CrystalCastles Posted May 24, 2014 Share Posted May 24, 2014 So one week ago I had a big break out on my forehead. Yay. Before that, my skin was awesomely smooth, so I'm not sure what happened, but I need to get rid of the pimples because they're gross. I'm 21, if that makes any difference. I eat well, my diet is low in fats, I'm vegetarian but I do eat fish, I work out and I drink plenty of water. I don't smoke or drink alcohol ever. I used to have really horrible acne on my back, chest and face but my facial acne went away a few years ago until last week. My back acne is almost gone and I have no acne on my chest anymore. So I don't get why I got a big break out all of a sudden?? I use Benzaclin, tea tree oil and exfoliant, the latter which is made of a whole bunch of natural medicines like witch hazel, but also has salicylic acid and sodium hydroxide. I haven't been using Benzaclin for some time but I'm picking up some today. I don't touch my face, I don't pick my pimples and I wash my face with some scrub twice a day. None of this regime was causing acne before, so why am I having this break out now?? I thought everything was going away?? I'm so embarrassed to show my face in public, I wish I had my good skin back. Please give me some suggestions as to what I should do, or if I should change anything. Link to post Share on other sites
Speakingofwhich Posted May 24, 2014 Share Posted May 24, 2014 Well, you've had only one so far since your face cleared up from the acne you used to have, right? It's probably a lone zit and you won't have any more problems. Idk. For a long time I took tetracycline for acne. It worked great. When I built up an immunity to that drug I switched to other antibiotics. Next I had a round of accutane, an aggressive treatment with side effects (hair loss, dry skin, etc.) I had a few good years then acne recurred and I had another round of accutane. A few years later the acne came back and not wanting to take accutane again I went on spironolactone (Aldactone) for a few years. Don't think it's good for men to take that because one of the side effects is breast enlargement. I don't think breast size decreases when you stop taking the drug. At that point I was to the age where my hormones decreased naturally and my skin began to clear up on it's own. So, I think mine had something to do with hormones, idk. The Drs. would always tell me they didn't know what was causing the problem. Good luck but don't you think your acne days are over? One bump is kind of insignificant, don't you think? Link to post Share on other sites
FitChick Posted May 24, 2014 Share Posted May 24, 2014 Usually due to hormones or stress. Link to post Share on other sites
Author CrystalCastles Posted May 24, 2014 Author Share Posted May 24, 2014 It's not a lone zit, sadly. I haven't had any breakouts since then, just two weeks ago first breakout. It's mostly blackheads, some small whiteheads but they are bothering me and I want my smooth skin back. My good skin was something I was proud of. Its a good suggestion but I am going to avoid antibiotics. My sister is taking them, but even then I didn't think that was a good idea. I think that's something that can come back and bite you later. It can wreak havoc on your body. Maybe mine's a problem with hormones too? I'm a late bloomer as well, my breasts have started really developing in the past year so I don't think my hormones have calmed down yet. I'm worried that acne is something that will make me unattractive though. I always put in a good effort into keeping my skin clean so it's kind of sad when that effort doesn't show. I don't know if guys will mind it or not. What age do hormones usually calm down? 25? I just need to have some hope that this won't be forever. Otherwise I'm not stressed about anything. Maybe it might also be the weather. Is there anything I should change about my skin caring regime? Maybe I'm drying my skin out? I moisturise 2x a day but maybe that's not enough? Maybe too much? Well, you've had only one so far since your face cleared up from the acne you used to have, right? It's probably a lone zit and you won't have any more problems. Idk. For a long time I took tetracycline for acne. It worked great. When I built up an immunity to that drug I switched to other antibiotics. Next I had a round of accutane, an aggressive treatment with side effects (hair loss, dry skin, etc.) I had a few good years then acne recurred and I had another round of accutane. A few years later the acne came back and not wanting to take accutane again I went on spironolactone (Aldactone) for a few years. Don't think it's good for men to take that because one of the side effects is breast enlargement. I don't think breast size decreases when you stop taking the drug. At that point I was to the age where my hormones decreased naturally and my skin began to clear up on it's own. So, I think mine had something to do with hormones, idk. The Drs. would always tell me they didn't know what was causing the problem. Good luck but don't you think your acne days are over? One bump is kind of insignificant, don't you think? Link to post Share on other sites
