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Sun Feb 03, 2008 9:45 pm  |
And help me figure out what is triggering these. For 2 years now, my face has become extremely acne prone. But really just one at a time, but always one. If one went another came, would switch between my forehead and my chin. However this past December my skin went berzerk. It is so bad now I am completely freaking out not knowing what is safe for my skin and what isn't. How to tell reactionary time to a certain product. Nothing... I've had two huge outbreaks in the past 6 weeks and they seem to start with just a small bump and then quickly spread to cover the entire area. Now my forehead and chin and half my cheek are covered in acne. They become so irritated when I have to clean my face, but tend to calm down after some ACV or BHA. I keep thinking that products aren't working or contributing but maybe I'm not giving them enough time. Or maybe there is a trigger. Sometimes I wander if it's not an allergic reaction. Like right now, one spot on my forehead itches? But a few hurt too.... In my mind I am thinking it's either shampoo, diet coke w/caffiene or sugar. Because all three of these seem to surround both outbreaks. However I've gone the past two years with just very, very mild ( just a bump). Why now, why all of a sudden. I've always used sulfate shampoo? Please help!
Anyway- here is my timeline of events. I seem to think the mineral foundation is what started it all in motion.
FOR 2 YEARS
OCCASIONAL BLEMISH HERE AND THERE
ONLY THING I CAN LINK BACK PRIOR TO THIS PERIOD IS SWITCHING TO MINERAL FOUNDATION
PRIOR TO THIS I HAVE ALWAYS HAD CHINA DOLL SKIN
28-Jun PREGNANT
PICK UP IN BLEMISHES BUT STILL CONTROLLABLE;
JUST CONSISTENT
9/14/2007 MISCARRIED
HAD DNC
PASSED CLOTS FOR 2 CYCLES; OCT AND NOV
23-Oct ORDER PAULA SAMPLES
2-Nov
ORDERED PAULA BEGOUN
BHA
CLEANSER
CARBON MASK
TONER
MOISTURE GEL
14-Dec
RETURNED PAULA S
DIDN'T FEEL IT WAS EFFECTIVELY WORKING
ACNE WAS NOT DECREASING
12/14 OR 12/19
NEW SHAMPOO
HERBAL ESSENCE
25-Dec
-COMPLETELY BROKE OUT ON FOREHEAD
THE WORST I HAVE EVER SEEN;
COMPLETELY COVERED MY FOREHEAD;
WHAT SEEMED TO START AS ONE QUICKLY SPREAD TO ENTIRE AREA
12/25-1/5
USED WHATEVER
WATER AND NEUTROGENA MOISTURIZER
1/7/2008
STOPPED HERBAL ESSENCE
RETURNED
1/5-1/19
USED I FEEL PRETTY PRODUCTS
STARTED DRINKING GREEN TEA
CLEANSER
BHA 2%
SILK PERFECTION
SILK POWDER
1/19
STOPPED IFP PRODUCTS
FOREHEAD STILL ENFLAMED
1/12/2008
NEW SHAMPOO
SULFATE FREE ORGANIX
1/20-2/1
WATER/ACV TONER
FACE ACTUALLY STARTS CLEARING UP
CONSCIENCE EFFORT TO NOT EAT SUGAR, DIET COKE; STARTED TAKING VITAMINS REGULARLY; WASHING PILLOWCASES EVERY 3 DAYS
1/22/2008
GARDEN COVE
BOUGHT ALCOHOL FREE WITCH HAZEL, CLAY MASK, VITAMIN B
30-Jan
NEW SHAMPOO
SULFATE FREE SAMY
23-Jan
GOT HAIR DONE
SHE USED REGULAR SHAMPOO
1/25-1/27
BIRTHDAY WEEKEND
LOTS OF SUGAR AND DIET COKE
1/28-CURRENT
FOREHEAD REBROKE OUT
NOW CHEEKS AND CHIN BROKEN OUT
SAME HERE- STARTED AS ONE AND QUICKLY SPREAD TO ABOUT 20
1-Feb
STARTED BACK USING IFP
STARTED NEW FOUNDATION
THANKS FOR ANY INSIGHT....
