Skincare help - dehydrated, hormonal, acne

[chanie44]

I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and I'm spotty, similar to Victoria Beckham in the spice girls days
www.gossiprocks.com/forum/latest-gossip/53126-zig-zit-aaargh-victoria-beckham-comes-out-all-pimply.html

A beauty therapist told me that I have dehydrated, combination skin, so I changed my skincare regime and found a slight improvement.

I would say it's slightly sensitive and the less product I use, the better it does. It can feel tight after washing.

I currently use the body's shops aloe foaming face wash, vitamin e serum in oil or the moisture serum and the intensive moisturiser.

Can anyone recommend any reasonably priced products I could try eg up to £20 per item ( but less if possible).

A couple of years ago, the GP prescribed some antibiotics, but that didn't work. It wasn't Duac, but something similar.

Amy suggestions would be appreciated.

[chanie44]

Bump

[JohnCheese]

Your acne will be a bit more difficult to treat because of your PCOS.
Get started on the Efaclar range from La Roche Posay and visit your GP. I doubt over-the-counter topicals and cosmetics will do it for you.

[nickyschof]

I don't know if it's similar, but my twin boys both have had dreadful acne for a few years. They've tried everything, both over the counter, and prescription wise. They've recently been sent to the dermatology dept at the hospital and the tablets have very nearly cleared their skin up in two months.

[chanie44]

Thanks.

I've seen la roche posay recommended on here, so I will give it a go.

[highinthesky]

OP, good skincare products won't harm but it's unlikely to make a dent in your problem either as the issue is hormonal. Diet causing acne is generally a myth but in the case of PCOS there is some truth in it so avoid sugars and excessive carbohydrates.

Go back to your GP because there are other options. VB for the record had Roaccutane treatment, because her acne was extreme. It's not the kind of thing that is prescribed lightly and not suitable for the acne shown in the pic.

[highinthesky]

Btw I am a chronic acne sufferer (although everyone seems to think I have lovely skin) and use whatever gel-based cleanser I find in Poundland.

[BabbleLands]

The only thing which finally, seems to have made a difference to my hormonal acne:
Dr Lancer blemish control scrub
Liz Earle cleanse & polish applied with Foreo silicone cleanser tool & rinsed off as per usual Muslim cloth

[BabbleLands]

• muslin (sorry)

[LizandFlo]

Stop the foaming gel cleanser immediately () and switch to a cream or oil cleanser that doesn't foam, it's the worst thing for our skin type. Try switching to hot cloth cleansing, it was revolutionary for me. La Roche Posay was great for me but my friend who seems to react to anything made by L'Oreal hated it.
Hopefully this link works. www.superdrug.com/Skincare/Superdrug-Naturally-Radiant-Hot-Cloth-Cleanser-150ml/p/516251
It's often commented on here as being as good as Liz Earle. I like it a lot but prefer The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter, but that's £10 a pot. www.thebodyshop.com/en-gb/range/view-all/camomile-sumptuous-cleansing-butter/p/p000186
I would also highly recommend using a serum after cleansing and before moisturiser. The Superdrug Simply Radiant one is excellent and excellent value for money. I can't find it online but remember it being about £3. It's on offer loads and I buy about three at a time and slather it all over my face in the evening and just use a normal amount during the day. A hydrating acid might also be beneficial but it's spendy for anything worthwhile and appreciate I'm adding to the cost here. I like these Nip+Fab pads after cleansing then before serum. Again, they are often on offer. www.superdrug.com/Skin-and-Hair/NipFab-Glycolic-Fix-Exfoliating-Facial-Pads-x60/p/685756

[aniceearlynight]

I would highly recommend watching all of Dr Sam Buntings vlogs on acne on YouTube. She is a dermatologist who specialises in problem skin. Her videos helped me put together a simple skin regime using relatively inexpensive French pharmacy brands from Boots and my hormonal acne is finally pretty much under control barring the occasional spot every 3/4 months. Good luck!

[BorisJohnsonsHair]

If you're happy to try a cheap product, then the Superdrug hot cloth cleanser is really good. I have very dry skin, and this cleanser is non-foaming and lasts ages. Doesn't leave you with that "tight" feeling either.

Just by the way, I stopped moisturising my face after cleansing and it seemed to make it much better. Feels tight for about half an hour, then seems ok. Might also be worth trying?

[bananafish81]

I have PCOS and oily, dehydrated skin

I would ditch any foaming face wash - the SLS can strip your skin and make it pump out more oil, as per a PP

I'd go for a hot cloth cleanse (I use Liz Earle C+P)

I use a gentle glycolic toner like Pixi for everyday use, although I've ordered some Liquid Gold as my skin could do with a boost at night. LRP serozinc is terrific in the morning for a spritz before serum

I would get a proper serum for dehydrated skin to use in the morning. I cannot rave enough about Eucerin Hyaluron filler serum. Dry skin doesn't have enough oil. Dehydrated skin doesn't have enough moisture. Hyaluronic acid helps the skin hold on to moisture

I like the Hyaluron filler oil free day cream too for a light but hydrating moisturiser

For a hydration boost I like to use Clarins Blue orchid oil (for winter when very dehydrated) or Lotus oil (in summer when oilier) over the top of my serum or treatment at night

PCOS wise it is sadly true that sugar does affect your skin, as carbs affect insulin which affects androgen production which causes oily and spotty skin. Are you on metformin? This can help with PCOS symptoms to help treat the underlying problem

[bananafish81]

Eucerin is over £20 but it's very often in Boots 3 for 2 range so can work out cheaper