darned acne

	Quote:
Originally Posted by tahil To lovemonster, I am using Aubrey Organics, which I love using for my sensitive skin. I just keep hoping for the best. Thank you all so much for all of your advice!

Tahil, I'm not familiar with these products. There are so many great products out there. What do you like about these products? Do you have an ingredient list you can p.m. me? Also do you wear foundation? If you want to send me an ingredient list for that as well.

Hi Lovemonster,
I have read about PCOS and it does seem like I could have a "touch" of it. My Hyst was for a huge ovarian cyst that I'd had since I was young. No fertility or major weight problems. My Endo doc did tease me asking, "So, where did you get all this testosterone?" I responded that I had a macho Italian father and had always felt stronger than most of my female friends. I must have had enough estrogen to balance when younger, cause it didn't cause ANY problems when I was younger. From what I've read, androgen troubles after menopause rear their ugly heads due to decreasing estrogen. But, I've been reading this board for 6 yrs. and only came across 1 or 2 other women who ended up with an acne problem describing it as huge, deep cysts like I have. It starts with a hard "pebble" of sand breaking through the skin. After that, it gets inflamed and fills up quite a few times before healing (usually 2-3 months) and sometimes leaves a nasty scar. the hard "sand" is more like "granulomas" rather than a plain cyst like anyone would get that is usually liquid inside......sorry to be so graphic......but this affliction is just SOOOO wierd. 5 different derms said it was plain 'ol acne and to stop picking. Nothing topical helps. Of course picking doen't help.....but they don't address why I keep getting these darned things.

I just have to say I never had the cystic kind until I was on the Climara at the same dose as you. I went off and the cystic ones lessened. I just don't think I can handle that high of dose, but that's my opinion, which may not be right. I feel for you, dear. What would happen if you tried off the Climara and went to a bioidentical cream? I don't know as much as Lovemonster about all this, but just offering a suggestion.

Lovemonster,
As far as the Aubrey products go, you can check them out at AubreyOrganics.com. They are all-natural products with no preservatives in them and great for my sensitive skin. I barely wear a foundation, but when I need to cover up a pimple it is one that is oil-free and non-comedogenic. Thanks.

Tahil, If they are working for you that is great! I would just stick with what you feel is working. Skin care can be part of the problem/ solution. I did quickly look over the sensitive line you were mentioning and noticed witch hazel and some citrus products which can be very irritating to the skin after prolonged use. Irritation causes dryness which makes our skin overcompensate with our enemy oil. These products you mention do overcompensate for this by adding other "soothing" ingredients which may or may not fool our skin (or fool us anyhow!). Here is a website that is highly informative on ingredients for products. http://www.gina.antczak.btinternet.co.uk/CU/CUHOME.HTM

For myself, I use a salicylic acid product daily to keep the pores cleansed, bacteria at bay, and exfoliation. I also use an oat extract (similiar to AHA, but more for sensitive skin) for natural enhanced skin exfoliation.

Tip if you are a picker: invest in artifical nails! It's hard to pick with long nails!