Heather |
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36, acne-prone skin, fair, blonde hair |
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Sun Feb 03, 2008 10:27 pm |
Hey,this might be one of those odd replies but...From my experience you should do two things-do a Candida cleanse(maybe your body is suffering from an overload of bad, bad bacteria);get a blood test to see if you are allergic to any foods.You can become suddenly allergic to some foods-it happens very often.Try to see if there are any evidence that you are breaking out from something you eat.Your body could be also throwing you a hormonal fit-take vitex and evening prim rose oil-both will balance you out.For your face I highly recommend you start using the acne line from La Roche Posay-it will clear up your skin fairly quickly.
Good Luck and take care-I've been exactly where you are,so I know how hard it is.I highly recommend doing the internal treatments I mentioned since this looks like your body is suddenly unable to cope with something. |
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Sun Feb 03, 2008 10:40 pm |
When I was at the health food store the other day, I wandered for a brief moment if maybe that wasn't the case since I had miscarried in September. I also wander if dairy products couldn't be the culprit? I will do both. Thank you for helping me confirm what I was feeling. As for the cleanse, it kind of scares me a little. Any advice?
Heather |
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36, acne-prone skin, fair, blonde hair |
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Mon Feb 04, 2008 5:38 am |
| If I were you, I's see a derm as soon as possible. I tried for the longest time to solve my breakouts using products, but things only truly improved after I started seeing a derm. |
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Mon Feb 04, 2008 8:14 am |
Heather:
You poor girl - I feel so badly for you 
May I ask a question - Is your acne the cystic type or more like the average type of pimples?
If it is more cystic in nature it may very well be due to a hormonal imbalance. From the information you provided, it does seem to have worsened considerably after your pregnancy (My deepest sympathy on your miscarriage).
I would recommend seeing your OB/GYN for a hormone check. It is a good place to start and may be the root of your problem.
Take Care |
_________________
Blonde hair, fair skin normal to dry with oily T-zone, Clarisonic, IFP bha/aha combo, Vivier Kine-C, Lips2kiss system, JB ADCE |
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Mon Feb 04, 2008 8:25 am |
heather i third the suggestion of seeing a derm. i also went through a similar patch about 9-10 months ago, i tried so many products and they didn't work. i saw a derm and he prescribed retin-a and a topical antibiotic, clindamycin. the clindamycin dried up all the pustular acne on my chin in about 4 days which to me was near about a miracle. i still have the red marks but they're getting fainter now.
i wish you all the best! |
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Mon Feb 04, 2008 8:32 am |
| I was prescribed Clindamycin gel too and it was a miracle. Now I've stopped using it to make sure my skin doesn't get immune to it since it's an antibiotic. Am saving it for emergencies. |
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Mon Feb 04, 2008 9:43 am |
Heather,
I feel for you, I had the exact same thing happen to me last year. I used to have a few break outs here and there, but nothing chronic. Then November of last years I started breaking out in tiny bumps by my temples, which eventually moved to my forhead and then my chin. Some bumps started becoming larger especially on my chin.
Like you I tried so many things, but I found that the following cleared up my skin amazingly well:
Cleanser: Origins Checks and Balances- I wash my face first with this cleanser becuase it removes all my my makeup and then use another cleanser as a "treatment"
Cleanser (As treatment): Spectrojel for sensitive skin- after washing with the origins cleanser to remove all makeup etc, I use the spectrojet cleanser (for sensitive skin- the purple label one). I rub in a circular motion over my entire face for 30 seconds to 1 minute concentrating on the breakout prone areas.
Treatment: Clindamycin -phosphate 1% or Dalcin T antibacterial solution (by prescription). After washing my face i use this and dab it on my whole face.
Jan Marini Bioclear cream: it has glycolic and salicylic acid and really helps clear my break outs and prevents any from starting.
Hydrocortisone cream (1%)- if needed (if your skin is extremly dry just use a little bit, but its not good for prolonged use.
Dermawand: I ran the derma wand over areas every other night until my complexion was clear, and now I use it weekly to keep it clear. If you feel a break out coming on, this works wonders in stopping it in its tracks. It doesn't do too much if you already have a full fledged break out. I find it more of a preventative thing.
My skin is now completely clear, I don't use hydrocortisone cream anymore and have started using the Jan Marini transformation cream.
I really feel like the two products that helped the most was the spectrojel cleanser and the Jan Marini Bioclear cream. I haven't had to use any spot treatment. Also the other main factor was decreasing my stress!
I hope this helps- I've been there and it is awful |
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Mon Feb 04, 2008 10:05 am |
Could be Rosacea related
Your skin's history is similar to mine...I had the ocassional pimple here and there related to stress or menstrual cycles, but never more than one at a time.
