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Sat Apr 28, 2012 7:39 pm  |
At 44 I have the worst skin of my life. I've developed hormonal acne and it seems whatever I put on my face I end up breaking out, My skin is oily yet dehydrated and flaky, if that makes sense. I've recently been using 100% tea tree oil diluted on the horrible acne bumps, but it is also very drying. It seems I can't win. I've been getting so depressed over this. So my hope is someone can recommend a moisturizer that is okay for acne prone skin? My face feels so tight and uncomfortable. I'm at my wits end and would appreciate any help  |
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Darlene, 45, oily, dehydrated sundamaged skin. |
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Sat Apr 28, 2012 7:57 pm |
| I'm so sorry you are having such a rough time with this. I'm sure that someone here will recommend something for you (it's a little slow here on the weekends). I do not have this problem myself, but have battled with melasma and know the frustration that can cause. I was told it was extemely difficult to get rid of without expensive laser treatments, but I'm fading them nicely with peels. I know there is an answer for you here. Please be patient, because you'll probably get more answers on Monday. |
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49 years young, brown hair/eyes, Careprost, Ageless If You Dare, Tanaka massage ツ |
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Sat Apr 28, 2012 7:58 pm |
| sandooch wrote: |
| I'm so sorry you are having such a rough time with this. I'm sure that someone here will recommend something for you (it's a little slow here on the weekends). I do not have this problem myself, but have battled with melasma. I was told it was extemely difficult to get rid of without expensive laser treatments, but I'm fading them nicely with peels. I know there is an answer for you here. Please be patient, because you'll probably get more answers on Monday. |
Thank you so much, I hope so, You wouldn't think that skin issues can get you so down, but it does |
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Darlene, 45, oily, dehydrated sundamaged skin. |
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Sat Apr 28, 2012 9:18 pm |
I'm so sorry that you have to deal with this *hugs*
Since you mentioned oily yet dehydrated/flaky, three things come to mind. First, is it possible you've overstripped your skin, leading to your skin overproducing oil? It's paradoxical but I found myself oily and breaking out more whenever I switch from my usual hydrating/creamy cleanser to a normal foaming/clear cleanser.
Second, are any of the products you're using (cleanser, serums, treatments) *too* strong or stripping? Dermatologists say that irritation via cleansing and toners/treatments can actually aggravate acne in some people.
Third, where is the flaking concentrated? If it's mainly your eyebrows and nose, you may have a case of seborrheic dermatitis, which is an allergic reaction/fungus that feeds on oil but is made worse by irritation. |
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23yo, upper lip melasma and sudden onset moderate comedonal acne. PC Clear 2% SA toner, Nia24 Skin Strengthening Complex, Finacea (AM), MaMa Lotion 20% (PM) |
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Sat Apr 28, 2012 9:50 pm |
Im so sorry for how you have been feeling. Theres nothing worse than having skin problems to make you feel down or even depressed. I had a long stint with proactiv which damaged my skin barrier and it took me a while to get it healthy and back to normal. Tea tree oil never helped me either. Im sure the experts will chime in but personally I found that giving my skin a break for a while and going for monthly visits to my esthetician (whom I trust moreso than any derm I've been to) has helped me get my breakouts, blackheads under control. For a long time my skin was oily, dehydrated, tight, bumpy and dirty looking from blackheads and hormonal breakouts. Not to mention I turned 37 and started to notice how much my skin was aging due to the dehyration and stripping it suffered.
Anyways I don't want to bore you but just know you are not alone in your struggles. My only advice is choose cleansers free of sulphates and other harsh chemicals. Cleanse and hydrate with oil free moisturisers.Along with a good diet, lots of water, some supplements, I slowly felt my skin tone, texture and feel improve. That's what I did along with monthly microdermabrasia and peels after my skin barrier was normal again. I even use Retin-A now which has helped for blackheads sooooo much and topical Vit C too. But I would stay away from acids until your skin doesn't have that tight feeling again. Some people even swear by creams with ceramides to help rebuild the skinbarrier, but it just made me break out more. I can't really use oils on my skin and only recemtly have started using argan oil and so far I havn't had congestion (but its only been a week).Every skin is different, but I would feel that for you right now get your skin feeling healthier and then you can tackle issues you have with breakouts etc. One step at a time...
