74 replies to this topic

[TexMurphy01]

Yo Mei, welcome to my hallowed turf. Take off your shoes if you walk on the carpets.

Yeah, the nose remains kinda dry. As I said though, until the pig out last weekend, I didn't have much of a problem with that at all, or that area. It may be stopping the B5 or it may be taking up honey and porridge every morning (for my daily pictures and this log, I have not been eating that). So, like I said, it's a case of time. I definitely feel I'm on a good track though. It is all about working out what works for you (which is actually pretty hard), but once you do you can realise before time what's going to do what. I binge eat anyway and suffer for it. At least I know it though.

As for stuff on my face... nah, not a believer. Washing once or twice a day with water is my regimen. Most oher stuff breaks me out... plus I'm lazy. I mean if it worked, sure, and I did used to wash with BP twice a day, but I am so much better educated now about this. I wouldn't go back to it.

You should post up some pictures in your log. I did, even though most of my daily spot pictures are awful. Good luck to us both!

Edit: as for the bakery... yes, I do the same. Oh I would kill ten men for the ability to pig out like I used to.

Edited by TexMurphy01, 31 May 2011 - 11:36 AM.

[mei-ling]

Heya Tex!

Just a quick question, I saw on the other log thread by overthis that you also recommend not over-supplementing. May I ask where this is coming from? Like is it a financial concern/health/bothersome-ness? What is over-supplementing to you? Just wondering!

Ps. Will charge up the camera now... haven't taken a photo of myself in nearly two years, haha. I'll do it for science!

[TexMurphy01]

This over supplementing... well I'll be honest, some of the stuff I've subscribed to has been based on rumour, hearsay and generally unsubstantiated advice.

Some people super dose, some people moderately and so on. Now I don't believe medical science has all the answers to everything just yet, but a lot of these things have an RDA (I don't know if you have a similar thing over there - recommended daily allowance). I would guess these are for dosing within very safe limits. Sure you can go over those limits fairly safely to a point, but at what point does it become unsafe? Maybe it doesn't, maybe we just get rid of the waste.

So, in conclusion to this thought and organisation free talk, I think overdosing is at the best wasteful in terms of money and time and at worst potentially harmful. Most supplements I've purchased (in fact all) give recommended servings. I guess when you really start ignoring those, you might consider yourself over dosing (unless you're ignoring them because you think they're too much). Like people who take 10g B5 daily and such things.

Also, as a final point, my experience seems to show that, so long as you're eating a balanced diet (plenty of fruity and veg), get enough sunshine and enough exercise, you're not really likely to need it (unless you have a medical condition that leads to deficiency). For me it's been more about what I have been eating, rather than what I've not been eating.

And as another more final point, I just think it's bad science. Applying a scientific method to your acne is hard enough at the best of times, but when you're taking 10+ supplements, well that's great if you find one of them worked. But which one?

I'm glad your acne hasn't totally ruined your confidence regarding pictures. I mean we are all here to try and cure ourselves after all.

Seriously, My Little Pony... great.

Edited by TexMurphy01, 01 June 2011 - 02:39 AM.

[TexMurphy01]

01st June 2011

I've been doing this for a while eh? I should do a big review at some point. For now let's talk about the state of play at the moment. The dryness to the sides of my nose continues as does the flaking skin. I'm still not sure whether this is the change in supplementation or the taking up of the honey. Now I know what you're thinking, "Just remove the honey." Well I could do that, but let me explain why I'm not doing so just now: it's not yet two weeks since I had my binge weekend, and it's only about a week since I stopped the apple cider vinegar in my water. I'd like to be as sure as I can be that my current level of spots is not related to that before I move on. So of course the next question to be asked is when this will be. I'm not sure yet. At the earliest it will be this weekend, but I might leave it later just to be extra certain.

Some extra things I should say. Firstly, my level of exercise has been higher recently. Secondly, my folks are out of town and I'm eating fish and steamed veg for lunch and my evening meal every day (since Saturday). One day I had prawns and salad, but otherwise it's staying the same. I do eat the coconut oil, but sometimes I have one and a half (or even two) tablespoons instead of one, just because I like it. Even with that in mind, I do only have three servings per day now. The final thing I wanted to say was that I looked in the mirror yesterday after I got out of the shower. The dry patches just to the sides of my nostrils were white. It was like one big peel, except it wasn't (because it didn't peel). It still feels dry even now, almost as bad as when I'm using one of those face washes (not the worse ones, those left me really uncomfortable).

That's it. Thanks for reading everybody.

