6 replies to this topic

[venusiscursed]

Hi! I'm new here and completely desperate enough to have searched for a community where I can find some guidance. I am 27 years old and my acne is worse than ever! I blame nobody but myself. I used to always sleep with makeup, always pop my pimples, and always without a care. Growing up I was always told that I am "pretty, but lose a few pounds." So my whole youth I have been so focused on staying thin that I totally let my face go, taking it for granted! I feel so horrible. I used to be anorexic, so that may have something to do with it. I didn't realize how bad my face is, sadly, until my mother told me a few months ago, "Look in the mirror!!! Take off all that makeup and see yourself! You look awful, please take care of your face!!!" That has literally scarred me for life, I can't believe I didn't think it was so bad, and now I see that it is!! Anyway, here are photos of how I look now, right this moment. I just took a shower and put on L'oreal Advanced Revitalift Night Cream. I know, that is more for anti-aging than for acne, but I put it on because I hear it has Retin-A, which supposedly is good for scarring. (In the day, I've been wearing non-comodogenic cream by Neutrogena with SPF 15.

Left side



Right side



EW, I know! And I try everything, and even if it "clears" a bit for a few days, it always comes back stronger like a nasty, undefeatable Chucky doll! I tried Acne Free Severe, and it dried me up so bad that I looked wrinkled and it hurt to smile. I try Noxema, which feels good, but I don't know if it's doing the trick. I sometimes use the Retinol by Acne Free, but not too sure it works. I tried the non-comodogenic cream by Neutrogena which I hear is good to prevent clogging of your pores, and nothing. It goes away and always comes back. Right now I really cannot afford to see a dermatologist. I'm trying to not put on makeup and live in seclusion for a while. My husband is so charming to me and acts like he doesn't care about my acne and like he doesn't even notice it, but I don't know, I am so embarrassed to let him see me in this condition. As if that weren't bad enough, I think I am getting premature fine lines around my mouth which is probably due to weight loss AND the acne creams.

What do you recommend I do?

[marissa8161]

Don't worry--you're not alone. It seems that there are a lot of ex-anorexics around this site, including me. Just another horrible side effect from that AWFUL disease, I guess. If so many anorexics develop acne, there has to be some correlation... I think it HAS to be the result of either our screwed up hormones or prolonged malnutrition... but I don't know for sure; I wish there was more research on the subject...

Anyways, that's beside the point.

The point is: its not going to go away without treatment... Pick something and stick with it. If it doesn't work after 2-3 months, try something else. That's basically what it comes down to. I've been using Differin and Duac for almost 3 months; I would recommend trying them to start out with. Differin is one of the more gentle retinoids, so it shouldn't be too harsh on your skin, and Duac is good for bring the pimples up to head and getting rid of them faster. Maybe try taking an oral antibiotic to try and manage the initial breakout from Differin. And use a gentle, soap-free cleanser, and you SHOULD use a moisturizer... I personally avoid moisturizer at all costs, because I'm terrified that it will make me breakout, but the dryness is HORRIBLE and you really should use one if you are brave enough....

How's your diet? Are you eating enough now?

[venusiscursed]

Thanks for the reply and the support! Yes, I'm no longer anorexic and I really try to get enough food every day. I never heard of Differin and Duac. I guess when I get a job I will have to make an appointment with the dermatologist ASAP. For now, I'm just trying to stick to that routine, washing my face twice a day and using non-comodegenic moisturizer. I hope you're eating enough too! I also exercise even though my husband tells me that the sweat might worsen it. Sigh.

[cln]

OK.....you're 27 years old. Been there......you are now in the world of adult acne.....It's very persistent and you need a 3 prong approach: Retinoids (retin-a micro .025% to start), BCP (low dose to help control androgens) and a good clean balanced diet.

Wash with an antibacterial soap and use a light oil free, fragrance free moisturizer. Go to the section of this website for adult acne and hormonal acne. Alot of women here have great success stories using low dose BCP or spirolactone (100mg...it does the same thing as BCP). You may also want to try doxycycline (oral antibiotic) until the BCP's, retin-a, and diet start to work.

[cvd]

I'm so glad to hear your husband is supportive...that helps! I had acne like yours in my t-zone. If there's any way you can see a dermatologist I would...mainly because adult acne has a tendency to get worse before it gets better. Also, if you catch it early and manage it with products made for adult acne you'll have less scarring. Over the counter products for teen acne are usually way too harsh for adult skin. It's really worth every penny to see a professional. A good derm will work out a payment plan with you. Call all the ones in your area and ask is they could help you even though you are in a financially difficult place right now.

Until you see a derm there are some things you can do that will help calm down the inflammation. Drink several cups of strong spearmint tea each day. Research shows that spearmint tea has the same effect as spironolactone...an anti-androgen med that is used for inflammatory acne. You can get loose leaf spearmint tea at the health food store. Chamomile will help calm your nerves. I make a loose leaf blend of mostly spearmint with some chamomile. You can also drink several cups of rooibos tea each day. It has an antibacterial effect and is an anti-inflammatory often used for skin diseases.

Wash with Cetaphil Antibacterial bar soap. It is cheap and lowers bacteria on the skin without drying it. This is very important to help calm down surface redness. Don't scrub your face but just gently swirl on the soap to the count of 10 and rinse it off in tepid (barely warm) water. This is important so that you don't inflame the skin. Research is showing that scrubbing the face compounds inflammation and in turn acne. Pat dry with a clean towel. Just following this cleansing routine will help.

Do NOT use any over the counter products for aging skin or acne. They will all aggravate your already inflammed skin. If you try anything at all (...before seeing the derm...) you could try Dan's routine. His BP is specially formulated for mildness...there is nothing in the store like it.

Personally, I use generic .1% tretinoin cream and it has done wonders. But you can only get it through a derm and it is expensive. Although it lasts for months. I consider it my gift to myself. My insurance now covers it though and I'm thankful. FYI --- all the over the counter retinol products do not contain eneough retinol nor the right type to curb adult acne. Plus they usually have heavy moisturising agents in them because they are formulated for people who don't usually get blemishes. In my experience they are a waste of money for someone with adult acne.

Another thing you can do is follow an anti-inflammatory diet --- avoid all dairy, sugary foods, alcohol, spicy foods, caffeine, and anything else you think you may allergic too. This is not just hype. Diet really can make a huge difference in people suffering from inflammatory diseases.

Hope this helps --- your skin will get better but it takes a real effort and persistence!





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[captainsunshine]

cvd, on 08 November 2011 - 11:51 AM, said:

Another thing you can do is follow an anti-inflammatory diet --- avoid all dairy, sugary foods, alcohol, spicy foods, caffeine, and anything else you think you may allergic too. This is not just hype. Diet really can make a huge difference in people suffering from inflammatory diseases.

I don't presume to know anything about your eating habits Venisiscursed, but in that great list of things to avoid, Sugar is at the top.

Edited by captainsunshine, 08 November 2011 - 12:07 PM.

[imissyourkisses]

Have you tried not doing anything? It worked for me. I find that most products inflame my skin and it will look like yours but when I keep it simple it is fine. Message me if you need product suggestions etc