Avoiding Scarring With Acne (Adult Acne due to Hormones, Allergy, ?)

[lifeisbeautiful]

I hope this isn’t TIM. Does anyone have any advice on how to avoid scarring with Acne? I am not sure if it is due to post-partum hormones, an allergic reaction, etc, but in the last month or so I have developed acne on my cheeks. Growing up I would get normal zits here and there, but nothing I would consider “acne”. I even get some when I first become pregnant, but nothing concentrated like this. I’ll be seeing a dr. in 2 weeks, but I suspect this might just be something that can’t be fixed automatically by a prescription (which would have to be compatible with breastfeeding and the possibility of pregnancy). In the meantime, I was trying to avoid scarring, while I try to figure out where this came from. I don’t know if it is just post-partum hormones (has this happened to anyone?), an allergy to something (food or make-up) etc. I know I am not supposed to pick at my face etc, but is there any other advice (maybe something natural) that can be done?

 

[lifeisbeautiful]

BTW, has anyone else had acne come up for the first time past puberty? Has there been any over the counter treatment that has worked for you (or maybe “natural” treatment)?

 

[Feanaro_s_Wife]

**About 6 months ago my face exploded. Like you, I used to get regular zits, but this was different. I had large painful cysts, tons of whiteheads, and my face hurt so much that I couldn’t sleep.

Turns out that my testosterone level went wacky. Still don’t know why but it must have had something to do with post-partum/breastfeeding etc.

My regular doc tried a few different antibiotics with absolutely NO results. That baffled him. I don’t know why though…it stands to reason that, unless the hormones were balanced the acne would continue.

So I saw a naturopath. She put me on a supplement to balance my hormones and my face slowly started to get better. But it is still not totally under control and it definitely worsens around ovulation.

As for the scarring, actual scarring (according to my doc, is when the surface of the skin is changed…like indentations or raised areas. The other kind has to do with pigmentation…I have tons of lovely purple marks where each and every zit was. It is truly awful. I notice they darken around ovulation as well**

**So, my advice would be to get your hormone levels checked. If they are out of balance, try to get that treated. In my opinion a naturopath would be a good choice. Especially since you are breastfeeding. And don’t even touch your face. The bacteria on our hands can really aggravate the situation. Wash you pillow cases frequently and use clean face cloths for each wash.

When my face was so bad that just touching it hurt I could only wash with plain, natural honey. Everything else, even gentle cleansers stung like crazy. Honey is naturally antibacterial, safe, and reduces inflammation.** **You can use pure aloe gel for moisture and healing. Mountain Rose Herbs has a GREAT one and the price (especially since it is organic) is amazing.

Good luck sorting this all out…I wouldn’t wish facial acne on my worst enemy!!!**

 

[lifeisbeautiful]

Thank you Malia!
Lots of good ideas! I really appreciate your sharing all this info with me. Sorry you have been dealing with this too , it is a pain .
I am getting ready to go on a two day road trip tomorrow to visit some of dh’s family for a week… Any suggestions for covering it up? I am a little hesitant to use any mineral makeup at this point, since I haven’t been able to rule it out completely yet

 

[Feanaro_s_Wife]

I am getting ready to go on a two day road trip tomorrow to visit some of dh’s family for a week… Any suggestions for covering it up? I am a little hesitant to use any mineral makeup at this point, since I haven’t been able to rule it out completely yet

I have finally ruled out the mineral make up…well, the foundation at least (and concealer). So I use a small brush to put concealer directly on ALL of the spots (it takes FOREVER) then use the foundation. Doesn’t cover it but at least lessens the impact and tones down the variety of colors I’ve got going on…
**
the one thing I noticed was it cleared more when we had hot sunny days here. So, if you are able to get some sun that might help too:shrug:**

 

[raindr0ps]

**
the one thing I noticed was it cleared more when we had hot sunny days here. So, if you are able to get some sun that might help too:shrug:**

ditto to that. Sun helped my bro’s scars pretty much go poof. They were the one’s where the pigmentation was off btw

 

[udoc89]

BTW, has anyone else had acne come up for the first time past puberty? Has there been any over the counter treatment that has worked for you (or maybe “natural” treatment)?

Honey, it can happen at any time of life. I escaped it during my teens, but my brother and two sisters had a problem with it–I suppose there was a genetic tendency to it. When I was peri-menopausal in my late 40’s, I had a surge of zits. At least I could cover them because they were all on either side of my face along my hairline. (My hair is not oily and never has been.) The odd thing about it was that the bumps were completely symmetrical–if I got three in the shape of a triangle on one temple, I got three on the other. (This is a slight exaggeration, but you get the picture!) I talked to my Ob-Gyn, who was conservative in her treatment. I used Retin-A for a month or two, but my skin is extremely sensitive, and I couldn’t stand it. I finally just decided to let nature take it’s course. It stopped after about a year. I’m 54 now, it’s been a year since I had a period, and I don’t get bumps anymore.

I had no scarring. but I never had cysts–just whiteheads. Make sure you leave the cysts alone. My sister had them when she was a teen, and they will leave scars if you pick at them too much.I would put a very warm compress on my bumps and then rub the nasty little so-and-sos away. Other than that, I just kept my skin very clean–I used mild soap and water.

I know it’s awful and embarrassing, but your skin will probably settle down once your hormones do…

Blessings to you!