I’m an esthetician who specializes in acne. Many of my clients have hormonal issues. I typically hear “I have a healthy diet, idk what I’m doing wrong”, and I think there is so much pressure on women to “fix” their hormones. Sometimes things like oral medication, Spironolactone, can be a game changer. I’m grateful there are medications that can alleviate hormonal acne. To everyone suffering from hormonal acne, never forget how beautiful and special you are, and your acne is not your fault 💖
Thank you for posting this and for helping women like me who suffer from hormonal acne! Spironolactone is definitely a game changer for me! Once I started taking this along with applying Tretinoin at night, my acne has cleared up almost 100%!
thank you for this. i had an esthi tell me that my hormonal acne was from me neglecting my skin and basically that i was dirty. there is so much pressure to fix something you cannot control based on reactions from people around you
@@jenifercheck exactly i felt like o had cooties or something 😂 and this esthi was saying that the “fix” was coming to her once a week for $250 facials 🙄. i think she wanted to make me feel shitty enough to spend all my money with her. i never went back. it’s been 6 months now and i have not changed my routine but i did get on new BC and my skin has completely cleared up.
I am 32 years old. I never got totally rid of hormonal adult acne but over the years ive been able to significantly decrease it by drinking more water (2.5 L a day), cutting added sugar and dairy out of my diet, going low carb and increase cardio workout (20 mins of running a day).
My dream is for Keke to find a group of doctors (that represent all skin tones) and create a line of products specifically for PCOS. I hate that we have zero answers or products to help us live normal, productive, HAPPY lives. 😔
Whether it’s acne caused by PCOS or stress etc., people can use benzoyl peroxide, retinoid, SA, request prescription medications etc. There isn’t really a need for a separate celebrity skincare line dedicated for PCOS. People affected by PCOS are not barred from using the current anti-acne active ingredients out there simply because it’s not marketed as for PCOS.
With PCOS, it's more about getting your hormones under control through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. You can use any acne products, really. Yes, I have PCOS (been dealing with it for 16+ years). 😔
Thanks, everyone, but unless you're dealing with PCOS .... please 🤫. I've been dealing with this for years. And I've used every product you mentioned as well as birth control, Spironolactone, creams, lasers, peels, scrubs, serums, DIY, ETC. WE do need a separate skincare line for PCOS because we are dealing with acne, HAIR, scaring, extremely clogged pores. What skincare line do you know of that targets WOMAN'S FACIAL HAIR? We are not the same. But, thank you.
Finally I've been waiting. I do have PCOS and it literally ruined my life. I'm a light skinned African American and everything shows in my face which makes me feel horrible. I thank God you shared this with me I've tried everything even been on accutane so I'll try this on my own before I go back to dermatologist. Thanks again and pray for me.
Cetaphil breaks me out. Vanicream cleanser works for me. Eating less carbs and sugar definitely helps keep my skin clearer, but Keke said that her Ketogenic low carb diet did the opposite. The low carb diet actually made her skin worse. This just goes to show that everyone’s skin is truly different. The less products I use, the better my skin does. Some individuals get away with using so many products
@@danijones819 I have adult acne and many products worsen the condition if I’m not careful. I have combination skin dry/oily, but foaming cleansers are terrible for me. The Vanicream cleanser lathers enough to remove makeup, but doesn’t strip my skin. It’s a nice go between a cream cleanser and a foaming one
I agree! I can’t use Retin-A … my skin breaks out horribly and it is not due to the purging phase. I believe I may be allergic to it as I break out even when it is low on the ingredient list.
PCOS is ruining my life! My face hurts so bad sometimes. Not to mention the menstrual pain that lasts waaayy longer than the menstrual. Thank you for the breakdown and recommendations ☺️
I thought I was suffering from PCOS, but instead it was low progesterone. I'm so glad women are having these vital conversations and thinking about our reproductive health so much more!
I thought I had PCOS, but my hormone levels were normal. I actually had stress induced acne. I had to go thru some life changes but my skin is so much better now.
You can have PCOS despite having normal hormone levels. She’s wrong in this video. I know because I thought I had it for quite a while, and had many OBGYNs consults. You need 2/3 symptoms to be diagnosed with PCOS: irregular periods, polycystic ovaries and abnormal hormone levels. Not everyone with abnormal hormone levels produces excess testosterone either, some have other issues. PCOS is very complicated and you can have it despite no hormonal acne, a normal bodyweight and no hisurtism (excess or thinning body hair). Not saying you do have it, just putting this outthere in case someone is wondering
I dealt with very similar issues in my mid 30's. I became so desperate that I went to see an acupuncture therapist and the rest is history💯. The cystic acne and dark spots that I'd been fighting for over a year cleared up completely🙌🏽. From a TCM perspective sometimes these issues can arise from what is described as "internal heat and dampness" in one's body. These conditions are caused by a number of different factors the main ones being stress, overworked liver, sluggish bowels, and holding onto negative emotions amongst other things. I thought that my issues were from some outside source e.g. dirty cell phone, hands touching my face, hair etc. And so I tried so many soaps, and creams, and face brushes etc. Only to learn that what showed up on my face was just a reflection of something that was going on inside of my body. I highly recommend drinking fresh squeezed lemon juice 1st thing every morning, followed by boiling hot water (please allow the water to cool and sip hot). Fresh flat leaf Parsley Tea is also good for acne (4 days a week in the morning before breakfast) as well.
Following Ayurvedic food guidelines for my skin was life changing. I learned how much spicy food, heating foods like sesame oil and bell peppers, almonds and peanuts were making my skin break out in hormonal acne. I feel so much happier just having the clarity to know what’s happening in my body in a way that’s customized for ME and not a generalization. Best of luck to everyone on their skin journey! 💗 We’re beautiful EITHER way!
