Hi Everyone!
So, I'm 29 with three beautiful children, wonderful hubby, and busy schedule/life as a mother, student, employee. I eat healthy, try to exercise regularly, keep the mind active, and take care of myself.
so my question....
My cycle recently went from 28-30 day cycle to about a 45 day cycle (tracked over the last year) and I seem to be having a TON of acne now whereas before i would get, maybe 1-2 pimples a month! I use a weekly mask and wash daily/nightly with neutragena, and nothing is keeping the acne at bay! is there anything else I could do.....history, as a teen it was the same, 1-2 pimples a month, regular cycle. also, now i have some redness in the cheeks, what can help with that? thanks in advance!
Also, i don't wear a lot of make-up(mainly eye stuffs when i do), live in a dry climate, am not on any type of birth control-hubby had a vasectomy 4 years ago, and have semi-sensitive skin.
It happened to me too...I took coffee out of my diet and my face is clear again,but you might be allergic to something or have hormonal problems..but see a dermatologist.
You most likely have rosacea. You need to see a demotologist and if you want to help it in the mean time it is treated like acne. Go buy Acne Free brand (walmart sells it even for 6 bucks) orange and white packaging. Buy the sulfur mask treament.
Its really the best mask for these things. It can clear it all up overnight. it does not make you break out more or take forever. Give it shot, I have had acne plus rosacea for years, Im 29 too. Its annoying.
Are you moisturizing?
Washing your face is important because it removes dirt and debris that can cause acne. At the same time, however, it strips natural oils that keep the skin soft and moisturized. If you don't moisturize, the skin sort of goes into overdrive, creating even more oil in an attempt to keep the skin moisturized. The excess oil, combined with dirt and bacteria can lead to more pimples.
So, if you're not moisturizing with an oil-free lotion that also contains an SPF of 15 you should look into that.
At the same time, you may also wish to consult a dermatologist who can guide your decision-making process as well.
I would make an appointment to see the dermatologist. Have them assess the problem and prescribe some products. Benzaclin is a great product, but it is only available with a prescription.
It sounds like your acne is more hormonally based and will probably respond really well to birth control pills. I don't know your feelings about the pill, but it worked wonders for me. I had to try a couple of different ones before I found the one that worked, but wow was it worth it.
I also use a combination of Proactiv and Murad. Proactiv is Benzoyl Peroxide based and Murad is Salicylic Acid based. I also use Bare Escentuals Rare Minerals Blemish treatment which is a powder that is applied with a brush and is 3% sulfur. That works great!!! Proactiv and Murad both have a Sulfur based spot treatment. They are in a cream form and are to be used directly on the blemishes or as a mask. They also work really great. I have found that sulfur works fast and gently.
I always found that Neutrogena made my skin ten times worse.
I would still recommend a trip to the dermatologists office though.
Peace.
Sounds like your progesterone levels are low, or your estrogen levels are too high. Try taking Chaste Tree Berry (also known as vitex). It's an herb that balances the female hormones. It worked for me after pregnancy and miscarriage when my hormones were all a mess.
It could also be high testosterone levels caused by adrenal fatigue--caused by stress. Extra b-complex, vitamin c, and holy basil herb would help with that. Adrenal fatigue effects the ovaries hormonal output over time and that could be why your cycle is off.
Just some thoughts...
J.
Hi A.,
It can bet it is hormone related.
High testosterone causes acne, and it also messes with the cycle.
The sex horomes are regulated from the adrenal gland. Cortisol has an affect on testosterone levels. HIGH cortisol will cause low testosterone. Low cortisol will cause high testosterone.
Have you noticed any fatigue lately, sleeping problems, inability to handle stress? Back pain, dizzyness, confusion, memory issues? These are also caused by adrenal gland hormone upset.
A saliva cortisol test can check those levels. Not all docotrs know how to decipher them though. ____@____.com have moderators who can decipher the test.
Gail
Since you mention that this happened about the same time as a change in your monthly cycle, I would suggest talking to your OB/GYN about it. It could be related to some other issue (the ones that come to my not-so-experienced mind are PCOS, peri-menopause, and imbalance in testosterone levels). Doesn't hurt to rule it out, any way.
Also, make sure you are using a high-quality cleanser and moisturizer, with no fillers, perfumes, or dyes. To be honest, what you buy at the grocery store is not optimal, but there are some good options that don't cost a ton... mssg me if you want more details. And, a GOOD, high quality foundation can actually help, too. Sounds weird, but when you get one that is non-comodogenic (won't clog pores) it actually sits on the surface of your skin and keeps pollutants out. When I started wearing a good foundation daily, I had a lot fewer issues with acne (and I really had issues with young-adult acne before that). Again, quality is the key.
And, after you've ruled out hormone issues with your GYN, it wouldn't hurt to visit a dermatologis (unless your first doc can diagnose the skin issue without you needing to see a specialist).
Hi A.. It could be hormones, maybe even your thyroid. I agree with the others and have Dr. check that out. In the mean time.. your skin may actually be getting drier and your skin needs more moisture it that is what is what is happening. When our skin is dry and is actually combination skin (oily and dry), the lack of moisture in your skin prompts your cells to produce more oil to fix the dryness. I would recommend a moisturizer that is oil free, but would hydrate (increase the water level, not add oil). I also agree with the foundation statement. Foundation actually helps your skin retain moisture, again a oil free one, would probably be best. Message me if you want any more suggestions. Good luck.
H.
Start a regimine of using products with Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid. I recommend using washes and lotions (at night) with 2% Salicylic Acid (Clean and Clear and Clearasil have great products). Use lotions containing Benzoyl Peroxide only during the day and be very careful not to get in on any of your clothing because it will bleach fabric. The combination of these 2 ingredients will really help. If not, then it could be a yeast problem and for that you may need to take an antiobiotic.
You may have Rosacea. Get checked by your doctor. If it is rosacea they can give you topical gel that will keep the acne and redness at bay. They can also give you an antibiotic to get rid of the current acne and bring it under control.
Have you tried the Mary Kay time wise line in the combo/oily formula? All products come with a 100% money back guarantee.
