Ever since I've gained weight (from PCOS), it seems that my skin is perpetually breaking out. I don't get the huge cystic acne that some posters have described on this board, but I get clusters of pimples around my chin, mouth, and cheeks that start off small, then get redder and keep festering for weeks on end. I don't break out a LOT, but when I do, the pimples just won't heal...so they end up leaving scars that take forever to fade.
Like many on this board, I've tried just about every OTC product out there, as well as the so-called skin care systems like Proactive, Murad, Mario Badescu, and Paula's Choice. Usually when I first try a new product, I'll get moderate relief for about a couple of weeks....until my skin gets "used" to the product, then it's no longer effective on my acne. I'm SO TIRED of throwing away my $$$ on products that ultimately don't work!
Just wondering if anybody else out there has dealt with this problem? I'm very frustrated with my never-healing pimples and would like to get some relief (and minimize the scarring).
Are you diabetic? I know that diabetes can cause you not to be able to heal as fast. On another message board today I posted that the ONLY thing that worked for my acne was Accutane.
To answer your question, no, I'm not diabetic, but I am IR (insulin resistant)....so maybe that's causing the slow healing?
Thanks also for the suggestion about Accutane; a dear friend of mine had terrible acne for years and the only thing that finally helped him was Accutane. If this problem with my skin persists, I'm thinking of making an appt with a dermatologist to see if this would be an option for me, too.
Before trying Accutane, maye try asking the dermatologist about Retin-A. Since you're applying it to your skin, not taking it internally, it has fewer side effects.
Not directly. I perhaps didn't use the best wording on my post. What I should have said is that my having PCOS has resulted in both weight gain AND acne, along with other symptoms. I apologize if my bad wording caused any confusion.
Good suggestion! I've tried Retin-A a few years ago with good results, so maybe I should try it again. The next time I see my doctor, I'll ask her for a prescription. I've heard that Accutane really cures the acne, but I'd only want to use it as a last resort....if I've exhausted all of my other options.
From another thread here about acne, I found acne.org. It suggests over the counter treatments that actually work. I don't have bad acne--that's about the only PCOS symptom I don't have. But, my sister, who also has PCOS has the really bad cystic acne so we're going to try the suggestions on acne.org.
Hope you can check out the site and try it.
Also, Mary Kay offers a acne treatment gel that makes appearing pimples disappear over night for me!! I love it.
Thanks much for the good tip! I'll have to check that site out. I'm always open to new ideas on how to get rid of or at least minimize acne.
I have tried the Mary Kay gel but unfortunately it was like all of the other products: worked for awhile, then its effectiveness fades. I've known others who've used it and gotten good results, so I was bummed it didn't work for me.
Good tips, SD. Where does one find alum, though? At a drugstore?
Actually, since I started taking Met two weeks ago, my pimples are healing and my skin is clearer now than it's been in a long time. I still have some scarring, but they are fading, too. I know Met can help with acne, but I didn't expect it to work this fast!
You can find it baking section, with all the spices. It really dries mine up. I usually use some sort of lotion on it the next day. I have found vaseline works the best. Just a dab and rub into it so the place does not get overly dry.
Crushed aspirin and water works too.
I also can recommend baking soda and alcohol. Mix together so that it is a paste. Place on spot and let dry.
I am really into alt remedies.
I had someone suggest baking soda and hydrogen proxide. I haven't tried that one yet.
Thanks for the good info, SD. I'll pick up some alum next time I go to the grocery store. The other tips you shares sound easy and cheap, too. Worth a try the next time I get a pimple. Thanks again for your help!
What to do with pimples that just won't heal? 
