May I ask for some quick advice please (again!)...

[lildreamer316]

I need to effect a healing. Now, nothing serious really,but I have suffered from some sort of acne since age 11. I found that I have been effective in keeping it off my face since age 20 (just a few hormonal breakouts) by (get this) getting acrylic nails on (stops my sharp real nails from breaking the skin and doesn't seem to transfer bacteria as badly-they have no organic surface to cling to). I seemed to have conquered the problem fairly well from ages 26-29.

HOWever. The last few years since my pregnancy, I have TERRIBLE breakouts on my back and shoulders; to the point where I have to wear sleeves almost everywhere and most of the year, even in summer. It is not product or my long hair; I have taken steps to eliminate almost everything it could be. Considering most of you know what my previous profession was,and the fact that sometimes I return to it; I really cannot afford to have this problem professionally. No, I don't think it's a subliminal way to avoid going back to work; that holds no emotional weight for me.

Since I've had the problem so long,I have tried almost every solution one could think of,including getting those steroid shots when I was a teen and that terrible burning peeling retin-A and tetracycline that I credit with permanently drying out my lips. This is a burden and a stress on my self-esteem; and as a Leo that's serious hell sometimes.

My request: Help me phrase a healing affirmation for this. How BEST to do this? What are the most positive ways I can think about what I need to heal? Something simple that will cover all the bases? You know it can be tricky to phrase things correctly without putting negatives or focusing on the problem. I figure all you brilliant ones can help me craft this well.

Thanks, and sorry to bother ya with something kinda trivial....It would just be a great weight off.


EDIT: Ok; went to post this and reviewed it; had a realization. I believe I have been feeling guilty about my ...how do I want to say this...Leo-ness? This relates to the revelation I had a few weeks ago, about my 'power'. I have been holding back about my sphere of influence, if that makes any sense. As I said, I remember being very aware at a young age that I had to rein myself in for fear of alienating people and hurting their feelings.
Hmmmm. This warrants further thought.
I would still appreciate your input. Sorry about the flow of conciousness thing; but I am sure you all understand...you're always so nice to me.
:silly:

[SeattleGirl]

1. Don't really have a response for the main part of your post, but your

PS hit me. Now, I can't say with certainty that your acne flare-ups are related to your pregnancy or your Leo-ness, but what DOES strike me is you saying that you feel guilty about it (the Leo-ness). I think it is still difficult for women to accept and welcome their power; I know this is something I have struggled with. I sometimes shut down in an effort to "control" it, and then seem to develop problems of different natures. But when I accept something about myself that I previously tried to ignore, I find that I feel better, look better, and life flows better.

[lildreamer316]

5. Yep; I think you got it...

this is probably the inherent core of the matter; but that dosen't mean it won't respond to other things as well. I believe I will focus on accepting myself more, just as you said.
Thanks, friend.:hi:

[Flying Dream Blues]

2. I feel for you, as I've also suffered from this condition.

One way to think of it is that your skin is an organ, and one of its functions is elimination. It could be that your body has chosen this area as a site of elimination. Maybe one part of your affirmation could be to ask your body to be able to rid itself of toxins internally. If there is a mental/spiritual connection to your Leo-ness (lioness!:)), maybe ask that your essential spirit be allowed to shine in its highest and best form, so that the power you possess will be used in ways that help yourself and others. Also, that you accept and will allow yourself to be as physically beautiful as you were meant to be, and ask to be guided toward the best ways to heal and care for your precious body.

:hug: Good luck to you and I know you will manifest your healing!

[lildreamer316]

6. Thanks!!

I had pretty much settled on the elimination thing, I am just wondering if it is eliminating more of a spiritual hang-up than a physical one.
We shall see!!:hi:

[Sanity Claws]

3. A different sort of help

How would you feel about seeing an acupuncturist? Traditional Chinese Medicine recognizes the concept of stagnant or blocked energy. I've had problem with migraine headaches; my acupuncturies diagnosed it as stagnant liver qi and gave me acupuncture treatment and herbs. Perhaps an acupuncturist could help you free the stagnant qi, at least until you can learn to unblock it yourself.

[lildreamer316]

7. Now there's something I hadn't considered.

I will definately put some intention toward this avenue. Thanks for the suggestion.

[wovenpaint]

4. Thought that comes to me

You say that you cover up most of the year (which I understand as I used to have this happen) is that your skin needs to BREATHE.

I used to wear halter tops and sit in the sun. Not to tan per se, but without sunscreen that blocks your pores. About 10 minutes at a time, I guess... Also, I used witch hazel to cleanse the skin.
I kept to my backyard until things started to clear up:D

Oh yes, and oatmeal baths are nice, too...
And btw, I have great admiration for Leo-ness women! (I have twin-ness, lol...)

Hope this helps!