I found out I had PCOS when I was 23 years old. What helped me was taking birth control (estrogen and progestin), probiotics (plant based yogurt), laser hair removal for my face, and the Zitsticka skin discipline capsules. Other miscellaneous things that helped me were diet changes such as removing dairy products (only plant based milk), removing red meat, gluten free bread/cereal/oatmeal, natural sugar sources (fruit), and clean beauty nontoxic skincare/makeup.
i am the same way. something that really fucked me over in the long term was the “non toxic” skin care routine idea. the only thing that is “toxic”, and not good for us, is fragrance, alcohols, and comedogenic ingredients. seed oils and essential oils are NOT good for the skin either. they are still frangrance, even though the skin recognizes the frangrance is natural, it still is sensitizing and irratating to the skin. i for a long time thought retinols were toxic. only because i was miseducated. learning the facts helped heal my skin
Tip 1: to try: Stop drying your face with washcloths and towels. Use a clean paper towel each use. Clean Towel club is too expensive for my wallet so I use Kleenex paper Towels and they come in a cute box. I have also used bounty paper towels and it worked great as well. Tip 2: Use a great foam cleanser. Ava Estelle is my favorite. It does not over dry or have too much oil. I used Clean and Clear and Neutrogena Foam Cleansers but it overdried and scarred my face.
I live in the UK and so many doctors don't care about PCOS. When you go to you GP they just recommend the pill. You have to beg for a hospital referral and when they do it is to a gynaecologist only. You need to see a endocrinologist for extensive blood work. Thank you for this video
I like minimalist routines and often feel overwhelmed by all the suggestions and warnings. As soon as I feel like I have my routine down pat, new/different information comes to light that contradicts my current routine. I will keeping plugging in and trying to stay informed but do feel overwhelmed at times.
acne is bloodline skin sensitivities, hormonal,topical, what's ingested(food & drink), environmental elements, & regional weather/climate conditions. I'm over 40 & experienced acne breakouts since puberty...who has lived in different climates in the U.S.,taken different tropical & ingested medications for acne. When I took inventory on "what" breaks me out & "regulated" those "whats" my skin got better! #1 culprit for me was MILK!!!! And skin requirements change with age. #2 is exfoliating once or twice year depending on your climate
Thank you so much for bringing up this kind of acne. I’m currently dealing with this & it’s a struggle, very depressing . You don’t know how much you are helping us ❤️ please do more of an in-depth video of this
Omg This is my high school years right Sea Breeze and that big blue tub of Noxema I used all that drying stuff on my face when I never even got pimples and didn’t even wear moisturizer. It’s just what we ALL did in the 90’s but do not forget the St.Ives Apricot Scrub!!!😂😂😂😂
watched this video last week. went to the store to get the ordinary toner solution because the paula’s choice was out my budget. literally my red inflamed skin looks smoother already compared to before. this is the happiest i’ve felt in a while. acne is one of my biggest insecurities . thank you ❤️
I just wanted to come on here 2 years later and say that I immediately ordered spearmint capsules after your recommendation, and I've literally only had 1-3 medium-sized nodules on my jaw/chin since starting spearmint supplements! This was the most active part of my acne, and this completely turned my skin around! Thank you so much!
@@mrod87 After 2 years, I have recently stopped using the acne medication from curology because my skin has cleared up. I’m only now using the curology face cleanser and moisturizer for daily skincare.
@@nata6835 thank you! i had some reactive acne that i am trying to clear up so i am using salycilic acod face wash once a day, then the curology with the medicine at night...and its working...just slowly...i need to stick with it.
Dr Alexis you are flawless! Yassss, you are also an ASMR channel for me...soothed as I learn 😊 Such a calming, soft, confident, glowing energy and presence. Thank you sis for being you!!
I’m really struggling with my acne and actually created this CZcams channel to start my journey on clearing my skin up. It’s taken me so long to do this smh just last year my face was so clear 😢
Love this video!! Thank you for your understanding. I am a type 2 diabetic and despite it being tightly controlled when I have high readings that hormonal acne is exacerbated substantially. To be honest, I have had cosmetologist tell me that the scarring from the hormonal acne was because I pick and I do not at all and made it seem like somehow it was my fault
My face broke out just like Keke’s. I cut out cheap margarine, making boxed cakes, eating hostess chocolate cupcakes - all processed sugars and my face cleared up. I had polycystic ovaries syndrome too.
@@ennvee1989 to this day during the holidays I can tell when someone used margarine in their recipes because I get a big pimple on my face that swells and leaves a dark spot…now I will ask how did you make such a delicious dish….low key trying to figure out if they used parkway, bluebonnet or any other type of cheap margarine and take a tiny portion of the dish ☺️
I HATE my PCOS so much. I have an appointment coming up soon and hopefully can finally get treatment for the terrible acne. Being a young lady in a world that's superficial is already difficult..
Please could you do a video on how to treat hormonal hyperpigmentation such a having high level of thyroid. I have never had dark patches until now and I have always used sunscreen - could please share light on this topic
I see some people had bad experiences with Acne Treatment of Dermalmd but for me, it's basically a miracle cure. I've also had no issues with burning, peeling, or dark spots. I get that it's a bit expensive for the size of the bottle, but I honestly think it's worth trying! If it works for you the way it works for me, you'll agree it's worth every cent.
