Skin Trouble With Age?

Well I won't say I have ever had terrible skin problems by any means. I had the few usual pimples that all teens get. I washed normally and things were fine, but when I got pregnant with my first daughter I broke out terrible. It was awful. I got fat with pimples all over my cheeks and they hurt! I was so depressed but as soon as I had her, they went away. I had clear skin again. I was so incredibly happy.

Fast forward to baby number two. I didn't break out at all. As a matter of fact, I enjoyed really healthy clear skin. I was so ecstatic because I had feared another breakout. Then I delivered her. Less than 2 months later I broke out horrible all over my forehead. Eeek! I was really really depressed now. That was when I decided to try Proactiv. This is no infomercial. I am leading up to a point here, I swear! It worked for me. Two weeks and I was clear. I know my family remembers the change in my skin. I was loyal with it, day and night. It was awesome.

I have used Proactiv since 2000. So that is about 9 years now. Right around the time my cancer symptoms were just starting, I began to break out again. In strange areas. The base of my chin was affected, even my chest and shoulders which has NEVER happened to me. I was so depressed, feeling sick and not understanding what was happening to me. So I went to my doctor and he got me on YAZ. It's a birth control but can help with acne. Proactiv didn't seem to work at all anymore. 2 months later, my face was clear. Proactiv had worked perfectly up until then. It was around 2005. Then my face was clear again, thanks to YAZ. Not to mention it helped my moods! haha I stayed clear until we moved after Gabbi was born. I had some minor breakouts. I had been off YAZ obviously because I was pregnant. Yes I was taking it before I got pregnant. haha Anyway I got back on the YAZ and I was clear again. Yeah. Except now I am getting some minor break outs again. It's nothing terrible. Hubby thinks I am crazy because he doesn't even notice it but I sure do. I get very upset. I am wondering what is UP with my hormones. I must have just wild and crazy hormones because I have times where I will break out. It lasts about 1-3 months then I'll be clear for months. Just when you start to take it for granted BAM. I try not to be too mad. I guess it could be worse. Still. I am now on a stronger version of Proactiv. They have a stronger formula but I cannot use the toner. I am terribly allergic to Salicylic acid. That stuff turns my skin red and raw. The regular Proactiv toner isn't like that. Oh well. If anyone has some great idea, let me know. I am going to try and drink more water. I guess all that I have been through has probably taken a toll on my body too. I would just really enjoy never having to worry about it again. I take really good care of my skin. I'd like for it to always look it's best.