16 replies to this topic

[Me+dots]

Hi everyone,

I have spent many many hours reading the useful info on this website and I've started a lifestyle change in a last effort to avoid Accutane again.

History:
Acne started with puberty. I am now 32 and it is still a problem.

Oily skin. Hirsutism. Hypothyroid (Hashimoto's).
No weight problems since stopping BCP.

I have been on everything over the years:
Anti-biotics - no help
Accutane - full dose (twice) - helped for a year or so
Accutane - 20mg every 10 days - worked - but bad for me.
Diane/Dianette BCP - cleared my skin for many years - had to stop due to migraines.

Now looking for a healthy permanent solution.

Starting point:
Moderate/severe acne with inflammed cysts. Mainly in "beard area"
Small pimples on back and chest.
Oily skin.

Diet changes started working but Christmas bad food has left me with a huge cyst on my cheek.
- I named it Rudolf.

My routine - version 1.01:
Topical: Morning and evening
Cetaphil face wash
Apple Cider Vinegar Toner - 1 part ACV, 8 parts Green tea
Sometimes BP

Supplements:
Centrum Multi-vite, Vit B Complex, Salmon Oil, Pro-biotics.
Meds:
Tetralysal anti-biotic 300 mg. – till the box is finished

Food:
Anti-inflammatory diet.
No sugar. No dairy. No soy. No Gluten/wheat/rice/corn. No stuff I'm allergic too (Beetroot, Watermelon, some Chilli).

Haddock, Salmon, Tuna, Spinach, Broccoli, Carrot, Baby marrows, Onions, Mushrooms, Tomato, Garlic, Lettuce, Sweet potato (fried in Olive oil), Capers, Dill cucumbers, Olive oil, ACV as salad dressing, Macadamia nuts, Cashew nuts, Pecan nuts, Bell peppers,
Teas: Mint tea, Milk-thistle tea

Life-style:
Enough sleep, Daily exercise (new years resolution),
Sun-light (easy to find in Cape Town)

Progress:
I've been doing this for a few days (apart from a few Christmas events) and it seems to be helping!!

Ideas in the bag:
(A lot of good suggestions are for things that are hard to find in South Africa and importing it can lead to customs confiscating it as “drugs” )

I want to add back gluten, dairy and sugar gradually when cleared to pin point the problem.
Low protein diet. – if this diet does not work.
EV Coconut Oil. – when I can find it.
B5, Biotin, Niacin – Ready - As soon as my Vit B complex runs out.
Parasite cleanse (olive leaf powder) – when I can find it.
Gobi Detox Tea, chasteberry vitex – when I can find it.
Liver Aid supp. – when I can find it.
Green smoothies - (Eager to try these as soon as the ex-boyfriend returns the blender.)

Now just hoping it works...

Any suggestions are very welcome!!

Edited by Me+dots, 26 April 2011 - 04:48 AM.

[Me+dots]

I got 2 new cysts yesterday!! I think it is from drinking cream liqueur on new years...

My routine - version 1.02: - 4 Jan 2011
Topical: Morning and evening
Cetaphil face wash
Apple Cider Vinegar Toner - 1 part ACV, 8 parts Green tea
Sometimes BP

Supplements:
Centrum Multi-vite Vit C, Zinc, Vit B Complex, Vit B5, Salmon Oil, Pro-biotics.
I read THIS that made me decide to take Vit B5 only. No Biotin for now.

Meds:
Tetralysal anti-biotic 300 mg.

Food:
Anti-inflammatory diet.
No sugar. No dairy. No soy. No Gluten/wheat/rice/corn.
No stuff I'm allergic too (Beetroot, Watermelon, some Chilli/Bell peppers).

Haddock, Salmon, Tuna, Spinach, Broccoli, Carrot, Baby marrows, Onions, Mushrooms, Tomato, Garlic, Lettuce, Sweet potato (fried in Olive oil), Capers, Dill cucumbers, Olive oil, ACV as salad dressing, Macadamia nuts, Cashew nuts, Pecan nuts, Bell peppers,
Teas: Mint tea, Milk-thistle tea

Life-style:
Enough sleep, Daily exercise (new years resolution),
Sun-light (easy to find in Cape Town)

Progress:
No clear yet but alot better!