I’d definitely be interested in combing my cycle with my skin care. I’ve always felt like my skin started acting funny due to the stress I was experiencing & I also wore a lot more makeup. I’ve taken a break to focus more on my diet which I think will help tremendously. But that just seems really helpful to combine your cycle with your skin care routine 👏🏽
Hi Dr. Alexis Stephens, I am so happy to have discovered your videos on how to achieve a positive skincare routine. I have oily and acne prone skin with dark spots and I seem to struggle with maintaining clear skin. Your videos are very encouraging to step my self care game up and really learn how to effectively take care of my skin. I think it would be helpful to please share a step by step AM and PM skin care routine, I tend to still feel lost after all of the new information given to me which I appreciate and learned a lot about what ingredients I should look for in buying skin care products for my skin type. I am still not sure of what order should I use the skin care products. Such as do I gentle cleanse in Am and use active cleanse pm? And what would be the necessary steps to take after? Also if I want to use a retinol does this mean I should not use a salicylic acid cleanser? I want to also thank you for your time in educating us! God bless you🙏🏾
I have been taking Ovasitol for my PCOS and it works like magic for me. The cystic acne on my face is gone. The extremely painful menstrual cramps are gone. I still get one or two cystic zit on my back but I use benzyl peroxide for that. The only other thing I am using is Tretinoin 0.5%. Spironolactone causes me abdominal pain and having an inherited blood disorder I can't get on estrogen therapy. I was taking a small dose of Naltrexone everyday for my cramps but after starting Ovasitol I don't need that anymore. If anyone comes across my post please talk to your doctor about Ovasitol and maybe it will give you the relief you are hoping for.
Hi, Doctor 🙂 Thank you for your videos still learning so much about my skin, and your videos just blow me away with information. You're truly amazing for helping people learn about skincare
@Dr Alexis Stephens for 2 years I’ve been asking my daughters endocrinologist to try my daughter on Yaz or an Ortho birth control but she keeps giving her Junel and she doesn’t like the pills. When she misses a dose or two and have to double up and take them the same time the day she remembers, she still bleeds and have cramping. Last week we visited and my daughter asked if she could change doctors because she’s not listening to her.
I use the exact products Keke uses and my skin is now recognisable and smooth on one side. I know the struggle , Trust me. Love Keke ❤ I’m currently on my 3rd month of Accutane at 60 mg alternating with 80 mg every other day. I’ve got 3 months to go and then I’m free. Thanks for all your advice Doctor. Costs me a bomb but my skin is worth it❤️
I also have PCOS and it’s terrible. I grow soo much facial hair but I’m very lucky I don’t have acne. I also have not been able to get pregnant after 15yrs of trying. I have a Bad thyroid also so it’s incredibly hard to lose weight!!! Whet I hate the most is I know when people see me they think “Omg she must pig out!!?!” Hat couldn’t be further from the truth. I do not eat at all. I’ve been like this forever and it sucks!!!!
Hello , I have hormonal acne with PIH just like Kekes. I bought the niacin. Toner and discoloration serum from Good molecules . And the glycolic acid toner from The Ordinary that I’m going to use 1x a week . Will I still need to incorporate retinol/retinoid in my routine ?
I have hormonal acne and the only thing that helped me is the bare minimum. I don’t believe in pharmaceutical meds so I helped heal my acne by taking probiotics, maca, and using a natural facial wash and oil.
Hi! I've been suffering acne since I was 13. It's okay now, not active, but I would still get back acne(cystic sometimes)and chin acne. I have oily acne prone skin. I am 41. I have been to different dermatologist. How do I find a doctor to check my hormones? No derma ever recommended to check my hormones.
She suggests checking with your OBGYN. If you think it's hormone related they might be better able to to discuss that. If you have a Primary Care Physician the should do routine blood work when you see them. You can also request checking your hormone levels then. I hope this helps.
You can go to obgyn. I did it and the doctor gave me Yaz (birth control pill) to push down my testosterone hormone. Before I consumed it, my testosterone level about 144 and after I consumed it for 3 months, my testosterone level went down to 11 (the normal range is 7-14 if I'm not mistaken). The effect to my skin is unbelievable. No more acne, smooth skin, no pain when I'm in period. However after consumed it for 4 years, I stopped it because Yaz is so expensive in my country (Indonesia). The transition is not fun, but slowly but sure... my skin is good again. It takes patience, especially to your ownself on that process.
Cetaphil doesn’t work on me. I wash my face with raw honey mixed with Palmer’s oil cleanser, and I use Palmer’s moisturizer. My face is so clear and glowing. My dark spots have cleared up too. It also controls my super oily skin from being so oily throughout the day. I also use raw honey alone as a 5-10 minute face mask.
I honestly feel like i am suffering from PCOS as well - how it has been hard for me to loose weight lately and my painful acne,etc makes me feel like i have one
Visiting the dermatologist at age 14 was and still is the best thing i have ever done for my acne. (Its so much better and im sill 14 yo and 4 months ). 4 months made e huge diffrence
I suffer from PCOS and what really works for me and now my Holy Grail is April Skin (Carrotene) set. I tried so many brands and really hasn’t worked for me. I also watch what I eat. My face has cleared in two weeks of usage. Now I’m on my 2nd month. I use to suffer from bad Hormonal Acne. And that brand I mentioned has kept my skin at bay. Oh and I’m 43 years old.
Omg I'm pregnant and i have broken out horribly and NOTHING is working. To make matters worse I was prescribed progesterone to help support my pregnancy and I have no idea how to clear my skin. Plus eczema is flaring in my face on top of that🥴
My mom only used water her whole life and never had acne. I have PCOS and have tried so many things and my mom told me to just only do water from now on. And my face doesn’t feel as irritated and I only started this a few days ago.
Dr. Alexis, YOU'RE SUCH A LIGHT, I know the work that goes into these videos,... but if at ANY TIME you could share your thoughts on Laser Hair removal vs Electrolysis and what the actual truth is about "permanente hair removal" solutions.... i'd be soooooo grateful. I'm still SO confused as to if it's even really permanente. No one seems to tell the truth about Excessive Facial Hair, Excessive Hair on the breats and what can be done or what SHOULD be done. Most states don't require a certificate,... I had NO CLUE laser would INCREASE my hair growth after "clearing" it... I was DEVASTAED. I was told exfoliation isn't good for facial hair, others say it works, but I had to stop when beginning Electrolysis... everytime i find something, there's a caveat. Please help.
