Ex-addicts and acne

I was a cocaine addict for a few years. About 3.5 years ago I quit for good. I quit drinking and smoking and doing drugs. It sounds like a healthy thing to do, right? Then why is it that as soon as I stopped all this and got clean my face broke out in acne all over and has not gone away ever since. I have talked to other ex-coke addicts and they have the same problem. They say that shortly after they quit their face broke out and they have had acne ever since. I have tried everything to get rid of it, but I am convinced that until I know exactly why this happened, whether it led to some sort of imbalance in my body or what, I will not be able to cure my acne. I have been to dermatologist, family doctors, homeopathic doctors; I have tried antibiotics, various face washes, bar soaps of all kinds, creams and lotions and potions galore! They dry me out, make me brake out worse, make me red and itchy, give me hives or rashes, or they just don't help (or hurt) at all. I am 27 years old and sick and tired of living with acne. People think I am 19 and I'm sure it's not because I look good for my age. Please, please! I need to get my nice smooth skin back. I miss being able to leave the house with no makeup on.   :(

[loiloi]

Hi. Acne is caused by raised levels of androgens, or a particularly sensitivity to the effects of androgens. Androgens are hormones which stimulate the sebaceous glands. Excess oil blocks the glands and bacteria on the skin feeds off this oil, resulting in inflammed acne spots. Contrary to what many people think, having a healthy diet and lifestyle is not enough to clear acne. Effective treatments will target one or more of the the factors in acne: excess oil, bacteria and sensitivity to androgens.
Topical antibiotics (such as Clindamycin) or topical synthetic retinoids (such as Differin) are often effective but can cause reddening or irritation of the skin. To rebalance skin fragilised by over-drying products use bland cleansers and moisturisers, I like Lutsine Hydrafnia and La Roche-Posay.
Oral antibiotics such as Lymecycline or Oxytetracycline kill acne-causing bacteria on the skin. These must be taken for about 12 weeks and you may need further courses if your tendency to acne persists.
Female acne patients will benefit from taking an anti-androgen contraceptive pill called Diane35 or Dianette. Combined contraceptive pills such as Yasmin and Ortho Tri-Cyclen (Cilest) may also blcok the action of androgens on the skin. Avoid the mini-pill, depot shot and hormonal IUD as these can induce acne.
Be patient and use your medication regularly, it will take 8-12 weeks to work.
If you have severe acne which has not responded to standard treatments you may warrant oral Isotretinoin (Accutane/Roaccutane). This is a strong medication which usually results in a long term remission from acne where other treatments have resulted in failure or relapse.
Make sure the make-up you are wearing is non-acnegenic. I wear Toleriane compact foundation by La Roche-Posay which genuinely covers imperfections (check out the photos in my profile).
I hope this information is helpful. And well done for over-coming your addiction. I am currently coming off prescription medication and it is not easy!
Eloise.