6 replies to this topic

[Summer5150]

I am at the end of my rope. Approaching 40 and I cannot get my skin under control. I am so depressed I do not even have the confidence to look people in the eye. I am obsessed with my skin and I know I am doing many things wrong. I did really well for a while eating no dairy and sugar and being gentle with my skin. I got lazy and my skin started really going downhill and instead of doing what I know to do, I went crazy trying every different product under the sun. I have bought and returned probably 10 different regimes/lines in the last six months. I knew I was making things worse but I couldn't stop. The more I irritated my skin, the worse it looked, the more I freaked out, the cycle was/is horrid.

How can I heal and calm my skin? Should I stop using everything? About 2 weeks ago I went and got some CeraVe cleanser after reading all the great reviews on here. Not sure what I expected but it may be hard to tell since I am still doing crazy spot treatments and wreaking havoc.

What I am doing: going back to zero dairy. Again, it's only week 2. I'd like overnight results but I know it isn't reasonable. In many ways I take good care of myself. I exercise every day, take vitamins, eat a mostly organic, whole foods, healthy diet, drink tons of water...I don't do too well on my stress reduction though because I stress so much about my skin. When my skin heals, I feel like a new person. If I could only love myself no matter what, then my chance for happiness would increase.

My acne is mostly around my chin - very cystic on chin and they stay for weeks on end. The rest of my face is mostly clear except for areas around my nose, but compared to my chin, it's nothing and hardly bothers me. It is the monsters on my chin that make me feel so ashamed and embarrassed and gross. My periods are regular and normal and I do not have any other symptoms.

Oh, and I pick. I do...when and if a cystic monster EVER finally comes to a small whitehead or large whitehead, I just can't stand going to work like that. I always, always, always regret it. I trick myself into thinking it will heal faster if I can get the infection out. I know how stupid this is. And it usually doesn't come to a head, it just sits on my face looking like a huge boil that never goes down for ever. It's so upsetting. I have spent a small fortune on products specifically targeted for cystic acne too: Renee Rouleau's Anti-Cyst Treatment - Mario Badescu's Buffering Lotion - Dr. Dennis Gross - Correct & Perfect...You get the idea.

I would do literally anything to clear my skin so I would welcome any feedback, insight, suggestions, advice...you name it. Thank you for reading if you made it this far!

[kidego]

People are probably tired of reading my posts, BUT you need to try Turmeric. Very cheap, works fast, & the best product I have ever used. I also recently started taking Niacin (no flush) with great results. Both are also beneficial to your overall health.

[myhorriblehabit]

hello! im sorry to hear how much acne is affecting you it can be a confidence killer! i just wanted to comment on one of the things you mentioned. you said you went through 10 different types of skin care regimens in six months. i understand how frustrating it is when you dont see instant results but you have to give it time. most regimens give you an "initial breakout" when you begin. it pretty much just brings everything to the surface before it starts healing. unfortunately i cant give any input on the cystic acne but when you research and find a promising regimen please stick to it for a bit. it will be hard at first but you have to think of the long run and the bigger picture-- clear skin!! you can do it i can relate to the picking. i am obsessed with blemishes on my face and constantly, i mean CONSTANTLY pick.. which makes it 10x worse. feel free to message me if you would like to vent or need support! everyones fighting for you good luck!

[Summer5150]

Thank you, Kidego - I have added Tumeric to my regime but I am not sure if I am using it correctly...I am taking it internally in warm water. Is that what you do? How much? I also think I'll add Spearmint Tea after reading other suggestions on here. Thanks!

Myhorriblehabit - thank you for the support! I agree that I have been very impatient and didn't follow through. Initial outbreaks freaked me...I did use one system for 9 weeks but didn't feel I was any better and gave up, but after that I didn't stick to anymore than than a couple weeks...

[kidego]

I take 1 tsp Turmeric, a pinch or so Black Pepper, sugar to sweeten and add to a cup of warm milk before bed or/and in the morning. Though out the day I add Turmeric/Black Pepper to all my food also. You can't take too much of it. Black Pepper helps in absorbtion, which is the reason I recently added Niacin because of it's same quality. Niacin also offers other great benefits. I also drink ACV, it helps balance my pH and with Acid Reflux. The only things I take now must have other benefits besides besides just treating acne. This way if they don't work (for acne) you're not wasting your money. Try it and good luck.

[captainsunshine]

Being dairy and grains free, is a step in the right direction, but in my experience, removing all sources of sugar from my diet helped greatly. This includes not eating fruit.

[Summer5150]

Like I said, I will try anything so thank you for the suggestion. I already eliminate processed foods & added sugars but I have kept up fruits.