Hey! My skin looks better! Thanks PT!

I suppose it is well known that eating better will help with skin breakouts. But when I started PT, it was not for this reason that I joined, but solely for losing weight and feeling better.

It never occurred to me that this would be a nice side effect.
It's been almost a month, and now I'm noticing the difference, which is great, because adult acne SUCKS!
Anyone else have this happen, or similar undocumented PT feature?

Mon. Jul 31, 2:07pm

Its funny, I see a dermotologist and am on antibiotics for acne, but its my chiropractor who told me that cutting yeasts should really help prevent breakouts. I havent really tried it yet, too much "new" stuff at once for me, but just throwing it out there for anyone else who needs it...

Monday, July 31, 2006, 2:14 PM

When I started eating fewer carbs, I noticed my skin cleared and lots of little allergic-type symptoms and rashes disappeared. I don't even have hay fever anymore and I used to spend the spring and summer with constant dosing of antihistamines. My best guess is less wheat, but I don't know for sure. Congratulations on your improved skin -- keep doing whatever you're doing!

Monday, July 31, 2006, 2:27 PM

I'm noticing the same thing, and I think it's the wheat, because when I ate veggie burgers on whole wheat buns several days in a row, my face broke out again.

Monday, July 31, 2006, 2:46 PM

my skin really clears up when i stop drinking sodas.

Monday, July 31, 2006, 2:48 PM

Oh heck yeah! I have gone from having the skin of an adolescent in the throes of pubety to getting compliments on my 'gorgeous' skin from the Mac counter girls (and even a few perfect strangers!). They've stopped selling me things that 'even out the redness and provide all-day coverage' and instead pimp the products that 'enhance your inner glow'. :-)

the changes I have made:

1. With few exceptions I eat only fresh, unpackaged foods and get my 6-8 of fruits and veggies every day.
2. I exercise almost daily (weekends are 'free', but I usually do something active anyway)
3. I get lots more water.
4. I have cut way down on alcohol and soda.
5. I moisturize every day with a moisturizer containing SPF 30 (I never used to do this because my skin is so oily and sensitive, and previously moisturizers would aggravate it, but now I'm outside exercising almost every day so wanted the SPF. The Aveeno stuff I've been using has been really great and non-irritating.)

I don't know that any single factor is responsible - instead I think all the changes have combined to really help me acheive what is quickly becoming the healthiest I've ever been (and I never used to consider myself unhealthy - I just wasn't like this).

Monday, July 31, 2006, 4:30 PM

I'm using Aveeno sunscreen, too, and I'm really happy with it. It's the only daily sunscreen I've found that doesn't aggravate my sensitive/oily skin.

Monday, July 31, 2006, 4:35 PM

I have a problem picking my face if I see any black heads or pimples that have not come to the surface, etc. I know it is gross! If I did not do this I would have better looking skin I think. You think that would be reason enough not to do it, but I do anyway. I hate it! Does anyone else have this problem?

Monday, July 31, 2006, 4:40 PM

way to hijack the thread. I thought this was about ways we've improved.

Monday, July 31, 2006, 4:46 PM

i too have noticed a big change in my skin since eliminating wheat! who'd have thought? i guess it is probably due to the extra sweating i do now, too?

Monday, July 31, 2006, 4:50 PM

OP HERE

HAHA, I totally relate to the 4:40 poster, I hate when I do that too!
Now I'm wondering if it isn't just that I'm drinking more water and eating so much produce, and working out more. Could it be that instead of getting OCD on my face, I'm just getting OCD on my diet?!? HA! In any case, maybe PT has also given my something healthy to be OCD about, so yay!

I have not eliminated any wheat tho, perhaps I'll try a controlled experiment soon.

Monday, July 31, 2006, 9:28 PM

Great topic!

Interesting thread - there are so many benefits of better nutrition that you don't always consider!

I have noticed that my skin is better now that I drink more water. I also started to use a skin care program conscientously morning and evening. I, too, am a picker, but it needs to be done a lot less now that I drink more water and have made the effort to keep my skin clean and moisturized. I'd read that not keeping your skin moisturized makes your oil glands overproduce and that leads to breakouts - I don't know how much stock to put in that, but it appears to have helped me.

Monday, July 31, 2006, 9:31 PM

None of that stuff (foods, exercise, routine) has worked for me, and neither has a dermatologist. Any other ideas?

Monday, August 7, 2006, 10:45 AM

TO 10:45

what specifically are your skin care concerns (ie acne, oily, flaky, etc...)?

Monday, August 7, 2006, 10:47 AM

10:45 poster -- if you have rosacea, sometimes cutting out cheese, tomatos, and spicy foods will help.

Of course, I say this as someone who has rosacea and would rather die than cut out cheese, tomatos, OR hot spices! So I accept my bad skin. But I do know others for whom this worked.

Monday, August 7, 2006, 10:58 AM

10:45

Acne all the time, but only on my face.

(Sorry to hijack your thread OP. And congrats!)

Monday, August 7, 2006, 11:14 AM

i know this answer may generate some negative feedback, but nonetheless, have you looked into Proactiv? i have not personally tried it, but my cousin has found tremendous relief from a lifelong acne problem (she's 28).

Monday, August 7, 2006, 11:21 AM

Proactiv actually gave me the worst skin I've ever had in my life. I know it works for some people, but never in my 10 years of acne have I ever had so many people (strangers even) ask me if I wanted to START treating my acne. Plus, their customer service people were incredibly rude. I don't recommend them.

