Bad skin - give me your sympathy and advice please

[foofi]

Stopped taking the pill two weeks ago and my skin has reverted to its 'natural', ie terrible, state. It's very red and sensitive, and very prone to spots. What can I do to make myself look better?

I tried lots of different creams before finding a couple that worked for me. I have just started on Dianette contraceptive pill for my spots and it seems to help.

Drink lots of water, sleep more and wait a few weeks. It's just your hormones stabilising I'm afraid. What are you putting on it? If it's v sensitive, I'd be v careful with cosmetics and even moisterisers.

You can however go to the health food store and get some evening primrose oil. I have PCOS and used to be a right spotty little wotsit till I started that - took about a month IIRC but made a huge difference. Stopped me being a homicidal crazy person for one week in four two

Oooo, you are singing my song!

SPOTS central!

I can't use combined contraceptive anymore because of my age, 36, and my blood pressure.

But Dianette was the BOMB!

Now, I use Clean and Clear for sensitive skin, followed by antibacterial essential oil blend from Abbey Botanicals - online - and then Weleda creme.

What is PCOS?

Dianette was a godsend for me. But I can't take it due to hormonal issues.

My skin was terrible from 14-26 then I had my DS and my acne magically vanished overnight.

However, a really good cream I would recommend is Differin (prescription only) and you can't use it if TTC. I combined this with Lymecycline and found it kept my skin under control.

Use oil free products, I use Dermalogica Dermal Clay wash (www.care4yourskin.com cheapest place) and Dermalogica Active Moist in the morning only.

Do not be afraid to moisturise, it is a catch 22 if you don't as the dead skin cells/dry skin block the pores.

Erm - anything else just ask.

Drinking water and avoiding choc is actually a load of bollocks. If you get acne it make very little difference.

(Can you tell I have been here done this for years??? )

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (I believe)

Dermologica, it makes a huge diffrence for me. I also always wash my face the minute I get home.

Expat, surely being 36 wouldn't be a reason not to be on the pill - my doctor wanted me to keep taking it right up until I needed HRT! but I wanted to stop.

Sorry you've had such an awful time of things by the way. Bad skin doesn't help does it? If we feel like we look awful, it makes us feel awful too!

Thanks Wilkie - I would have asked for it in the health food store otherwise!!

I have borderline hypertension, foofi, and it has since been recommended to me that I see the GP because it has crossed the line into hypertension.

The combined pill is OUT for anyone over 35 with even a hint of hypertension.

And the progesten-only pill . . . well, let's just say I have permanent scars from the acne I got whilst on that.

I can't wait until I have finally stopped being pregnant and breastfeeding I will be straight to the docs for Dianette it's a wonder pill!

What us this Weleda cream everyone on here is raving about?

Foofi - Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Avene is fabulous if you have sensitive and oily skin - they do a water spray thing that is really calming.

this stuff