DEALING WITH HORMONAL ACNE AS A YOUNG ADULT
This month has been transformative in many ways, but specifically in the health and wellness department and I’d like to share with You how it’s been going.
SKIN
I have struggled with hormonal acne since the 7th grade. When I as in 8th grade, I had had enough. It was damaging my confidence and the overall quality of my life. I made my first visit to the Dermatologist and this is what began a cycle of emotional highs and lows for the next five years. I was prescribed multiple different medications and creams in those five years and at one point, I was on Isotretinoin (Also known as Accutane) for seven months. It cleared my acne completely! Not even a year later, my acne returned. It wasn’t and hasn’t been nearly as bad as it was before Isotretinion, but it still wasn’t “good”.
That brings me to today — well about a month ago. I have decided: No more Accutane (Isotretinoin), no more antibiotics, no more harsh creams, and no more birth control!
Instead, I have chosen a different path and begun a new journey. So today, I will share with you the natural products I am using to get rid of my hormonal acne.
1. ACTIVATED YOU MORNING COMPLETE
Photo via Activated You
This product wasn’t necessarily purchased with “acne” on my mind, but more with my “body” in mind. I have had a sensitive stomach for most of my life and upon research, I discovered that has a lot to do gut health. This powder is packed with prebiotics and probiotics that aid in supporting a healthy gut, which also relates to Your skin!
I add a scoop of the powder to a cup of water on an empty stomach in the morning. It can be added to smoothies, a matcha latte and even oatmeal! Ever since taking this supplement, I have noticed an increase in energy levels and more frequent trips to the bathroom, which has been a major issue for me in the last year. If I’m honest, I will say that on some days it doesn’t seem like I took this supplement at all. It’s a bit inconsistent, but maybe that’s just my body's reaction to it.
Photo via Swanson
2. PANTOTHENIC ACID
This product right here is incredible. I came across it while watching an influencer’s Instagram story one day. She was sharing her story on dealing with adult hormonal cystic acne and that this product cleared her skin in about two months. When I googled it for myself, I found countless YouTube videos where people share their success stories with taking this complex vitamin. I thought “I have nothing to lose” so I purchased a two-pack on Amazon.
In days, I noticed some of my larger bumps were starting to dry up. I have not had any significant breakouts at all! Only small bumps here and there — no white heads or massive pimples/bumps. My skin is only left with tiny bumps and some post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation (dark spots).
I started with taking three capsules a day with every meal. Now, I take four with every meal. Some people take seven to twelve with every meal. I would say, experiment and find what works for You. You can always increase or decrease the dosage.
The results are promising and it hasn’t even been a month yet!
3. NUE CO. PREBIOTIC + PROBIOTIC
Photo via Dermstore
I had been wanting to try this for a super long time. I mean, look how beautiful the product is! Since learning about the benefits of including prebiotics and probiotics into a daily health routine, I knew exactly where to go to. The Nue Co. does a brilliant job of explaining the science behind the supplements and the overall importance of making them apart of Your life.
I take two on an empty stomach in the morning and I haven’t noticed a huge difference in my digestion, which is something that these supplements and the Activated You powder were supposed improve. Maybe that improvement will be made over a longer period of time.
4. ORA HORMONIOUS HORMONAL BALANCE AND SUPPORT SUPPLEMENT
Photo via Ora Organic
These are insanely amazing. Since my acne is hormonal, I was on the search for a supplement/vitamin that would help to balance my hormones. I found this and I’m not sure how much it’s helping with my acne, but I do know it has been the most incredible find for my stress and anxiety levels.
I am a very anxious being. If You live with generalized anxiety, You know how hard it can be. Sometimes, You wake up with anxiety. It could strike at any moment, the pounding of Your heart, even when you’re making lunch (sad face)! I also become easily stressed, even though I am an extremely organized person who writes everything down in three different agendas and planners and journals.
After about two or three days of taking these, I kid you not, it seemed like my stress and anxiety disappeared. Now, I only become stressed or anxious if it’s attached to a very specific situation. I have not felt this calm towards life in a very long time and I can’t wait to continue taking them. I take tree a day with food. I do plan to try another hormone balancing supplement that I was deciding on next month and from there, I will decide which one benefitted me the most.
4. LEMON AND TEA TREE ESSENTIAL OIL
Very basic folks. I bought these from WholeFoods. Lemon oil helps with hyper-pigmentation and Tea Tree oil helps with acne. Both are amazing!
I now add a few drops of each into my moisturizers, both AM and PM, and will add a layer of Tea Tree oil after — Tea Tree oil makes a huge difference overnight and I will use it forever.
NEXT UP
I’ll be trying…
Pantothenic Acid
Seed Daily Synbiotic
Alani Nu Balance
Goli Nutrition Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies
LOVE Wellness Bye Bye Bloat
My next goal is to isolate each product and figure out what truly works and what doesn’t.
I highly recommend taking that leap of faith and doing Your own research! I want to also say that everyone’s skin is different. I can’t tell you how many hours I’ve spent watching Youtube videos of other people’s skincare routines. I don’t want to know the dollar amount of products I’ve gone out and bought, for them to not work for my skin. It takes time. Be patient and gentle with yourself.
Thank you for reading and I hope you’ll stay tuned for the update!
Yours and yours truly,
Ashley