Ideas in the bag:

I want to add back gluten, dairy and sugar gradually when cleared to pin point the problem.
Low protein diet. – if this diet does not work.
EV Coconut Oil. – when I can find it.
B5, Biotin, Niacin – Ready - As soon as my Vit B complex runs out.]
Niacin - still reading up - not sure if I want to drink it or make a mask.
Parasite cleanse (olive leaf powder) – when I can find it.
Gobi Detox Tea, chasteberry vitex – when I can find it.
Liver Aid supp. – when I can find it.
Green smoothies - (Eager to try these as soon as the ex-boyfriend returns the blender.)

Edited by Me+dots, 06 January 2011 - 09:58 AM.

[Me+dots]

I got some blood tests done.

Hormone levels (Incl androgen & testosterone) all in normal range. Was expecting the androgen to be high. - Maybe it is lower due to the massive amounts of peppermint tea and milk thistle tea I drink.

SHBG levels high. Could be diet or hyperthyroidism.
Cutting back on thytoxine tablets and will retest in a month.

Skin looking better. Still small pimples, but not major.

Trying to fix hyperpigmentation now:
Gonna up the ACV in my toner and find out about peels and AHA.

[Me+dots]

I have been reading up on allergies and discovered that Latex allergy can cause cross-reactions with foods. I know I'm allergic to Latex because Latex gloves make my skin sore and red.

Latex allergy foods:
Most often:
Avocado, Apple, Banana, Chestnut, Potato, Tomato, Kiwi, Pineapple, Figs and Wheat
But also:
Papaya, Eggplant, Melon, Passion Fruit, Peppers, Mango, Cherimoya, Strawberry, Soy, peaches, plums, grapes, cherries, nectarines, pears, carrots, celery, Watermelon, hazelnuts and rye

So now I'm changing my diet to eliminate these foods as well:

My routine - version 2.00: - 14 Jan 2011
Topical: Morning and evening
Cetaphil face wash
Apple Cider Vinegar Toner - 1 part ACV, 2 parts Green tea
BP at night (30 min later).

Supplements:
Centrum Multi-vite Vit C, Zinc, Vit B Complex, Vit B5, Salmon Oil, Pro-biotics.

Meds:
Tetralysal anti-biotic 300 mg.

Food:
Anti-inflammatory diet.
No sugar. No dairy. No soy. No Gluten/wheat/rice/corn.
No stuff I'm allergic too (Beetroot, Watermelon, some Chilli/Bell peppers).

Haddock, Salmon, Tuna, Spinach, Broccoli, Carrot, Baby marrows, Onions, Mushrooms, Tomato, Garlic, Lettuce, Sweet potato (fried in Olive oil), Capers, Dill cucumbers, Olive oil, ACV as salad dressing, Macadamia nuts, Cashew nuts, Pecan nuts, Bell peppers, Avocado, Almonds, Apples
Teas: Mint tea, Milk-thistle tea

Life-style:
Enough sleep, Daily exercise (I try),
Sun-light (easy to find in Cape Town)

Progress:
No clear yet but alot better!
Some cysts on jaw-line.

Ideas in the bag:

I want to add back gluten, dairy and sugar gradually when cleared to pin point the problem.
Low protein diet. – if this diet does not work.
EV Coconut Oil. – when I can find it.
B5, Biotin, Niacin – Ready - As soon as my Vit B complex runs out.]
Niacin - still reading up - not sure if I want to drink it or make a mask.
Parasite cleanse (olive leaf powder) – when I can find it.
Gobi Detox Tea, chasteberry vitex – when I can find it.
Liver Aid supp. – when I can find it.
Green smoothies

[Me+dots]

I've been reading about Candida and Leaky Gut. I've noted that my system seems to be sensitive to a lot of things so gonna try heal my gut lining and see if I can get my food intolerances under control:

My routine - version 2.01: - 15 Jan 2011
Topical: Morning and evening
Cetaphil face wash
Apple Cider Vinegar Toner - 1 part ACV, 2 parts Green tea
BP at night (30 min later).
Vaseline - if I have picked at a pimple. - Trying to see if it lessens scarring

Supplements:
Centrum Multi-vite Vit C, Zinc, Vit B Complex, Vit B5, Salmon Oil, Pro-biotics Will add back after parasite cleanse.

