Those of you who know me well, know I’ve struggled with acne since I was about 12 years old. Severe nodulocystic acne, the worst kind.
I spent my school and college years learning every makeup trick in the book to conceal the lumps and bumps erupting every day on my face and back. I was afraid to tie my hair back in the gym, I stopped going swimming. Only my mum and brothers ever saw my skin without makeup. Though it probably wasn’t obvious to most people, my confidence was rock bottom.
I visited the top dermatologists in Ireland and abroad. I was prescribed every lotion and potion on the market, every oral contraceptive, every antibiotic and eventually Roaccutane (aka Accutane/Isotretinoin).
Roaccutane did work for my skin but it is a highly toxic medication, which has since been taken off the market in the US because of its dangerous side effect profile (namely depression/suicidal ideation and inflammatory bowel disease). When I reduced the dose or stopped Roaccutane, my spots came back with a vengeance.
I was angry, frustrated and didn’t know where to turn. I spent hours and hours researching until I discovered Functional Medicine and Genova Diagostics. Finally, something that made sense to me…. I might be able to find out WHY my skin was so bad and what’s more, I might be able to fix it without the use of medications.
It took me about 6 months to really get a handle on it. I discovered certain foods that would exacerbate my skin and was able to dampen down some of the inflammation using nutritional supplements. I also had to do some work on regulating my hormones. Not only did my skin improve but I felt like a new person…healthy inside and out!
I do still get breakouts but when I do they are very minor and heal almost overnight. If I have a cheat meal or if I am cutting weight for a competition….I know my skin will be bad in a few days time…. but I am OK with that because I have control over it now. I know how to manage it.
Now, I want to help people suffering from acne, regain control of their skin.
Click here for my article on Spots, Pimples and Acne…the Natural Solution