Serious Acne question: At my wits end!

[veighouda]

Hi,

I was reading the thread about micro-something or other and wanted to know if it would have any affect onacne? Or has anyone with serious acne problems tried chemical peels with good results?

I'm really not looking for the typical drink more water, workout, tea tree oil answer here, not that they're not valuable advise for acne. But i've tried them all and nothings worked for me, I don't have typical skin or typical, moderate, ocasional acne problems.

Okay, a little backstory.

I am 23 years old and have had serious acne problems since i was nine years old. For me this has never been a adolescent thing, I've come to terms with the fact that I was born with severly acne prone skin and will die that way as well, its not something i'm going to grow out of.

My father suffered from bad skin into his thirties, my mother suffered from moderate breakouts as well,my sister experienced moderate acne but eventually grew out of it and now has beautfiul skin. But i continue to be heavily inflicted by this disease.

I have been to the dermatologist many times in my life, from the time i was 9 until i was 19 i went for regular visits to my dermatologist until i just gave up on them, forever knowing that there simply was no cure for me. I have done tetracyclene, hormone pills, birth control, ointments, creams, tanning, popping, freezing, and four rounds of acutane over a period of four years (the most harsh acne drug available)And none of it has worked.

I have tried many over the counter creams and treatments, proactive, clearisil, oxyclean,neutrogena, tea tree oil and a bunch of others no ones ever heard of.None of them do anything more than temporarily contain a problem and even then the results are lacking.

If i switch soaps or try new moisturizers or toners my face will instantly flare up, which makes trying new products feel utterly hopeless and useless. I am tired of having sever breakouts for two weeks before a product will show its mediocre results, its not worth the stress.

Although doctors, and dermatologists especially, will tell you that diet does not affect your skin this i have found to be a lie. I can not get away with eating or drinking certain things without my skin being adversly affected, soda, choclate, fries, milk even. And even though i have seen improvement in my skin when i avoid these foods it frustrates me that i cannot have one soda, one peice of chocolate, or one glass of milk without breaking out soon afterwards.

[veighouda]

My skin type is combination due mostly to my daily use of acne control products, if i didn't use anything i suspect it would be fairly oily. I have frequent breakouts on my chin,my jawline and my cheeks. i also have back acne which i have never been able to treat. My skin is rough to the touch, red and oily in some areas and patchy, dull, dry and flaky in others.

As you can imagine it makes me feel fairly self concious and brings me down sometimes. I've excepted it in my daily life, even though i admit that it has brought my self esteem and self image down, i try not to let it affect my life. As a performer however, who is onstage, baring her body and to some degree expected to look asthecially beatiful, it leaves much to be desired.

I know we all have body issues, sometimes we wish we didn't have those extra pounds, or strech marks, or small breasts. But for me this isn't something i can cover up with the properly designed costume, or a body suit, or padding. This is my face and to an extent my back, theres only so much cover up and concealer can do, and frankly i'm tired of having to spread my make up on with a trowl knowing that it still doesn't cut it, and even so still knowing these ugly skin deformations are there underneath it all is just plain exhausting emotionally.

so if anybody has any advise, or experience with more, shall we say agressive acne treatments i'm all ears.

Thanks for listening ladies, it's kind of an emotional issue for me and i really am at my wits end.

Veighouda

[bul_bul_ksa]

Veighouda, it really distressed me to read about your problem. I had bad skin and only accutane helped ... but I totally understand where you are coming from as, previous to accutane, I tried *everything*. Bad skin can be soul destroying, as you say.

I know you've tried everything but are you sure you don't have Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOS)? a lot of hair growth on your face? problems with your periods? I know people with this PCOS often have skin problems as well.

My skin didn't react to food etc but it is interesting that yours does - did you ever go see an iridologist? I don't know if iridologists are 'woo woo' or not but I know that when my niece, and myself, both went to one it helped us focus on health diet which definitely helped other problems (asthma and exczema).

By the sounds of it, you have tried every cure going. I'm not 100% sure if laser is what you are looking for the best thing would be to go for a consultation (which is free) and ask the practioner a million questions (be quite specific) and then do some further research on the net based on what you learn from the laser expert (I say that because many shopfronts promise their item is the cure of all cures only to take your money and say, 'but no guarantees').

