Pimple and diet?

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bdommyb
bdommyb Posts: 13 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Hey, guys! I'm a teen with a a lot of pimples around my face (even saying that is an understatement). Is there any correlation between diets and amount of pimples? I would really love to get rid of this pimple problem. Ive tried benzoyl peroxide and benzac together. It's only slightly getting better. Anyone can recommend a scrub?
Sorry if this was posted in the wrong section!
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Replies

  • crystalewhite
    crystalewhite Posts: 422 Member
    edited June 2015
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    There is for me, it took me more than 20 years and many doctors to figure it out. I used to take antibiotics and use Benzaclin and Retin A, but if I severly limit simple carbs like wheat and candy, and dairy, I don't break out like I used to. At my age it's nice to finally not have to deal with acne as much!

    Sorry, I forgot to tell you about the scrub...... When I was a teenager I used some of that Neutrogena acne scrub with all my medications and it ended up irritating me so much it made it worse. I would just use a wash cloth to gently scrub, or get a Clarisonic if it's in your budget. They have great gentle brush head replacements.
  • bdommyb
    bdommyb Posts: 13 Member
    edited June 2015
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    crystalewhite wrote: »
    There is for me, it took me more than 20 years and many doctors to figure it out. I used to take antibiotics and use Benzaclin and Retin A, but if I severly limit simple carbs like wheat and candy, and dairy, I don't break out like I used to. At my age it's nice to finally not have to deal with acne as much!
    I don't want to wait for 20 years to clear my acne :'( *sobs*
  • whmscll
    whmscll Posts: 2,254 Member
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    Not for me. I have had acne all my life. What worked best for me is keeping my face clean, i.e. Washing away the excess oil several times a day using a really gentle cleanser and cool(NOT) hot water. Oh, and drugs. (Prescribed antibiotics, LOL). Have you seen a dermatologist?
  • ManiacalLaugh
    ManiacalLaugh Posts: 1,048 Member
    edited June 2015
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    bdommyb wrote: »
    Hey, guys! I'm a teen with a a lot of pimples around my face (even saying that is an understatement). Is there any correlation between diets and amount of pimples? I would really love to get rid of this pimple problem. Ive tried benzoyl peroxide and benzac together. It's only slightly getting better. Anyone can recommend a scrub?
    Sorry if this was posted in the wrong section!

    Do you happen to be on a weight loss supplement? Those can be murder on the complexion. I feel like a broken record because I've said this on a couple of threads today, but HydroxyCut gave me acne so bad that I was embarrassed to leave the house.

    If you're working out, that could also be the cause. Sweat gets in the pours and clogs them up really quickly. I know you're already scrubbing, but make sure you scrub right after you exercise.
  • crystalewhite
    crystalewhite Posts: 422 Member
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    I didn't start experimenting with my diet until about five years ago, it doesn't have to be that long for you!

    Are those medications that you are using over the counter? If you have insurance I would start finding by finding a good dermatologist. They can give you some stronger products that will help take care of the breakouts while you are finding out what your trigger is.
  • TrailBlazinMN
    TrailBlazinMN Posts: 209 Member
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    Acne can be directly correlated to diet and/or environment (laundry detergent, hairspray, soaps, etc).
  • ManiacalLaugh
    ManiacalLaugh Posts: 1,048 Member
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    crystalewhite wrote: »
    I would start finding by finding a good dermatologist. They can give you some stronger products that will help take care of the breakouts while you are finding out what your trigger is.

    ^This.

    I neglected to mention something further. When I was in my 20's I had pretty bad acne. I went to a dermatologist and they actually recommended I stop doing what I was doing (using hydrogen peroxide, scrubbing with harsh soaps, etc.). They told me to scrub gently with warm water and leave it at that. It worked pretty well.

    Yep, definitely go see a dermatologist. They might have a simple solution.
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
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    Most dermatologists will suggest you cut out dairy and sugar.

    I'd suggest you see a dermatologist to see how severe it is, what they suggest, the steps you can take to alleviate it, and if they want you to be on an oral medication.
  • discretekim
    discretekim Posts: 314 Member
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    Yeah they said forever there was no correlation between acne and diet. But I've heard now simple sugars have been shown to be bad for skin. I've had some acne forever. It gets better and worse depending on stress and hormones. But mine has just started getting worse since I started exercising again. I'm still working on my most recent breakouts.
  • whmscll
    whmscll Posts: 2,254 Member
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    My dermatologist suggested I cut out dairy and chocolate. Did absolutely nothing for my acne. So, not a guarantee, although definitely worth a try to see if it helps you, OP.
  • crystalewhite
    crystalewhite Posts: 422 Member
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    I neglected to mention something further. When I was in my 20's I had pretty bad acne. I went to a dermatologist and they actually recommended I stop doing what I was doing (using hydrogen peroxide, scrubbing with harsh soaps, etc.). They told me to scrub gently with warm water and leave it at that. It worked pretty well.

    Yep, definitely go see a dermatologist. They might have a simple solution. [/quote]

    ^This! Totally agree, to think what I used to do to my skin. Rubbing alcohol directly on the really bad ones! No wonder it got worse! I now use Cetaphil in the winter and Purpose in the summer when my skin is a little oilier.
    I still use the Retin-A, they will have to pry that from my cold dead hands!

