58 replies to this topic

[Elise1010]

Your story sounds very similar to mine. I have been suffering from acne since I was a teenager (I'm now 32) and in the last few years it has worsened. I link the worsening to trying, unsuccessfully, to go off birth control in 2004. I went back on birth control and then tried all the routine treatments derms recommend--antibiotics, differin, etc. Though going back on bc helped and at times my face cleared, nothing worked as well as I wanted it to and when my skin was bad, it was really bad. Mostly, I was experiencing large, painful cystic acne--both on my face and my back. Last month I became completely fed up with prescription meds and tried the natural route. After just a few weeks, I am seeing amazing results. My skin has never looked better! I can't say the exact cause of the improvements, but here's what I'm doing:

*No gluten
*No sugar (I eat lots of fruit and cheat some with raw honey though)
*Only goat and sheep dairy products (I do cheat some with this and have cow based products on occasion)
*No coffee
*Lots of green tea
*Probiotics
*Fish oil
*Ground flax seed (I really think this has helped with all the red marks and with the incredible tone and texture my skin now has. I see no one has mentioned trying flax and I would highly recommend including it in your diet. I've read that consuming the ground seeds is most effective which is why I chose that form over the oil and capsules. Some people don't like the taste, but I do. I put 2 tablespoons in my orange juice every morning.)

I am really happy with this new regimen and the results I'm seeing. I'm planning to go off birth control in the next 6 months and am crossing my fingers. Last time I tried, the results were disastrous, but I feel like I'm now more knowledgeable about my skin and am hoping for the best. Good luck with your skin.

[aion]

You're a smart person.

It isn't just hormones, MILK is PASTEURISED, meaning its heated to kill bacteria and in the process kills GOOD bacteria needed to digest milk PROPERLY, Dairy is linked to so many illnesses/allergies.

Including the fact that hormones are added to it to last longer on shelves, etc.

You are wrong. Hormones are given to the cows to make them produce more milk, not to make it last longer. And for most people, the bacteria to digest milk are already present in your digestive tract, though you CAN become lactose intolerant if you stop dairy intake for an extended period of time. I would actually encourage women especially not to give up dairy entirely- organic skim milk should not contain hormones which will trigger breakouts. Organic milk means the cows cannot be given extra hormones, AND the hormones are in the milk fat (as per a study done by Harvard med) and obviously skim milk has had the fat removed. Osteoporosis is a really bad thing, and milk is one of the easiest ways to get the calcium you need in a way your body can absorb.

[Dannie]

hi there


SO im 30 and been on BC since i was 17..i stopped it in 2004 and broke out so bad my face swelled..i went back on and on low dosage of accutane..been on many creams..
i started to eat better, workout., drink water..green tea..and suppliments

so now im thinking of getting off the pill and im acne free..never seen my face so clear so i am scared..also since i used to get MAJOR period cramps to where id cry..so im worried...

if i take B 100'S, VIT A., VIT B6, OMEGA 3, PROBIOTICS, PRIMROSEE...

can that already take into the transition face and may help avoid the acne?

i think id probably start ZINC, B5, BURDOCK, AND I HEAR BLACK COHASH AND DON QUAI, WILD YAM IS GOOD but ive never herd of it...

also what is VITEX??? SHOULD I START TAKING THIS BEFORE I GET OFF THE PILL???

IM SCARED OF MY CRAMPS TOO


THANKS ALOT GUYS

[aussieblonde]

Hi all,
We're all going thru similar stuff. I am 1.5 weeks into a 3 week stint of no dairy, gluten and minimal sugar intake. So far I must say I have noticed zero improvement which is kind of disappointing but I will stick it out to the end. Also using a few supplements.
The only thing that ever cleared my acne was the pill (Diane) but had to come off it so we could get pregnant. Have now had bub and am breastfeeding, have found that during the breastfeeding my skin has been almost the worst it's ever been (hence going to see the naturopath who put me onto this diet).
Am waiting on the result of my bloodtest which will show my hormone levels and whether I might have that PCOS thing.
I found Differen and other similar gels to be useless and severley dry my skin out. I can't seem to use the BP as my skin reacts to it now (never used to which is odd).
Will let you know how it all goes!

