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hormonal acne... what gives?
Started
by Lindsay
on February 24, 2012
Hello everyone, I know there are a lot of threads on acne already but I had to chime in. I have acne on my cheeks, jaw line, and chin. I recently caved and went to the dermatologist. I tried talking to him about what causes acne and how to fix the problem internally instead of always treating the surface (skin). He was less than receptive to discuss natural ways to help clear up my mess of face. Instead he said lets just focus on the skin.....so I have an antibiotic and a topical cream which is something that I do not want to rely on for the rest of my life! Has anyone else suffered from hormonal acne and got it under control naturally? What did you do? Is stress a contributing factor because I am a high stress individual? Also, I do drink coffee and wonder if caffeine may be the culprit?
Hi Lindsay,
I just recently started having the same kind of breakouts. I'm wondering if it also has something to do with the weather/season change? Don't know where you live but here in CA we're exeperiencing a big fluctuation from hot to cold :S I've been washing my makeup brushes everyday with organic facial cleanser, washing my pillow cases and towel every other week which seems to have helped a little. Yes, stress is a major contributor to hormonal acne so try winding down. In macrobiotics dried shiitake tea helps to relieve tense conditions (http://macrobiotickitchen.blogspot.com/2010/11/how-to-make-dried-shiitake-tea.html).
True acne is caused by hormonal imbalances specifically an imbalance of androgens. Stress can contribute to hormonal imbalances through weakening the adrenal glands which are involved in hormone production. The liver is strongly involved in maintaining hormonal balance by metabolizing hormones. The gut flora also has to be in balance as they further break down hormonal metabolites for excretion or into inert substances.
Depends on the root cause for what treatment you would choose, i could explain more. My blog has alot of information. Please don't take this advice as medical, i am no doctor merely someone who had very bad cystic hormonal acne.
Amla Powder & Vegan Blog
I've seen a few dermatiologists for the same issue. A couple have tried to put me on drugs which I didn't want, so I asked my latest Dr for advice on what to eat. He said caffiene is a contributing factor to acne, as is chocolate because they're stimulants. He also told me to avoid fatty foods.
Make sure to have your thyroid checked out-I have underactive thyroid,which rarely shows up on blood tests,was diagnosed by a natruopath.It totally explains my acne since I was teenager-for months nothing,then BAM red,cystic acne and pustles along with depression and hormonal imblanaces! I'm taking great homeopathic pills with burdock in it,using coconut oil,making masks out of (inidividually)papaya,oatmeal,honey,yogurt,Aztec Secret Bentonite clay and it's gone down so much.Also spot treating with vitamin E oil overnight,using a natural fiber brush to wash your face with instead of your hands,and steaming your face with hot water are other great nourishing ways to treat inflamed skin.
http://www.longnaturalhealth.com/products.asp?P=53
I have had the same problem for the last few years. It became much worse 3 months ago when I went off birth control pills. I have tried everything...and so far the most success has been with coconut oil on my face to moisturize and acupuncture to even out my hormone levels. 3 sessions in and I see an improvement.
Hi everyone,
Thanks for all the responses. It turns out that I may very well have PCOS and that is the culprit for my adult acne. I already have a very clean diet with lots of fruits and veggies so I am trying to do as much research as possible to figure out how to finally rid myself of breakouts. I have read that a low carb diet is something that has been helpful. Does anyone know the "ideal" amount of carbs someone with PCOS should be consuming daily?
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