Perhaps you could visit a derm?
GL |
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Sun Apr 29, 2012 4:47 am |
I suddenly developed cystic acne in my 30's, after having perfect skin throughout my teens and twenties.
I tried lots of things - topical solutions, anti-biotics. Nothing worked. My skin around my mouth/jowls starting sagging noticeably from the treatments - I figure the stuff I was using to dry the acne was also killing my skin.
In the end, I very reluctantly went on Roaccutane. It sounded very toxic, so I resisted the first time the doctor suggested it, thinking I could battle it on my own. However, a couple of years further on, the acne was just getting worse; it was leaving angry red blotches on my face after each flare up had subsided. I'd work hard to fade the blotches, only for a new batch of acne to flare up again in the same place. So I finally relented, and went on the 5 month course of Roaccutane, closely monitored by the doctor (monthly blood tests etc).
I SO wish I had just done it in the first place - after 5 years of persistent acne, it was clear in 5 months.
Hard work has eliminated the red blotches, but I still suffer from 'floppy' skin around my jowls, where I had the worst breakouts. If only I had taken the R the first time it was offered, I would not have damaged my skin so badly using topical drying solutions. My lower face looks significantly older than my upper face.
Roaccutane is the ONLY thing that actually worked. |
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Sun Apr 29, 2012 5:27 am |
| Thank you All for the replies and for sharing. I was on accutane many years ago when I was younger it worked miracles for years. Then when I started getting hormonal acne about a year after stopping the BC pill, just before turning 40 I tried accutane again and couldn't handle the side effects, my eyes became so dry they were painful. I started taking spironolactone instead and it worked another "miracle" Now the spiro doesn't work anymore. I drink tons of water, and have only been using a vit c serum, HA serum mixed with a tiny amount of emu oil. The dehydration/flakies are all over,concentrated mote on my cheeks and chin. I don't use anything harsh on the skin, I'm scared too. I live in a tiny remote town, there is not even a derm here :/ I just feel defeated, My skin scars very easily and am getting sagging as well, it's just horrible. |
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Darlene, 45, oily, dehydrated sundamaged skin. |
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Sun Apr 29, 2012 5:35 am |
Hello,
Karin Herzog is a very good skin care line. It is also good for acne prone, oily, dry skin etc. because the products work to normalize skin.
I've posted a link below so you can read about it and decide for yourself whether or not it is right for you.
Good luck. I wish you all the best in finding the right solution to your problem.
http://www.karinherzog.co.uk/ |
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Sun Apr 29, 2012 5:48 am |
Please go to a dermatologist. Sometimes we need to travel a little to get to the right dr's. Hormonal acne is so difficult to try to treat on you own. I'm speaking from experience.
What are you using to dilute the TTO and at what % ? For now just stop the TTO, its only making your skin worse. Just use a gentle cleanser, something like Cerave should be easy to find. |
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Sun Apr 29, 2012 7:28 am |
I am prone to hormonal acne too... started in my 30's -- I absolutely CANNOT live without taking the supplements VITEX (chaste tree) and Nature's Way DIM-Plus.
I recently ran out of the Nature's Way DIM-Plus and my skin broke-out TERRIBLY - all sorts of zits including cystic - it was not fun and very depressing. As soon as I started back on the DIM-Plus my skin started to calm down - and within about 3 weeks it was totally clear again.
I will not ever let myself run out of this ever again!!! Google these supplements to see if you think they will help you.
I can tell you now, that most acne, especially the hormonal type is definitely caused by what's going on INSIDE the body - and applying stuff topically is not going to do a whole lot - you need to treat from the inside.
At your age I would not recommend Accutane/Roaccutane -- it's especially hard on the liver - and you've already said you have hormonal acne -- a clean liver is ABSOLUTELY necessary for hormonal balance - the liver helps to detoxify hormones and eliminate them.
