PCOS acne journey continued…supplements and products that help

by purelytwins

Hey luvs,

Thanks for letting me share my PCOS and acne journey with you. If you are not interested in hormones and acne please feel free to skip this post today.

Okay let’s just dive right in… if you missed my first PCOS update read it here first then come back to this post.

Today I will share a little more details on supplements and products that I am using to help with PCOS and acne.

My journey with supplements. I have tried many kinds of supplements over the years. And some worked to help with controlling my acne. But after my last acne update post when I share supplements that helped – a few weeks after that my cystic hormonal acne came back- with vengeance. Not sure why, maybe it was diet related but I feel I did not really change my diet all the much. So I was really confused for several weeks of why this was happening to me again.

For whatever reason ever since that breakout it has not stopped. So I know I needed more help. My body was still screaming at me — that it needs help! So back I went to do more research and reading.

I came across how important antioxidants can be to help acne. So I added antioxidants supplements to my routine along with my fermented cod liver oil, probiotic, and vitex. After taking the increased in antioxidants, I noticed little improvement. And then I read about Estroblock and a few of you mentioned it to me as well. So I ordered some. *Presently I just starting week 4 of taking it.

From all my research, here is a list of some supplements that can help with both PCOS and acne.

Again this is not all supplements that can help just ones that I focused on.

UPDATE — read here how my skin is doing.

Supplements that can help with PCOS and acne:

  • probiotics —> helps with overall health and gut health
  • magnesium –> can help insulin sensitivity among many other things
  • vitamin D —> play an important role in the development and maturation of egg cells from ovarian follicles, helps with menstrual cycles. I get this through by taking 2 tsp of fermented cod liver oil a day
  • B vitamin complex —> helpful in balancing hormones and weight
  • Vitex – -> mainly for balancing hormones, helps to signal the menstrual cycle; I’ve been on it for a few months now
  • Estroblock — > mainly for hormonal acne  and just starting taking
  • Milk Thistle –>  takes care and cleanses the liver which can help with hormones, I just started taking this
  • Co-Q10 – great antioxidant; important for energy production and normal carbohydrate metabolism
  • NAC – an amino acid and antioxidant
  • L-glutamine —> I am taking about 20g a day to continue to help build up my gut health and which helps my skin
  • Zinc –> helps with hormones and insulin; I have not taken in a long time, did take it earlier this year
  • Calcium —> take Calm which is magnesium and calcium
  • Chromium –> helps with insulin sensitivity, I bought but have not started taking it yet as I first wanted to see how Estroblock does before I add in another supplement
  • Iodine

** ones in RED I take and like

some things take time

One thing I do know -even with using supplements – it takes time. A LOT OF TIME to see results. 

Now that might seem like a lot of supplements and I know supplements are a controversial topic. I do feel eating whole foods is first then supplements. I have been eating whole foods for a long time with limited processed foods and was not seeing much improvements that’s why I started taking some of these supplements. To see if they would help my body heal better.

And for the most part I feel they have.

acne pics

A few weeks ago. This was my face before I started taking Estroblock. As you you can see I still have a lot of hormonal acne on both sides of my face (cheeks, jaw line area)black charcoal

I also tried activated charcoal on my face for a few weeks. I also brush my teeth with it. I will share more on that later.  The activated charcoal helped but again did not get rid of acne completely.

loris face better

I took one day at a time. Slowly seeing improvements. Nothing major.

more acne face

About one week on Estroblock — among all the other supplements listed above that I am still taking. Again not much improvements.

more lori

Two weeks of being on Estroblock. Still a very slow healing process. I do have makeup on in these pictures, but you can still see acne.  As of today, overall my acne is still there but small. Not as intense. So I am hopeful that with more weeks of doing what I am doing I hope to see even more improvements. Plus keeping up with my current diet.

lori tuesday

And me today – taking Estroblock for a full 3 weeks. Starting to see more and more improvements in my skin!! I am hopeful. 

Do I notice a difference in my acne with taking Estroblock?

