19 replies to this topic

[Dboy28]

I have so many clogged pores on my face (forehead and cheeks). I believe I'm getting these because of excess oil on my face. I know I'm not over washing. I wash 2-3 times a day (usually 2 sometimes I just feel icky and have to get an afternoon wash in lol) I never remember being this oily up until a a couple months ago. Ive used ziana cream for my clogged pores. It didn't help at all just made my face more oily and worse looking. Long story short I have many clogged pores and I believe they are results of my face being to oily. Is this a hormonal thing? I'm 14 years old. I hate looking in the mirror there's so many tiny bumps on my face Also I've been getting deep pimples all over to.

I wash with cetaphil (gentle) and St. Ives apricot scrub blackhead and blemish control. Use dickinsons witch hazel toner and aveda botanicals liquid exfoliant. Spot treat with 10% BP(Sucks lately) and moisturizer with neutrogena oil free moisturizer.( i haven't been lately because I've been to oily!)

Does anyone know of any supplements, products to use to get rid of the bad clogged pores and balance my hormones to slow down my oil production.

Sorry for such a long post but I'm in serious need of some help. No one has anything that has worked. Graduation is soon!

Thanks

[bryan]

I have so many clogged pores on my face (forehead and cheeks). I believe I'm getting these because of excess oil on my face. I know I'm not over washing.

You mean you're not UNDER washing?

[Dboy28]

I'm not OVER washing my face. Which would lead to create more oil.

[Omnivium]

I've had the same problem for years. Oil could be caused by excess testosterone, DHT, IGF-1, or maybe other hormones as well. Insulin resistance is supposed to cause a cascade of hormones, but I have been eating a low glycemic load diet for months now and there was no improvement in my oil. So I really don't know of any other healthy options.

I'm not really a fan of topicals or supplements anymore, but zinc works great for acne and some people have had improvements in oil. There's also supplements for blood sugar, like chromium, cinnamon cassia, and magnesium. I tried chromium, but it broke me out...

[bryan]

I'm not OVER washing my face. Which would lead to create more oil.

You must be new around here!

Washing the skin has no effect on how much sebum the skin produces. It keeps slowly seeping out, whether you wash it or not. But the important thing to remember is that washing has no effect on the rate at which sebum is manufactured deep down inside the skin. Only hormones and drugs (and possibly foods) do that.

[AlexLWJ]

I'm not OVER washing my face. Which would lead to create more oil.

You must be new around here! Washing the skin has no effect on how much sebum the skin produces. It keeps slowly seeping out, whether you wash it or not. But the important thing to remember is that washing has no effect on the rate at which sebum is manufactured deep down inside the skin. Only hormones and drugs (and possibly foods) do that.

Hey Bryan,

does topical products affects sebum production then? Like retin a, BHA, etc etc?

[bryan]

Hey Bryan,

does topical products affects sebum production then? Like retin a, BHA, etc etc?

With Retin-A, you're asking me about something I'm pretty vague about. Several years ago on another site that I post a lot on, there was an idea being discussed that Retin-A had _some_ kind of general antiandrogenic ability when applied topically to the skin, but I can't for the life of me remember if it acts as an androgen receptor blocker, or maybe just as a 5a-reductase inhibitor. I guess either one of those could conceivably cause it to reduce sebum production when applied to the skin, but I just don't remember the details. Sorry. It was a long time ago.

And what exactly do you mean by "BHA"? Are you referring to butylated hydroxyanisole (a food antioxidant), or something else with the same acronym?

[AlexLWJ]

Hey Bryan, does topical products affects sebum production then? Like retin a, BHA, etc etc?

With Retin-A, you're asking me about something I'm pretty vague about. Several years ago on another site that I post a lot on, there was an idea being discussed that Retin-A had _some_ kind of general antiandrogenic ability when applied topically to the skin, but I can't for the life of me remember if it acts as an androgen receptor blocker, or maybe just as a 5a-reductase inhibitor. I guess either one of those could conceivably cause it to reduce sebum production when applied to the skin, but I just don't remember the details. Sorry. It was a long time ago. And what exactly do you mean by "BHA"? Are you referring to butylated hydroxyanisole (a food antioxidant), or something else with the same acronym?

Thanks for the reply.

But somehow my skin became more oily after a month use of retin-a, pores are larger as well. Grrr.

BHA = beta hydroxy acid.

So we can ONLY control our sebum production by eating healthier because food does affects hormones right?
And drugs you mean accutane? What other drugs help too?

Thanks again!

[Peony7]

Hey Bryan, does topical products affects sebum production then? Like retin a, BHA, etc etc?

With Retin-A, you're asking me about something I'm pretty vague about. Several years ago on another site that I post a lot on, there was an idea being discussed that Retin-A had _some_ kind of general antiandrogenic ability when applied topically to the skin, but I can't for the life of me remember if it acts as an androgen receptor blocker, or maybe just as a 5a-reductase inhibitor. I guess either one of those could conceivably cause it to reduce sebum production when applied to the skin, but I just don't remember the details. Sorry. It was a long time ago. And what exactly do you mean by "BHA"? Are you referring to butylated hydroxyanisole (a food antioxidant), or something else with the same acronym?