Laser hair removal is not ideal for women with PCOS or hair growth that is being influenced by abnormal hormonal activity. I’m certified in laser hair removal and I can tell you it’s “permanent hair reduction”, which means you will always have hair growth. But, it will be much thinner and less hair than untreated skin. I would recommend speaking to your dermatologist about treatment options 💖
Hello! Do you think it’s okay to use products from different skincare brands or do you think it’s best to stick to one skincare brand? I’m so tired of my hormonal acne… i was on Spiralactone and it cleared up my acne but my dermatologist took me off of it after a few months, she said she can’t have me on it long term. Do you think I can get back on it? Or do I need to look into birth control for acne control? Im afraid of gaining weight on birth control is all.
I never had this issues till i got on a heathy diet and lost weight I thought my skin was just purging but it never went back to normal and only on side of face at bottom.
Hiya, I have a stubborn hard inflammed pimple on my forehead and it’s hard. Feels like a tiny circle stone under my skin. It grows and then reduces but it’s hard. What would you recommended that could burn/reduce/get rid of this inflammed spot please ?
They have been telling me I had adult cystic acne until one doctor said no it's hidradenitis suppurativa. Can someone explain the differences because dermatologist I meet seem to be ignorant of this and want to jump to the medication with lymphoma as a side effect.
Please doc help i have a huge dark spot around my mouth, i was recommended hyporderm but it seem it destroyed my skin is even darker is 5months now i tried many products but no luck i need my skin back, i hate makeup. Please help doc i have dry skin. What can i use to remove the dark spot?
Thank you for this helpful video. Unfortunately the journey to clear, blemish free skin is often long and unpredictable and there are no guarantees. That’s why I believe it’s super important that if embarrassment or depression start to be a daily occurrence, we need to pointedly prioritise our emotional health as well as our skin health. Take great care ladies and know beautiful inside and out. Ebs
I use Noxzema then I rinse off with sensitive dove bar, an scrub with acne exfoliater with acylic acid (St .Ives), and I just started using benzoyl peroxide 5 percent facewash...major improvement and my scars just erase away...
This reaction is great thanks. But she may need to take meds from the derm. And she may need prescription retinoids. Diet modification is something I need to improve.
Thank you and just love the information I suffer with acne many years now and now am having discoloration on my face and in the summer my face just look not so good.
Great video. Very informative! Btw, you’re really prettty. Your voice is so calming. 🖤 I wonder if I can stay on spiroalactone for the long haul… I stopped using it and I break out all over again. Is it possible to stay on it for years?
Dr..I am 29 years old and my skin type oily...I have also hypothyroidism problem...If I apply any moisturizer or serum on my skin, it causes acne and a lot of pain. Which type of products best for me and at the same time skin will glow?
I used to have acne on my chin, both sides of my face, and a little in my T zone and some on my chest. Now at 28 I mostly have one or two pumps on my cheek when I ovulate, no where else. What has helped me is drinking WATER throughout the day, a spin brush and ponds!
I’m an esthetician who specializes in acne. Many of my clients have hormonal issues. I typically hear “I have a healthy diet, idk what I’m doing wrong”, and I think there is so much pressure on women to “fix” their hormones. Sometimes things like oral medication, Spironolactone, can be a game changer. I’m grateful there are medications that can alleviate hormonal acne. To everyone suffering from hormonal acne, never forget how beautiful and special you are, and your acne is not your fault 💖
Thank you for posting this and for helping women like me who suffer from hormonal acne! Spironolactone is definitely a game changer for me! Once I started taking this along with applying Tretinoin at night, my acne has cleared up almost 100%!
I’m in school training to be an esthetician I want to help those whom are challenged with lupus as I am a survivor💜💜💜
thank you for this. i had an esthi tell me that my hormonal acne was from me neglecting my skin and basically that i was dirty. there is so much pressure to fix something you cannot control based on reactions from people around you
@@gelatobutterbby it makes you feel sick and contaminated when ppl talk to you thag way
@@jenifercheck exactly i felt like o had cooties or something 😂 and this esthi was saying that the “fix” was coming to her once a week for $250 facials 🙄. i think she wanted to make me feel shitty enough to spend all my money with her. i never went back. it’s been 6 months now and i have not changed my routine but i did get on new BC and my skin has completely cleared up.
God I hate hormonal acne. I suffered with it as a teen and it was HARD, she’s so brave for coming out with this.
I am 32 years old. I never got totally rid of hormonal adult acne but over the years ive been able to significantly decrease it by drinking more water (2.5 L a day), cutting added sugar and dairy out of my diet, going low carb and increase cardio workout (20 mins of running a day).
All that helps for pcos too ❤
My dream is for Keke to find a group of doctors (that represent all skin tones) and create a line of products specifically for PCOS. I hate that we have zero answers or products to help us live normal, productive, HAPPY lives. 😔
Why doesn’t she just contact this doc or doc contact her?
Whether it’s acne caused by PCOS or stress etc., people can use benzoyl peroxide, retinoid, SA, request prescription medications etc. There isn’t really a need for a separate celebrity skincare line dedicated for PCOS. People affected by PCOS are not barred from using the current anti-acne active ingredients out there simply because it’s not marketed as for PCOS.
With PCOS, it's more about getting your hormones under control through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. You can use any acne products, really. Yes, I have PCOS (been dealing with it for 16+ years). 😔
Thanks, everyone, but unless you're dealing with PCOS .... please 🤫. I've been dealing with this for years. And I've used every product you mentioned as well as birth control, Spironolactone, creams, lasers, peels, scrubs, serums, DIY, ETC.
WE do need a separate skincare line for PCOS because we are dealing with acne, HAIR, scaring, extremely clogged pores. What skincare line do you know of that targets WOMAN'S FACIAL HAIR? We are not the same. But, thank you.
@@cv7958 Do you have PCOS?
Finally I've been waiting. I do have PCOS and it literally ruined my life. I'm a light skinned African American and everything shows in my face which makes me feel horrible. I thank God you shared this with me I've tried everything even been on accutane so I'll try this on my own before I go back to dermatologist. Thanks again and pray for me.