Edited by TexMurphy01, 21 December 2011 - 04:33 PM.

[TexMurphy01]

02nd June 2011

Just a quick one tonight folks. All the same as usual, although I added some fried veg to my evening meal (onions, pepper, baby corn, courgette, mushroom and tomato). I also had some store bought coconut smoothie (Innocent brand). I know it's good to try to keep your foods the same, but I think there probably should be a little more variation than I've been having recently - even if just to make sure I'm eating enough of the right thing.

Decent exercise this evening too, but I ended up giving myself a strange headache, so I stopped. And it was really sunny today so I got about 20 minutes of good sunlight.

That about covers it. Time for a shower y'all. Yee haw.

[TexMurphy01]

04th June 2011

Welcome back to the stage of history. I must admit to forgetting one of my daily pictures, which is somewhat annoying (just because it breaks a rather long pattern), but of course it's not a major problem.

Anyhow, the dryness has died down over the past few days. Currently there are a few smallish pimples with no white heads and pustules. I guess you can tell I have an issue, but if someone offered me my current level of acne in return for being able to eat what I liked, I would take that. I can live with this leve, even though there is room for improvement.

I'm not exactly sure what has caused the dryness to die down. I haven't removed the porridge (oatmeal) or honey from my breakfast. In fact, with the fried veg the other day, my diet has probably been not exactly perfect (that said, I think fried food isn't a problem necessarily, it's my eating too much and sometimes eating the wrong friend things). I actually added in the fried veg mainly to eat something different, and to add things to my diet I may need as a result (fish, steamed veg, porridge, honey, fruit and fish oil can't be all you need). Oh, I've been getting a good amount of sun recently too (although not so much as to burn).

Even for all this, whether it be the new things I added (not as a regular thing, by the way), or my body finally adjusting to the lack of the supplements, the dry skin is lesser in these last couple of days. It may also be the fair amount of exercise I've been doing this past week (including one martial arts session more than usual). I can say for sure that I am glad I waited rather than going at my diet with an axe again.

I'm almost out of the fibre drink, the GR8 dophilus tablets and the coconut oil. I've got about two or three days of the oil, about a week of the GR8 and about the same for the fibre drink. I've already ordered three more containers of the coconut oil (stuff is excellent - whether it works for acne or not I can't be sure, but it's lovely to eat and it seems to help with the digestion along with the pau d'arco tea). As for the first two.... that's the tricky part. I just don't know if I need them or not. I didn't notice a particular change when I started using them, and the fibre drink at least is a bit inconvenient to prepare. For now I guess I'm prepared to see how things are when I don't take those. Ehh... actually I am rather undecided. I guess I'll let you know.

Still, things are fairly okay right now. Not perfect, but hey.

See you around.

Edited by TexMurphy01, 21 December 2011 - 04:34 PM.

[TexMurphy01]

07th June 2011

Well howdy folks.

I guess I didn't post for the last few days as a conscious effort. I guess I listened to Mei-Ling who said her posting every day didn't really yield anything new, and I figured that also applied to me.

Still, here we are, and how are we? Or rather, how am I? Not bad. A low level is being maintained with the breakouts being more varied, as mentioned previously. It seems to get worse if I get lazy with my exercise or eat too much food (eating after 8:00pm also seems to do this). The damp around my mouth still continues on occasion and usually leads to a very mild breakout. Strange how I started spotting all these signs since I started studying it.

I ran out of coconut oil. I had my last portion this evening. I ordered three jars last week so I figure they'll be here very soon. I still love that stuff!

I also got my bowel cleanser tablets. I should try that some time.

Aside that, it continues as usual. Good health to you!

[TexMurphy01]

09th June 2011

Welcome back y'all.

Acne is okay. I forgot to take my daily picture (again), but I think this may be a good sign. I mean, do I really need to take one every day? I don't think so. I think once a week will be fine, but for now I'll stick with 'as often as I remember'.

When I say 'acne is okay', there's a bit of a nasty red pimple right in the middle of my left cheek, about an inch below my eye. Aside that it's small pimples. I've not been able to have my usual coconut oil either (the company are being slow about it).

What else... not much really. I'll keep you posted. Sorry for this one not being exciting or stimulating, but I'm in a bit of a hurry right now. So stay healthy people. Love and tolerance to all!

[TexMurphy01]

10th June 2011

Oh my god I'm back again! Na na na na (if you recognise those lyrics, shame on you).