[Dannie]

im really scared to get off..i hope the hormonal suppliments i bought will help

[Mamma_Mia]

Its been several months since youve been on this regimen, Im curious to know if it ever did clear up eventually?

[pickledpears]

hey, I am new here and was not going to join till I found this discussion.
I have never had an acne problem but then I was on the pill from 16-24 and on coming off of it a few months ago my skin has got steadily worse.
At first I hoped it would go away on its own but 3-4 months later it has just got worse!!
So I have decided to try a regime as I am applying for jobs in a few months (final year, final semester uni, stress levels not helping!!)

So far I have decided to drink apple cider vinegar diluted in water, and apply it to my face topically, some mornings and most night times
I have vitamin B, C, Zinc, salmon omega 3 in the cupboard + many many more, which i have brought over time but tend not to take as they make me feel sick.
so I may take some of those.
and I am going to buy in two days a chaste tree / vitex mix, hopefully that will work!

I will let you know how it goes.
suggestions and recommendations much appreciated!

[Dannie]

im sorry to hear your face got worse,,

so far im lucky nothing bad has happened...ive been off since march

this month for the first time my period didnt come yet..i was due last thurs...and every month is always on time...even off the pill...

has this happened to anyone??? im questioning if its the pill or pregnancy

[pickledpears]

oh you are so lucky!

I came off in Febuary had a period in March then missed it in April, had it in May, but nothing now in June or July!
And it has been since then the last 3 months that my face has really broken out.

It could be the pill as for some people it can take 6-9 months (although I have witnessed it going on longer) but then some people can start ovulating again from day dot!

I think it might be an idea that you do a pregnancy test, just to be on the safe side!

[Dannie]

oh im sorry hun

well i think the suppliments i took r working...i think i posted what i was doing,

but how can i have a normal period for 4 months straight and then nothing this month???

hmmmm

im bloated and crampy for 2 weeks..like its coming..but it never came..
never had that

[crystal_willow]

You're a smart person.

It isn't just hormones, MILK is PASTEURISED, meaning its heated to kill bacteria and in the process kills GOOD bacteria needed to digest milk PROPERLY, Dairy is linked to so many illnesses/allergies.

Including the fact that hormones are added to it to last longer on shelves, etc.

You are wrong. Hormones are given to the cows to make them produce more milk, not to make it last longer. And for most people, the bacteria to digest milk are already present in your digestive tract, though you CAN become lactose intolerant if you stop dairy intake for an extended period of time. I would actually encourage women especially not to give up dairy entirely- organic skim milk should not contain hormones which will trigger breakouts. Organic milk means the cows cannot be given extra hormones, AND the hormones are in the milk fat (as per a study done by Harvard med) and obviously skim milk has had the fat removed. Osteoporosis is a really bad thing, and milk is one of the easiest ways to get the calcium you need in a way your body can absorb.

interesting about drinking organic milk. I think I will include a tiny amount in my diet again so I don't become intolerant to it. Although most countries outside of the uk have a high population of lactose intolerant people so it won't be the end of the world if I have tyo avoid it. Plus I believe I read somewhere that people who drink milk are more likely to develop osteoporosis in later life.

here is a link with some encouraging looking citations, I encourage people to read about it and consider the source of the info you recieve make up your own minds

http://thebabybond.com/MilkingYourBones.html

seems from most sources I have read that physical activitiy is a much better increaser of bone density than calcium intake alone.

[pickledpears]

You're a smart person.

It isn't just hormones, MILK is PASTEURISED, meaning its heated to kill bacteria and in the process kills GOOD bacteria needed to digest milk PROPERLY, Dairy is linked to so many illnesses/allergies.

Including the fact that hormones are added to it to last longer on shelves, etc.

