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lass917
New Member
 
Joined: 05 Mar 2012
Posts: 3
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Wed May 15, 2013 11:30 am  |
Hey all, I'm just hoping I might this time find something on the internet that might help my acne problem...
I always had very clear skin on my face as a teenager and in my early 20s. But two years ago, I started breaking out mildly, which turned into a horrible, horrible break out after using a certain product, and then for the past year and a half after the horrible break out, have been suffering from CONSTANT acne, mainly on my chin. Barely one day goes by that I don't develop a new pimple. For a year and a half.
Here is a list of things I have tried:
Topicals:
-various salicylic and benzoyl peroxide products; tea tree oil, aloe, witch hazel, various oils, various face washes, various toners, a few masks; the Clarisonic, gentle washcloths, etc. etc. etc. Salicylic acid keeps my pores unclogged, but nothing will touch this chin acne. I have almost zero visibly clogged pores, and while I know it's impossible to see when a pore is slightly clogged, I highly doubt that's the main factor in my disgustingly red and inflamed chin acne. I have this opinion due to having had more clogged pores in the past (late teens, early 20s), without having any inflamed acne; also because I scrutinize my skin in the mirror and I can tell it's smooth and clog-free, even on my chin. One day one area of my chin will feel smooth and look completely clear, and the next day there's a pencil eraser-sized red lump there. Anyway...
Diet:
-complete elimination of dairy, soy, gluten, sugar; I've done a vegetable-only diet; I eat a lot of lentils, quinoa, beans, oatmeal, eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, coconut and olive oils, herbs and spices, green tea; I take a probiotic; drink a lot of water, limit alcohol. With most of these foods, I've done elimination diets with absolutely no difference in my skin. I've tried taking B vitamins, zinc, multis, vitamin D. My most recent suspicion is that flaxseed may have been messing with my hormones - I've eaten flax every day for about the past two years. I cut out flaxseed about two weeks ago, and flax oil a couple days ago, but things don't seem to be getting better. In fact, my back is breaking out worse than it has in years, so...
Hormonal:
-very brief use of Saw Palmetto, 2.5 months on Vitex, not on birth control, have mostly regular 31-day cycles, regular hormonal blood tests; I keep a low GI, anti-inflammatory diet, get adequate sleep and usually decent exercise, generally am stress-free (except for my skin care obsession, which I've considered to be a huge factor, but I just don't know how to disregard it when it makes me look unhealthy and my mouth hurts from zits nearly all the time). Exposure to sunlight doesn't seem to help.
Oh, and neither of my parents (or anyone else in my family, for that matter) had so much as one pimple. (I'm exaggerating, but you get the idea.) My brother had mild acne when he was a teenager, but he's 20 now and I am SO jealous of his clear and glowing skin.
Forgot to say I've been on antibiotics for this, which hasn't helped. I was prescribed tretinoin, but I haven't used it. At this point in time I cannot go to a dermatologist, so that's out.
There are many, many more things I've tried that I'm spacing on. I've been dealing with this for almost two years and not one day has gone by that I haven't tried to adjust my life in some way to benefit my skin. But I still have this constant chin acne no matter WHAT. I've scoured the internet a million times in search of the answer, and I'm becoming doubtful that I'll ever figure this out, or that it'll go away anytime soon, but I suppose I haven't lost hope yet, so here I am, writing this and hoping someone will say something that will help me get my life back. Some days I get incredibly frustrated and desperate (like today, yes I am currently crying), and I just f*cking hate it. I majorly commend any and all of you who have been dealing with this for an extended period of time. It is so miserable. |
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Wed May 15, 2013 2:52 pm |
Try this thread:
http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=30815
As I just wrote in post on the above thread today, I was in a similar situation. I tried diet restriction, topicals, supplements - nothing worked - until I found Paula's Choice. I was skeptical, but I am so happy to have tried the PC Clear System! |
_________________
Female, born 1985. HW Engineer, Fitness nut. Embarking on the war against the signs of aging... |
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lass917
New Member
Joined: 05 Mar 2012
Posts: 3
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Wed May 15, 2013 7:43 pm |
| So funny fitgineer, PC is actually what caused my incredibly massive breakout two years ago that my skin seems to never have recovered from. It was the 2% BHA gel and liquid though, not the clear system. But I'm basically terrified of all PC now. Thanks for the thread rec. |
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Wed May 15, 2013 8:07 pm |
| since you have tried so many things n nothing seems to really help, try detoxifying the liver, milk thistle is great supplement for it... |
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Wed May 15, 2013 8:11 pm |
| wanted to add, that high frequency devices such as palacia high frequency are great for " killing " existing acne... |
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Thu May 16, 2013 6:41 am |
You say going to a dermatologist isn't an option, not sure why.
