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I'm currently 29 years old and am wanting to start a family in the next few years, and although there is mixed feedback on the safety of BP during pregnancy I opted to wean myself off it and try to find a different solution. I also got sick of my towels and sheets getting bleached and I feel like there's a better solution out there for me.
I weaned myself off the BP gradually over about 3 months, slowly introducing The Ordinary's Niacinimide + Zinc serum and continuing to use my old standbys occasionally (Kate Somerville Exfolikate, Dan's AHA). Things were going relatively well for a few months but at about 5 months now, I'm experiencing a pretty substantial breakout. Cysts on my chin, breakouts on my jawline and cheeks, and some pimples on my forehead where I've never had a problem before. The breakout also coincided with my period (hormones, ugh) as well as some pretty intense family stress and admittedly less than ideal diet as a result. Many factors could have contributed, but I can't help but feel discouraged.
History: Never had severe acne as a teen or in my early twenties, but went on proactiv to curb what I had. When Iquit that I broke out terribly and eventually started Dan's regimen. It worked to ward off the acne but destroyed the texture of my skin in the process. I used it for about 5 years. This is another reason why I decided to quit it.
Anyways...if anyone has some words of encouragement or some feedback, I'd really appreciate it. I've started a conscious effort to drink tons of water, I've eliminated coffee and dairy from my diet, I'm trying to eat less carbs and significantly limit my sugar intake. I've noticed on here that some people say it can take a long time, but I'm wondering if there are any people currently going through this that could weigh in.
Cheers!
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I am the same as you, though I am male. I used to get mild acne only on my forehead. Got on the regimen, and stayed on it for 5 years remaining clear. Quit it cold turkey because I hate smearing that crap on my forehead all the time, along with the bleaching it does to whatever it touches.. 6 weeks after quitting my forehead literally exploded with severe inflammatory acne - which I never had before! That was about 10 years ago. Had to get back on the regimen. It took about 2 years to clean up my forehead and get rid of all the red marks.
I now recommend to people looking to treat acne to just leave it alone, unless it is the type to cause permanent scarring. I believe skin becomes dependant on benzoyl peroxide and once you start it regularly for a long period of time there is no going back. You're on it for good! I am now at a point where I want to be off it but I know my forehead will explode again. I am seriously thinking of Accutane.
That's obviously not a choice for you though especially if you want to start a family. So I guess your only choices are to start treating it again or let it be and live with it as is and explore any natural remedies out there. Maybe try using Dan's aha every night if your skin can handle it, as that should speed up exfoliation and help prevent clogged pores. IDK, but I absolutely cannot stand BP because I am stuck with being on it. To me, it's a permanent treatment for a temporary problem. I wholeheartedly believe I would have naturally outgrown acne like most of my peers have if I just let nature take its course without intervening.
10 hours ago, Aussie Scientist said:r8ed
BP does not control fungal acne, or not very well. Do you have dandruff ?
It's not fungal as BP works to treat it. I have short hair, doesn't contact my forehead. No dandruff. Don't wear hats. Use Cetaphil gentle cleanser. My forehead is very oily..