I suddently started to break out uncontrollably with tiny pimples everywhere, even places (like my forhead) where I had never ever even had a blackhead in all my life.
I was diagnosed with Rosacea, which may cause breakouts in some people.
Do visit a derm, they can tell if it's Rosacea just with a simple glance at your face. |
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Mon Feb 04, 2008 10:08 am |
| i also recommend getting your hormones checked. the trigger seems to have been when you first got pregnant, so its a big possibility that the hormone balance is the cause of your skin issues. see a derm, or an endocrinologist. you could also see your GP, but an endo will more likely be able to treat you properly. if it is a hormone imbalance and you have it treated, it will change everything. I would also try to lay off the sugar, because for a lot of people, it certainly doesn't help their skin. stick to water as much as possible. GL! |
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Mon Feb 04, 2008 10:56 am |
It's so upsetting because I'll read all these "miracle" posts regarding natural products and how it worked on everyone and then I try it and nothing. lol~ I was really hoping to not have to go on medication just because I wanted to try and get pregnant again come spring. But it sounds like the medication isn't forever? Is it temporary?
Heather
| FaithTruth wrote: |
| If I were you, I's see a derm as soon as possible. I tried for the longest time to solve my breakouts using products, but things only truly improved after I started seeing a derm. |
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36, acne-prone skin, fair, blonde hair |
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Mon Feb 04, 2008 11:13 am |
It's been SO horrible. I wake up every day thinking can it get any worse?
I have no idea what kind it is. I've tried to research online but can't seem to put my finger on it. It can calm down to the point of almost looking gone. It can become inflamed at the drop of a dime. It seems more inflamed in the morning and at the end of the day; after it has been cleansed; etc.
Heather
| fairlady wrote: |
Heather:
You poor girl - I feel so badly for you
May I ask a question - Is your acne the cystic type or more like the average type of pimples?
If it is more cystic in nature it may very well be due to a hormonal imbalance. From the information you provided, it does seem to have worsened considerably after your pregnancy (My deepest sympathy on your miscarriage).
I would recommend seeing your OB/GYN for a hormone check. It is a good place to start and may be the root of your problem.
Take Care |
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36, acne-prone skin, fair, blonde hair |
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Mon Feb 04, 2008 1:17 pm |
| I agree with the other posts. I would check with your dermatologist. They can determine what the causes are for your breakouts and put you on a system. Good luck! |
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Mon Feb 04, 2008 5:48 pm |
You should see the doctor,he may help.
When I see the doctor,he give me some medicine,benzac(bp 2.5%) and cetaphil. |
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Mon Feb 04, 2008 8:10 pm |
I think it would be a wonderful idea to get yourself a naturopath.They are able to get you all of the necessary tests done and they will treat you in a very natural and safe way for your body depending on your tests.
Good luck  |
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Mon Feb 04, 2008 11:27 pm |
| Your problem sounds hormonal to me. I highly doubt that anything is triggering the outbreaks other than stress and hormones. If you had a sensitivity to any of those products you would be experiencing a rash..not acne. The areas you are describing are prone to adult hormonal acne. A cleanse wouldn't hurt, you may want to try that. The itching you are experiencing is probably from irritation. For myself I really like PCA's Clearskin moisturizer and Facewash(Phaze 1 for normal skin). Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant is great for exfoliation without drying out your skin(it's kinda pricey but it is awsome). The key is to balance the products..don't resort to harsh acne products. Being under a lot of stress aggrevates this kind of acne..so the less stress in your life the calmer your skin. |
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Mon Feb 11, 2008 6:49 pm |
I went to the doctor today and have an appointment with an allergist Wed to be tested for allergies to rule that out. I also have an appt with a derm 3/24 but in the meanwhile saw my doctor today and she prescribed me Retin-A and Clindamycin, same as you. Can you walk me through what to expect over the next few weeks? She also told me to use a basic cleanser and moisturizer with no bells and whistles. Of course I'll see the derm on 3/14 but was hoping you could share your routine with me as well as if you altered it at all when you started?
thanks-
Heather
| cahoot wrote: |
heather i third the suggestion of seeing a derm. i also went through a similar patch about 9-10 months ago, i tried so many products and they didn't work. i saw a derm and he prescribed retin-a and a topical antibiotic, clindamycin. the clindamycin dried up all the pustular acne on my chin in about 4 days which to me was near about a miracle. i still have the red marks but they're getting fainter now.