Thanks for the reply.

But somehow my skin became more oily after a month use of retin-a, pores are larger as well. Grrr.

BHA = beta hydroxy acid.

So we can ONLY control our sebum production by eating healthier because food does affects hormones right?
And drugs you mean accutane? What other drugs help too?

Thanks again!

When I use retin a it initially makes my skin oily and I have more breakouts, then at some point a few months down the line the breakouts stop and I have clear matte skin. I am pretty sure I had read on this site an explanation for this initial oiliness, enlarged pores then reduction in oil; and I think it was also on this site that I read it has mild anti-androgenic effects. Maybe have a look at the pinned thread in the topical retinoids section.

I think you can influence inflamed acne through diet changes and I was able to do this a few months ago. However I still had the non-inflamed stuff. I didn't get a chance to test whether diet affected this though as I had to suspend the diet I was on for a while. I will be back on the diet again soon so we'll see. The oil was reduced while on the diet but I still had oily skin.

[redraven9]

For clogged pores, try face steaming. And yes, hormonal thing.

[Dboy28]

Thanks for all the help!

I used ziana tretanoid cream for only 1-2 weeks but it litterly made my face drench in oil and made my pores gigantic. So I stopped the use. (Probaly should keep going but I can't have that I'm way to insecure already) ever since stopping my face has stayed the same. Before useing it my face was actually dry and my pores were normal. Will it ever go back to the way it was before useing ziana? I still had bad clogged pores but at least my pores weren't as big and my face was not oily at all. Gotta love puberty!

[bryan]

[...]
BHA = beta hydroxy acid.

I don't know any reason off the top of my head why beta hydroxy acid would have any effect on sebum production.

So we can ONLY control our sebum production by eating healthier because food does affects hormones right?

Oh, I don't think it's AUTOMATIC by any means that anyone could control his sebum production merely by eating healthier! What I said earlier was more of an effort to keep an open mind on the possibility that some foods _may_ actually have a bit of an effect on sebum, based on nothing more substantial than widespread claims from teenagers and young adults. To have a really believable idea that food (and its hormones) can affect sebum production, I'd like to see a legitimate test done by dermatologists. I'm not holding my breath on that one.

And drugs you mean accutane? What other drugs help too?

Accutane could obviously do it; what I really had in mind, though, were antiandrogenic drugs like spironolactone. Estrogens could do it, too.

[Peony7]

Thanks for all the help!

I used ziana tretanoid cream for only 1-2 weeks but it litterly made my face drench in oil and made my pores gigantic. So I stopped the use. (Probaly should keep going but I can't have that I'm way to insecure already) ever since stopping my face has stayed the same. Before useing it my face was actually dry and my pores were normal. Will it ever go back to the way it was before useing ziana? I still had bad clogged pores but at least my pores weren't as big and my face was not oily at all. Gotta love puberty!

Your skin should return to its previous state, might take a few weeks though. Maybe it's best to hold fire on doing too much to your skin if your graduation is coming up. I would spot treat in the meantime. After your graduation you can look at something long term.

[Dboy28]

The thing is though I still have these skin colored bumps all over my forehead and cheeks. (clogged pores) plus with my face being a total oil zone now I break out in like one big pimple everyday. I can't win with my face I thought the dermatologist was gonna be the answer but the cream she gave me made it 10 times worse. I'm starting to really think my hormones are imbalanced. I'm in the prime of puberty. How do I know if this could be an issue?

[Peony7]

The thing is though I still have these skin colored bumps all over my forehead and cheeks. (clogged pores) plus with my face being a total oil zone now I break out in like one big pimple everyday. I can't win with my face I thought the dermatologist was gonna be the answer but the cream she gave me made it 10 times worse. I'm starting to really think my hormones are imbalanced. I'm in the prime of puberty. How do I know if this could be an issue?

You would find out through a blood test. I have had my hormone levels checked twice; once when I was 20 and again recently and I am 30 now. They didn't find any problems either time. So, it doesn't necessarily have to be the level of hormones. I've read quite a few of the older people on here say the same. However, some people do have probems with their hormones and it can result in acne. I've no idea about your health system in the US so I can't advise on how you get a test done.

Those skin coloured bumps can be sorted by retinoids but it takes time and many people will have bad breakouts before their skin clears. When I first used retin a my Dr also gave me antibiotics. If you are unhappy then go back and see your Dr and see what else they can do for you.

Have you tried BP? For me it wasn't as good as retin a/differin but it did make my skin smoother. You could use it to tide you over until the Summer.

[Dboy28]

BP dries me out like crazy. Therefore i havent used it. (Only spot treating) Yea i think the only way it will get better is if i purge them. Its gonna suck

Thanks so much for your help!