Ninjainpajamas Posted May 24, 2014 Share Posted May 24, 2014 Acne can be a tough bug to squash, so you should really see a dermatologist and continue going until you figure something out that works for you...and they all have side-effects or simple things like avoiding exposure to the sun or really cold temperatures. Unfortunately acne is not about scrubbing your body, being dirty (or there'd be a lot more people with acne, trust me) not eating chocolate or whatever you'll hear from random people who might have a small breakout or two here and there...that's something going on with your skin/body and you can't just use this simple regiment to prevent it. However certain things make it worse, like stress and certain fabrics that might not allow your skin to breathe, you might even have some other skin allergies that make it even worse like being hypo-allergenic or sensitive to certain perfumes or scents. People with acne problems, not just these breakouts will need more serious medication than topical creams or teas and what not, you'll need medicine and the things you are doing sound like you're already doing what you can, because I'm not saying those things aren't helping or certain things don't just make it worse, but to completely eliminate them and keep them off you need medication and to take it constantly...breakouts or not, it's not like a thing you do or take and *poof* it's clear forever, it's hormonal and your skin, so see a doctor about it. If you really hate your acne, see a doctor and he'll send you to a dermatologist, and if he tells you to do something or try something...do it and stay on the schedule, and if it doesn't work just go back...just realize whatever the side-effects are might limit drinking alcohol or something else, you'll have to ask the doc....and honestly, you're breakouts might get worse before they get better, depends on how big of a problem you have, if it's minor it won't take as much versus someone who's got huge zits everywhere. Link to post Share on other sites
Speakingofwhich Posted May 25, 2014 Share Posted May 25, 2014 It's not a lone zit, sadly. I haven't had any breakouts since then, just two weeks ago first breakout. It's mostly blackheads, some small whiteheads but they are bothering me and I want my smooth skin back. My good skin was something I was proud of. Its a good suggestion but I am going to avoid antibiotics. My sister is taking them, but even then I didn't think that was a good idea. I think that's something that can come back and bite you later. It can wreak havoc on your body. Maybe mine's a problem with hormones too? I'm a late bloomer as well, my breasts have started really developing in the past year so I don't think my hormones have calmed down yet. I'm worried that acne is something that will make me unattractive though. I always put in a good effort into keeping my skin clean so it's kind of sad when that effort doesn't show. I don't know if guys will mind it or not. What age do hormones usually calm down? 25? I just need to have some hope that this won't be forever. Otherwise I'm not stressed about anything. Maybe it might also be the weather. Is there anything I should change about my skin caring regime? Maybe I'm drying my skin out? I moisturise 2x a day but maybe that's not enough? Maybe too much? For me, I think it was a hormone imbalance with too much testosterone. Because spironolactone limits the male hormone that gets to the level of the skin and it worked great for me. It's also given to hirsute cases (too much hair on skin) which I didn't have. I took four times the normal dose for several years. My skin was always clear but I fought it for a very long time. Hate to say how long as I don't want to discourage you and think mine was unusually bad. However, if I had it to do over I think I'd see a naturopath about it or some other kind of natural practioner. I have become increasingly skeptical of pharmaceuticals after some horrible experiences with them and hearing other peoples' experiences, too. Link to post Share on other sites
