"Is your face killing you?" YES, AS A MATTER OF FACT, IT IS

[hollybrooke]

Another acne attack, on my right cheek today. It looks like a cluster of tiny pimples and bigger zits. What's weird is that they're in this odd curved-pattern.

I can't afford to go a dermatologist for this, and my insurance won't cover a trip to see one either. But I've tried every treatment known to man, short of actually resorting to Accutane (and I'm really sketchy about Accutane; I've done my research). It's driving me insane, and it makes my self-esteem go down and I don't feel presentable at all. I'm about ready to turn into a recluse and start sporting one of these babies:



So I ask you.....

[Poll #1331628]

Comments

[antiheroine-82.livejournal.com]

I've struggled with acne as well. It gets worse in the winter, which is now, and this particular season has been extremely cold over here in Maine. It all depends on your skin type. Part of the reason why it was so fond of me was because I inherited it from my mother, so it could have to do with your genes.

I've heard different things about it having to do with your diet-- I've heard that what you eat have a major effect on your complexion, while others, including a few dermatologists, have told me that food has absolutely nothing to do with it. Apparently that whole chocolate rumor is a myth as well, and the only way it causes pimples is if you touch your face with unwashed hands after handling it.

Mine also came from stress. And washing your face, like, 20 times a day isn't gonna do crap. Actually, I've been told that washing it more than 2 or 3 times a day makes it worse because the natural oils in your skin helps keep it hydrated and when you wash it that much, your skin gets dry and causes zits.

The sex thing, I honestly dunno about, but whenever I used to breakout, I never wanted anyone to even *look* at me, so forget about doin' the deed. I was close to picking the 'God hates you' choice on your poll because that's sure as hell how I felt when this was going on with me. All in all, it could be ALL those things or NONE of those things. It all depends on the person. If and when I start to break out again, I'll probably try Accutane myself. I tried Proactive a few years back, and it did zilch. It seemed to help almost everyone else, but with me it did nothing.

I'm sorry to hear about this because I know how it feels and I totally sympatheize with you. Acne has got to be the worst thing in the world for me, and even now when I get even the slightest bump or red mark, I freak out and fear it's starting again. I wish I could help you, but I really dunno what to say since I'm not an expert. I just hope it gets better for you.

[iamfiction.livejournal.com]

You know I struggled with acne for a very long time. It got worse in my early 20s until I couldn't take it any more and started going to an esthetician.

The food myth on the whole is true; what you eat doesn't affect your skin directly. However, there are some things--high fructose corn syrup and alcohol for starts--that deplete your body of the things it needs to keep your skin healthy and shedding the way it should.

Stress can bring it on. I think with me it was genetic. I've been clear for the past year, but I am still very very prone to breakouts if I mess with my diet or don't care for my face the way I should.

As for skin care, I use Dermologica products. Gentle and not filled with crazy chemicals. They don't test on animals either.

And I do it all. I mean ALL. I cleanse, tone and moisturize. Moisturizing is just as important for people with oily skin (like me) as it is for people with dry. Hydrated skin is happy skin. I also exfoliate once a week or once every 2 weeks.

I will be honest, it took me well over a year with all my skincare changes to finally see major progress and get clear. There is no miracle cure. But if you ever need to talk or want me to talk about the changes I made for my skin, just let me know.

*hugs* I know how acne can eat up a person. It's done it to me many times before.