[AlexLWJ]

Hey Peony7,

I really hope what happened to you will happen to me, pore size back to normal and reduction in oil!

BUT, I've been on 10mg accutane for the past 4days and yes, I can definitely feel a difference!! weee

Face doesn't feel so heavily greased.

Right now I'm still using my retin a gel 0.025 every night, so I don't know if it actually works or is the accutane.

Btw, do you think retin a helped with your red scars?

[jsmithson]

You're graduating high school at the age of 14 - far out you must be a smart one!

I have the same problem as you. Too much oil and when I'm not vigilant I break out.

I've read much about this problem. You may be stuck with it for a long time but there are some things you can do to help. I have tried these things and they give some degree of control over the problem for me - they may work for you too:


1. Diet

Check out this diagram:

http://www.nutrition.../1/41/figure/F1 (it's from this article http://www.nutrition.../content/8/1/41).

When the levels of IGF-1, insulin and growth hormone go up in the body, skin will produce more oil. Diet has a big effect. To lower these chemicals you should avoid these foods:
- anything containing large amounts of carbohydrate such as candy/confectionery, soft drinks, fruit, fruit juice, rice/pasta/bread/grains, breakfast cereal, etc.
- dairy or dairy derived (milk, cheese, whey protein)

Some more points:
- some of the above foods have a mild negative effect on my skin but others cause my skin to go beserk! In the beserk list: low fat milk, high fat cheeses like brie / blue cheese, some brands of chocolate
- you should know that a low glycemic index (low gi) diet is actually different to a low glycemic load (low gl) diet. A low gl diet is more effective because it minimises carbohydrates across the board not just those that are absorbed quickly.
- I'm following the caveman diet (except fruit) which meets all the above requirements.

It's real hard to stick with this diet. But I've found that even after a few days my skin is in excellent condition.


2. Resistance training / working out

Don't do this. Seriously!

The harder you work out, the more growth hormone you produce, and in turn the more of the other chemicals I mentioned too. I've noticed that for 12-24 hours after a heavy workout my skin puts out twice as much oil.

Cardio is fine.


3. Topicals

I'm using an alternating nightly routine of tazarotene 0.05% and bp 2.5% (use the topical over night). If I miss a night of the topicals (occasionally I just can't be bothered) my skin definitely deteriorates.

I think bp is more of a preventative measure than a spot treatment. You should probably use it all over.

~~~

I wish someone had told me these things when I was younger. I felt that my skin was out of my control and that there was nothing I could do. I'd been doing all of the bad things listed above since I was 16 and it was only my reading scientific papers in recent years that I managed to piece it together.

At your age, you want to fit in to your social group and the opinion of your peers is important to you. Having bad skin makes you believe that that task is more difficult. The key point is that you need to disconnect your sense of self worth from your appearance. I made this mistake for too many years: I thought that because some others didn't approve of my appearance that I was not a worthwhile person. Now that I'm older and I'm past that, I see how silly that state of mind is. But it doesn't seem silly when you're living through it.

I know where you're coming from bro! Good luck.

Does anyone know of any supplements, products to use to get rid of the bad clogged pores and balance my hormones to slow down my oil production.

Sorry for such a long post but I'm in serious need of some help. No one has anything that has worked. Graduation is soon!

[Dboy28]

Thanks man I really appreciate it.

Haha I wish i was graduating high school. I wouldnt have to see any of the same people. Im just getting started though coming out of middle school.

I understand though I have a feeling im going to look back on this and say why did i waste so many good moments in my life because of some acne. The thing is to theres some kids in 8th grade who have it way worse then me. I actually had a conversation with another kid who had terrible cystic acne. He told me he uses Dove Bar soap. I didnt wanna say anything but I was thinking good god man are you crazy. Lol.

I also do tend to work out everyday. Lifting, cardio. Maybe i need a break.

Ill figure something out. But Thanks for the help. And good luck with your regimen.

[Peony7]

Hey Peony7,

I really hope what happened to you will happen to me, pore size back to normal and reduction in oil!

BUT, I've been on 10mg accutane for the past 4days and yes, I can definitely feel a difference!! weee

Face doesn't feel so heavily greased.

Right now I'm still using my retin a gel 0.025 every night, so I don't know if it actually works or is the accutane.

Btw, do you think retin a helped with your red scars?

Hey Alex,

Yep accutane - made my skin look perfect when I was on it! Are you okay using Retin A whilst on accutane? Could be a bit drying.

Yes, Retin A helps with hyperpigmentation. But, it makes the redness stand out even more for a while. I've read that this is because Retin A is initially irritating. It gets better. After a few months your skin is used to it and you shouldn't get irritation and it will just keep getting better.

It should help with deeper scarring too if you have that because it stimulates production of collagen.

The only things I didn't like about Retin A was the skin sensitivity to sunlight and temperature. If you find this is the case with you then try Differin/Adapalene as it isn't as harsh. You'll still need to be careful when out in the sun though.