  • theredhead77
    theredhead77 Posts: 35 Member
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    bdommyb wrote: »
    Hey, guys! I'm a teen with a a lot of pimples around my face (even saying that is an understatement). Is there any correlation between diets and amount of pimples? I would really love to get rid of this pimple problem. Ive tried benzoyl peroxide and benzac together. It's only slightly getting better. Anyone can recommend a scrub?
    Sorry if this was posted in the wrong section!

    Scrubs and OTC anti-acne washes can make acne worse by irritating your skin. You may want to go gentler, something like Cetaphyl or a foaming wash by Simple (both available at Target). Wash your face with warm (not hot) water in the morning and the evening. If you're using a wash cloth to wash your face pat, don't rub it and use a new cloth each time. Change your pillowcase after each sleep (or flip your pillow* and change after every-other sleep) and see a dermatologist if it doesn't improve.

    *Pillows absorb so much oil and grossness over time that you may want to see if you can get a new pillow or a washable pillow cover that zips over the pillow and under the pillow-case.
  • bdommyb
    bdommyb Posts: 13 Member
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    Thanks for all the responses! I don't take any weight loss supplement. The only supplements I take are Multi-vitamins, whey protein, creatine, and fish oil capsules, but that's it. Are dermatologists expensive? I live in Singapore and pretty much anything and everything is expensive, especially seeing specialists such as dermatologists. If anyone lives in Singapore and knows a good dermatologist that's relatively cheap (or a good bang for the buck), then please, do let me know! Once again, thanks for all the responses!
  • Ultima_Morpha
    Ultima_Morpha Posts: 895 Member
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    My stepson guzzled Gatorade like it was going out of style...his acne improved significantly once he replaced most of it with plain water.
  • bdommyb
    bdommyb Posts: 13 Member
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    I will try Cetaphyl (I've walked past it many times, and was considering whether or not to get it!). I hope the condition will improve! It really makes my self-esteem drop :persevere:
  • macgurlnet
    macgurlnet Posts: 1,946 Member
    edited June 2015
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    What has worked for me is switching to Lush skincare products - might not be an option where you are :( They're pricey but it's been so worth it.

    I definitely agree that you should try to find gentler stuff. I was washing my face twice a day and still felt greasy. Now it's mostly just once. I use an exfoliating scrub 2x a week.

    Cutting back on sugar may help. I also started taking a fish oil supplement 2x a day and that's definitely helping, too. Guess I wasn't getting enough of those fats! Drink plenty of water to keep skin hydrated.

    Keep in mind that you're a teenager and still growing so your hormones could be all out of whack for now and you may have acne no matter what. It will hopefully get better with time.

    ~Lyssa
  • macgurlnet
    macgurlnet Posts: 1,946 Member
    edited June 2015
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    .
  • Kalikel
    Kalikel Posts: 9,626 Member
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    See a dermatologist.

    But the truth is that they haven't really figured out how to stop it. Some people do everything suggested and it doesn't work. My cousin kept his face clean, cut all greasy stuff, got enough sleep, etc., used what the doctor gave him...and he still had a face almost covered with acne.

    I made no attempt to do anything right and didn't get a single pimple until I was in my 20s or 30s.

    It's not fair. :(

    My poor cousin just hated it. It made him so miserable and hung around for years. He still has the scars, but he managed to fall in love, get married and have a baby. It doesn't last forever and there are people who look past bumps on your skin.

    I hope it clears up for you soon. :)
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
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    macgurlnet wrote: »
    What has worked for me is switching to Lush skincare products - might not be an option where you are :( They're pricey but it's been so worth it.

    I definitely agree that you should try to find gentler stuff. I was washing my face twice a day and still felt greasy. Now it's mostly just once. I use an exfoliating scrub 2x a week.

    Cutting back on sugar may help. I also started taking a fish oil supplement 2x a day and that's definitely helping, too. Guess I wasn't getting enough of those fats!

    ~Lyssa

    I agree I use lush products (and cetaphil).

    Some things like Coalface, Angels on bare skin, cupcake, tea tree toner tabs, tea tree water, breath of fresh air, etc.
  • macgurlnet
    macgurlnet Posts: 1,946 Member
    edited June 2015
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    rainbowbow wrote: »
    macgurlnet wrote: »
    What has worked for me is switching to Lush skincare products - might not be an option where you are :( They're pricey but it's been so worth it.

    I definitely agree that you should try to find gentler stuff. I was washing my face twice a day and still felt greasy. Now it's mostly just once. I use an exfoliating scrub 2x a week.

    Cutting back on sugar may help. I also started taking a fish oil supplement 2x a day and that's definitely helping, too. Guess I wasn't getting enough of those fats!

    ~Lyssa

    I agree I use lush products (and cetaphil).

    Some things like Coalface, Angels on bare skin, cupcake, tea tree toner tabs, tea tree water, breath of fresh air, etc.

    A brief derail...do you use cetaphil lotion or the face wash, etc?

    I picked up the lotion and if it gets anywhere near my face I break out like whoa. I can use it anywhere else to moisturize but I have to make sure I wash my hands really well afterwards to get it off.

    On topic:

    I use Angels on Bare Skin, Cosmetic Warrior or Mask of Magnaminty, Ultrabland, Breath of Fresh Air, Vanishing Cream and Grease Lightning or Vanishing Cream depending on what my skin's up to.

    It's a lot of stuff but it's doing the job.

    ~Lyssa

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