Am I the only one REALLY FRUSTRATED with my skin??

[Mschin]

I swear I have tried everything made on this green earth...besides taking pills to make it better (aside from BCP)
my skin is SUPER SUPER oily lately and super dry at the same time...is that even possible???
I went to a derm who did a microderm on me and then I got clenziderm by Obagi and it has been drying out my skin although parts of my face looks really nice..I am still getting at least one big ass hormonal pimple that everyone can see from miles away
I thought clenziderm was better than proactive in the sense that it works beneath the skin so I wouldnt get new pimples???

I really just WISH there was some MIRACLE potion that could help rid me of my oily acne prone skin (hangs head down in shame)
Someone please tell me there is??

[Merigreen]

This might sound like a radical solution -- certainly more work than a cream or skin treatment -- but consider getting to the cause of the problem by cutting out all dairy, sugars, and grains from your diet. I started to do the Paleo Diet and a huge improvement in my oily, pimply skin was the first thing I noticed. I'm hoping it will help with my other PCOS symptoms, too.

Try googling the book "The Dietary Cure for Acne" by Loren Cordain for some of the science behind it.

[beachlover]

No, you are not the only one. I have extremely oily skin-within an hour or so of putting my makeup on (or not), I am a big oil puddle. But then I have dry patches. It really just doesn't make sense. I am thinking of going to the skincare person at the dermatologists' office to see if I can't get something done. But, it's crazy, so I definitely know how you feel!

[Mishee]

Totally have the same thing. Dry skin in some spots, oily in others. I have not ever been able to get rid of my acne. And I can't stand those over the counter treatments, they do such terrible stuff to my skin. BCP's don't help either. I don't even want to bother with the prescription crap. I'm hoping that as I get my other symptoms under control the skin will come along. I had a teacher at school (I go to masage school) say that he was able to cure his daughter's acne with essential oils. I don't think she has PCOS but I'm thinking about asking him what he did....

[TheNewMrs.]

I too have had bad skin. Actually it really makes me mad because during middle school and early high school when everyone else was breaking out from puberty my skin was beautiful and perfectly flawless at all times (well maybe like 1 unnoticable pimple a month or so). Then all of a sudden everyone else's faces cleared up and mine was crazy!! ...and it's been crazy ever since.

The one thing I did notice that has helped for me was Yaz. I took it for solely 2 months (the only BCP's I've EVER used in my life...and just took it to try to regulate). When I was on it, my skin slowly cleared right up. I've been off Yaz for nearly 2 months (one of MY cycles) and my skin has stayed relatively clear. I do have a few more now, but AF just started today...and they're definitely less noticable than before).

I have not found a product that I really like either for a cleanser. I DO really like Olay Definity "highly defined anti-aging intense hydrating cream." It made my skin so bright and flawless looking. I LOVED it. Thing is, it's like $30/1.7 oz (if I remember correctly) and I went through it rather quickly (had gotten it as a sample/present in a large gift package). I'm usually not one to go out and purchase $30 make-up/creams/beauty products, but I honestly liked this one so much that I'm seriously considering it.

Just thought I'd share my experiences.

[sinnie]

I have the exact same issues. I am thinking of trying Bare Essentials makeup. I also have dark rings around my eyes, despite sleeping fine.

[TheNewMrs.]

Kim - Let me know if you try Bare Essentials. I've thought about trying it, but I have a feeling that it'll be generally the same as everything else except more money. I'm definitely interested though! I'm somewhat similar to you with my eyes. I can't say that they're dark circles, but it's like they're constantly puffy underneith no matter how much sleep I get. It's a constant thing. I think it may just be me though...not anything to do with PCOS or any other such thing. I've tried some of the Mary Kay products that are supposed to reduce puffiness, but they don't do a thing.

[sinnie]

Yeah I have tried a lot of different things. I may be thinking of Bare Minerals, whatever it is the expensive powder makeup.
Avon had a knock off of it but it made my face itchy. It seemed to help with the oiliness somewhat though.

[Mschin]

HI Ladies,

I use Bare Essentials and like it best out of all the make ups I have tried through the years! ESPECIALLY the mineral veil which helps mattify the face!
My skin is VERY oily as I said in my first post and when the veil is applied it looks natural and helps it look normal...at least for a while!

I to have dark circles under my eyes ...I have tried K. gooman (I think thats the name) it has a HIGH amount of Vitamin K in it which is supposed to help with dark circles under eyes...and honestly..it works wonders! I have only taken samples from Sephora because of the cost! Its like $110 for a small tube but once I get extra money I will definately buy a bottle!!

[TheNewMrs.]

Holy crap. I'd rather have bags and dark circles than pay $110 per little bottle. lol Maybe I'm cheap!

