Anyone suffering with acne &/or confidence crisis?

[PinkSwoon]

Hello everyone!

I apologise in advance if this gets a bit ranty but I'm so fed up lately. Not going to bore you all (much ) with a background story but I've been suffering with acne since I was around 9-10, that's almost a decade!

My dad was a sufferer too but he grew out of it so I think this is what my parents believed would happen to me too, boy how they were wrong, I now have awful skin to show for the 10 long years of suffering this has put me through. Now anyone with moderate/severe acne will know that I mean suffer literally, it's painful, itchy, not cute, truly depressing & what is worse, you can't hide it. When my acne first started it affected my forehead most, with the odd one on my chin then as it progressed it cleared up on my forehead (even though it left me with terribly enlarged pores) & moved onto my jawline. When I moved away to college 2 years ago I took responsibility & made a doctors appointment after my acne got considerably worse which I thought was from, at the time, being on the pill. I began taking minocycline, this dramatically reduced my acne but a year or so after I started taking it, I relapsed & with a vengeance, went back to the doctors & got told that I was hypersensitive to testosterone (I attended a sports-specialised college full of rugby boys, there was a lot of this stuff floating around!) so I began taking erythromycin & used a strong vitamin A cream topically, this helped too, very well in fact but now I think I am relapsing again.

My acne is hormonal, there's no doubt about it, it gets horrendous around the time of my period & I just can't seem to shift it. I feel absolutely disgusting & it makes me feel like a child, I should not have to put up with this at all & it's just not fair. I feel like a failure because of my passion for makeup, popular belief is that makeup artists/models/other professions within this industry should look perfect all the time, how can I be a decent makeup artist with skin like this? Due to it being hormonal, no amount of product/water I drink/fruit & veg I consume will change this & I just feel like I'm in a rut! I don't want to go outside, I don't want my boyfriend to see me without makeup but I don't want to apply makeup purely just to give my skin a break, my younger male neighbour (a very close friend of my family) is also suffering from acne (albeit 'puberty' acne) & when people say 'Why don't you try this what **** is trying, it's worked for him' (a topical over-the-counter cream) I just break down because I know that it won't & what hurts is that they obviously don't think I've tried, even though I know they're trying to help me.

Now where confidence is concerned, without makeup, I have pretty much zero with regards to my face although I'm pretty body confident, it's just my skin what is letting me down. Don't get me wrong when I'm wearing makeup I feel a million dollars & I love wearing it but I want to feel gorgeous without it. My boyfriend, family etc tell me I'm gorgeous, but someone telling you that you look gorgeous & actually feeling gorgeous are two very different things. I've had times in my life where my acne has cleared up considerably & the relief that it gives me is just incredible, I felt on top of the world for those few short days at a time. Ultimately, I just want my skin to look normal. I know a few people will be thinking 'You should thank you're lucky stars you're sound of mind & body' etc etc but at the end of the day it's something what I don't have to/shouldn't have to put up with so why should I feel like that? I don't want to have to worry before I go to bed about what my skin will look like in the morning or whether my spots are fully covered up before I go out.

I also think it's hindered my chances of becoming employed, I have no money/no job & that is getting me down too. My dream of becoming a self-employed makeup artist is just sitting there without me being able to do anything about it! I have no money to build up my (not personal use) kit, hell, I've been wearing a pair of jeans with a giant hole in the crotch for months!!! I'm just sick of this whole damn thing already I want a break!!! If you have read this far you really deserve a medal & I really do apologise about the rant, I'm not doing it because I want sympathy I purely just wanted to vent & now I feel so much better! If anyone else has anything on their chest confidence/acne wise please do feel free to post, I'd love to hear your stories & share some much needed loving <3

Demi x

 

[Grand national]

I know exactly how you feel, acne causes so much self confidence/esteem issues. I have had acne on and off since I was 14, I am now 28 Like yourself, I went back and forwards to the Dr, getting this and that prescribed. In the end I got so fed up I asked to be considered for Roaccutane. However the Dr did not want to prescribe me it and made me want to try yet another cream, which I had tried previously and found it didn't work. In the end I went to see a private dermatologist who talked me through all the available options, and side effects of Roaccutance. He prescribed me it, and I have had no problems with my skin since.

There are lots of nasty side effects when you are on 'tane, but I found it bearable as my skin kept getting better. If you go on this, you also have to have monthly blood and pregnancy tests.

I won't lie to you, it cost me an arm and a leg as I had to pay for the dermatologist, pregnancy test, blood test and the drug itself.

You may have a more sympathetic Dr, so go back and speak to them about your options.

Feel free to ask any further questions/info.

