Hi and Thank-you for dropping by,

My name is Hannah, a 22 year old female looking for allies to support each other through our difficult journey in battling acne.

I had acne since my teens, but got 90% clear through changes in diet and taking supplements.

I've tried from paleo to low-fat vegan, and I am still looking for what works best for me and my life style.

(Of course I don't neglect traditional medicine, I've experience great results from anti-biotic topicals and dan's regime)

I noticed throughout my food journey, I'd usually get isolated and feel like I'm the only one changing my diet for the sake of my skin, because everyone around me has clear skin despite eating junk food, or have bad acne however will not go as far as to changing their diets.

I am looking for people whom I can openly share my unique experience as someone who is pursuing a healthy life style in order to get clear skin.

if you don't feel comfortable discussing on an open forum, please feel free to message me personally and I will message you back

It would be preferred if you live in Vancouver, Canada, but of course, I am always looking for friends from all over the world!

(if you think I'm being a little creepy, message me anyways lol Any thing will be appreciated)

Hi hannah. Nice to see someone else trying the "natural" approach. Many years ago i was on accutane, antibiotics, birth control - none of it helped my skin and it just made me feel sick. Since then i've been taking a more natural approach.

Diet is confusing cos someone will say - "i eat all meat and it cleared my acne" but then another will say "i'm raw vegan and it cleared my skin" aarrgghhhh!

Personally i find what works best for me is a paleo approach. Sugar is the worst for my skin, i even don't have too much natural sugar - fruit, honey etc. I also avoid grains. I eat mostly salads, vege, meats. I eat a little from dairy, nuts, legumes, fruit. I tried the raw vegan thing for awhile but it made my skin worse and i also got these awful sores on my mouth. I think my body just can't handle the sugar because i was eating alot of fruit. And i feel better eating more protein/fat.

Yes its definitely difficult sometimes to stick with the diet when people around you are eating yummy cakes and junk. They might have clear skin but who knows what other health problems they have or will get - overweight, diabetes, fatty liver, heart disease, cancer - all linked to unhealthy diet. If i get craving for something sweet i make myself a "healthy" version of a muffin using almondmeal/coconut flour. Very low in sugar and carbs/grains

Some of my family aren't particularly supportive. When i politely refused to eat one of the cakes she made at a family gathering my sister yelled out "when are you going to eat normal again." Had to just have a chuckle to myself at that because she is a vegetarian

I'm also taking ALOT of supplements at the moment. The main ones being - vit d, fish oil, estroblock (dim), vitex. Have been seeing positive results so far so will keep going.

So what sort of diet are you eating at the moment? If you are 90% clear thats pretty impressive. What supplements helped the most??

Yes! here is my story:

I cleared my severe cystic acne of 7 years through diet. I have food sensitivities. I suspect it's caused by Leaky Gut and Candida Overgrowth. The sensitivities cause the acne. If I get rid of those, the food sensitivities should disappear.

I'm here for support if you need me! Just pm me or reply.

Wow! I can't believe I'm actually getting replies! This is amazing

I don't know what diet I am on, I used to be on a paleo diet inspired by the whole 30 since July, but about a week ago my chin broke out in MASSIVE CYSTS so I stopped eating the free-range eggs and coconut products assuming that was what was causing it. I don't eat meat but I do eat a lot of fish, especially salmon. I basically eat a plate full of salad, some poached/raw salmon with the skin, an avocado and some sweet potato and fruits for carbs. I don't eat dairy, grains or soy. I am extremely sensitive to dairy but I'm not too sure about soy. I'm too scared to test it out though.

Since I suspected the over load of animal products was causing the massive breakout, I'm curious to try the Dr. Macdougall low fat vegan diet since one of my favourite twin youtubers cleared their skin with it, but I'm still debating.

Current supplements I take for my skin are Red clover, Back Cohosh, Vitamin D3, Green tea extract and B-complex. I know that red clover and black cohosh are phytoestrogens but I believe THEY ARE THE ONES THAT CLEARED MY CYSTIC ACNE. However, I noticed many people claim they're suffering from "estrogen dominance" so I am curious to try DIM or Vitex and see if that does anything to my acne.

Anyways, I did claim that I am 90% clear but I am still stuck in the acne trap. Basically, every time I get a breakout (no matter how small and quickly it goes away) I panic, hate myself and literally stay in the house until it gets better. I find getting a breakout really discouraging especially after all the sacrifices I'm making for the sake of clear skin.

