81 replies to this topic

[merf]

Uuuuuuuugggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

I have been so good about not touching my face, then last night I just completely crashed. I picked one blackhead, which led to picking at my face for a solid 10 minutes. So today I have new blemishes plus spots where I picked.

To top things off, I had a scone for breakfast, pizza for lunch, and 5 Tagalongs (that's 25 grams of fat and 20g of sugar!!!!!!!!) after dinner.

I am such a failure. My face will break out now and I am completely to blame. The only positive about today is that I did have a green smoothie when I woke up.

[merf]

Okay, I am super psyched.

I had an episode the other night where I picked at my face for about 10 minutes. This caused me to get a number of whiteheads and red spots/scabs. Only two days later, my face is completely clear again (as in, no new acne and the old stuff continues to disappear).

I can't believe how tolerant my skin is ever since I started balancing my hormones. I'm super excited to start the cream again on Sunday and am so hopeful that my acne will be completely gone this time around.

I've also been drinking my ACV 2x per day and having one green smoothie per day, both of which I think have given my face a nice glow that it didn't used to have at all.

Interesting - this does help. Thanks for sharing your thought process on the Arbonne cream. That makes a lot of sense. Sorry to bother you with more questions, but did the Arbonne cream bottle mention any possible NEGATIVE side effects if you don't have a progesterone deficiency? You'll have to let us know what you find out from your testing next week.

DIM is interesting too, but honestly since I want to have another baby in the next year I am nervous to do too much with the hormones. Of course, if I don't restabilize before my next pregnancy it could be one rocky ride!

I truly believe you can only do your body good by balancing your hormones. It should help with fertility and pregnancy. Another thing I am wondering is if more balanced hormones migh reduce morning sickness. I'd love to see a study on that.

I would never take DIM or use progesterone cream while pregnant, no no, but I would certainly take it before trying to get pregnant, to get everything ready inside.

[merf]

Today I begin the 2nd round of Arbonne Prolief natural progesterone cream. Round 1 cleared up my skin 90%. Right now I have one small spot on my chin, and other than that there is one spot on my temple that is still going away (it's been there almost 2 months now!) and some fading red marks. I also have one small scab where I picked at a blackhead (dumb).

I can't believe how quickly this worked to cure my acne, after years of every topical, antibiotic, etc. failing. I wish I had discovered it sooner, and I wish I could share what I know with EVERYONE. We are so overloaded with estrogens and xenoestrogens from our food and the environment, and as we age, we produce less and less progesterone to counter-balance the estrogens. As such, our estrogen receptors become desensitized. Using the progesterone counters the estrogen, and the estrogen receptors become sensitive to estrogens again. This means fewer renegade estrogens running amok causing serious damage to our bodies, and drastically reduces the risk of breast cancer, fibroids, etc.

I am also super thrilled because now that my skin is in such good shape, I can stop using harsh topicals and start using Arbonne's gentle, beneficial skin care products again. I just ordered the entire anti-aging line to be my new daily routine, and I will be incorporating the mask, scrub, and enzyme peel each in one time per week. The Arbonne anti-aging line has so many botanicals in it to help rebuild collagen, exfoliate dead skin, clear pores, and it's loaded with antioxidants, so I am really excited.

[Xicanabear]

Yeih!! So how do you know when to wear the cream?? At the beginning of your menstrual cycle??? I'm thinking of getting this, by now I'm pretty sure my acne is hormonal......

[historydiva]

Hi Merf!
I am so happy for you and I am excited about your good results with the progesterone cream. I started taking DIM last week because I could get it at Whole Foods and start immediately. I am ordering the Arbonne cream today.

I am noticing an instant change in my skin. The overall tone is more even and consistent. (I was having trouble with small patches of hyperpigmentation due to sensitive skin and irritation.) My existing acne has nearly healed and we are talking about blemishes I had been battling for an entire month - some cysts are still there but are slowly going away now. Also, I just feel better overall. My SO has even noticed the change in my skin!

