When I was growing up, it was my claim to fame that I never had pimples. I started puberty early, well, 13 years old, not really early these days. But I didn’t break out, ever. I rarely had a pimple. When I did get the occasional pimple, it wouldn’t ever come to a head, it would just be a red spot for a day, and the next day it was like it never happened. I had super smooth skin, never even touched foundation until I was almost out of college. Only used powder. I didn’t have to worry about a breakout right before my wedding, still didn’t ever happen to me.
Then that fateful year, I got pregnant, and suddenly my face was like a teenage boy. It was awful. And since then, the pimples and breakouts haven’t stopped. I remember the first time I went to my one acupuncturist, she immediately told me that the pimples I had were stress and stomach related. I can’t remove the stress, no matter what I try. My sister gave me some of her proactive she was using. The whole process was a bit too much for me. I get a horrible rash if I use it on my neck area. So I started just using the toner and lotion, rotating the days I used it on. That helped a lot. But, even though she gave me boxes of it, I ran out and stopped using it.
So I went on a hunt for what causes typical pimples, and found this awesome graphic on ulookhaute.com.
So looking at these, my two hot spots are 11 and 13. And they’re both at very significant different times in my cycle. Looking them up, I’m not surprised at all.
Zone 11 & 13: Hormones — Stress and hormonal changes can sometimes be alleviated with more water and a few extra servings of dark, leafy greens but if breakouts in this area persistent, make an appointment with your doctor to look into a possible hormonal imbalance. Additionally, breakouts in this area also indicate when you are ovulating (and which side). (Source)
See that little note at the end?! It says “Can also indicate when you are ovulating and what side! That’s super interesting (IMO). So now I’m kind of keeping a note of what side, what phase of my cycle and if I feel ovulation pain on a particular side. I just want to see if it lines up.
My acupuncturist did tell me I needed more leafy greens to help with these. I listened to her suggestion, but didn’t quite take it fully to heart. Who knew?
I’ve tried a few new things to see about helping the breakouts, and smoothing my skin. I’ve been using the DermaNew Acne & Oil Clarifying System. I really enjoy this, and have good luck with it. I bought it on ideeli for a great price. I got the whole 3 step system for about half the price. So keep an eye out for it, I highly recommend it! And then I started using the AcneFree sensitive skin regime. I haven’t been using this long enough to report back yet. I rarely use pimple cream when I do get one. I try and stick to Neosporin. I’m not sure if that’s good or bad, but it’s worked pretty well.
It’s crazy that even in my 30s, I’m still learning more and more about my body! I thought by now, I’d have this stuff figured out!
Do you have any at home tips for acne?
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I'm a 30-something yoga-lovin', tea-drinkin' high school teacher struggling to find my place in this crazy world. My blog focuses on my journey to lose weight, get healthy, and our attempts to become a family of three. I spend a lot of time exploring and embracing Akron, often photo-documenting my trips. Everything else is just the glitter in my life that adds to who I am.
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Try Cetaphil face wash! I have been battling with acne since I was in middle school. I always know when I’ve been stressed in some way or another because my face breaks out like crazy, but I’ve found that using only cetaphil face wash has worked wonders for me. That, and no makeup or anything else.
I’ll have to try that. I’ve been using cetaphil lotion for a long time, because it’s so natural. I am no where near comfortable going makeup free yet
but will try the face wash for sure!
That’s really interesting! I just started the Clinique 3 step acne program. I have used the basic Clinique 3 Step program for a while now and LOVE it. My face started breaking out after switching birth controls, so I’m going to give the acne program a try.