A tough question that so many of you asked about. I haven’t noticed a huge difference yet. Though I know from what I have read about it just like Vitex it takes awhile to really start working. It took a good 3 months of taking Vitex for me to see it helping, so I am being patient with the results with Estroblock. I am taking 2 – 3 pills of it. I am still dealing with hormonal acne.  It has only been a few weeks of me taking it, I am being hopeful that it will start to work soon after a month or so of being on it. I will keep you all updated of course.

Other Face products and skin things that I have been using that have helped with acne:

  • I use activated charcoal on face as spot treatment and brush teeth with it a few times a week.
  • Use glycolic acid cream 10% on face and KP on arms. I put on face every other night.
  • Spray my face morning and night with niacin spray. Love this stuff!!
  • Just use water to clean face in the morning followed by niacin spray and moisturizer.
  • I still wash my face with oils for the oil cleansing method.
  • I use all natural products like Dr. Bronners.
  • I eat ‘clean’ to help with balancing acne from eating real, whole foods as much as possible.
  • Use all natural laundry detergent.

Why take Vitex?

Vitex helps with progesterone. It works on your pituitary gland, and helps it regulate its own hormone production, which can get your progesterone and good estrogens back in balance. Through all my hormone test over the years I have always had low progesterone so I had a feeling that Vitex would help. And I feel it has.

Can you take both Vitex and Estroblock?

Yes. I would start with just taking one, then add in the other if needed. I started with Vitex for over 3 months before I started taking Estroblock. Vitex helped with getting periods but did not help much with hormonal acne. This is why I decided to start taking Estroblock as well.

I think that is it for supplements and face related products. I will be sharing in my next post my PCOS and acne superfoods and things I avoid.

Stay tuned.

For more great articles about Estroblock, Vitex and hormonal acne check out:

Tracy has done so many great articles on the subject – healing PCOS, Q&A about Vitex, Q&A about Estroblock,

Thanks again for reading and for your support.

If you have any questions please let me know.

#bepurelyyou

be passionate and fit

xoxo

Lori

 

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55 comments

heatner October 22, 2013 - 10:16 am

Have you tried primal life organics? They are kind of pricey, but its a small price to pay when the ingredients are completely natural. The ingredients are gluten free, vegan and paleo. They have a line made especially for acne. I have used it and it is absolutely amazing! I hope this helps 🙂

Julie W October 22, 2013 - 11:13 am

I was recently diagnosed with PCOS. Thank you for voicing your journey with it! I love that you give real updates on your progress and now your experimentation with supplements. I’m just starting out researching and trying to find some natural supplements to take. My doctor suggested Metformin, for the insulin resistance, however I want to look at more natural alternatives first. Have you heard of Lorna Vanderhaege’s Estrosmart and Glucosmart? These are the first supplements I’ve researched, but they are pricey. The Vitex and Estroblock might be a better alternative for me and I’ll look in to those. But where did you start to research these supplements for PCOS in general? I’m looking for a good starting point. I feel like there’s too much and not enough information out there about alternative supplements for PCOS, if that makes sense.

Jillienne@ChasingRaspberries October 22, 2013 - 2:04 pm

I love that you are taking a more natural approach to curing your acne! When I was in high school I took accutane which is pretty nasty stuff. I still have side effects from it, like poor night vision. 🙁

Cammie October 22, 2013 - 2:08 pm

I take exactly the same supplements as you + armour thyroid for my hashimoto’s and saw a HUGE difference in my skin when I got my dosage correct and cut out coffee:( I hate to say it, but I’m pretty sure the no coffee is doing the trick. Obviously everyone is different, but I thought I’d share:) Thanks for sharing.

Kirsten October 22, 2013 - 2:11 pm

Thanks for sharing your journey. Keep it up!

P.S. You looked smokin’ at the conference ;-). Beautiful both inside and out!

Cat October 22, 2013 - 4:07 pm

Again, thank you so much for these wonderful honest and informative posts. I’ve dabbled with some of those supplements myself (I’m tempted to post a pic on my blog of how funny it looks when I brush my teeth with activated charcoal!) and I’ve recently been looking into Vitex. Will be really interested to see how you progress with that.

