Hormonal acne....

**Floweryfields** · December 2nd, 2013, 05:21 PM

Just recently I've been having quite bad hormonal acne - as in a major break out the week before af is due. I've never really had acne much before even as a teen, I'm 37 for Pete's sake!
It's mainly on my T zone - particularly forehead and in the 'crease' beneath my jawline. It's really annoying me, but basically resolves itself within a few days but it's got me wondering why now when never before?

**Tinks** · December 2nd, 2013, 05:32 PM

I'm about the same age as you and I have the same problem. My skin is worse than it was when I was a teenager. I have been meaning to go to the dr about it but haven't quite got there.

**Saffy** · December 2nd, 2013, 05:58 PM

I was bad in my late thirties too, so annoying! Only cure was pregnancy!!

**Traveller** · December 2nd, 2013, 06:00 PM

My skin has been horrible for around the last year, it's been really embarrassing. I've resorted to scrubbing my face with soap and water wach night, then using skin clarity gel and oil free mousturiser. I'm also drinking around 2litres of water most days. It seems to be working, the spots are reducting and my complexion is less red. However I'm not holding my breath because previous things I tried worked for short periods and then the horrible acne came back

**lozzy_mac** · December 2nd, 2013, 06:55 PM

this thread made me realise I hadn't updated my age in my sig for 3 years! oops!!
But I'm still in my 20s and I get the same thing. Its actually worst on my back. blugh.

Traveller, I think that that with me, a regimen like you describe would dry my skin up and clear up the spots but then my skin would make more oil to compensate. Maybe try a thicker moisturiser once they're dry? I definitely don't have the answers though!! If someone discovers it let me know!

**Floweryfields** · December 2nd, 2013, 07:05 PM

I was bad in my late thirties too, so annoying! Only cure was pregnancy!!

Hopefully that will be a cure I can put to use soonish!

**little_O** · December 2nd, 2013, 07:13 PM

Do you have a fringe? I use to find when I had a fringe my t-zone was worse.

A big turning point for my skin was actually when my dr prescribed retin-a for another skin problem and that seemed to
Clean up the pimples too.

Also, if your not pregnant, a good dose of vitamin A and zinc will help

I use a foaming cleanser and a good moisturizer and my skin stays under control now.

**Traveller** · December 2nd, 2013, 07:14 PM

Traveller, I think that that with me, a regimen like you describe would dry my skin up and clear up the spots but then my skin would make more oil to compensate. Maybe try a thicker moisturiser once they're dry? I definitely don't have the answers though!! If someone discovers it let me know!

I was worried about that, , I've never risked the harshness of soap on my face before, but I use a normal moisturiser during the day so maybe that's helping. My skin doesn't feel dry but I guess time will tell if it's going to produce more oil to compensate for the soap.

**~Raven~** · December 2nd, 2013, 07:52 PM

I'm having issues with my skin too. One thing I've noticed is that it's much dryer than it used to be but I still get the breakouts just before AF. I've gotten very strict with my skin care routine and brought some good skin care stuff and it has helped with the dryness. I'm beginning to think the breakouts are diet related so I might quit coffee when the weather is warmer and see if that helps too.