 

[thinkpink2008]

I've never had acne myself but my husband has and at 27 still gets a lot of spots now, he's tried everything on the market and when I was sent pro activ by boots to product test he said he would give it a go, honestly that stuff is amazing! He didn't have a spot whilst he used it, it costs around £40 for cleanser toner and moisturiser but well worth it. I'm not promised its going to get rid of acne completely but if you could save or it I really think it could give you a huge confidence boost! My let downs my weight and at the moment I'm just getting bigger and I hate it, I've dieted over and over and struggle like hell! I've literally just had a boot off my broken leg afte 3 months which hasn't helped at all, the legs still weak so can't go running or anything like that yet and I have two young kids and no spare time or cash for the gym. I really need to find motivation somewhere but even only knows where! Good luck tho Hun and I'm sure your gorgeous! We see things a lot worse ourselves than they are to others cxxx

 

[PinkSwoon]

Hi Grand National, thanks for the reply! I've been reading into Roaccutane recently but because my acne is hormonal won't I just relapse? Because of my last stint on birth control which made my acne rage, I'm rather reluctant to try another type of pill, grrr! So confusing.

Thinkpink - thankyou for the reply & suggestions. I'm open to trying anything which I would deem possible to work but I'm really at my wits end now & obviously due to the nature of skin, medication/products take forever to work & I'm very impatient ha but you need to give yourself a break my mum is really struggling with her weight at the minute, since being made redundant 2 years ago it just downward spiralled, I wish I could help her! I found a nice easy fitness routine that you could start to follow when your leg starts to get stronger, I'll attach it
If you're struggling for motivation I think you should definitely sign up to Pinterest if you haven't already, it's a wealth of inspiration & I love to sing it's praises, it's exclusive so if you pm me your email I can send you an invite if you like. I definitely agree, we are our harshest critics! Good luck with everything Did you get your username from the Lush bath bomb? It's one of my favourites! A close second behind Sakura! That's what I need to feel better...a Lush bath!

 

[MisstyB]

Hi Pink swoon,
I had clear skin until I had my first child and then boom adult acne all over my chin adn jaw, I totally get where you are coming from, you look at girls who dont have to put makeup on, with lovely clear fresh skin and want to cry. Your avatar picture is beautiful, and I know that you look in the mirror and just see acne but I promise you that thats not what other people will see. I found this site really useful Acne.org - Acne treatment and community they have a great skincare routine on there which has helped me enormously, you have to follow the steps religiously every night, and it does take a long time to do but its defo worth it, my skin is almost clear now but it took about 8 months, so you really have to stick at it. I cut up old towels and used a fresh one everytime I dried my face then put it in the wash. The cleanser I use is Dermalogica dermal clay cleanser, I always leave it on for a minute before I rinse. The Benzoyl peroxide you can buy here over the counter but not sure whether its prescription only in the UK. If you are going to do it you have to totally commit to it, and be patient! Maybe this combined with a change of contaceptive pill might be an option????
I really hope you get it sorted....I know how self concious it makes you (especially in this industry) Another thing now that I think of it, is juicing...get a juicer and make your self a big glass of fresh juice every day, its a great energy booster to!!!
Good luck honey and really it will clear up xxxxxxxxxxx

 

[MisstyB]

oooh can I have a pinterest invite to pleeease, xxxxx

 

[PinkSwoon]

MisstyB thankyou so much for your help & support, it is beyond appreciated & that IS exactly how I feel. Mmm fresh juice sounds so good! I've looked into various cleansing methods too & the 'oil cleansing method' sounded very up my street, I'll have to have a mosey of course I'll send you an invite, only if you follow me PM me your email! x

 

[essentia]

Reading your post I suggest that you look into blue light therapy. It helps to neutralise the effects of the P.acnes bacteria which inflame the pores. You can buy ones ( get a reasonably good one though) for home use as you will have to use it every day. Also get a good skin regime sorted out by a skin specialist/dermatologist.