You may also want to look at supplementing with Magnesium and B6 - absolutely imperative for hormonal balance...
Good luck! x |
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Sun Apr 29, 2012 2:16 pm |
| Thanks very much for the info. |
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Darlene, 45, oily, dehydrated sundamaged skin. |
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Sun Apr 29, 2012 4:42 pm |
Totally agree with glamcat.
As for dryness You may want to try weleda skinfood. I use it as a spot treatment for dry areas which I get now and then with retin-a. Works wonders...but couldn't use it all over of course. Great for the hands & body too.
Good luck and hope you get some good advice out there. |
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Sun Apr 29, 2012 6:14 pm |
Hey thanx for that Destiny  I have all of this info just stuck in my head! lol so I forget where I get a lot of my info from, but it does stay stuck in my head indeed - forever! lol my husband says I am literally a walking encyclopedia.
I've read various forums and many people who have tried Accutane, spiro, birth control, etc - and all became 'immuned' to the acne relief effects of these drugs report that their skin cleared with either DIM-Plus alone or combined with Vitex. If I skip the Vitex my skin gets pretty pissed off at me lol but it really went insane when I ran out of DIM-Plus - so now I buy 2 bottles at a time!
For my own purposes I've had to do a lot of research into hormones, specifically estrogen dominance/imbalance, low progesterone, the role of the liver on hormones -- because no doctor, endo, naturopath or herbalist (including TCM) could really get to the bottom of my issues and many of the products I had been prescribed, both natural and prescription often made things worse.
These 2 little gems absolutely WORK for me - so I tell people to give them a go 
You may also benefit from taking Zinc - apart from the skin benefits of zinc - our bodies really need zinc to help maintain hormone balance, to produce cortisol and progesterone in balanced proportions, etc... |
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Sun Apr 29, 2012 6:27 pm |
Oh and another thing - after reading the reviews on iHerb - the bottle says to take 2 tablets a day for women.
What I did when I first starting taking it, and then again recently when I recommenced after running out was: I took 2 tablets in the morning with my fish oil, etc - then 2 tablets again in the evening. I did this for 2 weeks until I was sure I had substantial levels in my body - and then I cut back to 1 tablet morning and 1 at night.
When DIM-Plus gets my skin back under control, my skin literally just GLOWS - it's awesome stuff.
There's a lot to estrogen dominance and even though as we age and our estrogen levels decline, they are actually still too high in ratio to progesterone - and this is where we get all of the problems of hot flashes, bloating, cramps, acne, etc. The worst thing a doctor can do to a woman going thru menopause, peri-menopause, etc is put her on HRT - what the patient really needs is not more estrogen in her body further over-dominating progesterone, she needs to boost her progesterone - and that can be done naturally with DIM, Maca, Zinc and a few other things. And also reducing sugar as insulin spikes cause cortisol spikes which further imbalances the progesterone and estrogen ratio.
When you take DIM-Plus the other thing you will notice is far reduced if not non-existent PMS, cramps, etc.
B6 is also absolutely imperative to assist the liver in clearing out excess estrogen - and I would highly recommend taking B6 with Magnesium -- these will also both boost your mood and just generally make you feel more balanced and happy
This is all stuff doctors probably wont tell you -- because they simply dont know! My GP always tells me I know more than him! My ob-gyn says I know this stuff inside out too - when we first met he was BLOWN AWAY by my knowledge - but these people wont even tell you this stuff because otherwise you will fix yourself and you wont need to keep going back to them making them a fortune! |
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Sun Apr 29, 2012 11:21 pm |
| dksnf68 wrote: |
| I drink tons of water, and have only been using a vit c serum, HA serum mixed with a tiny amount of emu oil. The dehydration/flakies are all over,concentrated mote on my cheeks and chin. I don't use anything harsh on the skin, I'm scared too. I live in a tiny remote town, there is not even a derm here :/ I just feel defeated, My skin scars very easily and am getting sagging as well, it's just horrible. |
So sorry to read how upset you are. ((hugs))
Ageing, acne and scarring may all indicate systemic inflammation, what is your diet like? Have you tried a low glycaemic index, anti-inflammatory diet? This can also help balance your hormones. Of particular importance are your intake of oily fish, sugar and other white/ refined carbs. Are you physically active each day (10,000 steps), sleep well and do not smoke?