Thanks for sharing your routine. I will keep checking to see how you are doing and maybe compare notes.

[shortbus]

Mine is arriving in the next few days and as soon as im into a week of using it I will let everyone know if it works for guys too.

[merf]

Hi Merf!
I am so happy for you and I am excited about your good results with the progesterone cream. I started taking DIM last week because I could get it at Whole Foods and start immediately. I am ordering the Arbonne cream today.

I am noticing an instant change in my skin. The overall tone is more even and consistent. (I was having trouble with small patches of hyperpigmentation due to sensitive skin and irritation.) My existing acne has nearly healed and we are talking about blemishes I had been battling for an entire month - some cysts are still there but are slowly going away now. Also, I just feel better overall. My SO has even noticed the change in my skin!

Thanks for sharing your routine. I will keep checking to see how you are doing and maybe compare notes.

That's FANTASTIC!!! I am thinking of taking a bottle of DIM, just to really kick start things even more. At this point, I dont' even feel like I need to since my skin looks so good, but since I'm going colon/liver cleansing, why not just do it all.

I'm glad you are able to order the Arbonne cream. All progesterone creams are not created equal, and the Arbonne is one of the very best on the market.

Yeih!! So how do you know when to wear the cream?? At the beginning of your menstrual cycle??? I'm thinking of getting this, by now I'm pretty sure my acne is hormonal......

Please read this information:
http://www.johnleemd.com/store/main_hormone_news.html

Specifically the FAQs about progesterone cream.

[Xicanabear]

Thank you! one more question, where did you buy the Arbonne cream? Online? What website do u recommend?

[merf]

Thank you! one more question, where did you buy the Arbonne cream? Online? What website do u recommend?

Arbonne is a network product line, like Avon or Mary Kay, so you can only buy it from an Arbonne consultant. The product is here:
https://www.arbonne.com/products/balance/prolief.asp

If you don't know anyone who can sell you Arbonne, try Femgest.

[merf]

Okay. My skin still looks good, no major cysts or anything, but there are still non-inflamed bumps, blackheads, and the occasional whitehead. I'm not happy about it! I feel like my skin is always moments away from a big breakout. I'm going to give diet and nutrition changes another chance, primarily reducing sugar intake.

7:00 - Tall glass water with 1 TBSP ACV

8:30 - Breakfast

• Fresh fruit -- honeydew, canteloupe, strawberries, pineapple, grapes
• Grits w/Promise spread
• Half-caff coffee with skim milk

11:00 - Detox Tea

12:00 - Lunch

• Organic beef brisket
• Organic sauteed spinach/onions
• Corn bread

2:30 - Detox Tea

8:00 - Dinner

• McDonald's Cheeseburger
• McDonalds Small Fries
• (oops!)

NO DESSERT!

[acne_battle]

I should have begun this topic when I started hormone balancing, but better late than never. I am 32 years old, female, and have come to the conclusion that my acne is hormonal. I flare up once a month, along my jawline and chin. My forehead, nose, etc. are completely clear. I've tried every over the counter and prescription medicine in the book and have not been satisfied. I took Accutane which got rid of my acne, and I was on the pill so didn't have acne for years and years, but after going off the pill, it's back.

I don't want to take antibiotics, Accutane, the pill, or anything else that may be harmful to my body. I'm not even comfortable using benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, but I do. I try to watch my diet, but I am horribly weak.

So, I finally decided that since my acne is hormonal, if I could get my hormones in line, the acne should go away. "Hormone balancing" can be done with natural progesterone cream (find out more on www.johnleemd.com). I purchased the Prolief natural progesterone cream from Arbonne. You're supposed to use it day 12-26 of your cycle, so I began on 2/3. It should take 2-3 months for my hormones to be balanced, and by then, I am hoping to have clear skin.

Wish me luck!

