Pre-Menstrual Breakouts

I have the same problem and used to use Proactiv because I found it worked the best for me. I switched to Sensiclear a while back and find it to work better. Sensiclear has a website where you can sign up for an auto ship – just like proactiv – but I order it from skinstore.com instead. You can get coupons and special offers occasionally here: http://www.momscape.com/coupon-codes/skin-store.htm that can really reduce the cost and then you can order what you need when you need it. Hope this helps!

I recommend Arbonne. It is botanically based and safe. They offer a 45 day money back guarantee if you are not happy with it. Check out their web site www.arbonne.com and contact me.

Dear D.,

I am a Licensed Esthetician and retired RN with a skin care practice in the Denver Tech Center. I work with lots of acne cases and can give you some help. Since proactive has helped you in the past, then what you need is something similar but "stronger". This is often the case since proactive is only allowed to go up to a certain percentage since they deal with so much of the general public. I have the same ingredient products but at a higher strength and it is not expensive. If you (or anyone else) want to email me directly I can give you more information (____@____.com) You may also check out my website: www.customskinsolutions.com and go to the "Clear Skin Program" on the right side.

M.

I just wanted to tell you I so feel your pain! I am 39 and have been getting the worst acne I have ever had in my life! I went to the Dermatoligist and this is what we did, I use good old Cetaphil cleanser and lotion( Costco!) and she prescribed Evoclin( a topical antibiotic) and Differin( A retin A type gel), It works, it is expensive but does last about 4 months per prescription. She told me there is no cream or system that works and it is about hormones. I know stress also seems to affect me too so try and take care of yourself! I agree with you about the birth control, that might not be good in other ways!

Progesteroe could be making it worse, especially if it's new (it could settle down after your body adjusts).

Other than that, a high quality skin care regimen. I have dealt with oily skin since my teen years, and the one thing that I have found to work is Mary Kay. It's not specifically acne treatment, just good, high quality skin care. And over time, that's what really matters. I use the basic set (all the steps for healthy skin) and antiagers. When I get breakouts, I use the acne treatment gel on the spots. You also could use the blemish control toner just before the breakouts if you can time them, to help prevent them.
You can find a consultant by going to www.marykay.com and click on "shop with a consultant" and enter your zip. It'll direct you to a good consultant in your area, who will take the time to listen and understand your needs and work with you to solve your skin care issues. (If you're in the Murray/Salt Lake area, contact me!)

my skin clears up a lot when I take herbs. It may actually get worse for a week as toxins come to the skin, but after a few days I usually have incredibly clear skin, and I am not as careful as you are with washing it, I'm sure. I just use whatever cleanser I find at the drugstore. Anyhow, I have found when I eat a big salad every day and get lots of fiber that really helps. Definitely get more fresh vegetables and check out this site:

http://www.herballegacy.com/Acne.html

I also take chapparal tea (try a small amount, it can cause liver damage if you are too toxic). It tastes terrible but does a lot of good.

I used to take lower bowel formula, which will have the same effect as the salads, and I am going to get some liver and gall bladder formula. You can go into any herb store and ask for these formulas, they are Dr. Christopher's brand. I also use teas from the grocery store, like PMS tea - just look with the other teas, and take it before your period.

Basically from what I've heard, acne can be caused by a sluggish intestinal tract - not enough fiber/probiotics, which helps move things through your system better. Best of luck.

That's so frustrating!! A couple of things...

If we over cleanse our skin, it can produce even more oil, thus more breakouts. And I can totally appreciate that when we do have a breakout, we will get a little more aggressive on the skin care regimen. So, just be sure you're using a great moisturizer, especially at night when our CO air is driest. Also, be sure you only microderm no more than twice a week. It's very irritating to the skin and can cause us to produce more oil than less.

Second...WATER...and plenty of it. I don't know how much you consume...but make sure you're getting at least 1/2 of your body weight in ounces...that can make all the difference in the world.

Last, a good vitamin also helps. Try to find a liquid one as it's more absorbable to the body and will do the most work. There are several good ones...my favorite is by a company called Univera...but there's also Vemma and Bazi too. There are a few that you may be able to find at Whole Foods, but I don't know enough about them to know if they're any good.

Hope that helps.

The progesterone should help with this. Maybe you need a stronger dose. I go and get my levels checked about every 6 months. My high school daughter also gets hers checked and the extra progesterone helps her.

I am part of Arbonne International and would be happy to help you. Arbonne has botanically-based skin care products which do wondrous things for acne. There are several products, one of which is a spot treatment. The spot treatment would be great for when you have the monthly breakouts. If you would like more information, please contact me through my website at www.feelpure.myarbonne.com, and Contact Us. Thanks! D.

I used to have the same thing happen to me. I tried every different product and it was to no avail. I then read "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me" which is a book that reviews every item out there by almost every brand. Then the author introduced her own line of products. Since I've been using it, I barely ever break out and my previously constant blackheads are nearly invisible. You can check out her articles and products (and reviews by users) at cosmeticscop.com, where there is even a tab to "shop by concern." Hope that helps!