I have acne! Help!

[bliss]

Ladies, I'm hoping you can help me.

For the last 1-2ish years I've had acne on my cheeks. I've never had acne, aside from the occasional PMS pimple. I think the biggest cause is that I've been off bc, but I'm not getting back on until November. (Insurance kicks in - I'm getting an IUD)

I've had a combination of regular pimples and cystic ones. I haven't worn make up all week because I have 2 really big cystic ones basically on the apple of my cheeks. :@ And my skin itches, like all the time. I'm constantly catching myself scratching my cheeks which just creates acne scars. Which I now have too.

I do wash my face daily, I admit to not taking off my make up all the time, and I try to wash my pillow cases weekly.

My roomie got me some dermalogica (sp) deep cleanser that I've been using, but it's too soon to tell if there's results.

So any advice? Tips? Tricks?

TIA

[yasibee]

You should probably be on an oral medication or antibiotic. Cystic acne is hard to beat with just topical creams and washes.

[Deleted]

Cereve wash and a trip to a dermatologist. You might need an antibiotic.

[joenali]

Acutane. It's the only thing that worked for my cystic acne.

[veruca5839]

I'd see a dermatologist. Cystic acne is hormonal and can be hard to treat.

When did the itching start? Has it always been like that, or can you try to pinpoint it to something you've started using on your face recently?

I would try using a very gentle cleanser (not sure what the Dermalogica is like), something like Cetaphil or Cerave (didn't work with my skin, but I know many many people have luck with them). I would also be diligent about removing makeup, washing your pillowcase(s) more than once a week, and having a towel that you only use to dry your face. These little things have helped my skin.

[NachoProblem]

See a dermatologist! OTC stuff probably won't help you.

[hz80408]

Your skin sounds kind of similar to how I used to be.

I'm not comfortable with taking something orally (besides bc) for acne and have told my derm that. I've had luck with:
-Glycolic 5% based facewash (stopped used sacyclic (sp) acid washes)
-Cerave lotion
-Washing face once a day, at night, using a fresh towel everynight to dry and applying lotion after washing
-Minimizing dairy products; especially milk. It's been said on this board before and I'll stand witness that dairy can hugely impact acne, especially hormonal cystic type. I went from having greek yogurt and at least 2 glasses of skim milk a day to some on occassion and my skin definitely improved.

[vampsterdam]

I had cystic acne on my chin about 3-4 years ago post college.

I got a face wash from Kiehls with salicylic acid and bought myself the clarisonic when it was on sale. That was the first step in the right direction for me.

I then changed the way I eat by "eating for my skin". I started including things like spinach, carrots, tomatoes, salmon, sweet potatoes, berries at least every other day for my diet.

HZ mentioned cutting out dairy, and I know that works for some people so try that. However, switching to Organic has worked great for me, too!

I honestly think an important thing to do is NOT strip your skin of the oil it needs. So many medications (pills and external prescription creams) dry the skin out. I was going through medication after medication. Finally I decided to just use a serum (I love Caudalie's Vinopure) and moisturizer and that has been the miracle for me! I also like to use a pure clay mask 1-2 times as week.

It seems weird to ADD oil to your skin since most people assume that clogs pores, but it works so well!

Good luck!

[penelope]

I started having cystic acne in my late 20's after having relatively no problems at all. Come to find out, I am allergic to wheat. If I keep my diet in check, I have no problems whatsoever. If I inadvertently eat wheat (or decide to hell with it, I don't care!) I am broken out within 48 hours.

Any dermotologist will deny this is even a possiblity, but its the facts for me. My kids can look at me and ask, "mom, what did you eat?" and there is always an answer.....

Just tossing it out there as a possibility.

[amandasw]

Jul 26, 2012 10:54:28 GMT -5 penelope said:

Any dermotologist will deny this is even a possiblity, but its the facts for me. My kids can look at me and ask, "mom, what did you eat?" and there is always an answer.....

it's weird they would 'deny' this since wheat allergies exist (not talking about celiac disease) - my friend has the same thing!

[bimbi284]

Ditto Mario Badescu products! The buffering lotion has really helped keep at bay what cystic acne I have left after cutting down on dairy.
In addition, the healing cream is great for "erupted" pimples to prevent scaring.
Definitely look into gentler cleansers. Salicylic acid works well for me, but its not fore everyone, as HZ menioned. Mario Badescu also makes a great gentle glycolic face wash that I really like.

I also agree with the folks who mention "eating for your skin". I did an elimination diet earlier this year and was AMAZED at the stuff that made me feel icky, but had been a common part of my diet. For me, it was mostly dairy, but also wheat as others have mentioned. My skin never looked better than when I was well into that diet! (nourishingmeals.com)

[bliss]

Thanks ladies!!

I did a little more research and I don't think it's cystic. Especially, since both of the bigger pimples have all but cleared up this week, after no make-up and morning/night washes.

I do eat a LOT of yogurt, like pretty much every day, so I'll try and cut that out. See if it helps with my cheeks. I'm going to add more spinach, salmon and berries as well because I know that's good for my skin. AND drink more water. I'm terrible at that one.

Maybe, I'll spoil myself with some new satin pillowcases too. I've had my current ones for 4ish years, so it's probably time for an upgrade. Or at least additional pairs for my 8 pillows.

And finally, I think it's either my makeup brushes, the towel I use to dry my face, pillowcases or actual face makeup. I'm going this weekend to get more wash clothes, new brushes and make up. Along with everything else I'm hoping this will help clear it up until I can get to a derm in November.

[hz80408]

Best of luck! Sounds like you have a good plan

[Deleted]

I recommend Mario Badescu Buffering lotion. I used to get cysts on my chin a week before my periods. This lotion dries/brings the cyst to the surface. I can drain it easily and it 's gone and doesn't come back. I haven't gotten a new cyst since I started using this product.

[wildfloweragain]

-Wash pillowcases and makeup brushes more frequently
-Clarisonic
-Proactive
-Wash every morning and night (proactive not necessary in the am. I use cetaphil)
-Don't put your face on your S.O's body to sleep

Oral antibiotic if you're up for it.