:hi:

[lildreamer316]

8. Actually..

I used to work at a tanning salon and I (want to) go at least twice a week (after much experience and training I know how not to damage my skin there..). The main problem here is the fact that sometimes lately I don't get to go because of husband's schedule. We're really trying to get this resolved. Hopefully it will change soon (I am affirming so!).

It DOES seem to make a HUGE difference when combined with sea air and salt water. If I spend more than two days at the beach I have BEAUTIFUL skin.

I'm SUCH a Leo!!

I've done the oatmeal but it's been awhile; maybe I should try again. Have which hazel too; I used to rotate that with tea tree. Maybe time to switch up again.

Thanks for the encouragement!:hi:

[wovenpaint]

10. Oh yes! How could I forget to mention the ocean?

:blush: I love the ocean-that is the best....salt water, ocean air with all that energy and the sun.
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.....I'm thinking summer now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kDW23Ocfas (windy-turn sound down)

Sending out healing thoughts to you.

[Why Syzygy]

9. I can tell you what worked

for me. Recently I tried the mineral makeup. It made me break out enourmously! As we know, all 'natural' doesn't always equal all 'good'. Even when I stopped using it, the bumps continued to linger and new ones erupt. I did a lot of reading and happen to find something that is just amazing. It is inexpensive, and can be obtained at CVS or Walgreens, or you can mail order from their website. http://www.acnefree.com/af .. I also got Neutrogena's acne bar. I love Neutogena products and that soap with these other products cleared me up in a matter of days, without the overdrying that you might expect from the bp content. I have used the three step, plus lucked out and got the bonus two product to remove left over spots free! I also have the two product scar removal product which I am very pleased with. I can put on that BIG LEO SMILE again, instead of wanting to hide! There was even one what my sisters and I used to call "underground" zit that does nothing but make a huge painful lump. It was gone with the rest. And no new breakouts.

There are some lines now that sell 'internal cleansers'. You can do that yourself with simple herbs, like red clover, pau'd'arco, cornsilk, milk thistle, etc. I like the detox teas or use those in single bags. Years ago I had been shamed with the story that my complexion problems were somehow due to being 'dirty inside'. A kind woman told me that wasn't correct, because why would my 'insides' be 'dirtier' than other people's insides .. see? I'm pretty clean about my insides and outsides. duh .. Another thing that makes me feel good and fresh, however, and has helped my skin glow are the green drinks. Barley, some have rice added. The powdered. They are a bit pricey, but last a long time. I used to start every morning with spring water and a spoonfull of the green drink.

I, for one, love your leo-ness. You are such a special part of our corner of the forum here. And I know that wherever you go, you take your special qualities.

Speaking of the ocean, yeah, isn't it great? Years ago when I still used wire hangers, and multi tasking .. that means I put a wire in my mouth, which gashed the roof. We went on vacation to the sea and a big wave hit me and flooded my mouth. The gash was instantly healed. My dad's standby remedy for any occasion was to gargle or rinse with salt water. You can do that in your tub with Epsom salt. I don't know what a real healing concentration would be, but any amount is beneficial.
Some recommend adding baking soda, which I've never been convinced is actually necessary. But if you want, why not. It's another form of sodium, so can't hurt. I have used baking soda masks on my face which kind of bleaches it out and gets rid of bacteria too.

You could even just start with the Neutrogena bar (about $2.00) and see if that is enough.

Since we're talking about this, another product that I don't like to live without is a Calendula cream.. not ointment! Years lately it has to be ordered from Dolisos directly because not even the best whole food stores stock it. btw . Dolisos has their main pharmacy in Las Vegas, which was at one time a short drive from my home there. I loved going direct to purchase homeopathics. That cream will heal any cut or wound.

Shine, Lil'D Leo sun girl!

[I Have A Dream]

12. Oh, vsm, your mentioning calendula made me think of something.

I have occasional breakouts, especially since I seem to be allergic to my own sweat :(. While having a facial with a young Russian woman, she strongly recommended creating a tea of organic dried calendula. You can make enough for several days at a time by refrigerating the leftover tea. She recommended applying it to the problem area in the morning and before bed. It did help.

I bought the organic dried calendula at our local co-op. It's really expensive per pound, but it's very lightweight, so it doesn't cost nearly as much as I originally feared when I saw the per pound price. :scared:

[NMDemDist2]

11. I've had adult acne all my life

and it's mostly under control and here's what I do

I use Boraxo Powdered Hand Soap EXCLUSIVELY on my face. Yes, Boraxo! a dermatologist suggested it 25 years ago and I've been using ever since. I so rarely break out any more that a couple years ago I couldn't find it in my store and bought another facial product and was broken out in two days and it didn't clear up again until I got the internet shipment of Boraxo

as for my body (which happily I don't get too often) I use Boraxo on a loofah sponge (insert OReily joke here) and use a fresh towel EVERY DAY that I only launder in a very mild soap (Ivory usually) with no fabric softener

best luck, I know how irritating it can be :hug: