My face thinks I'm a teenager!

Moms View Message Board: General Discussion: Archive January 2004: My face thinks I'm a teenager!

I don't know why this is happening...I had practically NO blemishes when I was a teen (very lucky, I know), but now--at 41--I break out like I'm going through puberty! What gives? More importantly, how do I treat these pimples without making my face a patchy, dry mess? Anyone else have this problem?

By Pamt on Tuesday, January 6, 2004 - 11:30 pm:

Well, I did have zits as a teen. Never really bad acne, but consistent pimples and blackheads...ugh! My face has cleared up considerably as an adult, but I still have occasional breakouts. Some adult acne is rosacea which is very prominent in my father's side of the family. It ultimately makes the skin very red and bumpy and is quite disfiguring (i.e., a nose like W.C. Fields), but is treatable if addressed early, so you might want to see a dermatologist to rule that out. Otherwise, a derma. could probably give you some good product recommendations. However, most acne treatments work in part by drying out the skin so you will need an oil-free moisturizer. I have a dermatology appt in 2 weeks to work on improving my skin texture and blotchiness (melasma from bc pills, which I am no longer taking) and have a skin cancer check. I'll let you know if I get any additional info from my appt.

By Kate on Tuesday, January 6, 2004 - 11:33 pm:

I'd consult a dermatologist before it gets worse. This is very common, unfortunately. Is it possible it's a hormonal thing? Premenopause type stuff? I've dealt with it, it's embarrassing, but there are prescriptions out there that really do help. Good luck!

By Mrse on Wednesday, January 7, 2004 - 02:35 am:

I found that if I do not use soap on my skin, and just use a wash cloth with hot water on it, to wash my face pimples stay away.
When I was young,I watched my mother put Noxema on her face, so I did that for a while, ( not for pimples) then I started getting black heads.

By Trina~moderator on Wednesday, January 7, 2004 - 06:56 am:

I'm 40 and have always had zits! I used Proactiv for a couple years but stopped a few months ago because for me, it was causing hearty white heads. Ewww, I know! LOL! Don't know the proper term, but they were white heads that would not go away for months! I saw my dermatologist, and he said my skin must be sensitive to the Proactiv. I went back to using Neutrogena products and my face is fairly clear again. I have never been able to use soap or moisturizers of any kind on my face. I've yet to find a foundation that doesn't cause problems. UG!

Just wanted to let you know you're not alone.

By Yjja123 on Wednesday, January 7, 2004 - 07:33 am:

Must likely--Completely hormonal.
I NEVER broke out when I was a teenager. Now once a month my chin gets one. My doctor said its from hormonal changes? At any rate I keep my skin clean and deal with it.
Good Luck!

By John on Wednesday, January 7, 2004 - 07:35 am:

I've been plauged by acne my whole life even in my thirties and fourties.
I'd usually get acne in the morning if I'd eat a large amount of starch (like a bowl of pasta) or sugar(like baked goods) the night before.

However, since changing my eating patterns my face has completely cleared up in the last six months and people have even commented on it...

By Debbie on Wednesday, January 7, 2004 - 07:51 am:

I have always had acne problems and I am 36. I use Proactiv. I have been using it for 5 years. It works great for me. I may still get an occasional pimple, usually when I am about to start, but that is it. Like everyone else suggested, I would say most likely it is because of hormonal changes.

By Blueridgemom on Wednesday, January 7, 2004 - 09:21 am:

I have had the same experience as John, and didn't find out until now at 35 that if I cut out the empty carbs and sugar, not only do I feel better and look better, but my skin is clearer.

By Karen~moderator on Wednesday, January 7, 2004 - 09:43 am:

I had normal breakouts when I was young, then no problems until after I had kids. The worst for me was the 6 months following my hysterectomy, but once we got my hormones regulated my skin cleared again. Now I only get a zit once in a great while.

By Mommyathome on Wednesday, January 7, 2004 - 10:31 am:

I had very nice skin through my teen years, but as soon as my first pregnancy was over, I started getting breakouts. It is very frustrating! I can go for awhile without any, then all of a sudden a few pop up here and there. (usually during PMS)
I really like neutrogena. I use their acne wash and their oil free moisturizer. They seem to keep things looking good!

By Janet on Wednesday, January 7, 2004 - 09:26 pm:

Well, I don't have acne or anything drastic, it's just that I seem to have blemishes show up every couple of weeks, and they're always around my mouth and chin! Then after they're gone, it remains red forever. *sigh* I've been using my teen dd's face wash, but nothing seems to help. Just life, I guess.