Trying to keep the faith

My face has been a mess for a while now, though it is improving slowly once again.  I think I've pinpointed a few things--the Barlean's Essential Woman supplement is essential, stress is a huge factor, and fake nails help.  I am now fighting off an illness, which always means my skin takes a hit...so I am itchy.  My husband actually urged me to go to a dermatologist and get on topicals and antibiotics again.  His reasoning is that every time I get cleared up I get another flare.  I had to explain to him that that is the nature of skin issues.  Even when I followed doctors' advice I had the same recurrent pattern--it's a sad fact of life for me.  But at least doing it my way I don't have the nasty side effects of the medical stuff.

Stress has become overwhelming for me lately.  I finally broke down and went to the doctor, which resulted in me going on antidepressants long term.  I'm hoping that will help me out enough to enable my skin to clear and maybe even help me lose weight.  It's been less than a week so I'm still waiting for the full effects of the medicine but I do seem to be feeling a little better already.

I think a big part of the solution for me before was the Barlean's oil supplement.  The first little breakouts started when I got less careful about taking it.  I have gotten to the point that I can't swallow the stuff without gagging--the raspberry is just too much for me.  I did find a capsule version of the same thing that I will pick up today and start on.  My PMS has been GONE.  No mood swings, no nothing.  I know that's a direct result of the supplement.  It also made a huge difference for my skin so I'm looking forward to getting back on it.

Overall, I understand that my solutions haven't been perfect and I'm still learning the ropes, but I feel better and have been looking better so I think I'm going the right direction with all of this.  I can only hope that one day I will find the right combination to be able to live in peace and harmony with my skin.  : )  Until then I will continue to stare with longing at women with flawless skin.  Sigh.