I have moderate acne (I think?) along with super dry skin. I've had acne since I was about 13 and lately its been pretty bad, but at the same time sort of better. I think I have hormonal acne since about a week after my period ends, my skin clears up- not all the way but a billion times better than what it normally is. My skin then proceeds to get worse until my next period. I really do not want to be on birth control. I find that more natural products work better on my skin compared to other things. BP doesn't do anything besides drying out my skin. Salicylic acid hasn't helped either. I also started to think dairy might be contributing to my horrible skin since I am sort of lactose intolerant, but I still broke out without eating dairy. I know I'm complaining while I haven't tried things like Accutane and such, but I just don't feel comfortable taking it or using other things with harsher chemicals on my face since it's already pretty sensitive and dry.
I've been looking at Maca as a way to possibly balance hormones, but I'm not sure if that will help. Also how can I even tell if I have a hormonal imbalance at all? Just a regular doctor?
And I've heard a lot that hormonal acne tends to be just around your jawline, but mine is the exact opposite. I kind of have this defined line around my jaw that is super clear and actually shows my natural pasty flesh color! I also have blackheads/super big pores basically everywhere on my face besides my forehead (which I pretty much never break out on for some unknown reason). Also I know I have scars, but there's also a lot of redness that I'm not sure if they are scars or just discoloration.
I know I'm asking a lot of questions... but does anyone have any tips on how to not pick at your face? I have a horrible issue with this as well, which may be contributing to my existing acne, but it's so hard for me not to touch my face. The only thing that works is basically me avoiding the mirror and constantly wearing makeup, but as soon as I take off my makeup I start examining new zits and end up popping them and trying to dig out blackheads. Super gross, I know lol
The only things I've been using on my face has been jojoba oil, and honey (both help my dry skin) and occasionally witch hazel which I use to disinfect zits/areas around zits I pop. Also makeup- but I'm pretty sure its not what's been breaking me out.
Thank you to anyone who can provide help. I'm just like 200% done with my acne and want it to get better without having to take medication. I've provided a few photos of both sides of my face if anyone wants to take a gander! (sorry one of them is kind bad)
It looks like the redness might be from the acne lesions leaving spots of hyperpigmentation. If the acne clears up, some of that should get better over time. If you find that you can predict changes in your skin based on your menstrual cycle, then hormones definitely have something to do with it. I think I break out mostly in the same areas you do, actually, and my breakouts are definitely predictable and related to my cycle.
I find that more natural products work better on my skin compared to other things. BP doesn't do anything besides drying out my skin. Salicylic acid hasn't helped either. I also started to think dairy might be contributing to my horrible skin since I am sort of lactose intolerant, but I still broke out without eating dairy.
I've been looking at Maca as a way to possibly balance hormones, but I'm not sure if that will help. Also how can I even tell if I
I know I'm asking a lot of questions... but does anyone have any tips on how to not pick at your face? I have a horrible issue with this as well, which may be contributing to my existing acne, but it's so hard for me not to touch my face. The only thing that works is basically me avoiding the mirror and constantly wearing makeup, but as soon as I take off my makeup I start examining new zits and end up popping them and trying to dig out blackheads. Super gross, I know lol
The only things I've been using on my face has been jojoba oil, and honey (both help my dry skin) and occasionally witch hazel which I use to disinfect zits/areas around zits I pop. Also makeup- but I'm pretty sure its not what's been breaking me out.
Maca, Saw Palmetto, Chaste Berry and other herbs all claim to balance hormones, but using one or two isn't going to make much of a difference. If you want to go the herbal route, look for homeopathic acne blends and AcniPearl, which can be found on ActiveHerb's website. But these things won't cure you, even if they make an improvement.
I'm guessing your love to overcleanse as well as pick, which means you're spreading bacteria and compromising your pH (which invites bacteria.) If you stop picking, your acne will decrease by at least 25%.
See a facialist 2-3 and she can extract for you.
Wear acrylic nails, you're less likely to pick. Wash your face with only freshly washed washcloths or a Konjac sponge so you aren't touching it while cleansing.
