[Bustege]

You sound a lot like me! I never got body acne, but I have been battling awful cystic acne for the last 6 years. Cutting out dairy and focusing on more natural skincare along with monthly extractions/enzyme peels has really helped me... however, before I restarted nbe I would get these gross clogged pores and big cystic zits on my cheeks and jawline that my esthi said had to do with hormones whenever I would start my period.

My hubs and I started maca and I took it for a month or so before starting on other herbs. I don't take vitex, but I do use straight progesterone cream. So I do PM starting the day I start my period and continue for 14 days, then PC for the last of my cycle. I take maca, L-arginine, and msm throughout as well as massage daily which is supposed to help balance hormones. I usually have horrendous heavy periods with cramps so bad I can't move off the couch and my flow can sometimes last more than a week. This time I had cramps the first day, but none after that other than some mild back aches. Today is my third day and it is barely there. I can use a pantyliner instead of a maxi pad which is just unheard of for me. And no acne.

Hey Echapman,

Thanks so much for your reply! It's comforting to know I'm not the only one battling with these issues and to have someone to discuss them with. We really do seem similar! Hopefully this doesn't come across as creepy but I saw your picture page and we have the same shape and size "starting" breasts. Your progression photos have inspired me so much! You look awesome and I hope to mimic those results.

So did you cut out dairy completely or restrict dairy consumption? Was that the only thing you cut from your diet? I have also been using natural skin care for a few years now. I've found that -- although messy -- putting turmeric and lemon on my back eases and decreases the severity of the cystic acne I get on my back and shoulders. Do you get extractions on your back and chest? Do they scar?

Wow really? Third day just panty liner and no acne?! That's amazing! Thank you so much for letting me know about your routine! Congrats on your success with it. Once I re balance my hormones as Neverloosehope suggested, I'll try your program. I'll start documenting when I do