I'm so Sorry. 😔❤🙏🏾
God bless your skin care journey, I will keep you in my prayers.
Spearmint tea definitely works, it balances the hormones. My acne has gone down significantly!
Praying for you sis.
Sameeeeee. I don't have Pcos but I feel your pain about the spots. They're aggravating and are difficult to get rid of. 🙄
Cetaphil breaks me out. Vanicream cleanser works for me. Eating less carbs and sugar definitely helps keep my skin clearer, but Keke said that her Ketogenic low carb diet did the opposite. The low carb diet actually made her skin worse. This just goes to show that everyone’s skin is truly different. The less products I use, the better my skin does. Some individuals get away with using so many products
I have been wanting to try vanicream...do you have dry,sensitive skin
@@danijones819 I have adult acne and many products worsen the condition if I’m not careful. I have combination skin dry/oily, but foaming cleansers are terrible for me. The Vanicream cleanser lathers enough to remove makeup, but doesn’t strip my skin. It’s a nice go between a cream cleanser and a foaming one
I agree! I can’t use Retin-A … my skin breaks out horribly and it is not due to the purging phase. I believe I may be allergic to it as I break out even when it is low on the ingredient list.
Same! The less products the better!
Cetaphil used to work for me but it stopped, I switched to cerave & never looked back
I love keke it’s so important for young woman to see that celebs are also ppl have don’t have perfect skin either
Aww, I hear a baby coughing 😩❤ thanks for the video, currently dealing with this on my jawline area
I hate hormonal acne. I need to find out if I have pcos. The scarring that comes is the worst! It makes me feel hideous.
Her makeup artist is amazing bc I never knew she had acne and you can’t even see it thru her makeup
PCOS is ruining my life! My face hurts so bad sometimes. Not to mention the menstrual pain that lasts waaayy longer than the menstrual. Thank you for the breakdown and recommendations ☺️
Drink spearmint tea twice a day along with l lysine supplement
I feel you
Look into estrogen dim helped me out tremendously with that same issue.
I thought I was suffering from PCOS, but instead it was low progesterone. I'm so glad women are having these vital conversations and thinking about our reproductive health so much more!
I feel you I’m currently dealing with PCOS it’s ruining my skin.
I love the energy in this comments section, people sharing their stories and giving advice to help others. All ❤ 😊
I thought I had PCOS, but my hormone levels were normal. I actually had stress induced acne. I had to go thru some life changes but my skin is so much better now.
Where do you go get tested ??
You can have PCOS despite having normal hormone levels. She’s wrong in this video. I know because I thought I had it for quite a while, and had many OBGYNs consults. You need 2/3 symptoms to be diagnosed with PCOS: irregular periods, polycystic ovaries and abnormal hormone levels. Not everyone with abnormal hormone levels produces excess testosterone either, some have other issues. PCOS is very complicated and you can have it despite no hormonal acne, a normal bodyweight and no hisurtism (excess or thinning body hair). Not saying you do have it, just putting this outthere in case someone is wondering
How do you find out if you have stress induced acne?
I dealt with very similar issues in my mid 30's. I became so desperate that I went to see an acupuncture therapist and the rest is history💯. The cystic acne and dark spots that I'd been fighting for over a year cleared up completely🙌🏽. From a TCM perspective sometimes these issues can arise from what is described as "internal heat and dampness" in one's body. These conditions are caused by a number of different factors the main ones being stress, overworked liver, sluggish bowels, and holding onto negative emotions amongst other things. I thought that my issues were from some outside source e.g. dirty cell phone, hands touching my face, hair etc. And so I tried so many soaps, and creams, and face brushes etc. Only to learn that what showed up on my face was just a reflection of something that was going on inside of my body. I highly recommend drinking fresh squeezed lemon juice 1st thing every morning, followed by boiling hot water (please allow the water to cool and sip hot). Fresh flat leaf Parsley Tea is also good for acne (4 days a week in the morning before breakfast) as well.
Wow i never thought that these could also be the cause !
Thank you for sharing what you learned from that 🙏
Wow, greatadvice. You're highly intelligent. Thank you.
Following Ayurvedic food guidelines for my skin was life changing. I learned how much spicy food, heating foods like sesame oil and bell peppers, almonds and peanuts were making my skin break out in hormonal acne. I feel so much happier just having the clarity to know what’s happening in my body in a way that’s customized for ME and not a generalization.
Best of luck to everyone on their skin journey! 💗 We’re beautiful EITHER way!
I found out I had PCOS when I was 23 years old. What helped me was taking birth control (estrogen and progestin), probiotics (plant based yogurt), laser hair removal for my face, and the Zitsticka skin discipline capsules. Other miscellaneous things that helped me were diet changes such as removing dairy products (only plant based milk), removing red meat, gluten free bread/cereal/oatmeal, natural sugar sources (fruit), and clean beauty nontoxic skincare/makeup.
i am the same way. something that really fucked me over in the long term was the “non toxic” skin care routine idea. the only thing that is “toxic”, and not good for us, is fragrance, alcohols, and comedogenic ingredients. seed oils and essential oils are NOT good for the skin either. they are still frangrance, even though the skin recognizes the frangrance is natural, it still is sensitizing and irratating to the skin. i for a long time thought retinols were toxic. only because i was miseducated. learning the facts helped heal my skin
How’s your skin doing ?
@@ashleyjasmine7534 i went from having horrible cystic acne in april, to just scarring now
So happy for you 🥲 I hope this is me soon
@@ashleyjasmine7534 sending clear skin energy to you pretty ❤️❤️
Tip 1: to try: Stop drying your face with washcloths and towels. Use a clean paper towel each use. Clean Towel club is too expensive for my wallet so I use Kleenex paper Towels and they come in a cute box. I have also used bounty paper towels and it worked great as well. Tip 2: Use a great foam cleanser. Ava Estelle is my favorite. It does not over dry or have too much oil. I used Clean and Clear and Neutrogena Foam Cleansers but it overdried and scarred my face.
