My fear
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free skin care · Fri Aug 03, 2007 9:11 pm

Hello

Well, this is going to sound stupid..maybe a bit shallow. I've had cystic acne for about 5 years now. It's all PCOS related. A miracle has taken place in that I've been able to get in under control with evening primrose oil supplements. Now that my acne is under control..I've been plagued with the what if's. I'm afraid that if I ever decide to get pregnant, I will have to discontinue the evening primrose oil, and that will lead to the same hideous breakouts all over again. So, I want to know, what have you used for healing cystic acne..when pregnant? I just want to know what some of my options are..so that I can be prepared.

free skin care · Fri Aug 03, 2007 9:36 pm

Sorry to be ignorant - what's PCOS? Also, how does primrose oil help cystic acne? I had never heard that before. As far as pregnancy, I don't have any great ideas. For me, I did break out at the beginning badly and my dermo said it would probably happen again after the birth (all hormonal) but it didn't. I think after the initial hormone changes things kind of settle. It is harder as far as treating things when you break out and are pregnant though. I wish I had my Zeno when I was pregant, I think that would have helped some.

free skin care · Fri Aug 03, 2007 9:41 pm

Melasmaisew wrote:

Hello

Well, this is going to sound stupid..maybe a bit shallow. I've had cystic acne for about 5 years now. It's all PCOS related. A miracle has taken place in that I've been able to get in under control with evening primrose oil supplements. Now that my acne is under control..I've been plagued with the what if's. I'm afraid that if I ever decide to get pregnant, I will have to discontinue the evening primrose oil, and that will lead to the same hideous breakouts all over again. So, I want to know, what have you used for healing cystic acne..when pregnant? I just want to know what some of my options are..so that I can be prepared.

Mel, I feel your fear 120%!!!!!!!!!!!!! My horrible cystic acne is under control riht now thanks to numerous prescriptions, however, when I decide to get pregnant I will have to sto pthem all!! Shock

Considering I would like to get pregnant within the next year or two, this is indeed a sobering and distressing thought!!! I'm afraid the bottom line is that we are going to have to grin and bear a certain amount of breakouts while we are pregnant, and then as soon as we are done with pregnancy and breast-feeding, we can go back to all the acne treatments we know and love. In the meantime, we do have the Zeno--- not great, by any means, but better than nothing I guess. My derm also recommended professional microderm treatments, so I guess I'll prolly try that, too. If anyone else has some good ideas I'm open to them! If nothing else, we can commiserate with our comrades-in-arms here on EDS!

free skin care · Fri Aug 03, 2007 10:02 pm

Keep in mind that while pregnant your whole body changes. Skin issues as well. Personally I know my skin actually was more reactive while pregnant, I <knock wood> have few issues normally.

I know of many who's skin condition improved while pregnant <you've heard of the 'glow' regarding a woman with child>.

Try to think positive. If you've issues now, the possibility of them fading while pregnant are likely.

free skin care · Fri Aug 03, 2007 10:16 pm

My skin problems started with my first child and I was on Minocin to keep my skin clear. I was afraid to get pregnant and have to quit taking it because I assumed my skin would react the same way it had with my first pregnancy. But I wasn't getting any younger and couldn't put it off any longer. Funny thing was, my skin stayed clear after I stopped the meds and got pregnant. It's funny what hormones do. So I thought that was great, but was it because I didn't have to worry about monthly breakouts? So once my TOTM returned about 4 months ago, I started using pearl paste and a topical vitamin C and I have had no breakouts since, so I really think that is what is keeping my skin clear. And they are both safe to use while you are pregnant or nursing.

free skin care · Sat Aug 04, 2007 12:26 am

Charis,

PCOS stands for polycystic ovarian syndrome. It's when your hormones levels are wayyy off..meaning you may have more testosterone than the average female. It usually discontinues ovulation and is the number one reason for infertility in women. Acne is just one of the lovely side effects. I also suffer from excessive bodily hair growth and the hair on my head falls off in clumps. Nice, eh? One of the causes of this syndrome might be insulin resistance..and because of that..I also have problems with my weight.

