20 answers

Terrible Acne Problem

I am 23 yrs old, and I have the worst acne. Growing up, as a teenager, I didn't have any, thought I was so lucky! I could go days without washing my face with anything but soap in the shower, and never had a zits! At age 19, I started getting some acne. I would wash my face and treat it, and try to prevent it. My dr. says that I have a hormone inbalance, which causes this, and put me on a certain birth control that was supposed to help with my hormones and my acne. It hasn't worked. It's been a year, and no change.

I'm not just talking about a few pimples and blackheads. I get these 'pockets' as big as a nickle on my face(sometimes bigger), that are filled with a very dark colored blood. Like almost black. I can be talking to someone at the store, and they will just start bleeding for no reason. When they finally go away, which usually takes about a mnth or two, the spot where it was becomes hard and then I find a little tiny blackhead, the size of a needle tip. I have scars on my face now because of them.

I am embarrassed at the way I look. I've gained weight, because I decided that if I wasn't pretty anymore, it didn't matter what I ate, who was gonna look at me anyway. I don't go out with my friends anywhere, they always invite me to parties(birthday holiday etc.), but I never go because I feel that everyone notices and they are talking about it or are disgusted. I've tried alot of different products. Mary Kay, Avon, Beauti Control, Proactiv, prescription, Murad, about every thing you can buy at Walmart, you name it I've tried it, so I'm just lost as to what to do next. How do I get rid of regular acne and these disgusting pockets of blood...and does anyone know what they are caused by?? I've been to the dermitologist, he just keeps giving me different creams...the same things my little sister uses, and it doesn't work. I also have not very much money right now, we are on a very, very tight budget, because of trying to move and christmas, so I can't spend $$ on anything...do you know any specific home methods or anything like that??

I'm just tired of being embarrassed and feeling like a monster. I don't want this to continue and when my son goes to school(not for years) for someone to say something about my face to him.

Thank you.

What can I do next?

So What Happened?™

Oka, to kind clear up some things. Yes, I've talked to the dr. and the dermo...they annoy me...I've been to several, they give me a cream or a pill and send me home, it does nothing in 2 mnths and I go back. I've used most if not all products for about 2-3 mnths and I do use them according to the direction. I do drink alot of water, no soda, and only 1 cup of coffee a day. I don't eat junk food or sugary stuff or salty stuff. In fact, and it may be hard to believe, but I eat only 1 meal a day. I've battled with anorexia my whole life, so being as big as I am(I went through 4 pregnancies in 4 yrs, and 2 got almost there and then I had a miscarriage), makes me feel disgusting. Some girls are happy being big, that's fine! I love big girls, I love their charisma and life! But I'm not one of them. I'm the girl that misses being 5'7" and 115lbs. I miss being able to play football and have a set of abs to die for.

I do have alot of stress in my life, I won't go into that, but there are things in my life that are happening, that I wouldn't wish on the evilest person in the world, because it would break down your soul. Stress is a big factor, but it's not something that is ever going to go away, that is a fact.

I am currently trying Biore (sp?) cleanser...it seems to be helping. I've been using it only for about a week or so, a friend told me that they had a new one out, and it had helped her. It has cleared up most of my acne and some of the larger 'pockets' are getting smaller, in fact 1 went away completely in 2 days. If anyone has a good toner, I would appreciate it...oh and are they supposed to burn/sting when you put them on??

I didn't have a mother growing up and my father was never around for this kind of stuff, so I don't really know much about some things that you ladies do. Just because I grew up in a house of all boys and all my friends were boys, so I tend to act more like a boy, I guess.

Thank you all for your kind words and help. Thank you for your support. I know that my son loves me and will no matter what I look like, but I hate myself, and that's a problem.

Featured Answers

Do you ever any symptoms of a hormonal imbalance?? I dealt with horrible acne for several years before finally being diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). Treating the skin didn't work--It needed to be treated from the inside out. We got my hormone levels back to normal and the acne cleared right up.

http://www.pcosupport.org/

Hi J. my name is A. and I'm 38 years old and I've suffered with acne since I hit puberty at 9 years old. Like you i've been on everything, but recently I tried the Clean and Clear Advantage package from Walmart, it only cost $18.00 and I have seen results with this that I didn't see on all the different prescriptions i've been on in the past. If you haven't already tried it give it a whirl, I haven't had any new pimples in 3 weeks and the dark spots are clearing as well. Hope this helps.
A.

More Answers

J.,
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S. A

i just read all these responses.....wow alot of these are a waste of words!!! some are good and correct- you have mentioned that you have tried everything.....but you are also gaining weight. yes, eating high fat foods does contribute to acne. yes, not exfoliating regularly does contribute to acne. so eat a bit better- take your vitamins, drink lots of water. you also really should try to get regular facials (at least once every 2 mths)- think about this way, you brush your teeth daily, but you still go to the dentist to have them clean your teeth.....getting facials is like that. if money is tight, go to a school for the facials. it is a perfect way for the students to practice and a huge break in price. try an oxygen facial.
but did you know that how you sleep can contribute to acne??? or how you talk on the phone??? do you sleep on your side or tummy?? if so, and you have oily skin, then the oils can go to your face and clog in the pores on the side you sleep or the whole face if you sleep on your tummy. if you always are resting your hands on your face (or a phone on your face) then the bacteria on your hands and on the phone can cause acne. so don't touch your face unless you are cleaning it, and wipe down all phones daily that you use.

now one last thing.....again, i know you mentioned that you have tried everything. but how long did you give each product to work before trying something else?? and did you use the product like it stated??? i only ask because some products does take a bit longer to see work. and most work only after they have been applied correctly.

