12 replies to this topic

[overthis]

This is brand-spankin-new acne treatment log. I'm going to be attempting to treat my acne with Apple Cider Vinegar and Vitamins/diet.

A little background:
I have been fighting moderate to severe acne for eleven years. During my teen years, my parents tried everything. I saw dermatologists for years, tried every topical and internal prescription known to man, and eventually went on Accutane at age 15. I was on Accutane for six months and, yes, it cleared my skin up. For awhile... I have also been on every birth control known to man and have finally found one that does not torture me with side effects - the Mirena IUD. However, BC has never helped with my acne.

I had occasional breakouts all through high school. At age 19 I joined the military and my acne flared again. In the four years since then, I've used many different brand name acne regimens as well as quite a few all-natural ones. In the past year I've been seeing a dermatologist again. He put me on minocycline, benzoyl peroxide wash, and retin-a (old friend). I was on all of that for over six months before I gave up. It did nothing for me other than dry my skin out and help me build resistance to yet another antibiotic. For the last two weeks I even tried Urine Therapy! No luck with that either... I'm sure that Accutane would work again, but I don't want to go through that process again, nor do I have the money.

Eleven years later, I am just tired of acne! So here goes another experiment. I'll be trying this one for at least a month (it's much less nasty than UT).

My lifestyle and regimen:
I have been a vegetarian for just over a year. I don't drink milk and in the past week I have decided to cut out eggs and cheese (with the exception of occasional goat cheeses for now). I run (2-3 miles) 3 to 5 times per week, walk on off days, and do strength training or yoga 2-3 times per week. I do not drink soda, only tea (oolong, green, and black) and water. I eat a lot of fruits and veggies, tofu, lentils, and whole grains.

I have decided to ward off makeup for awhile. I haven't worn any for five days and I plan to keep my face make-up free on my upcoming two week road trip through Canada. My day as of now goes like this:

Morning:
Wake up
Run/Strength Training
Wash face w/ Cetaphil
Dilute ACV with water 50/50 and apply as toner
Mix 2tsp ACV in a glass of water and drink

Afternoon:
Repeat ACV drink

Evening:
Wash face w/ Cetaphinl
Repeat ACV drink
Before bed, dilute ACV with water 50/50 and apply as toner

Vitamins/Supplements:
Multivitamin
Fish Oil
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin D-3
Vitamin E
Vitamin C
Probiotics
L-lysine
Calcium
Zinc
Magnesium

I started this regimen last night (I've been taking all vitamins except Zinc, Magnesium, and D-3 for quite sometime), so, obviously, I can't tell if it's working yet. My plan is to update often and update with pictures every Monday. I purchased a bottle of organic ACV with "the mother" since it was recommended. Funny, cause I would never have known how refined and diluted "for crystal clarity" most ACV is.

Attached Files

•  face2.JPG   18.11K   21 downloads
•  face.JPG   18.18K   25 downloads
•  face3.JPG   16.17K   20 downloads

Edited by overthis, 31 May 2011 - 11:50 AM.

[TexMurphy01]

I tried the UT myself for a while. I wouldn't say it's nasty exactly. It's surprisingly clean and odourless when it's fresh. I didn't like the 'keep it for a day' routine though - mine was always fresh. Did it work? Well, I think my skin was softer, and it's one of the few 'products' that didn't give my skin an adverse reaction.

So I guess I want to know... would you say your acne is more caused by oily skin or dry skin (or something perhaps unrelated)? If it's oily, you should consider a B5 supplement. If it's dry... well, then you're in a similar boat to me. I just had to use various methods of investigation to see what broke me out (and this is tough because sometimes it's a case of eating late, or eating larger meals than you really should).

Also if you have any gut problems, you should mention that. In fact any other symptoms you feel might be related.

Personally I'd say cut out everything except fruit, veg and fish for two weeks. You can have water as well. Hell, even lose the fruit. It will be tough, but after those two weeks are over it would be interesting to see the results.

Hopefully that was at least somewhat helpful for you. Oh, and don't over supplement.

[overthis]

@TexMurphy: I would never go on a diet like the one you've described. It's terribly unhealthy. I'm a vegetarian on the verge of going vegan and raw. In response to UT, as you can see by my pictures, it didn't work. My skin is oily, but I believe that is unrelated to my acne. As I said, I have had acne for 11 years and my skin has fluctuated in that time period. Also, it is nearly impossible to over supplement. As of 2008, ther were only 10 reported cases of deaths that are suspect of being caused by vitamins/supplements in the past 23 years. I know holistic medical professionals who take 25+ supplements per day, so I'm not overly concerned about it and you shouldn't be either.

Day 1 Update
I started using ACV last night. I used it topically this morning and drank it this morning and afternoon. I can definitely tell something is happening with my skin. I have several pimples that have come to a head today. It normally doesn't happen that quickly. I will continue and see what happens.

