Please help me sort out my horrible skin - pics

[surlin]

It's been like this for about a year, was previously totally clear.

GP thought it was Rosacea but the treatment she gave me did nothing. Don't want to bother the doc again if it can be sorted with something I can buy.

It looks like small headless pimples and big open red pores. And it's making me sad

[surlin]

Wondered if there might be something other than clearasil? Because that's what I used last time I was zitty 25 years ago!

[NaturalRBF]

Have a google and look at Caroline Hirons blog. Mines similar and I have a strict routine to stop it being bumpy. I cleanse with L'Oréal facial oil, then clarify with Clinique 1.0 lotion, then time delay serum, then moisturise with either the black cream from Superdrug or anti redness from Clinique then on bad days I also use boots time delay oil on top

[mineofuselessinformation]

Go back and see your GP!
It's making you miserable and it's what they're there for.

[mineofuselessinformation]

Go back and see your GP!
It's making you miserable and it's what they're there for.

[Badgerlady]

Ok. People with far more knowledge than me will be along soon, but I just wanted to say:

1. Step away from the clearasil. It's really abrasive. There are many other products you can try from adult skin issues. I don't know much about rosacea but online sites like Caroline Hirons and Sam Bunting can be very helpful (the former is very product heavy so pick and choose what works for you).
   

1. If it is distressing you, do 'bother' your doctor. I have adult acne (ironically I managed teenagerdom without spots). It took several trips to the doctor (and saw a dermatologist privately) before finding something that worked long term (dianette the pill worked for a while but you can't go on that for too long I now have a retinol gel which appears keep the buggers spots at bay.)

[wigglybeezer]

It looks like rosacea to me ( I have it). Non of the topical treatments work quickly ,they take at least 4/5 weeks and sufferers often have to try 2 or three or even move on to tablets to help. You have to be really diligent too and avoid triggers like temperature extremes, bright sun, red wine, chilli etc. I have to wear sunblock all year round. It's a pain!

[LondonTizz]

Closed comedone acne?

[Jmangel]

Agree LondonTizz - closed comedone acne. Would really benefit from a non foaming salicylic acid cleanser and a topical salicylic acid 2% solution + or - moisturiser if it feels rough. It's honestly not that bad - don't be too down about it - it would cover really easily if you're self conscious whilst it's healing -try a non bismuth containing mineral powder foundation - something like Mineral Hygienic. You don't wear blusher do you which could be clogging the cheek area?

[wobblywonderwoman]

What salicylic acid is best jmangel - thank you

Adult acne is a pain.

[herbaceous]

I wheel this out every time I see a post about rosacea, so do forgive me, but I used to have skin like this on my cheeks. Then by chance I stopped eating wheat, as part of a low-carb regime, and it went away entirely. If I eat any bread, etc, it comes back. There may be a dietary cause...

[TwoKidsAndCounting]

Looks like gluten intolerance. Do you eat much in the way of refined carbs? Do you have the same bumps on your upper arms?

[surlin]

I saw a nutritionist a few months ago (digestive issues) who suspected gluten intolerance but blood test showed I didn't react to gluten. Although I am apparently "severely allergic" to milk and eggs so I cut them out completely. Didn't stop the digestive issues or help my skin so rather think it was all bolleaux

[TwoKidsAndCounting]

What were your 'severely allergic' reactions to milk and eggs? I ask because allergies and intolerances are two different things. You may not be allergic to gluten but you maybe intolerant. Allergies are serious, intolerances less so. I would cut gluten out and see how you get on since this is also linked to digestive problems.

[TwoKidsAndCounting]

What were your 'severely allergic' reactions to milk and eggs? I ask because allergies and intolerances are two different things. You may not be allergic to gluten but you maybe intolerant. Allergies are serious, intolerances less so. I would cut gluten out and see how you get on since this is also linked to digestive problems.

[surlin]

It was an IgG4 ELISA test. Food antibodies profile. I'm pretty sceptical about it especially when the nutritionist talked about 'leaky gut' but I have such annoying digestive problems that I thought I'd give it a whirl. I wouldn't be surprised if my skin problem was related but having been given the OK for gluten I'm loathe to cut it out, IKYWIM. No cheese is a sorry enough state of affairs.

[TwoKidsAndCounting]

I understand where your coming from, I have hypothyroidism and they say cutting gluten is one of the best things you'll do but I don't have a gluten intolerance, only get problems with guts when stressed which isn't often. I don't eat a lot of refined carbs however and some foods do make me feel yuk (super noodles and frozen chips for example) so I steer clear of them. However I will in the future cut gluten when or if my thyroid packs in and it's the only hope I have left. If you get time to read about the blood group diet, that's very interesting, It links the proteins (lectins) in your blood to the ones we eat and how your blood type determines what foods you can digest easier than others. Apparently this isn't scientifically proven, like everything else but it just gives you another insight, or avenue if you like to explore. Also intermittent fasting is another theory and this is what I have done for years without realising, I leave at least 12 hours overnight between eating, they say 16 hours is best, so you have an 8 hour window in the day to eat well, I'm convinced this balances gut bacteria and gives your body enough time to rest and use the carbs you've eaten for energy instead of storing them as fat.

[surlin]

Love that Caroline Hiron blog thank you; good no-nonsense Big Sisterly advice.

Work friend of mine is recommending Paula's Choice - I've seen that brand talked about on here a lot so am off to have a search.

I'm still using the rosacea treatment btw (rosex / metronidazole antibiotic) and have been for about 12 weeks. No difference whatsoever so might as well stop.