Parasite cleanse tables: (Contains Walnut Hulls, Cloves, Wormwood, Taheebo, Echinacae, Olive Leaf Ext, Grapefruit seed ext, Male fern) (15 days)
L Glutamine: 1000mg
Vitamine D3: 500IU (weekdays)
Vit C: 1000mg
Zinc tablets: (Zinc Glutonate 70mg, Vitamin A 5000IU)
Salmon Oil: (EPA 500mg, DHA 90mg, Vitamin E 5IU)

Meds:
Tetralysal anti-biotic 300 mg.

Food:
Anti-inflammatory diet.
No sugar. No dairy. No soy. No Gluten/wheat/rice/corn.
No stuff I'm allergic too (Beetroot, Watermelon, some Chilli/Bell peppers).

Haddock, Salmon, Tuna, Spinach, Broccoli, Carrot, Baby marrows, Onions, Mushrooms, Tomato, Garlic, Lettuce, Sweet potato (fried in Olive oil), Capers, Dill cucumbers, Olive oil, ACV as salad dressing, Macadamia nuts, Cashew nuts, Pecan nuts, Bell peppers, Avocado, Almonds, Apples, Butternut Squash, Bean sprouts, Asparagus, Coconut Oil, Lentils, Rice (little bit), Ginger
Homemade icecream (Coconut milk, Cocoa, Vanilla, Stevia)

Teas: Peppermint tea (lots), Milk-thistle tea, Green tea, Rooibos tea
Green smoothies: Sweet potato, Broccoli, ....

Life-style:
Enough sleep, Daily exercise (I try),
Sun-light (easy to find in Cape Town)

Progress:
No clear yet but alot better!
Some cysts on jaw-line.

Ideas in the bag:

I want to add back foods gradually when cleared to pin point the problem.
Low protein diet. – if this diet does not work.
EV Coconut Oil. – when I can find it. - now using it.
B5, Biotin, Niacin – Ready - As soon as my Vit B complex runs out.]
Niacin - still reading up - not sure if I want to drink it or make a mask.
Parasite cleanse (olive leaf powder) Now doing it.
Gobi Detox Tea, chasteberry vitex – when I can find it.
Liver Aid supp. – when I can find it.
Green smoothies - now drinking it

Edited by Me+dots, 20 January 2011 - 12:32 PM.

[Me+dots]

I've been clear since the last changes!

Holding thumbs it will last!!!

Edited by Me+dots, 24 January 2011 - 12:13 AM.

[Me+dots]

I've been clear 3 weeks now !!!!!
My skin feels soft!

My marks from old acne are fading fast!

The other MAJOR benefit is that my mood and outlook on life is better that it has been in years!!
I feel happy and full of energy on this diet!

PS: I've added eggs back into my diet - no breakouts!

I'm adding back something to my diet every Monday and Thursday. So far so good!
(I'm sure I'll have some pimples if I add back something wrong but at least I now know what can keep me clear!

[iamthat]

So glad to hear your progress. Your diet and parasite/liver detox sounds just like me! Since you added back in eggs I may try to also but they did show up on my allergy test :/ Goodluck!

[Me+dots]

So glad to hear your progress. Your diet and parasite/liver detox sounds just like me! Since you added back in eggs I may try to also but they did show up on my allergy test :/ Goodluck!

Good luck! I'm holding thumbs for you!
It's a nice one to have back.

I take digestive enzymes if I try something new out - just in case.

[Me+dots]

Just as my skin is lovely and I can go out in public without being self-conscious...

my crazy flatmate messes up my hair color! and gets dye on my skin!! Oi!

[iamthat]

I was a little scared to try an egg today because my skin is so clear right now! I have been taking cayenne pills the past couple days. Do those work the same as digestive enzymes?

[Me+dots]

I was a little scared to try an egg today because my skin is so clear right now! I have been taking cayenne pills the past couple days. Do those work the same as digestive enzymes?

I'm allergic to Cayenne so I haven't done any reading on it.
I know it is very anti-inflammatory so it should be good for you.
Bananas, papaya and raw veggies are also good for digestive enzymes.

[Me+dots]

I found I can have Windhoek Light beer!
It is so cool to be able to have alcohol in a restaurant now!

White wine gives me acne though

[Me+dots]

Heya,

Lately I've been having some stomach troubles and lost weight. Doc is checking me for Celiac disease.