One thing I’m still curious about is your makeup choices, and whether you feel this is something that has affected your skin? You’re lucky to be in the US with access to lots of natural skincare products – I haven’t found great ones in the UK, other than mineral-based powder foundations. Anyway, thanks again and good luck with the healing journey 😉

lindsay October 22, 2013 - 9:47 pm

with healing, it always takes time. You are so patient and i know it will work. Keep it up friend! I also heard iodine is great. Taking algae form Omegas as well.

Tara October 22, 2013 - 10:08 pm

I would cut grains out completely. I noticed you eat rice now and then. I have had PCOS for years and it is very much related to your blood sugar/insulin resistance. When you eat grains, your blood sugar spikes. When your blood sugar spikes, testosterone spikes. When I went completely paleo I was able to stop taking spironolactone for acne/hair. Now I can cheat every now and then and have grains but only because my blood sugar and hormones have balances. It would take a while for them to get off balance again from eating grains!

Tara October 22, 2013 - 10:11 pm

oops I meant to say it wouldn’t take long for them to get off balance again. Also I should mention I got hardcore cystic acne. Now some days my face is so clear I can’t even believe I used to get it so bad. And I also can’t believe I got this result from paleo, and not medication for once!! I’ve also taken long term antibiotics for acne, diane 35, and even tried accutane once. Nothing has worked as good for me as paleo!! 🙂

Seppo October 23, 2013 - 12:18 am

Thanks for linking to my blog, Lori.

Recently I’ve been reading about Berberine, and based on what I’ve seen it’s possibly helpful in acne. So far 2 double-blinded studies have shown it can reduce blood sugar and insulin levels, both of which are implicated in acne and PCOS. And there’s one study that showed nice reduction in acne with Berberine supplementation. Thought, you are already taking a lot of supplements, so not sure if Berberine could provide any additional help.

Protein and amino acid supplements can be problematic in acne. High insulin and amino acid levels combined lead to maximal activation of the mTor pathway, which is sort of a master regulator in acne. That’s one reason whey protein supplements are so problematic in acne. So not sure if your glutamine supplementation is helping or harming you. Something to keep in mind 🙂

Miz October 23, 2013 - 7:24 am

Ive shared your posts with so many people—youve helped more than you will ever realize.

Amy October 23, 2013 - 10:40 am

what kind of activated charcoal do you use? anything special to look for when buying it?

Laura @ Mommy Run Fast October 23, 2013 - 8:14 pm

I love that you’re sharing your journey here. So many great tips and resources for other women in the same place!

purelytwins October 23, 2013 - 9:13 pm

thank you Laura

Deryn @ Running on Real Food October 24, 2013 - 10:25 am

Thanks for all the tips! I would have a hard time talking about it, I really appreciate everything you’re sharing. Mine seems to be on the mend but I still get deep, cystic, painful breakouts around my chin every month. I think I’ll try some of these methods! Thank you!

purelytwins October 24, 2013 - 1:01 pm

hope it helps some Deryn, I feel your pain. hugs

Rose October 24, 2013 - 12:16 pm

I will look forward to see the result of Estroblock and Vitex to you.

purelytwins October 24, 2013 - 1:02 pm

thanks Rose, I will keep everyone posted.

Rosedz October 27, 2013 - 2:39 am

Check and see if you have a local chiro who specializes in digestion and enzyme therapy. Enzymes (all natural) stopped my sons chronic vomiting and diarrhea (where peds prescribed drugs) http://www.litalee.com/documents/Thera-zyme%20Enzyme%20Formulations.pdf. They have helped me and others I know too. I just started the derm-h3 formula to help my hormonal acne. It’s improved greatly in such a short time! They have a -skn formula too. Good luck!

michellec October 27, 2013 - 10:35 am

I’m enjoying following your journey in healing PCOS. I also have PCOS so am learning as you are. Quick question: are you consulting a professional for which supplements to take or doing your own research and experimentation with everything?

purelytwins October 27, 2013 - 4:34 pm

Michelle last year I had a doctors help but now doing it more on my own.