i wish you all the best! |
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36, acne-prone skin, fair, blonde hair |
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Mon Feb 11, 2008 10:21 pm |
| You will probably purge with the Retin-A initially, so you have to be patient. I suggest you start the Retin-A slowly in order to minimise irritation. Use it every third day OVER moisturiser. After 1-2 weeks of doing this to allow your skin to get used to the retinoid, wait at least 30 mins after cleansing face to apply the Retin-A to bare skin, followed by your moisturiser. The clindamycin will help with existing breakouts as well as the purges. Use Cetaphil to cleanse. |
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Tue Feb 12, 2008 1:28 am |
Heather, I just wanted to applaud you for taking care of yourself and following through with the docs. I'm almost certain the genesis of the problem is hormones, which seem to wreak havoc on our skin for no reason at all. I'd steer clear of Cetaphil and diet Coke, but that's me. Pick up a natural soap, made with coconut, palm and palm kernel oils, and avoid sulfates -- which are irritating and drying. Sensitivities to products CAN cause acne, not just rashes.
Hormonal acne is just murder on our self-image and esteem, and it is something that seems to dome out of nowhere and have a mind of its own. I'd encourage you to see an endocrinologist, just to see where you are and if s/he can help that balance. A derm will treat the skin lesions, because that's what s/he's trained to do, but that might not include the source. An allergist WILL find allergies, believe me (because that's what s/he's trained to do), but that doesn't mean they cause acne. An endocrinologist knows hormones, and might be your best bet.
Most important, of course, is that you find someone who LISTENS to you and understands how this is affecting you. A naturopath might, a doctor might. But finding that PERSON is key.
Good luck to you. Keep us posted. I know many of us have been in the same boat and your journey could be very helpful to others. |
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tenderlovingwork.com, astonishing handmade gifts |
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Tue Feb 12, 2008 1:56 am |
| you should see derm. Or you should stop using any skincare right now. Try to use only few things on your face. I think your skin is too weak for any skincare. |
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Tue Feb 12, 2008 11:04 am |
Usually the culprit for acne is poor diet.
Eat more vegies, avoid fried foods and DON'T TOUCH YOUR FACE WITH YOUR HANDS OR FINGER! Try to get enough sleep at least 8 hours a day and also DRINK lots of water to remove toxins in the body.... start here first!
Let me know what happen next after this 
I hope I help you a bit.
Good luck!
| almomof2 wrote: |
And help me figure out what is triggering these. For 2 years now, my face has become extremely acne prone. But really just one at a time, but always one. If one went another came, would switch between my forehead and my chin. However this past December my skin went berzerk. It is so bad now I am completely freaking out not knowing what is safe for my skin and what isn't. How to tell reactionary time to a certain product. Nothing... I've had two huge outbreaks in the past 6 weeks and they seem to start with just a small bump and then quickly spread to cover the entire area. Now my forehead and chin and half my cheek are covered in acne. They become so irritated when I have to clean my face, but tend to calm down after some ACV or BHA. I keep thinking that products aren't working or contributing but maybe I'm not giving them enough time. Or maybe there is a trigger. Sometimes I wander if it's not an allergic reaction. Like right now, one spot on my forehead itches? But a few hurt too.... In my mind I am thinking it's either shampoo, diet coke w/caffiene or sugar. Because all three of these seem to surround both outbreaks. However I've gone the past two years with just very, very mild ( just a bump). Why now, why all of a sudden. I've always used sulfate shampoo? Please help!
Anyway- here is my timeline of events. I seem to think the mineral foundation is what started it all in motion.
