Okay, I've had (MOSTLY) clear skin my whole life. I didn't have any acne as a teenager, and I used to always be complemented on my complexion. Recently, I started Yaz, and I've gotten the WORST breakouts in my life. As soon as one starts to go away, 2 or 3 more pop up. It's freaking me out. These puppies HURT, too. I've never had pimples that actually hurt. :\ To boot, they are pretty angry looking too- we're not talking just little bumps, we're talking full blown red scabby biscuit-eaters. I've tried the Proactive clay mask, and I only hear laughing from the spots. I dunno what to do. I think this weekend I'm gonna try Acne Free, but otherwise, I'm mourning the loss of my previously fairly nice skin.
Something else I wanted to ask about, was blackheads. I can't get my nose to NOT have blackheads. I've tried pore washes, and nose strips, and all sorts of things. I feel dirty, partly because I'm OCD anyways, and I can't get the things to go away. These are so bad sometimes I can pull the dirt plugs out with tweezers... (is that TMI?) I only do that when it's really severe, but that's how severe it can get. Any suggestions about "simple" blackheads?
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I don't really have any suggestions, but I wanted to say that I hear ya! I had moderate acne as a teen, but nothing as painful as what PCOS has brought. They do hurt, I never knew acne could be so painful. And we move our face so much that it just aggravates the pain, eating, talking, smiling etc.
I've always had blackheads on my nose too. Nothing seems to fade/remove them. I'm seriously considering asking my doctor for a referral to a dermatologist next time I see her.
It's been my experience that most acne treatments are designed for teenage acne. We have hormonal acne, which is different than teen acne. I realize theyr'e both caused by hormones, but I think we've all tried the different systems like Proactiv, neutrogena, acnefree, etc. and they seem to work for a while, then the acne is back.
I've read about Spironolactone helping acne because it works on the hormones, but I've never tried it. It might be one of the best hopes for us, since it's not topical but instead works on the hormones.
Try not to get too frustrated. I know it's hard. My sister has beautiful skin, she even has somewhat dry skin and has to moisturize! I'm shiny all day long, even an hour after washing. I can't remember the last time I had clear skin, but it sure would be nice!
A few weeks ago I bought a tweezerman blackhead remover and I LOVE IT. Oh my god is it fun to use! I love squeezing those suckers out...its strangely very entertaining. My nose is pretty much blackhead city...but that little instrument has worked wonders!
__________________ Age: 24
Dx 2 Phylloids Tumors Left Breast - Surgical Biopsy May 2006 and November 2007
Dx PCOS Fall 2006
Current Meds: Effexor 75mg
my doc prescribed me something that worked wonders the first few times. its a zinc and erythromycin skin solution. problem is, it gets less effective each time you stop using it and start again.
i've just had a major breakout after being ill, and it was so bad at one point (well, for about a month) that i couldn't actually open my mouth or make a facial expression without bleeding and being in total agony, so much i would cry. when mine are really bad i look like i've been punched because the spots are huge purple lumps that literally explode and leave deep holes behind.
the first couple of time i used the solution, there was a noticeable difference within a week. but because this is the fourth time i've had to use it, its not working nearly so well.
i'm tryin gto find a herbal face pack at the moment because my skin is like hypersensitive. if i find anything i'll let you know.
My acne has calmed down a LOT, so it MAY have been from starting the Yaz. Possibly the Met. I'm totally going to try the rash cream next time I have a flare up. My husband has some acne breakouts too, and I told him about the cream, and we're gonna pick up some when we do groceries when we move.
No progress yet on the blackheads- I've not been out because I've been dealing with a lil bit of depression this week. But, hoping that will change next week when we move into our own place.
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AreeeWWWW!!! Breakout City!! 
There may be some in the house I can ninja from my nieces. 
