out of nowhere acne?

Question

i am 30 and am all of a sudden having a terrible problem with acne. i have not changed any makeup, facial stuff, etc. always use hypoallergenic and oil free things on my face. i normally get a couple around the "fun" time of the month, but it clears up real fast. these are appearing all over my face and some on my chest. they are big...not just a simple blackhead. i am getting depressed just looking at my face. (have already tried things like practive with no luck) any ideas what is happening to me or how to treat it?

Answer 1

Proactive won't help with what you're experiencing, which sounds like cystic acne. I understand how you feel. I had enviably clear skin all my life until I was about 27. Apparently it's not just the hormone changes of adolescence that can cause acne, it's ones throughout your life. I tried many things, including Proactive and Ortho-TriCyclen (to let you know the breadth). I was offered Accutane by a doctor, but I was worried about side effects.

I've found that if you go to your dermatologist, you will most likely be able to work out the best options for you. Most likely that will include some oral antibiotics (I'm allergic to most but highly recommend the practice. My doctor gives me cephalexin, but yours will probably try a tetracycline antibiotic. For current bad cysts, she may inject a corticosteroid solution into them and/or drain them to help clear them up and lessen scarring. And she'll probably recommend a face regime tailored to what she sees going on with your particular skin---it varies, so I couldn't tell you how that would be apart from the fact it will probably include a topical antibiotic and/or a retinoid and/or salicylic acid or benzoil peroxide treatments.

My skin has gotten a lot better, and I credit some of that to switching to mineral powder cosmetics. I use Monave. http://www.monave.com/ The concealing foundation has great coverage, even for large, red zits, but the makeup is also actually good for your skin. It soothes it and doesn't clog it up more. I often accidentally fall asleep wearing it and it's usually as nothing different happened. I think it's a bargain as well, but I have seen a discount brand, everydayminerals, recommended by some people also. I love Monave, though, and you can try a sample for $10 (the everydayminerals place has mini-samples for $3).

I also use an oil-free moisturizer with just a couple of drops of jojoba oil, which I have read about as being the best choice for acne-prone skin.

I'm sorry that my biggest advice is to visit a doctor, because I know that many people (like me) don't have health insurance. But I think you'll find that a doctor vist and a few doctor-prescribed products will cost less in the long run than two years of tears and trying every drugstore product you can find.

Good luck!

Answer 2

If Pro Active isn't doing any good, then it may be a hormone issue. Doesn't matter what time of the month it is. All I can say is "good luck" because my daughter has tried EVERYTHING except prescription medications to battle her acne. You can either consult a dermatologist or maybe first thing to do is have a professional facial done at a spa. A facial should only cost about $40-$50 and the skin care specialist may be able to help you without you having to pay for a doctor's visit and all that comes with it.

By the way, if you have changed birth control pill prescriptions lately, this could be the culprit. Sometimes it takes a couple of months for your body to adjust, and sometimes you just have to try another pill. My daughter is taking Yasmin, and we finally found a pill that doesn't work against her acne problem, making it harder to treat.