Acne is 99.5% gone?!?

[NothingMuch]

Hey all,

It's been a very long while since I've last posted on SF. My life is still a depressive hellscape, but I just wanted to stop by and post at least one ray of hope. My acne is mostly gone now! If you want to read my sob story (and my previous attempts at clearing up my breakouts) you can make a detour to this post here:

I knew reducing sugar and carbs played a part in my acne. I had cut out a great deal of it and still found myself breaking out. Back in April of this year (after a terrible sugar relapse), I realized that maybe I hadn't been restrictive enough. The experts say added sugar should be no more than 25gr a day for women and 36gr for men. That's an extreamly easy number to go over when eating a Western diet (esp. here in the US). Added sugar is in practically everything here! I picked up a can a collard greens the other day and found added sugar in it. I mean WTF?! Isn't all that salt enough to preserve it? I don't count carbohydrates but I've managed to cut out as much as I can to the point where acne isn't coming for my morning toast or the occasional cookie after dinner. I've also drastically reduced my Omega-6 intake and upped my Omega-3. It's basically an anti-inflammatory diet and it has worked wonders for me. My hormonal acne is practically gone too. I get a whitehead or two and they disappear pretty quickly as long as I don't pick at them (that's another story for another time).

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Here's a rundown of foods and drinks I avoid along with bulleted things I have replaced them with. I hope this will help someone who wants to give this a try and help with getting started.

1. Cow's Milk, Ice Cream
I'm lactose intolerant, so this was never a problem for me. I can still get away with some dairy types though. Some people can't handle any dairy at all.

• Unsweetened almond milk
• High fat, low sugar yogurt (Greek, for example)
• Hard cheeses only (Cheddar, Provolone, Romano, etc)

2. Soda, Fruit Juice, Alcohol

• Water

3. Candy, Pastries

• Low glycemic fruit (Mostly apples because they're cheap)
• Nuts & Legumes (I'm not allergic to peanuts and they're also cheap)
• Carrots
• Popcorn (Avoid the microwave shit. It's easy to buy whole kernels and pop it yourself without a popcorn maker. Cover with olive oil and a bit of salt.)

4. Canola Oil, Vegetable Oils (which are Seed Oils!!), Margarine
These oils are a major causes of too much Omega-6 in the diet. It's found in practically every processed food (on top of pouring it on foods ourselves), so the imbalance with Omega-3 is extreamly high. I know some of my substitutions are controversial, but it works for me. Please don't argue with me about possible health issues in the comments. You'll be ignored like my former dermatologist. Do what you think is healthy for you.

• Olive Oil
• Butter: "OMG! I can't belive it's real butter!" (Sorry. A little commercial joke for you, if you get it.)
• Lard (Pig fat)
• Tallow (Beef or Sheep fat): I haven't used this, but it's another option.

5. Corn, Rice, Pasta, Potatoes, Cereals, other simple starches.
Don't be fooled! Whole/brown is just as bad as white when it comes to high glycemic foods!

• All kinds of vegetables. At least one serving of leafy greens a day.
• Beans (I love Red Kidney & Black beans so far)

6. This last one list for other things I have added to my diet so far:

• 1000mg Fish Oil Supplements: Good quality fish on a daily basis is too expensive for me. I only take one supplement a day at the moment.
• Vitamin D3: I take 2,000-4,000 IU daily because I don't get outside much. No need to spend money if you get a proper amount of free sun! The amount of D3 you get from natural sunshine will depend on your skin tone and the latitude you live at, so do your research. I don't think D3 alone improved my acne in anyway, but it's still a good thing to have for overall health.
• Turmeric (with black pepper) is known for fighting inflammation. I put it on my eggs each morning. Some people use it in teas or smoothie drinks. Do not, for the love of the Goddess of Wisdom, put turmeric on your skin! It dyes your skin yellow! Thankfully I saved myself from this mistake by watching other people.