I went in to the office today. For those who don't know, I work ('work') at home and go into the office every couple of weeks or so. On that day it's hardest to a) take a picture, b) keep my usual diet and c) exercise after meals. I guess the diet actually is the best of the three.

When I was at work I looked in the mirror. I'm not sure I liked what I saw. It's not heavy, but there seems to be a fair amount of it (the acne I mean). There are a couple of small ones on each temple, for example.

Anyway, today was interesting for reasons other than going in to work. First of all I started taking zinc again (yeah I know, back and forward), although this was at the suggestion of one of the members of this board I think seems to know the most. Secondly I had a miiinor pig out after my evening meal. I had half a bag of fruit and nuts and two (yes two) coconut macaroons. As to the former, the bag isn't very big and I think it probably does me plenty of good (brazil nuts, pecans, walnuts, almonds...). As to the latter... well I've been building up to a self destruct for a few days now (it's not good, it's really not good).

I think the sugar's coming out of the porridge soon, but not yet. I'll see how the zinc does first.

Oh, I have possibly a right shitter of a spot coming through. I've been able to feel it for about two days now. Frankly I'm surprised it didn't come through just in time for my day in the office. It's just below and to the left of my left nostril. It's gonna be a doozie!

Edit: And still no damned coconut oil! May be the reason for the outbreak. Sure did help with that digestion.

Edited by TexMurphy01, 10 June 2011 - 04:26 PM.

[TexMurphy01]

11th June 2011

Bad day today folks. No, not really any particular breakouts, although that big spot came through (as expected). No, it was bad because I ate way too much. I feel full even now and I'm going to bed in about 20 minutes. If the pattern is followed, I should have one or two whiteheads tomorrow.

Damn you coconut oil! Where are you?

[TexMurphy01]

12th June 2011

A weekend largely without exercise and largely with overeating (even if the food was mostly in the 'good' camp). Spells doom for my acne. I don't know why I just can't control myself. I honestly think this is how an alcoholic feels (except obviously with alcohol and not every single nice thing ever).

[TexMurphy01]

13th June 2011

As expected, some nice new pimples today. Well actually I took pictures and they sort of developed over the weekend. It's crazy how quickly your body turns on you eh? Today I kept wiping my nose where my new spots are. It felt like there was something to wipe off - most likely excess sebum. Which is weird of course because I've more often complained of dry skin.

So yeah, a few new pimples, a couple of small pustules. A definite breakout. And my only crime was to eat some coconut macaroons, 400g of fruit and nut mix, some raisins, some prunes... all sweet but none of it exactly 'bad'. Well, apparently my body thinks otherwise. Oh, also allowing myself to be properly full twice over the weekend and going to bed on an almost full stomach last night.

But you know, while I hate the way I have to live if I want to keep them away, this at the very least, shows I have become better at predicting them.

[TexMurphy01]

22nd June 2011

Hola. Don't worry, I haven't abandoned this, I just didn't have a great deal to say. Today, I do have a story that I think people will find interesting.

Firstly, I have been without coconut oil for three weeks or so due to this damned company screwing up repeatedly. I'm half tempted to cancel and go with someone else... but the point is that I haven't been using it. I have been back on the zinc, though (25mg/day).

So, I was doing some exercise daily and my skin was okay. That is, okay for me. I don't think I'll ever have perfect skin, but it was quite acceptable by my standards. On the Friday just passed (about five days ago), I had a large chinese meal. Following that I had a bag of yoghurt covered muesli bites. "What the hell," I figured. I'd had the chinese, so those bites wouldn't add anything - I would get the spots either way. About two hours later, I went for a jog. It lasted about an hour, and I had to make myself sick on the way because my stomach was hurting a bit. Now I didn't throw the whole lot back up (there wasn't that much sick really). So the morning comes, and no new spots. This is somewhat unusual. Then I have a six hour martial arts session complete with grading (I passed, woo). Afterwards I went bowling for a friend's birthday. He knows I have skin problems and he made a point to say that my skin was looking better than usual. Moral? If I do the crime, I've gotta do the time. Hard exercise treats my acne.

If we look at the other side of the coin, I've been eating some crap this week, but it hadn't been hitting me much because my exercise had been reasonable. This was fantastic. However, yesterday I went into the office and, while I didn't eat any crap, I was unable to do any exercise. When I got home I ate some crap (not a lot) but didn't do any exercise. Today I woke up with four new whiteheads / small pustules and some new red areas.

It may also all be aided by the weather - I'm more likely to sweat in this temperature, and warm's not so harsh as cold. Either way, I have spots today which I didn't have yesterday, and it would seem that exercise was the key factor.