Erin Higgins November 4, 2013 - 5:42 pm

Hi Ladies!

As always, you brighten my day! You have such a great way of embracing life and sharing what you have learned. I know you have been talking about antioxidants. I wanted to share one that I found is off the charts. Ningxia Red has a SOD (superoxide neutralizing capacity) that is extremely high 363 compared to Tahitian Noni 1, Via Viente 2, Goyin 8, Xango 9, G3 43, Himilayan Goji 68. Data taken from Brunswick Laboratories in Wareham, MA. I take 2 ounces in the morning and 2 ounces in the evening. I have noticed an extreme difference in my energy and my joints don’t ache as much. SODs is a natural antioxidant, an enzyme that protects against superoxide induced damage. Superoxide is the body’s most aggressive source of destructive oxidation and inflammation, which destroy vital cells. Superoxide levels dramatically increase with age. If you want to learn more, http://wellnessoils4u.vibrantscents.com/

You can get it at http://www.youngliving.org/erinhiggins (YL Sponsor ID #1331207). I only promote health products that I have tried and use myself. Michelle and Lori if you would like a sample, I could send you some. Please let me know.

Blessings & Hugs,

Erin

Laura @losingrace November 5, 2013 - 12:09 pm

Thank you so much for sharing all this, I’ve really been struggling with my acne lately and this gives me some ideas of new things to try. Very interest in Estroblock as I know my problem is hormonal (and I can’t do certain birth controls to help it, because the weight gain is bad with me)

purelytwins November 5, 2013 - 2:32 pm

Laura sorry to hear that you are having acne issues as well, so far the Estroblock as really helped!

Aurélie November 7, 2013 - 11:31 am

I’m struggling with PCOS as well. Actually I have the “Micro” type which took a long time to diagnose (mostly as most doctors were telling me: ‘you’re not fat, you can’t have PCOS’ and this in spite of my hormone imbalance) and when I read our previous articles, I started experimenting with first a grain-free diet then a sugar-free diet (which yielded major acne relief). I’m still trying to balance everything out and find what works best for me. In the meantime, I’ve had acupuncture and it works wonders too (acupuncture is highly effective in managing hormone issues). Thanks for sharing your progress anyway and keep looking on the bright side! I am sure your patience will be rewarded!

purelytwins November 7, 2013 - 7:44 pm

Aurelie keep listening to your body and do what is right for you! Glad you are seeing some relief

Rom December 2, 2013 - 11:27 pm

You’re amazing! Please continue to share your Estroblock update. My skin is exactly like this and was considering trying estroblock… Can’t wait to hear about your results x

ShanB February 23, 2014 - 10:40 am

I just happened across this website, and seeing your photos is like looking in the mirror! I’m 30 and have been struggling with cystic acne for 13 years. I’ve often thought I had PCOS, but have yet to come across a doctor willing to take it seriously. My gyno brushes it off saying I’m not overweight and my periods are regular so I can’t have it. I’m going to find an endocrinologist to finally get some testing. A diagnosis/explanation for my hormonal acne would be a great step. Thanks for sharing your story, it’s very inspirational! Best of luck with your journey! *side note… I have started taking saw palmetto supplements in the hope that it can act like an androgen blocker. It’s too soon to tell for me, but I wonder how many others have tried this?

Courtney Lane March 12, 2014 - 7:36 pm

Hey ladies!

I was wondering if you could give an update on skin? I have been taking Estroblock and Livtox liver protectant for a few months now and have seen some improvement but nothing major. Just wondering if the additional supplements you’ve been using are of some help. Love you girls so much!

Katharina March 21, 2014 - 10:05 pm

I was wondering if I take Estroblock and the pill does the product interfer with each other ? How does it work? I’m off for now but consider to go back and take my pill again because of the cistic acne I’m getting on my chin and chiks .

purelytwins March 22, 2014 - 8:08 am

Katharina not sure check with your doctor on that.