If it is cost, going to a med-spa or day spa for facial treatments probably isn't an option either. There are acne laser treatments that work, high frequency treatments, and blue light LED helps too. Serious peels help too.
If you can see a doctor, you may find you have cystic acne. You can get each cystic bump shot up with a drug that starts with a K (can't think of it right now), and they shrink in 24 hours. Retin-a works great but it is slow to get going because of the side effects. There are bunches of topical meds a dr can prescribe to you and oral meds too. Give anything you try 90 days before you think it doesn't do anything.
I think you are in your 30s and that is a time for great hormonal change. Heck, seems like every year is a good time for hormonal upheavals. For me, 39 has been the year. 
Good luck in your search, I wish there was one thing that worked for everyone! |
_________________
Esthetician working at a Med-spa. Love the Clarisonic! |
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lass917
New Member
Joined: 05 Mar 2012
Posts: 3
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Thu May 16, 2013 11:53 am |
Thanks daler and LauraLizzie for your suggestions.
Daler, I actually haven't tried milk thistle, but have been considering trying it for a couple months now. That will definitely be one of the next things I try.
LauraLizzie, it is indeed cost preventing me from seeking professional treatment. And yep, I do have cystic acne (sometimes), and yes, I have had one injected with what I think you're thinking of: cortisone. It actually didn't help, so I haven't had them injected since. And yeah, I'm pretty convinced it must be something hormonal, since dietary changes seem to help little, and since topicals, while helping the majority of my face, do nothing for my chin. I'm actually 26; really hoping my 30s hormonal shift comes in the form of clear as crystal skin... |
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Thu May 16, 2013 5:32 pm |
I went through something similar. Had clear skin then had to take a medication in late 20s that caused a breakout (first cystic acne in my life) and even though I stopped taking the medication my skin never really cleared up. And as you said, it is so frustrating when nothing works. About a year ago after much researching I totally switched up my regime. I noticed minor changes within a couple weeks and major changes in about 2 months.
Cosmedix Clarity Supplement - Research it. Gets rave reviews and really does work.
Cosmedix Colon Cleanse - I am always constipated and I take a dose daily to help regulate. Tastes OK and if I go a few days without I notice my skin seems to look congested.
Cosmedix Purity Cleanser - Best cleanser I've ever used
Cosmedix Hydrate+ - a moisturizer that does not break me out (yea!)
Ole Henriksen Power Peel (3 steps) - I don't remember what made me try this but I am sooo glad I did. This peel is amazing and I noticed immediate changes. I have sensitive skin and it seems every pimple would leave a red scar that would take months to disappear. This peel has really helped to lighten and remove the acne scarring. Be cautious though. I once left step 2 on too long before I added step 3 and peeled lightly for a few days afterwards.
Clearasil Daily Clear (tinted) - My skin doesn't react well to products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid as they dry out my skin and would make the acne worse. Clearasil Daily Clear contains sulfur which works very well for me. I apply a light layer each night. As a bonus, it is tinted so my skin looks flawless when I go to bed.
I do use other products that have also helped (mainly the Cosmedix line, and of course the Juara Tumeric Mask) but those are the products that I believe have cleared up my acne after many years of misery and embarrassment. I really suggest you do some research of those products and give them a try. |
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Sat May 18, 2013 5:46 am |
| lass917 wrote: |
I was prescribed tretinoin, but I haven't used it. At this point in time I cannot go to a dermatologist, so that's out.
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Why haven't you tried the tretinoin? Tazorac is the only thing that made a difference with my chin acne. |
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Sat May 18, 2013 10:58 am |
I'm looking for a solution too...
usually I have mild acne, but had to take Prednisone for one or two weeks and ended up with very inflamed blemishes.
Did not go to a derm this time as the wait is 1+ year here, and been there done that,
used most prescription stuff before and it helped a bit.