FOR 2 YEARS
OCCASIONAL BLEMISH HERE AND THERE
ONLY THING I CAN LINK BACK PRIOR TO THIS PERIOD IS SWITCHING TO MINERAL FOUNDATION
PRIOR TO THIS I HAVE ALWAYS HAD CHINA DOLL SKIN
28-Jun PREGNANT
PICK UP IN BLEMISHES BUT STILL CONTROLLABLE;
JUST CONSISTENT
9/14/2007 MISCARRIED
HAD DNC
PASSED CLOTS FOR 2 CYCLES; OCT AND NOV
23-Oct ORDER PAULA SAMPLES
2-Nov
ORDERED PAULA BEGOUN
BHA
CLEANSER
CARBON MASK
TONER
MOISTURE GEL
14-Dec
RETURNED PAULA S
DIDN'T FEEL IT WAS EFFECTIVELY WORKING
ACNE WAS NOT DECREASING
12/14 OR 12/19
NEW SHAMPOO
HERBAL ESSENCE
25-Dec
-COMPLETELY BROKE OUT ON FOREHEAD
THE WORST I HAVE EVER SEEN;
COMPLETELY COVERED MY FOREHEAD;
WHAT SEEMED TO START AS ONE QUICKLY SPREAD TO ENTIRE AREA
12/25-1/5
USED WHATEVER
WATER AND NEUTROGENA MOISTURIZER
1/7/2008
STOPPED HERBAL ESSENCE
RETURNED
1/5-1/19
USED I FEEL PRETTY PRODUCTS
STARTED DRINKING GREEN TEA
CLEANSER
BHA 2%
SILK PERFECTION
SILK POWDER
1/19
STOPPED IFP PRODUCTS
FOREHEAD STILL ENFLAMED
1/12/2008
NEW SHAMPOO
SULFATE FREE ORGANIX
1/20-2/1
WATER/ACV TONER
FACE ACTUALLY STARTS CLEARING UP
CONSCIENCE EFFORT TO NOT EAT SUGAR, DIET COKE; STARTED TAKING VITAMINS REGULARLY; WASHING PILLOWCASES EVERY 3 DAYS
1/22/2008
GARDEN COVE
BOUGHT ALCOHOL FREE WITCH HAZEL, CLAY MASK, VITAMIN B
30-Jan
NEW SHAMPOO
SULFATE FREE SAMY
23-Jan
GOT HAIR DONE
SHE USED REGULAR SHAMPOO
1/25-1/27
BIRTHDAY WEEKEND
LOTS OF SUGAR AND DIET COKE
1/28-CURRENT
FOREHEAD REBROKE OUT
NOW CHEEKS AND CHIN BROKEN OUT
SAME HERE- STARTED AS ONE AND QUICKLY SPREAD TO ABOUT 20
1-Feb
STARTED BACK USING IFP
STARTED NEW FOUNDATION
THANKS FOR ANY INSIGHT....
Heather |
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Tue Feb 12, 2008 11:27 am |
Heather:
Good for you on quickly getting a doctors appointment. This is a positive step in the right direction to help resolve your skin problems. A very good simple cleanser for acne prone and sensitive skin is Cetaphil.
Keep your chin up. I hope you start to see some quick improvements. Keep us posted on your results. |
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Blonde hair, fair skin normal to dry with oily T-zone, Clarisonic, IFP bha/aha combo, Vivier Kine-C, Lips2kiss system, JB ADCE |
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Tue Feb 12, 2008 11:45 am |
Heather, if you can eliminate dairy, wheat , sugar and as many chemicals (diet sodas) from your diet as possible that is a good start.
If you don't already have a way to handle stress (and this is stressful) I would recommend some deep breathing and simple yoga moves that take about ten minutes a day, this can really help!
http://www.oprah.com/presents/2007/spa/well/well_yoga.jhtml
Good luck.
ps I heartily second the naturopath suggestion! |
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skindeep13
New Member
 
Joined: 17 Feb 2008
Posts: 7
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Sun Feb 17, 2008 2:42 pm |
Hey Heather,
Have you tried going back to basics? And I mean very very basic?
Talk to a derm. For me, using an all-in-one cleanser and moisturizer has really helped my hormonal breakouts. Right now, I'm using Jouviance all-in-one makeup remover/cleanser (it doesn't even form a lather and still removes makeup) and I follow it with the Jouviance moisturizer for oily combo skin. This line is fragrance-free and does not contail parabens.
I've completely eliminated toners (clogs pores).
I would also recomend cetaphil. It doesn't eliminate makeup that well, but use a makeup remover (I use Effaclar makeup removing water at times) and then follow with cetaphil. |
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Sun Feb 17, 2008 3:46 pm |
| Hm I tend to consider acne a skin infection that can easily spread (too much handling..) or be reinfected through products. Try to be careful not to contaminate your skin care proucts. Make sure to wash hands after touching your outbreaks, before toching products etc. Double dipping is a big no-no. |
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Live in Switzerland, age 32, dehydrated combination skin, sensitive to climate changes, some food and cosmetic products. Very fair. |
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