Though the makeup isn't making your acne better, it will keep your hands off your face. Since any dermatologist will tell you that all makeup makes acne conditions worse. Take your makeup off as soon as your get home and apply aloe (I recommend Jason Aloe with Tea Tree) to restore your protective moisture barrier. Get rid of any magnifying mirrors, and cultivate a hobby that involves your hands- reading or arts and crafts are my favorite. If you get the urge to pick, snap a rubber band on your wrist. If that doesn't work, go for a walk- which will be good for your acne.
Put down the jojoba oil and honey and try hyaluronic acid and pure aloe. Honey and jojoba oil are indicated for dry skin and mild acne- but in an oatmeal mask, they be very soothing to acne.
Practice deep breathing- you can get apps for your phone-, and yoga. Make sure you're getting lots of sleep and that your pillowcases are changed every other day.
Good luck!
I find that more natural products work better on my skin compared to other things. BP doesn't do anything besides drying out my skin. Salicylic acid hasn't helped either. I also started to think dairy might be contributing to my horrible skin since I am sort of lactose intolerant, but I still broke out without eating dairy.
I've been looking at Maca as a way to possibly balance hormones, but I'm not sure if that will help. Also how can I even tell if I
I know I'm asking a lot of questions... but does anyone have any tips on how to not pick at your face? I have a horrible issue with this as well, which may be contributing to my existing acne, but it's so hard for me not to touch my face. The only thing that works is basically me avoiding the mirror and constantly wearing makeup, but as soon as I take off my makeup I start examining new zits and end up popping them and trying to dig out blackheads. Super gross, I know lol
The only things I've been using on my face has been jojoba oil, and honey (both help my dry skin) and occasionally witch hazel which I use to disinfect zits/areas around zits I pop. Also makeup- but I'm pretty sure its not what's been breaking me out.
Maca, Saw Palmetto, Chaste Berry and other herbs all claim to balance hormones, but using one or two isn't going to make much of a difference. If you want to go the herbal route, look for homeopathic acne blends and AcniPearl, which can be found on ActiveHerb's website. But these things won't cure you, even if they make an improvement.
I'm guessing your love to overcleanse as well as pick, which means you're spreading bacteria and compromising your pH (which invites bacteria.) If you stop picking, your acne will decrease by at least 25%.
See a facialist 2-3 and she can extract for you.
Wear acrylic nails, you're less likely to pick. Wash your face with only freshly washed washcloths or a Konjac sponge so you aren't touching it while cleansing.
Though the makeup isn't making your acne better, it will keep your hands off your face. Since any dermatologist will tell you that all makeup makes acne conditions worse. Take your makeup off as soon as your get home and apply aloe (I recommend Jason Aloe with Tea Tree) to restore your protective moisture barrier. Get rid of any magnifying mirrors, and cultivate a hobby that involves your hands- reading or arts and crafts are my favorite. If you get the urge to pick, snap a rubber band on your wrist. If that doesn't work, go for a walk- which will be good for your acne.
Put down the jojoba oil and honey and try hyaluronic acid and pure aloe. Honey and jojoba oil are indicated for dry skin and mild acne- but in an oatmeal mask, they be very soothing to acne.
Practice deep breathing- you can get apps for your phone-, and yoga. Make sure you're getting lots of sleep and that your pillowcases are changed every other day.
Good luck!
Aloe tends to break me out and actually dries my skin out even more for whatever reason. But yeah I always have a hair tie around my wrist anyway and will be sure to use that whenever I start thinking about picking at my face or even just touching it. I actually don't really cleanse too often- once a day right before I shower before bed. I just hate having to take all my makeup off and then realize I need to go out and do something and have to reapply it. ): I will look more into the other herbs you mentioned as well! I will also be sure to follow your tips though- super helpful! Thanks!
It looks like the redness might be from the acne lesions leaving spots of hyperpigmentation. If the acne clears up, some of that should get better over time. If you find that you can predict changes in your skin based on your menstrual cycle, then hormones definitely have something to do with it. I think I break out mostly in the same areas you do, actually, and my breakouts are definitely predictable and related to my cycle.
I've noticed a little improvement in the redness compared to about a year ago, but its still pretty bad. Hopefully it gets better because my face wouldn't look too horrible if it wasn't for all the redness!