But I have a couple of stubborn painful blemishes I am desperate to get rid of as they are super painful and have left a bad purple mark too 
I did take antibiotics and it helped a bit.
I am sure my acne is hormonal...actually already know that.
And I was exposed to too many things I'm allergic to in the past 2 months.
I thought of getting one of the blue light devices as there is one for $50 at Shoppers and it has a money back garantee... |
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Thu Jun 20, 2013 6:20 pm |
I have had similar battles...
Here are some low cost things that have helped me:
-ordering generic Retin-A from India at All Day Chemist
-Getting Vitamin B12 shots. They cost maybe $25, I have gotten a few a year and its made a big difference.
All other helpful things are pricey. I use Salicylic 2% by day from Being True Cosmetics, Retin A at night, various mild cleansers, and Being True or DDF sulphur mask to spot treat at night on top of Retin A. I use the NuFace about 4 nights a week for an hour and its great. I would consider a high frequency device too. I once had a facialist that suggested if I couldn't get regular care that I invest in one. I have stuck with my NuFace Microcurrent device, but when it croaks I may replace with High Frequency. |
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Fri Jun 21, 2013 8:26 am |
After a huge battle in my early 20s with cystic acne and round after round of antibiotics that left me weak and with a suppressed immune system, the only thing that worked was Accutane. I also had to have the occasional steroid shot until the Accutane went into effect. Yes, it has its detractors but it saved me mentally and physically.
These days (and 30 years later), I take milk thistle, Vitamin A in a large does and B-12 and it has helped keep them calmed down when a flare up threatens, which is not often and no longer cystic.
Having IPLS and the EXCEL Cutera Laser really helped heal and reverse red spots as well.
Topically the Phyto-C or Is Clinical Proheal Serum and BHA 9 from Paula's Choice is a great way to also help with daily maintenance.
Good luck! |
_________________
Joined the 50 club several years back, blonde w/ fair/sensitive skin, Texas humidity and prone to rosacea, light breakouts and sunburns, combo skin type, starting to see sundamage and fine lines |
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Fri Jun 21, 2013 9:03 am |
adult acne sucks. i'm currently on a round of antibiotics and have started to take Aldectone as well. I have a feeling your acne is hormonal if antibiotics aren't helping much. Ask your doctor about aldectone and if it's right for you. Acne around the jaw area tends to be hormonal. Unfortunately you can use a whole bunch of products to kill acne bacteria, but if they are hormonal your body will keep on producing acne. Have you tested your hormone levels for testosterone?
I'd recommend you see a dermatologist and get a beta peel done professionally. This is 20-30% salicylic acid and will really improve your acne |
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Late 20's, clarisonic, Vit C serum, hormonal acne, congested pores, combination skin, living in Vancouver Canada |
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Sat Jun 22, 2013 4:30 am |
| I struggled with acne from age 13 to 48. I never took antibiotics because my parents didn't believe in going to the doctor for anything other than serious medical issues. I found that using salicylic acid wash morning and night are essential. I use the generic version of Neutrogena. I also used Cosmedix products when I was seeing a derm in Sydney. I liked them but they are pricy. What I loved was the Cosmedix vitamin A peel. I had this done a few times and it was great for brightening my skin and peeling off the old spots. It was about 3 days of red, peeling skin, but after--WOW. I left Sydney and couldn't find a derm in my new town who did them. I tried to buy it online, but they only sold to doctors or trained professionals. When I finally found a derm a few years later who carried Cosmedix they told me that the company had been bought out and that the vitamin A peel formulation was changed and no longer had the same effect. I also started taking Zinc Picolinate for a thyroid condition and noticed a big difference in my acne. I also cut out gluten and limit dairy. Since doing these things I rarely get spots anymore, although I think part of my change could also be menopause. I really wish I could find another peel like the vitamin A, it was the bomb! |
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Sat Jun 22, 2013 4:31 am |
| I struggled with acne from age 13 to 48. I never took antibiotics because my parents didn't believe in going to the doctor for anything other than serious medical issues. I found that using salicylic acid wash morning and night are essential. I use the generic version of Neutrogena. I also used Cosmedix products when I was seeing a derm in Sydney. I liked them but they are pricy. What I loved was the Cosmedix vitamin A peel. I had this done a few times and it was great for brightening my skin and peeling off the old spots. It was about 3 days of red, peeling skin, but after--WOW. I left Sydney and couldn't find a derm in my new town who did them. I tried to buy it online, but they only sold to doctors or trained professionals. When I finally found a derm a few years later who carried Cosmedix they told me that the company had been bought out and that the vitamin A peel formulation was changed and no longer had the same effect. I also started taking Zinc Picolinate for a thyroid condition and noticed a big difference in my acne. I also cut out gluten and limit dairy. Since doing these things I rarely get spots anymore, although I think part of my change could also be menopause. I really wish I could find another peel like the vitamin A, it was the bomb! |
