Last week I went to the dermatologist. My problem? Lately I have been having breakouts worse than when I was 15. Seriously. It seems like I constantly am trying to combat yet another blemish, and usually multiple ones. It's annoying because I could not pinpoint the cause. I didn't change anything major, so what is the deal?
The dermatologist told me that because of where I experience the most problems- around my mouth- on my chin, right below my nose, etc.- it sounds like they are induced by something I am eating. She rattled of a list of things that are possible culprits and right near the top was citric acid.
Well, I'm pretty sure that's the problem. Although I have not had an increase in my citric acid intake in recent months, when I was younger I was highly allergic. I would break out if I so much as smelled an orange. The problem is, EVERYTHING seems to have citric acid in it. Basically any type of fruit juice has citric acid, then there are fruits themselves- oranges, lemons, limes, kiwi (yes, kiwi!). And of course there are things you do not think about. For instance, yesterday I looked at the ingredients on my yogurt, and there it was staring back at me- citric acid. Of course, it was key lime flavored, but this morning I have red velvet cake flavored and it has citric acid, too. Soft drinks have it- Mountain Dew is especially bad, kool aid has it.
So, it's nearly impossible that I will be able to cut it out of my diet entirely, but I'll have to be more careful to read labels. If citric acid is near the top of the ingredients, I'll need to stay away. What a pain. Especially since I love a strawberry limeade in the summertime. I had one yesterday, in fact, but I won't be able to have them with near as much regularity now.
The dermatologist did prescribe me a low-level antibiotic and a nighttime lotion to help, but apparently full results won't be seen until 3 months from now. Let's pray it works. I'm tired of feeling like a pubescent teenager!
Do any of you have weird food allergies that give you problems?
I think you an I have the same problem I have an intolerance to salicylates. This is different than an allergy but it means that citric acid and products with salicylic acid irritate the HECK out of my skin, also eating certain foods REALLY makes my rosacea flare up BAD.
ReplyDeletei know it takes awhile for the antibiotic to kick in, but i was on a low-dose antibiotic in late high school/early college for acne and it was BRILLIANT! seriously...my skin had never looked better. hopefully that will work and you can go back to your yogurt :)
ReplyDeleteI'm allergic to aspartame. How about that is in almost every low-calorie food item ever made? It makes my stomach tie up in knots.
ReplyDeleteI never had bad acne growing up and keeping my fingers crossed that I don't start developing it. Good luck with your new face stuff, I'm sure it will work great.
Also, about the Forever 21, Augusta seems to get everything before Columbia. They have a Sephora there too! Does not make sense because you would think with the colleges in Cola they would get a lot more business.
That sucks! I have allergic reactions to shellfish, but they're more the violent, omg I'm going to die type.
ReplyDeleteI do feel like I'm constantly battling breakouts & I'm tired of it!!
No weird food allergies but I cannot wear "Great Lash" mascara. You know the pink & green one? I freaking love the way it looks on my eyes, but when I wear it, my eyes swell shut. Every once in a while, I try it again just to see if I can, and it happens all over again. When will I ever learn?
ReplyDeleteThat stinks about the citric acid - I had no idea it was in so much stuff either. Hopefully cutting back will help though!
I'm allergic to eggs. And corn.
ReplyDeleteTry and find food that doesn't have those in it! My poor poor parents. I can't imagine trying to feed me!
For a long time I couldn't eat anything that had any sort of by product of either of those. Yep. Pretty much I could eat bananas and rice.
Fortunately, we carefully worked with a doctor to slowly reintroduce the foods into my diet. Now, if I sit down and eat an ear of corn and a deviled egg, I"m as good as an exploding beehive. However, I'm able to eat a wee little bit which means I can eat bread and drink soda and all of the stuff that normal people do.
Ahhh ... allergies. And, I'm forever on the list of people that can't get the flu shot. Eggs. It wasn't a pretty site.
Hope your face clears up ... my derm suggested trying only organic food as well ... especially with meat/dairy products. I think I can really tell a difference.
And, you might try using Head and Shoulders as your shampoo a couple of times a week. I don't know why ... but I swear it helps.