I have heard from various sources that people who have been on Atkins have clearer skin. I've been following the low carb thing for about a month, but I actually started Induction on 10-6-03. My face seems to be getting worse. Has anyone experienced this or heard about Atkins clearing up acne?

Right before I started Atkins in August, I went to the doctor (again) for my adult-onset acne on my chest and in my hairline. Before this, I was on a three-month treatment of tetracyclene and using a topical. Nothing helped. Well, I went back and she prescribed me something stronger. I am happy to say that I have not had to get the prescription filled as my skin has cleared. It's great! I never had any skin problems -- even as a teenager -- until a few years ago. She said it could be hormonal. Hey, whatever it is, I am glad it's gone. And yes, I give LC the credit.

Kellie, F38
Started Atkins 8/1/03 (off and on for the last few years but sticking to it this time!)
206/190.5/170-160 -- 11.75 inches GONE! (as of 10/05)

Foosqueen~

Welcome to the boards,and congratulations on your decision to convert to low-carb.

Most people find that their skin is affected by the way they eat. The majority of people following the Atkins plan do see definite improvement in their complexion...fewer blemishes, less dryness, less rashiness, sometimes even a certain radiance.

BUT (could you tell there was a "but" coming?)it's very common for the skin to get worse before it gets better. This is temporary, and a sign that the toxins are working their way out of your system. Live through this break-out, and you should start to see some real and lasting improvement within a couple weeks. The more water you drink, the quicker this will happen.

Best wishes,

Sky
Atkins since 8/02
186/144/under 150

[img]http://www.lowcarbeating.com/lcesupporter.gif[img]

I have never had a problem with acne. Just a pimple here and there around that TOM, you know. But since I've been low-carbing I've been breaking out around my chin area more than I ever have in my life. It's not major bad and not the big really red noticable ones, but you can just feel them. Ugh, but they are getting better. I guess our bodies all react differently, but I had noticed this same thing, but just didn't think to ask anyone. I hope this helps ya!

193(march 2003, lost 10 with exercise and cutting back)
Started LCing on Aug. 25,2003
183/175/150

I think if you stay on the diet, you'll see an improvement.

There's something else you can do though. Buy beta-carotene. Take about 4 or 5 a day. Maybe you can do it with less. I've been taking it for years and five a day does it for me. This stuff will do amazing stuff for zits.

**************
"Sometimes I think you have to march right in and demand your rights, even if you don't know what your rights are, or who the person is you're talking to. Then on the way out, slam the door."

My skin has never been better!

To get to the rainbow you must first pass through the rain!

I never had problems with my skin until induction. I live in Utah where moisterizer is a necessity anyway, but induction made my skin even drier and feel as though there were little bumps under the surface. It went away in a few weeks but i made a decision to invest in a high end facial cleansing line called DHC. Available online, this Japanese company makes their products from organic cold pressed olive oil.

Keviport
Sandy, Utah
205/185/145

I was plagued by adult acne for 8 years. The only thing that helped was antibiotics. I quit taking them because I didn't think they were good for my system. I even tried proactive to no avail. My face, back, and chest initially got worse (like Sky mentioned) when I started lc but now happy to report that everything is clear and feels great. My back looks better than it ever has. Sometimes I get minor breakouts and that usually indicates it is time for more water.

Red
7/24/02
186/108/110
Size 16W to size 2

I used to have a minor probelm with acne in my T-zone. I tried everything and spent lots of money until the guy that cuts my hair (do they call men who cut women's hair beauticians?) told me to not use anything but CORNMEAL! Well, I bought a small container of yellow cornmeal, scrubbed my face with it and WOW! I saw a major improvement in just a few days. I averaged one pimple a month on the cornmeal.

The problem I have now is that since starting a low carb diet, the corn meal is still working but a new pimple shows up every morning on cue. I scrub it with cornmeal and it will dry up but a new one will be there tomorrow morning. How much longer should I go before I start to panic about my face?

I started to have a problem with adult acne when I had a tubal ligation and hence stopped taking birth control pills. At first I broke out worse than I ever did. Then it gradually settled down and I basically broke out around my TOM. I figured it was just my body adjusting after almost 20 years on the pill. Then it started getting worse again. And I found I was breaking out in places I never did before. I noticed my skin cleared up almost completely when I started eating low carb. I would get one or two around my TOM, but nothing major. I blew it around the end of the summer when I was on vacation and for about a month was eating my old "normal" way. I started breaking out again immediately. Now that I'm back to low carb it has cleared up again. Altho I am cheating somewhat lately and I do get a few now and then.

I have a cousin by marriage that was always fanatical about her weight and appearance. She stopped eating sugar about 15 years ago because she said it affected her skin. I thought she was loony! Now I can see how it's true - all the years of "don't eat greasy food or you'll get pimples!! And sugar was the culprit all along!

Lisa

I used to have a minor probelm with acne in my T-zone. I tried everything and spent lots of money until the guy that cuts my hair (do they call men who cut women's hair beauticians?) told me to not use anything but CORNMEAL! Well, I bought a small container of yellow cornmeal, scrubbed my face with it and WOW! I saw a major improvement in just a few days. I averaged one pimple a month on the cornmeal.

The problem I have now is that since starting a low carb diet, the corn meal is still working but a new pimple shows up every morning on cue. I scrub it with cornmeal and it will dry up but a new one will be there tomorrow morning. I ask yesterday how much longer should I go before I start to panic about my face? Check this out: I woke up this morning and while doing my cornmeal ritual, viola! I noticed no new pimples!!!

Yeah, if you cheat or go off the diet, you can get zits. Every single time I've done that, that has been my experience.

**************
"Sometimes I think you have to march right in and demand your rights, even if you don't know what your rights are, or who the person is you're talking to. Then on the way out, slam the door."

thanks everyone for all of your input!! I really appreciate it. I am soooo glad I found this site. It has been very helpful in the upward battle of starting out LC. I just wish I had more time to read!!