My family tries to respect my dietary choices but I feel like a burden. I also miss those careless days when I don't have to worry if this food is going to break me out. But still, I could never give up eating this way knowing that I will become what I was before I knew the diet-acne connection.

So I guess I needed someone who's in the same boat as me. How do you guys manage socializing when you've got dietary restrictions? And what do you do if you guys get bored of your food? For me, I avoid socializing or bring my own food whenever possible (and if you do this, someone is going to ask you and I just can't see it as an "opportunity to inspire your friends"). When I get bored of my food,well, I just stick with it anyways telling myself this is the only thing I can eat.

Thanks for reading!

How long have you been eating this way? It takes a while to really cleanse your system. Have you ever been tested for food allergies? Do you take a multivitamin?Have you ever been on an oral pill? Maybe your hormones aren't balanced. Have you looked into leaky gut yet? Sorry for all the questions, I'm trying to see what could possibly be causing your acne lol.

Try to pick the best options when eating out. I know its hard, but tell yourself how much you want clear skin. Or, bring your own food! Or, eat before and get something small while you're out. You don't have to order nachos dripping in cheese just because everyone else ordered pizza or a burger with fries. If you're getting bored, go on pinterest and learn more about cooking and find some paleo recipes that make food fun again. I'm serious lol.

Yes socialising isnt the easiest when you're on a restricted diet. I guess i dont socialise that much anyway because of my acne. I usually find most restaurants will have something i can eat or ask to b modified - salad or vege with piece of chicken or fish. I went out to a chinese restaurant once with friends and just had an omlette while they were tucking into rice and greasy saucy dishes. They actually didnt even look appealing to me I try not worry if my dining companions think i'm weird. If they ask i just say i have food allergies/sensitivies which is kind of true because i do find some artificial additives or strong sauces give me headaches - think this might be amine sensitivity. If i'm going to a party with finger food/nibblies i take along something like hummus dip with carrot/celery sticks. There r sometimes other people there on "diets" who appreciate the healthy option. I think i have this reputation now for being the "healthy" friend. I try not to make a big thing out of it or push my views onto anyone.

Actually i've noticed recently the paleo diet is becoming quite popular so alot of restaurants are now serving new "no grain" options. This place where i live that does burgers now have a "paleo bun" made with almondmeal!

Wow! I can't believe I'm actually getting replies! This is amazing

I don't know what diet I am on, I used to be on a paleo diet inspired by the whole 30 since July, but about a week ago my chin broke out in MASSIVE CYSTS so I stopped eating the free-range eggs and coconut products assuming that was what was causing it. I don't eat meat but I do eat a lot of fish, especially salmon. I basically eat a plate full of salad, some poached/raw salmon with the skin, an avocado and some sweet potato and fruits for carbs. I don't eat dairy, grains or soy. I am extremely sensitive to dairy but I'm not too sure about soy. I'm too scared to test it out though.

Since I suspected the over load of animal products was causing the massive breakout, I'm curious to try the Dr. Macdougall low fat vegan diet since one of my favourite twin youtubers cleared their skin with it, but I'm still debating.

Current supplements I take for my skin are Red clover, Back Cohosh, Vitamin D3, Green tea extract and B-complex. I know that red clover and black cohosh are phytoestrogens but I believe THEY ARE THE ONES THAT CLEARED MY CYSTIC ACNE. However, I noticed many people claim they're suffering from "estrogen dominance" so I am curious to try DIM or Vitex and see if that does anything to my acne.

Anyways, I did claim that I am 90% clear but I am still stuck in the acne trap. Basically, every time I get a breakout (no matter how small and quickly it goes away) I panic, hate myself and literally stay in the house until it gets better. I find getting a breakout really discouraging especially after all the sacrifices I'm making for the sake of clear skin.

My family tries to respect my dietary choices but I feel like a burden. I also miss those careless days when I don't have to worry if this food is going to break me out. But still, I could never give up eating this way knowing that I will become what I was before I knew the diet-acne connection.

So I guess I needed someone who's in the same boat as me. How do you guys manage socializing when you've got dietary restrictions? And what do you do if you guys get bored of your food? For me, I avoid socializing or bring my own food whenever possible (and if you do this, someone is going to ask you and I just can't see it as an "opportunity to inspire your friends"). When I get bored of my food,well, I just stick with it anyways telling myself this is the only thing I can eat.

Thanks for reading!

Be careful going on a low fat vegan diet. Since you have already cut grains and diary eliminating all animal products and fats as well could lead to nutrient deficiencies. Are u still going to eat legumes?

