I was wondering if anyone has any experience with adult acne?  I have been vegetarian for 5 years, vegan for 1 year, and have ALWAYS had fantastically clear and blemish free skin....and I quite literally mean aboslutely nothing.  Then over the course of the past year, I have developed terrible cyst-like acne on my forehead and sides of my chin/jaw line.  I feel like I have tried everything--getting rid of gluten, getting rid of sugars, antibiotics for cystic acne, getting rid of nuts, cleaning my face after I workout every day....but there just doesn't seem to be anything that helps.  I feel so desperate....does anyone have any advice? My doctor doesn't even know what to do.   Could it be due to minor weight gain (5lb)  or to starting loestrin birth control? Those are the only two other aspects I could imagine....ANY advice would be so welcomed :)

Hi Kaylee,

I have the same problem! This is why I've started the Kind Diet only a about a week ago...I always have had horrible cystic acne and have been on damaging antibiotics for years. I finally said no to putting more harmful chemicals (and yeast!) in my body and yes to hollistic medicine. My naturapath has given me Silver Shield both in liquid and in gel form. I take the liquid in the morning and night and I put the gel on my face at night - it is quite simply, a natural antiboitic that helps to kill the bacteria the causes the acne. Also I do natural face masks (blend cucumber and some lime juice and let your face enjoy for about 5-10 mins. helps get rid of puffiness and redness. There is also a brown sugar, blueberry and lemon juice one that I have been wanting to make!)

Even though this definately helped, it was still really bad and after reading The Kind Diet, the lightbulb went on! It was the FOOD that I was putting into my body that was also enabling the acne. I am not sure if you have been eating correctly for so long, why this is coming up...maybe see a nutritionalist to make sure you are getting the proper amounts of nutrients...sometimes there is a shift and our bodies don't absorb the healthy nutrients even though we think it is...I would love for anyone else to comment or give suggestions for how to clear this painful and ongoing problem for myself as well..
Kaylee, I hope it gets better, keep eating healthy foods!

i used to have too, yes is food but also your feelings. you got it listen to your feelings and pay attenton to your thoughts, what were you feeling and thinking after the outbreak? acne represents anger. begin healing within inside. i hope this helps

I had a mild break out after going vegan- I'm not sure if it's a detox of some kind or if I'm sensitive to soy.  I've cut back on the soy and it's clearing up?!?

Just be sure not to go nuts with scrubbing your face clean as this can hinder the issue-

good luck... 
:)

I've been experiencing the same thing lately. My skin has never been too bad, but recently it's like the acne won't go away! I've been vegan for 5 months so I thought at first it was due to detox but now I'm not so sure because it's been going on forever! I also recently switched my skin care to more natural products (alba, burt's bees), wheras before I was using the general drug store products (clean and clear, neutrogena). I will also use an all natural white clay mask every week. If it doesn't clear up soon I might have to switch back to my old products. I don't want to, but I don't know what else to do at this point. Good luck with everything, let me know if you find a great solution!

Ditto here.  I have always dealt with acne in some capacity but seemed to have it under control minus a few hormonal breakouts, but it's been so much worse in the past 3-4 months.  My back has been breaking out which has never happened and also my neck and of course my face.  I've been vegan for over 3 months now so I'm beginning to think it's not the detox anymore.  I doubt it's the soy because since I've been a vegetarian for 15+ years I've always eaten a lot of soy.  I am so frustrated, I thought this was supposed to clear my skin.

Detox can last a long time, and if you eat anything offensive once you are all clean, the skin's reaction will be very dramatic.  If I have any sugar at all, or a martini, I break out now.  Otherwise my skin is finally good!  I kind of like it that my body lets me know right away what it doesn't like.

I have the same problem!  I am 42 and I have always had some pimples, but now I have breakouts on my forhead, chin, back of neck and chest!  It is very embarrasing and I am getting so self concious about it.  I have been Vegan since Feb.  of this year.  I tried changing my shampoo, facial cleanser, moisturizer, taking oregano oil (acts like antibiotic).  Nothing is working!!  Help!!! 

BTW- Just this week I started a food journal to see if I could figure out if any foods are the cause.    

I am 29, and I have always had bad skin...when I started this diet it got really bad and then better and then bad again and now it is better. I had alot of soy at first then cut it out and my skin is doing much better. The problem with acne is there is no one fix because everyones skin is different.  I also tried apple cider vinegar which really works. I mix it with a little water and dab it on twice a day. Try it!

Here are some rules I try to follow everyday:

1) eat as many fruits and vegetables as I can
2) avoid soy
3) wash face gently twice a day
4)apple cider vinegar mixed with water
5)never touch my face (I work in a school which is filled with germs)
6)don't pick at it
7)never put anything but oil free sunscreen on face (might be hard for some not to wear makeup but I never do)

I HAVE THE CURE!!!!!!!!!! go 100% Raw vegan! I had acne for years and did everything and became vegan and still no clear skin....but the i beame 100% RAW vegan and now a month later no acne! its amazing!everyone do it!! check out this other guy in this link:

http://www.raw-food-health.net/naturalacnecure.html

also...stop using everything on ur face! nothing,no soap...only water...no moisurizer nothing!let ur skin balance its oils out!

OK, I tried the apple cider vinegar with water topically and it worked!  My skin is clear now, just continuing to heal.  I read on acne.org about people ingesting apple cider vinegar (about 1-2 tsp) with water.  Anyone do this?  Is it safe?  Hoping to stay clear.  I'm sure it's a combination of things, but the acv did help clear what was already there.

Beth- I'd like to try your apple cider vinegar solution, how do you use it (dab on face, use as cleanser, etc..?) Is there a certain ratio of the vinegar to water you use? I'm willing to try anything at this point.

I am glad you tried it! it has been working for me too...I still get a pimple once and awhile but nothing like before. Anne I mix 1 part ACV to 3 parts water and dab it all over my face.

Thanks Sara, I'm going to give it a try!