I live in the UK and so many doctors don't care about PCOS. When you go to you GP they just recommend the pill. You have to beg for a hospital referral and when they do it is to a gynaecologist only. You need to see a endocrinologist for extensive blood work. Thank you for this video
I agree with you, in this country they absolutely don't care. I'm hopeless to get my PCOS treated in the UK
I like minimalist routines and often feel overwhelmed by all the suggestions and warnings. As soon as I feel like I have my routine down pat, new/different information comes to light that contradicts my current routine.
I will keeping plugging in and trying to stay informed but do feel overwhelmed at times.
Just do what works for you and stick with it.
acne is bloodline skin sensitivities, hormonal,topical, what's ingested(food & drink), environmental elements, & regional weather/climate conditions. I'm over 40 & experienced acne breakouts since puberty...who has lived in different climates in the U.S.,taken different tropical & ingested medications for acne. When I took inventory on "what" breaks me out & "regulated" those "whats" my skin got better! #1 culprit for me was MILK!!!! And skin requirements change with age. #2 is exfoliating once or twice year depending on your climate
Hi dr stephens, could you please make a skincare routine for the body including backne and hyperpigmentation?
Thank you so much for bringing up this kind of acne. I’m currently dealing with this & it’s a struggle, very depressing . You don’t know how much you are helping us ❤️ please do more of an in-depth video of this
Omg This is my high school years right Sea Breeze and that big blue tub of Noxema I used all that drying stuff on my face when I never even got pimples and didn’t even wear moisturizer. It’s just what we ALL did in the 90’s but do not forget the St.Ives Apricot Scrub!!!😂😂😂😂
We really thought all the burning and redness meant our skin was clean and going to get healthy 😂.
I love and appreciate this so much! I have PCOS and it is so hard to find black doctors talking about how this will affect black women.
Sure
I did not know about the mint tea for skin care. I grow five different varieties of mint. I will definitely be drinking more mint tea! Thank you ☺️
Just the fact that you’re a dermatologist makes my heart soar thank you for all you do #representationmatters
watched this video last week. went to the store to get the ordinary toner solution because the paula’s choice was out my budget. literally my red inflamed skin looks smoother already compared to before. this is the happiest i’ve felt in a while. acne is one of my biggest insecurities . thank you ❤️
I literally just watched her video this morning and recommended your channel, and a couple of hours later you post this❤
I just wanted to come on here 2 years later and say that I immediately ordered spearmint capsules after your recommendation, and I've literally only had 1-3 medium-sized nodules on my jaw/chin since starting spearmint supplements! This was the most active part of my acne, and this completely turned my skin around! Thank you so much!
I love how you touched down on the alternative oral supplements as well. Thanks Doctor
I’m 39 and have been struggling with acne since 11 yrs old. I’m now using curology. It has helped.
Hello! I hope u see this! I wanted to follow up with you on your curology journey. How is it going?
@@mrod87 After 2 years, I have recently stopped using the acne medication from curology because my skin has cleared up. I’m only now using the curology face cleanser and moisturizer for daily skincare.
@@nata6835 thank you! i had some reactive acne that i am trying to clear up so i am using salycilic acod face wash once a day, then the curology with the medicine at night...and its working...just slowly...i need to stick with it.
This is the video I’ve been waiting for.
Dr Alexis you are flawless! Yassss, you are also an ASMR channel for me...soothed as I learn 😊 Such a calming, soft, confident, glowing energy and presence. Thank you sis for being you!!
You provide very beneficial information Dr. Alexis. I often look at your videos. Please do a day/night routine for hyperpigmentation.
I’m really struggling with my acne and actually created this CZcams channel to start my journey on clearing my skin up. It’s taken me so long to do this smh just last year my face was so clear 😢
Please help me too to remove acne 😔😢I feel pain no sleep 😢Please help mr
Love this video!! Thank you for your understanding. I am a type 2 diabetic and despite it being tightly controlled when I have high readings that hormonal acne is exacerbated substantially. To be honest, I have had cosmetologist tell me that the scarring from the hormonal acne was because I pick and I do not at all and made it seem like somehow it was my fault
My face broke out just like Keke’s. I cut out cheap margarine, making boxed cakes, eating hostess chocolate cupcakes - all processed sugars and my face cleared up. I had polycystic ovaries syndrome too.
❤❤❤
@@ennvee1989 to this day during the holidays I can tell when someone used margarine in their recipes because I get a big pimple on my face that swells and leaves a dark spot…now I will ask how did you make such a delicious dish….low key trying to figure out if they used parkway, bluebonnet or any other type of cheap margarine and take a tiny portion of the dish ☺️
Very informative, I’m loving all of the knowledge your giving !!!
I HATE my PCOS so much. I have an appointment coming up soon and hopefully can finally get treatment for the terrible acne. Being a young lady in a world that's superficial is already difficult..
Please could you do a video on how to treat hormonal hyperpigmentation such a having high level of thyroid. I have never had dark patches until now and I have always used sunscreen - could please share light on this topic
I see some people had bad experiences with Acne Treatment of Dermalmd but for me, it's basically a miracle cure. I've also had no issues with burning, peeling, or dark spots. I get that it's a bit expensive for the size of the bottle, but I honestly think it's worth trying! If it works for you the way it works for me, you'll agree it's worth every cent.
Get rid of the toner...its been a difference for me...less is more...fragrance free...Dr. Dray helped me
I know ecactly why they were tagging you. But you're so diplomatic. I love it. Great approach in this reaction video.