My routine - version 3: - 19 Mar 2011
Topical: Morning and evening
Cetaphil face wash
Apple Cider Vinegar Toner - 1 part ACV, 2 parts Green tea
Aloe vera as moisturizer.
BP at night (30 min later). - rarely - as needed.
Vaseline - if I have picked at a pimple. - Trying to see if it lessens scarring
Bactroban - if I have picked at a pimple

Supplements:
Centrum Multi-vite Vit B Complex, Pro-biotics

Parasite cleanse tables: (Contains Walnut Hulls, Cloves, Wormwood, Taheebo, Echinacae, Olive Leaf Ext, Grapefruit seed ext, Male fern) (15 days)

Vit B5, Salmon Oil, L Glutamine: 1000mg
Vitamine D3: 500IU (weekdays)
Vit C: 1000mg
Zinc tablets: (Zinc Glutonate 70mg, Vitamin A 5000IU)
Salmon Oil: (EPA 500mg, DHA 90mg, Vitamin E 5IU)

Meds:
Tetralysal anti-biotic 300 mg.

Food:
Anti-inflammatory diet.
No sugar. No dairy. No soy. No Gluten/wheat/oats/corn.
No stuff I'm allergic too (Beetroot, Watermelon, some Chilli/Bell peppers).

Eating:
Haddock, Salmon, Tuna, Spinach, Broccoli, Carrot, Baby marrows, Onions, Mushrooms, Tomato, Garlic, Lettuce, Sweet potato (fried in Olive oil), Capers, Dill cucumbers, Olive oil, ACV as salad dressing, Macadamia nuts, Cashew nuts, Pecan nuts, Bell peppers, Avocado, Almonds, Apples, Butternut Squash, Bean sprouts, Asparagus, Coconut Oil, Lentils, Rice, Rice noodles, Rice cakes (plain or carob), Egg
Homemade icecream (Coconut milk, Cocoa, Vanilla, Stevia)

Teas: Peppermint tea (lots), Milk-thistle tea, Green tea, Rooibos tea

Life-style:
Enough sleep, Daily exercise (Not at the moment - trying to gain weight),
Sun-light (easy to find in Cape Town)

Progress:
I got 2 cysts when I tried corn --and it made me emotional.
I got 1 small pimple when I had canned lentils - it had sugar in it. Staying off the sugar.
Otherwise clear

My Comfort food:
Choc Milkshake: Raw sweet potato, water, 2 table spoons Cocoa, Mint, Stevia --> Blend!

Chocolate:
In a sandwich container the size of a slab chocolate:
5 tablespoons Cocoa powder
5 tablespoons melted coconut oil
mix
5 tablespoons Fine desiccated Coconut
stevia
(nuts, mint, raisins ... whatever you feel like)
mix
put in fridge for 20 minutes.

I'm trying potato today ---> hold thumbs!

[jarchi]

Congrats!! Things are looking good for you. Can you explain what your toner is? "Apple Cider Vinegar Toner - 1 part ACV, 2 parts Green tea"

Do you make it ahead of time and store it or do you make a new batch each time you use it?

[Me+dots]

Congrats!! Things are looking good for you. Can you explain what your toner is? "Apple Cider Vinegar Toner - 1 part ACV, 2 parts Green tea"

Do you make it ahead of time and store it or do you make a new batch each time you use it?

Heya,

It's quite easy.
I just mix Apple cider vinegar (about 50 ml) and some green tea (about 100 ml)
I never use water that is too hot too touch (about 60 deg Celsius) for green tea. It weakens the benefits of the green tea. I let the green tea get nice and strong.

I first wash my face with cetaphil and pat dry.
I bough a little spray bottle and I just spray my face with the ACV toner (careful around your eyes - it can burn a bit) and let it dry naturally.
When my face is dry again I put on Aloe vera.

I make batches of about 150ml at a time and make more when it's finished.

It is supposed to correct the ph balance of your skin and help your sebum to protect the skin again after washing.
You can use more Green tea if the smell of the ACV is too much. - It's not an exact science.

I hope it helps!

Edited by Me+dots, 19 March 2011 - 01:33 PM.

[CaliKisses]

Drinking 2 - 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar has been helping me a LOT in addition to cutting out caffeine, most dairy (I am honestly addicted to cheese so I need to have some every once in a while), and drinking a Detox tea 3x a day.