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Lucy Speed - 10 years of hell
Organising a big white wedding with a starstudded guest list has been
a doddle for Lucy Speed compared to her biggest bridal challenge -
beating adult acne. The Bill star, who's due to marry actor Spencer
Austin has suffered problem skin for years.
"Most brides
worry about their figure. My only worry's been my spots, which can
resemble a boiling crater!" says Lucy.
Over the years, Lucy, who plays action-girl DC Stevie Moss in the
ITV1 police series, has spent £10,000 on various treatments
in a bid to cure the cystic acne on her chin.
"I've
seen doctors, dietitians, therapists and acupuncturists," says
Lucy, 33. "I've squeezed, scrubbed and steamed - hid under layers
of make-up, smothered my skin in masks and even meditated. I've drunk
crates of water, had allergy tests and cut out gluten. I've had NLight
laser courses, microdermabrasion and even tried colonic irrigations."
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Lucy Speed |
Ironically, as a teenager Lucy boasted fabulous, clear skin. She got her first
spot at 20. By the time she reached 21 she was covered in them and
had piled on the pounds. She was diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).
Eventually Lucy's doctor controlled the condition with the contraceptive pill
Loestrin 20. Weight fell off and her spots cleared up - but they came
back with a vengeance soon after. "This time it was cystic acne,
rock hard red lumps which refused to go. From then on I had these
spots every single day every week every month for nearly 12 years." |
before treatment |
Harley Street Clear Skin Pack |
after treatment |
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She recalls: "My spots were at their peak when I was in EastEnders.
Things came to a head this year. Lucy had announced her engagement to Spencer
and, at the same time, The Bill announced they would shortly be filming
in High Definition. "Not only did I have nightmares of being an acne-smothered bride but The
Bill going HD meant every blocked pore, every blemish, every rock-
hard spot would be magnified on TV," says Lucy. She confided
her despair to Bill colleague, Lisa Maxwell "Lisa suggested I
see Harley Street skin experts, Dr Aamer Khan and Lesley Reynolds Khan."
They diagnosed severe cystic acne and prescribed an intensive skin routine
along with hormone pills and topical creams. "I steeled myself
for another rollercoaster ride of disappointment but within weeks
I started seeing a difference. The products contained prescription-
strength ingredients as well as a microdermabrasion kit containing
diamonds. I was also prescribed a hormone balancer to take twice a
day and had weekly glycolic and enzyme peels. It's hard work and takes
a lot of time and commitment, especially after a long day filming.
"But after six months of following the routine - and for the
first time in 12 years - I'm spot-free."
Harley Street Medical Skin Clinic's Lesley Reynolds-Khan, who treated Lucy,
says adult acne is on the increase. "It can appear at any age
but the majority of our patients are between 22 and 55," says
Lesley. "It can range from blocked pores to the worst case of
cystic acne." "We're treating Lucy with an acne skincare regime - a range of products including
a gentle cleanser, that lifts dead skin, followed by an AHA lotion,
an antiinflammatory Vitamin C serum and an oil-free moisturiser followed
by an SPF lotion." |
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Source: Daily Mirror - 2009 |
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