Congested skin, perioral dermatitis...help!
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skin Care and Makeup Forum

Mon Jan 17, 2011 12:50 pm

Hi everyone,

I'm new to posting but have been reading the forums for awhile. I've learned a lot so far!

I'm hoping someone will have some suggestions on how to help my poor congested skin, because it is driving me nuts. I do get scattered whiteheads and blackheads, as well as the occasional cyst, but my biggest problem is clogged pores. The strange thing is that they're mostly on my cheeks and forehead. I can feel them more than see them, but if I get mean (I know, I shouldn't!) I often get some good sized oil seeds out of them.

I have recurrent and very stubborn perioral dermatitis. I was on antibiotics for years, which helped a lot, along with the BCP. However, I'm now pregnant which means no antibiotics for me. Most of my skin problems are hormonal I think, b/c after I went off the BCP two years ago, my skin went to crap... Rolling Eyes

I also have PCOS, so the imbalances that come along with that don't help.

I've tried OCM a couple of times, but it gave me my first perioral dermatitis flare-up that I've had since going off antibiotics. It's under control now with calendula cream, but I read that with POD, OCM is NOT a good idea, so that's out.

I'm pretty sure most of this is hormonal, so I know there's not much I can do until the baby comes. However, that's several months away, and I'm hoping to find some ideas in the meantime to help. I can put up with the whiteheads and blackheads, but I keep thinking there should be *something* I can do to help with the clogged pores and rough texture. AcneFree has helped a lot with breakouts, but not the pores. I've been using Mario Badescu's Microfoliant, which helps some with texture, but the two of those together are drying me out so much.

Any and all suggestions are welcome, even if you're not sure if they're safe for pregnancy. I'm going to check with my OB before I do anything and I have my little book that tells me what's safe as well. Smile

Sorry for the novel...figured more history the better. Thank you in advance!! I wish I had advice to offer from my end but for now I will keep reading!

Hugs,
Steph

Mon Jan 17, 2011 10:25 pm

I have the same problem. Alot of congestion on my cheeks. It sucks. I have been doing biweekly facials and just started doing microdermabrasion. It has really helped. I also have alot of hyperpigmentation and scarring so I am using obagi nu derm to try and help with that as well.
Microdermabrasion might be good for you since it contains no chemicals.

Tue Jan 18, 2011 10:41 am

Hey All,
I have to say I feel your pain. Although my skin is typically flawless (I am a skin care specialist) In the past few months I have been battling POD, to boot I am allergic to any and all antibiotics so this route would be very uncomfortable for me and I would much rather live with the POD. I do have some suggestions for treatments that have helped me deal with clogged pores and the POD. First and foremost,with POD you should not be using a steroid cream! These will take down the inflammation and relive the symptoms while you are applying them to your skin but once you stop the condition will come back even more severely then it was originally since steroids can be the cause of POD. I suggest weaning yourself off of them. I am currently on a regimen of 30 Mg's of zinc 2x a day, 10000 ius of Vita A 2x a day and 400 ius of Vita E 2x a day with meals and without alcohol! DO NOT do this for longer than 2-3 months as the Vita A can damage your liver. (this regimen is also helpful for clogged pores and cystic acne! although I do not recommend facials for POD, stick with them for your clogged pores, you may want to talk to your Esthetician about hydroquinone for hyperpigmentation and scarring but not during pregnancy!)
In conjunction to treat the POD. STOP ALL cleansers, creams, lotions and make-up. POD is a bacterial infection and bacteria live off of fat! Which is the base for most creams, lotions and foundations. Switch to a toothpaste that does not contain fluoride or sodium laurel sulfate...I suggest Tom's Natural Toothpaste, stay clear of all spicy foods, cinnamon and alcohol as this can make inflammation worse.(Eating a diet high in green veggies is suggested.) Wash your face with warm water only...u can use a soap free cleanser if you feel it necessary but try to use one with all natural products and NO FAT! You can usually get these at your local health food store.. Finally, I am using Avene Cicalfate mixed with a drop of pure tea tree oil 2x a day and Manuka Honey at bed time. (this is sticky and a little uncomfy at first but it will help relieve symptoms.) so, did you get all that? lol I know it is a lot but it is the most natural way to rid your face of this horrible disease! You may want to consult your PCP about ingesting the vitamins on top of the prenatals during pregnancy. not to jump around but, if your POD is not in flare up, you may want to try a glycolic face wash, this is safe for pregnancy. Glycolic is derived from sugar and essentially eats the glue that holds dead skin cells to the new skin cells.This is the most common cause of clogged pores and breakouts. I hope this helps Very Happy

free skin care · Tue Jan 18, 2011 11:12 am

Hi there,

I just listened to Dr. Heather Rogers on Paula Begoun's radio show, and Dr Rogers is a dermatologist who recently had a baby. She says that AHAs are fine during pregnancy, but not BHAs; OTC retinol/retinal are fine, but not prescription retinoids; and if I remember right, she said topical erythromycin is fine.

One product idea is Avene Triacneal (AHA + retinal), which I've read good things about. This may be too much for around your mouth, where it might be worth trying a healing anti-microbial product like Avene Cicalfate or La Roche-Posay Cicaplast.

Congrats and hope everything goes well!

Here's the radio show from 6 Jan 2011: "What to expect..."
http://www.cosmeticscop.com/paulas-choice-community-page.aspx

Wed Jan 19, 2011 11:23 am

I recently got POD and have been researching natural remedies as I don't want to go on antibiotics if I can avoid it. In my research I found that Apple Cider Vinegar has helped a lot of people manage their POD. I started using it twice a day topically and I have seen improvement so far. I'm going to continue to use it and hopefully my condition will continue to improve. You can read about other natural remedies on the website earth clinic dot com. Click on the Remedies tab and it's under Dermatits (sorry can't post a web address).

I also have blackheads and using a clay mask does help me. I really like the Queen Helene Mint Julep mask. It's sold at Sally's Beauty and it's fairly inexpensive too Very Happy

Good luck!

Automatic Message

If this is your first visit to the EDS Forums please take the time to register. Registration is required for you to post on the forums. Registration will also give you the ability to track messages of interest, send private messages to other users, participate in Gift Certificates draws and enjoy automatic discounts for shopping at our online store. Registration is free and takes just a few seconds to complete.

Click Here to join our community.

If you are already a registered member on the forums, please login to gain full access to the site.