I'm not saying you shouldnt try it but just warning you of my own personal experience. I tried no grain vegan for about a month. Mostly just ate salads, some vege and lots of fruit. I don't think my body could handle that amount of sugar from fruit because my skin was bad and i didnt feel very good either. Everyone's bodies are different though - i just know i have to b careful with fruit and other "natural sugars" like coconut water, honey, fruit juice.

I understand removing meat but why also vegan sources of fats like avocado? Our body needs healthy fats - especially our brains. Sorry don't mean to dissuade you! I'm sure it would be fine to try the diet - just not sure how safe it is long term ???

Hi All! So excited to see some replies

I began modifying my diet around 3 years ago. First I went to see a lady who gave food sensitivity diagnosis via vega machines at her home. So I started eliminating dairy, red meat, and some processed carbs under her instructions. It cleared up my skin about 30%, but I still got random pastules and my cysts weren't taken care of. Next my mom suggested eliminating all dietary fats except for fish and flax seed (b/c of omega 3). That made me vegan + unable to cook food in oil, so that was the end of dining out for me. My skin significantly produced less oil, I was getting less pastules on cheeks and forehead, however my hormonal acne was still there. Now I am more lenient about dietary fat. I can eat things cooked in olive oil and have one to half an avocado a day (so delish!), and incorporating more animal products (fish and eggs mainly).

I had the clearest skin through Jan2014-Aug2015 because I wasn't getting my period due to stress. My mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and I had to take care of her and the house. Sadly she passed away in March but that took a whole load off my shoulders (not that I'm glad she died). My hormones are coming back and therefore I've got hormonal breakouts

I'm seriously considering seeing a naturopath for food allergy testing and a saliva hormone testing. The reasons are that I've been eliminating too many food groups for my acne, so I'm hoping the food testing would give me more variety. I'm planning to do another post about my visit with a naturpath

I don't have a leaky gut, or at least I think I don't, since my bowel movements are regular (30 mins after breakfast) and I have them everyday. According to the Bristol Stool scale, it's about 4-5, volume is decent but not too large, and there aren't undigested food. I also went for my first colonoscopy and gastroscopy this summer, and the doctor told me how "beautiful" my inner linings were (ummmmm thanks? lol).

I am really considering estroblock or vitex, but apparently there are initial breakouts, and you have to know whether your acne is caused by high estrogen x normal progesterone or normal estrogen x low progesterone, or any other combination, which makes the issue further complicated. Therefore I'm probably not going to proceed without consulting a professional, there's too much risk involved :S

Hi and Thank-you for dropping by,

 

My name is Hannah, a 22 year old female looking for allies to support each other through our difficult journey in battling acne.

 

I had acne since my teens, but got 90% clear through changes in diet and taking supplements.

 

I've tried from paleo to low-fat vegan, and I am still looking for what works best for me and my life style.

(Of course I don't neglect traditional medicine, I've experience great results from anti-biotic topicals and dan's regime)

 

I noticed throughout my food journey, I'd usually get isolated and feel like I'm the only one changing my diet for the sake of my skin, because everyone around me has clear skin despite eating junk food, or have bad acne however will not go as far as to changing their diets.

 

I am looking for people whom I can openly share my unique experience as someone who is pursuing a healthy life style in order to get clear skin.

 

if you don't feel comfortable discussing on an open forum, please feel free to message me personally and I will message you back

 

It would be preferred if you live in Vancouver, Canada, but of course, I am always looking for friends from all over the world!

 

(if you think I'm being a little creepy, message me anyways lol Any thing will be appreciated)

 

 

 

 

I would say try this method that a ran into by using common since , but I used it on top of my bald head , and I had a acne issue, that would not go away, Until I used these two items . read

I came across using two over the counter products that can found at the drug store or any other store.

This compelely cleared up my acne issue on top of my head in about 3 days, no more new ones amerged.

Using these two products

Gold Bond Medicated powder ( Extra Strength )

Salicylic acid 2% or use Oxy Pads- at 2 %

How to use, I clean my face well, and then use the oxy pads to finish up cleaning the pores and the oil off the face .(in my case , I used it on my bald head to clear the acne)

After the use of Oxy clean 2% , dry face and then

Using a small make-up powder pad, or foam pad. Powder the face lightly during the day( very light)

At night after the cleaning with Oxy clean pads, powder the face heavy and it will absord the oil during the night.

Same routine every day, to keep it clear.

What the Oxy Acne med does- clears the oil and helps clear the pores.