I’d definitely be interested in combing my cycle with my skin care. I’ve always felt like my skin started acting funny due to the stress I was experiencing & I also wore a lot more makeup. I’ve taken a break to focus more on my diet which I think will help tremendously. But that just seems really helpful to combine your cycle with your skin care routine 👏🏽
My skin was clearing up but as soon as I became Vegan there goes hormonal acne again
It happened to me too. I had to end my
Vegan journey because of it.
Do you know How the vegan diet triggered your hormonal acne.?
I’m so glad you addressed this sine I saw KeKe’s interview with Tamar.✌🏾
For hormonal acne i used enemas for total body detoxing. A toxic environment caused my acne.
Hi Dr. Alexis Stephens, I am so happy to have discovered your videos on how to achieve a positive skincare routine. I have oily and acne prone skin with dark spots and I seem to struggle with maintaining clear skin. Your videos are very encouraging to step my self care game up and really learn how to effectively take care of my skin. I think it would be helpful to please share a step by step AM and PM skin care routine, I tend to still feel lost after all of the new information given to me which I appreciate and learned a lot about what ingredients I should look for in buying skin care products for my skin type. I am still not sure of what order should I use the skin care products. Such as do I gentle cleanse in Am and use active cleanse pm? And what would be the necessary steps to take after? Also if I want to use a retinol does this mean I should not use a salicylic acid cleanser? I want to also thank you for your time in educating us! God bless you🙏🏾
Hey.. salicylic acid is good for day whereaa retinoids are better for night..hope that helps 😉
You need to schedule an appointment with her if you expect an answer.
I have been taking Ovasitol for my PCOS and it works like magic for me. The cystic acne on my face is gone. The extremely painful menstrual cramps are gone. I still get one or two cystic zit on my back but I use benzyl peroxide for that. The only other thing I am using is Tretinoin 0.5%. Spironolactone causes me abdominal pain and having an inherited blood disorder I can't get on estrogen therapy. I was taking a small dose of Naltrexone everyday for my cramps but after starting Ovasitol I don't need that anymore. If anyone comes across my post please talk to your doctor about Ovasitol and maybe it will give you the relief you are hoping for.
Adult acne doesn’t necessarily mean you have pcos
I’ve been struggling with this thought
Hi, Doctor 🙂 Thank you for your videos still learning so much about my skin, and your videos just blow me away with information. You're truly amazing for helping people learn about skincare
@Dr Alexis Stephens for 2 years I’ve been asking my daughters endocrinologist to try my daughter on Yaz or an Ortho birth control but she keeps giving her Junel and she doesn’t like the pills. When she misses a dose or two and have to double up and take them the same time the day she remembers, she still bleeds and have cramping. Last week we visited and my daughter asked if she could change doctors because she’s not listening to her.
I use the exact products Keke uses and my skin is now recognisable and smooth on one side. I know the struggle , Trust me. Love Keke ❤
I’m currently on my 3rd month of Accutane at 60 mg alternating with 80 mg every other day. I’ve got 3 months to go and then I’m free. Thanks for all your advice Doctor. Costs me a bomb but my skin is worth it❤️
DIM + D glucarnate, working well for me. 250g DIM, 500g D glucarnate.
Vitamin B5 is all I can say guys do some research on it...it may change your life for the better like it did with me,🙋🏾♀️ acne completely gone😃
I also have PCOS and it’s terrible. I grow soo much facial hair but I’m very lucky I don’t have acne. I also have not been able to get pregnant after 15yrs of trying. I have a Bad thyroid also so it’s incredibly hard to lose weight!!! Whet I hate the most is I know when people see me they think “Omg she must pig out!!?!” Hat couldn’t be further from the truth. I do not eat at all. I’ve been like this forever and it sucks!!!!
You just gained a new subscriber!! So informative and you’re so pretty!!
Hello , I have hormonal acne with PIH just like Kekes. I bought the niacin. Toner and discoloration serum from Good molecules . And the glycolic acid toner from The Ordinary that I’m going to use 1x a week . Will I still need to incorporate retinol/retinoid in my routine ?
I have hormonal acne and the only thing that helped me is the bare minimum. I don’t believe in pharmaceutical meds so I helped heal my acne by taking probiotics, maca, and using a natural facial wash and oil.
Which probiotics you taking?
Hi! I've been suffering acne since I was 13. It's okay now, not active, but I would still get back acne(cystic sometimes)and chin acne. I have oily acne prone skin. I am 41. I have been to different dermatologist. How do I find a doctor to check my hormones? No derma ever recommended to check my hormones.
She suggests checking with your OBGYN. If you think it's hormone related they might be better able to to discuss that. If you have a Primary Care Physician the should do routine blood work when you see them. You can also request checking your hormone levels then. I hope this helps.
You can go to obgyn. I did it and the doctor gave me Yaz (birth control pill) to push down my testosterone hormone. Before I consumed it, my testosterone level about 144 and after I consumed it for 3 months, my testosterone level went down to 11 (the normal range is 7-14 if I'm not mistaken). The effect to my skin is unbelievable. No more acne, smooth skin, no pain when I'm in period. However after consumed it for 4 years, I stopped it because Yaz is so expensive in my country (Indonesia). The transition is not fun, but slowly but sure... my skin is good again. It takes patience, especially to your ownself on that process.
Cetaphil doesn’t work on me. I wash my face with raw honey mixed with Palmer’s oil cleanser, and I use Palmer’s moisturizer. My face is so clear and glowing. My dark spots have cleared up too. It also controls my super oily skin from being so oily throughout the day. I also use raw honey alone as a 5-10 minute face mask.
Thanks Dr. Alexis. Please make a video about pycnogenol
I honestly feel like i am suffering from PCOS as well - how it has been hard for me to loose weight lately and my painful acne,etc makes me feel like i have one
Visiting the dermatologist at age 14 was and still is the best thing i have ever done for my acne. (Its so much better and im sill 14 yo and 4 months ). 4 months made e huge diffrence
This was amazing and very informative thank you!!