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Sat Jun 22, 2013 4:34 am |
| I struggled with acne from age 13 to 48. I never took antibiotics because my parents didn't believe in going to the doctor for anything other than serious medical issues. I found that using salicylic acid wash morning and night are essential. I use the generic version of Neutrogena. I also used Cosmedix products when I was seeing a derm in Sydney. I liked them but they are pricy. What I loved was the Cosmedix vitamin A peel. I had this done a few times and it was great for brightening my skin and peeling off the old spots. It was about 3 days of red, peeling skin, but after--WOW. I left Sydney and couldn't find a derm in my new town who did them. I tried to buy it online, but they only sold to doctors or trained professionals. When I finally found a derm a few years later who carried Cosmedix they told me that the company had been bought out and that the vitamin A peel formulation was changed and no longer had the same effect. I also started taking Zinc Picolinate for a thyroid condition and noticed a big difference in my acne. I also cut out gluten and limit dairy. Since doing these things I rarely get spots anymore, although I think part of my change could also be menopause. I really wish I could find another peel like the vitamin A, it was the bomb! |
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Mon Jun 24, 2013 11:14 pm |
| Hey there, I think the break out may be due to the hormonal changes. If you don't find any change in your skin even after all these things, I think you should consult a dermatologist so that he may guide you in a proper way. Try and rub a cube of ice to your chin before going to bed. This will gradually reduce the oils and may act as an effective solution for it. Also, you can use an oil free moisturizer for your skin. I had very oily skin. After a lot of products and remedies, I started using Dermasome Hydrate for my skin and really worked for me. I am still using it, may be you can also try it. |
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Tue Jun 25, 2013 12:11 pm |
| I have the exact same problem, I break out occassionally on other areas of my face but it goes away and is usually ok looking, but mainly its my chin, no matter what I do, there is CONSTANT acne in that area, once one goes away another pops up to take it's place immediately after. I've tried various restrictive diets, fasts, supplements, antibiotics, all sorts of topical treatments ect. I know it's probably hormonal, I've tried saw palmetto briefly in the past, it didn't do anything. I'm trying spearmint tea right now, I've only been using it a week, my chin is really looking a lot better lately, but I don't know if it's from that or other things I'm doing. I tried to drink it months ago, but it made me feel kinda nauseous and tired, and I didn't care for the taste enough to drink it everyday,however, this time I started drinking it cold and I don't experience any of those effects and the taste is more palatable. Exercise also helps to balance hormones, I'm always on and off with it, but in general, I do go out for walks often. |
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Wed Jun 26, 2013 7:50 am |
Yes, for hormonal acne, Aldectone or Spiro is a great solution. I have done rounds of it in the past at a low dose and it does help.
You can also get is cheaper thru inhousepharmacy if your insurance does not cover it. |
_________________
Joined the 50 club several years back, blonde w/ fair/sensitive skin, Texas humidity and prone to rosacea, light breakouts and sunburns, combo skin type, starting to see sundamage and fine lines |
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Wed Jun 26, 2013 8:25 am |
I had a friend who had bad acne in her teens and 20s, and continued to have constant breakouts on her forehead and chin up until her 40s. She finally ordered 2 Chinese creams, not sure what they're called, but she ordered from a site called Demodex Solutions.
The difference it made in her skin was astonishing - after a bad couple of weeks during which she persevered and kept using the creams, her skin cleared up completely. It was pretty dramatic.
I believe that one of the ingredients is seabuckthorn oil but I never could find a list of ingredients online. I know it contains sulfur and one of the creams contains metronidazole, which is I think anti-fungal? Anyway, it worked for her! |
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Derminator, phytoceramides, Retin-A, DIY Vitamin C serum, Ageless if You Dare and Pilates! |
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