NWR: Help, my skin sucks!

Pretty Parula

I haven't had breakouts this bad since I was in college! I've been on the pill for several years and just recently switched to Mirena, and right about the same time I started getting these awful breakouts on my face (on my chin, I know I need to stop resting my chin in my hand...) and I don't know what to do about it! Given the timing I feel pretty certain that it has to do with the change in BC. Has anybody else experienced this, and what did you do? I'm so embarrassed about it, especially when I pick up my daughter from school and there are all these other parents who look nice and polished and mature... and then there's me, lookin' like a teenager with a kindergartener. And I sure don't want to get married looking like this! I have tried every different cleanser I can think of. Neutrogena doesn't help, I used to use Clinique and it doesn't seem to make any difference... I'm trying to get my whole house organic/natural anyway, so I switched to a botanical cleanser and I'm not noticing much difference there, either. I've used the Biore strips, clay masks, you name it. I tried Proactiv when I was in college and it didn't even make a difference. As soon as my benefits from my new job kick in I'll be finding a dermatologist, but if anybody here has ideas I'm SO willing to try them. TIA!!!

vedika

I have dealt with severe acne for as long as I can remember..Not only is it gross, but painful and a bit embarrassing Anyway, I saw a dermatologist in NYC who suggested Tazorac..It's been really great on my skin and has done wonders! I do suggest waiting until your insurance kicks in because it is quite a pretty penny without it! Also, I know we can get impatient and want instant gratification, but try to stick to one acne cleanser. Try to use it at least 2 times a day, for about 6-8 weeks. The reason a lot of derms recommend this time period is because all those icky, nasty, bacteria under your skin are still there, waiting to come up as a black/whitehead..If it doesn't work after that time, then wait about 7-10 days before changing over to a different product [you don't want to risk getting a "burn" as your skin will be sensitive from the other product]. Also, try to "train" your skin's sensitivity. Use lower to higher concentrations of benzoyl peroxide in the cleansers you use. You will notice that the benzoyl peroxide will make your skin feel tight and it may peel a bit, it's because 1) the concentration level of the medication and 2) it's working! Whatever you do, DON'T pop them! If you absolutely HAVE TO, I highly suggest this: rubbing alcohol & QTips..When you're out of the shower, your pores are open, simply dip the QTip in the rubbing alcohol and ever so gently rub the tip against the pimple. It may burn for a few seconds. This method will not leave a scar. Besides those tips, just try and keep hydrated and try not to touch your face as often! That was a hard thing for me to do too!GL!

bl0ndebunny

Its prob the BC.... I kept mine the same, but changed when Ill get my period because i didnt want it right after my back surgery and stuff.... and now Ive been regular again for almost 2 months, but I have been noticing some breakouts i dont normally get.... but that might be the big bag of reeses cups i ate :-)My derm gave me differin gel, and ive been using it for forever...it makes your pimple dry up quick but then your skin kinda dries out too... so youd just need a good mouistarizer (sp?) Hope that helps

jackx18

It is probably the hormones in the BC, and stress too - think about it, planning a wedding.  I went off of BC because of my migraines but my doctor also suggested that I stay away from foods that are high in hormones - you might try that (dairy is particularly high).  like pp, stay hydrated and stick with something for a bit to see if it works.  Proactive has worked for me in the past and most recently Nuetrogena Stress Acne scrub or something like that .  Oh and getting past the wedding helped too - BIG stresser gone.

SRivera09

so I work in gyn, it's probably not the mirena itself that is causing you to break out.  whatever BC you were on b4 was probably helping keep your skin clear.  I would defiantely see your derm.  She what he/she can do for you.  maybe think about going back to whatever BC you where on b4, not sure why you stopped though.  But your derm will also know what bc's help with acne.HTH!!

WAshley10

i was having pretty severe breakouts and I switched to St. ives gentle scrub.  I also switched to a better makeup - bare minerals or smashbox are more preferred makeups.  My skin has been super clear since I made the switch!  GL!

