Healing (not just clearing) My Acne: A journey!

Back in the early 2000s, I was the Proactiv Skincare poster child. I suffered from redness, inflammation, and acne to the point where pictures became a point of anxiety. Somehow, this infomercial-sold "skin clearing system" really helped me. My skin remained clear and calm (for the most part) through my 20s.

Then came my 30s.

All of a sudden, my skin blew up worse than ever! Maybe as some payback for the poor ways I treated my body during my "younger years". The hormonal acne draped down my face onto my neck. Redness returned with vengeance. And my self-confidence, once again, took a major hit.

My first plan of action, based on my history with skin kits, was skin care. And the harsher the better! I cleared out after acne prone skin 3 piece trial kit in Target, Ulta, and Sephora. Benzoyl Peroxide, Salycilic acid, Niacinimide...all became my friends. But nothing actually worked.

My SECOND plan of action was to utilize a telehealth service. I created my Nurx account, submitted some photos, and wrote my plea for health. I was prescribed the following cure for my acne:

• Tretinoin cream

• 100 mg Spiranolactone

• 90 day antibiotic cycle of Doxy

• Hormonal birth control (already had)

And you know what? My skin DID start to clear up. I was thrilled - elated - the stop feeling like I had to cover up my face. I was on cloud 9. Until I wasn't. One day, I woke up with extreme pain and discomfort when eating and drinking. After a few days, I was planning a trip to urgent care/ER when I learned that most likely what I was experiencing was doxycycline-induced oesophagitis. I stopped the doxy? I stopped the problem. But what this led me to was somewhat of an Oprah "aha!" moment. I'm not against necessary medications at all, but something about acne pills wasn't sitting well with me. And I decided to dig deeper.

The one great thing about my job is how much education I already have on this and how many resources I have access to. And I couldn't ignore the truth anymore - for some, for MANY, (emphasizing NOT ALL!) cases of acne, the key is in the gut. Be it just an unhealthy microbiome or leaky gut, the microbial balance in our gut is where the core of our acne may lay. I became determined to drop the expensive pill routine and look for something to help me from the inside out. And although I understand that this is definitely the longer route to take, I'm more determined than ever to see acne as my belly's cry for help - and to answer it.

So what is the new game plan? It's a lot. Mainly because there's a few areas I was already lacking supplementation. But also because I want to try new things as well!

• Zinc
  

Zinc has a lot of healing properties for the intesitinal wall lining. The key here is to not overdue it. So starting with one of the lower doses was important to me. A strong intestinal lining helps your body absorb nutrients more efficiently.

• Pre/Pro/Post-biotics

I'm the first one to admit that the jury is still out on this. GI doctors are still all over the spectrum on probiotics based on the research, or lack thereof, on these products and their benefits. I purchased this 3-in-1 (pre/pro/post) as it provides a well-rounded environment for the healthy bacteria to thrive. The one thing that's for sure is that the doctors agree there is no harm to including these into your routine and if it works for you? Great!

• Omega 3s
  

One thing we can ALL agree on, is that inflammation is a major issue for many people and the source of many conditions in our body - including acne. Omega 3s are shown to reduce that inflammation and yes, that applies to our acne prone skin as well.

• "Greens" Supplements
  

Perhaps another controversial item! I was hesitant to purchase a greens powder because my goal isn't to just get a quick/large dose of fiber and run to the bathroom. I also noticed that many brands simply list their ingredients as a "proprietary blend" without giving me the entire breakdown (Major red flad to look for!). I was pleasently surprised to see the breakdown of ingrediens in a brand called Bloom. Digestive enzyme blends, fiber blends, greens blends, additional probiotics, and other vitamins and minerals. ALSO pleasantly surprised by the decent taste of the Coconut flavor I purchased.

• Fermented Foods
  

Fermented foods such as kimchi, saurkraut, Kombucha, Kefir, certian yogurts, etc. all provide an additional source of gut balancing bacteria shown to reduce inflammation and acne. This is my favorite part of the routine so far as I am completely addicted to kimchi now.

In addition to all of the above, I've decied to forego all of those harsh skincare products - I use African Black Soap, SPF, and moisturizer. I do monthly deep cleaning and moistrizuing facials and dermaplane 1x a month.

I'm excited to see how this routine can potentially help me with consistency, time, and patience. It makes me feel so much better to cut out as many prescriptions as I can (I do still use Tretinoin a few times a week for other benefits). I know healing from the inside out is going to make me feel comprehensively stronger and healthier in other areas of my life as well. I'm taking control of my health and that's an amazing feeling.

I cannot WAIT to keep you all updated on my skin healing journey!

I'm so happy you're here.

xoxoxo Cat