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Well there you have it. Getting rid of my sugar and carbohydrate addiction felt like a nearly impossible hill to climb, but after nearly 20+ years, I've finally figured shit out. It doesn't help that I've had to fight a few generations of lies to get there. What's funny is when I tried to cheat and eat a piece of candy a few days ago, it had an awful chemical taste to it.

I also dropped all acne medications before and during this diet: No antibiotics, Salicylic acid, Benzoyl peroxide, etc. They only made my problems so much worse no mater the percentage or how often I used them.

My next uphill battle will be fighting my skin picking OCD and getting rid of my horrendous hyper-pigmentation. I look like a spotted cheetah.

 

[LonelyHiker]

Congratulations on getting rid of the acne! We need to celebrate our victories whenever we can 👍

 

[NothingMuch]

Congratulations on getting rid of the acne! We need to celebrate our victories whenever we can 👍

Thank you! I'm still afraid this has all been too good to be true. I do need to actually find a sugar-free way to celebrate though. Maybe I'll buy myself flowers...or go pick some wild ones cuz I'm broke. Hahaha.

 

[MisterBGone]

I'm so happy to hear this news, and tale of recovery--as well as to see you again, as I was wondering what had happened to you - or where you might have (gone to, or) been. This is no small victory, so I hope you know & understand that... & it seems you do (recognize its significance). I'd love to be able to offer you some alternatives, but I'm not that sophisticated, (n)or good! But I wish I was/or were~
Again, congratulations, on all you've achieved. You deserve to be commended. And I think you should be proud of yourself. For it's just like trying to kick anything else, habit wise & that is an addiction. So keep it up, and keep going @NothingMuch !

What you say on the sugar (or was it carbs?) talk about two evils to try & tackle at once. Here again, color me impressed. . . But what you'd remarked on how they'd not even tasted "good," & that there was something of a regurgitative reflex. Or negative & averse reaction (to what you were normally accustomed to). I think, is a 'sign,' that you are well on your way to kicking this thing. And hopefully for good.

But if you should relapse. Ever, just don't beat yourself up. As that can be a self-defeating mechanism and actually I think, make it even easier to continue in that direction, as we beat ourselves up psychologically. It is better to forgive. And realize that we are human. And then - (to) turn the page & move on. Live to fight another day~!* // So a similar thing has happened to me when I've gotten into a kick or habit, where I've eaten too much fast, or processed food(s). All of a sudden, I'll have something or some, at some point.

And then it's like: woah? That was (just) REALLY DISGUSTING?!?!?! ;D And I think it's got things or something to do with the gut health, and microbes changing and all kinds of that stuff. But so anyway, best wishes to you as you continue on this path. And don't be afraid to pat yourself on the back. And to give yourself some credit. As you've said, it is no easy, or small feat (that you have managed). Take care!

 

[seabird]

@NothingMuch It's great to read your story of healing your skin. Knowing what you did, removing certain 'foods' and adding in other real foods - really helpful to know. I found out I'm allergic to tree nuts and had to switch back to cow's milk from almond milk. After reading your post I wonder if that was a good move, maybe I need to find some other beverage. 🤔
Enjoy your success

 

[NothingMuch]

Thanks @MisterBGone! I went into a bit of dark spiral and I'm still kind of in it. I think if I lurk around the self-care forum, I can at least feel inspired to keep working on myself. Even better if I can help someone else. One dumpster fire at a time right? Depression makes it hard to be proud of oneself, but I'm trying to work on that too.

From what I've been told, simple carbs are sugars and are the basically the same thing to the body. When I mentioned the chemical taste, it was more like my taste buds have changed entirely. When I eat things with too much sugar, it has a weird taste now. It makes me wonder how I ever liked this stuff to begin with. Goes to show how you don't notice just how much sugar is in our foods until you stop eating it.

I promise I will try not to beat myself up if I slip.

