26 replies to this topic

[Ihavenoface]

So sorry to hear that you are still breaking out. I have just seen your photos in the other thread.

Hopefully, a change in tactics will bring results.

Best of luck.

Hey Manticore,

that's OK, I've learned not to expect any less really. There was a minor improvement in the developed areas I had, but other areas just broke out anyway, so overall there wasn't really an improvement. But yes, I am hopeful that the Spiro will make a difference. One of the effects of the contraception that appeared to cause my initial breakouts 7 years ago is an increase in male hormones, so Spiro's antiandrogen effect should make a level of difference, I'm going to ask the doctor for an antibiotic topical (other than Zineryt, it just burnt the face off me) also, and try attacking it from two avenues. The diet change has given me positive results in other areas -- sleep, energy levels, concentration, so I will be continuing it also, as my body seems much happier eating this way.

Thanks for your response

[datsnotmyname]

I really like your writing style!

[PaulH85]

The diet change has given me positive results in other areas -- sleep, energy levels, concentration, so I will be continuing it also, as my body seems much happier eating this way.

Hi

I've been reading some of the diet/holistic logs today as I'm looking for a new approach, having recently finished a nine month course of Lymecycline. I had maybe a month during that time when I was totally clear, the rest of the time it was just sort of... average. Since the antibiotic has left my system, my skin's the worst it's been in the 13 years I've had acne, so back to drawing board I go...

I read your log with interest and was especially intrigued by how you seemed kind of conflicted about the antibiotics situation. I don't think it's a bad way to go in the short-term, and certainly if you feel that it might just take the edge of things, as it were, and help you gain a little more control of the situation, then that's probably a good idea.

Either way, credit to you for standing up for yourself with your doctor over the approach you've taken. The changes is mood, sleep pattern, concentration and so on are evidence enough that diet changes make big differences in those areas, so well done for sticking to your guns.

It saddens me really to see instances where people have to deal with what your skin is doing. I hope that doesn't sound patronising because I don't intend it that way, but it's just annoying that it happens, it doesn't seem like there's any real point, and it's not fair that we have to struggle with it. I suppose there could be a point, in that perhaps our bodies are trying to tell us something, but it's all trial and error and there's so much conflicting information out there that it's sometimes hard to know what to do for the best.

Personally, I'm too easily swayed sometimes. This time yesterday I was thinking, 'That's it! I'm going to make my doctor refer me for Accutane, this is my last resort!' Now I'm wondering if I could do other things. I think it's mainly because my diet is rubbish, I don't exercise at all and my sleep pattern is a mess. All that could do with fixing simply for the well-being of my body and my mind. Maybe, in doing so, my skin would follow suit... It just seems like a vicious cycle really because I'm anxious about going out to exercise or whatever when my skin's bad so I just end up staying indoors. Shallow and stupid, I know. Guess I need to work on it.

Anyway, I hope everything is going well for you and that you are justified in sticking with the diet and so on. Thank you also for taking the time to write in the way you have so far, it's really informative and, to me at least, kind of inspirational.

Edited by PaulH85, 22 August 2011 - 04:45 PM.

[Sima]

For sure, you need to get your hormone levels checked out. Something is definitely not right here. Your upper cheeks, from what I can see, are perfect. The lower cheeks, jawline, and neck are where your problem areas are. You should go on Spironolactone, preferably combined with birth control.

[HopefuLady]

I'm sorry to hear what you have been going through, but know you're not the only one out there. I am a 27 year old female who has struggled with cystic acne, as well as every other form of acne. And I'm talking much worse than moderate acne. I have made some major progress by changing my diet and lifestyle, similar to your changes. I'll tell you what I've done in case it could be helpful.

I COMPLETELY avoid all grains and dairy, and the only sugar I eat is in the 3 fruits I eat- banana, fuji apple, and berries. And I never eat these fruits when my blood sugar is low because I immediately will get a cyst (like within an hour). So if I'm low I eat some kind of veggie first. I don't leave the house without carrot sticks, slices of bell bepper, snap peas, or cucumber slices, for snacking and maintaining my blood sugar. I completely avoid caffeine, alcohol, and iodized salt, and white potatoes. I eat coconut oil and olive oil, but am careful not to overheat them.

I have also recently begun to drink green smoothies, which are an amazing way to eat kale, chard, collards, and spinach, masked with a little apples, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and berries. This is either helping with my digestion or getting my some nutrients I need, I'm not sure but it has helped. I don't know what nutrients I am missing, but I supplement with fish oil, vitamin E, B complex, B5, and zinc. I still need to work on my sleep schedule- I notice a direct correlation with how healthy my skin is and how much sleep (in total darkness) I get. I am a runner and my skin is always a little better immediately after I work out. I also take about 6 tbsp of raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar a day, (3 in morning, 3 at night) and also mix it with water and use it as a toner.

I barely scrub my face, this just agitates it, be gentle. And a towel will NEVER touch my face- they are bad news. Just let the water evaporate. I use a simple organic castle soap all over my body, and also wash my makeup brushes and pillowcases with it regularly.

I know I seem over the top with all this regimen but the extreme humiliation of this disease had completely removed me from all but the necessary social situations for the better part of 3 years, though I had struggled with it much longer. I'm 90-95% clear. Individuals who haven't experienced the extremes of this humiliating illness will have little empathy for the psychological toll severe acne can have. Anyway, I'm not one to post much, but I'm on these message boards pretty frequently and hopefully some of this info will help you.

Don't reintroduce sugar or dairy into your diet- unless your craving is more important than the health of the face with which people identify you.

[I am I]

hey Ihavenoface'
try lemon/lime with warm water the first thing in the morning and before bed. it is really good for reducing inflammation and eliminating the toxin, also your GI system..

[melissa6980]

You're a very strong woman. I know this has to be hard on you. Have you read the spiro reviews? Seems like it has made a dramatic difference for a lot of women, though it takes a while to work. If a derm won't listen to you, could you try an endocrinologist? You're smart to work on the diet and holistic health part anyway, like you said it does help with your sleep and so you are healthier for it. Having a healthy lifestyle plus taking medication could very well accomplish more for your skin than just the medicine alone.

You do sound very level headed, I know that can be hard when you're hurting. Please hang in there and know that we're lucky to have someone kind and smart like you in the world.

Have you tried soaking old fashioned oats in water overnight instead of using instant oats? It was a recommendation in one of my acne e-books I bought. Not sure if it makes a huge difference, honestly, but soaking grains/oats is supposed to be better for digestion.