Okay, so if you're like me, stress and hormones do a number on your skin! And if you're even more like me, you get cystic acne. I've been battling these large, deep, painful nodules, that take longer than a normal blemish to heal, for over a decade! That's right - I'm 26 years old and still find myself battling the worst kind of acne. And for all my friends and family who've told me straight to my [acne-prone] face that I have great skin, well, I thank you very much for noticing my accomplished skills in the make-up department (stick concealer and powder are my two best friends).
At one point in my life, I did have beautiful skin that I loved, but that was when I was taking Soldyn (minocycline 80mg) everyday. However, the side effects and the inability to take the medication when pregnant made it something that could not be a long-term solution. I took Solodyn for 2 years before discontinuing it and discovering that my face exploded once again. And so I was back to perfecting the makeup routine, which was probably only making the situation worse.
Out of sheer frustration, I recently took to the internet in search of a home remedy... because let's face it (haha - totally unintended, yet amazing, pun!)... we all hate spending a lot of money to TRY something to see if it works. But after doing some research, I discovered that two items found in your kitchen pantry can help these nasty zits heal more quickly. What are these two items, you ask: (1.) Cinnamon and (2.) Honey. That's right, just mix 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder and 3 teaspoons of honey together. It will make a paste that you can apply over your cystic blemishes. Simply apply over the affected area(s), cover with a bandage and sleep the night away :). Pretty easy right?
Here is the website from which I found the information, which also includes 14 other herbal remedies for cystic acne (SCORE!):
http://www.searchherbalremedy.com/top-15-herbal-remedies-for-cystic-acne/
Some other things that may help include cutting back on the sugar and dairy (I know, I know....) and taking at least 1,000mg of quality fish oil everyday. If you have any other suggestions, feel free to comment below!
I've also started using Rodan + Fields products, which have definitely helped reduce the number of blemishes I experience each month. I've only been using it for 3 months and have been informed that best results can take at least six months for more severe acne-prone skin like mine. I'm sticking with the regimen and adding the honey and cinnamon paste to larger zits that come up. I think my skin has a bright future!
Cheers to healthy and beautiful skin! #TransformationTuesday
xo
Kim
