Cystic Acne / hormonal imbalance

[birdmom]

I had acne in my teens and now I have cystic acne that's worse to try and cure because my hormones are constantly fluctuating (menopause).

Is there ANYTHING that can be done to get rid of these red hard bumps that flare up?

What I've also noticed is that they come back - even a year or two later - in EXACTLY the same area!

The only thing that ever stopped my acne previously was Accutane. I've taken other oral antibiotics that the dermatologist recommended but nothing worked like Accutane. Unfortunately the prescription company we use will not cover it. I'm using bio-identical hormones to try and get the hormones in balance but it's a very fine line. This is very frustrating. I feel like I'm always having to cover up these red bumps.

Any experienced advice is much appreciated.

Thanks.

[yaya]

What bio hormones are you taking? Are you estrogen dominant? Most women are.

[Electra]

The only thing that has worked for me is BenzaClin. It is a cream. Ask your doctor about it.:D It's Wonderful!

[D_Lovely]

To remedy my Menopause acne, I use Murad hormonal aging products. That's the only line I've found to work for me. I believe you can make your purchase online at http://www.murad.com/hormonal-aging-products.html When you go there, look for an item called, "Age Balancing Night Cream." It has retinol, which is apparently the key ingredient in keeping your pores clear for fewer breakouts. Perhaps the thought of trying one more topical treatment is tormenting (UGH), but...I'm fairly certain this will work for you.

[D_Lovely]

To remedy my Menopause acne, I use Murad hormonal aging products. That's the only line I've found to work for me. I believe you can make your purchase online at http://www.murad.com/hormonal-aging-products.html When you go there, look for an item called, "Age Balancing Night Cream." It's one of my fav's. It has retinol, which is apparently the key ingredient in keeping your pores clear for fewer breakouts. Perhaps the thought of trying one more topical treatment is tormenting (UGH), but...I'm fairly certain this will work for you.

[newskin]

One of my friends used to have acne while having her menopause and she was following a treatment with accutane (http://www.bbonlinepharmacy.com/product/175/accutane-isotretionin-roaccutane/). After further testing, she found out that her problem was hormonal but then the treatment which shifted to the pill got less effective due to the hormonal fluctuation within her body. She just started using neutral soap together with manuka oil (http://www.manukaoil.com/) and she is looking for a good exfoliant.

[fabnoble]

Hi, I sympathize with you. I too had cystic acne and it's due to hormones. I'm 36 and defineately perimenopausal.

I agree with D Lovely, murad is a life saver. I use the acne line along w/ the clarifying mask religiously. It has changed my life. What I think did the trick in my oppinion was buying a blue light. It kills the bacteria in your pores. I used it 15minutes two times a day. now I only use it once in a while. I attribute my healing to the blue light and murad. Also, make sure you use mineral makeup. I use physicians formula (can buy at target) and that has helped tremendously. (I've used Mac, Bobby Brown, Laura Mercier) and nothing has worked better and given such natural looking coverage.

I bought the blue light at walmart.com I think it was 150.00. But worth every penny. Don't forget to exfoliate your skin once a week. Today, my skin is 100% times better.

If all else fails, you may want to consider getting on the "pill". I hear it helps even everything out as well as clear skin. Good luck.
Andrea

[Angiel]

I used soap together with manuka oil for healthy skin (http://www.makeuptips.com).