Fibromyalgia Community

Hi, again-

I'm the one that told you about the coconut oil in the other posts. I'm 30 and have had acne as an adult (not as a teenager). I have been on and off birth control and have had the same problems so I don't think mine is hormone driven.

My skin has finally improved this year. My coconut oil recommendation actually came from a facialist. She recommends to wash your face with something very gentle, then spray with mineral water, then use the coconut oil. The oil is has antibacterial and antifungal properties so that's why it's good for acne.

I also used a cream cleanser that I got from Whole Foods. It was organic, very mild, and made from coconut water. I think other cleansers have gotten us used to wanting that squeaky clean, almost dry feeling on our skin, but I don't think that's what mine needed. I have naturally dry to regular skin so stripping all the oils away, broke me out worse, I think.

Often, acne signals an internal problem. Mine got a lot better when I cut out almost all grains and carbs (other than vegetables). Also, I try to eat/drink fermented foods to get the good baceterias for my gut. I also think that has helped a lot. I also think avoiding dairy has helped. Take a look and research the makeup you're using, that could also be causing problems.

I also have used a homemade mix of sea salt and lemon juice for my skin. That can be kind of harsh and I wouldn't use it everyday.

My skin has definitely responded the best to very simple and pure products. I have gone the high end route and got mixed results. The do-it-yourself products that I have used have worked the best. If you are able, try to see an experienced facialist (can't remember the real term). They can be expensive but there are always groupons and deals for their services.

I hope you figure something out. It's hard because it takes a few weeks to see if something will work.

Thank you so much. You posted a very informed and useful reply. I have had skin problems for most of my life although but it had settled down in recent years, so this is kind of new and therefore the tendency is to blame everything on Fibro. The one and only time my skin was absolutely flawless was when I was pregnant but unfortunately that only lasted as long as the pregnancy.
I agree that gluten products and sugar can contribute to skin conditions and when I reduced those, I did notice a difference. Lately I did add a few grains and carbs. because I had intense cravings all the time. That was probably due to the medication which I am no longer taking.
I used to go to an Esthetician (facial specialist) perhaps you meant to say. I can no longer afford that luxury and if I could, I would be going for weekly massages, chiro., physio. and whatever other alternative to drugs I could use.
I have tried Almond Oil also for my body skin and it is excellent, leaving skin very soft and moisturized and is full of anti oxidants. I saw a "hand model" on TV, who said the only and best thing she uses for her hands to keep them perfect is Almond Oil.
I am glad your skin is improving with this regimen. I hope that continues for you. All the best with the rest of it as well.

Do you wear foundation make-up or skin lotions with sunscreen? I have found that my skin really does not tolerate suncreen containing products. This summer I thought I'd try a make-up containing sunscreen. Within a couple of days, pimples were appearing.

I have always had acne prone skin. In my 50s I still have oily areas on my face and will have breakouts from time to time. I have used Clinique skin care products for years and have had the best luck with them. I used the cleanser, exfoliator, and moisturizer for Combination Skin #3. At one time I tried Mary Kay skin care products and that made my acne worse. That was many years ago and I have heard that Mary Kay has reformulated their products - but since I'm happy with Clinique, I have not tried Mary Kay again.

Hi crystalgreeneyes. I too have had oily skin problems all my life. My dermatologist says I have seborea. Now, at over 50, it's all been worth it as I have "young" looking facial skin.

Years ago, my dermatologist recommended I never apply cold cream or oily moisturizers to my face, and if I did, to thoroughly wash afterward. I've found using Basis bar or Dove bar can clean but not overdry my oily skin. I sometimes have to wash, rinse and repeat 2 or 3 times to really squeeky clean the pores. Makeup only causes pore clogging for me, so I wear it minimally. I have also found it necessary to use fine, gentle cleansing grains a few times a week to keep my pores from clogging and causing pimples and blackheads. It's such a chore, but I get compliments on my skin often!

Have you tried doing a facial steam at home? It's a good way to open up the pores or pimples before gently cleaning them with a special tool for that. I follow that up with a mask. It's like a spa treatment and I feel pampered.

I'll have to try that almond oil on my hands. Sounds nice.

Teelady - my facial skin breaks out with suncreen too. I'd rather wear a wide brimmed hat than sunscreen products.

Margaret, I will wear hats, too. I keep trying different sunscreen to see if I find one that won't make me breakout. In general it is the ones that have more protection such as the SPF 50 rating that are the worst for my face. Even the ones that are supposed to be just for faces or sensitive skin. So I figure if I can use one that provides maybe 15 or 20 SPF it's better than nothing. That in combination with the hat is hopefully giving adequate protection.

Next month I'm going to Florida. One of the first things I'll pack is a good hat to wear in the sun!