Bad skin question

ohheyy125

Did something you added or took out of your diet/fitness routine help your skin if you had acne?

I've always had a problem, for about 10 years now. I'm 22.

Mine is mostly around my lower cheeks/ jawline, so I'm pretty sure it's hormonal. I take BC and that helps a bit.

But I'm wondering if something you changed for your body helped your skin?

Like if you cut out dairy or wheat or sweets or when you added exercise?

I thought this was a teen problem =/

30Purple

I'm 30 and still have this issue occasionally. Wash your face with a warm washcloth for the texture, or they've got face scrubbies at the Dollar Tree.. use a mild, non-scented soap.. change your pillowcase 2x a week (your hair gets greasy and when you roll, you end up with greasy grossness on your face!)... also, stay hydrated, plenty of water.

ohheyy125

thanks anybody else??

chocolateandpb

Have you seen a dermatologist? I had similar acne problems, also since I was about 12, and what's really worked for me is spironolactone. I haven't had any breakouts since I've been on it, and no nasty side effects either. I still get the occasional random pimple but not the big ones along my chin/neck/jawline and only if I do something naughty like sleep in my makeup.

scowper

i got really bad acne around my hairline when i was on the contraceptive injection but as soon as i came off it my skin improved. i still get the occasional breakout and it's almost always when i've been bad and slept in my make-up, and/or been eating bad. when my diet is good (lot's a fruit, veg and water etc) my skin really benefits

wanderlust23

I always have really clear skin when I don't have dairy products, and then when I eat them again I get a rash/acne around my jaw line/chin too. I never had skin trouble when I was a teenager, but now that I'm in my early twenties it's worse! Even though people say food doesn't effect your skin, I personally think it does, for me anyway.

tommygirl15

Eating a clean diet (high in fruits and vegetables, unprocessed foods, etc) helps a lot with acne! Though, being a woman there are times of the month where it doesn't matter how clean I eat because the hormones sometimes win over. Try adding some fresh lemon juice to your water, that really cleans you out. When you are clean on the inside, it shows on the outside.

rainlover711

Turns out my acne was caused by PCOS, and I probably wouldn't have known if I didn't go see a dermatologist.

I would suggest going to see one, just because they can tell you if it can be fixed externally (soap, cleanser) or it's caused internally (foods, pcos, etc.)

If it's caused by something such as PCOS, no amount of cleanser or soap will really help.

jerbear1962

As a teen I had horrible acne problems...even as I got older I'd still have breakouts....since I started my latest lifestyle change I've noticed that not only do I not have acne as bad but some of my old blemishes has started to disappear. I got away from fried foods, pasta and rice. Not sure if that had anything to do with it but sure do like not having to deal with the acne.

SyntonicGarden

Since you're tracking what you eat, see if it flares a few days after you've eaten known allergens, like milk or eggs. I know lots of folks who have had to cut back on milk because it makes them break out.

dearprudence78

I've always had acne problems and for me, my face is like a window to my insides. You can tell just by looking at me when I've been eating a lot of processed junk and not exercising. A lot of my acne is also stressed induced, but exercise lowers stress levels so I tend to break out less when I stay active. So try to eat as clean as possible, exercise at least 4-5 times a week, and wash your face morning and night with warm (not hot!) water and a washcloth. Also wash it after you've worked out. I really like Eucerine Redness Relief face wash. It's very gentle and keeps the redness at bay. (Another of my skin woes.). Hope this helps!

FoodandFitness

I have never seen any peer-reviewed studies to show a strong link between acne and nutrition. If there are some out there, I'd like to take a look.

In my opinion, you diet is not connected with your acne. Aside from basic hygiene and washing, talking to your dermatologist would be a step in the right direction.

happythermia

DermaDoctor Ain't Misbehavin' line. It's like skin crack. It's AMAZING.

reneewill

I haven't ever really had acne until I started dieting and exercising. I really don't know why that happens. I was on some diet pills through my doctor and went off of them because of breakouts. However, now, Im not doing anything but diet and exercise and have been breaking out again. There is definately a correlation of some sort! good luck

impyimpyaj

Acne can be related to what you eat, for some people. Sometimes it's not. The best bet is to see a dermatologist. I have tried everything, from changing my diet to changing my skin care routine to drinking more water to using olive oil as a moisturizer... nothing helps. It's systemic, for me. I'm seeing the doctor later this week to get it under control.

ExplorinLauren

The healthier I started eating, and cleaner.... my face cleared up A LOT. Also drinking tons of water. I've never had a bad acne problem, but my skin had gotten worse as I got older. I had already used Skin ID, and had switched to proactiv. But since changing my diet, I've stopped using all that crap, and never break out.

spangey13

Hi,
I went to the doctor recently for this - I told him that I was 28. I had skin like a 16 year old. I was sick to death of it and would take drugs of any strength to get it fixed. He switched me from the Depo Provera (contraception injection) to the Pill. It is now called Ginet-84, but it used to be called Estelle.

Also, for spot treatments of yukko big ones, I use benzyl peroxide which you should be able to buy from the pharmacy. This dries out the skin in the area and will make it go away faster.

I used pro-activ for a little bit too, but switching to the Pill really cleaned it up the most for me. The only problem with the pill... it increases your appetite. (For some anyway). It also makes your boobies bigger :-)

hausofnichele

Always always always moisturize your face after you wash it in the shower or at the sink. Use a tiny bit of lotion EVEN if your face is usually oily or combination. This is something so many people don't do and what causes the skin to break out.