You are wrong. Hormones are given to the cows to make them produce more milk, not to make it last longer. And for most people, the bacteria to digest milk are already present in your digestive tract, though you CAN become lactose intolerant if you stop dairy intake for an extended period of time. I would actually encourage women especially not to give up dairy entirely- organic skim milk should not contain hormones which will trigger breakouts. Organic milk means the cows cannot be given extra hormones, AND the hormones are in the milk fat (as per a study done by Harvard med) and obviously skim milk has had the fat removed. Osteoporosis is a really bad thing, and milk is one of the easiest ways to get the calcium you need in a way your body can absorb.

interesting about drinking organic milk. I think I will include a tiny amount in my diet again so I don't become intolerant to it. Although most countries outside of the uk have a high population of lactose intolerant people so it won't be the end of the world if I have tyo avoid it. Plus I believe I read somewhere that people who drink milk are more likely to develop osteoporosis in later life.

here is a link with some encouraging looking citations, I encourage people to read about it and consider the source of the info you recieve make up your own minds



seems from most sources I have read that physical activitiy is a much better increaser of bone density than calcium intake alone.

You are right, most countries do have lactose intolerances or just allergies a lot of people have the allergy (me) but people do not connect their symptoms to the milk. When we loose our milk teeth we also loose the ENZYME that breaks down the lactose (protein which causes lactose intolerance) or the fat globules (which cause a milk allergy (what I have).
The only bacteria that breaks down milk is the natural flora on our gut which helps a little tiny bit, but mainly lives off fruit and veg)
Have you ever noticed in milk advertising they say " this milk contains calcium and calcium can help prevent osteoporosis"? two true statements there...but they never say "this milk will help prevent osteoporosis"?
It is because most of the calcium in the milk is in an unabsorbable form and when the body using the ATP cycle breaks down the protein, when protein is broken down by the body it produce a low pH bi product causing the body to become acidic in nature.
When this happens the body needs to neutralize the acidic environment, so it takes the calcium and magnesium in the body and uses this to regulate the acidic environment. This is the calcium and magnesium the body would use for the bones to prevent osteo but instead has to use to keep the body neutral.

[orangeorn]

I am taking zinc 100mg + B Complex from 2 weeks, and it made a huge difference to my acne. My skin is very very less oily now and no new zit.

But I am taking zinc sulfate. IS this bad for long term? I am planning to switch to zinc gluconate/picolinate.
Also I will be adding Vit A , Vit C and fish oil capsules.

Please provide your input.

[elle16]

I'm new here and just read this from start to finish. Thank you to everyone who has posted on here. I have been researching and wanting to try supplements for my hormonal acne. I'm glad to see that it can work.

[amw8124]

Hi there! I am definitely having problems since being off BC. BUT... I don't know how to even stand the Apple Cider Vinegar's taste and I definitely can't stand smelling it on my face! Is there anything else instead? It makes me gag!
I'm also trying all the vitamins and a little strickter diet.
Also do they make one or two vitamins all combined into one with all of the mentioned vitamins?

Any suggestions? Anyone?

Edited by amw8124, 21 December 2010 - 12:49 PM.

[river333]

Hi there! I am definitely having problems since being off BC. BUT... I don't know how to even stand the Apple Cider Vinegar's taste and I definitely can't stand smelling it on my face! Is there anything else instead? It makes me gag!
I'm also trying all the vitamins and a little strickter diet.
Also do they make one or two vitamins all combined into one with all of the mentioned vitamins?

Any suggestions? Anyone?

I tried so many combos trying to figure out how to mask the nasty taste of ACV. My solution: Drink ACV with apple juice/cider (I use whole foods organic). You can hardly taste it then, it just tastes like a tangier version of apple cider, which isn't bad! Drink it with a straw. Good luck!

[roshmallai]

guyzzz

i have these adult acne...which really hurts and they r on the V zone of ma face.....had been on BCP,,,, but
stopped it 6 mnths back n so thr attack is back too....!

m from india.. and m no where able to find Vitex...PLZ help if u know how wud i get it.

Also try using thyme as your toner...jus steam it n cool it n bottle it.
its effective externally....also try rubbing a ice cube once in a day...it helps vclosing the pores.

these few things n sme vitamins is hlping me so far to keep ma 50% acne away....
but i need to balance ma harmones for complete clear face....

so plz HELP me to find VITEX in mumbai,,,,India...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[kerriannm81]