Agree with the others that simultaneous acne and flaking could indicate that your skin barrier is not functioning correctly. What products are you cleansing and exfoliating with and what form of vitamin C is in your serum? What are you using as a sunscreen?
Neither HA nor emu oil contain the humectants and lipids able to support the barrier function of the skin - maybe switch the HA to aloe vera or a commercial urea cream, and the emu for a product containing cholesterol, long chain saturated fatty acids (palmitic/ stearic), ceramides, lanolin, unrefined shea butter or lecithin. As already mentioned CeraVe cream may be worth a shot. Emu oil is rich in oleic acid which research suggests may cause abnormal keratinisation which can contribute to clogging. |
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Sensitivity, forehead pigmentation & elevens, nose & chin clogged pores. Topicals: Aloe vera, squalane, lactic acid, Myfawnie KinNiaNag HG: Weleda calendula, Lanolips, Guinot masque essentiel, Flexitol Naturals, Careprost. Gadgets: Vaughter dermarollers, Lightstim. |
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Mon Apr 30, 2012 1:27 am |
| dksnf68 wrote: |
| Thank you All for the replies and for sharing. I was on accutane many years ago when I was younger it worked miracles for years. Then when I started getting hormonal acne about a year after stopping the BC pill, just before turning 40 I tried accutane again and couldn't handle the side effects, my eyes became so dry they were painful. I started taking spironolactone instead and it worked another "miracle" Now the spiro doesn't work anymore. I drink tons of water, and have only been using a vit c serum, HA serum mixed with a tiny amount of emu oil. The dehydration/flakies are all over,concentrated mote on my cheeks and chin. I don't use anything harsh on the skin, I'm scared too. I live in a tiny remote town, there is not even a derm here :/ I just feel defeated, My skin scars very easily and am getting sagging as well, it's just horrible. |
If you can use stuff like that I guess it helps.
I have some hormonal acne just at the chin area a bit and can not take any medications for it- well I do end up needing to take antibiotics a few times a year for my ears and sinuses and that does not make a huge difference.
I find for myself the Mario Badescu buffering lotion - it is some anti redness stuff, with alcohol and sulfur- that works quite well for me.
That and a clay mask as a spot treatment.
I also use PSF skincare antibacterial gel during the day.
Also sometimes DHC acne spot treatment and maybe body shop tea tree toner or clinique acne solutions toner.
-now I know that sounds like a lot, but I do not use all those things at once or even in one week.
-right now I'm just using a clay mask at night as a spot treatment and dhc spot treatment in the AM.
My skin is pretty sensitive, so I can't use a lot of stuff at once.
The rest of my skin is combination/dry so I use face cream with Jojoba and coconut oil and Eucerin spf 15 face cream or Kibio tinted moisturizer spf 30 or whatever has sunscreen for daytime.
Hopefully you can get some samples of stuff to try from here? |
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Mon Apr 30, 2012 6:53 am |
The other thing I should have mentioned about the DIM-Plus --- I've been taking it for about 2 years and I had become complacent thinking it wasnt really doing anything for me anymore (probably because all of my other symptoms/issues had disappeared) - so when I ran out I didnt rush to replace it... OMG! What a mistake! That's when my skin went crazy! It only took 2 weeks without the stuff for my skin to start breaking out like crazy! As soon as I started taking it again, like the very next day my skin started to calm down, the inflammation really started to settle, the redness and anger of the zits really subsided, and each day they started fading - by 3 weeks back on it my skin was totally clear again..