Chocolat Posted May 25, 2014 Share Posted May 25, 2014 Its a good suggestion but I am going to avoid antibiotics. I think avoiding antibiotics is a good idea. Want to point our, though, that Benzaclin is an antibiotic: it's a combination of benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin. Antibiotics (like any substance) can be absorbed through the skin, which is our largest organ. Benzaclin Gel: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects - Drugs.com 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Els Posted May 25, 2014 Share Posted May 25, 2014 (edited) I've always found that my acne comes and goes accordingly with my stress levels. I have the mother of all breakouts now. I'm mid-late twenties, so no hopes of 'outgrowing' it... AFAIK you should be trying pure benzoyl peroxide before going for the combination with clindamycin. The latter should only be considered in certain circumstances, or if the former isn't working. Do NOT take tetracycline or the like for just one week of breakouts (although the point is moot because I doubt you will be prescribed them anyway). IMO just try some benzoyl peroxide cream. (Edit: Also, start with the lowest dose first and then build up as needed) Edited May 25, 2014 by Elswyth 1 Link to post Share on other sites
veggirl Posted May 25, 2014 Share Posted May 25, 2014 I love my Clarisonic. My skin feels incredibly clean after I use it. That being said, I'm 31 and I still get zits sometimes (I have one on my chin now!) so yeah I don't think you outgrow it, lol. I don't break out like I did when I was a teenager (thank goodness omg) but they still pop up sometimes. Link to post Share on other sites
Allumere Posted May 25, 2014 Share Posted May 25, 2014 When does it go away? Really "never" and "it all depends". I never had bad acne when young...usually on my back or bum but not on my face. In fact I considered my self lucky because my facial breakouts were minimal. Then I turned 40 and it has been 5 years of adult facial acne. Grrrrrrrr. Hormones and stress win so I just ride it out, enjoy when the skin is clear and just suck it up when it isn't. I have done a ton of different programs through dermatologist...so far the most consistent is using a hypoallergenic facial cleanser and vanicream during the day (and sunscreen). At night its Obagi Benzoyl Peroxide or Retina 1.0. I also use LED light therapy and I use a derma-roller ever 6 weeks. Note that the rolling can cause breakouts for me if I do topicals immediately afterwards. One good thing, with all the stuff I use I have no wrinkles....lol Link to post Share on other sites
KaliLove Posted May 25, 2014 Share Posted May 25, 2014 Have you made any product changes recently? Diet? Soap? Hair care products? Skin care products? Laundry soap? It could be an allergic reaction to something new you've been using. Link to post Share on other sites
Xemyd Posted May 25, 2014 Share Posted May 25, 2014 Have you made any product changes recently? Diet? Soap? Hair care products? Skin care products? Laundry soap? It could be an allergic reaction to something new you've been using. To go along with this, make sure you wash your pillow cases regularly. I've found that a big help with my skin. Link to post Share on other sites
Author CrystalCastles Posted May 25, 2014 Author Share Posted May 25, 2014 Thanks for all the replies guys! And thanks for the antibiotics heads-up, Chocolat. The Benzaclin was prescribed to me so I just went with whatever my dermatologist recommended. I ran out of it two months ago, and before that all traces of acne had disappeared while I was using it. Maybe it caused an effect that wore off after 2 months of no use? My mom said that she used to have really bad skin when she was a teenager, just like me, and in her mid 20s it all went away and for as long as I remember she's always had clear skin so maybe I'll get lucky and that will happen to me? About the diet. I did change my diet but towards eating healthier, more veggies, and I no longer eat anything greasy or buy lunches. I only eat home cooked meals now. Laundry soap's still the same. My sister has Clarisonic but it didn't seem to do anything for her skin which is also problem skin, and that thing is expensive so I'm really not sure I want to buy it. My mom said that my acne is more like a rash. Maybe it is an allergy? It doesn't itch and it doesn't look like it's spreading either. In fact I looked at it today and some of the whiteheads have deflated so mostly it just looks like a mess of blackheads now. Maybe that means its going away? I never had breakouts since my high school days. This is the first one. And all my acne on my back is almost gone too, so it's weird that I have a random facial breakout. Link to post Share on other sites
gaius Posted May 26, 2014 Share Posted May 26, 2014 Can Sex Help Treat Acne? The 7 Skin Health Benefits of Sex Link to post Share on other sites
Author CrystalCastles Posted May 27, 2014 Author Share Posted May 27, 2014 Can Sex Help Treat Acne? The 7 Skin Health Benefits of Sex If only I had someone to have sex with, my acne days would be over! 2 Link to post Share on other sites
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