Kellie June 4, 2014 - 9:53 am

I would like to encourage anyone suffering with acne to go to http://www.acnepractice.com. My daughter suffered with extremely bad acne for several years (from age 15-20), and we were told by doctors that her acne was “hormonal”, and that as soon as her hormones normalized, it would go away. Well, it never did. She was seen by dermatologists and gynecologists for her PCOS.
I ran across acnepractice, and it sounded WAY WAY too good to be true, but we were desperate and willing to try it as a last resort. I watched the videos Dr. Neal posted, and read what he had to say about different “types” of acne, and that there really isn’t such a thing as “hormonal” acne. What?! That went against everything I’d ever heard!!
We gave it a try and within only 3 months (!), her skin went from horrible to COMPLETELY clear only using topical treatment and no harmful medications, and very inexpensive! We saw significant changes on a DAILY basis. We tell everyone we see about this, because it really was a miracle. That was over a year ago, and her skin is still clear and beautiful!!

Jacqueline W. June 19, 2014 - 12:48 pm

I was having a lot of trouble with acne. I started taking Maca (Femenessence by MacaHarmony — helps balance hormones), cut out all sugar and dairy from my diet, and started washing my face with ONLY coconut oil. I now constantly get complements about how great my skins looks.

purelytwins June 19, 2014 - 3:14 pm

glad maca worked for you, our skin hated it only made our acne worse. And yes sugar and most dairy for us helped too and coconut oil is the best 😉

Tracy Raftl July 17, 2014 - 2:19 pm

Hey Lori, I know this blog post is old, but thanks so much for the shout out for my blog! For some reason the track back only showed up now 🙂 Hope things are going well with your skin!

purelytwins July 17, 2014 - 4:04 pm

no worries Tracy, gotta love technology! and thank you for the support and kind words, and yes my skin is doing well. Thanks for all the great info you provide!

loisk July 27, 2014 - 11:45 am

I have suffered from small acne all thru my 20s, esp during my menstral cycle. Im 30 yrs old and have dry skin mostly. I came upon the Citrus Clear face wash, and within 1 week, my acne cleared up 80%. I wear heavy makeup daily for work, and wash my face every night with Citrus Clear before bed. This really takes the makeup off well, makes my skin feel fresh and it can breathe. I apply the Citrus Clear Moisturizer (sensitive skin) as a moisturizer as well every morning and night.

Jess October 25, 2014 - 9:20 am

Thank you so much for sharing your photos & journey — I can’t wait to look for more on your website! I am 26 years old and have been on every kind of wholefoods diet you can imagine (as well as a plethora of antibiotics & topical prescriptions in high school). About 3 months ago I began a gluten-free, dairy-free, with no processed sugar (only honey, whole fruits, and dried unsweetened fruit) and I STILL have terrible hormonal acne! I am trying to stay positive and began acupuncture (which seems to help a bit). Most of the time I feel like I am doing something wrong & so toxic (I mean people who eat nothing but fast food have clear faces!), but it’s nice to see that you are eating well & exercises and struggling too — knowing I am not alone is enough 🙂 Thanks & good luck!

purelytwins October 25, 2014 - 10:29 am

Oh Jess you are not alone!! Stay positive and keep going. I am here if you need anything

Talin November 28, 2014 - 5:05 pm

Hello there!!! Love your site. Was wondering if you are still taking Estroblock. I just started weaning my baby off the breast. I am pumping 3x a day and my skin is going nuts. I have always had hormonal acne. I am starting to get panic attacks from the thought of having a battle field on my face. I would appreciate any advice you can give me. I am somewhat ddepressed over this and don’t want to look awful for christmas. Thank you so much!

purelytwins November 30, 2014 - 8:33 am

No I stopped estroblock when I wanted to get pregnant since I had to take clomid, and now post pregnancy I still have not taken it yet. I believe it is safe to take while breastfeeding, you can contact the company for more help and advice. Have you looked into our oil cleansing method for washing face?? http://purelytwins.com/category/acne/
Also try to drink water, have fresh veggie juices, and limit sugar intake, that should help. And avoid processed foods and dairy if you aren’t already.