 

[lila22]

I can understand what you feel as my skin flares up for as long as i can remember. Im 38 now and yes my confidence knocks so much, im so carfeful, i never touch my face thoughout day, use my own towel, dont use hair products incase they touch my skin, the list goes on, at the moment ive come out in spots all on one side!! Off to doctors tomorrow so hopefully will get yet another cream/lotion to try x x

 

[valleygirl]

Hiya I'm a fellow acne suffering and have had it for the last 20+ yrs but the last year I think I've finally got on top of it!!
I have tried roacutane and yes it did work for me luckily I didn't have to pay but the side effects can be horrendous they were for me and a year or so after my skin started to flare up again. I also then found it worse and quite sore at times
I have tried all sorts over the years and spent a small fortune on the various cleansing products etc. I've tried topical notions and anti biotics that are design to help bad skin!!
I think though I have finally found the solution. I use a face wash, cleaner and moisturiser which has got 2% salicic acid in it, which when my lovely Hubby did research all acne help sites suggest you use, the best for me is garnier pure a products but there are a few u just need to try them out. I should say here though that a barely ever wear make up never have but when I do I always make sure I thoroughly wash my face of it to make sure It's clean.
I now also take a pill which is also designed to help acne sufferers the one I started on is called Dianette but you can only take this for a short while, I took it for about a yr and it has completely cleared up my skin. I only get the odd spot now which is easily managable. After that pill my doctor put me on one called jasmine which is still going to help with my skin but I can stay on longer term.
I hope you get your skin sorted out there is nothing worse than having acne as you can't really hide your face like you can the rest of your body! I suffered for yrs and have such a low self esteem I often drive my loved ones daft!! Thankfully though now my skin is clear and thankfully I don't have any scars my confidence is growing. I hope you can too and finally be able to without make up when you want to x

Sent from my HTC Desire using SalonGeek

 

[thinkpink2008]

Hi Hun, I've pm'd you my email, thanks for adding me Hun and honestly when you can give pro activ a try, it's fab xx

 

[PinkSwoon]

Reading your post I suggest that you look into blue light therapy. It helps to neutralise the effects of the P.acnes bacteria which inflame the pores. You can buy ones ( get a reasonably good one though) for home use as you will have to use it every day. Also get a good skin regime sorted out by a skin specialist/dermatologist.

Thankyou very much for the suggestion, I've never actually heard of this which is surprising haha I'm always trying to find new things. Thanks

I can understand what you feel as my skin flares up for as long as i can remember. Im 38 now and yes my confidence knocks so much, im so carfeful, i never touch my face thoughout day, use my own towel, dont use hair products incase they touch my skin, the list goes on, at the moment ive come out in spots all on one side!! Off to doctors tomorrow so hopefully will get yet another cream/lotion to try x x

*hugs* It's such a bl**dy hindrance isn't it. I always find as soon as I think I'm getting on top of it...it flares up again hope everything goes well at the docs, I'm booked in too for next tuesday

Hiya I'm a fellow acne suffering and have had it for the last 20+ yrs but the last year I think I've finally got on top of it!!
I have tried roacutane and yes it did work for me luckily I didn't have to pay but the side effects can be horrendous they were for me and a year or so after my skin started to flare up again. I also then found it worse and quite sore at times
I have tried all sorts over the years and spent a small fortune on the various cleansing products etc. I've tried topical notions and anti biotics that are design to help bad skin!!
I think though I have finally found the solution. I use a face wash, cleaner and moisturiser which has got 2% salicic acid in it, which when my lovely Hubby did research all acne help sites suggest you use, the best for me is garnier pure a products but there are a few u just need to try them out. I should say here though that a barely ever wear make up never have but when I do I always make sure I thoroughly wash my face of it to make sure It's clean.
I now also take a pill which is also designed to help acne sufferers the one I started on is called Dianette but you can only take this for a short while, I took it for about a yr and it has completely cleared up my skin. I only get the odd spot now which is easily managable. After that pill my doctor put me on one called jasmine which is still going to help with my skin but I can stay on longer term.
I hope you get your skin sorted out there is nothing worse than having acne as you can't really hide your face like you can the rest of your body! I suffered for yrs and have such a low self esteem I often drive my loved ones daft!! Thankfully though now my skin is clear and thankfully I don't have any scars my confidence is growing. I hope you can too and finally be able to without make up when you want to x

Thankyou very much for the support & advice! The side effects of roaccutane share the sh!t out of me, what ones did you experience? The info about the pill is very useful to me, so thankyou! So glad to hear you confidence is growing

Hi Hun, I've pm'd you my email, thanks for adding me Hun and honestly when you can give pro activ a try, it's fab xx

No problemo! I most definitely will when I get chance, in all honesty I have been neglecting my skin lately but I've just lost all interest haha Need to snap out of it pronto! x

 

[RN786]

Definitely try Blue light therapy, I have personallly seen brilliant results on acne with the Omnilux blue light in the aesthetic salon I used to work in (however like with everything there were cases where it didnt but for the majority it did wonders)

Only problem is, its pricey can be anything from £50-60 per session dependant on salon and you will need to do a course (which will work out slightly cheaper) which will involve a 1-2 sessions a week. You would alternate this with Red light therapy which helps reduce imflamation.