[Nepenthe]

I relate. I have had moderate to bad acne my whole life and only when I had special steroidal medication for my eyes did my skin ever clear up. But I have got it managed so that I only have a half-dozen zits at a time these days.

I have found that the salycilic acid stuff does not work but rather makes it worse. I was given a formula for treatment by a Lush salesperson that worked really well. Fresh Pharmacy soap, only at night. In the morning, just use their tea-tree oil-based spray. Resist the urge to put on any salicyclic acid or other face wash. What this did for me was let the inflammations calm down (fresh pharmacy contains calamine lotion for inflammation).

But diet does make a difference I'm learning. If I have a chocolate bar, I break out. There's a 1 to 1 match on that. Or any other kind of junk food. I guess my body just doesn't like junk food.

And I'm finding certain lipsticks cause me to break out. I actually had a first the other day - a zit ON my lip (rather than just around my lips).

Other than that Lush recommendation, I'm sorry I can't add more. But I can empathise for sure!

[Taj]

Veighouda, please check your inbox.

[danidance]

If it's hormonal (which it probably is given your treatment so far), maybe a visit to an endocrinologist? Something systemic is causing this and topical treatments ain't gonna do the trick. I think bul bul is onto something in her post.

Accutane is the wonder drug for acne and if that's not working...

[Athallia]

If you had tried so many medications, I doubt a chemical peel or micro-dermabrasion will work especially if you took accutane recently. Also if you get a chemical peel you'll look like a monster (very red face) for a couple of days and will have to lather on the high SPF sunblock even when you're home and if you're that sensitive to products it might make things worse.

And yes milk makes me break out too. Milk is an inflammatory/mucus forming food so it can make acne and colds worse especially on people who are sensitive to it. Have you tried eating DARK chocolate??

[Adishakti]

Gosh, I wish I had advice to give you, but I'm afraid I'm going through the same thing. I've tried everything you have, and two rounds of Accutane here did not do the trick more than 8 months or so at a time. My only bonus is that despite years of problems, I have no scarring (and my back is usually acne-free thanks to the Accutane).


It's a very frustrating problem, indeed. A battle I'm tired of fighting too. I'm tired of all the creams the dermatologist gives you that only make a slight difference in the acne, but leaves your face a flaky, sore, red, mess. I've resolved to accept a certain level of acne (because there's no choice), but try to keep my overall complexion good. The creams the dermatologist gives you only makes your skin uncomfortable and look worse. Over-washing was a big problem for me as a teen. I go so frustrated with my horrible, oily skin that I really scrubbed at it in an effort to eliminate the problem, and it only made things worse.

For me, what I do is the whole Tea Tree oil cleanser and mask thing. I wear Revlon Colorstay foundation which is water based and really holds despite my very oily complexion (and is SPF 15). I use blotters during the day. I use a salyclic acid toner in the morning which I do find aids in the production of oil. None of that gets rid of my problem, but it does keep my skin at its personal best.

Anyhow, I highly doubt anything I've said will be useful to you - but I wanted to post, mainly because I wanted you to know you weren't alone.

Plus, my mom who always had bad acne, now has clear skin, and at 59yrs old, has barely a wrinkle.

And of course - if anyone has any answers, please post them!

[JeanneLF]

You poor dear. I had very stubborn acne for a long time as well, not as severe as yours, but very persistent and lasting throughout my 20s.

I also found salycilic acid products to be unhelpful. The one thing that did work for me is benzoyl peroxide cream. I started with a prescription-strength formula that I got from dermatologists, and then tapered off to the less strong ones you can get over the counter. Years later, I still keep some in the medicine cabinet to zap the occasional breakout.

If you've really tried everything you've probably already tried that as well, but I didn't see anyone else mentioning it, so I thought it was worth bringing up. I hope you can find the thing that works for you -- good luck.

[phillyraqs]

I have had severe acne too, and so sorry to hear about your problems! I also have roseacea, so I can identify with having a red, bumpy face.

A close friend of mine has PCOS - she has found that cutting out gluten from her diet and eating very few carbs has done absolute wonders for her skin.