I know this is an old post, but I found it googling "ACV for Acne". I've been using the ACV topically and internally for a few weeks now. I am in love with this stuff. I feel great, and my skin is looking better. I use 2 tbs twice day mixed with about 3 tbs water. I take it in one quick shot to avoid trying to suffer down 8 oz of it. I use it diluted 3 parts vinegar to one part water on my face twice a day as an astringent. It works GREAT on clearing up visable acne, and Ive notice less break outs recently as well. Waiting a full month before I commit to its internal use and acne prevention. I use Bragg's Organic. I also use the AcneFree Severe product line. Im not sure whats causing my acne. Im 30 and have never had much trouble with it before. The past 2 yrs or so its been awful. I have lost a considerable amount of weight over the past 2 years (about 60 lbs) and wondering if that has anything to do with it??? Well i just wanted to weigh in on the ACV topic. Oh FYI it's done wonders for my digestion system too. I drink it both on an empty stomach in the morning and after a mean in the evening. Dosent bother me as long as its diluted at least in equal amount of water. =)

[travelzd]

ecofashionista, on 07 January 2009 - 12:21 PM, said:

So, I'm new here and trying to figure out the best inside and outside therapy for this mess that is my face. I know my acne is connected to hormones and going off BCP and I really want to use effective natural remedies and vitamins in conjunction with other things if needed. I'd would love some feedback.

Here's my situation: I had been on and off BCPs since high school (I'm 24 now) and have had really clear skin until recently. For the last two years or so, my skin has been much less clear (like, 1-2 zits almost all the time) but totally manageable. I stopped BCP in September (because of panic attacks, mood, low sex drive, etc.) and I have experienced 2-3 months of <b>horrible </b>break outs that started about a month after switching to the copper IUD.

At first, I thought I'd wait it out while my hormones balance and try topicals (Murad--the lotion is good, but no clearing, gentle cleansers and moisturizers, benzoyl peroxide). I have been using Differin for about three months and it might actually be worse than it was when I started. Nothing seems to be working and my whole right cheek is one big red mark now from both acne and the healing acne.

Has anyone tried Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry) for hormonal acne? It sounds like it might be a more natural thing to get women's hormones back in balance, rather than relying on BCP or spiro.

I'd love to hear any personal experience (good and bad) with the following products I'm thinking about using...

Inside:
Vitamin B Complex
Fish Oil
Zinc
Vitex
Apple Cider Vinegar (2 T in water, 2x daily)
Very little dairy (this one is going to be hard---cheese is like a food group for me)
Lots of water and moderate exercise

Outside:
Vitamin E Oil (for red marks)
Jojoba Oil (a few drops in lotion)
Cetaphil wash
Cetaphil (2x daily)

Neutrogena On The Spot Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% (spot treatment? or all over 1x daily?)
OR Continuing up to two months longer with Differin??

why not do the bp during the day and differin at night I was on something similar from a dermatologist and it worked well(she actually had me on duac during the day whichis half bp.. if u can get the duac DO IT if not do the bp)... bp should be all over..maybe follow dans regimin on how to do it, just substitute your differen for the night time BP:)

aion, on 23 January 2010 - 10:43 PM, said:

<!--quoteo(post=2555822:date=Mar 9 2009, 01&#58;07 AM:name=SomeGuy86)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (SomeGuy86 &#064; Mar 9 2009, 01&#58;07 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=2555822"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->You're a smart person.

It isn't just hormones, MILK is PASTEURISED, meaning its heated to kill bacteria and in the process kills GOOD bacteria needed to digest milk PROPERLY, Dairy is linked to so many illnesses/allergies.

Including the fact that hormones are added to it to last longer on shelves, etc.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

You are wrong. Hormones are given to the cows to make them produce more milk, not to make it last longer. And for most people, the bacteria to digest milk are already present in your digestive tract, though you CAN become lactose intolerant if you stop dairy intake for an extended period of time. I would actually encourage women especially not to give up dairy entirely- organic skim milk should not contain hormones which will trigger breakouts. Organic milk means the cows cannot be given extra hormones, AND the hormones are in the milk fat (as per a study done by Harvard med) and obviously skim milk has had the fat removed. Osteoporosis is a really bad thing, and milk is one of the easiest ways to get the calcium you need in a way your body can absorb.

actually there are hormones in all milk , no matter how you spin it (organic /raw ) ... because the hormones are growth hormones and are there to help the calf grow:http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mark-hyman/do-milk-and-sugar-cause-a_b_822163.html
if that link doesn't work look up mark hyman MD acne and milk