So fed up with spots...

[ToffeeWhirl]

I have started getting spots on my neck, behind my ears and on my jawline. This morning, I have a huge spot brewing on my chin . I don't know why I'm getting them or what to do about it. I tried the oil-cleansing method a few months ago and that was disastrous for my skin, so I've gone back to Liz Earle.

I'm 49. Wondered if it was a hormonal, premenopausal thing...?

Any ideas? I now have wrinkles as well as spots. It's not fair.

[ToffeeWhirl]

Oh dear, don't think I can reduce the stress, Crusoe - and I like a glass of wine or two to help me relax. Interesting that you also found the Liz Earle stuff made your skin worse.

Today five new spots have appeared .

[lurkingaround]

If you have spots that are leaving marks, this is medical. You need to see your GP and get started on the treatment ladder. There is no magical cosmetic that will work as well. You really should see your GP.

Progesterone only contraception can cause acne so if you are on progesterone only pill, or have an implant or Mirena, this is not helping, and may be causing the problem.

Diet wise: limit sugars, including fruit sugars - so be careful with your fruit intake.
Dairy is awful for acne, it is full of hormones. See more here. If you really want milk, make sure it's not skimmed or half-fat.
And nuts, particularly peanuts can cause spots in susceptible people.
There is some evidence that a low GI diet helps.

I also second the Effaclar range.

[DowntonTrout]

That's interesting lurking my skin issues do coincide with taking the progesterone only pill (years!).

I did mention wanting to stop taking it last week at my check up. Purely because I'm 45, have been on one pill or another since I was 16, and am just fed up of taking pills. They dissuaded me as they said it was the best thing for me, I don't want a coil and they didn't advise the implant. I might talk to DH about having the snip. Imagine if him having the snip solved my skin problems!

[ToffeeWhirl]

lurking - I do have a Mirena. Uh oh. And the spots do leave marks, but I thought that was just down to my skin type. They fade eventually. Your link about dairy intake is really interesting. I am concerned about my breast cancer risk, so cutting out dairy might help me on that score as well. I will definitely give it a go.

I missed the chance to book a doctor's appointment today, but I will go asap.

Another spot this morning . Really painful this time. And on my cheek, where it's impossible to disguise it. So fed up.

[beingacow]

I've struggled with hormonal acne for years and years. Liz Earle definitely didn't help. I'm actually clearer now than I ever have been, and I've been on antibiotics, prescription topical isotretinoin, everything except for Accutane which I've avoided as I am an athlete and can't face the joint pain side effects.
Anyway, what has helped me is 1) daily use of this: www.paulaschoice.co.uk/exfoliating-8-alpha-hydroxy-acid-gel.html#.UvtLJ_tamuM
moisturize with this (dead cheap): www.chemistdirect.co.uk/aqueous-calamine-cream/prd-r9
and cleanse with a this (also cheap but works) www.boots.com/en/Clean-&-Clear-Deep-Action-Oil-Free-Cream-Wash-150ml_1445/?CAWELAID=334478645&cm_mmc=pla--google--PLAs-_-PLAs+-+All+Products&kw={keyword}&cagpspn=pla

the Paula's choice has been the breakthrough for me. I know that it might be harsh for some people, but since I've been using it I've only had one or two cystic spots (as opposed to at least two on the go all the time), and I can go without any concealer or makeup, like a "normal person"!
I also was treated to a Elemis tri-enzyme facial as a Christmas present and since then I've noticed that my skin is smoother and less congested.

I know that what works for one doesn't work for anyone else, but I think I've tried everything. Panoxyl cream used to work but they discontinued it, and I don't get on with Quinoderm for some reason. I used to wake up in the night with the pain of deep infected cysts on my jawline or around my mouth, and I would look like I've been punched where the tissue got so inflamed.
Luckily I'm quite dark skinned, which means that although I do have a bit of hyperpigmentation, it doesn't look too awful, and I don't really scar much. I can't tell you how amazing it is to go out without makeup and not worry about it, and to be able to get ready in the morning without spending ten minutes covering up monsters on my face.

[beingacow]

oh, and I can't take any form of hormonal contraception, even Dianette made my skin go crazy. I have a copper coil instead.

[lurkingaround]

Toffee and Downton, you may need to rethink your contraception. Sorry, I know that may not be what you want to hear. Progesterone only contraception is a bit of a no-no in acne prone women.

My own story is that after years of spots I eventually went on Roaccutane after years, no spots now but I know the torture of it so well.

The milk thing is v interesting isn't it? Esp re the low fat being worse. And cheese. I love cheese but now only have as a treat. I don't really miss it anymore.

I reckon between change of contraception, your GP, and a few diet changes you'll have glowing skin again soon.

[ToffeeWhirl]

Oh, I really hope you're right, lurking. My favourite GP is not at work until next week, so I will go and see her then and can discuss spots/contraception/possible menopause then. I have had the Mirena for quite a few years, but the spots have only just started getting really bad, so I think something else must be triggering it.

Yes, the milk thing is interesting. I don't think I'd find it too hard to cut it out, so I'll give that a go.

I'm afraid I tackled the new, painful spot on my cheek with a sterilised needle. I know, I know - that was a silly thing to do. But it felt as if there was a lump in there that needed to come out and I thought then it would be flat again and stop hurting. Nothing solid came out - just watery stuff. The lump is still there, but now I've made it more swollen and it hurts even more. I'm not sure I can even disguise it with make up .

The last straw will be if this triggers a cold sore, as I sometimes get them on that side of my face. I would like to crawl away under a duvet for the weekend until my skin is better, but I have a friend (with perfect skin - and I mean, glowing, clear, beautiful skin!) coming to stay and we're going out to meet another friend on Saturday night. I will have to find a dark corner of the pub to hide in...

[hharris999]

First sign of a spot you should put on tea tree oil. Do it morning and night for a few days. It really works on those sore hard ones under the skin too. I only discovered it when someone suggested it for my sons warts. It is natural but powerful stuff.

It doesn't however work on those white age spots. I have a really large one on my nose. Any tips?