Acne Issues

maggsta · 06-22-2008, 02:32 PM

I was diagnosed with PCOS just earlier this month (which of course explained a bunch of the problems I was having), and was prescribed Yasmin to "help" it. I've been using the Proactiv system for a few years, and it had worked ok for awhile, but now it doesn't seem to be doing anything for me. Does anyone else have extreme acne issues? How did you manage it? Is there any product you recommend? Thanks!

ampak · 06-23-2008, 12:12 AM

The thing I've found that helps best with acne for me is regular exercise. After about 3 weeks of daily exercise my skin clears my skin up better than anything else. Another thing that helps and is SO much cheaper than proactive is mixing a couple tablespoons of non-iodized sea salt, available anywhere you buy groceries, with 1/8 cup warm water and applying it with a cotton ball and let air dry. My AIM is Melosh2006 if you ever want to chat!

LaTejanaFria · 06-23-2008, 02:02 AM

Maggie,
I think the #1 thing that has helped with my acne (I'm 38 and still working on it) has been weight loss and management of my IR. This hasn't happened until recently. I was on Yasmin for about 5 1/2 - 6 years and got SO CLOSE to getting a clear complexion, but never actually had it. My doctors didn't figure out the connection between my acne and PCOS until I went on Accutane for about 6 months and STILL had acne.

I've decided to go the alternative route (which isn't for everyone, but I"m happy with it - you can see what I'm doing in my sig) and things are going really well for me. My skin isn't clear, but I'm getting there. For skin care, I've also started using a line that my cousin recommended to me called Cosmedix. PUrity Clean for washing my face and Define for moisturizing. I've seen really good results since I've started using this last month. It's spendy, but worth it in my opinion.

Before that, I was using the L'Oreal Acne control line (daily cleansing and acne peel). They were sold in kits, but I haven't seen them in a while so I don't know if they're available or not. Use in combination, I was getting pretty good results. I used the Acne Peel kit only a few times a week, but I did see gradual change.

GuitarBee · 06-24-2008, 12:44 AM

I was on Minocycline (oral acne meds) for 3 years and they stopped working, so I consulted my dermatologist who said it could possibly be PCOS but he couldn't diagnose it. He was right though. I've found that the pill has helped clear up my skin (along with Spironolactone) but my skin still gets dry at times. Use a good moisturizer made for your specific skin type.