Home Help! I''m getting breakouts!

[joflier]

Once in a great while, I''d get a pimple on my upper back, but now its getting to be many, and very frequently. Also on my upper chest. What''s the deal???? I''m in my mid 20s, and I think my hormones should be settled by now, right? I know getting pimples in these spots isn''t uncommon, but it is for me. I''ve always had pretty flawless skin there. Anyone have any ideas or suggestions? I''d greatly appreciate it! Bikini season is fast approaching, and this looks awful and kinda embarrassing.

 

[Lauren8211]

If it''s hormonal, than traditional acne cures won''t do much. Hormonal acne can be on the body, and also usually on the jaw/lower face of women, and starts in the mid 20s usually.

If it''s hormonal, than birth control will obviously clear it, and also some people use spironolactone with good results. It blocks the hormones that cause acne.

If it''s bacterial, then traditional acne methods will work, like benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics.

I''d see a derm to find out what kind it is!

 

[oobiecoo]

I feel ya! When I don''t take birth control, my back and sometimes chest break out. I used to have such a nice back!!!

I bought a neutrogena acne bodywash (the grapfruit one) and use it only on the affected areas. I also use a spot treatment sometimes and even stridex pads right after my shower or at night if I don''t shower twice... just to make sure everything is clean. I try to make sure I wear a clean shirt too. I hope you find a system that works for you!

 

[omieluv]

You might be having a reaction to something, have you changed anything in your routine (shampoo, conditioner, soap, laundry detergent)? I agree with the suggestion of visiting your doctor or dermatologist.

 

[joflier]

Date: 4/24/2009 4:45:19 PM
Author: omieluv
You might be having a reaction to something, have you changed anything in your routine (shampoo, conditioner, soap, laundry detergent)? I agree with the suggestion of visiting your doctor or dermatologist.

Hmm......I use different shampoos from time to time. I have about 3 or 4 different kinds that I switch around with. I have ever changing hair, so I have a shampoo/conditioner for different colors or styles. Anywho, good thought - maybe I''ll try a different shampoo for awhile and see if that helps.

I''m kinda betting that it''s something hormonal. Darn those hormones.

 

[omieluv]

Date: 4/24/2009 5:51:41 PM
Author: joflier

Date: 4/24/2009 4:45:19 PM
Author: omieluv
You might be having a reaction to something, have you changed anything in your routine (shampoo, conditioner, soap, laundry detergent)? I agree with the suggestion of visiting your doctor or dermatologist.

Hmm......I use different shampoos from time to time. I have about 3 or 4 different kinds that I switch around with. I have ever changing hair, so I have a shampoo/conditioner for different colors or styles. Anywho, good thought - maybe I'll try a different shampoo for awhile and see if that helps.

I'm kinda betting that it's something hormonal. Darn those hormones.

You could be right.

The doctor might ask if you have changed anything in your routine so I would go back to the product routine you were using prior to your break-out and see how that goes for a couple of weeks, if you can stand it. Plus, adult acne is more prevalent than you might think. My mom had relatively little acne when she was in her teen years, but broke out bad when she was in her mid 20's. Not trying to worry you, but it does happen. At least there are so many products out there to treat acne that you can get from your doctor.

 

[joflier]

Date: 4/24/2009 7:14:57 PM
Author: omieluv

You could be right.

The doctor might ask if you have changed anything in your routine so I would go back to the product routine you were using prior to your break-out and see how that goes for a couple of weeks, if you can stand it. Plus, adult acne is more prevalent than you might think. My mom had relatively little acne when she was in her teen years, but broke out bad when she was in her mid 20''s. Not trying to worry you, but it does happen. At least there are so many products out there to treat acne that you can get from your doctor.

Bleck!

And I had such nice skin, too! Well - I''m off to Target to get some stridex or something.

 

[omieluv]

Be careful with what you purchase, as you can make the situation worse if you use a harsh product. For instance, rather than get 10% Benzoil Peroxide, get 5% or 2.5%. Be sure to gently exfoliate.

 

[joflier]

Date: 4/24/2009 8:25:52 PM
Author: omieluv
Be careful with what you purchase, as you can make the situation worse if you use a harsh product. For instance, rather than get 10% Benzoil Peroxide, get 5% or 2.5%. Be sure to gently exfoliate.

Ah. Good thought. Thank you!

 

[White Orchid]

I''m in the same boat. I had pretty good skin all through high school, and now that I''m in my mid 20s I look like a teenager again! On birth control, off birth control, nothing seems to make a difference! I thought this was supposed to go away after you grew up!

 

[packrat]

Ack-I''m 34 and still have horrible skin!! My gramma sent me a link to Thermaclear, which I think I might give a whirl!

 

[joflier]

Date: 4/25/2009 5:24:33 PM
Author: White Orchid
I''m in the same boat. I had pretty good skin all through high school, and now that I''m in my mid 20s I look like a teenager again! On birth control, off birth control, nothing seems to make a difference! I thought this was supposed to go away after you grew up!

I know! Maybe we should start acting like teenagers again, too, hey?