The other day, my sister and I started having a passionate discussion about our skin. We have had to struggle with acne our whole teen and adult lives and there are so many things that we have learned about our skin now that could have helped us years ago.
We also started talking about how if we had a website like this back then (10-15 years ago), how much time and energy this could have saved us.
So let me get to that question. You know, the question that if you don’t answer, can’t lead you to improvement of your skin…. The reason that you’re here.
What Type of Skin Do You Have?
Before you make any assumptions, this question is more deceptive than you think. For years, my sister always thought she had “oily” skin. And as for myself, my skin shifted from “oily” to dry especially when I moved to the northeast.
It was only until recently when we consulted with a local dermatologist that we realized that we have hormonal acne. In simple words, our bodies are producing extra levels of testosterone resulting in acne breakouts.
That’s why you see women with horomonal disorders break out more around their periods. Sometimes taking birth control pills can help the acne clear up (because they essentially stop the menstrual cycle) but this is only a temporary solution. Not to mention, perhaps some women are uncomfortable messing with their cycles.
If you have oily or dry skin, it is essential to keep your skin properly clean and moisturized. But if you have hormonal acne, then it’s best to consult your dermatologist.
I Can’t Afford to Consult With a Dermatologist Right Now…
IF that is the case, then the easiest thing you can do is watch your menstrual cycle. Dedicate a small calendar to tracing your period/menstrual cycle and right down the dates when you experience severe acne breakouts. Also note when your menstruation period starts and when it ends. Track it for 2-3 months.
By doing this, you can clearly see if there is a direct correlation between your cycle, hormones and acne. Of course, some times things aren’t that simple; you may be suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or the rare Cushing’s syndrome.
Before you go down that road and panic, the first step is to take notes. Your dermatologist may also need this information to determine your acne breakout cycle.
Before You Leave…
No matter what type of acne and blemishes you are suffering from, we have accumulated the top 10 products that have personally affected us in a positive way. You can get this free pdf resource by subscribing to our newsletter below.
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