Evening Primrose has been a Godsend. I think it's saved my skin. Most women with hormone related acne tend to break out heavily on their jawline. Well Sad

, that's what I've seen thus far. Anyways, starflower oil is another good supplement.

So, does Zeno really help with cystic acne? I wouldn't mind making the investment..but I have not heard too much about it.

Manslayerliz, I'm glad that there is someone on this board who can relate to my fears, even though I would prefer that neither of us had this problem. Mainly, my plan of action is to slather on some BP creams morning and night and call it a day. I hate BP..but it's the only topical that works remotely well for me. In the end, I'll just have to get my priorities in order, and shift my focus as to what I really want..and I do want children. You've also tried the Zeno..it's not all that great?

Candy8865,
I'm actually thinking that too, that perhaps my skin will completely change for the better during a pregnancy. I guess I'll just have to find out. thanks Smile

Diana, that's what I'm hoping for. I'll have to check out that pearl paste. thanks for the suggestions. Smile

free skin care · Sat Aug 04, 2007 1:50 am

I try do not use any product on my face when I've got acne. I will clean my face with pure water only.I'm not use any sunscreen and skincare on my face. I'm not makeup any cosmetics. I think it's work for me. And my acne is gone.

free skin care · Sat Aug 04, 2007 9:22 am

Something else I forgot to mention - I also use jojoba oil under my pearl paste. I used to have very oily skin on my T-sone which contributed to my breakouts, but since I started using the jojoba oil, my skin oil production has decreased drastically. Maybe that's what the evening primrose oil is doing for you? Why don't you try the jojoba instead?

free skin care · Sat Aug 04, 2007 10:57 am

nickieygirl, I've tried that too. Unfortunately, the acne only got worse and on top of it..I was miserable. glad it worked for you tho! Smile

Diana, I've been meaning to try the jojoba oil (as a moisturizer for acne prone skin)...so I'll have to get that too. thanks. Smile

the evening primrose hasn't reduced oil from my face, but I think it has just balanced out my hormone levels. I'm hoping pregnancy will naturally do something similar for me being that the levels are already off.

free skin care · Sat Aug 04, 2007 7:28 pm

Hi Melasmaisew;

I have PCOS and have struggled with acne my entire life Sad

. When I was pregnant (11 yrs ago), my skin did not get any better or worse than before the pregnancy. I never took prescription drugs for my skin though. I did try an antibiotic a year ago or so, but I hated the fact that I was taking antibiotics for months, and I ended up with a nasty yeast infection (regardless of all the supplements and probiotics I was taking from the first day of antibiotics). So, I just stopped and went back to struggling with acne.

Good luck! R. Smile

free skin care · Sun Aug 05, 2007 9:50 pm

Thanks Rubby. It's good to hear that your acne didn't get worse!! It's even better to know that you were able to get pregnant despite the PCOS.

free skin care · Mon Aug 06, 2007 7:45 am

Good luck, Melasmaisew.

Just wondering whether chromium picolinate, which helps with insulin resistance, can also help - but again, that may be an issue when you are pregnant. I wish you all the best.

Mon Aug 06, 2007 7:53 am

My skin broke out something awful during the first four months of both my pregnancies. But, after that, I definitely had "the glow." It was the only time in my entire life that I could use any skincare product without fear of breaking out...at all. It was wonderful. After both births, my skin went back to its normal self. I never used prescriptions for my acne, but I know that my sister was able to use some topical medication during her pregnancies when her skin got really bad. I forget the name...maybe erythromycin? You should talk to your derm before pregnancy to discuss all your options.

edited to removed Home Based Business inquiry. PMed to explain. Thank you for your understanding and reply

free skin care · Mon Aug 06, 2007 11:31 am

Have you ever considered trying a Natural Progestrone Cream? It is suppose to help considerably with PCOS. Pick up a copy of Dr, John Lee's 'What your Doctor may not tell you about premenopause'. This books covers a large variety of hormonal issues from weight gain, to PMS, to PCOS that many women experience from ages 30 to 50ish. Lots of information on hormonal induced acne, weight gain, hair thinning, etc.