Also, run, don't walk, to the best dermatologist that is in your area. Find someone who will listen to you and will look at the larger picture - you shouldn't have to endure this kind of discomfort.

[salomestar]

Have you tried acupuncture? It really help me al lot.
My case wasnt as severe as yours but it did make a difference for me.

Good luck!

[palmier]

Originally Posted by veighouda

Hi,

Although doctors, and dermatologists especially, will tell you that diet does not affect your skin this i have found to be a lie. I can not get away with eating or drinking certain things without my skin being adversly affected, soda, choclate, fries, milk even. And even though i have seen improvement in my skin when i avoid these foods it frustrates me that i cannot have one soda, one peice of chocolate, or one glass of milk without breaking out soon afterwards.

There are 2 things doctors say i dont understand, diet doesnt affect your skin and sugar doesnt have any effects on kids

I have identified the foods that affect my skin: ice cream, french fries and just about any fried stuff, too much chocolate makes my skin itchy and reddish but i can still get away with small quantities everyweek, if i eat too much i get pimples too. in the summer i probably eat ice cream only twice.

but the two things that i cant resist are fried plantain or chicharitas always make me break out, i try to avoid any place that has it on the menu when i have a gig a few days after. no will power whatsoever if fried plantains are on the menu it is the first thing i order when the waiter comes to take my order

[shems]

I'm not an expert, but I'll share the little bit I know.

I agree with others that you might want to look at some other inside possible causes. It could be a hormonal or thyroid imbalance or food allergies or something. I'd look into all these different sorts of things, ask around and find out what feels right to you. I think when you hit on the right thing, your inner voice will help you know it. Personally, I don't know a lot about this kind of stuff, but I know for some of my loved ones, when the usual treatments didn't cut it, maybe it's time to look at other possible causes. Their problems weren't acne specific, but their solution involved cutting out gluten and improving their hormone balance in a natural way.

As far as surface treatments go, I also have acne, not too severe, but I have been to a dermatologist and found him completely useless. I've also tried proactive, tea tree oil and other products like that and they all just make me break out worse and turn my skin red. I think they are just too harsh. My best solutions have come from a really great eshthetician. She gave me all organic products that are very soothing and gentle on my skin and she also made diet recommendations. My skin always looks and feels better after our monthly appointments and when I'm really good about my daily regimen, my skin just looks great. I don't know where you are located, but if you are anywhere near Baltimore, I'd recommend going to her. She is really good with problem skin. Her name is Shelly and the spa is called ReNew Organic Day Spa (it's in Hampden - for all you Hons, go treat yourself to a facial and a massage).

[shems]

Anyway, I'm going to give you the run down of what Shelly has me do and what has worked for me:

Diet: drink water (obviously), also I take burdock root, acidophilus and a multi-vitamin called Vital Force. She recommends the Eclectic Institute brand Eclectic Institute - Fresh, Whole, Pure, & Potent Botanicals of the Highest Quality because they are all natural and the way they are processed makes them extra potent and digestible, vegetarian capsules and all that. The acidophilus you can take as a pill or just eat a good organic yogurt with live active cultures. Other than the supplements, just your usual varied diet, lots of colors, 5 a day, all that. I personally try to avoid any dairy, eggs or meat that's not organic and hormone free, I'm not as strict when it comes to produce, because I can wash off pesticides, but I can't wash out hormone treatments. You already seem to know what you need to avoid personally. I don't drink milk at all, but I do eat other dairy.

Regular sleep, exercise and stress reduction, helps. (I break out when I'm stressed, or sleep deprived the most.)

The products- In general I feel these products are more about soothing and healing than attacking and defeating. That's a part of why I feel so good about using them and they really do make a visible difference.

Lotus Moon mineral earth cleansing gel
Lotus Moon D2O moisture mist
Lotus Moon citrus honey clarifying lotion
lotus moon sage sun protective creme
lotus moon blemish control gel (this does have Salicylic Acid in it, but a relatively gentle amount, I've actually more or less replace this with the following)
These next two I started using on the recommendation of a previous esthetician, but I liked the results, so I added them with my new regimen.
DermAware end of the line (a gentle chemical peel that helps keep my skin exfoliated)
Visual Changes sulfer sal gel (a really soothing spot acne treatment with both salicylic acid and sulfer)

Shelly also recommended a good make-up remover from the lotus moon line, but I'm out and I can't remember what it was.