[ReverseTheCurse]

I think the less product you use the better. If you're lathering your entire face with acne medication you're making it worse. In my experience, keeping my face cleansed and moisturized and using Differin in small quantities (directly on the zit, nowhere else) has worked wonders. I used to coat my whole face with acne medication to prevent future breakouts and it actually caused them. Give your skin a break and it will clear up

[madamebovary]

I'm so upset with my skin that I now breakdown at least once a day, sometimes as much as 3 times. I just started Metformin and Loestrin24Fe and I don't know if the BCP made me break out initially but I now have way more cysts than when I started! I hate this horrible disorder and feel as if it has truly ruined my life. I've tried almost everything for my acne cysts to no avail-- Tazorac gave me horrible icepick scarring, prolonged antibiotic use ( almost 5 years) gave me chronic yeast infections that eventually resulted in permanent tearing of my labia (and makes sex much more painful and awkward than it used to be) as well as countless creams, TCA peels, microderm...you name it. Nothing works. I've only been on the BCP and Met a week now but I have no hope. I don't want to take Accutane and I hear it doesn't even help for those with PCOS so why bother? I hate to sound vain but I actually have a very pretty face...stunning, actually...except not anymore. I feel hideous and though people tell me it's "not that bad" I feel like the quality of my life has been diminished so much, which makes me soo soo angry. Even when the cysts do clear up and I have a week of decent-looking skin I still have these disgusting scars to live with that makeup only accentuates yet I still feel the need to wear for my own security. I don't really know what to do anymore and I don't think I can go on like this much longer. I try to be happy and content but I really can't when I think of everything PCOS has cost me. Also, I've started getting more "peach fuzz" on my face and breasts (not just around the nipple but everywhere on my breast) and while the hair is not coarse or dark it is still a noticeable difference. However, my OB-GYN just told me that it's "normal" and she gets hair around her nipples too. Yeah...ok. Great. Except mine is NOT normal. I've also suffered from HS on my pubic area (mostly on the mound and in the "creases" between the thighs) and let me tell you--THAT has just done wonders for my confidence in bed. Honestly I hate my life and I'd prefer to die however I could never kill myself so I just wish a semi would hit me most days. Sorry if this seems so long and pointless..I just need to let it out because I'm pretty sure NOBODY I know has even the slightest clue about what I've gone/and going through and any kind of support would be refreshing.

[TheNewMrs.]

I think the less product you use the better.

I have to agree. At this point, I've stopped washing my face with anything at night. Just water. I DO use a Olay lotion right now (only because i have it and I'm just using things up...once my lotions are gone I'll likely stop even using lotion). In the morning. I use a Biore face wash in the shower, but don't leave it on or anything. (I actually somehow got in the habit of using this as a shaving cream, which works wonders...I haven't found a substitute, so I stick with it!)

I was terrified to cut down on product use, but I've actually found my skin to be better (actually it's been better ever since I started BCP...and I've been off of them for about 2.5 months now and it's still nearly as clear). I definitely don't get frustrated with my skin like I did! I want to eventually cut down to using NO face products. Just water.

[Mschin]

I'm so upset with my skin that I now breakdown at least once a day, sometimes as much as 3 times. I just started Metformin and Loestrin24Fe and I don't know if the BCP made me break out initially but I now have way more cysts than when I started! I hate this horrible disorder and feel as if it has truly ruined my life. I've tried almost everything for my acne cysts to no avail-- Tazorac gave me horrible icepick scarring, prolonged antibiotic use ( almost 5 years) gave me chronic yeast infections that eventually resulted in permanent tearing of my labia (and makes sex much more painful and awkward than it used to be) as well as countless creams, TCA peels, microderm...you name it. Nothing works. I've only been on the BCP and Met a week now but I have no hope. I don't want to take Accutane and I hear it doesn't even help for those with PCOS so why bother? I hate to sound vain but I actually have a very pretty face...stunning, actually...except not anymore. I feel hideous and though people tell me it's "not that bad" I feel like the quality of my life has been diminished so much, which makes me soo soo angry. Even when the cysts do clear up and I have a week of decent-looking skin I still have these disgusting scars to live with that makeup only accentuates yet I still feel the need to wear for my own security. I don't really know what to do anymore and I don't think I can go on like this much longer. I try to be happy and content but I really can't when I think of everything PCOS has cost me. Also, I've started getting more "peach fuzz" on my face and breasts (not just around the nipple but everywhere on my breast) and while the hair is not coarse or dark it is still a noticeable difference. However, my OB-GYN just told me that it's "normal" and she gets hair around her nipples too. Yeah...ok. Great. Except mine is NOT normal. I've also suffered from HS on my pubic area (mostly on the mound and in the "creases" between the thighs) and let me tell you--THAT has just done wonders for my confidence in bed. Honestly I hate my life and I'd prefer to die however I could never kill myself so I just wish a semi would hit me most days. Sorry if this seems so long and pointless..I just need to let it out because I'm pretty sure NOBODY I know has even the slightest clue about what I've gone/and going through and any kind of support would be refreshing.

Keep your head up girl!
Some days are worse than others but understand that A LOT of us ladies here DO understand what you are going through! Some of them are goin through a lot worse but in the end we have to realize that there are people in the world that have things A LOT worse than we do!
Try to stay positive..easier said than done at times..but it doesnt hurt to try! Keep a smile on your face even when you feel down!

I have VERY oily skin..and have been breaking out A LOT more lately...I have a hairy tummy and a lot of other things I can complain about but I always try to look on the brighter things ...although there are days where I feel like hiding under a rock

Just know that we are all here to support each other!

[Jade76]

I too feel some days like the skin issue could put me over the edge. I have noticed that at least for the acne part, diet does make a very big difference. Even just eating gluten free was a big help and just cutting dairy to a minamum. Just keep trying different things, with PCOS there is not "one size fits all " but there is something out there that will help you.
Do something good for yourself, like maybe a pedicure ?? They are cheap and I love at least knowing my feet and toes are pretty. Takes my focus off my face for a while.