuff they sell on infomercials), Clean and Clear medicated moisturizer (the one with the medical cross on the front), and a lot of water and regular exercise.

I don't know whether you're female or male, but if you're female and wear makeup, I'd suggest switching brands. I currently use Bare Minerals, and have found it lovely to my skin.

Also, go to the sauna every now and again.. 1 or 2 times per month. Sweating is always good for your skin, and it leaves you with a nice glow.

Good luck!

[princess]

May I also suggest if you are a woman to try NOT wearing ANy foundation, period, and see how that treats you. I can't understand for the life of me why so many women wear that crap on their faces. That stuff is crap and does nothing for your face, unless it has SPF in it. Try only wearing a good moisturizer with SPF of at least 15 or higher, and wear just a little eye makeup and lipgloss, etc. Bozo the clown is not attractive! Exercise, drink lots of water, eat right, and go easy on the sauce aka alcohol. Don't smoke either.

[kingplaya4]

Request accutane from a regular doctor. Being that you haven't had problems before, I would recommend the lowest dosage of 10 mg. It will probably take a few weeks for the effects to occur, but then you will be ok.

[ella]

Here are my suggestions:

If you can get some Dove for Sensitive Skin soap, use it. Wash your face with lukewarm or cool water - never hot. Do not use a "scrubby" or washcloth, your fingertips will do. Pat dry with a flat cotton cloth, not terrycloth. Use a tiny amount of extra virgin olive oil as your moisturizer. Wash twice a day. Ditch the drugstore makeup and use a good quality brand like MAC. Never go to bed with makeup on. Use a satin or silk pillowcase, not cotton, and wash in it HOT water with a fragrance-free detergent. Change the pillow case for a fresh one every few days. Drink enough water to keep your urine clear or nearly so.

I think some of the skin problems people have are a result of infrequent - if ever - washing clothes in hot water so they're never clean, including shirts and linens which come into direct contact with your face, and also from different detergents and cleansers. A HEPA air cleaner in your bedroom wouldn't hurt, either. Good luck with that.

[trubadour]

I've had simular problems - I can recommend the face shop's emergency treatment stuff (it comes in portable green tubes with a gold top) - it really dries 'em out..


from experience - a word of warning - be careful with those face cleansers that use bits of grit or whatever (those that are supposed to exfoliate..) do not use too often or with too much enthusiasm as you can really damage your skin.


The way you handle your skin is very important. When you wash, try to use a gentle smoothing massaging motion from the center out and down, following the lines of your face and neck; this is good because it helps toxins or whatever not get stuck under your skin. Avoid excess handling and hot water.


Exercise and eating well (avoiding fatty or fried foods, refined sugar, caffine; plenty of fresh fruit and veg - try the 5 a day thing!) are very important too.

[ron_j]

is accutane somewhat covered by medical insurance?

[crazylemongirl]

Go see Doctor Lee at Wooskin http://www.wooskin.co.kr/ (there's an english link) exit 1 sookmyung women's univeristiy line 4. Doctor lee is fantastic, travels to the states regularly for upskilling and has good english. I've had laser work done there before and I highly recommend him.

[dutchy pink]

I had the same problem when i first arrived in Japan. I used "the clear skin regimen" from acne.com. It's a low benzoil peroxide treatment. it doesn't dry out your skin, it's cheap and they ship internationally. In about a week i saw results and after about 3 weeks my skin was clear. I still use it.