I hope you find your answer to your milk debate @seabird! You may be one of those lucky people who are just fine with cow's milk.

 

[MisterBGone]

Thanks @MisterBGone! I went into a bit of dark spiral and I'm still kind of in it. I think if I lurk around the self-care forum, I can at least feel inspired to keep working on myself. Even better if I can help someone else. One dumpster fire at a time right? Depression makes it hard to be proud of oneself, but I'm trying to work on that too.

From what I've been told, simple carbs are sugars and are the basically the same thing to the body. When I mentioned the chemical taste, it was more like my taste buds have changed entirely. When I eat things with too much sugar, it has a weird taste now. It makes me wonder how I ever liked this stuff to begin with. Goes to show how you don't notice just how much sugar is in our foods until you stop eating it.

I promise I will try not to beat myself up if I slip.

I hope you find your answer to your milk debate @seabird! You may be one of those lucky people who are just fine with cow's milk.

Yes, I think it is all part of how the body is adapting, and changing--in a, "good way!" (for you, then). . . With respect, to the/or those changes, you've made. Which are only going to be, I'd find and/or think; a positive contributor as you fight this monstrous at times thing, known as Depression! As someone who was once diagnosed with Major. I think, I know a little something about that which you speak.
Your description matches or mirrors & reminds me of mine*
It's human nature to react like that. I just bet that, it doesn't help is all. Especially if you've got thin skin over the matter or issue. Or if it has been an extraordinary or exceptional problem, of some kind. You want to call it acute? However. But with things like food. It's hard because it can be so chronic and it is also behavioral. And then there is the psychological component. Say nothing of the physiological.
So it is no wonder then, why it is a struggle for so many. Due to this confluence or variety of different levels of factors or things, come playing into the mix~
Yea, I've heard sugar described as basically "sort of," (& now that is key!) like cocaine or coke. In terms of its addictive properties maybe effecting similar areas of the brain. Regardless of, I'm glad you've gotten the upper hand and while you've felt better about that. Then you might be able to better tackle or address the other (depression) with more of a full compliment of array at your disposal when it comes to your arsenal, so to speak.
Sorry if my words are not making much sense.
Sometimes, in the past, I've heard some members say they will gravitate towards certain areas or sections of the forum. When not feeling well, or at their best. And also, to avoid others. That can put them in a bad mood or state. Or send them further in that direction.
Hope you can find something meaningful, helpful, and good. Whether it is here, or anywhere! We've missed you. :^)

 

[seabird]

I hope you find your answer to your milk debate @seabird! You may be one of those lucky people who are just fine with cow's milk.

I seem to be okay with cow's milk. I can't eat much ice cream without upset stomach so I suspect it has to do with too much sugar or fat? It's hard to know with these things. I can have a tablespoon, which is not really worth it, so I just stopped eating it.

It was the almonds and walnuts that were upsetting my skin. I didn't get acne but a kind of rash on my neck. I always thought nuts were one of the healthiest things you could eat. Just not if one is allergic.

Thanks for the well wishes. Stay healthy!

 

[SamB]

Have you tried cinnamon, which is another anti inflammatory? There are different types of cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon (sometimes called true cinnamon) is the best in my opinion, I got a big bag from Amazon for a reasonable price.
Carbohydrates breakdown to basic sugars in the body, the glycemic index is a measure of how long it takes (low takes longer). It is high blood sugar that is linked to inflammation and acne, so carbohydrates with high glycemic index are the ones that can cause this.

Really glad you have found a way to control your acne and it also is a healthier lifestyle so a double win.

 

[NothingMuch]

I didn't know about cinnamon being anti-inflammatory @SamB. It's too bad cinnamon rolls aren't considered healthy because I would love to eat those once a day! It would be a great idea to sprinkle on fruits though.

 

[NothingMuch]

Just a quick note on other things I've been doing in my quest to avoid acne.