What the medicated powder does , is it adsorbs the oil, all day long and night when you sleep.

In turn , it keeps the oil in the powder and does not let it return to plug the pores , which gets infected , and acne grows again.

It works for me, Not everyone will see the same results

Best of Luck

Richard

 

Hi All! So excited to see some replies

I began modifying my diet around 3 years ago. First I went to see a lady who gave food sensitivity diagnosis via vega machines at her home. So I started eliminating dairy, red meat, and some processed carbs under her instructions. It cleared up my skin about 30%, but I still got random pastules and my cysts weren't taken care of. Next my mom suggested eliminating all dietary fats except for fish and flax seed (b/c of omega 3). That made me vegan + unable to cook food in oil, so that was the end of dining out for me. My skin significantly produced less oil, I was getting less pastules on cheeks and forehead, however my hormonal acne was still there. Now I am more lenient about dietary fat. I can eat things cooked in olive oil and have one to half an avocado a day (so delish!), and incorporating more animal products (fish and eggs mainly).

I had the clearest skin through Jan2014-Aug2015 because I wasn't getting my period due to stress. My mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and I had to take care of her and the house. Sadly she passed away in March but that took a whole load off my shoulders (not that I'm glad she died). My hormones are coming back and therefore I've got hormonal breakouts

I'm seriously considering seeing a naturopath for food allergy testing and a saliva hormone testing. The reasons are that I've been eliminating too many food groups for my acne, so I'm hoping the food testing would give me more variety. I'm planning to do another post about my visit with a naturpath

I don't have a leaky gut, or at least I think I don't, since my bowel movements are regular (30 mins after breakfast) and I have them everyday. According to the Bristol Stool scale, it's about 4-5, volume is decent but not too large, and there aren't undigested food. I also went for my first colonoscopy and gastroscopy this summer, and the doctor told me how "beautiful" my inner linings were (ummmmm thanks? lol).

I am really considering estroblock or vitex, but apparently there are initial breakouts, and you have to know whether your acne is caused by high estrogen x normal progesterone or normal estrogen x low progesterone, or any other combination, which makes the issue further complicated. Therefore I'm probably not going to proceed without consulting a professional, there's too much risk involved :S

The fact that your skin was clear when you werent getting a period suggests a hormonal imbalance rather then digestive/food allergy as the cause. If you dont have a period you're not getting those fluctuations in hormones. Getting hormone testing sounds like a good idea. I have thought about that also but wasnt sure how accurate it was. I am just going by my symptoms which seem to suggest too much estrogen compared to progesterone.

I am at the point where i am prepared to try and risk anything!! So have just dived into trying the estroblock and vitex. Everyone reacts differently to supplements. I didnt have any initial outbreak. I guess there's the risk of side effects no matter what you try.

I did. check my post here

My acne slowly disappeared on a 90% Paleolithic sort of diet. Eating paleo like Dr. L. Cordain suggest (low fat meat, and vegs) but with oats for breakfast and for carb cycling.

I am like 99% clear. I get maybe 1 spot every other week, 9-10 months ago I had moderate acne.

Being social was a problem for me for a couple of week, but then I told my closest friend and family about the diet, and the science behind it. And now almost a year in 50% of them are on some type of Paleoish diet. Both my parents and my 3 of my closest friend, my sister, her husband and children.

None of them had acne so the thing that really convinced them was a TED talk with specialist in ageing Dr. C. Kenyon and a list of foods that she told me she ate. (yes I called her ).

When setting up a diet have the following in mind. Acne follows the same pathway as high cholesterol. I've also seen reports on altered lipid balance in acne patients.

The Ornish diet has been reported to be very good at lowering blood cholesterol. Isn't the Mcdougall diet pretty much the same diet?

Any diet low in saturated fat, High glycemic carbohydrates and dairy, like Paleo, will do the same, the question is which one is the fastest at getting us clear, I do not know.

H

My acne slowly disappeared on a 90% Paleolithic sort of diet. Eating paleo like Dr. L. Cordain suggest (low fat meat, and vegs) but with oats for breakfast and for carb cycling.

I am like 99% clear. I get maybe 1 spot every other week, 9-10 months ago I had moderate acne.

Being social was a problem for me for a couple of week, but then I told my closest friend and family about the diet, and the science behind it. And now almost a year in 50% of them are on some type of Paleoish diet. Both my parents and my 3 of my closest friend, my sister, her husband and children.