Thats a great idea! Ive been on clenia for a little over one month now and Im not completely satisfied. Maybe when I see my derm next week I should ask him about this. Thank you for the suggestion, for inspiring me

[merf]

Thats a great idea! Ive been on clenia for a little over one month now and Im not completely satisfied. Maybe when I see my derm next week I should ask him about this. Thank you for the suggestion, for inspiring me

Let me know how it goes. Doctors will often blow you off if you bring up holistic cures. But, based on everything you say about your acne, I think DIM and/or progesterone cream would help you a lot, and it would allow you to give your sensitive skin the gentle care it needs.

[merf]

UGH UGH UGH. I can't stand doctors. Here's how my visit went today.

Me: I started using progesterone cream, so I thought I should let you know and see if we need to test my hormone levels.
Doc: Who prescribed it?
Me: It's OTC
Doc: That's out of my league. You should talk to your OB/GYN about that. If you're having problems with hormone levels, you should take BCP. Are you on BCP?
Me: No.
Doc: Are you trying to get pregnant?
Me: No.
Doc: Well, that's a good way to get pregnant.

Me (aside): Okay, you arrogant prick. Have you ever heard of understanding your body? Knowing when you ovulate? Condoms?!?!

Me: I prefer to avoid prescription medication when possible.
Doc (looking doubtful): ... okay... *shrug*

Me: I'm also interested in colon and liver cleansing, to try to remove toxins from my digestive system.
Doc: Don't do it. That's a bunch of bull. I see those commercials and I want to scream. Your colon and liver don't need to be cleansed.
Me: *sigh*

[historydiva]

Hi Merf,
This dr. sounds like he needs some education! I am in the same boat as you. I don't like to take prescription (or even OTC) drugs unless absolutely necessary. I only found one dr. who agreed with this, my OB, and she had special training in traditional and more holistic medicine.

Do you know of any doctors in your area who would be more open to a combo of traditional and more natural medicines? Surely there is a directory or list that we should be able to consult!

I ordered my progesterone from Arbonne, and I am excited to see the progress I make with a combo program of progesterone and DIM. So far so good with the DIM.

What kind of detox tea do you drink and how do you know if it is helping?

[merf]

Hi Merf,
This dr. sounds like he needs some education! I am in the same boat as you. I don't like to take prescription (or even OTC) drugs unless absolutely necessary. I only found one dr. who agreed with this, my OB, and she had special training in traditional and more holistic medicine.

Do you know of any doctors in your area who would be more open to a combo of traditional and more natural medicines? Surely there is a directory or list that we should be able to consult!

I ordered my progesterone from Arbonne, and I am excited to see the progress I make with a combo program of progesterone and DIM. So far so good with the DIM.

What kind of detox tea do you drink and how do you know if it is helping?

I drink the Arbonne detox tea, which has Milk Thistle, Couch Grass, Sarsaparilla, etc. I can't tell if it's working, but it's only been 2 days that I have been drinking 2-3 cups of it.

I am also now taking the Arbonne Colon Cleanse which has probiotic, psyllium, etc.

I get everything from Arbonne when possible, they are amazing.

[Xicanabear]

I was taking a similar tea before (with sarsaparilla, burdok etc) I still have it...its maybe 2 years old? I'm gonna see if I can still use it...I really like your regimen with the Arbonne and the DIM. I think I'm gonna do it........its crazy because I hadn't gotten my period last month (I figured it was all the stress) and I finally got it this week, and all of last week I was breaking out ALOT! But this week (knock on wood) after my period, my face feels so much better (and I haven't done anything different in my regimen) so this is why I'm pretty sure its hormonal...plus I always had a gut feeling...

There's a tea called seven blossoms tea (siete azahares) that works wonders for relaxation...I take it before going to sleep because I have a pretty heavy load with school and work (stress=acne+hormonal problems (for me, no period... ) just thought I might share that with you. I posted a blog about it.