Thank you so much for this video! I can’t wait to try some of your tips! 😊
I suffer from PCOS and what really works for me and now my Holy Grail is April Skin (Carrotene) set. I tried so many brands and really hasn’t worked for me. I also watch what I eat. My face has cleared in two weeks of usage. Now I’m on my 2nd month. I use to suffer from bad Hormonal Acne. And that brand I mentioned has kept my skin at bay. Oh and I’m 43 years old.
Omg I'm pregnant and i have broken out horribly and NOTHING is working. To make matters worse I was prescribed progesterone to help support my pregnancy and I have no idea how to clear my skin. Plus eczema is flaring in my face on top of that🥴
My mom only used water her whole life and never had acne. I have PCOS and have tried so many things and my mom told me to just only do water from now on. And my face doesn’t feel as irritated and I only started this a few days ago.
I needed to hear this💙
Very educative. Much love from Nigeria
This was great information 💚
So glad it was helpful for you 🥰
Please make a video for skins that can't tolerate retinols, retinoic acids etc. Which peptides serums are effective?
I just learnt that probiotics are good for PCOS...
That makes sense. Anything that helps your gut health is going to help with hormone imbalances.
Dr. Alexis, YOU'RE SUCH A LIGHT, I know the work that goes into these videos,... but if at ANY TIME you could share your thoughts on Laser Hair removal vs Electrolysis and what the actual truth is about "permanente hair removal" solutions.... i'd be soooooo grateful. I'm still SO confused as to if it's even really permanente. No one seems to tell the truth about Excessive Facial Hair, Excessive Hair on the breats and what can be done or what SHOULD be done. Most states don't require a certificate,... I had NO CLUE laser would INCREASE my hair growth after "clearing" it... I was DEVASTAED. I was told exfoliation isn't good for facial hair, others say it works, but I had to stop when beginning Electrolysis... everytime i find something, there's a caveat. Please help.
Laser hair removal is not ideal for women with PCOS or hair growth that is being influenced by abnormal hormonal activity. I’m certified in laser hair removal and I can tell you it’s “permanent hair reduction”, which means you will always have hair growth. But, it will be much thinner and less hair than untreated skin. I would recommend speaking to your dermatologist about treatment options 💖
Hello! Do you think it’s okay to use products from different skincare brands or do you think it’s best to stick to one skincare brand? I’m so tired of my hormonal acne… i was on Spiralactone and it cleared up my acne but my dermatologist took me off of it after a few months, she said she can’t have me on it long term. Do you think I can get back on it? Or do I need to look into birth control for acne control? Im afraid of gaining weight on birth control is all.
I’ve been struggling with this for a very long time. So frustrating
Very insightful video lol. Learned something!
I never had this issues till i got on a heathy diet and lost weight I thought my skin was just purging but it never went back to normal and only on side of face at bottom.
Hiya, I have a stubborn hard inflammed pimple on my forehead and it’s hard. Feels like a tiny circle stone under my skin. It grows and then reduces but it’s hard. What would you recommended that could burn/reduce/get rid of this inflammed spot please ?
They have been telling me I had adult cystic acne until one doctor said no it's hidradenitis suppurativa. Can someone explain the differences because dermatologist I meet seem to be ignorant of this and want to jump to the medication with lymphoma as a side effect.
Please doc help i have a huge dark spot around my mouth, i was recommended hyporderm but it seem it destroyed my skin is even darker is 5months now i tried many products but no luck i need my skin back, i hate makeup. Please help doc i have dry skin. What can i use to remove the dark spot?
Thank you for this helpful video. Unfortunately the journey to clear, blemish free skin is often long and unpredictable and there are no guarantees. That’s why I believe it’s super important that if embarrassment or depression start to be a daily occurrence, we need to pointedly prioritise our emotional health as well as our skin health. Take great care ladies and know beautiful inside and out.
Ebs
I use Noxzema then I rinse off with sensitive dove bar, an scrub with acne exfoliater with acylic acid (St .Ives), and I just started using benzoyl peroxide 5 percent facewash...major improvement and my scars just erase away...
Thank you doctor you are the truth !!!! This video is very educative
Another great video 👍🏽 I heard your little ones in the background 😊
Thank you for this great video! Would love if you could talk more about Winlewi!
The ONLY thing that stopped my acne was stop taking hot showers.the maximum heat that I take now is lukewarm water.
This !
I'll try that, thanks so much for the tip!!!
@@enielfblerta428 you're welcome and also to eat 1-3 raw carrots everyday :)
Love your information that you give Can you make a short showing your night time or morning routine using a exfoliant like Paula choice
This reaction is great thanks. But she may need to take meds from the derm. And she may need prescription retinoids. Diet modification is something I need to improve.
Right. My dermatologist gave me doxycycline for short term and now sprionolactone
Baby coughing 👶🏽 great video
Thank you for all that you do!
What’s your take on chemical peels and laser hair removals?
Thank you and just love the information I suffer with acne many years now and now am having discoloration on my face and in the summer my face just look not so good.
Do you treat Hirsutism? I have PCOS also.
Thank you for this well-crafted content 🤗💜👍🏾
Great video. Very informative! Btw, you’re really prettty. Your voice is so calming. 🖤 I wonder if I can stay on spiroalactone for the long haul… I stopped using it and I break out all over again. Is it possible to stay on it for years?
Dr..I am 29 years old and my skin type oily...I have also hypothyroidism problem...If I apply any moisturizer or serum on my skin, it causes acne and a lot of pain. Which type of products best for me and at the same time skin will glow?
Hi please bring awareness to hidradenitis suppurativa. I know a lot of new information has been published in the last 5 years.
Helpful tips especially towards the end of the video
I used to have acne on my chin, both sides of my face, and a little in my T zone and some on my chest. Now at 28 I mostly have one or two pumps on my cheek when I ovulate, no where else. What has helped me is drinking WATER throughout the day, a spin brush and ponds!