Amy July 1, 2016 - 6:25 am

Is it not safe to take estroblock and clomid? I’m about to start a round of clomid. Thanks!

purelytwins July 1, 2016 - 11:02 am

I am not 100% sure and my doctor wasn’t sure either, to play it safe we wanted to stop estroblock while I take clomid. Since both deal with hormones my doctor didn’t want estroblock interfering with clomid.

Nafise January 5, 2015 - 7:29 pm

Dear friend,

Are you still taking Estroblock? And what did you do for the scars?
Love you,

purelytwins January 5, 2015 - 7:41 pm

no not taking estroblock at the moment, we did for a few months and loved it. for the scars it takes longer to go away but our new face wash has been helping – you can see it here http://bit.ly/acnefreeoilfacewash

Nafise January 5, 2015 - 7:43 pm

wow, great! so How all your acne got away!?
I am not confident to put Estroblock away! :(((

purelytwins January 5, 2015 - 8:40 pm

for the most part our acne is gone we still get a few every now and then but not bad. estroblock is great

Nafise January 6, 2015 - 9:56 am

I am so happy for you guys :*

nbruce January 16, 2015 - 10:01 am

Hi Lori with pcos after your pregnancy what are you still taking? im suffereing here and need help thank you!
what do you think about all these?

D-chiro-inositol (DCI)= D-Chiro-Inositol helps to improve insulin sensitivity, lower free and total testosterone, lower blood pressure, and increase the frequency of ovulation
Dim= reduces androgens Di-indole methane, also known as DIM helps the liver convert oestrogen into a healthier form. It is beneficial for conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis & fibroids. DIM also helps correct androgen (e.g. testosterone) excess, helps with the fat gain around the middle and for acne, especially sore, cystic acne. The dose is dependent on body weight.
Saw palmetto=testosterone
Vitex=progesterone (if low)
Estroblock =metabolize bad estrogens liver
NAC and arginine= N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) and Arginine have shown in studies to improve ovulation regularity, insulin resistance and reduce excess bleeding in women with PCOS. NAC has also been shown to enhance the fertility drug, Clomid’s success in ovulation outcome (partly because it provide anti-oxidant support).

purelytwins January 18, 2015 - 8:48 pm

I am still taking these after pregnancy: probiotics, magnesium, vitamin D, and fermented cod liver oil.
If you haven’t tried Estroblock please give it a try.
Also, my face loved NAC and I think great to try as well.
DIM is good too but I did better with estroblock.
I hope this helps.

T July 1, 2015 - 11:29 pm

Hi there, have you noticed any reactions from B12 or B Vitamins? I always noticed terrible cystic jawline breakouts after supplementing. I haven’t heard many reports but finally came across this which echoes my thoughts: http://www.theverge.com/2015/6/24/8839927/vitamin-b12-acne-pimples-bacteria

purelytwins July 3, 2015 - 11:41 am

Thanks for the article, very interesting. I was not on it for very long and didn’t notice a reaction. If you notice it causing acne, try taking a break. Talk to your doctor about it.

catarina January 15, 2016 - 5:02 pm

Hi,

I came upon your blog by accident and i must say i imediately was caught by it…congrats for all your achieves!! You do look both great and beautiful fr the inside out..and ur inspiring!
my personal case is im almost 40 and still have every once in a while still some stubborn pimples and oily skin…im Currently taking inositol myo..do you think adding that and dim maybe too strong…i want to control my androgens .:-)

xoxo

catarina

Betty May 22, 2017 - 12:56 pm

This may sound ultra weird, but the only thing that helped my acne was getting semen facials once a week, who would have thought that there’s so much research put onto this taboo topic, it was really a godsend to find out about it.

Enrique Pasion April 16, 2019 - 9:54 am

I have never related my wife’s acne breakout with PCOS until this article. Good thing I got to read this. Useful tips too. Will send this link to her once I get the chance and I know this will help her a lot.

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