So how can I break it down? I break down the percentages as follows: exercise 40%, diet 30%, good sleep rhythm 10%, warm weather 10%, supplements 10%. Also explains how my acne got worse when I started working at my old work place (way less exercise than usual). It's not perfect, but ... I feel like I've made steps in understanding my body.

Incidentally, I was talking to some people with gut problems the other day in my family. My cousin was saying she'd been having these problems and was gluten intolerant. She'd been on some stuff, but I recognise the things she'd been recommended as all the same things I'd been recommended. So I told her to get some coconut oil and some good probiotics. I'd tell her to exercise, but I'm not sure that'd work for her. To be honest, I'm not entirely sure why it works for me, but I'll take it.

Let me just be clear - it's not a ten minute jog we're talking about. It's not five minutes of high intensity (although it may be). I'd recommend something that lasts between 30 minutes and an hour, that will hopefully leave you relatively out of breath. A jog or run, bike ride. I guess walk, but I think that will help less (but it will still help).

Later folks, and I hope that was useful.

Edited by TexMurphy01, 23 June 2011 - 02:48 AM.

[TexMurphy01]

01st July 2011

Hey what's up? Just thought I'd stop by and give you an update on the situation. My coconut oil arrives yesterday (I finally went through a different company and got it within two days) and am back on that. My time off it shows I don't need it to be spot light, but I think it helps with the digestion, so it's all good.

What kind of shit have I been eating? Well, brothers and sisters, I've been able to up my diet to way better levels. The other day I had a chicken, leek and ham pie - I have a cake (or slice thereof) maybe once a day, and I never cut out the honey from my daily porridge ('oatmeal'). It's not a completely crappy diet though. I haven't had pasta or bread and I still have fish and steamed veg for lunch, I still have my daily super smoothie and my supplements. I guess it's like it was before, just with a few treats added to the mix.

How does this stack up with the acne? Fairly good. I still get some, and I don't think I will be completely clear unless I really hammer the exercise, but at the rate that they come through, the rate that they stick around and the rate that they leave, I'm happy.

So what exercise do I actually do? Well, my regimes have been on and off, but personally I think it's about having some exercise every day, and then perhaps something a bit more substantial once every two or three days. Now, while that is the ideal, it's not exactly what I do. For my first break (11:15 - 11:30) I go out in the garden and kick a football ('soccer ball') around and try to get myself a bit out of breath. At lunch I take 15 - 30 minutes out and either do the same or go for a walk. After work (well, more specifically, after my evening meal), I'll go out again and do something, although probably only for 15-20 minutes. It's easier in this nice weather, I'll grant you that, but it seems to be keeping the level of acne pretty reasonable.

I'm not 100% there yet, but I'm at a level where I think my diet is okay (as in, I can have treats so my life has become worth living again). So I am fairly satisfied. Cured? No, of course not, but satisfied. I could do better, but hey. Of course a day or two with no exercise and I'll start to get a few again, but at least now my observations have led me here.

So what do I say to you? I say this - face washes didn't work for me. Even the most sensitive stuff dried my face out. Diet... helped certainly, but the dedication I had to show was pretty serious. Exercise... may be the daddy. It's not the be all and end all, but so far it seems to be the biggest helper if done right. I don't envy those of you who choose the diet route - I know how hard it can be, especially if you have a big sweet tooth like me, but you might have to do it.

I'm still going to take pictures and I'm still going to report in. Certainly if I have any new insights, I'll share them with you.

Peace!

[TexMurphy01]

25th July 2011

Hola people!

It's been a while huh? Well I've slacked off in almost all aspects. Irregular picture taking, irregular almost everything. I still take supplements, have coconut oil and drink pau d'arco tea.

It's not gone, by the way, not entirely. I'd say it's at a decent level though.

Is my acne bad? Not really. Basically, exercise works out okay for me, but as I see it, I need a certain amount of exercise to counter a certain amount of 'bad' foods in my system. Therefore, if I up the amount of crap or reduce the amount of exercise, the acne increases.

But the best thing? I eat absolute crap. I mean it's not terrible, but I almost always have a dessert now, and it can have pastry, chocolate, cream, you name it.

If there's a downside, it's that, having lived with a great diet for a few months, I often feel a bit crappy eating all this rubbish. Also I lost weight on this other diet, but I've put it back on with this new diet. Also my diet doesn't rule my life anymore - I still write down everything I eat though. I think that's a pretty good idea anyway.