What else? I know what you mean about doctors...my brother in-law is in medicine school, and we always argue about holistic approaches....he thinks its bull. I guess its all part of the way most medical schools socialize their students: to be very methodological, very scientific and be weary of holistic approaches/home remedies...oh well, that doesn't stop us....everyone in my fam thinks I'm a holistic hippie!

[merf]

Okay, everyone. I just took my first DIM pill. I got the BioResponse 75mg pills and will take 2 a day, one in the AM and one in the PM, with meals.

The book that came with the DIM was really interesting.

My skin looks good but doesn't feel so great. It's very dry (I'm still using the Exposed Skin Care until it runs out and it's a bit drying) and has noninflamed bumps. But I still can't believe how much better it is than when I started this hormone balancing. No more cysts!

My red marks are disappearing very slowly, but I don't even care about that at all. If the bumps would go away, I'd be thrilled. I know the discoloration will disappear in time.

I haven't been good about my green smoothies, but am doing very well taking my supplements, drinking my ACV, and following my regimen.

And the biggest success of all so far, I am about to finish DAY 2 WITH NO SUGAR! Wowie!!!!!!!!!!! That is such a huge deal for me.

[bran88]

Hey Merf,
how is the DIM going for you? Do you notice any side effects? Do you think it's helping your skin?

[merf]

Hey Merf,
how is the DIM going for you? Do you notice any side effects? Do you think it's helping your skin?

*sigh*

My skin is not doing so well, and I can't figure out what's going on. It was starting to get worse before I started the DIM, and the DIM has not helped much yet. I currently have red spot along my right jawline mostly due to me freaking out and picking at my face. I have some noninflamed acne on my right jawline near my ear. I have two spots on my right chin/jaw area, and one on the left. And on my left jawline I have some spots/scabs due to the picking.

Oh, and I have a spot on my forehead, where I *never* break out. Ugh.

That said, my skin feels okay. This is the time of month when I am using the progesterone cream, which is supposed to help, so I'm confused. I hate this.

Anyway, my current supplements are:

75 mg of DIM 2x a day (150 mg total)
250 mg of calcium d glucarate in the morning
my Arbonne acne supplement
detox tea
colon cleanse supplement

I have not been so good about my diet. Drinking alcohol and eating some sugar. I've been MUCH better about sugar, but I lost it at a party last night and had 3 brownies.

I am feeling really down about myself b/c of my lack of willpower.


Oh, and I stopped drinking the ACV. I'm too worried about the effect it will have on my tooth enamel.

[bran88]

Hey Merf,
how is the DIM going for you? Do you notice any side effects? Do you think it's helping your skin?

*sigh*

My skin is not doing so well, and I can't figure out what's going on. It was starting to get worse before I started the DIM, and the DIM has not helped much yet. I currently have red spot along my right jawline mostly due to me freaking out and picking at my face. I have some noninflamed acne on my right jawline near my ear. I have two spots on my right chin/jaw area, and one on the left. And on my left jawline I have some spots/scabs due to the picking.

Oh, and I have a spot on my forehead, where I *never* break out. Ugh.

That said, my skin feels okay. This is the time of month when I am using the progesterone cream, which is supposed to help, so I'm confused. I hate this.

Anyway, my current supplements are:

75 mg of DIM 2x a day (150 mg total)
250 mg of calcium d glucarate in the morning
my Arbonne acne supplement
detox tea
colon cleanse supplement

I have not been so good about my diet. Drinking alcohol and eating some sugar. I've been MUCH better about sugar, but I lost it at a party last night and had 3 brownies.

I am feeling really down about myself b/c of my lack of willpower.


Oh, and I stopped drinking the ACV. I'm too worried about the effect it will have on my tooth enamel.

Hey Merf
sorry you're having a breakout me too, it's not fun what kind of DIM are you taking? What's in the arbonne supplement ? I think it's normal to have an IB whenever you make a change in your supplement and diet plan. Did you start doing something different right before you noticed your breakout?