I don't wear make-up unless I'm performing, and since I've managed to get my skin pretty clear, I'm able to keep it pretty light, which I think helps, because heavy make-up makes me break out too. I use MAC cosmetics.

Lotus Moon Natural Skin Therapies
DermAware - Bio-Targeted Skin Care
Visual Changes Skin Care

Now I know you've tried a lot of things, but if you haven't gone to a good esthetician who uses all natural products, I'd add that to your list of things to try. I know it's done my skin a world of good.

Good Luck.

[sabrinabellydancer]

my first thought was PCOS too.
because of the time when it started, and how it doesnt respond to traditional treatments.
i also recommend you see a good endocrinologist and a naturapath. they can see if your hormones are out of balance and help regulate them if needed.

you might also want to boost your vitamin b levels. some people have found that an undetected vitamin b deficiency leads to acne. this may help a bit, not that it will be a cure.

some people have had great results with the prescription cream called "duac". one of my clients had an acne situation similar to yours and also tried everything. she got some very good results from this particular prescription. she uses the "duac" in the morning and "differen" prescription cream at night. the combo helped her tremendously. perhaps ask your derm if this could help you.

sorry to hear about this. i can imagine how distressing the situation is for you.

[emma-bessa]

Originally Posted by sabrinabellydancer

my first thought was PCOS too.
because of the time when it started, and how it doesnt respond to traditional treatments.
i also recommend you see a good endocrinologist and a naturapath. they can see if your hormones are out of balance and help regulate them if needed.

you might also want to boost your vitamin b levels. some people have found that an undetected vitamin b deficiency leads to acne. this may help a bit, not that it will be a cure.

I´ve had the same problems and when I got to an endocrinologist,I found out I had(and still have)PCOS.

Accutane did a lot of difference though,and using Paulas Choice 8%AHA gel and 2% BHA solution(I alternate between them)keeps my skin the clearest now since childhood.


Also,I´m on a diet that excludes many dairy products and keep my weight down with Metformin(Glucofag in the EU)

hugs Emma-Bessa

[Ishtar_Asha]

Diet does affect your skin.

You should cut out any high GI food from your diet. That helped with my sister who had acne/backacne.

Also make sure you're not aggravating your skin all the time with all those harsh products. They dry your skin out and then your body produce more to over compensate.

[tahiradancer]

Originally Posted by Ishtar_Asha

Diet does affect your skin.

Also make sure you're not aggravating your skin all the time with all those harsh products. They dry your skin out and then your body produce more to over compensate.

thanks for saying this. Someone I knew a long time ago had acne from the time she was very young. She had tried everything. Finally her Dermotologist took her off everything and went back to oatmeal soap and witch hazel as an astrengent. Sally's skin was beautiful after that!

{{{HUGS}}}

[flimflamgirl]

To add one small thing to all the excellent and much better-informed advice others have offered, I want to mention Ayurvedic medicine. If you live in a place with any Indian people at all, there surely must be some licensed, trained Ayurvedic practitioners. I've been doing it for about a year, not for acne but for other issues, both specific and general, and I have seen dramatic improvements across the board in my physical and emotional health. Treatment consists of a combination of dietary advice specific to you and your consitution, and herbal formulations. They deal with inflammation-related problems very well, as well as hormonal issues. I want to stress that this is not meant to replace other treatment modalities like medications and topical stuff - it augments allopathic medicine quite well.

I would think that skin problems, whether acute or chronic, are related to things going on internally, both physically and emotionally, and that the right combination of holistic and allopathic treatments could really help.

I hate it when doctors say stuff like "Diet doesn't affect skin". Here's another good one: "It doesn't matter what foods you get your calories from". Umm....so that daily caloric requirement could just come from candy bars and gummy rats, and it'll be equal in health and energy to vegetables and grains? Wow! I guess I've been eating wrong all my life!

One thing I learned from Ayurveda was that our bodies are exquisitely sensitive to food and everything else we put in them, whether we are awake to it or not. And we all have different physiologies, and need different things. Good luck! Please tell us if you find that magic combination you need.

- Leela