• Always wash my hands before I touch my face!
• Clean my glasses frames at the end of each day.
  • I used to get cystic acne at my temples, right where the arms pressed against my skin.
• Try to remember not to press my phone directly to my face.
• Flip my pillowcase every Wed, then get a new pillowcase every Sun.
• Change out my regular bra at the end of the week. Change immediately after sweaty boob days.
  • I think going too long without washing my bra was contributing to the acne on my shoulders and back.
  • Sports bras are always washed after each workout. I hand wash the few I have and hang them up to dry.
• Be aware of hair products that cause acne.
  • I've simplified my hair products down to shampoo and argan oil.
• I only use fragrance free laundry detergent as added fragrance is a known skin irritant.
  • I absolutly hate the smell of strong fragrances anyway.

Future things I'd like to do.

• Find fragrance free shampoos and body washes that I like and can afford.
• I should probably clean my phone more often too.

 

[Innocent Forever]

This is massive!!! I'm going to come back to this to try it one day.

 

[NothingMuch]

This is massive!!! I'm going to come back to this to try it one day.

I hope it works out for you when you do!

 

[NothingMuch]

Identifying Sugars

Natural ingredients that ends in -ose:

• Fructose
• Sucrose
• Glucose
• Lactose
• Maltose
• Dextrose
• Saccharose
• Etc,

Other types of natural ingredients:

• ____ sugar
• Honey
• Syrup
• Cane juice
• Molasses
• Maple
• Agave nectar
• Munk fruit
• Etc,

Sugar alcohols may not raise your blood sugar, but they don't stop your natural sugar cravings either. Too much (10-15gr / day) can cause weight gain (surprise!), gastrointestinal problems, laxative effects, heart attacks and strokes. Sugar alcohol ingredients typically end in -itol with some exceptions:

• Xylitol - Good for teeth, not so good for diet
• Erythritol - As a sugar substitute it can actually raise blood sugar levels by 1000 times and keep it there for days.
• Sorbitol
• Maltitol
• Mannitol
• Isomalt
• Lactitol
• Etc,

Artificial sweeteners, like sugar alcohols, don't help you stop sugar cravings. Some are highly controversial due to health concerns:

• Aspartame
• Saccharin
• Sucralose - not natural despite ending in -ose

Last but not least is stevia or steviol glycosides. Stevia is generally deemed a safe alternative to sugar, but be warned!! Companies typically mix stevia with other less desiable ingrediates like maltodextrin, sugar alcohols, and other artificial sweetners.

 

[Livelife]

Sugar is found in the weirdest places. It's an addiction that the food industry depends on with so many people.
Speaking of Added sugars which includes most processed foods. Even the organic and supposedly healthy stuff. Take a look at protein and health bars for example. And yogurts if not plain. I wasn't ever a sweets type person but once I started focusing on the sugar content of packaged food, more dropped from my diet.
I make kidney stones so anything almond is now off the table. Also spinach, which I haven't had in 3 years since I found out. And all that spinach and carrot juice I was making and smoothies with almond milk thinking it was contributing to my health. What they contain is something called oxalates and if you are a stone former you can only have a small amount of it a day. Kale doesn't make good juice but it's a nice veggie trade for the spinach.
I use monk fruit now when I bake something and it works fine. Agave sold is not natural and neither is canola oil. Honey is predigested by the bees so it's absorbed by the organs of the body even faster than table sugars. Sugar cravings in many people will disappear or be highly reduced once sugars are taken out of the diet. It take a little while for that to happen though.

 

[NothingMuch]

I agree about the crazy amounts of sugar in seemingly healthy foods @Livelife! When I started to really look at understanding US food labels, it was depressing! Quitting sugar definitely forces you to learn to cook from scratch as much as possible.

I'm sorry to hear about your experience with kidney stones. How frustrating that by avoiding one problem you run straight into another! Not gonna lie, I'm a little worried about that too now.