Just thought I'd mention it

Deborah

free skin care · Tue Aug 07, 2007 1:55 pm

I do not have an answer for you but I feel your pain. My hubby and i are going to start trying so I've really been looking at my skincare routine and I'm afraid I'll have to give up my alpha hydrox 12% souffle! The horror!

Tue Aug 07, 2007 7:36 pm

I had cystic acne and once in a while still get a whopper even now at 47 & after Accutane.

During my pregnancies I had to give up my acne meds, antidepressants, caffeine, alcohol and even herbal teas, plus side- no catbox duty either. My OBGYN was strict but heck, what is 9 months.

The odd thing was that my skin was the most well-behaved it has ever been. Clear and glowing. My hair was shiny and thick. The positive change in my case was the increased levels of estrogen in my body. With your increased androgens from PCOS you could be pleasantly surprised by your skin during pregnancy.

free skin care · Tue Aug 07, 2007 8:58 pm

i also had nice skin during my 4 pregnancies, well after the first 3 months anyway. I had hyperemesis gravidarum so for the first trimester I was throwing up like nobody's business, my record was 12 times in a day (ahhhh happy memories!! NOT!!!)

but after that died down, after 4 months or so, my skin was better than normal, no breakouts and even a little bit of a glow! of course a few months after the baby's out, it's back to bedlam!! Laughing

free skin care · Tue Aug 07, 2007 9:34 pm

fairlady wrote:

Have you ever considered trying a Natural Progestrone Cream? It is suppose to help considerably with PCOS. Pick up a copy of Dr, John Lee's 'What your Doctor may not tell you about premenopause'. This books covers a large variety of hormonal issues from weight gain, to PMS, to PCOS that many women experience from ages 30 to 50ish. Lots of information on hormonal induced acne, weight gain, hair thinning, etc.

Just thought I'd mention it

Deborah

I have had this for years now and have the hormonal acne, increased hair growth (no weight gain yet, luckily) but I am a moody bitch lately maybe pre-menopause! But my doctor did give me a prescription for the progestrone cream and said the biggest side effect is that you loose your sex drive Shock

So I never took it Very Happy

free skin care · Wed Aug 08, 2007 2:42 pm

Agent OO-CAT..thank you for your kind words. Smile

lawladyda, I will be consulting with a new derm soon to discuss more options.

fairlady, I actually have heard of the progestrone cream but forgot about it soon after. When I visit my derm I'll be sure to bring it up.

Yvetteski, once again I have hope that my skin will start to behave once I'm pregnant.

cahoot, your post made me laugh..lol. all the women in my family have suffered from horrible morning sickness..and so I know what I'm in for..unfortunately.

MardyBum, yeah..the decreased sex drive doesn't sound to fun.. Sad

still, out of frustration..I think I'll be trying anything which is approved by my derm.

thank you ladies for your replies. I really appreciate it.

free skin care · Tue Sep 11, 2007 7:30 am

I used bp 0.25% on my face and clean my face gentlely.

Tue Sep 11, 2007 9:11 am

It is not shallow to want to be the best that you can be and feel confident about yourself. Anyone who has dealt with cystic acne understands how this condition strips your self-esteem away bit by bit. I have dealt with cystic acne myself since I was 21 and I am now 35. The only thing that has helped has been Accutane, and my physician is trying to get me to start it again for the 5th time in the past 10 yrs. One reason I joined this forum, to find alternative options.

I want you to know, in my circumstances, I was pregnant once at the age of 27 again at 29. During both pregnancies my skin was in the best condition it has ever been in my adult life. My physician states it is because cystic acne in adult females is due to hormonal quirks. When I was pregnant my hormones adjusted on their own, and there was my normal, healthy skin. Now, only if the rest of my body could just handle being pregnant my entire life!!! :lol:

Either way, you are going to have a child in the end that will love you unconditionally, acne or not.

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