Adult Acne

When I wrote my last update (you can read all my Adult Acne posts by clicking on the Adult Acne category in the right hand side bar) I truly believed that my skin was healing and that my Acne was somewhat under control. For almost three months my skin was close to normal with only the occasional blemish, fast forward a few weeks and it seems we are back where we started; large and small under the skin blemishes galore on both my cheeks and chin, suggesting that my hormones are once again out of whack.

In order to keep this post concise, let me briefly explain what has happened up until now: I've had acne on and off my entire teen and adult life, it seemingly gets better for a good few years (or months this time around) then comes back with a vengeance. In the past I have experienced less than stellar medical advice, my skin troubles being pawned off as something most people go through and offered next to no help. After a bout of mostly clear skin, with just the odd breakout my acne returned in October of 2014. I initially wrote it off as several things: stress, poor diet, climate changes due to travel and only admitted defeat in late December 2014 and sought out medical treatment. I was prescribed various antibiotics, some of which did work in the short term but not enough for me to continue or risk medical implications further down the line. I have been referred to a Dermatologist to see if Roaccutane would be an option, after much deliberation I decided against the idea for my own personal reasons.

Adult Acne

In the short term, a change of diet (no dairy or refined sugar - I do and did slip up now and then) with the addition of Saw Palemetto and lots of water, did seemingly work. My skin looked great, blemishes were few and far between and more importantly I felt wonderful yet somewhere along the line this combination has failed me. Perhaps my body has adjusted to the daily dose of Saw Palmetto and needs upped? I'm none too sure and will of course flag this up to my Dermatologist next week and hope she offers me some sort of solution. 

One thing I know is that I am not willing to go back on antibiotics, I briefly experienced photosensitivity (sensitivity to UV light) after a bout of antibiotics to treat my skin and decided there and then it wasn't worth it. Blemishes heal eventually, sun damaged skin and upping the risk of skin cancer is not something I will ever be okay with - I should mention that it is only a certain group of antibiotics (Tetracyclines) that have this side effect and even then not everyone will experience the problem. 

Adult Acne

For now I am only interested in natural adult Acne solutions, I'm as much as considering acupuncture as a possible route - for now I'm reading up on the practice before making a solid decision. I do figure I have nothing to loose, it is pretty non-invasive, affordable and widely practised with plenty of repeatable clinics. It's more the thought of being jabbed with needles that puts me off if anything. If I do pluck up the courage to go I'll be sure to share my experiences as I know many are in a similar situation.

If you have come out of the other side of acne, adult or otherwise please let me know what worked for you - I'm pretty much open to all suggestions. I'm not saying never in regards to Roaccutane nor am I saying it is by any means the wrong method (heck I've seen the before and after photos, trust me I am tempted) but for me it is going to be the very last solution. Also if you'd like me to share my experiences with Dermatologists again just let me know - happy to help where I can.