Monday, August 7, 2006, 11:48 AM

For really bad acne you can always go on accutane. I have never been more happy of a choice I made then that one right there. Sure there are side affects, but going from 95% face covered in acne to 99% clear for more then 2 years is proof enough! Also i find carbs make me break out when I do. Great work on the good eating.! All the chemicals that are in our foods today through our bodies off for sure!

Monday, August 7, 2006, 10:44 PM

words of caution

accutane is extremely unsafe for those who are considering becoming pregnant. my friend was taking accutane for a while, stopped, got pregnant. no one ever asked her about any medication she had taken prior to becoming pregnant, so it was not mentioned. she had severe problems which ultimately led to, sadly, a very deformed fetus which did not survive. upon further evaluation to find the root cause, it was revealed that she had taken this drug and it was the cause. be very careful about using this if you plan on getting pregnant!!

Link

Tuesday, August 8, 2006, 10:46 AM

I've read that ACCUTANE is very detrimental if you plan to get pregnant within a few years of using it.

I have a friend who used it (and is not planning to have children for many years). Her skin is nearly flawless now-- and her self-esteem has soared (she also had a gastric bypass for medical reasons--both really have helped her self-image). I think she told me her doctor said she should not get prenant for 5 years (or something like that) or it would be very detrimental.

To the above poster, sorry to year tha your friend had such complications. I hope that things turn out better for her down the road. ACCUTANE is a very STRONG drug, from what I understand!

Tuesday, August 8, 2006, 12:57 PM

My friend who is a doctor told me that Pro-activ is just based on Benzyl Peroxide. If you have a sensitivity to Benzyl Peroxide, then you probably shouldn't use Proactiv

Tuesday, August 8, 2006, 12:58 PM

Wow, 10:45 poster, the doctor who prescribed your friend the Accutane to begin with must not have been too responsible (or that happened a while back). Doctors are now required by law to inform patients of the dangers of becoming pregnant while or soon after taking Accutane. Someone who has taken it more recently might be able to confirm this, but I think that the patient actually has to sign something confirming that she has received this information at the doctor's office before getting the prescription.

Tuesday, August 8, 2006, 2:27 PM

I took accutane and I refused to take any medication before reading extensivley on it. Best thing I ever took got all the side affects but I know they were coming. I know in the states they make you take BC and get preg testing. In Canada they didn't, but it was suggested if you were sexually active to use ATLEAST 2 forms of bc. My doctor said 6-12 months waiting to get pregnant. It's a blood stream thing and blood refreshes every 56 days or something.

Tuesday, August 8, 2006, 2:43 PM

10:46 poster here...
yes, the requirements for patient information have changed dramatically since this unfortunate situation occurred. however, i am happy to let all of you who are concerned know that she has since given birth to a healthy daughter (now 3 years), and is expecting a healthy son in 2 weeks.

Tuesday, August 8, 2006, 2:48 PM

I took accutane and within six months my skin was completely clear. I had acne for 7 years bad acne and tried every thing available in some form. Some brands I didn't try simply because another brand had I higher perscription. Anyway the only thing that worked was a combination of accutane and yasmin (birth control). In truth accutane like anything is dangerous at such high concentrations but you can only get a perscription if you sign off that you are aware of this. Monthly blood test allow for the doctor to regulate your dosage so there isn't much need for concern. It doesnt damage your body, but to a fetus such high dosages are to much. Basically it stops oil production and with birth control your hormones are regulated. They say the three causes of acne are hormones, germs, and oil. Accutane, birth control, and a gentle cleanser like clearasil cover all three.

well that sounds like a success story but unfortunately when I stopped taking birth control 4 months ago my acne came back. I have yet to regain my period, which is normal though I am not sure for how long. Also I have a love/hate relationship with bread. After all that you've said earlier about cutting back I intend to try it. For those of you who were successful, did you completely eliminate wheat or do you still allow your self a few servings a day?

lastly (sorry this is soo long) for all of you who wear sunscreen you're on the right path. after my skin cleared up my dermatologist said the best way to prevent my scars from darkening over time was to wear sunscreen. i was also told that most of them would fade within a year. i am an aveeno fan as well, but pretty much anything that uses natural, IDENTIFIABLE products should be fine for your skin. coppertone and those other brands are like cigarettes they contain strange things like anti-freeze you wouldn't want on your skin.

Monday, July 9, 2007, 1:20 AM

I have noticed My skin is glowing more. I have never had acne problems, but My skin was not always as fresh looking as it is now. Im 35 too. someone guessed Me for 20 the other day. I said years back lol.

I also have seen My hair become very shiny and has some added thickness to it. My nails are stronger. so eating right does have added benefits than starting to look hot.

Monday, July 9, 2007, 3:36 AM

While doing a low carb diet for 3 months my skin did not break out. Not even before my period. Someone even commented on it which never happens for me. As soon as I strayed from the diet my skin went nuts. I didn't put two and two together at first and thought it was a cleanser that I was using. Nope!

Since then I have experimented with my diet and find that high sugar/carb foods does something to my hormones which then lead to more oil production which then leads to clogged pores which then lead to acne.

i'm back on the diet now and even after I've lost the weight I will be staying away from junk foods for the sake of my body and skin.

Foods with wheat don't affect me. My skin was fine after I consumed wheat.

Monday, July 9, 2007, 1:52 PM

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