Why does my skin do THAT?
Ehlers Danlos Syndrome wreaks havoc on my skin integrity. My hormones make my pores clog and develop cystic acne patches all over my cheeks. At their worst, I require prescription medication to treat it. The video below shows how bad my most recent flare up was last summer, granted these are not glamor shots in any way and even show a flare up of my perioral dermatitis too so this is definitely my skin at its worst.
I don’t wear makeup, I’m gentle on my skin, and wear sunglasses with a large brimmed hat. If anyone was taking care of their skin, I thought it was me. I’ve bounced around between birth controls, antibiotics, creams, gels, medicated pads, Proactiv, subscription service tailored creams, bought pore vacuums, used nose strips, washed with a PMD Clean brush, charcoal peel off masks, and pimple patches! I have tried everything from Arnica to witch hazel, and everything in between.
My acne has always been stubborn and needs multiple means of attack. The following routine and tips have helped me immensely!
Make sure you have the proper tools for your skin care needs, that they are the right size, and that you know how to use them correctly. You only use sanitized tools each and every time any tool (from acne to make up brushes) touches your face.
We’ve all watched one to many episodes of Dr Pimple Popper and gone and bought our own acne tool kits, right? I know it can’t be just me but I’ll be the first to admit it, I should have looked up tutorials as the poorly translated English manual in the kit was not much help. Using tools on your face is serious business, and you should make sure of the following: your tools are sterilized prior to use, you have washed your face (or have steamed your face), and you have first aid equipment on hand such as small size band-aids, antibiotic cream, and pimple patches.One you have correctly used the tools and are satisfied, rehash your face, then apply your preferred acne treatment. I always cover my popped pimples with pimple patches as they speed healing time and suck out excess oil and pus. I leave them on overnight, and the difference is amazing. I have very poor wound healing, and treating them as such has made a big difference.
Your acne may be from what you eat.
We’ve heard the whole chocolate and oily food warnings directed at acne sufferers but did you know that having a food allergy could be the culprit as to why your acne doesn’t go away? This is also common with other conditions such as Celiac Disease, and other food sensitivities. In this instance it may be best to speak with your doctor to determine if this could be the cause. In the meantime, if you suspect this, Hydrocortisone 10 on the stubborn spots should help reduce swelling, inflammation, and dry out the acne. Additionally, I have found that Benzoyl Peroxide Creams and gels are more effective for me than Salicylic Acid.
You’ve tried everything, and still nothing gives. Well, you may need a different approach.
To clear my skin I have to take a hot shower, and make sure I’m really sweating. I want my pores as open as possible. I wash my face and then use my acne tools to reduce the damage caused by my fingernails to my skin. I don’t force my skin either, if it’s not ready to give, then it’s just not ready. If my skin is feeling cooperative I’ll bring out my pore vacuum and PMD wand and go to town. After I dry my face, I apply whatever medication I need (I use prescription clindamycin 1% medicated pads), let it dry, then apply the pimple patches. For big patches I use the Medicare hydrocolloid extra large squares in the wound health section. These guys do some serious heavy lifting and are amazing! (If you hold it up to the light after you remove the patches, you can clearly see how much has been pulled out of your skin!
Does your chronic illness impact your skin too? Have you found anything that has really worked for you? We want to hear about it!
