Hormonal Acne =(

[#1]

Hi guys,

I have a problem with HORMONAL ACNE on my cheeks and chin when I have or am getting my period.  Also, the odd cystic acne in between that time of the month.  I've tried most drug store brands and been prescribed different topicals and have had microderm abrasions to help clear my face up.  The micros helped a lot to eliminate some scarring & blackheads but are soooo expensive to keep up with.  Right now, I am using Vichy's three step process (gel cleanser, toner, moisturizer).  I liked that it didn't make me breakout or dry up, but really it's done nothing spectacular for my acne.  What can I do for my poor face?  I realize prevention is hard because it is hormonal, but what would be the best products to TREAT the problem.  I'm not opposed to keep using the Vichy products and supplementing a facial mask (Boscia luminizing dark mask?????) or something.  Also, FYI, I am 22 yrs old, have combo skin, and larger pores.

THANKS 

[#2]

I am currently having a similar issue. I normally have wonderful skin but since being pregnant have developed cystic type acne on my face that wont go away. The one thing that helps me (and always has) is to use Philosophy's Microdelivery Peel. It is seriously like microdermabrassion in a bottle and much cheaper. You can buy a 2 month supply for $50 if you use it once a week. This product works wonderfully. As with any scrub do not use it if the acne has broken the skin though, not sure what would happen but I can't imagine it being good. Good luck!

[#3]

I have the same problems as you but my skin has been almost acne free the past year. I believe it's because I started using the Clarisonic brush.  Once I started using it I found that if I start to get an acne cyst it will clear up much more quickly and I will use the brush a little longer on areas that are breaking out in a pimple. My derm. kept trying to sell me the brush and I felt that there was no way this could help my skin. After two years I finally decided to try it. I wish I had done so sooner.

 The face wash I use is not available at Sephora, I get it at my dermatologist's office. It's Obagi Clenziderm.  I feel that this face wash (and the matching toner) along with the use of the brush has changed my life....no kidding!  I have only had to take my oral antibiotics one week in the past year. I also use a prescription gel called Acanya on pimples, but it is much more effective since I started using the brush.

[#4]

In response to the CLarisonic post above, DO NOT use it if you regularly break out! I heard all the amazing stuff about clarisonic, and after months of agonizing, finally decided to give it a ago about 2 months ago. Never have I had such terrible skin - I thought it was a purging process and stuck to it for about 6 weeks before finally returning it at Sephora. There I found out that you aren't actually supposed to use clarisonic if you regularly break out (I do) because it spreads the bacteria or something. So upset I didn't know that before I tried it! So just giving you a heads up. Just after 3 days off the clarisonic and using philosophy purity cleanser and the microdelivery peel, my skin is almost perfect, and I've never really been "pleased" with my skin - so I would definiately recommend the peel. It's an orange gel.

[#5]

I suffered with a similar issue, I feel your pain!

[#6]

I have had the same problem since I was twelve. A few weeks ago, I decided to stop by sephora to see if they had makeup that would cover up the acne. I learned that it may not be only the skincare, but the makeup itself that causes the problems. Liquid foundation especially causes me to break out, especially heavy foundation. They gave me a sample of Bare Essentials Purifying Cleanser,  Bare Essentials Blemish Control, and I bought the starter pack. The powder foundation stays on top of the skin, without sinking into pores. That night, I slightly wet my face, and applied the cleanser everywhere but my eye area. After I washed it off, and used my eye makeup remover, I could not feel a trace of makeup on my skin. I applied the Blemish Therapy powder and went to bed. The next morning, my skin already looked better, some of the acne and redness already gone. Sadly, I ran out of my samples only three days ago, so I ordered online yesterday. While on this product, my complexion was almost perfect for the first time in 3 years. Since I stopped using it however, my acne has slightly returned, but not near as bad as before. I would really recommend trying them. Now, it is pricey, but I think it was the best investment I have made. I have gotten so many complements on how great my makeup looks, and how nice my skin is.

[#7]

I answered a question like this earlier and listed a whole bunch of products that I use that worked out for me really well. (BTW the Purity and Microdelivery Scrub in combination worked wonders for my skin!) Check it out!!

http://community.sephora.com/t5/Acne/Hormonal-breakouts/qaq-p/198577/comment-id/2708

Hope this helps!!

<3 beautygeek97

[#8]

If you feel it's really bad you may want to talk to your doctor/derm about going on birth control, even if you don't neccessarily need it, many b.c.'s can clear up bad acne within days. If this is not the case I suggest you invest in a good spot treatment. I'm a huge fan of EradiKate. It contains sulfur to help rid your pores of toxins by drying up excess oil. Notice, as amazing as this product is, it tends to be a bit drying. To help keep flakes under control I recommend CollaDerm. CollaDerm is a lightweight liquid moisturizer that hydrates and replenishes skin as well as reducing the look of lines and wrinkles with collagen--which even if you don't need now, it's always good to start anti-aging early. This product is only available online.

Hope this helps!

Haylolo