FixSkin: Keloid Treatment Update

Confession: I stopped using this stuff consistently for about 2-3 weeks, and I really wish I hadn't. Bad lapse in my self-discipline, but we'll lead with that and I'll tell you what it is I'm talking about:

I have keloids. It's not life-threatening, so don't worry (if you were), and they're not contagious, either (just so ya know). Keloids by medical definition are the result of my body over-producing granulation tissue and collagen. To me, that means my body is an outta-control super-healer that has no concept of moderation.

But seriously. Keloids aren't fun. I'm one of what I'm finding to be a larger-than-expected number of people who "suffer" from them. I put that in quotes because I wouldn't dare say suffer in the same context as someone whose ailment is literally life-threatening. This isn't one of those things, and I won't pretend it is, at least not for me. Every case is different. Fortunately, mine have been somewhat limited and if I'm intentional about controlling them, I can.

SO this is (was) me:

"was," meaning this was me in october 2017
"is," meaning i'm still here ;)

october 2017

My keloids are contained mostly to the upper region of my chest and shoulders. Depending on how many keloids you've seen or had, these may look bad or they might look like no big deal. Having lived with them, I'll tell you that those are both accurate. A couple of them hurt. It's not unusual for them to itch, or feel like pin pricks (usually at convenient times like 3am). I've been through a number of treatment options in the last 16+ years, and only a handful of them worked - minimally, at that. In that time, I've been teased, stared at.. and believe it or not, have had more than a few encounters with random people who think it okay to just touch one while asking, "what is that?" (I know....). My point? I've had these suckers for my entire late adolescent and adult life. It's uncomfortable, on several levels: physically, mentally, socially at times... still.

I made a new friend through the power of online community (in a scar forum, specifically), who recommended I check out FixSkin.

FixSkin is a naturopathic product that uses essential oils to their full potential by combining them against the bacteria that spurs keloid growth. I was skeptical about this at first, but it was $60 that I would've just spent on something else, so I figured I didn't have too much to lose. I ordered online, they delivered, and there we were:

they come as a pair

The bottle on the left is the toner. This goes on first; it opens the pores and primes the area for the serum to do its work. I found that after a few uses, I could feel the toner immediately after putting it on. It's not the most pleasant sensation, but it's far from unbearable.

The serum then goes on after that. The instructions tell you to use your fingers for application; I opt for Qtips but whatever works. For the first month, I was really good about 2x daily, without question or miss. I noticed a huge difference within just the first few weeks. Look, I'm not paid to say this stuff, but I will tell you that it works.

I got away from it during November and December; I did a lot of traveling, wasn't diligent about using it twice a day, and on a couple of getaways forgot to take the stuff with me all together. Right around Christmas, I got back on track, and I've been doing both steps regularly, twice a day.

Week 1: This scar was very solid, hard to the touch and sensitive. This particular one is just smaller than a dime. 

Week 3: I noticed a subtle difference in the area around the scar. The edges started blurring and seemed to be pushing inward, meaning that the bulk of the scar is (slowly) dissolving. 

January 2018: I took these today. The lighting was a little different today, but I can tell a noticeable difference in the shape, size and protrusion. It's hard to capture the dimensional view of these scars, but this one is flattening, as well as fading, bit by bit. 

^ Ok. So this one at first glance is a little harder to gauge, but I posted it to highlight the fact that this stuff works, as long as you USE it, and don't otherwise mess with your scars. 

Week 1: Solid, very raised, sore. 

Week 3: flattened a surprising amount. 

January 2018: I'll be the first to say it looks like week 3 should've come after today's picture, in terms of progress.. maybe it's just me but it looks that way in the picture. However, today's picture came after a day of messing with the scar, throughout a stressful day at work (which also doesn't help). It is a little inflamed in today's picture. But again, it has been consistently flattening, with the edges blurring more and more. The bottom scar is barely visible most days, compared to the one above it. I'll try and update another day of this one, to show the true progress. 

I also post that to remind anyone out there dealing with keloid treatment that there will be plenty of days that might make it seem like your regimen isn't working. Be patient, and make sure you're also making any necessary adjustments to your diet to go along with the topical treatments. It's taken much experimentation on my end over the years, and I am always open to suggestions. 

For now, I'm thankful for what progress I do have, and hopefully I'll have even better news in a few months. 

Hang in there, Keloid Kids. You're beautiful. 

xo | cms