None of them had acne so the thing that really convinced them was a TED talk with specialist in ageing Dr. C. Kenyon and a list of foods that she told me she ate. (yes I called her ).

 

When setting up a diet have the following in mind. Acne follows the same pathway as high cholesterol. I've also seen reports on altered lipid balance in acne patients.

 

The Ornish diet has been reported to be very good at lowering blood cholesterol. Isn't the Mcdougall diet pretty much the same diet?

 

Any diet low in saturated fat, High glycemic carbohydrates and dairy, like Paleo, will do the same, the question is which one is the fastest at getting us clear, I do not know.

Hey Esney3,

I love watching TED talks too so I would definitely check in with Dr. Kenyon.

I went to a naturopath yesterday and she told me that you need cholesterol in order to produce hormones, so a low fat diet, I thought, would be the opposite of what we want? Can you detail it for me?

Cheers,

Hannah

By the way I started a post on my visit to the naturopath as well as some supplements, possible causes of acne and suggestions given here:

H

My acne slowly disappeared on a 90% Paleolithic sort of diet. Eating paleo like Dr. L. Cordain suggest (low fat meat, and vegs) but with oats for breakfast and for carb cycling.

I am like 99% clear. I get maybe 1 spot every other week, 9-10 months ago I had moderate acne.

Being social was a problem for me for a couple of week, but then I told my closest friend and family about the diet, and the science behind it. And now almost a year in 50% of them are on some type of Paleoish diet. Both my parents and my 3 of my closest friend, my sister, her husband and children.

None of them had acne so the thing that really convinced them was a TED talk with specialist in ageing Dr. C. Kenyon and a list of foods that she told me she ate. (yes I called her ).

 

When setting up a diet have the following in mind. Acne follows the same pathway as high cholesterol. I've also seen reports on altered lipid balance in acne patients.

 

The Ornish diet has been reported to be very good at lowering blood cholesterol. Isn't the Mcdougall diet pretty much the same diet?

 

Any diet low in saturated fat, High glycemic carbohydrates and dairy, like Paleo, will do the same, the question is which one is the fastest at getting us clear, I do not know.

 

Hey Esney3,

 

I love watching TED talks too so I would definitely check in with Dr. Kenyon.

 

I went to a naturopath yesterday and she told me that you need cholesterol in order to produce hormones, so a low fat diet, I thought, would be the opposite of what we want? Can you detail it for me?

 

Cheers,

 

Hannah

 

 

By the way I started a post on my visit to the naturopath as well as some supplements, possible causes of acne and suggestions given here:

 

 

Hi Hannah

Yes we need cholesterol. Cholesterol is not a bad thing, but we also need the right lipid balance and while high VLDL and high triglycerides (hypercholesteremia) has been linked to cardiovascular diseases for ages, low cholesterol (hypocholesteremia) has been linked to depression and even suicide, it shown we need to be in some sort of 'balance'. regarding cholesterol.

A sign of altered cholesterol balance leaning towards hypercho. is acne. Sebum consist of about 50% triglycerides. Excess sebum could be a sign of excess blood triglycerides (this is pure speculations thou).

We know that hypercho. follows the same pathway (the 'mTOR' known as PI3K/akt-signaling pathway) as acne and a lot of other (more serious) bad diseases.

So when clearing acne with a low fat diet, could cause us to have hypocho. we probably do not want to eat that way forever, but only until our acne is manageable, and then incorporate healthy fat sources like nuts, olives etc. In the long run we could also up the intake of saturated fat. The problems probably didn't come from fat alone, but from fat mixed with sugar as seen in the standard american diet.

A sidenote is that hypocho. is probably one of the side effects seen in use of Accutane. Hypocho. has been linked to low serotonin, and here we see depression, altered personality and even suicides.

It is relatively difficult to lower cholesterol with diet alone, this includes low fat diets. I do not think a low fat diet will be of any problem for most people for 1-2 years, but for people suffering from malnutrition, or any eating disorder any dietary changes should not be done without doctors supervision.

Furthermore I do not see any reason to be on low fat diets when acne has disappeared. We should probably just eat healthy and stay clear of 'bad foods'

So a Paleolithic diet with saturated fat from meats and coconuts, unsaturated from nuts and seeds. A lot of fiber from vegs, and some fruits will probably be great for us for life.

You should expect many replies on a acne diet forum. But keep in mind that most eventually stop posting here after they've achieved success. I devoted tons of time here, but haven't been an active poster for over a year.

We have a thread filled with people success stories and I'd appreciate if everyone here added to it.