So I will really make sure I never get complacent ever again and I wont let myself run out! lol I definitely find it's when I stop using something that I see exactly what it was doing!  |
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Mon Apr 30, 2012 7:42 am |
| i too suffered from acne yet dehydrated skin. The worst thing you are doing is putting products that will dehydrate your skin even more. Start with a non-drying cleanser. I like the ultra calming dermalogica cleanser or the skinceuticals gentle cleanser. The clyndoxial gel is great for acne without drying out the skin. (you can only get this with a prescription). I highly recommend it. |
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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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Mon Apr 30, 2012 9:31 am |
dksnf68
| Quote: |
At 44 I have the worst skin of my life. 10 I've developed hormonal acne and it seems whatever I put on my face I end up breaking out,2) My skin is oily yet dehydrated and flaky, if that makes sense.3) I've recently been using 100% tea tree oil diluted on the horrible acne bumps, but it is also very drying. 4)It seems I can't win. I've been getting so depressed over this. 5) So my hope is someone can recommend a moisturizer that is okay for acne prone skin? My face feels so tight and uncomfortable. I'm at my wits end and would appreciate any help
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1)Been there and done that. My skin is now clear and battled acne for years. RetinA kept it in check, but...not perfect. Now, next to nothing.
2) Was oily primarily with dry cheeks. Now, all normal and boring.
3) TTO...too strong.
4)Need to find a method to get it under control
5) Something with a good dose of B3 in it. NAG along with, seems to be more helpful. Is for my skin at any rate. Retinol if your skin can tolerate it. Very effective anti acne and anti aging combination. B3 will aid in barrier repair and should calm down the acne over time. *Note, should, not guaranteed, however several others have had success with this.
Most effective method is to make it yourself. I am biased, I don't care for silicons and crap fillers for feel. They are useless.
Cleansing skin. As Firefox mentioned, don't strip it. Otherwise same old story. Gentle with your skin. Oily skin and acne are not the end of the world. They are in the end...a strange and warped gift.
Finding the balance is the trick and takes some experimentation. But once you find it,it becomes very easy to deal with, as it no longer flares up. I have acne, but you can't see it.
Topical nicotinamide compared with clindamycin gel in the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris.
Shalita AR, Smith JG, Parish LC, Sofman MS, Chalker DK.
Department of Dermatology, State University of New York, College of Medicine, Brooklyn, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Systemic and topical antimicrobials are effective in the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris; however, widespread use of these agents is becoming increasingly associated with the emergence of resistant pathogens raising concerns about microorganism resistance and highlighting the need for alternative nonantimicrobial agents for the treatment of acne. Nicotinamide gel provides potent antiinflammatory activity without the risk of inducing bacterial resistance.
METHODS: In our double-blind investigation, the safety and efficacy of topically applied 4% nicotinamide gel was compared to 1% clindamycin gel for the treatment of moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris. Seventy-six patients were randomly assigned to apply either 4% nicotinamide gel (n = 3 or 1% clindamycin gel (n = 3 twice daily for 8 weeks. Efficacy was evaluated at 4 and 8 weeks using a Physician's Global Evaluation, Acne Lesion Counts, and an Acne Severity Rating.
RESULTS: After 8 weeks, both treatments produced comparable (P = 0.19) beneficial results in the Physician's Global Evaluation of Inflammatory Acne; 82% of the patients treated with nicotinamide gel and 68% treated with clindamycin gel were improved. Both treatments produced statistically similar reductions in acne lesions (papules/pustules; -60%, nicotinamide vs. -43%, clindamycin, P = 0.168), and acne severity (-52% nicotinamide group vs. -38% clindamycin group, P = 0.161).
CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that 4% nicotinamide gel is of comparable efficacy to 1% clindamycin gel in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Because topical clindamycin, like other antimicrobials, is associated with emergence of resistant microorganisms, nicotinamide gel is a desirable alternative treatment for acne vulgaris.
Topical nicotinamide compared with clindamycin gel in the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris.
And;
Dermatol Surg. 2005 Jul;31(7 Pt 2):860-5; discussion 865.
Niacinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance.
Bissett DL, Oblong JE, Berge CA.
The Procter & Gamble Company, Miami Valley Laboratories, Cincinnati, Ohio 45252, USA. bissett.dl@pg.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In multiple chronic clinical studies, topical niacinamide (vitamin B3) has been observed to be well tolerated by skin and to provide a broad array of improvements in the appearance of aging facial skin (eg, reduction in the appearance of hyperpigmentated spots and red blotchiness).
OBJECTIVE: To clinically determine the effect of topical niacinamide on additional skin appearance and property end points (wrinkles, yellowing, and elasticity).
METHODS: Female white subjects (N = 50) with clinical signs of facial photoaging (fine lines and wrinkles, poor texture, and hyperpigmented spots) applied 5% niacinamide to half of the face and its vehicle control to the other half twice daily for 12 weeks (double blind, left-right randomized). Facial images and instrumental measures were obtained at baseline and at 4-week intervals.
RESULTS: Analyses of the data revealed a variety of significant skin appearance improvement effects for topical niacinamide: reductions in fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness (yellowing). In addition, elasticity (as measured via cutometry) was improved. Corresponding mechanistic information is presented.
CONCLUSION: In addition to previously observed benefits for topical niacinamide, additional effects were identified (improved appearance of skin wrinkles and yellowing and improved elasticity).
PMID: 16029679 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
The lady Here
has lovely products. I haven't used the lotions, other creations of hers. However the lotions look good. There is a Rooibos Tea one that would make a nice base for a B3 lotion if you were ever wanted to simply make one. |
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If you make, first do no harm, your Law, you will never strike the first blow and will be known as a man of peace who can fight like ten tigers, a Human in the act of Being. There is no greater rank than this. Ashida Kim on War.~Cellese~AnteAge Serum and Accelerator, DermaRoller ,MyFawnie AA2G serum, KNN G ForceUltrasound., SEA, ChrySun 25% ZnO |
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Mon Apr 30, 2012 10:13 am |
| Thank you DM. You are correct. The link went wonky for some reason. |
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If you make, first do no harm, your Law, you will never strike the first blow and will be known as a man of peace who can fight like ten tigers, a Human in the act of Being. There is no greater rank than this. Ashida Kim on War.~Cellese~AnteAge Serum and Accelerator, DermaRoller ,MyFawnie AA2G serum, KNN G ForceUltrasound., SEA, ChrySun 25% ZnO |
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Mon Apr 30, 2012 10:17 am |
| DragoN wrote: |
| Thank you DM. You are correct. The link went wonky for some reason. |
You are welcome, I know it happens I just wanted to make sure that was the correct one. |
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I'LL SEE YOU ON THE DARKSIDE OF THE MOON.... |
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Mon Apr 30, 2012 12:42 pm |
Interesting link DragoN. I've suffered from hormonal acne for years and have tried numerous products from different birth control pills to all kinds of skincare regimes. Because my skintype is on the dry/dehydrated side....most acne products are targeted for those who have oily skin. I've made the mistake of using harsh products on my skin that just stripped it even more causing more irritation and dryness and wondered why acne products actually made my skin look even worse. Things to avoid : products that contain alcohol (most products cleansers/toners etc. that are targeted towards acne contains alcohol which should be avoided at all costs). I have also found tea tree oil to be very drying on the skin. It's more "natural" than alcohol is but works similarly like alcohol for the purpose of killing bacteria that cause infection/acne and leaving you with dry skin. Retin-A was MAJORLY drying for my skin even though Retin-A was originally marketed as a topical acne medication (i felt like it didn't do anything to help with my acne).
Acne medications I found to be good for acne sufferers with dry skin = differin (although i felt like it wasn't strong enough to fight off my hormonal cystic acne) and .1% Clyndoxil Gel (my favourite because it has a bit of skin lightener properties that lighten hyperpigmentation marks caused by acne while at the same time not causing my skin to become dry/flaky).
I haven't tried the nicotinamide, but i will report back when I do. |
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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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