Pretty Parula

OMG love you guys. SRivera, I was thinking the same thing, that the previous BC was helping with my skin and now that I'm on Mirena I don't have the same hormone levels in my bloodstream. I switched because my schedule is so erratic that it's difficult to consistently take the pill at the same time every day, and I was tired of fighting the weight gain. And I was tired of having ridiculously heavy periods for a full week every time. Probably TMI, sorry. So I was hoping that after a while of having Mirena that things would settle, but it's been about 3 months so I guess this is how it's gonna be. I'm not sure which I'm less willing to live with - the sucky periods or the sucky skin, so I'll be into a gyno's office and a derm's office the DAY my benefits pick up. Vedika and Eryn, thanks for the tips, I'll ask about those two meds. And I *know* I shouldn't pop 'em... I've learned already these aren't your average blackheads that will clear out if you do pop them, they just hurt worse, so I'm reeeeeally trying hard not to touch my face at all. And I switched from Clinique cleanser to Burt's Bees a couple of weeks ago. I probably made it sound like I was hopping from cleanser to cleanser before - I've tried those other types in years past, but haven't been trying them again this time. I want to give the Burt's Bees some time and see if it helps. I haven't been using any benzoyl peroxide products but I'll ask the derm about that too when I go. Jackx, do you know off-hand if there's a website or anything that talks about foods that are typically high in hormones? Dairy is obviously on top of the list, and I don't have much dairy at all anymore, but having some other pointers would be good. I guess any animal products, really... I was so much better off when I was a vegetarian. lol WAshley, I've never heard of Smashbox! I've got all of this Clinique makeup that I hate to waste, so I don't really know what to do about the makeup scene. If the derm feels like it could make a difference, then I'll check on Smashbox. Is it another mineral makeup like Bare Minerals? What's that one makeup line at Dillard's... the natural something-or-other one... anybody know if that's any good? Thank you guys SO MUCH! And I'm sorry I talk so much. I just realised that my posts are always among the longest... oops.

SRivera09

LOL, defiantely not TMI!  I work in gyno, trust me I've heard worse.  Maybe think about a BC called nuvaring.  It a ring that you insert for the entire month.  and you can even leave it in that last week that you would be due to start your period.  thus skipping it.  there is also a BC called Loestrin 24 that has 24 days of active pills instead of the normal 21d active pills.  it makes your perioods shorter and lighter.  if I could remember to take a pill everyday that's what I would be on!!

jackx18

It is so hard to eat "right" these days.  I was def steered away from Dairy because it naturally is high in hormones - its really for newborns to help their bodies to learn to grown.  And then you add in all of the other artificial stuff we give animals today. Other than that, just read what kind of meat or eggs you are getting, look for steriod or hormone free.  For eggs, look for grain fed, and cage free or something like that.  I caution, this gets expensive and for me the dairy is the easiest and then I try to work in other stuff when i can.I'll see if I can find a website though. 

SarahSmile23

I've got all of this Clinique makeup that I hate to waste, so I don't really know what to do about the makeup scene. If the derm feels like it could make a difference, then I'll check on Smashbox. Is it another mineral makeup like Bare Minerals? I had the same problem! i'd break out all the time and nothing would help me. Do you know what finally worked for me? Bare Minerals makeup, like pp suggested. It will take  you a few days to get used to be it because it has a different look than the liquid foundation, but it makes a huge difference. Now that I think about it, it was Clinique I used before i switched to Bare Minerals. I learned that my skin does not like liquid foundation. I've been told my pores are too small for it and the liquid foundations clog them. You'd never guess that 4 yrs ago I had terrible skin. I use a different brand of mineral makeup now, but I think Bare Minerals is a great place to start. Just don't use it on your wedding day because it can look a bit shiny in photos.One thing I have done recently is switch to skinceuticals cleansers. Holy crap. I have only been using it for a week and a half and when i saw skhynes last night for dinner, she commented on how great my skin looks. It's expensive, but woah, man. It's great. If you can only afford to do one or the other, I'd stick with a gentle cleanser like Purpose (Neutrogena cleanser can be a little too harsh and can strip more of the oils from your skin which makes your skin feel the need to excrete more oils. Cetaphil can be too gentle. But liquid Purpose is super cheap and also available at the drug store! A dermatologist told me to use it ages ago and I've stuck with it until I just decided to try skinceuticals.) I'd also use the sensitive skin oil-free Neutrogena lotion if you need to stick with a less expensive product while saving for the wedding. It's really light and gives your skin the perfect amount of moisture. I can't bring myself to give up my Neutrogena lotion to try out the skinceuticals line, no matter how much i love their cleanser!Wow, i wrote a novel. HTH!