J.,
Have you talked to your GYN about those BC pills? I, too, had this probelm many years ago between my 2 children while on BC pills. My mom read a small article in a magazine and sent it to me. It said, "Are Your Birth Control Pills Making You Break-Out?" I only had small pimples during my teen years while menstruating, but had major acne after my 1st child, and never realized it was my BC pills. I know you stated that your doctor said these would help, but maybe you need a different one. Not everyone reacts to each medication the same way. Good luck to you. I've been there and know how you are feeling.
From a friend in NPR D. H.

Hi J.,

Hope you had a great holiday!
I had the same problem. Growing up I had porcelain like skin. Never had a break out. It started with me about 5 years ago at 35 yrs old and I couldn't figure out why. I was so embarrassed I would cry constantly. I was glad to live out in the middle of nowhere cause no one could see me. I would have huge pustules that were painful,deep and bright red. Sometimes 5 or 6 at a time and tons of black heads. I tried every product you could imagine but it just made it worse. I thought that it might be a hormone imbalance so I did some research. I found that it had to do with the foods I was eating. First I eliminated all soy products from my diet. Soy alters your hormones and is a poison to your body. You can read about soy at drmercola.com. The huge pustules went away but I still had acne. Next I found out that I am gluten intolerant so I eliminated all grains. The acne began to clear up slowly. Then I noticed that every time I drank a soda, tea, energy drink, my face would break out. I eliminated all caffeine, MSG(monosodium glutimate) and aspartame. It has been about a year now since I started and all my acne is gone. A few black heads here and there and a little break out at that time of the month. I finally see "me" again when I look in the mirror. I can't believe the difference changing my diet has done!

Now I am not sure if this will work for you too but it's worth a try. It's also free!:) You don't have to eliminate everything at once. At least try the soy first since it influences hormone levels. Then eliminate the others. Maybe take note of the things you eat and drink and see if you have an acne reaction.

If you have any questions, please email me! I wish you the best!

L.

I also would suggest drinking lots of water and being careful with your diet. In addition, maybe you should think about changing doctors. Also, curezone.com has a ton of information on home/natural remedies for every ailment you could think of (and some you don't even want to know about!!) They have places to post messages and talk to others about the experiences you are going through and how they deal with it and what things they've tried too. The website is set up a little different than other websites so it may take a bit of looking to find what you want. Best of luck, Jen

Hi J.! I am sorry to hear that! I was a 'lucky' one too and didn't have acne in my teen years. Then I hit my 20's and developed cystic acne...very large, painful sores on my face and neck. It was very embarrasing. I too had gained weight around that time and wasn't eating well. Here is what worked for me:

-drink LOTS of water
-cut out carbonated beverages (or limit to one per day)
-avoid fried foods
-eat fruits and vegetables every day
-wash and moisturize my face only twice a day (I used to wash it more thinking the acne was because my face was dirty)
-use products that do not contain mineral oil, as they can block your pores
-exercise as much as your schedule will allow (even if it is just walking for 15 minutes here and there)

Arbonne's Clear Advantage line worked for me. I got rid of my cystic acne and then switched to their anti-aging line, which got rid of my acne scarring. Because of my great results, I started recommending the products to friends and eventually started selling it. Let me know if you areinterested in getting the Clear Advantage line after the holidays. We can sign you up for a wholesaler account, so you would save 35% on the products.

Best of luck! I know how frustrating it can be. I think with a diet change and the right products, you will be amazed how fast you can get rid of the acne!

Have a good holiday and best of luck with the move!
M.
P.S. Did the dermatologist say it was acne or possibly rosacea??

Hi J. my name is A. and I'm 38 years old and I've suffered with acne since I hit puberty at 9 years old. Like you i've been on everything, but recently I tried the Clean and Clear Advantage package from Walmart, it only cost $18.00 and I have seen results with this that I didn't see on all the different prescriptions i've been on in the past. If you haven't already tried it give it a whirl, I haven't had any new pimples in 3 weeks and the dark spots are clearing as well. Hope this helps.
A.

Hi J.,
I am a nurse that used to work for a dermatologist. It does take several months for the pills and creams to work if they are going to. The best thing you can do without seeing a doc is to get some over the counter acne wash with benzoyl peroxide 5 or 10% in it. It has to be atleast 5% and you have to put it on your face, leave it for 2-3 minutes atleast then wash it off. Its going to sting, its supposed to. It might make you face dry so use a good moisturizer. If it gets to dry or irritated then use it every other day. I promise this will help. Its also really inexpensive. I hope this helps.
H.

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