Drink plenty of water. Eat or take supplements of vitamin E (almonds are great) and Omega 3 (fish oil).

Also, I would cut down on red meats/dairy that can make your hormones a little off. And cut your carbs/sugar down a bit.

thathockeychick23

I used to have really bad cystic acne. To the point where I didn't even want to leave the house. I feel like all of the exercise has benefited. I am seeing a difference. However, a great thing to use for acne is apple cider vinegar. I swear by it. Using it as a toner and taken internally. As well as tomato masks. As natural as possible when it comes to your skin. Nutrition is a big thing as well. I know that eating cleaner has definitely helped out.

michellesablan

From what I've read so far - all good suggestions!

Do you notice that you break out more during ovulation or during your periods? Hormones do play a big role in your skin. As others stated, I would see a dermatologist for a professional opinion.

As an esthetician (and 32 year old who has finally gotten control over her adult acne) but unable to see you in person, here are suggestions that I usually give everybody:
1) Drink a lot of water. Your body, including your skin (the largest organ of your body) needs to stay hydrated in order to perform optimally.
2) Never go to bed with make-up on. Mary Kay (no, I'm not a Mary Kay consultant) tells their clients that going to bed with make up on ages your skin by 7 days! True? Not sure, but I sure don't want to find out!
3) Wash your pillowcase at least 1x/week
4) Do not go crazy and wash your face more than 2x/day. This may strip your skin and may think that you have dry skin even if your skin is oily, causing even more problems if you have oily skin in the first place.
5) Use products specifically designed for your skin type. And use quality products. They may be more expensive, but they are definitely worth it!
6) Seek professional guidance. They will be able to see you/talk to you in person and will be able to determine how to help you the best.

Good luck!

refinley2

Eating a clean diet (high in fruits and vegetables, unprocessed foods, etc) helps a lot with acne! Though, being a woman there are times of the month where it doesn't matter how clean I eat because the hormones sometimes win over. Try adding some fresh lemon juice to your water, that really cleans you out. When you are clean on the inside, it shows on the outside.

Yes. Do this while simultaneously nixing all fastfoods and soda in general (diet too) for a month and you will see some improvement.

However, in many cases, acne can be more than just a diet thing, so if this doesn't have much affect, you'll want to see a dermatologist.

missprincessgina

Certain birth control pills work better for the prevention of acne. I take Yaz and I've heard Ortho Tricyclin works well also.

Obagi makes an acne line, its prescription only. I use their Rx anit-aging cream.

A doctor or dermatologist would know best. Good luck!

ohheyy125

great tips thanks. I didn't like the situation where acne got worse with diet and exercise. thats just not fair.

I'm on ortho tri cyclen. it helps a bit.

thenessa

I'm surprised that I haven't seen SLEEP as a response yet.

Nights where I only get 3-6 hours of sleep, I notice that my face breaks out significantly more than when I get 7-8 hours of sleep. The more rest I get, the more clear and refreshed my skin appears.

SLEEP SLEEP SLEEP does the body good!

WeatherGirl88

I've had pretty bad cystic acne since I was 11 (Yikes!) and I just recently (finally?) went to a dermatologist who prescribed a sulfer wash. Which worked. I'm so crazy enthusiastic, because IT'S BEEN SO LONG and my skin, while not completely clear, isn't bad at all!

JessicaBR0

I don't have food advice but have you tried Cetaphil cleanser and lotion? I had breakouts every month too, until I started using it. It takes a couple weeks to a month to notice the change.

ksarkarati

An aesthetician recommended that I cut out dairy for a month and see how that affected my skin. I also was having breakouts on my lower cheeks and jawline. I essentially cut out dairy and it has really made a difference! It's worth it to try for a few weeks.

mfpcopine

I thought this was a teen problem =/

Adult acne is pretty common. It could be hormonal, it could be caused by something pressing against your cheeks and chin, it could be dietary. To figure out if it's diet, you have to systematically eliminate one suspect food for about three weeks. If there's no change, then try eliminating something else.

roxmysoxoffkys

I had some super bad acne. The kind where I was going to the Dermatologist 2 times a month. It was such a drag and nothing seemed to help. Then, I started working out.. and staying HYDRATED. Water helps wonders. My skin has never been clearer. I have some scars but even those are starting to fade. It's been about a year since I've started the lifestyle change, it's gotten much better.

ixap

Huge amounts of dark leafy greens have done more for me than any topical product. Maybe it's the vitamin a.
I am borderline addicted to my huge green smoothies.

SarahCW1979

I have just finished a 9 month course of Accutane. I didnt have a problem until I was 27 and then BAM! You know, when I wished to look like a teenager again one New Years I think the wish fairy took me all wrong!

Before the Accutane I had the most awful cystic acne that was so painful I had to use ibuprofen gel on my face just to cope. To get rid of it I had to go wheat, sugar and dairy free but it was a tough diet to follow and every time I slipped up Id pay for it with my face!

After trying every topical and anti-biotic and an 18mth wait I got to see a dermatologist who put me on Accutane. Its not pleasant, I can only recommend it if all else has failed. Constant back ache, dry eyes, chapped lips and realllly itchy, dry skin all over. Only being able to use unscented toiletries and E45 for moisturiser was ok but got a bit boring. The worst bit was staying out of the sun, one day I burned in 10 minutes through a factor 30!
On the upside, I cleared up within the first 2 months of starting treatment and have been clear ever since. Still have a minor back ache but Ill take that over feeling like my face is going to explode any day!