I have also added Spirulina and Niacin to my regimen.

[mei-ling]

@TexMurphy: I would never go on a diet like the one you've described. It's terribly unhealthy. I'm a vegetarian on the verge of going vegan and raw.

Mmmm there are a lot of arguments against vegetarianism/veganism too. I was veggie/vegan for 5 years depending on food availability, and it did me no good whatsoever. I think as long as you're getting a lot of saturated fat and protein in your diet, it should be fine. Are you taking flax seed oil? Another good place to get Omega-3s is in chia seeds (similar to flax but a little less hassle because you don't need to grind them). I would NOT rely on carbs for your energy though, and would stay clear of soy.

[overthis]

Mmmm there are a lot of arguments against vegetarianism/veganism too. I was veggie/vegan for 5 years depending on food availability, and it did me no good whatsoever. I think as long as you're getting a lot of saturated fat and protein in your diet, it should be fine. Are you taking flax seed oil? Another good place to get Omega-3s is in chia seeds (similar to flax but a little less hassle because you don't need to grind them). I would NOT rely on carbs for your energy though, and would stay clear of soy.

I can assure you that I do not rely on carbs. I get more protein now than I did as a meat eater. I have spent the last year fine-tuning my diet, and I didn't do it for acne reasons. In fact, I had no idea that being a vegetarian could be beneficial. I did it strictly for other health reasons. I do eat flax seeds and take Omega 3s. I have never tried chia seeds, however.

[TexMurphy01]

Well, I didn't intend for it to be a long term diet. I said two weeks, so that you, after that short period, have a better idea as to how your body was reacting to certain things.

But hey, whatever works for you. Different strokes for different folks.

[overthis]

Well, I didn't intend for it to be a long term diet. I said two weeks, so that you, after that short period, have a better idea as to how your body was reacting to certain things.

But hey, whatever works for you. Different strokes for different folks.

I wouldn't even do that to my body for two weeks. But if you can, more power to you.

Day 2 Update
Today I used ACV as a toner morning and night. I wasn't able to drink any this afternoon because we were having our apartment packed up for a move. I did up my drink mix to 1tbsp. I took niacin 100mg again tonight. Still no major flush. Will probably up to morning and night tomorrow. I think that the ACV is helping already. A lot of the redness has gone down since yesterday and several pimples have already come to a head and disappeared. My fiance tells me that he can definitely see a difference. Anyway, more to come!

[overthis]

Day 4 Update
The ACV is definitely making a difference. My fiance commented last night about how quickly it's cleared up in the past few days. Have upped to drinking 1.5tbsp 3 x per day. Working my way up slowly to get used to the taste. Also upped my niacin to 100mg in the morning and 200mg in the evening. I have also switched to flax seed oil. I realized that as a vegetarian I probably shouldn't be taking fish oil... Duh. And I realized that flax seed oil has WAY more of all of the Omegas than the fish oil did. Anyway, update again soon!

Edited by overthis, 03 June 2011 - 10:27 AM.

[destinatus]

I've just started using ACV too. I just drink a couple tbsp with a glass of water and apply it after washing my face at night. On day 5 and so far I've seen no improvement, just mild breakout and oiliness. I think I might still be adjusting to it, perhaps I'll start using it as a toner in the morning as well and drinking small amounts throughout the day instead of just all at once at night.

[smartie]

I just added ACV to my diet this past week. I'll let you know if I notice any positive improvements. Best of luck in your journey to clear skin!

[overthis]

Thanks for the replies!

Day 7 Update
Unfortunately, I can't update with pictures this week. I'm currently driving through Canada so I don't have any cell service and I normally transfer pics via phone. So pic update next week! I have also noticed increase in oiliness. That was especially noticeable during the first five days or so. Less noticeable now. Everything has been getting worse and then better, but I've definitely noticed overall improvement.

[overthis]

Day 16 Update
I will post a photo update tomorrow, but there has definitely been a huge improvement from day one! Any cystic acne I have had over the past two weeks is all but gone. Now I only have small pimples which is a huge step up. I'm still doing ACV diluted with 50% water twice per day as a topical and 2 tbsp in water twice per day as a drink. I have also upped my niacin to 200mg in the morning and 300mg at night. I can definitely see improvement! I am so excited after so many years of trying different prescriptions that didn't work.

[overthis]

Day 17 Update
Photos! Can definitely see a change.

*Edit*
I just realized I should have posted pictures from about a week ago. It got really bad at first. REALLY bad. Crazy inflamed and cysts everywhere! I suppose it doesn't look like it's changed a whole lot according to the pictures, but it has... I'll post pictures next week.

Attached Files

•  lunapic_130806483285627_3.jpg   23.28K   12 downloads
•  lunapic_130806483285627_6.jpg   18.73K   13 downloads
•  lunapic_130806483285627_9.jpg   19.47K   10 downloads

Edited by overthis, 14 June 2011 - 09:43 AM.