Have a look at this: Omnilux : Leaders in light therapy : Acne

 

[Candystarrstarr]

I've never had acne myself but my husband has and at 27 still gets a lot of spots now, he's tried everything on the market and when I was sent pro activ by boots to product test he said he would give it a go, honestly that stuff is amazing! He didn't have a spot whilst he used it, it costs around £40 for cleanser toner and moisturiser but well worth it. I'm not promised its going to get rid of acne completely but if you could save or it I really think it could give you a huge confidence boost! My let downs my weight and at the moment I'm just getting bigger and I hate it, I've dieted over and over and struggle like hell! I've literally just had a boot off my broken leg afte 3 months which hasn't helped at all, the legs still weak so can't go running or anything like that yet and I have two young kids and no spare time or cash for the gym. I really need to find motivation somewhere but even only knows where! Good luck tho Hun and I'm sure your gorgeous! We see things a lot worse ourselves than they are to others cxxx

Come on over to our 30 day shred thread! We're all doing it together so much fun, you may not be able to do the full workout due to your leg but you could always make up your own moves for the bits you find to hard on your leg

Also you can do it on YouTube for free or order the DVD I got mine from eBay for about £6!! X

 

[PinkSwoon]

Definitely try Blue light therapy, I have personallly seen brilliant results on acne with the Omnilux blue light in the aesthetic salon I used to work in (however like with everything there were cases where it didnt but for the majority it did wonders)

Only problem is, its pricey can be anything from £50-60 per session dependant on salon and you will need to do a course (which will work out slightly cheaper) which will involve a 1-2 sessions a week. You would alternate this with Red light therapy which helps reduce imflamation.

Have a look at this: Omnilux : Leaders in light therapy : Acne

Thankyou for the link!!! I will look into it definitely
For all the people with spots/acne in this thread, try a turmeric face mask! I tried it yesterday & today, my skin is looks much brighter & calmer. My ex's friend had acne & he used to drink a teaspoon of turmeric mixed with milk every day & it cleared them up in a few days but I didn't remember of it until now! I didn't fancy drinking it either so mixed a teaspoon with a dash of milk & applied it to my face, left it for 10 minutes & rinsed off in the shower. It might leave a slight yellow tinge but it washes off easily enough, a nice light exfoliation too

 

[lila22]

Its a nightmare, someone mentioned the pill dianetta that is know to clear up acne, im going through an early menapause and trying different HRT so i think this is my problem, when i see people with really bad acne i feel so upset for them, mine is mainly under the skin but it just makes me feel dirty and i lose my confidence, im always looking in the mirror, not because i love myself but checking how my skin looks in different light ect!!
I have friends who sleep with there makeup on and dont get one pimple its so unfair:Scared:
Hope you get sorted but always here if you need a chat, i also use oil free makeup and mosturiser which is a must x x x

 

[PinkSwoon]

I do too, I feel sorry for anyone that has to go through it, it's truly awful! Mine is also under the skin & it's blimmin' painful isn't it! I so know how you feel about your friends, my best friend has damn perfect skin, it's so annoying -.- I'm not jealous at all but it's definitely what I set my sights on haha! Yeah HRT could well be the cause, all of those different hormones in your body can play haywire and they take forever to settle down, I think that's also why I'm getting quite bad spots. I finished college at the end of June & my hormones haven't settled down yet...well, I hope Thankyou so much for the support & I'm also here if you need a chit chat happy days...I love SG x

 

[Candystarrstarr]

Its a nightmare, someone mentioned the pill dianetta that is know to clear up acne, im going through an early menapause and trying different HRT so i think this is my problem, when i see people with really bad acne i feel so upset for them, mine is mainly under the skin but it just makes me feel dirty and i lose my confidence, im always looking in the mirror, not because i love myself but checking how my skin looks in different light ect!!
I have friends who sleep with there makeup on and dont get one pimple its so unfair:Scared:
Hope you get sorted but always here if you need a chat, i also use oil free makeup and mosturiser which is a must x x x

I must admit dianette made my skin look amazing but I put on a lot of weight which I don't blame all on this pill but some of it, and once I came off it (2 stone heavier) my periods stopped and I have never been regular since! But for skin it was great x

 

[MariposaKelly]

I too suffered when i was younger but thankfully mine has cleared. I did try dianette but although it was great for my skin i piled on weight! So came back off it, like i say, thankfully mine cleared but i know how you feel *hug*

 

[Dolly_6]

Hey pinkswoon

I am 30 an still get bad spotty red skin
What works for me is dermalogica ultra calming range... But I now prefer to use neals yard chamomile cleanser. Another geek suggested this in another thread and my skin is so much better! Xx