Bad skin question

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.