SarahSmile23

oh, and water water water. try to drink tons of water and avoid alcohol or coffee while you are trying to clear up your skin. once you get it where you want it, you can add both back in moderation as long as you keep drinking tons of water!i'm telling you, i was there girl. it sucks.

jackx18

Where do you get the minerals make up (seriously, I already forgot what it is called!) I just googled "hormones in food" and a bunch came up so you should be able to find something there. 

SarahSmile23

I get mine at Ulta. If you find you don't like the loose powder or the sheen of Bare Minerals, PUR Minerals is also good and has a pressed powder option that has no sheen.I know it sounds crazy to say a kind of makup makes a difference like that, but I swear it transformed my skin! And you are able to  mix and match the colors. For example, let's say you wear the Light color for the winter and then begin to get some sun in the spring. You can add some of their Warmth bronzer powder into your Light foundation and there you have it! A slightly darker color. You can add it into the lid of the powder and just do it per application. You can always personalize your color of makeup!If you have time, stop into Ulta and the girls can help you try it on and see if you like it and match the colors to your skin!

jackx18

Thanks Sarah - one just opened around the corner from us so I will have to stop in there.  I had been meaning to but this is even more motivation.  I have had a pretty bad acne problem in the past and it is pretty much cleared up (H even asked what I was doing recently) but I am always looking for better ways to take care of my face.  I am almost out of makeup anyhow so this is good timing!  (and wow - I listened to you!)

SarahSmile23

(and wow - I listened to you!)OMG Umbreally listened to me!!!

jackx18

oh and completely random...natural oils in your food (like omega 3s) are supposed to be good for your skin.  I don't know that it clears up acne but it does help your skin.  I make protein shakes in the morning and add flaxseed oil to them. 

SarahSmile23

this is the cleanser i am using:http://skinmedix.com/p-75-skinceuticals-simply-clean.aspxi bought mine at Studio Cara, but it's also available online!

vedika

I love BareMinerals..Come to think of it, my face has been much better since using their products. I don't wear makeup regularly but decided to "invest" in some decent stuff. So last year for my BF's wedding, I bought the starter kit. My face was flawless and radiant, not to brag or anything ;] Another thing I learned is ALWAYS wash your make up off; no matter how tired/lazy you are, do it!

WAshley10

I was also using clinique before I switched.  I bought mine at ulta too.  Smashbox is liquid - it's not mineral makeup but it's really light, oil-free and it SAYS it's good for your skin.  I haven't had any problems with it so far.  I got the smashbox at ulta too

otowncutie2006

I think should be a study on if planning your wedding causes acne! I have never had acne in my entire life and I am breaking out every where! My sister is a pharmamcist and she said that the BC on top of everything going on in your life could definately cause and increase or sudden outbreak of acne. I agree with the other ladies as well, I use bare minerals and not using the correct make-up for your skin can cause problems. Yay for you getting insurance soon! The derma can tell you exactly what would be best for your skin. Or he could also tell you to stop stressin about your wedding so much! (Like that is the easiest thing in the world to do!!!! Good luck chica!

Pretty Parula

Know what I love about this board? The people are A-mazing! I really have been taking way better care of my face (and myself in general) since I started this new job - I actually have time to wash my face 2x per day, I use sunscreen and oil-fee moisturizer every day, and drink like 80 oz. of water every day (which has also helped with the weight loss!) and all kinds of good stuff. So I think you guys are right about all of that, and hopefully that's helping me get on the right track. SRivera, I tried Loestrin before (the generic version) and it made me gain a ton of weight so that one's out. Nuvaring is a possibility. I want to give Mirena a chance for a little bit longer since I just had it put in at the end of June and it's supposed to be good for 5 years, but if the docs say it needs to go, so be it. So it looks like the Skinceuticals stuff isn't that much more expensive than the Clinique cleansers... I might try to find the Purpose stuff you mentioned for a while if the Burt's Bees isn't cutting it, and do the Skinceuticals after the wedding is all paid for. GREAT suggestions, thank you! Ok, so Smashbox, Bare Minerals, Ulta, Studio Cara. Got it. I don't wear makeup that much these days since I teach online - not like I gotta look good for anybody, lol! But on the rare occasions when I do, it should be good stuff. And otown, for SERIOUS! Yeah, no problem, no stressing about a wedding, piece a cake. Thank you guys sooooo much! Already I don't feel nearly as gross.