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Original poster

Anyway to improve acne riddled sensitive skin?

31 replies

Skinheadmermaid · 15/08/2013 11:03

My skin was clear as a teenager but from the age of 21 or so it's got steadily worse.
I'm 25 now and i get enormous cysts every month on my chin when i ovulate then smaller white heads all around my chin and jaw when actually on my period. I have maybe 5 days a month where new spots aren't cropping up and it's really getting me down.
I have ibs as well and when that flares up i get a cluster of spots on my left cheek so even my cheeks aren't clear anymore.
I exercise regularly and i eat a healthy diet, i rarely drink and i don't have sugar except in my daily cup of tea.
I tried recently an exfoliating face wash for sensitive skin but it's just made my skin break out even more and i'm sitting here today with sore, spotty skin that even 5 layers of make up can't hide.
Is there ANYTHING i can do to improve my skin? Its really getting me down :(
I'm also prone to eczema around my upper lip and eyes if i don't apply special cream at night. I use a gentle mousterizer in the day before my make up is applied.

Sorry for the essay :(

OP posts:
OverTheFieldsAndFarAway · 15/08/2013 11:05

Yes there is. Go to your GP. Don't suffer anymore. You have a skin condition that can be treated.

Original poster
Skinheadmermaid · 15/08/2013 11:10

Thank you for your response but won't the GP just prescribe the pill? I can't go on any sort of hormonal based contraception as i already suffer from PMDD and go crazy.
Is there no sort of home treatment i could do, even to improve it slightly?

OP posts:
OverTheFieldsAndFarAway · 15/08/2013 11:16

No, the first line is antibiotics and a topical treatment. If you are offered the pill, just say no. If after 3 different treatments your skin has not cleared you will be referred to a dermatologist.

Neena28 · 15/08/2013 11:20

Gp might prescibe antibiotics or topical gels and creams as a start. Then may refer you to a dermatologist if things don't improve.

Keep your skin as clean as possible and eliminate bacteria by using a clean face flannel every time you wash your face (and boil wash them and towels) also make sure you thoroughly wash your make up brushes regularly (deep clean with shampoo at least weekly). Double cleanse at night to remove all make up etc. I'd recommend not using a foaming face wash as it makes skin worse in my experience. Try a balm type cleanser. Seems odd to use anything oily feeling but oil helps oil production and evens it out.

Try not to touch your face, easier said than done I know.

I totally sympathise but there is lots that can be done and you don't have to live with this.

Is there any chance you are allergic to any of the make up you use or that it is not non pore blocking (non- comedogenic).

Neena28 · 15/08/2013 11:21

Overthefields is right

Neena28 · 15/08/2013 11:22

Also I wouldn't use any manual scrubs on your skin (ones with grains/bits in). They can scratch the skins surface and then transfer the bacteria to clear parts of your skin.

JellyBelly10 · 15/08/2013 11:22

I had fairly good skin until I was 40 then suddenly broke out in acne! 5 years ago my GP put me on oxytetracycline anti-biotics and it completely cleared it up but Iyou have to take them long-term. I'm still on them! I also think that Dr Nick Lowe skn products are great, the foaming cleanser is brilliant.

OverTheFieldsAndFarAway · 15/08/2013 11:30

The cystic acne you have described comes from within, you need to have a very simple skin care routine to prevent irritating it. I would use Simple cleanser rinsed off with water followed by an oil free moisturiser. You need to moisturise but not with oil, keep everything as simple as possible, never rub at your skin only gently pat dry.

JemimaPuddle · 15/08/2013 11:40

Definitely visit your GP for treatment.
With regards to skincare it will be trial & error as what works for one person won't work for another.
I used to get cysts like you and using foaming cleansers/ scrubs with bits in and oil free moisturisers made it much much worse.
I use a balm cleanser & double cleanse, use oil under my moisturiser & use liquid exfoliants. My skin is now pretty clear and scars are fading but it took a while to find what works for me.

Neena28 · 15/08/2013 11:43

Totally agree jemina

lurkingaround · 15/08/2013 11:50

I'm with OverTheF too. I would urge you to see a GP. Cystic acne needs medical treatment. As someone above said, it's from within. Even if you get only one cystic spot every month that leaves a scar, that's 12 new scars a year. For at least the next few years. How many more do you put up with. Go to GP and start the ball rolling. You may well need referral to a dermatologist at some point but you have to do the GP thing first. You'll feel so much better when your skin settles.

By the ay, have you tried Yakult for your IBS? 2 a day is the recommended dose and has been proven (AFAIK) to help symptoms. Having said that, milk is not great for acne, but it's all a balance.

lurkingaround · 15/08/2013 11:51

By the way not by the ay

Twinklestein · 15/08/2013 12:11

Ask your GP to refer you to a dermatologist.

Have you ruled out PCOS? Because that can cause cystic acne.

madamecake · 15/08/2013 13:32

Completely agree that you should go to your GP. I tried to tackle my acne myself with various face washes and creams and they did nothing.
I was referred to a dermatologist and now have clear skin, I just wish I'd gone earlier and not had several years of misery.

Original poster
Skinheadmermaid · 15/08/2013 13:57

Thanks everyone for your replies, i never go to my GP as they're all very helpful. I will see what they say and if they are as dismissive as usual i think i will looking into changing surgeries!

OP posts:
Original poster
Skinheadmermaid · 15/08/2013 13:58

That should read UNhelpful not helpful!

OP posts:
AWimbaWay · 15/08/2013 14:07

I was given yasmin (contraceptive pill) as like you my skin seemed to get far worse around the time of my period so was obviously hormone related. The difference has been amazing, have gone from having open weeping sores on my chin to completely clear skin with the very occasional single spot.

AWimbaWay · 15/08/2013 14:09

Oops, sorry, missed the bit where you said pill no good, ignore me!

pommedechocolat · 15/08/2013 14:12

Roccutane worked for me.

Twinklestein · 15/08/2013 14:59

Don't let your GP prescribe you antibiotics, you need to see a consultant dermatologist. If they're obstructive, bin them & find a better practice.

Allthingspretty · 15/08/2013 15:22

GP

OverTheFieldsAndFarAway · 15/08/2013 17:31

GP will not refer to Dermatologist until three courses of treatment have been tried.

Neena28 · 15/08/2013 17:37

Why not antibiotics twinkle? I've known a few people that have had great success with them and a topical liquid?

nomorecrumbs · 15/08/2013 18:06

Oh God, mine's been getting worse as well when it used to be lovely (I'm 26 now) and I blame it on the move to London and it's shitty water!

I try lightly wiping my face in an apple cider vinegar solution when it's really bad, that seems to kill off any bacteria on the surface and acts as a toner. I then moisturise on top and nothing I use on my face has alcohol in, as that irritates the skin more. But yes, my outbreaks are hormone and IBS-related too (damn forehead ones come up when I have a dodgy tummy) :(

lurkingaround · 15/08/2013 18:11

GP may start the referral process early, esp if it's cystic acne. By the time your appt comes around, you may have jumped thru a few of the treatment hoops.