For those of you who have followed my blog for a while, you know that I live with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome which is a disease that affects hormones. What also happens with PCOS, is living as an adult in my forties with acne. Sometimes I look like an overgrown teenager with skin problems.
And I hate it.
As a teenager, I never had skin issues. It wasn’t until later in life when I started experiencing hormonal issues, that I really started experiencing adult acne. When you’re a professional trying to work in a professional office setting – people often stared at me when I had bad breakouts. I often wonder if it was a reason why I didn’t move as far as I wanted to in my career at the time.
Over the years, my doctor and I have tried all kinds of creams and medications. I even saw a few dermatologists. One thought I had a good case of Rosacea. While another doctor, didn’t think it was Rosacea, but thought it was something wrong with my blood vessels. Which kind of made sense, since I also have Factor V Leiden.
Yes, I’m a complex patient – even though my doctor doesn’t think so. That’s just because she’s treated me for so long.
Because we also have winter eight months of the year, our air can get so dry in winter months that it really wrecks havoc on our skin.
As you can imagine, the cost of skin products can add up over time. I’m always looking for natural products to use and have found some success with Aloe Vera based creams and a good face wash. That said, when breakouts are bad, I have to take Minocycline which is an antibiotic for fungal infections. It seems to get rid of the acne – and the great thing is, usually keeps the acne away for six months to a year.
So, today’s post is going to be dedicated to skin care and products I’ve found to be helpful for keeping my acne breakouts at bay.
NOTE: this is not a paid sponsorship – but hey, Cerave or Nivea, feel free to reach out!
Cera Ve
Face Wash – budget friendly
It was my family physician who recommend this brand to me and I have used it for a couple of years now. It feels great and refreshing on my skin too – especially after a long day.
I started using the face wash in the shower in the mornings and at night time as well about a month ago. I can already feel the difference in my skin.
I’ve also combined this treatment with Omega 3 – fish pills – and it’s a great combination for dry or acne prone skin.
You can pick this up at just about any pharmacy, or order from Amazon. Cera Ve also makes face creams and lotions.
Nivea Skin Cream
A soft and soothing hydrating lotion
My mum introduced me to Nivea creams when I was a child. She used it for things like rashes, dry skin or sunburns. As an adult, I started using Nivea Soft cream which felt less greasy on my skin.
I wear this product daily – apply once in the morning and before applying foundation, which is the only makeup I apply to my skin.
A 200 mL container usually lasts me about two months and you can buy it at any pharmacy or visit Amazon.
Aloe Vera Lotion
A natural product that comes in many forms to help hydrate your skin.
Aloe Vera is another great natural plant that is used for medicinal purposes. You can buy many aloe vera based products from oils, creams, gels and even in beverage form.
I switched to the Aloe Vera Nivea Soft cream for body lotion and it feels amazing on my skin. The first time I put the lotion on my legs, I breathed a sigh of relief. It felt like I had just stepped in the shower.
You can buy these bottles from any pharmacy – or on Amazon. One bottle will last me several months.
Tea Tree Oil
A natural remedy for dry and acne prone skin
Tea Tree Oil, in combination with Coconut Oil or Olive Oil, can make for a great product to help combat acne.
This Oil is also known as melaleuca oil, and is an essential oil that comes from steaming leaves of Australian tea trees. It is believed that the tea tree oil is antibacterial and can help fight fungal infections. It is often used to treat acne, athlete’s foot and other skin problems.
The oil should never be used on its own as it can burn skin. It is suggested to mix a few drops of the oil in with a base like coconut oil or olive oil.
If you already have oily skin, you may want to avoid this treatment. Tea tree oil should not be taken orally. There are a number of options to purchase. I recently tried this brand which you can get on Amazon.
Honeywell Humidifier
A quiet humidifier to help keep your skin hydrated
I love this humidifier. I bought it in the fall when I was struggling badly with allergies. What I noticed after a few nights of use was how great my skin was starting to feel.
Even the bags under my eyes were starting to lighten up and I felt better overall.
A humidifier is an easy solution if you’re living in an extremely dry home or live in a dry climate province like Alberta.
It’s important to keep this machine clean as fungus and bacterias can get trapped inside the machine. I have this model and have not had any issues with it. It’s also very quiet.
I should take my own advice and clean this machine out and use it again.
Trial and Error
So, if you’re like me and you have acne prone skin, I hope that at least one of these products may help you. Winter is coming fast and I’m cringing already at the thought of how the weather affects my skin. I’ve stocked up on my daily vitamins and skin care products – and hope to beat the acne breakouts this year.
My doctor and I tried so many products over the years for my acne breakouts. I’ve finally found something that really works. And hope it continues working!
Sometimes the only thing that works for bad breakouts, is prescription medicine. I tried a gel during the summer that actually burned my skin. It did nothing for the acne spots. I turned to my pharmacist and she sent me a month supply of Minocycline, and my skin is back to normal – thankfully!
Also, I will add – that a healthy diet, regular exercise, natural vitamin D (sunshine) – and drinking plenty of water – will help improve your skin health.
What is your daily skin care regime? Let me know in the comments!
Living Well!
- Hypermobility, joint pain and leg cramps
- Living Well: The benefits of vitamin supplements
- Living with chronic migraines and migraine care
- Living with Polcystic Ovary Syndrome (What is PCOS?)
- Living with Hot Flashes – and how to treat them
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